Visual Programming Language Research Articles

Painting with Data: Visually based open-source tool for geo-computing

In this article we present, the conceptual and technical background of a tool for mapping and geo-computing, Painting with Data (PWD). PWD was inspired by early computer mapping algorithms that focused on drawing as an intuitive interface between spatial data and architectural practice. PWD embraces the potential of such techniques, coupled with alternative computational representations, modes of interaction, and computational interfaces, to encourage public participation in planning and design. Essential to this task, is PWD’s integration of open-source, collaborative, interactive, and web-based technologies to create an online software with a visually based approach to spatial analysis and mapping that dramatically reduces the steep learning curve required for GIS software. As a high-level graphical interface, PWD allows users to iterate by intuitively creating spatial models on-the-fly based on their subjective understanding of information. In PWD, we deploy voxels, a data structure that organizes information as 3D pixels, which allows users to compute with spatial information visually, to potentially inform the ways in which users build quantitative models. In PWD, multiple layers of information can be visualized concurrently, and visual correlations can be made instantly. Users build spatial models by directly manipulating the map itself instead of manipulating a database that then produces a map. PWD’s high-level interaction is made possible by custom data structures that leverage GPU processing, which makes them significantly faster than traditional topological data structures. Computationally, user interactions generate visualization specifications and declarative queries that are compiled and executed by the platform. Lastly, PWD introduces a visual programming language, which enables intuitive geospatial modeling and visualization. Practical work has shown the value of PWD’s approach to design students, planning agencies and community non-profits. Throughout the process, PWD’s open-source spatial models generated a user community with more than 3000 users, including designers, students, and educators.

Teaching computational thinking with a tangible development platform: An exploratory field study at school with Kniwwelino

Computational Thinking (CT) is an emerging topic in school curricula. Different tools exist to support the learning of CT, namely visual programming languages and tangible development platforms (TDP), which are widely used in extra-curricular activities. To date, few tools have been developed that consider both teachers’ needs and the school context. We designed the Kniwwelino Classroom Kit (KCK) in order to support the teaching of CT in classrooms. This paper presents the results of a pilot study, in which the KCK was used in three primary and three secondary schools in Luxembourg. The KCK is based on Kniwwelino, a creative environment designed for children from 8 years old to learn about programming and electronics. The study explored the suitability of the KCK for teaching CT in primary and secondary schools, focusing on three research questions: (1) how the KCK supports teachers’ pedagogical practices, (2) how the KCK fulfils the pedagogical objectives set by teachers, and (3) the user experience of the KCK (for teachers and pupils). To assess how the KCK meets the three above-mentioned objectives, we used a mixed method approach, combining semi-guided interviews, logbooks, and several questionnaires. We learned that the KCK is versatile enough to adapt to different environments, objectives, and pedagogical approaches, which responds to the first two research questions, and thus offers a great deal of freedom to teachers. The fun and tangible approach of the KCK introduces programming and enables pupils to develop both CT and soft skills such as communication and collaboration. Teachers’ feedback on their user experience was positive, particularly concerning stimulation, novelty, and attractiveness. KCK was evaluated as interesting, valuable, and good, but it was noted that some improvements needed to be made to make it easier, more predictable, and faster. The pupils also rated their user experience positively, with values that were generally on a par with previous studies reported in the state of the art regarding the use of Scratch and BBC Micro:bit in school-based experiments for learning CT. Drawing from these learnings, we list several recommendations for the development of other similar TDP tools to support the teaching of CT in a classroom setting. These recommendations concern the material, programming interface, connection, educational material, and the creation of a community.

Visual Low-Code Language for Orchestrating Large-Scale Distributed Computing

Distributed, large-scale computing is typically performed using textual general-purpose programming languages. This requires significant programming skills associated with the parallelisation and distribution of computations. In this paper, we present a visual (graphical) programming language called the Computation Application Language (CAL) to raise abstraction in distributed computing. CAL programs define computation workflows by visualising data flowing between computation units. The goal is to reduce the amount of traditional code needed and thus facilitate development even by non-professional programmers. The language follows the low-code paradigm, i.e. its implementation (the editor and the runtime system) is available online. We formalise the language by defining its syntax using a metamodel and specifying its semantics using a two-step approach. We define a translation of CAL into an intermediate language which is then defined using an operational approach. This formalisation was used to develop a programming and execution environment. The environment orchestrates computations by interpreting the intermediate language and managing the instantiation of computation modules using data tokens. We also present an explanatory case-study example that shows a practical application of the language.

Automating building sustainability assessment using building information modelling: A case study

Facing the increasing pursuit of sustainable buildings, the construction industry has been adopting new project technologies. Building Sustainability Assessment (BSA) methods are a key tool to evaluate building sustainability, but their use is hindered by the time-consuming assessment process and required data. With the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), new potentialities have been found, such as continuous data storage and integrated building design. Facing the opportunity to integrate BSA into BIM, this research aims to automate the assessment of a BSA scheme by creating a BIM-based application for the project's early stages. Visual Programming Language (VPL) was used to translate SBToolPT-H criteria requirements into computable rules and create the SBToolBIM application. Results show the feasibility of automating BSA with BIM, by integrating 19 criteria into SBToolBIM and identifying BIM connections for the remaining 6 criteria. The applied procedure has established a novel framework to carry out BSA within the BIM environment in a faster and more reliable way using fewer resources. It offers a decision support tool for the design process able to provide valuable contributions to enhance building sustainability and meet decarbonisation and climate goals.

Assessing Embodied Carbon in Structural Models: A Building Information Modelling-Based Approach

The construction industry’s recognition of the importance of embodied carbon (EC) drives the need for streamlined early-stage EC assessment. The adoption of building information modelling (BIM) allows for integrating EC assessment into current workflows, as BIM data are fundamental to the assessment. This paper presents a BIM-based prototype tool developed to provide a quick and comprehensive assessment of EC in structural models. The prototype utilises visual programming language (VPL) and a database of external carbon factors to automate the assessment process and displays the results in a visualisation model. The prototype also offers high-level insights to support informed decision making and a detailed analysis to identify areas for optimisation. The results of this study indicate the effectiveness of the prototype in identifying EC hot spots and enabling informed decision making for optimisation. From an academic perspective, the study addresses a research gap by demonstrating the viability of integrating EC assessment in the early stages of design. In terms of practical implications, the presented prototype tool offers practitioners a solution that streamlines the assessment of EC in structural models, enabling informed decision making and identification of optimisation opportunities. In terms of policy, the research is aligned with the industry’s recognition of EC’s importance and supports sustainable building practices towards achieving net zero carbon goals.

Implementation of the A Star Heuristic Search Algorithm in Determining the Shortest Path

Finding the shortest path in a graph can be applied to various fields of shortest distance costs in routes, computer games, robotics or navigation. This study implements the A star heuristic search algorithm in determining the shortest path using the Visual Basic programming language and MySQL database. A star heuristic algorithm is implemented to find the shortest path between two vertices in a two-way weighted graph. We use a heuristic method to estimate the remaining cost from the start node to the destination point. This condition gives the A star algorithm the opportunity to choose the next closest node and optimize the search for the shortest route. Various experiments have been carried out with various graph conditions and with different complicated graphs to test the A star algorithm. The experimental results show that this algorithm succeeds in finding the shortest path efficiently in various situations. Our findings confirm that the A star algorithm has great potential in solving the shortest path search problem with an advantage in combining various information and remaining cost estimates, thereby minimizing the number of explored nodes and producing the shortest path efficiently.

Prototype of Interest Measurement Expert System and Career Field Based on Holland Theory in Indonesia

This research intends to develop an application based on an expert system that aids in assisting a person in identifying the type of employment that best fits their personality and set of traits. When a task that was previously performed manually and will be transferred to a computer system based on an expert system, measurements are made of each person's interests and talents. The Visual Basic programming language was used to construct this application. Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional (RIASEC), developed based on Holland's thesis, is one of the six fundamental personalities that must be considered to suit individual psychological conditions in professional growth. The six parameters will be provided in various question formats, including graphic images, to help with measurement accuracy. Measurements are improved in accuracy and efficiency thanks to this application. It is anticipated that the system will be able to replace the psychologist in gauging interest according to Holland's theory if adequate measurement and analysis findings are available.

A SEMI-AUTOMATED APPROACH TO MODEL ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS IN SCAN-TO-BIM PROCESSES

Abstract. In the last years, the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) domain has exponentially increased the use of BIM and HBIM models for several applications, such as planning renovation and restoration, building maintenance, cost managing, or structural/energetic retrofit design. However, obtaining detailed as-built BIM models is a demanding and time-consuming process. Especially in historical contexts, many different and complex architectural elements need to be carefully and manually modelled. Meshes or surfaces and NURBS or polylines, derived from 3D reality-based data, are recently used as a reference for the HBIM accurate modelling. This work proposes a comprehensive and novel semi-automated approach to reconstruct architectural elements through the Visual Programming Language (VPL) Dynamo software and a Boundary-Representation method (B-rep), starting from 3D surveying data and point clouds classification. A wide package of scripts provides solutions for modelling complex shapes and transferring the obtained 3D models into BIM Authoring tools for a complete reconstruction phase. The presented procedure, useful for different BIM or HBIM applications, proved to reduce the modelling time significantly.

ADVANCED 3D PARAMETRIC HISTORIC CITY BLOCK MODELING COMBINING 3D SURVEYING, AI AND VPL

Abstract. The presented research aims to define a parametric modelling methodology that allows, in short time and at a sustainable cost, the digital acquisition, modelling and semantic structuring of urban city blocks to facilitate 3D city modelling applied to historic centres. The methodology is based on field surveying and derives 3D data for the realisation of a parametric City Information Model (CIM). This is pursued through the adoption of parametric modelling as main method combined with AI procedures like supervised machine learning. In particular, the Visual Programming Language (VPL) Grasshopper is adopted as main working environment. The methodology proposed, called Scan-to-CIM, is developed to automate the cognitive operations of interpretation and input of surveying data performed in the field in order to create LoD4 city block models in a semi-automatic way. The proposed Scan-to-CIM methodology is applied to a city block located in the historic centre of Catania, Italy.

Kboolnet: a toolkit for the verification, validation, and visualization of reaction-contingency (rxncon) models

BackgroundComputational models of cell signaling networks are extremely useful tools for the exploration of underlying system behavior and prediction of response to various perturbations. By representing signaling cascades as executable Boolean networks, the previously developed rxncon (“reaction-contingency”) formalism and associated Python package enable accurate and scalable modeling of signal transduction even in large (thousands of components) biological systems. The models are split into reactions, which generate states, and contingencies, that impinge on reactions; this avoids the so-called “combinatorial explosion” of system size. Boolean description of the biological system compensates for the poor availability of kinetic parameters which are necessary for quantitative models. Unfortunately, few tools are available to support rxncon model development, especially for large, intricate systems.ResultsWe present the kboolnet toolkit (https://github.com/Kufalab-UCSD/kboolnet, complete documentation at https://github.com/Kufalab-UCSD/kboolnet/wiki), an R package and a set of scripts that seamlessly integrate with the python-based rxncon software and collectively provide a complete workflow for the verification, validation, and visualization of rxncon models. The verification script VerifyModel.R checks for responsiveness to repeated stimulations as well as consistency of steady state behavior. The validation scripts TruthTable.R, SensitivityAnalysis.R, and ScoreNet.R provide various readouts for the comparison of model predictions to experimental data. In particular, ScoreNet.R compares model predictions to a cloud-stored MIDAS-format experimental database to provide a numerical score for tracking model accuracy. Finally, the visualization scripts allow for graphical representations of model topology and behavior. The entire kboolnet toolkit is cloud-enabled, allowing for easy collaborative development; most scripts also allow for the extraction and analysis of individual user-defined “modules”.ConclusionThe kboolnet toolkit provides a modular, cloud-enabled workflow for the development of rxncon models, as well as their verification, validation, and visualization. This will enable the creation of larger, more comprehensive, and more rigorous models of cell signaling using the rxncon formalism in the future.

Using Visual Programming Games to Study Novice Programmers

Enabling programmers to write correct and efficient parallel code remains an important challenge, and the prevalence of on-chip accelerators exacerbates this challenge. Novice programmers, especially those in disciplines outside of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, need to be able to write code that exploits parallelism and heterogeneity, but the frameworks for writing parallel and heterogeneous programs expect expert knowledge and experience. More effort must be put into understanding how novice programmers solve parallel problems. Unfortunately, novice programmers are difficult to study because they are, by definition, novices. We have designed a visual programming language and game-based framework for studying how novice programmers solve parallel problems. This tool was used to conduct an initial study on 95 undergraduate students with little to no prior programming experience. 71% of all volunteer participants completed the study in 48 minutes on average. This study demonstrated that novice programmers could solve parallel problems, and this framework can be used to conduct more thorough studies of how novice programmers approach parallel code.

Preventing COVID-19 spread in school buildings using Building Information Modelling: a case study

During the last years, many studies focused on automated processes for compliance checking intended to replace the current design verification practices. So far, the verification of projects in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation industry has largely consisted of manual processes, which result in laborious, costly, and error-prone. The compliance checking process addresses the project’s whole life cycle, from the design phase to the end of life. Previous researches show the applications of a Building Information Model Checking referring to the compliance with several national and international normative to meet standards requirements. This paper proposes an innovative approach to evaluate the compliance of school buildings with the measures to prevent and control the spread of Coronavirus, one of the most significant pandemics. A case study is then presented to validate the method. The school building is modelled using Revit software. Dynamo is employed as a visual scripting tool to customize the mathematical formulations of each safety rule from different standards for COVID-19 prevention. Revit and Dynamo are coupled to conduct the compliance checking. The methodology herein proposed allows for verifying the school environments showing their compliance with safety standards. Although the World is coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach could be used to face other waves or different types of pandemics.

Sistem Penerimaan Dan Pengeluaran Kas Dengan Metode Langsung Untuk Mempermudah Manajemen Keuangan Pada Perusahaan Food and Baverage

This information system discusses cash receipts and disbursements, this research was conducted at a company engaged in food and beverage (ice cream). The problem faced is the recording of cash receipts and disbursements which are still recorded in the books and then transferred to Microsoft Excel, so that the recording of cash receipts and disbursements cannot be properly archived per month or yearly.
 The method used by using the R&D development method, a multi-user network-based cash receipts and disbursement accounting information system is also very much needed in companies in making decisions in cash receipts and disbursements. Building this information system using the Visual Basic programming language with a MySQL database, this application is made to calculate cash receipts and disbursements reports using the direct method.
 With the existence of an inventory system, it is hoped that the company can assist in financial management in recording cash receipts and disbursements and the required reports.

Fixed Assets Information System at PT.Pln (Persero) North Sumatra

Depreciation is the allocation of the acquisition price of fixed assets into expenses into the accounting period that enjoys the benefits of these fixed assets, there are three factors that need to be considered in determining the depreciation expense for each period, namely the acquisition price is the entire amount of money spent to acquire an asset used by the company, residual value is the estimated selling price of the fixed assets at the end of the useful life of the fixed assets, the amount of the estimated residual value will also be greatly influenced by its economic age, inflation, currency exchange rates, line of business and so on. The estimated useful life is the estimated useful life of the fixed assets. The useful life is the estimated economic life of the fixed assets, not the technical life. The estimated useful life can be expressed in units of a year's period. Therefore the application is made using the Visual Basic programming language. Net 2010 and SQL Server 2008 as the database. With the existing tools in the calculation of depreciation of fixed assets, it can assist companies in making depreciation reports that exist in these companies

BIM-Based Automated Code Compliance Checking System in Malaysian Fire Safety Regulations: A User-Friendly Approach

Developing automated code compliance checking systems is becoming increasingly complex—to the extent of challenging the implementation of these systems. This paper addresses the need to develop an automated system that prioritises user accessibility. Accordingly, the study aims to develop a system through a semi-automated rule translation process and the utilisation of BIM models in native file format. A total of 256 fire safety clauses in Malaysian regulations were translated through logic-based approaches (classification technique, decomposition through semantic mark-up method, and interview method), which further assisted in identifying the necessary BIM properties. A visual programming language was then utilised to demonstrate the proof-of-concept prototype. The classification technique and semantic mark-up method were established and structured in this study by developing a framework and flowchart to provide specific guidelines for formalizing the clauses. The semi-automated translation process encouraged the participation of relevant regulatory experts and provided more user accessibility compared to existing studies. This study also offered more practicality for designers to employ the system by utilizing native BIM model data representation. High mean scores ranging from 4.09 to 4.96 were obtained for the validation process, which affirmed the feasibility of the BIM-based Automated System for Malaysian Code Compliance Checking (BIMSMACC) to assist designers.

Digital Twinning for 20th Century Concrete Heritage: HBIM Cognitive Model for Torino Esposizioni Halls

In the wide scenario of heritage documentation and conservation, the multi-scale nature of digital models is able to twin the real object, as well as to store information and record investigation results, in order to detect and analyse deformation and materials deterioration, especially from a structural point of view. The contribution proposes an integrated approach for the generation of an n-D enriched model, also called a digital twin, able to support the interdisciplinary investigation process conducted on the site and following the processing of the collected data. Particularly for 20th Century concrete heritage, an integrated approach is required in order to adapt the more consolidated approaches to a new conception of the spaces, where structure and architecture are often coincident. The research plans to present the documentation process for the halls of Torino Esposizioni (Turin, Italy), built in the mid-twentieth century and designed by Pier Luigi Nervi. The HBIM paradigm is explored and expanded in order to fulfil the multi-source data requirements and adapt the consolidated reverse modelling processes based on scan-to-BIM solutions. The most relevant contributions of the research reside in the study of the chances of using and adapting the characteristics of the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard to the archiving needs of the diagnostic investigations results so that the digital twin model can meet the requirements of replicability in the context of the architectural heritage and interoperability with respect to the subsequent intervention phases envisaged by the conservation plan. Another crucial innovation is a proposal of a scan-to-BIM process improved by an automated approach performed by VPL (Visual Programming Languages) contribution. Finally, an online visualisation tool enables the HBIM cognitive system to be accessible and shareable by stakeholders involved in the general conservation process.

A new design method for the openings of shell structures under the dual control of principal stress lines and stress contours

Current design software lacks high precision and effective control in handling complex shell opening designs. This study develops a new workflow for generating shell openings based on the exceptional modeling advantages of Grasshopper, a visual programming language integrated with the Rhino software. The process contains two critical subroutines developed in Python for data processing and transformation. One is a selection tool based on the K-nearest neighbors classification algorithm for processing principal stress line data. The classification result is the guideline for shell meshing, which substantially improves the structural rationality of mesh shells generated based on dynamic equilibrium methods and particle spring systems. Another tool developed in this study based on the computer vision library OpenCV provides the functionality to read and process stress image data. In addition, this subroutine allows multi-level control of shell opening dimensions according to stress contours. In contrast with the conventional method, the new method efficiently brings shell form under the dual control of principal stress lines and stress contours for the first time. The obtained shell-opening results indicate increased freedom in layout, shape, and smoothness. The method is applied to a free-form shell, and three typical practical examples are presented to demonstrate its structural efficiency and visual effect.

Pensamiento computacional: un análisis a través de la programación estructurada mediante Scratch

In recent years, numerous initiatives have emerged to develop computational thinking. Computational thinking and programming are closely related they are both tools for working with algorithmic concepts. ICTs and, and specifically computer programs with a playful orientation for teaching programming are relevant since they take into consideration aspects related to the educational environment. Game-based learning is a complement that allows taking advantage of the playful component of games to train computational thinking and, therefore, various others skills. Scratch is one of the most used tools to teach programming, through visual and playful programming languages that seek to promote computational skills that involve problem solving, through active and constructive learning. In this study, theoretical foundations of structured programming are analyzed based on simple computing concepts such as handling sequences, control instructions such as loops and conditionals, and their adaptation using Scratch. For this article, a qualitative analysis is presented, supported by descriptive research. The partial findings, at this point, suggest the usefulness of applying video games to train computational thinking skills. In this way, opens the possibility of proposing extended uses of other interactive games such as Lightbot, PilasEngine, Pilas Bloques.

Measuring Physiological Responses to Visualizations of Urban Planning Scenarios in Immersive Virtual Reality

Stakeholder participation is an important component of modern urban planning processes. It can provide information about potential social conflicts related to specific urban planning scenarios. However, acquiring feedback from stakeholders is usually limited to explicit response types such as interviews or questionnaires. Such explicit response types are not suitable for the assessment of unconscious responses to specific parameters of an urban planning scenario. To address this limitation, we propose an approach for the assessment of affective and stress responses using implicit measures. Using a measure for electrodermal activity (EDA) and a virtual reality (VR)-based 3D urban model, we demonstrate how implicit physiological measurements can be visualized and temporally matched to specific parameters in an immersive representation of an urban planning scenario. Since this approach is supposed to support conventional stakeholder participation processes in urban planning, we designed it to be simple, cost-effective and with as little task interference as possible. Based on the additional insights gained from measuring physiological responses to urban planning scenarios, urban planners can further optimize planning scenarios by adjusting them to the derived implicitly expressed needs of stakeholders. To support simple implementation of the suggested approach, we provide sample scripts for visualization of EDA data. Limitations concerning the evaluation of raw EDA data and potentials for extending the described approach with additional physiological measures and real-time data evaluation are discussed.

Wireharness continuity test equipment design microcontroller-based aircraft module and atmega328p NRF24l01+ Wireless

In the manufacture of aircraft there are systems - systems that are very complex and must be integrated with each other, these systems are integrated with each other with wireharness transmission media. Wireharness is a collection of cables that are tied to form a bundle into a single unit. The continuity testing tool available today uses a multimeter, the disadvantage of using a multimeter is that it takes a long time to carry out because it must be tested one by one point to be tested while there are quite a lot of points to be tested, both operators often have difficulty when looking for cable addresses on the wirelist, the three tools used are not flexible. The purpose of this research is to design and make an aircraft wireharness continuity test tool that can test quickly because it can test many points at the same time, makes it easier for operators when looking for cable addresses on the wirelist, and is flexible when testing because it can measure two points that are quite far apart. far compared to a multimeter probe. This tool has two parts master and slave and each part uses an Atmega328p microcontroller-based controller as a data processor. Then also used 2 CD74HC4067 ICs, namely a 4 to 16 line multiplexer/demultiplexer whose binary output is controlled by a microcontroller. As well as for unidirectional communication between master and slave using NRF24l01+ (wireless). To operate the tool and display the results of the wireharness test, an application program was created using Visual Studio 2010 with the Visual Basic programming language. The system created will be realized into hardware capable of conducting a continuity test of 32 connection pin points in a multipoint to multipoint manner. After all systems are realized, then further testing is carried out on the tool, where this test is carried out to find out whether this tool can operate in accordance with what was planned. In continuity testing with this tool, it is able to produce good tests because it is able to carry out multipoint continuity tests and the communication distance between master and slave is 20 meters, and the testing time using this tool is 46.2% faster than using a multimeter. By using this continuity tester to speed up the work, the result is safer because the cable connections are not confused, can test the connection is disconnected or connected.