Visual Programming of Stochastic Weather Generator and Future Applications on Agroecological Study

Based on former studies on weather simulator modules in IPMist laboratory, study on visual programming of stochastic weather generator(VS-WGEN)was continued. In this study, Markov Chain, Monte Carlo, Fourier Series, and weak stationary process were used to generate the daily weather data in software Matlab 6. 0, with the data input from 40 years' weather data recorded by Beijing Weather Station. The generated data includes daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation and solar radiation. It has been verified that the weather data generated by the VS-WGEN were more accurate than that by the old WGEN, when twenty new model parameters were included. VS-WGEN has wide software applications, such as pest risk analysis, pest forecast and management. It can be implemented in hardware development as well, such as weather control in weather chamber and greenhouse for researches on ecological adaptation of crop varieties to a given location over time and space. Overall, VS-WGEN is a very useful tool for studies on theoretical and applied ecology.

Spatial Data Process Using Python Script and Visual Programming Language in ArcGIS

Data are limitless. But those are usually not formed or created in our needs. Most of data providers deliver their data in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, which is compatible with ArcGIS, the most widely used GIS （Geographic Information System） software in GIS sector. However, those table data contain much unnecessary information that do not need for a certain project. Using the raw data can increase processing times and reduce performance of geoprocessing tools. This study shows steps of how the raw data are being processed using ArcGIS ModelBuilder and Python script.

Design and Implementation of a Programming Learning Support System Using the Concepts of Physical Visualization and Serious Gaming

The purpose of this research is the design and implementation of a support system for learning programming. To archive this purpose, in this article, we propose a Puzzle Programming System that uses jigsaw puzzles as an example of the application of physical visualization, which visualizes logical constraints to physical ones. This Puzzle Programming System aims to teach basic programming concepts by presenting the invisible constraints of programming language syntax using the visual constraints of jigsaw puzzle pieces. This system runs on an Apple iPad and was developed using the Unity game engine. We used YAML as a data format for serializing structured data for data management. By inviting high school students to try out a prototype, we could confirm the usefulness of the Puzzle Programming System. The experimental evaluation results also shed light on aspects of the game that need to be redesigned and parts where the visual programming model needs to be modified and expanded.

VISUAL PROGRAMMING FOR BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING:ENERGY AND SHADING ANALYSIS CASE STUDIES

INTRODUCTION Although visual programming is being broadly implemented in other disciplines,it has only relatively recently become an important supplement to three-dimensional modeling programs in the architecture,engineering,and construction industry.Currently,Grasshopper in conjunction with Rhino is a leading example of a visual programming environment that is strongly supported by a user community that is developing additional functionality,but Grasshopper does not yet work directly with building information modeling(BIM)software.Dynamo is relatively new,but shows considerable promise in becoming a constructive tool to complement BIM,3D modeling,and analysis programs because it includes parametric geom-etries and works with Revit,a leading BIM software program.Three case studies are described:extensibility of Dynamo through the use of a building energy simu-lation package,controlling a virtual model’s response through light level sensors,and interactively updating shading components for a building facade based on solar angles.They demonstrate that one can work directly within building information models(BIM)using a visual programming language through updating component parameters.These case studies demonstrate the feasibility of a workflow for sustain-able design simulations that is different than that more commonly used--having a separation between design and analysis models and using a neutral file format exchange such as IFC or gbXML to transfer data.As visual programming languages are still a bit uncommon in the building industry,a short background is provided to place them within the tool set of other customizable tools that designers have been developing.

Image segmentation of small defects in precision weldments with complex structure

In this paper, the X-ray nondestructive test method of small defects in precision weldments with complex structure was presented. To resolve the difficulty of defect segmentation in variable grey image, the image processing based on Visual Basic programming method was adopted. The methods of automatic contrast and partial grey stretch were used to enhance the X-ray detection image which has relatively low contrast, then automatic threshold method was carried out to segment the two high intensity zones, and weld zones which contain the small defects was extracted. Smoothing and sharpen processing were proceeded on the extracted weld zones, and small defects in X-ray detection image of weldments with complex structure were segmented by using the method of background subtraction in the end. The effects of raster were eliminated, and because of that the image processing was only proceeded on the extracted weld zones, the calculated speed using the above provided algorithm was improved.

Settlement modeling in central core rockfill dams by new approaches

One of the most important reasons for the serious damage of embankment dams is their impermissible settlement.Therefore,it can be stated that the prediction of settlement of a dam is of paramount importance.This study aims to apply intelligent methods to predict settlement after constructing central core rockfill dams.Attempts were made in this research to prepare models for predicting settlement of these dams using the information of 35 different central core rockfill dams all over the world and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interface System(ANFIS) and Gene Expression Programming(GEP) methods.Parameters such as height of dam(H) and compressibility index(Ci) were considered as the input parameters.Finally,a form was designed using visual basic software for predicting dam settlement.With respect to the accuracy of the results obtained from the intelligent methods,they can be recommended for predicting settlement after constructing central core rockfill dams for the future plans.

BEAP： An End-User Agile Programming Paradigm for Business Applications

Business applications are subject to changes with technology trends or market demands. However, quick response to these changes is still a challenging issue. Most of the existing architectures （e.g., CORBA, Web Services） still expose the developers to excessive low-level details and force a tight coupling between program modules. For end users, developing, customizing, and reengineering applications remain difficult and time-consuming tasks. A high-level programming model is presented, together with a descriptive programming paradigm called BEAP, to facilitate end-user programming. In this approach, applications could be visually composed from well-defined software components called ＂funnels＂ in an event-driven fashion. Application examples have shown that, by raising the level of abstraction as well as simplifying the programming model, BEAP could empower end users to build business applications on demand with improved productivity.

aflak:Visual programming environment enabling end-to-end provenance management for the analysis of astronomical datasets

This paper describes an extendable graphical framework,aflak,which provides a visualization and provenance management environment for the analysis of multi-spectral astronomical datasets.Via its node editor interface,aflak allows the astronomer to compose transforms on input datasets queryable from public astronomical data repositories,then to export the results of the analysis as Flexible Image Transport System(FITS)files,in a manner such that the full provenance of the output data be preserved and reviewable,and that the exported file be usable by other common astronomical analysis software.FITS is the standard of data interchange in astronomy.By embedding aflak’s provenance data into FITS files,we both achieve interoperability with existing software and full reproducibility of the process by which astronomers make discoveries.

Asyncflow: A visual programming tool for game artificial intelligence

Visual programming tools are widely applied in the game industry to assist game designers in developing game artificial intelligence(game AI)and gameplay.However,testing multiple game engines is a time-consuming operation,which degrades development efficiency.To provide an asynchronous platform for game designers,this paper introduces Asyncflow,an open-source visual programming solution.It consists of a flowchart maker for game logic explanation and a runtime framework integrating an asynchronous mechanism based on an event-driven architecture.Asyncflow supports multiple programming languages and can be easily embedded in various game engines to run flowcharts created by game designers.©2021 The Authors.

TEACHING VISUAL SCRIPTING IN BIM:A CASE STUDY USING A PANEL CONTROLLED BY SOLAR ANGLES

Programming and scripting can be used to activate a 3D parametric model to create a more intelligent and flexible building information model. There has been a trend in the building industry towards the use of visual scripting that allow users to create customized, flexible, and powerful programs without having to first learn how to write traditional code. Using visual scripting, users graphically interact with program elements instead of typing lines of text-based code. Nodes are created and virtually wired together;they can be numbers, sliders for adjusting values, operators and functions, list manipulation tools, graphic creators, and other types. Text based coding programs such as Python can also be used for the creation of custom nodes when greater flexibility is desired. Examples from professional firms include scripts that help automate work in the office to increase efficiency and accuracy (e.g. create escape routes, renumber rooms by levels, create documentation), assist in form generation (e.g. parametric design of metal panels, rebar generation, coordination between Revit and Rhino), analyze BIM files (e.g. terminal airflow, visual loads and capacity), and provide analysis results (e.g. daylighting, thermal comfort, window optimization). One can learn the basic steps of learning a visual programming language through the use of Dynamo within Autodesk Revit. The example used is for a façade component that changes based on the sun’s altitude.

GREEN BUILDING AND BIODIVERSITY: FACILITATING BIRD FRIENDLY DESIGN WITH BUILDING INFORMATION MODELS

Green buildings should respect nature and endeavor to mitigate harmful effects to the environment and occupants.This is often interpreted as creating sustain-able sites,consuming less energy and water,reusing materials,and providing excel-lent indoor environmental quality.Environmentally friendly buildings should also consider literally the impact that they have on birds,millions of them.A major factor in bird collisions with buildings is the choice of building materials.These choices are usually made by the architect who may not be aware of the issue or may be looking for guidance from certification programs such as LEED.As a proof of concept for an educational tool,we developed a software-assisted approach to characterize whether a proposed building design would earn a point for the LEED Pilot Credit 55:Avoiding Bird Collisions.Using the visual programming language Dynamo with the common building information modeling software Revit,we automated the assessment of designs.The approach depends on parameters that incorporate assessments of bird threat for façade materials,analyzes building geom-etry relative to materials,and processes user input on building operation to produce the assessment.

An Immersive Virtual Reality System for Rodents in Behavioral and Neural Research

Context cognition involves abstractly deriving meaning from situational information in the world and is an important psychological function of higher cognition. However, due to the complexity of contextual information processing, along with the lack of relevant technical tools, little remains known about the neural mechanisms and behavioral regulation of context cognition. At present, behavioral training with rodents using virtual reality techniques is considered a potential key for uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms of context cognition. Although virtual reality technology has been preliminarily applied in the study of context cognition in recent years, there remains a lack of virtual scenario integration of multi-sensory information, along with a need for convenient experimental design platforms for researchers who have little programming experience. Therefore, in order to solve problems related to the authenticity, immersion, interaction, and flexibility of rodent virtual reality systems, an immersive virtual reality system based on visual programming was constructed in this study. The system had the ability to flexibly modulate rodent interactive 3 D dynamic experimental environments. The system included a central control unit, virtual perception unit, virtual motion unit, virtual vision unit, and video recording unit. The neural circuit mechanisms in various environments could be effectively studied by combining two-photon imaging and other neural activity recording methods. In addition, to verify the proposed system′s performance, licking experiments were conducted with experimental mice. The results demonstrated that the system could provide a new method and tool for analyzing the neural circuits of the higher cognitive functions in rodents.

A Prototypical 3D Graphical Visualizer for Object-Oriented Systems

This paper describes a framework for visualizing object-oriented systems within a 3D interactive environment. The 3D visualizer represents the structure of a program as Cylinder Net that simultaneously specifies two relationships between objects within 3D virtual space. Additionally it represents additional relationships on demand when objects are moved into local focus. The 3D visualizer is implemented using a 3D graphics toolkit, TOAST, that implements 3D widgets and 3D graphics to ease the programming task for 3D visualization.