Simulated Environment Research Articles

Corrosion behavior and mechanism of FeCoNi high-entropy alloy compared with X100 pipeline steel in a simulated alkaline soil environment

In this work, the corrosion behavior of FeCoNi HEA and X100 pipeline steel in a simulated Golmud soil environment was systematically studied utilizing electrochemical tests, surface analysis techniques and immersion measurement. The results indicate that FeCoNi HEA possesses superior anti-corrosion property than X100 steel by comparing the charge transfer resistance (Rct), passive current density (ip) and corrosion morphology. The microstructure and surface film are the principal factors causing the difference in corrosion resistance of the two alloys. More intact, uniform and dense passive film enhances the anti-corrosion performance of the HEA, while the nonprotective, loose and defective corrosion product film covering the surface of X100 steel is not conducive to inhibiting the corrosion of the steel substrate. The appearance of inclusions within the HEA can generate the micro-galvanic corrosion effect with the matrix, which promotes the substrate as an anode to induce pitting. Furthermore, multiple phases of X100 steel exhibits higher electrochemical activity compared to the HEA with a single Face Center Cubic (FCC) phase, which accelerates the corrosion of the steel. Moreover, the matrix of the HEA primarily experiences selected dissolution of Ni element.

Preparation and characterization of cementitious materials from dedioxinized and dechlorinated municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and blast furnace slag

To address the resource utilization issue of MSWI fly ash, a method has been proposed to prepare cementitious materials using harmlessly processed MSWI fly ash (HPFA). After washing and thermal treatment, The physicochemical properties of HPFA were characterized using QXRD, ICP, XRF, and GC-MS. Cementitious materials were prepared using HPFA, gypsum and blast furnace slag (BFS) as raw materials, Through XRD, TG, FTIR, TEM, and SEM-EDS methods, the hydration and hardening characteristics were investigated, and the leaching of heavy metals from solidified materials in simulated surface water and landfill environments was evaluated using ICP-MS. The results indicate that the harmless treatment can effectively reduce the chloride content and dioxins in MSWI FA but still contains heavy metals. The addition of HPFA (10%-50%) can enhance the compressive strength of cementitious materials, accelerate the exothermic process of cement hydration, and increase the total heat release of hydration, implying an improvement in the degree of hydration of the system.HPFA could effectively promote the hydration of gypsum and BFS, resulting in the higher formation of ettringite and C-(A)-S-H（C/S=1，Al/Si=0.3）.The formation of C(Mg/Fe)-(A)-S-H suggests that the Fe-Mg solid solution phase in HPFA may have participated in the hydration reaction. The increased stability of highly cross-linked (Q4) silicate tetrahedral structure with time implies that the material may have good durability. The leaching amount of heavy metals met the standards of Class I surface water in GB3838–2002 and GB5085.3–2007 which implies that the material has environmental safety. This study innovatively provides a preparation path for harmless MSWI fly ash and cementitious material ratios, reveals the hydration mechanism of HPFA in cementitious materials, evaluates the solidification ability of heavy metals, and provides important ideas for the resource utilization of MSWI fly ash.

Enhancing Online Furniture Shopping for Seniors and Physically Challenged Individuals through AR

Abstract: “Augmented reality (AR) technology has potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and visualize the world around us. One area where this technology has great potential is in the field of furniture design and home decor. The goal of the Augmented Reality Furniture project is to develop a platform which allows users to virtually preview and interact with furniture in their own home environments using AR technology. Using a smartphone or other AR-enabled device, users will be able to see how different furniture pieces will look and fit in their own living spaces before making a purchase. The project will involve the use of 3D models of a variety of furniture items, aswell as the development of AR software that can accurately place and scale these models in the user's environment. The platform will also include a user-friendly interface for browsing and selecting different furniture items, as well as tools for customizing and arranging the items in the virtual space.

Mitigation of reentry blackout via gas injection in arc-heating facility

Communication blackouts during atmospheric reentry pose significant challenges to the safety and adaptability of spacecraft missions. This phenomenon, caused by the attenuation of electromagnetic waves by the plasma surrounding the spacecraft, disrupts communication with ground stations or orbiting satellites. Therefore, it is crucial to decrease the plasma density in the vicinity of the spacecraft to ensure an unobstructed electromagnetic wave communication path. This study proposes a methodology that involves the injection of gas from the vehicle’s wall to create an insulating layer near the surface. This thin layer maintains lower temperatures and reduced plasma density, enabling electromagnetic wave propagation without attenuation. Practical experiments were conducted in an arc-heating facility to simulate atmospheric reentry conditions. The results of the experiments provided empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the technique in mitigating communication blackout phenomena. Numerical fluid analysis within the wind tunnel chamber validated the formation of an air film layer near the experimental model owing to the injected gas. Schlieren imaging revealed distinctive jet shapes, which corroborated the findings of the numerical analysis. The wind tunnel tests that simulated atmospheric reentry environments confirmed the formation of an air film layer through gas injection, which substantiates the reduction in communication blackout. These results have the potential to improve communication reliability in space transport.

Nudge-based misinformation interventions are effective in information environments with low misinformation prevalence

Nudge-based misinformation interventions are presented as cheap and effective ways to reduce the spread of misinformation online. However, despite online information environments typically containing relatively low volumes of misinformation, most studies testing the effectiveness of nudge interventions present equal proportions of true and false information. As the effectiveness of nudges can be highly context-dependent, it is imperative to validate the effectiveness of nudge-based interventions in environments with more realistic proportions of misinformation. The current study (N = 1387) assessed the effectiveness of a combined accuracy and social-norm nudge in simulated social-media environments with varying proportions of misinformation (50%, 20%, and 12.5%) relative to true and non-news-based (i.e., “social”) information. The nudge intervention was effective at improving sharing discernment in conditions with lower proportions of misinformation, providing ecologically valid support for the use of nudge-based interventions to counter misinformation propagation on social media.

Jumpa Penggemar Artis dari Lensa Interaksi Parasosial Virtual

Meeting fans is something that is difficult to realize during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the entertainment industry reproduces the relationship between fans and celebrities through social media-mediated fan encounters in order to balance the impact of business and intimate relationships with fans. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, the author explores celebrity and fan interactions at South Korean celebrity Lee Sung Kyung's fanmeeting via TikTok using Horton and parasocial theory. Previous research has not explained the interactions between celebrities and fans when fanmeetings take place in virtual spaces with a qualitative approach. The form of virtual fanmeetings actually repeats previous offline fanmeetings. Both sell artist personas as commodities. However, the absence of physical interaction makes these virtual fanmeetings very difficult to distinguish from broadcasts on conventional television. The author believes that fanmeetings are offline products that cannot be replaced with virtual content because they do not involve voluntary interactions such as hugs, handshakes, or other physical interactions that play a role in physical and emotional intimacy. This research strengthens Horton & Wohl's (11956) that the interaction between the audience and the celebrity is actually one-sided, not dialectical, controlled by the celebrity, and there is no mutual development of the relationship. Furthermore, celebrity parasocial interaction in this study is shown as "selective self-presentation of the sender of the message" in mediated communication.

Diagnosis of The Training of Business Administrators of The National School of Sports and Its Incidence on The Generation of Soft Skills Year 2023

Objective: The research carries out a diagnosis of the training of business administrators and its impact on the generation of soft skills of the students of the program, at the National Sports School University Institution for the year 2023. Method: A theoretical-empirical investigation was carried out, whose approach is descriptive, keeping in mind the objective to be achieved. Reflecting whether the training activities in which the student is involved really contribute to the development of soft skills. Starting from the idea of ​​the constant change that is evident today in the capture of human capital by organizations, turning the above into a fundamental and necessary point for the evaluation of human capital. Research Findings and Discussions: The labor field was identified as a generating source of soft skills in the majority of the research participants, being of utmost importance the incursion into the program of activities that generate the previous ones, starting from the confrontation of the academic field with the economic sector, in simulated environments. Implications of the research: The research involved determining the scope and limitations of business administrator training around soft skills, a fundamental aspect regarding the student's employment relationship. Value originality: This research helps higher education entities identify adjustments or changes that they must make regarding the training of business administrators in favor of a successful connection to the labor field.

Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici Strains Exert Anti-inflammatory Effects by Regulating Intracellular Signaling Pathways in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Pediococcus acidilactici strains isolated from fermented vegetables on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, the probiotic characteristics and safety were evaluated. Our results show that Ped. acidilactici strains possess high survivability in simulated gastrointestinal environments and strong attachment to HT-29 cells. All Ped. acidilactici strains exhibited γ-hemolysis and resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin, and streptomycin, a characteristic commonly observed in lactic acid bacteria. Treatment with Ped. acidilactici inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, leading to a subsequent reduction in nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production. Furthermore, the strains downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels, ultimately suppressing their production. We demonstrated that Ped. acidilactici strains could modulate the activation of nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and activator protein-1, which are known to regulate inflammatory responses. Consequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of Ped. acidilactici strains in this study support their potential application as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, providing molecular insights into next-generation functional probiotic products.

A Proof-of-Concept of an Integrated VR and AI Application to Develop Classroom Management Competencies in Teachers in Training

We designed an interactive virtual reality (VR) application to provide a controlled and yet unpredictable environment for the development of classroom management skills. The simulated environment allows teachers in training to interact with virtual students in realistic and meaningful ways. The VR application allows rich verbal interaction by using artificial intelligence (AI). Initial findings suggest it is a successful proof of concept. In this paper, we focus on the technical implementation. Predictions on educational effectiveness and the educational challenges of pre-service teacher education are discussed. Future developments include rigorous testing and incorporating non-verbal communication based on a multi-dimensional interpersonal behavior model.

THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND FAILURE MODE OF SIMULATED LUNAR ROCK BY IN SITU TEMPERATURE REAL-TIME ACTION OF LUNAR-BASED

To achieve in situ condition-preserved coring of the lunar surface and deep lunar rocks and a return mission, it is necessary to explore the mechanical properties and failure modes of simulated lunar rocks that have physical and mechanical properties approximately equivalent to those of mare basalt under simulated lunar temperature environments ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C to 200[Formula: see text]C). To this end, real-time uniaxial compression tests were conducted on simulated lunar rocks under corresponding in situ temperature conditions, and the mechanical properties, deformation characteristics, micromorphology, and failure modes were analyzed. Based on the macroscopic analysis, as the environmental temperature decreases, the uniaxial compressive strength, peak strain, and peak strain duration of simulated lunar rocks exhibit a nonlinear increasing trend, with maximum increases of 33.00[Formula: see text], 36.16[Formula: see text], and 49.25[Formula: see text] from those at room temperature, respectively. Based on microscopic analysis, the intergranular fractures run through the entire samples under the environmental temperature. As the environmental temperature increases, intergranular and transgranular fractures coexist, and layered fractures appear at high temperatures. At the same time, some samples exhibit undulating and stepped morphologies caused by shear stress. For the fractal dimension of a simulated lunar rock main fracture surface, the fractal dimension of the actual angle and the corrected angle increase first and then decrease with increasing environmental temperature, and the maximum error of the two is only 1.84[Formula: see text]. The overall fractal dimension ranges from 2.02 to 2.28, and the fractal dimension under real-time high-temperature conditions is higher than that under real-time low-temperature conditions. In addition, the failure mode of the simulated lunar rocks under real-time in situ temperature changes is a combined tensile–shear failure mode with shear failure (primary) and tensile failure (secondary). The above research results are expected to be applied to in situ condition-preserved coring in extreme lunar environments and provide a scientific basis for the design and development of in situ condition-preserved coring robot systems for the extreme environment of deep space.

Participatory design of a virtual reality life review therapy system for palliative care

We present a novel Virtual Reality (VR) life review therapy system. Life review therapy is an intervention used by clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers for patients under palliative care to systematically examine various life experiences to resolve conflicts and complete life tasks. The goal of the therapy is to narrativize the patient’s life before death in order to come to terms with their mortality. Our VR life review therapy system allows therapists to perform their interventions in customized virtual spaces designed to encourage the patient to reflect and reminisce about their life experiences. Our system is also developed in response to mobility restrictions and COVID-19 pandemic-related quarantine measures that have separated patients under palliative care from family and friends, resulting in emotional and psychological distress. As VR systems related to health are increasingly being used by therapists in their interventions, it is of utmost importance that the health professionals who will be the end users of these systems are involved in the design process to create ethical healthcare technologies. In response, we initiated the participatory design and evaluation of our VR life review therapy system prototype with six clinical psychologists who have practical experience delivering life review therapy to patients in palliative care in the Hong Kong hospital system. In the study, each participant experienced the VR life review therapy system and evaluated its strengths and weaknesses through semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data gathered from these interviews was coded according to nine different categories; avatars, content design, evaluation, haptic sensations, interaction, gesturing and gaze direction, movement and navigation, non-verbal communication, soundtrack. These conceptual categories were chosen based on our analysis of common themes reported by the clinical psychologists’ experience of the system. Feedback from clinical psychologists on each of these categories was incorporated into the redesign and update of the final system. Overall, participants generally evaluated the system as feasible and effective for use with patients under palliative care, while movement and interaction were the features requiring the most improvement.

Formation of Thematic Virtual Tours of Cultural Heritage Objects Based on Graph Theory

Formation of Thematic Virtual Tours of Cultural Heritage Objects Based on Graph Theory

What drives the tourist Daka? An empirical study based on the perspective of dual motivation

ABSTRACT Tourist Daka, a recording behaviour displaying individuals’ tourism in virtual spaces, has become a major manifestation of travel experiences in modern social media. Through a dual motivation lens, this study investigated the relationship between Daka destination features, dual Daka motivations (i.e. intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation), and Daka intention to develop a model that outlines the influencing mechanism driving the occurrence of tourist Daka. The results demonstrated that: (1) Daka destination features evoke different Daka motivations; (2) intrinsic motivation triggers an individual’s emotions on Daka destination and affects their Daka intention, while extrinsic motivation only evokes their emotions on Daka destination; and further (3) individual’s tourism involvement plays a moderating role in the influencing path. This study provides theoretical data regarding studies of tourist behaviour and practical guidance for the development of novel tourism models.

Data-Driven ICS Network Simulation for Synthetic Data Generation

Data-Driven ICS Network Simulation for Synthetic Data Generation

A Regeneration Model for Mitigation Against Attacks on HTTP Servers for Mobile Wireless Networks

The widespread expansion of the internet has fueled a global surge in the utilization of various online transactions, with a significant portion of such services operating on mobile web platforms. Simultaneously, the deployment of innovative Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) technologies and mobile applications has grown as solutions for diverse tasks. Unfortunately, this progress has attracted the attention of hackers, who continually devise new strategies to exploit the vulnerabilities inherent in mobile networks. This study aims to address the escalating challenges posed by cyber threats in the era of widespread internet expansion, particularly focusing on securing mobile web platforms against sophisticated attacks such as Structured Query Language Injection (SQLi) for web-based database solutions and Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) for various applications. In response to the identified vulnerabilities, this paper proposes an HTTP regeneration (HReg) model that not only detects various cyber-attacks but also ensures the uninterrupted provision of critical services during such incidents. The model introduces an innovative regeneration algorithm capable of scanning both the connection channel and web application to detect attacks, creating survivable connections within the underlying TCP engine to replace compromised ones during an ongoing attack. In simulated environments using OMNeT++, where the server is subjected to attacks, the experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the model. The response and performance metrics, including throughput (73%), delivery ratio (68.8%), delay (3s), and network load, showcase the model's ability to detect and neutralize attacks. A comparison with state-of-the-art approaches highlights the superior performance of the regeneration model, attributed to its additional survivability layer. While the regeneration model proves robust in simulated environments, its real-world application may encounter limitations. Future research should explore these limitations to enhance the practical applicability of the proposed model. The proposed HReg model's resilient performance under attack conditions ensures the survivability of web-based applications. This innovative approach offers practical implications for securing mobile web platforms, providing continuous delivery of critical services even in the face of persistent and evolving cyber threats. This research addresses a significant gap in existing efforts by not only focusing on attack detection but also emphasizing the development of a survivable TCP connection for HTTP servers during attacks. The introduced regeneration model stands out for its unique ability to maintain service continuity, showcasing originality in the approach to cybersecurity in the context of web-based applications.

WatchCap: Improving Scanning Efficiency in People with Low Vision through Compensatory Head Movement Stimulation

Individuals with low vision (LV) frequently face challenges in scanning performance, which in turn complicates daily activities requiring visual recognition. Although those with PVL can theoretically compensate for these scanning deficiencies through the use of active head movements, few practical applications have sought to capitalize on this potential, especially during visual recognition tasks. In this paper, we present WatchCap, a novel device that leverages the hanger reflex phenomenon to naturally elicit head movements through stimulation feedback. Our user studies, conducted with both sighted individuals in a simulated environment and people with glaucoma-related PVL, demonstrated that WatchCap's scanning-contingent stimulation enhances visual exploration. This improvement is evidenced by the fixation and saccade-related features and positive feedback from participants, which did not cause discomfort to the users. This study highlights the promise of facilitating head movements to aid those with LVs in visual recognition tasks. Critically, since WatchCap functions independently of predefined or task-specific cues, it has a wide scope of applicability, even in ambient task situations. This independence positions WatchCap to complement existing tools aimed at detailed visual information acquisition, allowing integration with existing tools and facilitating a comprehensive approach to assisting individuals with LV.

Effects of a visual search task in a virtual reality space with a moving background on spatial cognition and standing balance in patients with left hemiparetic stroke

ABSTRACT We examined effects of a visual search task (VST) in virtual reality (VR) with a moving background on spatial cognition and standing balance in left hemiparetic strokes. The VST with background deviation was allocated to Case A. In Case B, the VST without the deviation was performed. As a results, in Case A, the reaction time of VST was shortened in the paretic space and ability of weight-shift to the paretic side was improved. In conclusion, the VST in the VR with a spatial manipulation may improve spatial cognition and standing balance in left hemiparetic strokes.

Face-to-face and virtual mathematics enrichment for rural schools:

In this paper the authors report on the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) Mathematics Rural and Regional Communities (MRRC) project. This project is an extension to the Mathematics Enrichment Program (MEP), which has been running since 2007. Since the MEP’s inception, more than 500 students, 29 schools, 15 pre-service teachers (who are involved to gain practical teaching experience) and many volunteer university lecturers and other mathematics and education professionals have been involved. The MRRC project builds on USQ’s MEP to offer content in an online or virtual format. Through an interactive virtual environment, the MRRC project connects regional high schools to USQ’s two campuses to build the capacity of the teachers and students involved. The authors describe the overall aim and structure of the MRRC program, preliminary evaluations of the program, analysis of the virtual space and future plans for the program.

Developing virtual collaborative health team educational environments

In this short paper we introduce a conceptual framework that is under development to create virtual educational environments to simulate collaborative health team experiences. Building on our work of developing virtual environments for authentic Paramedicine education scenarios, we are extending the concept across the seven health disciplines at the university, beginning initially with a prototype involving three health discipline teams: Paramedicine, Nursing, and Physiotherapy. Using a design based research methodology we are developing prototypes of immersive simulated environments to simulate the real - world interaction between these three health teams for our students. We leverage a low cost mobile BYOD approach enabling rapid prototyping and development of these scenarios.

VibHead: An Authentication Scheme for Smart Headsets through Vibration

Recent years have witnessed the fast penetration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) systems into our daily life, the security and privacy issues of the VR/AR applications have been attracting considerable attention. Most VR/AR systems adopt head-mounted devices (i.e., smart headsets) to interact with users and the devices usually store the users’ private data. Hence, authentication schemes are desired for the head-mounted devices. Traditional knowledge-based authentication schemes for general personal devices have been proved vulnerable to shoulder-surfing attacks, especially considering the headsets may block the sight of the users. Although the robustness of the knowledge-based authentication can be improved by designing complicated secret codes in virtual space, this approach induces a compromise of usability. Another choice is to leverage the users’ biometrics; however, it either relies on highly advanced equipments which may not always be available in commercial headsets or introduce heavy cognitive load to users. In this paper, we propose a vibration-based authentication scheme, VibHead, for smart headsets. Since the propagation of vibration signals through human heads presents unique patterns for different individuals, VibHead employs a CNN-based model to classify registered legitimate users based the features extracted from the vibration signals. We also design a two-step authentication scheme where the above user classifiers are utilized to distinguish the legitimate user from illegitimate ones. We implement VibHead on a Microsoft HoloLens equipped with a linear motor and an IMU sensor which are commonly used in off-the-shelf personal smart devices. According to the results of our extensive experiments, with short vibration signals (≤ 1s ), VibHead has an outstanding authentication accuracy; both FAR and FRR are around 5%.