Building Custom Spreadsheet Functions with Python: End-User Software Engineering Approach

End-user computing empowers non-developers to manage data and applications, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Spreadsheets, a prime example of end-user programming environments widely used in business for data analysis. However, Excel functionalities have limits compared to dedicated programming languages. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a prototype for integrating Python’s capabilities into Excel through on-premises desktop to build custom spreadsheet functions with Python. This approach overcomes potential latency issues associated with cloud-based solutions. This prototype utilizes Excel-DNA and IronPython. Excel-DNA allows creating custom Python functions that seamlessly integrate with Excel’s calculation engine. IronPython enables the execution of these Python (CSFs) directly within Excel. C# and VSTO add-ins form the core components, facilitating communication between Python and Excel. This approach empowers users with a potentially open-ended set of Python (CSFs) for tasks like mathematical calculations, statistical analysis, and even predictive modeling, all within the familiar Excel interface. This prototype demonstrates smooth integration, allowing users to call Python (CSFs) just like standard Excel functions. This research contributes to enhancing spreadsheet capabilities for end-user programmers by leveraging Python’s power within Excel. Future research could explore expanding data analysis capabilities by expanding the (CSFs) functions for complex calculations, statistical analysis, data manipulation, and even external library integration. The possibility of integrating machine learning models through the (CSFs) functions within the familiar Excel environment.

Influence of different nitrogen application on flour properties,gluten properties by HPLC and end-use quality of Korean wheat

This study was performed to identify how the different levels of nitrogen application affected the variances of gluten properties and end-use qualities and the differences of variances among Korean wheat cultivars. Protein and dry gluten content, SDS sedimentation volume and water absorption of Mixolab increased as nitrogen application increased. This ratio of the increase was higher in Korean wheat cultivars for bread than in Korean wheat cultivars for noodles and cookies. The proportion of（α＋β）-gliadin measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography（RP-HPLC） increased, but the proportion of ω-and γ-gliadin decreased as the protein content increased. The Korean wheat cultivars for bread showed a high proportion of（α＋β）-gliadin increase, the Korean cultivars for noodles had a high proportion of γ-gliadin decrease and the Korean wheat cultivars for cookies had a high proportion of ω-gliadin decrease. However, there was no variation of the component in the proportion of glutenin component measured by RP-HPLC, even though the protein content was increased, but all of the protein fractions measured by size exclusion（SE）-HPLC were increased. The soluble monomeric protein showed a high proportion of Korean wheat cultivars for bread by the increase of protein content. Bread loaf volume increased by the increase of protein content but there were no variances in the ratio of increase among Korean wheat cultivars. The cookie diameter decreased with the increase of protein content, and this ratio of decrease was the highest in Korean wheat cultivars for cookies. The hardness of cooked noodles also increased by the increase of protein content but there were no variations in springiness and cohesiveness. The decrease proportion of ω-gliadin affected the increase of bread loaf volume, the hardness of cooked noodles, and the decrease of cookie diameter.

End-Use Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Filled Natural Rubber

The effects of incorporating pineapple leaf fibre (PLF) as a filler on the end-end properties of natural rubber vulcanizates were studied at different filler contents and particle sizes. The pineapple leaf fibre was used within filler contents, 0 to 40 phr at the following filler particle sizes, 75, 150 and 300 μm. The PLF was characterized for filler properties while carbon black (N330) served as the reference filler. The natural rubber vulcanizates were compounded on a two-roll mill. Results showed that the abrasion resistance of filled natural rubber vulcanizates was generally higher than that of the unfilled natural rubber vulcanizate at filler content, 5 phr, and for PLF (150 and 300 μm) and carbon black filled natural rubber vulcanizates, the abrasion resistance decreased within filler content, 5 to 20 phr after which it increased with filler content. CB exhibited better abrasion resistance in the vulcanizates than PLF at filler contents greater than 20 phr. The hardness of filled natural rubber vulccanizates was generally greater than that of unfilled vulcanizate and increased with increases in filler particle size at filler contents, 10 and 20 phr. The specific gravity of the rubber vulcanizates increased gradually with the increase in filler content at filler content greater than 5 phr, and increased with increases in filler particle size at any filler content considered. The swelling index of filled natural rubber vulcanizates in toluene generally decreased with increasing filler particle size at filler contents, 5, 10 and 40 phr whereas the swelling index for PLF (150 μm) filled natural rubber decreased with increases in filler content. CB filled vulcanizates absorbed the highest amount of toluene (2.5%) in the vulcanizates at filler content, 40 phr. PLF (150 and 300 μm) generally gave optimum performances in the end-use properties of the rubber vulcanizates determined within filler contents, 30 and 40 phr. The incorporation of pineapple leaf fibre into natural rubber was found to improve the end-use properties of natural rubber vulcanizates and therefore, has potential in the formulation of natural rubber products.

Spatial distribution of Pb and its correlation at different grain positions among wheat varieties for specific end-uses

The relative content of Pb and its correlation were investigated in endosperm, aleurone layer and pericarp respectively among different wheat varieties for specific end-uses (WVFSE) using scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). The results showed that Pb contents in grains at different positions followed the order of endosperm > pericarp > aleurone. The differences of Pb contents varied among the WVFSE, and wheat with strong gluten had a highest average content of Pb, while wheat with medium gluten had a lowest one. There were significant third order equation correlations between Pb content in endosperm and that in aleurone layer and that in pericarp, respectively. And good correlation coefficients were obtained. However, the correlation differed at different position among WVFSE, which indicated that Pb contents in endosperm, aleurone layer and pericarp were regulated by each other.

Effect of high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit Dy10 on wheat dough properties and end-use quality

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits(HMW-GSs) are the most critical grain storage proteins that determine the unique processing qualities of wheat. Although it is a part of the superior HMW-GS pair(Dx5+Dy10), the contribution of the Dy10 subunit to wheat processing quality remains unclear. In this study, we elucidated the effect of Dy10 on wheat processing quality by generating and analyzing a deletion mutant(with the Dy10-null allele), and by elucidating the changes to wheat flour following the incorporation of purified Dy10. The Dy10-null allele was transcribed normally,but the Dy10 subunit was lacking. These findings implied that the Dy10-null allele reduced the glutenin:gliadin ratio and negatively affected dough strength(i.e., Zeleny sedimentation value, gluten index, and dough development and stability times) and the bread-making quality;however, it positively affected the biscuit-making quality. The incorporation of various amounts of purified Dy10 into wheat flour had a detrimental effect on biscuit-making quality. The results of this study demonstrate that the Dy10 subunit is essential for maintaining wheat dough strength. Furthermore, the Dy10-null allele may be exploited by soft wheat breeding programs.

A New Framework for Employing Responsive End-Users Using FAHP and PSO Algorithm

The capacitor bank and synchronous condenser have been the only available sources of reactive power.Nowadays,most of the appliances use a power electronic interface for their connection.Applying a power electronic interface addsmany features to these appliances.One of the promising features is their capability to interact with Volt-VAR programs.In this paper was investigated the reactive power interaction of the end-user appliances.For this purpose,the distribution network buses are ranked based on their effectiveness,followed by studying their interaction in the Volt-VAR program.To be able to consider the uncertainties,Probability Density Function(PDF)curve was discretized to represent different scenarios,and the reduction method was utilized to reduce the situations.

A k-mer-based pangenome approach for cataloging seed-storage-protein genes in wheat to facilitate genotype-to-phenotype prediction and improvement of end-use quality

Wheat is a staple foodfor more than 35%of the world's population,with wheatflourused to make hundreds of baked goods.Superior end-use quality is a major breeding target;however,improving it is especially time-consuming and expensive.Furthermore,genes encoding seed-storage proteins(ssPs)form multigene families and are repetitive,with gaps commonplace in several genome assemblies.To overcome these barriers and efficiently identify superior wheat SSP alleles,we developed"PanSK"(Pan-SSP k-mer)for genotype-to-phenotype prediction based on an SsP-based pangenome resource.PanSK uses 29-mer sequences that represent each ssP gene at the pangenomic level to reveal untapped diversity across landraces and modern cultivars.Genome-wide association studies with k-mers identified 23 Ssp genes associated with end-use quality that represent novel targets for improvement.We evaluated the effect of rye secalin genes on end-use quality and found that removal of w-secalins from 1BL/1RS wheat translocation lines is associated with enhanced end-use quality.Finally,using machine-learning-based prediction inspired by PanSK,we predicted the quality phenotypes with high accuracy from genotypes alone.This study provides an effective approach for genome design based on ssP genes,enabling the breeding of wheat varieties with superior processing capabilities and improved end-use quality.

End-use energy utilization efficiency of Nigerian residential sector

In this paper, the end-use efficiencies of the different energy carriers and the overall energy efficiency in the Nigerian residential sector （NRS） were estimated using energy and exergy analysis. The energy and exergy flows were considered from 2006 to 2011. The overall energy efficiency ranges from 19.15% in 2006 to 20.19% in 2011 with a mean of （19.96±0.23）% while the overall exergy efficiency ranges from 4.34% in 2006 to 4.40% in 2011 with a mean of （4.31±0.059）%. The energy and exergy efficiency margin was 15.58% with a marginal improvement of 0.07% and 0.02%, respectively when compared with previous results. The contribution of the energy carriers to the total energy and exergy inputs were 1.45% and 1.43% for electricity, 1.95% and 3% for fossil fuel and 96.6% and 95.57% for bio-fuel. The result shows that approximately 65% of the residence use wood and biomass for domestic cooking and heating, and only a fraction of the residence have access to electricity. LPG was found to be the most efficient while kerosene, charcoal, wood and other biomass the least in this order. Electricity utilization exergy efficiency is affected by vapor-compression air conditioning application apart from low potential energy applications. In addition, this paper has suggested alternatives in the end-use application and has demonstrated the relevance of exergy analysis in enhancing sustainable energy policies and management and improved integration techniques.

Prediction of End-Use Energy Consumption in a Region of Northwest China

End-use energy consumption can reflect the industrial development of a country and the living standards of its residents. The study of end-use energy consumption can provide a solid basis for industrial restructuring, energy saving, and emission reduction. In this paper, we analyzed the end-use energy consumption of a region in Northwestern China, and applied the Markov prediction method to forecast the future demand of different types of end-use energy. This provides a reference for the energy structure optimization in the Northwestern China.

ACORDE Project:Adaptable Residential Buildings for a New Social Framework

ACORDE project seeks to maximize buildings´flexibility,conceiving a residential building made of legally independent functional units that can be connected to or disconnected from each other with easy,plug-in facilities,in a way that permits to purchase exactly what the user need,as well as allows future changes for buildings to be adapted to the needs of their occupants,the user decides how to best utilize the space by acquiring or separating functional units along the years.For this to be possible,in addition to the legally independent modules concept,a diaphanous and very well organized structure is projected as well as a very solid and efficient envelope to ensure durability and minimal maintenance.The efficient occupancy of space leads to an optimal use of energy.

Enhancing Data Analysis and Automation: Integrating Python with Microsoft Excel for Non-Programmers

Microsoft Excel is essential for the End-User Approach (EUA), offering versatility in data organization, analysis, and visualization, as well as widespread accessibility. It fosters collaboration and informed decision-making across diverse domains. Conversely, Python is indispensable for professional programming due to its versatility, readability, extensive libraries, and robust community support. It enables efficient development, advanced data analysis, data mining, and automation, catering to diverse industries and applications. However, one primary issue when using Microsoft Excel with Python libraries is compatibility and interoperability. While Excel is a widely used tool for data storage and analysis, it may not seamlessly integrate with Python libraries, leading to challenges in reading and writing data, especially in complex or large datasets. Additionally, manipulating Excel files with Python may not always preserve formatting or formulas accurately, potentially affecting data integrity. Moreover, dependency on Excel’s graphical user interface (GUI) for automation can limit scalability and reproducibility compared to Python’s scripting capabilities. This paper covers the integration solution of empowering non-programmers to leverage Python’s capabilities within the familiar Excel environment. This enables users to perform advanced data analysis and automation tasks without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Based on Soliciting feedback from non-programmers who have tested the integration solution, the case study shows how the solution evaluates the ease of implementation, performance, and compatibility of Python with Excel versions.

Enable Excel-Based Basic Cybersecurity Features for End Users by Using Python-Excel Integration

In the digital age, the global character of the Internet has significantly improved our daily lives by providing access to large amounts of knowledge and allowing for seamless connections. However, this enormously interconnected world is not without its risks. Malicious URLs are a powerful menace, masquerading as legitimate links while holding the intent to hack computer systems or steal sensitive personal information. As the sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks increase, identifying bad URLs has emerged as a critical aspect of cybersecurity. This study presents a new approach that enables the average end-user to check URL safety using Microsoft Excel. Using the powerful VirusTotal API for URL inspections, this study creates an Excel add-in that integrates Python and Excel to deliver a seamless, user-friendly interface. Furthermore, the study improves Excel’s capabilities by allowing users to encrypt and decrypt text communications directly in the spreadsheet. Users may easily encrypt their conversations by simply typing a key and the required text into predefined cells, enhancing their personal cybersecurity with a layer of cryptographic secrecy. This strategy democratizes access to advanced cybersecurity solutions, making attentive digital integrity a feature rather than a daunting burden.

Thinking Fast and Slow in Computer Problem Solving

Research in spreadsheet management proved that the overuse of slow thinking, rather than fast thinking, is the primary source of erroneous end-user computing. However, we found that the reality is not that simple. To view end-user computing in its full complexity, we launched a project to investigate end-user education, training, support, activities, and computer problem solving. In this project we also set up the base and mathability-extended typology of computer problem solving approaches, where quantitative values are assigned to the different problem solving methods and activities. In this paper we present the results of our analyses of teaching materials collected in different languages from all over the world and our findings considering the different problem solving approaches, set in the frame of different thinking modes, the characteristics of expert teachers, and the meaning system model of teaching approaches. Based on our research, we argue that the proportions of fast and slow thinking and most importantly their manifestation are responsible for erroneous end-user activities. Applying the five-point mathability scale of computer problem solving, we recognized slow thinking activities on both tails and one fast thinking approach between them. The low mathability slow thinking activities, where surface navigation and language details are focused on, are widely accepted in end-user computing. The high mathability slow thinking problem solving activities, where the utilization of concept based approaches and schema construction take place, is hardly detectable in end-user activities. Instead of building up knowledge which requires slow thinking and then using the tools with fast thinking, end-users use up their slow thinking in aimless wandering in huge programs, making wrong decisions based on their untrained, clueless intuition, and distributing erroneous end-user documents. We also found that the dominance of low mathability slow thinking activities has its roots in the education system and through this we point out that we are in great need of expert teachers and institutions and their widely accepted approaches and methods.

VIComprehensive quality solutions for nonwovens

The market for nonwoven products is forecast to continue its growth trend,through both rising world population and the development of innovative products.EDANA(the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association)also sees per capita consumption almost doubling to 1.62 kg in 2020,compared to 0.96 kg in 2009.Demand is especially strong in hygiene,personal care and medical applications– but these end-uses are among the most challenging for producers,with rigorous quality standards typically specifying zero tolerance for defects larger than 1 mm.So,manufacturers aiming to capitalize on this attractive business potential will need to adopt prudent strategies for the removal of contamination and assuring the quality levels their customers require.This is the background to USTER’s expansion of its technology range,with reliable control of contamination before the raw material reaches the fabricmaking processes– and now with the ultimate safeguard of automated checking of the finished fabric at the final inspection stage.This is a comprehensive quality solution,ideal for spunlacing– the process most widely used for medical and hygiene products– but also effective for many other nonwovens manufacturing routes.

Insights from Stakeholders of Five Residential Smart Grid Pilot Projects in the Netherlands

This paper presents insights and perceptions of stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of residential smart grid pilot projects in the Netherlands, adding to the limited information that is currently available in this area, while expectations about the potential benefits of smart grids are high. The main research questions of this study are: (1) How have some typical residential smart grid pilots in the Netherlands been set up? (2) Which stakeholders are involved in these pilots in the year 2014? (3) What are their views and perceptions with regards to the development and performance of residential smart grids? and (4) What do these stakeholders think about the products and services that may support an active participation of end-users in a smart energy home? To obtain information, we evaluated five residential smart grid pilot projects where smart energy products and services have been implemented. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine stakeholders involved in these projects. The Strategic Niche management framework was used to identify the present state of development and implementation of smart grid pilots. Our study shows that in the Netherlands residential smart grid pilots have been set-up and funded mainly by the government and grid operators. Other stakeholders involved include energy suppliers, end-users (as an energy cooperative or individual household), product and service suppliers, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies, and knowledge institutes. Currently a technology-push approach exists which barely includes an integrated approach towards smart grids products and services development. To the opinion of the interviewed stakeholders, current products and services offered in residential smart grid pilots are functionally attractive, but often too technically complex for the understanding of end-users. Hence, the general view held by respondents is that end-users should be the starting point in the development of smart grid products and services at the residential areas.

Spreadsheet quality assurance:a literature review

Spreadsheets are very common for information processing to support decision making by both professional developers and non-technical end users.Moreover,business intelligence and artificial intelligence are increasingly popular in the industry nowadays,where spreadsheets have been used as,or integrated into,intelligent or expert systems in various application domains.However,it has been repeatedly reported that faults often exist in operational spreadsheets,which could severely compromise the quality of conclusions and decisions based on the spreadsheets.With a view to systematically examining this problem via survey of existing work,we have conducted a comprehensive literature review on the quality issues and related techniques of spreadsheets over a 35.5-year period(from January 1987 to June 2022)for target journals and a 10.5-year period(from January 2012 to June 2022)for target conferences.Among other findings,two major ones are:(a)Spreadsheet quality is best addressed throughout the whole spreadsheet life cycle,rather than just focusing on a few specific stages of the life cycle.(b)Relatively more studies focus on spreadsheet testing and debugging(related to fault detection and removal)when compared with spreadsheet specification,modeling,and design(related to development).As prevention is better than cure,more research should be performed on the early stages of the spreadsheet life cycle.Enlightened by our comprehensive review,we have identified the major research gaps as well as highlighted key research directions for future work in the area.

Energy internet or comprehensive energy network?

What needs to be developed from the concept of"Smart Grid"is that:when renewable energy sources are absolutely prevailing in power generation,distributed power generation and distributed energy storage systems are widespread across the grid,and electric vehicle charging loads are prevailing in power load demands,how can the power grid support electric power as a core secondary energy source,undertake the role of a bridge between primary energy and end-use energy,and achieve the coordination and the optimization in macro energy perspective;how to guarantee the security of both macro energy and environment as well as the reliability of electricity.If a new term is needed,it should be Comprehensive Energy Network,not Energy Internet.

Shaping polyploid wheat for success:Origins,domestication,and the genetic improvement of agronomic traits

Bread wheat(Triticum aestivum L.,AABBDD,2 n=6 x=42),which accounts for most of the cultivated wheat crop worldwide,is a typical allohexaploid with a genome derived from three diploid wild ancestors.Bread wheat arose and evolved via two sequential allopolyploidization events and was further polished through multiple steps of domestication.Today,cultivated allohexaploid bread wheat has numerous advantageous traits,including adaptive plasticity,favorable yield traits,and extended end-use quality,which have enabled its cultivation well beyond the ranges of its tetraploid and diploid progenitors to become a global staple food crop.In the past decade,rapid advances in wheat genomic research have considerably accelerated our understanding of the bases for the shaping of complex agronomic traits in this polyploid crop.Here,we summarize recent advances in characterizing major genetic factors underlying the origin,evolution,and improvement of polyploid wheats.We end with a brief discussion of the future prospects for the design of gene cloning strategies and modern wheat breeding.

Modified Usability Framework for Disaster Apps:A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of User Reviews

The public has access to a range of mobile applications(apps)for disasters.However,there has been limited academic research conducted on disaster apps and how the public perceives their usability.This study explores end-users'perceptions of the usability of disaster apps.It proposes a conceptual framework based on insights gathered from thematically analyzing online reviews.The study identifies new usability concerns particular to disaster apps'use:(1)content relevance depends on the app's purpose and the proximate significance of the information to the hazard event's time and location;(2)app dependability affects users'perceptions of usability due to the lifesafety association of disaster apps;(3)users perceive advertisements to contribute to their cognitive load;(4)users expect apps to work efficiently without unnecessary consumption of critical phone resources;(5)appropriate audio interface can improve usability,as sounds can boost an app's alerting aspect;and,finally(6)in-app browsing may potentially enhance users'impression of the structure of a disaster app.As a result,this study argues for focussed research and development on public-facing disaster apps.Future research should consider the conceptual framework and concerns presented in this study when building design guidelines and theories for disaster apps.