Virtual Entities Research Articles

Historical Architecture and BIM Modelling: Between Representation of Reality and Conceptual Abstraction

The essay aims to explore the applications of BIM to design regarding historic buildings, which will become mandatory in Italy from 2025 for public works above €1 million. Despite the advantages in coordinated data management and information sharing among the actors involved in contracts, problems related to the geometric representation and semantic definition of the virtual entities that populate the models have been recognized by the scientific community. Critical issues that have emerged from the study of significant experiences can be traced back to the difficulty of adapting tools designed for the projects of new buildings to the characteristics of the cultural heritage. In particular, the complexity of proposing congruent categorisations and parameterisations seems related to only partial correspondence between historical building components, IFC classes and BIM software categories. These limitations often lead to the identification of contingent solutions and expedients, which solve only the problems of geometric representation. In contrast, the ability to adequately share information stored in databases, interoperable through the IFC format, is conveyed by an appropriate semantic description. Formal representation in the BIM environment effectively refers to standardized industrial production, reproducibility of building elements and, more generally, to the goals of globalisation. Thus, the proposed reflections aim to encourage a conscious use of these tools and to outline implementation perspectives useful to bring the digital environment closer to the concrete reality of historical architecture, unique and irreproducible in origin and transformation, often realized through artisanal processes and anchored to specific contexts in multiple aspects.

Digital twin-based identification of crystal plastic material parameters for weld joints of orthotropic steel decks

The identification of crystal plasticity (CP) material parameters is indispensable for using CP models to simulate and understand the microcrack initiation and propagation of orthotropic steel decks (OSD). This study proposes a digital twin (DT)-based framework for identifying CP material parameters of weld joints of OSD by fusing multiscale CP finite element model (CPFEM) with macroscale stress–strain material tests. The material tests of the specimen (physical entity) cut from the weld joints of OSD and sliced to the centimeter scale are carried out using the standard dynamic test system. The CPFEM simulation is used to develop a multiscale virtual entity to map the physical entity. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to fuse the CPFEM simulation with the material test data to identify CP material parameters and produce a DT. The results demonstrate that the CP material parameters identified by the proposed framework are more accurate than those identified by a single representative volume element method. The results also show that the DT-based identification of CP material parameters has high applicability.

Data driven digital twin system for the cross-domain vehicle

The Cross-Domain Vehicle (CDV) is a sophisticated marine equipment capable of performing tasks across different domains. This paper aims to develop a data-driven digital twin system for the CDV to achieve precise motion control and data monitoring during its operation. Leveraging the kinematic physical characteristics of the CDV, the digital twin system constructs a virtual counterpart of the vehicle, establishing a mapping relationship between the physical and virtual entities. The use of a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network model is proposed for forecasting the motion state of the CDV within the digital twin framework, supporting the vehicle's autonomous motion decision-making process. Additionally, an innovative model predictive control strategy is employed to achieve surface speed tracking control for the CDV, leveraging predictive data within the digital twin system. Utilizing the digital twin system to optimize control parameters, better underwater depth control effects can be achieved for the CDV. Finally, through the system implementation and experiment verification, the effectiveness of the digital twin system is successfully demonstrated, providing reliable results for both surface speed tracking control and underwater depth control.

Discrete event simulation and Digital Twins in warehouse logistics: a bibliometric and content analysis-based systematic literature review

ABSTRACT In Warehouse Logistics (WL), the growing adoption of Industry 4.0 automations coupled with the demand for efficient and almost instantly responsive decision-making has already created a paradigm shift from the traditional Discrete Event Simulation (DES) models into innovative new ones utilizing the inherent functionalities of ‘Digital Twins’ (DTs), one of today’s most disruptive Industry 4.0 technologies. DTs are ‘real-world aware’ through the creation of exact software replicas of actual systems, allowing the convergence of physical and virtual entities and facilitating real-time responsive decision-making. In this paper, a bibliometric and content analysis-based systematic literature review is performed to explore the adoption, implementation and evaluation of DES and DTs in WL. The authors focus on how and to what extent these two methods are integrated into the various WL theoretical and real-life applications to enhance a plethora of performance factors as well as look into their exploitation, as standalone solutions or in tandem with one another and other modelling and simulation approaches, technologies, algorithms, methods, methodologies and strategies in different contexts and environments. Based on the review results, a conceptual framework is proposed combining the multiple perspectives examined, contributing to the systematization and standardization of the field and pinpointing future research directions.

A Digital Twin-Based Adaptive Height Control for a Shearer

The shearer is an important component of the smart mining workface, and its effective control is a key aspect that guarantees safe and high-efficient production in coal mines. To address the issue of autonomous height adjustment during the shearer’s cutting process, a self-adaptive speed control method driven by digital twin technology is proposed. A digital twin-based control architecture for the shearer is first established, which consists of physical and the corresponding virtual entities, as well as reality–virtual interaction between them. Based on the mathematic model formulated for height adjustment system of the shearer, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller (AFSMC) with the displacement estimation is designed for the virtual entity, with the purpose of guiding the operation of the corresponding physical entity. Simulation experiments on MATLAB compares the control performance among the proposed method and four comparative ones, including PID controller, integral sliding mode controller (ISMC), feedback linearization controller (FLC), and fuzzy sliding mode controller (FSMC). The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed AFSMC. More specifically, its steady-state error is 0.024, the maximum absolute control input is 8.43, and the settling time is 1.74 s. This also proves that the digital twin-based control method enables the precise adaptive height adjustment of the shearer, providing potential reference for the intelligent development of a smart mining workface.

Pengunaan NARS Power Players Sebagai Virtual Brand Ambassadors Untuk Memengaruhi Konsumen

Virtual brand ambassadors have become a new type of brand spokesperson with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). NARS Cosmetics, a pioneering cosmetics company, has introduced their own virtual brand ambassadors known as NARS Power Players. However, the existing literature has not yet answered whether the attributes of virtual entities can shape consumer response. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on NARS Cosmetics' virtual brand ambassadors, the NARS Power Players, which are a new phenomenon in the field of brand representation. While virtual brand ambassadors have emerged with AI technology, there is a gap in the existing literature regarding how the attributes of these virtual entities specifically impact consumer attitudes. This study addresses this gap by investigating the influence of credibility, attractiveness, congruence, and human-likeness of NARS Power Players on consumer attitudes. Additionally, the study incorporates several relevant theories, including Stimulus-Response Theory, Source Credibility Model, Source Attractiveness Model, Match-up Hypothesis, and Uncanny Valley Theory, to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of virtual brand ambassadors. The use of quantitative methodology and the specific focus on NARS Power Players contribute to the novelty of this research, offering insights that can further enhance our understanding of consumer responses to virtual brand representatives.This study used quantitative methodology by distributing online questionnaires to 112 respondents. The results showed that the credibility, congruence, and human-likeness of virtual brand ambassadors had a positive and significant influence on consumer attitudes. However, attractiveness did not have a significant influence on consumer attitudes. Researchers can further explore this topic by conducting investigative qualitative research on consumer perceptions and comparative analysis with human endorsers and non-human endorsers.

Digital twin-driven intelligent operation and maintenance platform for large-scale hydro-steel structures

Large-scale hydro-steel structures (LS-HSS) are pivotal in hydraulic engineering, boasting high lift, expansive apertures, and discharge capacities. Conventional methods of operation and maintenance for LS-HSS require a digital revolution to ensure safety, reliability, and durability. This study introduces a novel approach, harnessing the power of a digital twin (DT) to integrate physical and virtual elements in LS-HSS operation and maintenance seamlessly. A digital twin modeling framework of LS-HSS operation and maintenance is first presented, incorporating five levels of a physical entity, a virtual entity, DT data, services, and connections. Subsequently, a DT-driven intelligent operation and maintenance (DT-IOM) platform is constructed and applied, which features real-time mapping, closed-loop control, dynamic health assessment, and intelligent decision-making. This platform provides a pathway for digitally transforming conventional LS-HSS operation and maintenance and paves the way for a new era of intelligent infrastructure management. The proposed approach has been successfully implemented and validated with multiple engineering projects, including radial gates of reservoir spillways, plain gates of flood discharge orifices, and emergency gates of pumped storage power stations. The impressive results demonstrate a significant anomaly response and processing efficiency improvement of over 60%. Moreover, the platform has substantially reduced field inspection time and equipment failure rate by approximately 50% and 20%, respectively. These tangible benefits further highlight the platform’s functional advantages, including its capability for IoT connection, modeling and integration, virtual-real interaction, 2D/3D visualization, and service expansion. The results demonstrate the unique features in the closed loop of perception, analysis, decision-making, and optimization for DT-IOM, especially for integrating data, models, knowledge, and services in LS-HSS intelligent operation and maintenance.

New horizons of law: from electronic jurisdiction to the model criminal code of the Metaverse

The Scientific and Technical Revolution 5.0 and Web 3.0 technologies create conditions for the renovation of various forms of social relations with the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the Metaverse. According to the proposed theory, legal regulation of social relations in the Metaverse requires the development of a comprehensive electronic jurisdiction based on the latest basic legislation. The formation of legal regulation of the Metaverse is a prerequisite for the need to form an electronic jurisdiction of the Metaverse, which will include sectoral Metaverse Codes. The Metaverse, as the electronic society of the future, does not yet have clear legal boundaries, and the task of scholars is to predict and outline with sufficient certainty the future contours of legal authority for virtual environments. Today, discussions in the scientific community about the feasibility and necessity of legal regulation of the Metaverse often revolve around several key issues. First, there is the question of what legal framework should be applied in the Metaverse and how to resolve conflicts between different legal systems. Second, there is a debate about whether current regulatory bodies in the physical world have the capacity to effectively regulate the Metaverse through existing laws and regulations. Third, there is the question of how to deal with offenses that occur in the virtual environment, and whether they should be regulated by existing tort or criminal law, or whether a separate cross-border electronic jurisdiction should be created. The regulation of social relations within the Metaverse should focus on one central goal: to clearly define the status of electronic entities, subjects, objects, establish their rights, duties and responsibilities, and define the different types of relations between virtual entities, subjects and objects within a particular Metaverse, as well as between different Metaverse within an electronic jurisdiction and in a cross-border context. A crucial component of Metaverse electronic jurisdiction is a Metaverse Model Criminal Code that will outline the norms and offenses applicable to analogue, mixed and electronic jurisdictions. This code will define the types of socially harmful acts or crimes, as well as the corresponding criminal penalties that will be applied within the Metaverse. The formation of the electronic jurisdiction of the Metaverse and the development of a Metaverse Model Criminal Code is a topical scientific and legal issue.

How to Study Virtual Entities Historically? A Proposal

Abstract This paper will not present a case study of the historical development of a virtual entity. Rather, I will develop an outlook on virtual entities in the sciences and propose a corresponding method for studying them (historically). In essence, my presentation can be considered a synthesis of different observations from the history and philosophy of science and has its roots in my dissertational research on the development of the virtual particle. Starting with a reflection on the role of presentism for the study of concept formation and development processes, I will show, through the example of the virtual particle, how current debates and interpretations can inform our access to a historical reconstruction. Following these reflections, I will argue for a pragmatist account of concepts as tools for the scientific practitioners. According to the approach presented in my article, concepts perform their functions through representations, and I will lay special focus on verbal representations and their different functions within scientific reasoning. In conclusion, I will frame the outcome of my discussion in terms of a proposal that might, through further research, enrich our understanding of virtual entities in the sciences.

Understanding, Virtually: How Does the Synthetic Cell Matter?

Abstract This paper examines how scientific understanding is enhanced by virtual entities, focusing on the case of the synthetic cell. Comparing it to other virtual entities and environments in science, we argue that the synthetic cell has a virtual dimension, in that it is functionally similar to living cells, though it does not mimic any particular naturally evolved cell (nor is it constructed to do so). In being cell-like at most, the synthetic cell is akin to many other virtual objects as it is selective and only partially implemented. However, there is one important difference: it is constructed by using the same materials and, to some extent, the same kind of processes as its natural counterparts. In contrast to virtual reality, especially to that of digital entities and environments, the details of its implementation is what matters for the scientific understanding generated by the synthetic cell. We conclude by arguing for the close connection between the virtual and the artifactual.

Preface: Virtual Entities in Science

Preface: Virtual Entities in Science

How to Conceive Virtual Entities: Peirce’s Proposal

Abstract The term “virtual entities” has a long tradition and a variety of meanings. My short article focuses on one particular meaning, as clearly defined by Charles Sanders Peirce in 1902. I will discuss the definition he provided and touch on the wide resonance it had and still has in science.

Real Virtuality and Actual Transitions: Historical Reflections on Virtual Entities before Quantum Field Theory

Abstract This paper studies the notion of virtuality in the Bohr-Kramers-Slater theory of 1924. We situate the virtual entities of BKS within the tradition of the correspondence principle and the radiation theory of the Bohr model. We show how, in this context, virtual oscillators emerged as classical substitute radiators and were used to describe the otherwise elusive quantum transitions. They played an effective role in the quantum theory of radiation while remaining categorically distinct and ontologically separated from the quantum world of the Bohr model. The notion of virtuality thus differs markedly from its counterpart in quantum mechanics or QFT.

Virtuality in Modern Physics in the 1920s and 1930s: Meaning(s) of an Emerging Notion

Abstract This article discusses the meaning of the notion of virtuality in modern physics. To this end, it develops considerations on the introduction and establishment in nuclear physics of two independent concepts at the turn of the 1920s and 1930s: that of the virtual state, used in the context of neutron scattering studies, and that of the virtual transition, useful for the theoretical understanding of strong nuclear forces, which forms the basis of what are now called virtual particles. Their comparative analysis highlights the theoretical nature of virtual entities and processes in modern physics. It also shows how the virtual has been associated with various purely physical attributes, leading to a form of polysemy of the term, from the beginning of the application of these concepts.

Digital twin-based probabilistic prediction of microcrack initiation and propagation in the weld zone of orthotropic steel deck

Orthotropic steel deck (OSD) has become the primary bridge deck structure for steel bridges, but it is vulnerable to fatigue cracks in the weld zone of OSD under traffic loading. This study proposes a digital twin (DT)-based framework to give the probabilistic prediction of microcrack initiation and propagation in the weld zone of OSD. The DT-based framework couples crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) simulations with fatigue tests through Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN). The fatigue tests of the specimen (physical entity) cut from the weld zone of OSD and sliced to the centimeter scale are carried out using the standard dynamic test system together with optical microscope. The CPFEM simulations are used to develop a multiscale virtual entity to map the physical entity. The role of the DBN is to integrate the uncertainties into a hierarchical network. After completing the updating of uncertainties in the virtual entity via DBN, the microcrack propagation is predicted probabilistically by the DBN inference, and the microcrack initiation is predicted probabilistically by the inverse DBN inference. The results demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the DT-based framework for a full prediction of microcrack initiation and propagation in the weld zone of OSD.

The Spatial Representation of a Self-Driving Vehicle for the Virtual Entity of a Digital Twin

The Spatial Representation of a Self-Driving Vehicle for the Virtual Entity of a Digital Twin

Establishing Genuine Human Connections Through Digital Entities

This academic inquiry systematically analyzes the cognitive processes that impact the perception of authenticity in human-virtual entity interactions, covering domains such as empathy, emotional involvement, social presence, anthropomorphism, as well as the influence of visual and auditory aesthetics. Drawing from a broad spectrum of recent research and foundational literature, the study explores how these elements fortify the trustworthiness of virtual agents across various fields including education, healthcare, entertainment, and customer service. The primary discoveries underscore the importance of emotional intelligence, encompassing empathy and the capacity to adjust reactions based on user emotions, as vital in heightening the perceived authenticity of virtual entities. Additionally, the analysis reveals that achieving a balanced integration of human-like qualities and functional capabilities, while avoiding the uncanny valley, is crucial in nurturing confidence and involvement. The paper also addresses ethical issues concerning the authenticity and potential manipulation of virtual entities, underscoring the need for robust ethical standards in this rapidly advancing area. The review identifies several gaps in the literature, like the necessity for more extensive research on the dynamics of human-virtual entity relationships and exploration into cross-cultural differences in authenticity perceptions. It recommends that forthcoming studies incorporate a variety of methodologies, including physiological gauges and longitudinal analyses, to enhance our comprehension of these interactions. The implications for the layout and execution of virtual entities are examined, emphasizing the necessity for developers to prioritize emotional intelligence and user-centered design to craft genuinely captivating virtual agents. The inquiry advocates for interdisciplinary cooperation to tackle the ethical dilemmas and ensure that progressions in virtual entity technologies enhance human encounters and engagements.

SmAuto: A domain-specific-language for application development in smart environments

A common problem in the development of Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical System (CPS) applications is the complexity of these domains, due to their hybrid and distributed nature in multiple layers (hardware, network, communication, application etc.). Apart from other issues, this inherent complexity often gives room for implementation errors, which can be in many cases fatal and drive the application and/or the system to undesired states. The current work aspires to alleviate this problem by introducing a low-code approach for building IoT and CPS applications. We argue that, through the proposed approach it is possible to lower development time and risk (errors/bug-related ones) and allow a wide range of end-users to build and monitor applications for state-of-the-art domains, such as smart home and smart industry. In this context, Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) approaches are explored and SmAuto, a Domain-specific Language (DSL) is proposed for creating and executing automation tasks for smart environments. Through SmAuto it is possible to handle the heterogeneity and complexity issues of the IoT and CPS domains, this way allowing end-users are non-technical application experts to build well-designed and properly functioning smart applications. The proposed DSL implements a Sense-Think-Act-Communicate model for smart environments and enables the creation, validation, and dynamic execution of composite automation models in physical, virtual and hybrid environments, while it also enables automated code generation of virtual entities for verification purposes. By using layered abstractions to automate the development process, end-users can concentrate on the real problem instead of dwelling into technical details, thus increasing their productivity. The results of the empirical evaluation and the comparison to existing approaches show that SmAuto can make application development more rigorous, improves productivity of end-users including non-experts, i.e. citizen developers and satisfies several functional and non-functional requirements of modern DSLs, such as tool support, modular deployment, reusability, availability and extensibility.

Current trends in digital twin development, maintenance, and operation: an interview study

Digital twins (DTs) are often defined as a pairing of a physical entity and a corresponding virtual entity (VE), mimicking certain aspects of the former depending on the use-case. In recent years, this concept has facilitated numerous use-cases ranging from design to validation and predictive maintenance of large and small high-tech systems. Various heterogeneous cross-domain models are essential for such systems, and model-driven engineering plays a pivotal role in the design, development, and maintenance of these models. We believe models and model-driven engineering play a similarly crucial role in the context of a VE of a DT. Due to the rapidly growing popularity of DTs and their use in diverse domains and use-cases, the methodologies, tools, and practices for designing, developing, and maintaining the corresponding VEs differ vastly. To better understand these differences and similarities, we performed a semi-structured interview research with 19 professionals from industry and academia who are closely associated with different lifecycle stages of digital twins. In this paper, we present our analysis and findings from this study, which is based on seven research questions. In general, we identified an overall lack of uniformity in terms of the understanding of digital twins and used tools, techniques, and methodologies for the development and maintenance of the corresponding VEs. Furthermore, considering that digital twins are software intensive systems, we recognize a significant growth potential for adopting more software engineering practices, processes, and expertise in various stages of a digital twin’s lifecycle.

Protection and Utilization of Historical Sites Using Digital Twins

Historical sites are incomplete relics left by human activities and are also valuable resources for human society, with most of them buried deep underground. Because the protection of original historical sites is difficult, very few sites choose this method. Many funerary objects that have been in historical sites are scattered in museums, losing their original context and complicating their utilization. Thus, using digital technology to protect and utilize historical sites and to explore their outstanding value from historical, aesthetic, and anthropological perspectives is a foremost concern. Therefore, this study aims to develop a comprehensive method for the protection and utilization of historical sites, that is, digital protection and utilization based on a digital twin. We constructed a historical site digital twin model using qualitative and vertical methods, including a physical entity, virtual entity, twin data center, digital twin service, and connection. We also established a technical framework of data acquisition and processing, digital protection, and digital utilization, forming a layered management and application of digital resources. In digital protection, information in the real world and the virtual world are connected to monitor risks, collect data, create simulations, and propose protection strategies, quickly and accurately. In digital utilization, the knowledge graph is constructed to associate seemingly unrelated information, explore potential knowledge, and improve information sharing. In addition, the method is validated by means of case studies of historical sites in China. In this paper, the historical sites of the Northern Qi Dynasty in Taiyuan, Shanxi, especially the Xuxianxiu Tomb and Lourui Tomb, are discussed in detail. The results indicate that this method is effective for the protection and utilization of historical sites.