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Archetypes of assistance systems and their impacts on manufacturing performance and job quality
Get PDFAs workplaces become increasingly complex, manufacturing companies must adopt technologies that not only fulfill customer requirements but also prioritize high-quality jobs for production workers. Assistance systems are gaining popularity because they can enhance manufacturing performance and support sufficient job quality. However, there is a lack of detailed insights into the application-specific impact of the systems. This study classifies the use of assistance systems in manufacturing, deriving characteristic archetypes and mapping their impacts through a systematic review of existing literature. Analyzing 56 cases from 40 studies using descriptive and cluster analysis, four main archetypes are identified: (1) manually operated physical execution support for routine assembly tasks, (2) automatically operated and adaptable visual task guidance for routine assembly tasks, (3) automatically operated and adaptive visual support for non-routine diagnostics tasks, and (4) automatically operated and adaptive physical execution support for routine assembly. Findings suggest that these archetypes offer potential benefits and risks for job quality and manufacturing performance. However, their successful use requires careful consideration of role division, task execution capabilities, task support capabilities, and long-term impacts. The current literature on assistance systems needs more longitudinal empirical studies to provide clear guidance for both researchers and industry practitioners.</p
Exploring The Utility of Causal Loop Diagrams for Analysing the Continuing Engineering Education Ecosystem
Get PDFContinuing Engineering Education (CEE) plays a vital role in equipping professionals with the skills needed to navigate technological advancements and sustainability transitions. However, the CEE ecosystem is complex, with multiple stakeholders, interdependent factors, and dynamic trade-offs that challenge effective decisionmaking. This study explores whether systems thinking, specifically causal loop diagrams (CLDs), can provide a structured approach to analysing these dynamics and informing policy and institutional strategies. Using an inductive, qualitative approach, we developed a CLD to map the Swedish CEE ecosystem in the context of the Green Transition. The model highlights key reinforcing and balancing feedback loops that shape the system, including the interplay between competence development, industrial needs, labour market dynamics, and educational adaptation. It reveals how upskilling can drive innovation and economic growth while simultaneously introducing tensions such as workforce turnover, recruitment challenges, and institutional inertia. The findings underscore that effective CEE policy requires system-wide coordination rather than isolated interventions. This study demonstrates the utility of CLDs as a tool for visualising trade-offs, identifying leverage points, and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue. While the model is exploratory, it serves as a foundation for future participatory validation and refinement. By applying systems thinking, this research contributes to a more integrated understanding of CEE and offers a methodological basis for strategic decision-making in education and workforce development
An Ontological Conceptual Model for Structuring Multimodal User Behavior in Virtual Reality
Get PDFVirtual Reality (VR) is increasingly employed in applications such as virtual exhibitions, safety training, and medical simulations. Understanding user behavior in these environments is essential for enhancing user experience and informing interaction design. However, analyzing VR behavior is complex due to the multimodal nature of interactions— encompassing gestures, gaze, and speech— which results in vast and heterogeneous data streams. Effectively managing and interpreting this data remains a significant challenge. Well-founded ontologies offer a structured approach to understanding, organizing, and analyzing behavioral data, yet their application in VR behavioral research remains underexplored. To address this gap, we introduce OnBehaVR— an ontology designed to represent and analyze user behavior in VR. Developed using the Unified Foundational Ontology (UFO) and the OntoUML conceptual modeling language, OnBehaVR provides a formal framework for conceptualizing VR interactions. It aims to (1) clarify the conceptualization of user behavior in VR, (2) enable data integration within this domain, and (3) facilitate behavior analysis through automated reasoning and semantic queries. By leveraging ontology-driven approaches, OnBehaVR contributes to the systematic study of multimodal interactions and supports the development of adaptive and personalized virtual experiences
Formalizing-modelling-utilizing ontology:A semantic framework for adaptive stakeholder-specific urban digital twins in urban planning processes
Get PDFUrban Digital Twins (UDTs) have emerged as integrated collections of urban data and urban models aspiring to enhance urban planning and decision-making processes. However, current UDTs often fail to connect siloed disciplines, represent diverse stakeholder views, or adapt to the dynamic nature of planning processes. Realizing UDTs potentials is hindered by these socio-technical challenges, we developed and validated FMU Ontology to address them. FMU Ontology provides a set of semantic representations that (1) promote interoperability and integration across disciplinary data and models, (2) enable developing and using a network of stakeholder-specific UDTs that facilitate engagement and consensus-building, and (3) embed these within planning processes to allow UDTs to adapt as stakeholders’ questions and priorities evolve. Furthermore, we validate the efficacy of FMU Ontology through consistency and competency tests. Lastly, in a case study on strategic urban densification in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, we demonstrate how FMU Ontology enables the adaptive and collaborative use of UDTs, addressing key challenges in urban planning and decision-making.</p
Improving co-registration of geoscientific imaging datasets with micro-sized marker structures on rock samples
Get PDFPolished geological samples are frequently used in geoscientific research to investigate the chemical and physical characteristics of rocks. A broad range of imaging techniques is available to analyze such samples, but when combining datasets from multiple imaging techniques, an accurate co-registration of the datasets is often challenging. In this study, we investigate this issue in the context of Micromagnetic Tomography (MMT; ). MMT combines surface magnetometry data with computed tomography (CT) data to analyze the magnetic state of rock samples. By combining the spatial (position) and dimensional (size) information of the magnetic grains in the samples with their magnetic surface expression, the individual magnetic moments per grain can be determined. This information can be used for paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic studies. Calculating the magnetic moments of the grains strongly depends on the correct co-registration of the two datasets, which proves to be challenging. In this study, we used two test samples for the application of micro-sized marker structures, to further develop the methodology of MMT. The marker structures are applied by microlithography and Nb-sputter coating, which are standard techniques used in the semiconductor industry. We determined that the marker structure application is possible on typical MMT samples. Marker structures larger than ca. 10 μm are clearly visible under the Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) used for the surface magnetometry. Given a sufficient marker structure thickness, they can also be observed in the CT scans used for determining the positions and shapes of the magnetic carriers. The marker structures are useful for identifying the orientation and location of the samples during measurements and can be used for scaling and mapping of the two datasets during data processing. Nb-marker structures do not fluoresce under the QDM, which means that no magnetic interference occurs during measurements. The application procedure is time-consuming but is valuable when a sample is lacking natural marker features, it makes the data processing time in MMT significantly faster, and more precise. This method can be useful for MMT, for Quantum Diamond Microscopy in general, and for broader geological applications that require visible anchor points for sample placement or marker structures for the co-registration of multiple datasets.</p
Supporting the Mental Health of Parents of Neurodivergent Children:A Systematic Review of Positive Psychology Interventions
Get PDFPurpose: Parents of neurodivergent children face elevated risks of mental health challenges. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) may offer support. This systematic review explores studies evaluating PPIs and their mental health benefits for these parents.Methods: Six databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Clinicaltrials.gov, PROSPERO, and Cochrane) were searched for studies on PPIs for parents of neurodivergent children. Data on intervention, participant and study characteristics, and outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias (RoB) of the review as whole as well as included papers were assessed.Results: Eighteen studies on sixteen interventions met inclusion criteria, including a total of 896 parents. Most combined PPIs with additional components and were delivered in group formats. Eleven studies were classified as randomised controlled trials (RCTs), four as quasi-RCTs, and three as pre-post design. RoB assessment of the review indicated a high risk due to the absence of a pre-registered protocol. Most included studies were underpowered, and lacked proof of baseline comparability or randomisation of study arms. Most studies reported reduced distress and improved well-being and positive functioning in parents following the PPI.Conclusion: PPIs hold promise for supporting parental mental health, though evidence is preliminary due to the high RoB or low quality of the studies to date. Future research should prioritise robust and adequately powered RCTs, identify working mechanisms, and explore digital formats to increase accessibility for parents
Strong Group Delay Dispersion in 3D Photonic Band Gap Crystals and Planar Microcavities
No full textIt is well-known that nanophotonic structures give rise to intricate dispersion relations that strongly differ from those in homogeneous media, for instance, the appearance of band structures. Such band structures reveal forbidden gaps where wave vectors become complex and the slope – the group velocity – is strongly modified to reveal slow light, and a strong alteration of the group velocity dispersion, also known as chirp in optics and effective mass in solid state physics. Control thereof is crucial for applications (in comms and telecom) and for fundamental reasons namely as an alternative probe to local density of states and localization. Therefore, we have developed an interferometric optical reflectivity microscope to observe the phase sensitive reflectivity of nanophotonic structures with high spatial and spectral resolution over broad frequency ranges from 4000 to 13300 cm-1 (750 to 2500 nm). From the frequency resolved phase we get the group (reflection) delay. On planar microcavities made from GaAs-AlAs, we observe a stopband centred at 1331 nm with a relative bandwidth of 16 %, and large group delays of -750 ± 40 fs at the stopband edges. Analytic transfer matrix theory agrees very well with the experiments, with an RMS difference of only 1.5 %-points. On the 3D direct woodpile photonic band gap crystal we observe a very broad stopband in the {001} crystal direction that includes the 3D band gap, with high reflectivity. At the band gap edges, we observe for the first time the clear phase jumps resembling those expected from theory, corresponding to a group delay of -76 ± 10 fs at the red band gap edge. Remarkably, this large negative delay is not band-edge slow light, but a Fabry-Pérot resonance. Above the stopband we find a wide region of large positive delay, up to 44 ± 6 fs, which is photonic slow light. Since our structures have obvious 3D properties, yet are thin and highly dispersive, we propose to call them volume metasurfaces. These structures serve as photonic devices to engineer dispersion. Current studies include the development of EM-wave modelling to interpret the large group delay, and studies of structures with lateral structural shifts to obtain extra resonances
User-centered Design of App-assisted Feedback Portfolio Technology for Individual Deliberate Practice in Health Professional Education
Get PDFThis research presents a novel app-based approach to record skills training ses- sions in medical training, with the goal to facilitate feedback collection, feedback sharing and learning. Simulation-based training is a cornerstone of Healthcare Professional Education (HPE), where timely and systematic feedback is essential for developing students’ skills, our, and reflective practice.We present work from the Erasmus Plus ACTIVATE project, which develops software tools to support deliberate practice through structured feedback collec- tion and e-portfolio integration. In the first project phase, a visionary scenario of future simulation training was designed with stakeholders, followed by the de- velopment of a mobile feedback app and an e-portfolio prototype. To assess these innovations, early-stage usability testing was conducted with students, teachers, and staff, enabling evaluation of the scenario, systematic feedback mechanisms, and technical feasibility.The results highlight the dual benefits of such workshops: they not only provide actionable insights for improving software design and implementation but also validate the conceptual underpinnings of enhanced feedback practices in medical education.Findings indicate that structured user involvement at an early stage enriches both the usability and relevance of feedback tools, while simultaneously confirm- ing the value of scenario-driven development. These outcomes will guide subse- quent pilot testing and further refinement of feedback technologies in HPE
Tribo-mechanical stability of mucous boundary layers in biofidelic contacts
Get PDFIn everyday life, stable mucous boundary layers on wet epithelial tissues play a vital role in providing lubrication, reducing friction and preventing tissue damage. Understanding the stability of these layers under tribo-mechanical and tribo-chemical stresses, as well as the extent of damage to the exposed surfaces following mucous film rupture, is crucial for informing the development of food ingredients, consumer products and biomedical devices. In this thesis, biofidelic experimental platforms were employed to systematically evaluate the stability and functionality of mucous boundary layers under controlled conditions. The main aim of the current work is to investigate and understand the mechanisms governing friction, lubrication and the protective function of mucous layers by assessing their stability during tribological interactions of biological tissues. Following a systematic approach, lab-scale systems that replicate the bio-tribological and tribo-mechanical behaviour of wet epithelial tissues were used to simulate the contact of biological tissues. A novel methodology was introduced to evaluate the mechanical stability of mucous protein films adsorbed on PDMS surfaces, distinguishing between stable and unstable mucous boundary layers. This enabled the study of molecular mechanisms driving lubrication loss and film rupture, particularly during tribological interactions in the presence of mucins and plant-derived compounds. Studies explored the effects of fava bean protein isolate (FBPI), tannic acid (TA), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) particles on bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) layers. To link experimental observations with theoretical modelling, a mechanical contact framework was developed for a sphere-on-flat geometry. The model incorporated the boundary lubrication model of Bowden and Tabor using a binary and Gaussian-smoothed boundary layer coverage fraction (BLCF) approach, coupled with the JKR contact model, to predict contact pressures, and shear stresses. Comparison with experimental data confirmed the capability of the BLCF model to capture lubrication behaviour under varying surface coverage conditions.Building on this foundation, a biofidelic platform consisting of protein boundary layers on epithelial cell monolayers adhered to PDMS substrates was introduced to study the influence of mucous layers on stresses transmitted to the underlying surfaces. This system enabled simultaneous evaluation of friction and tissue damage, revealing mechanisms by which mucous layers protect underlying cells. Further investigations into the interactions between the interfacial layer and the cell monolayer examined particle-mediated (de)lubrication and stress-induced cell responses. The study revealed a clear distinction in the friction levels and the amount of damage to the cell monolayer resulting from the absence of mucous coverage, strong adhesive interactions and the presence of particles within the contact.The findings from this work highlight the mechanical stability of mucous layers during tribological interactions, revealing the role of stable mucous layers in providing lubrication and protective coverage that prevents damage to underlying tissues. The methodology and test platforms introduced in the current work offer practical applications in biomedical testing, development of sustainable food formulations, and biomedical device–tissue interaction studies. <br/
Design and control of a permanent magnet-based robotic system for navigating tetherless magnetic devices in viscous environments
Get PDFTetherless magnetic devices (TMDs) that are driven using external stimuli have potential applications in minimally invasive surgery. The magnetic field produced by electromagnet- and permanent magnet-based robotic systems is a viable option as an external stimulus to enable the motion of a TMD in viscous and viscoelastic media. In order to realize the navigation of TMDs in fluidic environments, we design a permanent magnet-based robotic system with an open configuration using two synchronized rotating magnetic dipoles to generate time-varying rotating magnetic fields. These fields are used to apply torque on a TMD in low-Reynolds-number flow regimes. The configuration of the system is vertically symmetric, allowing permanent magnets to exert relatively uniform magnetic fields within the center of the workspace. We derive the configuration-to-pose kinematics and the pose-to-field mapping of the system. Such derivation is the basis for realizing the motion control of TMDs in three-dimensional space. The kinematic system holds one translational degree of freedom (DOF) and three rotational DOFs, allowing it to control the pose of actuator magnets with four DOFs. The nonlinear inverse kinematic problem is solved using an optimization algorithm. The experimental results of this level of control demonstrate that the mean absolute error and the maximum tracking error of three-dimensional motion control are 1.18 mm and 2.64 mm, respectively. This paper tackles the challenge of generating and controlling synchronized rotating magnetic fields to actuate and navigate TMDs. Commonly, this involves collaboratively manipulating two permanent magnets by attaching each to the end-effector of an industrial robot. This paper proposes a novel approach: robotically manipulating two permanent magnets through a symmetric configuration constrained by a connecting plate. This method simplifies the manipulation of rotating magnetic fields, thereby aiding the simplification of TMD motion control strategies. Future research will improve the design of this robotic system to offer more degrees of freedom, thus achieving greater flexibility in TMD motion control.</p