Virtual Experiments Research Articles

Application of flipped classroom combined with virtual simulation platform in clinical biochemistry practical course

BackgroundThe study explores an innovative teaching mode that integrates Icourse, DingTalk, and online experimental simulation platforms to provide online theoretical and experimental resources for clinical biochemistry practical courses. These platforms, combined with flipped classroom teaching, aim to increase student engagement and benefit in practical courses, ultimately improving the effectiveness of clinical biochemistry practical teaching.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, we examined the impact of integrating the Icourse and DingTalk platforms to provide theoretical knowledge resources and clinical cases to 48 medical laboratory science students from the 2019 and 2020 grades. Students were assigned to the experimental group using an overall sampling method, and had access to relevant videos through Icourse before and during class. Using a flipped classroom approach, students actively participated in the design, analysis, and discussion of the experimental technique. For the experimental operation part, students participated in virtual simulation experiments and actual experiments. Overall, the study aimed to evaluate students’ theoretical and operational performance after completing the practical course. To collect feedback, we distributed a questionnaire to students in the experimental group. For comparison, we included 42 students from the grades of 2017 and 2018 who received traditional instruction and were evaluated using standard textbooks as the control group.ResultsThe experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group on both the theoretical and experimental operational tests (82.45 ± 3.76 vs. 76.36 ± 3.96, P = 0.0126; 92.03 ± 1.62 vs. 81.67 ± 4.19, P < 0.001). The survey revealed that the experimental group preferred the teaching mode that combined the flipped classroom with the virtual simulation platform. This mixed method effectively promoted understanding of basic knowledge (93.8%, 45/48), operative skills (89.6%, 43/48), learning interest (87.5%, 42/48), clinical thinking (85.4%, 41/48), self-learning ability (91.7%, 44/48), and overall satisfaction compared with traditional methods (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that an innovative teaching approach significantly improves the quality of clinical biochemistry practical courses and promotes students’ professional development and self-directed learning habits.ConclusionIncorporating virtual simulation with flipped classrooms into clinical biochemistry practical teaching is an efficient and well-received alternative to traditional methods.

Calibration and Experiments on the Parameters of the Bonding Particle Model of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Samara Based on the Discrete Element Method

The calibration of the discrete element model of EUO samara was conducted in response to the lack of discrete element simulation models and parameters in the development of mechanical hulling technology and equipment of EUO samara. The EUO samara was modeled based on the Hertz–Mindlin with bonding model, and its relevant parameters were measured by physical experiments. Among them, maximum shear force was used as the evaluation index, virtual calibration experiments were conducted for the bonding parameters by the single-factor experiments, and the two-level factorial experiment, the steepest climb experiment, and the Box–Behnken response surface experiment were also used. The results showed that the relative error between the simulated and measured maximum shear force is 0.93%; the model and parameter calibration results established by this research can be used for discrete element simulation research, which is of guiding significance for the research and development of hulling equipment of EUO samara.

A Brief Analysis of the Implementation Mode of Virtual-Reality Integration Experiments in Electronic Technology

Electronic technology encompasses a wide range of knowledge areas, which can be somewhat dispersed. There are certain pain points in terms of course organization, teaching team composition, and the allocation of teaching hardware facilities. Traditional hands-on courses in electronic technology heavily rely on real-world experimental environments. If offline teaching cannot be conducted, it can significantly affect the quality of course delivery. Therefore, leveraging virtual laboratory technology to achieve a combination of virtual and real-world experiments becomes essential. This approach enhances the diversity of teaching methods, effectively alleviates the teaching burden, and aims to achieve the rational allocation of teaching resources and enhance teaching effectiveness.

Teaching and learning floating and sinking: A meta‐analysis

AbstractFloating and sinking (FS) is a key topic in science education, both at primary and secondary levels. The interpretation of FS phenomena, however, is challenging due to the difficulty of the scientific concepts and explanatory models involved (e.g., density, buoyancy), along with students' everyday experiences, which conflict with scientific explanations. Consequently, many studies over the last few decades have investigated how FS could be taught effectively to students of different ages while utilizing multiple teaching approaches. This meta‐analysis summarizes findings from 69 intervention studies on teaching FS conducted between 1977 and 2021. Over all studies, we estimated a mean effect size of g = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.71, 0.99). This large effect size demonstrates that, although FS is a challenging concept, teaching FS is effective even in elementary school. Moreover, in a moderator analysis, we investigate the effect of intervention characteristics, students' age, as well as study design, and assessment features on the mean study effect size. To analyze the effect of these moderator variables, we use a three‐level hierarchical meta‐regression model for dealing with multiple effect sizes from single studies. We found two intervention characteristics that explain variance in study effect sizes: longer lasting interventions result in larger effect sizes and interventions where hands‐on experiments are applied are more effective than those utilizing virtual experiments. Furthermore, studies with a treatment‐control group comparison have significantly smaller effect sizes than studies with a pre‐post design. We discuss the implications of our findings regarding the moderator variables for effective teaching of FS and further research on FS.

Investigation of dynamic contact between cold spray particles and substrate based on 2D SPH method

In cold spray, the study of the dynamic contact between the particle and the substrate in the high-velocity impact is essential during particle deposition. To entirely reveals the dynamic contact process, the SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) method is applied to virtual experiments to avoid the time-consuming and high costs in real experiments due to scale. In particular, an interface force model is proposed to completely describe the dynamic contact between the cold spray particles (CS particles) and substrate, which has the ability to eliminate the unphysical SPH particle penetration, rebounding phenomenon, and insufficient momentum transfer. The variation of the steady mean temperature of the CS particle surface with the initial velocity is analyzed and the critical velocity of particle deposition is successfully predicted. Furthermore, the effect of particle shapes on the deposition is discussed, which shows that the circular particles are more favourable to be deposited than the elliptical ones. The cold spray SPH model with the novel dynamic contact developed in this paper is in favor of understanding the mechanism of CS particles deposition and guiding the cold spray processes in a certain extent.

A first-in-class dimethyl 2-acetamido terephthalate inhibitor targeting Conyza canadensis SHMT1 with a novel herbicidal mode-of-action

IntroductionHerbicide application is a highly efficiency method of weed control that boots agricultural output and assures food security. The development of novel herbicides focuses on improved bioactivity and new modes of action. The amino acid biosynthesis was validated as a promising novel mode of action for herbicidal compounds. However, the amino acid biosynthesis enzyme remains largely unexplored for herbicidal targets. ObjectivesSerine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT) is an essentialenzyme in the photorespiratory cycle. The study aims to explore Conyza canadensis SHMT1 (CcSHMT1) as a promising target for herbicide discovery. MethodsStructure determination of CcSHMT1 was resolved by X-ray crystallography. Virtual screening docking experiments were performed with Glide version 5.5. Novel derivatives of dimethyl 2-acetamido terephthalate were further designed, synthesized, and bioassay. The druggability of the inhibitor was evidenced by ultrastructural changes in mitochondria, in vivo and vitro enzyme activity assays, and genetics analysis. ResultsCcSHMT1 has a typical PLP-dependent enzyme 3D structure. The dimethyl 2-acetamido terephthalate-containing compounds had herbicidal activity. Dimethyl 2-(2-(4-(2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenoxy) acetyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido) terephthalate (Compound 9ay, EC50 = 193.8 g a.i./ ha) exhibited the highest herbicidal activity on tested weed among the synthesized compounds. Compound 9ay had no obvious adverse effect on the growth of maize and honeybees. Compound 9ay was verified to target CcSHMT1 as an herbicide candidate. ConclusionA first-in-class CcSHMT1 inhibitor that could be developed as a potent herbicide with a new mode of action and provide an avenue for discovering novel inhibitors of pyridoxal-5-phosphate-dependent enzymes.

3D computational fluid and particle dynamics simulations: metrics of aerosol capture by impaction filters * *Contribution of NIST; not subject to U.S. copyright. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, software, or materials are identified in this paper in order to specify the experimental procedure and virtual experimentation adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST, nor is

Human studies provide valuable information on components or analytes recovered from exhaled breath, but there are limitations due to inter-individual and intra-individual variation. Future development and implementation of breath tests based on aerosol analysis require a clear understanding of how human factors interact with device geometry to influence particle transport and deposition. The computational fluid and particle dynamics (CFPD) algorithm combines (i) the Eulerian approach to fluid dynamics and (ii) the Lagrangian approach to single particle transport and deposition to predict how particles are carried in fluids and deposited on surfaces. In this work, we developed a 3D multiscale CFPD model to provide insight into human factors that could be important to control or measure during sampling. We designed the model to characterize the local transport, spatial distribution, and deposition of polydisperse particles in a single impaction filter of a commercial aerosol collection device. We highlight the use of decoupling numerical strategies to simultaneously quantify the influence of filter geometry, fluid flowrate, and particle size. Our numerical models showed the remarkable effect of flowrate on aerosol dynamics. Specifically, aerosol mass deposition, spatial distribution, and deposition mechanisms inside the filter. This work as well as future studies on the effect of filter geometry and human factors on aerosol collection will guide the development, standardization, and validation of breath sampling protocols for current and emerging breath tests for forensic and clinical applications.

Visual learning analysis of physical virtual simulation experiments based on heterogeneous data features

Abstract In order to provide a way to develop the teaching effectiveness of physics experiments, this paper optimizes the platform search engine by combining heterogeneous data features and representing document information as feature vectors based on visual learning analysis methods. The algorithm is dynamically adjusted according to the authority to build a network database. And the virtual physics experiments have interacted with virtual experimental equipment to build a physics virtual simulation experiment platform. The results show that the overall level of visual student portrait analysis is above 40%, and the average completion efficiency of visual evaluation tasks 1-9 is 87.9%, which helps the digital transformation and upgrading of experimental physics teaching and promotes the construction of high-quality virtual simulation experimental teaching system.

Optimal formation tracking control based on reinforcement learning for multi-UAV systems

This paper investigates the problem of optimal formation tracking control for multi-UAV systems with model uncertainty and external disturbances. Firstly, by combining the sliding mode method and a neural network, an adaptive sliding mode controller is derived that counteracts the effects of modeling uncertainty and external disturbance. Subsequently, the optimal formation tracking control problem of the original system is then converted to the optimal control problem of a nominal system, and an actor–critic reinforcement learning framework is built using adaptive neural network identifiers to recursively approximate the total optimal policy and cost function. The Lyapunov analysis method shows that the stability of the closed-loop system and the convergence of the estimation weights for the actor–critic network are guaranteed. Additionally, a formation tracking using virtual experiment platform for multi-UAV systems are constructed based on the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Gazebo simulator. Finally, virtual-reality experiments is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Remote Operation of Marine Robotic Systems and Next-Generation Multi-Purpose Control Rooms

Since 2017, NTNU’s Applied Underwater Robotics Laboratory has been developing an infrastructure for remote marine/subsea operations in Trondheim Fjord. The infrastructure, named the OceanLab subsea node, allows remote experimentation for three groups of assets: seabed infrastructure, surface or subsea vehicles/robots, and assets at remote experimentation sites. To achieve this task, a shoreside control room serves as a hub that enables efficient and diverse communication with assets in the field as well as with remote participants/operators. Remote experimentation has become more popular in recent years due to technological developments and convenience, the COVID-19 pandemic, and travel restrictions that were imposed. This situation has shown us that physical presence at the experimentation site is not necessarily the only option. Sharing of the infrastructure among different experts, which are geographically distributed, but participating in a single, local, real-time experiment, increases the level of expertise available and the efficiency of the operations. This paper also elaborates on the development of a virtual experimentation environment that includes simulators and digital twins of various marine vehicles, infrastructures, and the operational marine environment. By leveraging remote and virtual experimentation technologies, users and experts can achieve relevant results in a shorter time frame and at a reduced cost.

Research on the learning experience of virtual simulation class experimental teaching and learning based on the perspective of nursing students

BackgroundThe enrichment of information technology has impacted traditional teaching modes. The emergence of virtual simulation class experimental teaching software has effectively improved the quality of nursing experiment teaching. The learning experience of virtual simulation class experiment teaching and learning based on the perspective of nursing students is explored to provide a basis for improving related learning effects in the future.MethodsFourteen undergraduate nursing students were selected using the purposive sampling method for semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to collate and analyse the interview data.ResultsTwo themes and six sub-themes were considered during the data analysis. The two themes were positive experiences and negative experiences. In the positive learning experience, undergraduate nursing students showed a deep memory of authentic and diverse scenes, which presented knowledge in a clearly logical, visualised and stereoscopic manner. Negative experiences are manifested as significantly different learning efficiencies in different grades and subjects, and timing the delivery of teaching feedback is difficult.ConclusionVirtual simulation experimental teaching can promote the subjective initiative of nursing students’ learning and promote better coordination and unity in their image and theoretical thinking. Some advantages can be augmented by following the national educational policy, strengthening the information construction, combining the construction of virtual simulation experiments with the discipline’s characteristics and optimising the resources. This paper provides a reference for the future exploration of nursing education and further improving the construction of virtual simulation experimental teaching tools and resources.

Reflecting on the boundaries of the demos: A virtual deliberative experiment with German citizens

AbstractThis article combines the fields of deliberative theory and citizenship studies. Drawing from a deliberative experiment on foreigner political rights with almost 300 German citizens, we find that a short virtual deliberative treatment produced a clarification effect, whereby especially those with already negative views increased their scepticism. Participants in our deliberative treatment displayed higher levels of argument repertoire and integrative complexity, underlining that the treatment led to well‐considered opinions. A qualitative analysis of participants’ substantive rationales unravels traces of what De Schutter and Ypi dub ‘mandatory citizenship’, implying that political rights must be attached to obligations. These results have wide ranging implications: They indicate that the practice of deliberation is not quasi‐automatically programmed to progressive outcomes (as some have argued) but can have a communitarian dimension (where preferences are determined on the basis of existing communal values and self‐understandings); this suggests that participatory practices may not always advance progressive reforms.

Al-Chemy: e-learning platform for foundation students

The unexpected closure of educational institutions as a result of the emergence of COVID-19 prompted the authorities to suggest adopting alternatives to traditional learning methods. E-learning is an innovative approach for delivering electronically mediated, well-designed, learner-centred interactive learning environments by utilizing internet and digital technologies with respect to instructional design principles. This paper presents the implementation and prototyping of an innovative web-based e-learning platform for chemistry course known as Al-Chemy. Al-Chemy was developed for foundation students at Tahmidi Centre, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. The rapid application development (RAD) methods have been used in developing Al-Chemy through website wix.com. Al-Chemy was structured with interactive notes, animation, virtual experiment, quizzes, and games. The combination of these activities helps students in learning basic and advanced concepts of chemistry.

A high-dimensional approach to measuring online polarization

Polarization, ideological and psychological distancing between groups, can cause dire societal fragmentation. Of chief concern is the role of social media in enhancing polarization through mechanisms like facilitating selective exposure to information. Researchers using user-generated content to measure polarization typically focus on direct communication, suggesting echo chamber-like communities indicate the most polarization. However, this operationalization does not account for other dimensions of intergroup conflict that have been associated with polarization. We address this limitation by introducing a high-dimensional network framework to evaluate polarization based on three dimensions: social, knowledge, and knowledge source. Following an extensive review of the psychological and social mechanisms of polarization, we specify five sufficient conditions for polarization to occur that can be evaluated using our approach. We analyze six existing network-based polarization metrics in our high-dimensional network framework through a virtual experiment and apply our proposed methodology to discussions around COVID-19 vaccines on Twitter. This work has implications for detecting polarization on social media using user-generated content, quantifying the effects of offline divides or de-polarization efforts online, and comparing community dynamics across contexts.

Estimation of the low-wavenumber component of turbulent boundary layer pressure field using vibration data

In structures subjected to a high-speed flow, the convective region of the wall pressure field (WPF) beneath a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) plays a crucial role in their vibration behaviour. However, when it comes to underwater structures experiencing low-speed flow, they effectively filter out the convective domain of WPF and the bending wavenumber of structures align with the low-wavenumber domain of the WPF. As a result, the primary cause of vibration in this case is the low-wavenumber components of the WPF. Thus, accurate estimation of the WPF at low-wavenumber domain is crucial for predicting vibration responses of these structures. Existing models for WPF accurately predict the convective region but differ significantly in predicting the low-wavenumber levels. This numerical study aims to investigate the feasibility of estimating the low-wavenumber WPF by analysing measured vibration data from a flat plate excited by a TBL. The WPF's cross spectrum in the wavenumber domain can be linked to the cross spectrum of the plate's acceleration. By employing regularization techniques and solving an inverse problem, the low-wavenumber components of the WPF can be then estimated. Virtual experiments are performed to evaluate the accuracy of the studied process by comparing its prediction to the input WPF model.

Computer Simulations of Ethics: The Applicability of Agent-Based Modeling for Ethical Theories

Abstract I consider the applicability of Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) and computer simulations for ethical theories. Though agent-based modeling is already well established in the social sciences, it has not yet found acceptance in the field of philosophical ethics. Currently, there are only a few works explicitly connecting ethics with agent-based modeling. In this paper, I show that it is possible to build computer simulations of ethical theories and that there are also potential benefits in doing so: (1) the opportunity for virtual ethical experiments that are impossible to do in real life, and (2) an increased understanding and appreciation of an ethical theory either through the programming implementation or through the visual simulation. In the first part of the paper, I mention some social science simulations with ethical import that could encourage ethicists to work with ABM. Second, I list the few pioneering works that attempt to combine computer simulation with philosophical ethics, the most prominent being Evolving Ethics: The New Science of Good and Evil (2010) by Mascaro et al. Third, I give pointers for the computer simulation of the most prominent ethical theories: deontological ethics, utilitarianism, feminist care ethics, and virtue ethics. In the final part, I consider the potential of using an existing reference model for the simulation of human behavior, the PECS model, as the foundation for a computer simulation of virtue ethics.

Features of the organization of 3D experiments in physics

This article examines the study of the features of the easy organization of virtual experiments in the section «Optics». This research is aimed at improving the conceptual skills of a future specialist in the field of optics with the help of a virtual laboratory. This research and development consisted of three stages, namely preliminary research, design of a virtual laboratory and testing of a virtual laboratory. Due to the training conditions, it is very difficult to perform virtual laboratory work. Combining query-based learning with virtual laboratory activities can be an alternative to developing a simpler, but meaningful learning process within the framework of training. This study is aimed at analyzing virtual laboratory activities through training based on the request for scientific literacy on the topics of light phenomena and optics. The study used mixed methods with a consistent design in the form of a non-equivalent design of the control group. Samples were taken using the target sampling method. The data was collected through observations, surveys and tests, as well as interviews. The data were then analyzed using an independent sampling criterion and a homogeneity test to see the effectiveness of the training of the two sample groups. The results show that the practical effectiveness of training using a virtual laboratory was very successful and received good reviews. The effectiveness of the virtual laboratory can be assessed by the level. Thus, virtual laboratories can be used as teaching aids that can make a positive contribution to improving student academic performance.

Design and Optimization of Sugarcane Spiral Fertilizer Applicator Based on Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Networks

To address the challenges of poor fluidity and low uniformity in conventional sugarcane fertilizer applicators, a novel dual-directional spiral fertilizer applicator has been developed. The working principle of the applicator is explained, and, after analyzing the agronomic requirements for sugarcane, the parameter range for key components of the applicator is determined. The spiral blade’s diameter, pitch, and rotational velocity are chosen as the experimental factors, with the average fertilizer discharge uniformity as the evaluation criterion. Virtual simulation experiments are conducted using the discrete element method and a quadratic regression orthogonal rotating combined design. Regression models for the evaluation criterion and various experimental factors are obtained. Additionally, a dataset created from these experiments was then used to construct an artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model. Response surface methodology (RSM) and the ANN were both used to analyze and predict the outcomes. The results indicate that the artificial neural network outperforms response surface methodology in terms of better fitting capability and higher prediction accuracy. The determination coefficient, mean squared error, and root mean square error are 0.99629, 0.99163, 0.07763, 0.17498, 0.27862, and 0.41831, respectively. When comparing the two models, the optimal parameter combination is determined to be a diameter of 90.1669 mm, a pitch of 59.7407 mm, and a rotational speed of 53.8944 r/min, resulting in an average fertilizer discharge uniformity of 92.0670%. An experiment with these parameters confirmed the simulated findings, revealing a maximum discrepancy of 2.4%. This study offers valuable insights into optimizing spiral fertilizer applicators.

Virtual Chemistry Exam Preparations Designed as Escape Rooms

Chemistry is a very interesting but sometimes for students too theoretical and therefore strenuous topic with a lot of theoretic basic knowledge to be memorized. This can lead to lacking fascination during lectures. In laboratory work chemistry often seems more tangible. In order to enhance the student´s interest for chemistry already for the theoretical basis, new ways for teaching but also exam preparations are being designed. In our work we want to focus on an innovative way for exam preparations combining the theoretical knowledge from the lecture and the practical experience from chemistry laboratory work in a game-based elearning setup. The idea is that in a game-based way students are more motivated to activate their knowledge by solving different tasks. They can combine information and try out various possibilities to find the solution or use additional help (e.g. links to theoretical input). On top, they get direct feedback if their answers are correct. The exam questions are found in a virtual chemistry laboratory. Not only theory questions have to be answered (e.g. by using multiple choice, drag and drop, …), for other tasks virtual chemical experiments (without any danger!) will lead to an answer. Usually a code (numbers, letters, signs, …) has to be obtained which is necessary for continuation. By solving different questions and chemistry tasks, the participants will be able to complete the exam preparation test and to exit the designed Chemistry Escape room with the planned name “ChemScape”. Right now, a virtual chemistry laboratory is designed and already some chemistry questions from lecture exams are inserted and implemented in the escape room game. First tests with students will follow until summer. As already another chemistry Escape room station with real materials (solutions, instruments, …) has been tried in different settings – always receiving good marks and enthusiasm for fun, entertaining and good imparting of knowledge, also a virtual Chemistry Escape room game is expected to be well accepted. Gamification is often a very good way for motivation – it can even convert boring seeming topics into real fun and interest and the will to learn more!

The role of selective attention in emergency wayfinding: An eye tracking-integrated virtual reality experiment

Emergencies, such as fire and earthquake, highly jeopardize human safety in indoor environments. In emergencies, acute stress activated by the threat of hazards influences human wayfinding efficiency and safety. However, the underlying cognitive basis of the influence of acute stress on the wayfinding process remains unclear. To narrow this knowledge gap, we focused on the core cognitive process, namely selective attention during emergency wayfinding, and conducted a virtual reality (VR)-based wayfinding experiment with a within-subject design. Three stress level settings were designed to induce participants’ stress. For each trial, participants were required to finish the wayfinding task within five minutes, during which a VR version of the Eriksen flanker task (EFT) was set to evaluate selective attention with the eye tracking function embedded in the VR helmet. The result demonstrated the positive effect of stress on the information process speed in selective attention measured by response time and the wayfinding performance measured by net distance. In addition, we found that the response time in selective attention plays a mediation role in the relationship between stress in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and wayfinding performance. This study provides researchers with a new pathway to investigate the cognitive mechanism in emergency wayfinding with VR and eye tracking technologies. The findings are expected to advance the understanding of the underlying cognitive mechanism in emergency wayfinding, which has significant implications for developing evacuation simulation considering cognitive processes, as well as for evacuation planning of complex indoor environments and crowd evacuation management during indoor emergencies.