IUID Method-Mix: Towards a Systematic Approach for Intercultural User Interface Design (IUID)

A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a model of culturally influenced HCI. Cultural influence on HCI is described using cultural variables for user interface design. Assumptions and empirical results regarding the influence of culture on HCI, considering the path of the information processing and the interaction style between Chinese and German users are explained based on cultural models. Subsequent indicators represent the relationship between culture and HCI (culturally imprinted by the user). Correlations adopted theoretically between cultural dimensions and variables for HCI design were investigated. These correlations represent relevant constituents of a model for culturally influenced HCI. Considerations applying this model and evidence for the proper application of the IUID method-mix are presented elucidating why and how cultural aspects play a role in HCI design and usability/UX engineering. The IUID method-mix serves to inspire HCI engineers in the requirement analysis phase as well as HCI designers in the design phase. The readers are thereby sensitized to the challenges of intercultural usability/UX engineering and intercultural HCI design and will be equipped with methodological knowledge relevant to the derivation of design recommendations for user interface design for and in their desired cultural contexts. Finally, implications for practitioners are shown, including HCI style scores and practical design recommendations, to prognosticate the effort and the expenditures for considering the cultural context in IUID.

Coupled maps serving the exchange processes on the environmental interfaces regarded as complex systems

We have defined the environmental interface through the exchange processes between media forming this interface. Considering the environmental interface as a complex system we elaborated the advanced mathematical tools for its modelling. We have suggested two coupled maps serving the exchange processes on the environmental interfaces spatially ranged from cellular to planetary level, i.e. 1) the map with diffusive coupling for energy exchange simulation and 2) the map with affinity, which is suitable for matter exchange processes at the cellular level. We have performed the dynamical analysis of the coupled maps using the Lyapunov exponent, cross sample as well as the permutation entropy in dependence on different map parameters. Finally, we discussed the map with affinity, which shows some features making it a promising toll in simulation of exchange processes on the environmental interface at the cellular level.

Distributed Lagrange Multiplier/Fictitious Domain Finite Element Method for a Transient Stokes Interface Problem with Jump Coefficients

The distributed Lagrange multiplier/fictitious domain(DLM/FD)-mixed finite element method is developed and analyzed in this paper for a transient Stokes interface problem with jump coefficients.The semi-and fully discrete DLM/FD-mixed finite element scheme are developed for the first time for this problem with a moving interface,where the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian(ALE)technique is employed to deal with the moving and immersed subdomain.Stability and optimal convergence properties are obtained for both schemes.Numerical experiments are carried out for different scenarios of jump coefficients,and all theoretical results are validated.

An R(x)-orthonormal theory for the vibration performance of a non-smooth symmetric composite beam with complex interface

A composite beam is symmetric if both the material property and support are symmetric with respect to the middle point. In order to study the free vibration performance of the symmetric composite beams with different complex nonsmooth/discontinuous interfaces, we develop an R(x)-orthonormal theory, where R(x) is an integrable flexural rigidity function. The R(x)-orthonormal bases in the linear space of boundary functions are constructed, of which the second-order derivatives of the boundary functions are asked to be orthonormal with respect to the weight function R(x). When the vibration modes of the symmetric composite beam are expressed in terms of the R(x)-orthonormal bases we can derive an eigenvalue problem endowed with a special structure of the coefficient matrix A :=[aij ],aij= 0 if i + j is odd. Based on the special structure we can prove two new theorems, which indicate that the characteristic equation of A can be decomposed into the product of the characteristic equations of two sub-matrices with dimensions half lower. Hence, we can sequentially solve the natural frequencies in closed-form owing to the specialty of A. We use this powerful new theory to analyze the free vibration performance and the vibration modes of symmetric composite beams with three different interfaces.

On the development of optical peripheral nerve interfaces

Limb loss and spinal cord injury are two debilitating conditions that continue to grow in prevalence. Prosthetic limbs and limb reanimation present two ways of providing affected individuals with means to interact in the world. These techniques are both dependent on a robust interface with the peripheral nerve. Current methods for interfacing with the peripheral nerve tend to suffer from low specificity, high latency and insufficient robustness for a chronic implant. An optical peripheral nerve interface may solve some of these problems by decreasing invasiveness and providing single axon specificity. In order to implement such an interface three elements are required:(1) a transducer capable of translating light into a neural stimulus or translating neural activity into changes in fluorescence,(2) a means for delivering said transducer and(3) a microscope for providing the stimulus light and detecting the fluorescence change. There are continued improvements in both genetically encoded calcium and voltage indicators as well as new optogenetic actuators for stimulation. Similarly, improvements in specificity of viral vectors continue to improve expression in the axons of the peripheral nerve. Our work has recently shown that it is possible to virally transduce axons of the peripheral nerve for recording from small fibers. The improvements of these components make an optical peripheral nerve interface a rapidly approaching alternative to current methods.

Multiple Tin Compounds Modified Carbon Fibers to Construct Heterogeneous Interfaces for Corrosion Prevention and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Currently,the demand for electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorbing materials with specific functions and capable of withstanding harsh environments is becoming increasingly urgent.Multi-component interface engineering is considered an effective means to achieve high-efficiency EMW absorption.However,interface modulation engineering has not been fully discussed and has great potential in the field of EMW absorption.In this study,multi-component tin compound fiber composites based on carbon fiber(CF)substrate were prepared by electrospinning,hydrothermal synthesis,and high-temperature thermal reduction.By utilizing the different properties of different substances,rich heterogeneous interfaces are constructed.This effectively promotes charge transfer and enhances interfacial polarization and conduction loss.The prepared SnS/SnS_(2)/SnO_(2)/CF composites with abundant heterogeneous interfaces have and exhibit excellent EMW absorption properties at a loading of 50 wt%in epoxy resin.The minimum reflection loss(RL)is−46.74 dB and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth is 5.28 GHz.Moreover,SnS/SnS_(2)/SnO_(2)/CF epoxy composite coatings exhibited long-term corrosion resistance on Q235 steel surfaces.Therefore,this study provides an effective strategy for the design of high-efficiency EMW absorbing materials in complex and harsh environments.

Interface Recombination &Emission Applied to Explain Photosynthetic Mechanisms for (e–, h+) Charges’ Separation

To copy natural photosynthesis process we need to understand and explain the physics underneath its first step mechanism, which is “how to separate electrical charges under attraction”. But this Nature’s nanotechnological creation is not yet available to the scientific community. We present a new interpretation for the artificial and natural photosynthetic mechanism, concerning the electrical charges separation and the spent energy to promote the process. Interface (e–, h+) recombination and emission is applied to explain the photosynthetic mechanisms. This interpretation is based on energy bands relative position, the staggered one, which under illumination promotes (e–, h+) charges separation through the action of an interface electric field and energy consumption at the interface of both A/B generic materials. Energy band bending is responsible by the interface electric field (and the driving force) for the charges separation. This electric field can be as high or above that for p-n semiconductor junctions (104 - 105 V/cm). This physical effect is not considered by most of the researches. Without an electric field and without spending energy to separate electrical charges, any other existing model violates physical laws. The staggered energy band type is the only energetic configuration that permits charges separation under illumination and energy loss to perform the process. Application to natural photosynthesis and artificial photovoltaic material and their energetic configurations are discussed. Examples for A/B being III-V/III-V, TiO2/materials and II-VI/II-VI staggered energy band gap pairs are presented. In the proposed quantum mechanism, plants are able to eliminate most of the 79% of the absorbed visible light, according to the published reflection and transmission data. Moreover, the proposed mechanism can be applied to explain green fluorescent protein - GFP, charge transfer states - CTS and Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer - FRET. As recent literature experimental results propose photosynthesis as a quantum controlled mechanism, our proposition goes forward this direction.

Study on doping effect of interface binding state in the system of PCD and PDC at superhigh pressure

Experimental and theoretical researches on the doping effect of interface binding state with homologous and heterogeneous dopants(d) in the system of PCD etc,as well as the action of intermediate layers between D /d at superhigh pressure and high temperature(HP-HT) are reported in this paper.

Research status and prospects of the fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces

As a mathematical analysis method,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe irregular shapes with self-similar or self-affine properties.Fractal analysis has been used to characterize the shapes of metal materials at various scales and dimensions.Conventional methods make it difficult to quantitatively describe the relationship between the regular characteristics and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces.However,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe the shape characteristics of metal materials and to establish the quantitative relationships between the shape characteristics and various properties of metal materials.From the perspective of two-dimensional planes and three-dimensional curved surfaces,this paper reviews the current research status of the fractal analysis of metal precipitate interfaces,metal grain boundary interfaces,metal-deposited film surfaces,metal fracture surfaces,metal machined surfaces,and metal wear surfaces.The relationship between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces is summarized.Starting from three perspectives of fractal analysis,namely,research scope,image acquisition methods,and calculation methods,this paper identifies the direction of research on fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces that need to be developed.It is believed that revealing the deep influence mechanism between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces will be the key research direction of the fractal analysis of metal materials in the future.

CARDIOGUI: An Interface Guide to Simulate Cardiovascular Respiratory System during Physical Activity

This paper aims at the presentation of an interface to simulate cardiovascular respiratory system. The authors are interested in the resolution of optimal control problem related to the performance of a 30 years old woman. The results show in the most case the determinant parameters of cardiovascular respiratory system reach the equilibrium value due to its controls that is heart rate and alveolar ventilation.

A nursing interface terminology: Evaluation of face validity

A range of different language systems for nursing diagnosis, interventions and outcomes are currently available. Nursing terminologies are intended to support nursing practice but they have to be evaluated. This study aims to assess the results of an expert survey to establish the face validity of a nursing interface terminology. The study applied a descriptive design with a cross-sectional survey strategy using a written questionnaire administered to expert nurses working in hospitals. Sample size was estimated at 35 participants. The questionnaire included topics related to validity and reliability criteria for nursing controlled vocabularies described in the literature. Mean global score and criteria scoring at least 7 were considered main outcome measures. The analysis included descriptive statistics with a confidence level of 95%. The mean global score was 8.1. The mean score for the validity criteria was 8.4 and 7.8 for reliability and applicability criteria. Two of the criteria for reliability and applicability evaluation did not achieve minimum scores. According to the experts’ responses, this terminology meets face validity, but that improvements are required in some criteria and further research is needed to completely demonstrate its metric properties.

Study on Interface Friction Model for Engineering Materials Testing on Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Tests

Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) has become a frequently used technique to measure the uniaxial compressive stress-strain relation of various engineering materials at high strain-rates. The accuracy of an SHPB test is based on the assumption of uniaxial and uniform stress distribution within the specimen, which, however, is not always satisfied in an actual SHPB test due to the existence of some unavoidable negative factors, e.g., interface friction constrains. Kinetic interface friction tests based on a simple device for engineering materials testing on SHPB tests are performed. A kinetic interface friction model is proposed and validated by implementing it into a numerical model. It shows that the proposed simple device is sufficient to obtain kinetic interface friction results for common SHPB tests. The kinetic friction model should be used instead of the frequently used constant friction model for more accurate numerical simulation of SHPB tests.

Effect of Interface Form on Creep Failure and Life of Dissimilar Metal Welds Involving Nickel-Based Weld Metal and Ferritic Base Metal

For dissimilar metal welds(DMWs)involving nickel-based weld metal(WM)and ferritic heat resistant steel base metal(BM)in power plants,there must be an interface between WM and BM,and this interface suffers mechanical and microstructure mismatches and is often the rupture location of premature failure.In this study,a new form of WM/BM interface form,namely double Y-type interface was designed for the DMWs.Creep behaviors and life of DMWs containing double Y-type interface and conventional I-type interface were compared by finite element analysis and creep tests,and creep failure mechanisms were investigated by stress-strain analysis and microstructure characterization.By applying double Y-type interface instead of conventional I-type interface,failure location of DMW could be shifted from the WM/ferritic heat-affected zone(HAZ)interface into the ferritic HAZ or even the ferritic BM,and the failure mode change improved the creep life of DMW.The interface premature failure of I-type interface DMW was related to the coupling effect of microstructure degradation,stress and strain concentrations,and oxide notch on the WM/HAZ interface.The creep failure of double Y-type interface DMW was the result of Type IV fracture due to the creep voids and micro-cracks on fine-grain boundaries in HAZ,which was a result of the matrix softening of HAZ and lack of precipitate pinning at fine-grain boundaries.The double Y-type interface form separated the stress and strain concentrations in DMW from the WM/HAZ interface,preventing the trigger effect of oxide notch on interface failure and inhibiting the interfacial microstructure cracking.It is a novel scheme to prolong creep life and enhance reliability of DMW,by means of optimizing the interface form,decoupling the damage factors from WM/HAZ interface,and then changing the failure mechanism and shifting the failure location.

Advanced Functional Electromagnetic Shielding Materials:A Review Based on Micro‑Nano Structure Interface Control of Biomass Cell Walls

Research efforts on electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding materials have begun to converge on green and sustainable biomass materials.These materials offer numerous advantages such as being lightweight,porous,and hierarchical.Due to their porous nature,interfacial compatibility,and electrical conductivity,biomass materials hold significant potential as EMI shielding materials.Despite concerted efforts on the EMI shielding of biomass materials have been reported,this research area is still relatively new compared to traditional EMI shielding materials.In particular,a more comprehensive study and summary of the factors influencing biomass EMI shielding materials including the pore structure adjustment,preparation process,and micro-control would be valuable.The preparation methods and characteristics of wood,bamboo,cellulose and lignin in EMI shielding field are critically discussed in this paper,and similar biomass EMI materials are summarized and analyzed.The composite methods and fillers of various biomass materials were reviewed.this paper also highlights the mechanism of EMI shielding as well as existing prospects and challenges for development trends in this field.

Attenuation of rock blasting induced ground vibration in rock-soil interface

Blasting has been widely used in mining and construction industries for rock breaking.This paper presents the results of a series of field tests conducted to investigate the ground wave propagation through mixed geological media.The tests were conducted at a site in the northwestern part of Singapore composed of residual soil and granitic rock.The field test aims to provide measurement data to better understand the stress wave propagation in soil/rock and along their interface.Triaxial accelerometers were used for the free field vibration monitoring.The measured results are presented and discussed,and empirical formulae for predicting peak particle velocity (PPV) attenuation along the ground surface and in soil/rock were derived from the measured data.Also,the ground vibration attenuation across the soil-rock interface was carefully examined,and it was found that the PPV of ground vibration was decreased by 37.2% when it travels from rock to soil in the vertical direction.

Effect of bonding interface on delamination behavior of drawn Cu/Al bar clad material

Cu/Al bar clad material was fabricated by a drawing process and a subsequent heat treatment.During these processes,intermetallic compounds have been formed at the interface of Cu/Al and have affected its bonding property.Microstructures of Cu/Al interfaces were observed by OM,SEM and EDX Analyser in order to investigate the bonding properties of the material.According to the microstructure a series of diffusion layers were observed at the interface and the thicknesses of diffusion layers have increased with aging time as a result of the diffusion bonding.The interfaces were composed of 3-ply diffusion layers and their compositions were changed with aging time at 400 °C.These compositional compounds were revealed to be η2,(θ+η2),(α+θ) intermetallic phases.It is evident from V-notch impact tests that the growth of the brittle diffusion layers with the increasing aging time directly influenced delamination distance between the Cu sleeve and the Al core.It is suggested that the proper holding time at 400 °C for aging as post heat treatment of a drawn Cu/Al bar clad material would be within 1 h.

PHASE SEPARATION AND MICROVOID FORMATION AT PHASE INTERFACES OF HYDROPHOBIC-HYDROPHILIC POLYMER BLENDS DURING WET PROCESSING

In this paper,morphological structure,thermodynamic compatibility and relationship be-tween porosities and blend ratios of the wet coagulated PU/PVA sheets were studied by meansof observation of scanning electronic micrographies,tests of dynamic mechanical properties,moisture regain and vapor permeability.Furthermore,the formation of microvoids at interfacesof separated phases was discussed and a microvoid formation mechanism at phase interfaces ofhydrophobic-hydrophilic blends was suggested and compared with that ofhydrophobic-hydrophobic blends.

Wave Processes and Mass Transfer on the Copper-Stainless Steel Interface under Solid Phase Bonding by High-Temperature Rolling

The paper presents the study of hierarchy of deformation wave-processes from nano- to macro-structural level, which takes place in dissimilar materials, bonded by high-temperature vacuum rolling in solid phase. The focus was on the processes that occur on the interface of the bonded materials: mass trasfer of impurities and alloying elements stimulated by deformation, the study of nano- and micro-hardness.

Performance and Implementations of Vibrotactile Brain-Computer Interface with Ipsilateral and Bilateral Stimuli

The tactile P300 brain-computer interface( BCI) is related to the somatosensory perception and response of the human brain,and is different from visual or audio BCIs. Recently,several studies focused on the tactile stimuli delivered to different parts of the human body. Most of these stimuli were symmetrically bilateral.Only a fewstudies explored the influence of tactile stimuli laterality.In the current study,we extensively tested the performance of a vibrotactile BCI system using ipsilateral stimuli and bilateral stimuli.Two vibrotactile P300-based paradigms were tested. The target stimuli were located on the left and right forearms for the left forearm and right forearm( LFRF) paradigm,and on the left forearm and calf for the left forearm and left calf( LFLC)paradigm. Ten healthy subjects participated in this study. Our experiments and analysis showed that the bilateral paradigm( LFRF) elicited larger P300 amplitude and achieved significantly higher classification accuracy than the ipsilateral paradigm( LFLC). However, both paradigms achieved classification accuracies higher than 70% after the completion of several trials on average,which was usually regarded as the minimum accuracy level required for BCI system to be deemed useful.

PEALD-deposited crystalline GaN films on Si(100) substrates with sharp interfaces

Polycrystalline gallium nitride(GaN) thin films were deposited on Si(100) substrates via plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition(PEALD) under optimal deposition parameters. In this work, we focus on the research of the GaN/Si(100)interfacial properties. The x-ray reflectivity measurements show the clearly-resolved fringes for all the as-grown GaN films, which reveals a perfectly smooth interface between the GaN film and Si(100), and this feature of sharp interface is further confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM). However, an amorphous interfacial layer(~ 2 nm) can be observed from the HRTEM images, and is determined to be mixture of Ga_xO_y and GaN by xray photoelectron spectroscopy. To investigate the effect of this interlayer on the GaN growth, an AlN buffer layer was employed for GaN deposition. No interlayer is observed between GaN and AlN, and GaN shows better crystallization and lower oxygen impurity during the initial growth stage than the GaN with an interlayer.