Innovation, Communication and Engineering

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The International Conference on Innovation, Communication and Engineering 2023 (ICICE 2023) will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 09–13, 2023, and the 10th International Conference on Applied System Innovation 2024 (ICASI 2024) will be held in Kyoto, Japan, on April 18–22, 2024. These conferences will provide a unified communication platform for a wide range of topics. The topic “Innovation, Communication and Engineering” is will not only collate excellent papers presented at ICICE 2023 and ICASI 2024, but will also welcome other submissions related to novel materials, electronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, biomedical engineering, sustainability science, and design innovations. We welcome studies from both academic and practical engineering fields that involve systematic technological materialization through scientific principles and engineering designs. Technological innovation via electrical/mechanical engineering includes IT-based intelligent mechanical systems, mechanics and design innovations, and applied materials in nanosciences and nanotechnology. These new technologies, which will act to implant intelligence in machine systems, are an interdisciplinary area combining conventional mechanical technology and new information technology. The main goal of this topic is to discover new scientific knowledge relevant to IT-based intelligent mechanical systems, mechanics and design innovations, and applied materials in nanosciences and nanotechnology. We invite investigators interested in applied system innovation to contribute original research articles to this topic. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Intelligent electronic/electrical engineering, including novel materials, device fabrication, IC design, and related applications;
• Intelligent mechanical manufacturing systems;
• Mathematical problems on mechanical system designs;
• Smart electromechanical system analysis and designs;
• Applied materials in nanosciences and nanotechnology;
• Optical system design and optoelectronic engineering;
• Sustainability, green technology, and biomedical technology;
• Computer-aided methods for electrical/mechanical design procedures and manufacturing;
• Artificial intelligence, computers, virtual reality, entertainment, and human–machine interactions;
• Internet technology’s impact on mechanical system innovation and the IOT;
• Machine diagnostics and reliability;
• Information systems, computer networking, and the Internet;
• Education and awareness of sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Sheng-Joue Young
Prof. Dr. Shoou-Jinn Chang
Prof. Dr. Liang-Wen Ji
Dr. Stephen D. Prior
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	17.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Computers computers	2.6	5.4	2012	17.2 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Electronics electronics	2.6	5.3	2012	16.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Micromachines micromachines	3.0	5.2	2010	17.7 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sensors sensors	3.4	7.3	2001	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (21 papers)

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21 pages, 5026 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Open-Source Telemedicine Platform Based on WebSockets for Management of Biosignals

by Leonardo Juan Ramirez Lopez, Norman Eduardo Jaimes Salazar and Juan Sabastian Orozco Duran

Electronics 2024, 13(22), 4365; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13224365 - 7 Nov 2024

Viewed by 431

Abstract

The main objective of this project was to develop a remote monitoring solution using an open-source platform, the e-health platform V2.0, which served as the foundation for this solution due to its capability to integrate various tools and technologies. The project involved measurements [...] Read more.

The main objective of this project was to develop a remote monitoring solution using an open-source platform, the e-health platform V2.0, which served as the foundation for this solution due to its capability to integrate various tools and technologies. The project involved measurements from six sensors including “temperature, electrocardiogram, airflow, beats per minute, blood oxygen saturation”, and focused on finding a method to implement these communications. WebSockets were identified as a suitable solution, facilitating the task of interconnection. Leveraging backend frameworks like Express and frontend frameworks like React allowed for a seamless integration of different components within the project. The integration of these frameworks enhanced project development efficiency and enabled an easy implementation of new functionalities. By utilizing the e-health platform V2.0 and leveraging WebSocket along with backend and frontend frameworks, this project successfully developed a remote monitoring solution for the seamless management of biosignals. The solution’s flexibility and scalability provide a solid foundation for further advancements and the integration of additional features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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17 pages, 3387 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

FedDB: A Federated Learning Approach Using DBSCAN for DDoS Attack Detection

by Yi-Chen Lee, Wei-Che Chien and Yao-Chung Chang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10236; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210236 - 7 Nov 2024

Viewed by 581

Abstract

The rise of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on the internet has necessitated the development of robust and efficient detection mechanisms. DDoS attacks continue to present a significant threat, making it imperative to find efficient ways to detect and prevent these attacks [...] Read more.

The rise of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on the internet has necessitated the development of robust and efficient detection mechanisms. DDoS attacks continue to present a significant threat, making it imperative to find efficient ways to detect and prevent these attacks promptly. Traditional machine learning approaches raise privacy concerns when handling sensitive data. In response, federated learning has emerged as a promising paradigm, allowing model training across decentralized devices without centralizing data. However, challenges such as the non-IID (Non-Independent and Identically Distributed) problem persist due to data distribution imbalances among devices. In this research, we propose personalized federated learning (PFL) as a solution for detecting DDoS attacks. PFL preserves data privacy by keeping sensitive information localized on individual devices during model training, thus addressing privacy concerns that are inherent in traditional approaches. In this paper, we propose federated learning with DBSCAN clustering (FedDB). By combining personalized training with model aggregation, our approach effectively mitigates the common challenge of non-IID data in federated learning setups. The integration of DBSCAN clustering further enhances our method by effectively handling data distribution imbalances and improving the overall detection accuracy. Results indicate that our proposed model improves performance, achieving relatively consistent accuracy across all clients, demonstrating that our method effectively overcomes the non-IID problem. Evaluation of our approach utilizes the CICDDOS2019 dataset. Through comprehensive experimentation, we demonstrate the efficacy of personalized federated learning in enhancing detection accuracy while safeguarding data privacy and mitigating non-IID concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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20 pages, 2385 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Age-Related Influence on Static and Dynamic Balance Abilities: An Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Evaluation

by Tzu-Tung Lin, Lin-Yen Cheng, Chien-Cheng Chen, Wei-Ren Pan, Yin-Keat Tan, Szu-Fu Chen and Fu-Cheng Wang

Sensors 2024, 24(21), 7078; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24217078 - 3 Nov 2024

Viewed by 641

Abstract

Balance control, a complex sensorimotor skill, declines with age. Assessing balance is crucial for identifying fall risk and implementing interventions in the older population. This study aimed to measure age-dependent changes in static and dynamic balance using inertial measurement units in a clinical [...] Read more.

Balance control, a complex sensorimotor skill, declines with age. Assessing balance is crucial for identifying fall risk and implementing interventions in the older population. This study aimed to measure age-dependent changes in static and dynamic balance using inertial measurement units in a clinical setting. This study included 82 healthy participants aged 20–85 years. For the dynamic balance test, participants stood on a horizontally swaying balance board. For the static balance test, they stood on one leg. Inertial measurement units attached to their bodies recorded kinematic data, with average absolute angular velocities assessing balance capabilities. In the dynamic test, the younger participants had smaller average absolute angular velocities in most body parts than those of the middle-aged and older groups, with no significant differences between the middle-aged and older groups. Conversely, in the single-leg stance tests, the young and middle-aged groups outperformed the older group, with no significant differences between the young and middle-aged groups. Thus, dynamic and static balance decline at different stages with age. These results highlight the complementary role of inertial measurement unit-based evaluation in understanding the effect of age on postural control mechanisms, offering valuable insights for tailoring rehabilitation protocols in clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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18 pages, 1593 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Privacy-Preserving Handover Optimization Using Federated Learning and LSTM Networks

by Wei-Che Chien, Yu Huang, Bo-Yu Chang and Wu-Yuin Hwang

Sensors 2024, 24(20), 6685; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24206685 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 661

Abstract

The rapid evolution of wireless communication systems necessitates advanced handover mechanisms for seamless connectivity and optimal network performance. Traditional algorithms, like 3GPP Event A3, often struggle with fluctuating signal strengths and dynamic user mobility, leading to frequent handovers and suboptimal resource utilization. This [...] Read more.

The rapid evolution of wireless communication systems necessitates advanced handover mechanisms for seamless connectivity and optimal network performance. Traditional algorithms, like 3GPP Event A3, often struggle with fluctuating signal strengths and dynamic user mobility, leading to frequent handovers and suboptimal resource utilization. This study proposes a novel approach combining Federated Learning (FL) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to predict Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and the strongest nearby Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) signals. Our method leverages FL to ensure data privacy and LSTM to capture temporal dependencies in signal data, enhancing prediction accuracy. We develop a dynamic handover algorithm that adapts to real-time conditions, adjusting thresholds based on predicted signal strengths and historical performance. Extensive experiments with real-world data show our dynamic algorithm significantly outperforms the 3GPP Event A3 algorithm, achieving higher prediction accuracy, reducing unnecessary handovers, and improving overall network performance. In conclusion, this study introduces a data-driven, privacy-preserving approach that leverages advanced machine learning techniques, providing a more efficient and reliable handover mechanism for future wireless networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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15 pages, 5533 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Crowded Object Counting System with Self-Attention Mechanism

by Cheng-Chang Lien and Pei-Chen Wu

Sensors 2024, 24(20), 6612; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24206612 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1462

Abstract

Traditional object counting systems use object detection methods to count objects. However, when objects are small, crowded, and dense, object detection may fail, leading to inaccuracies in counting. To address this issue, we propose a crowded object counting system based on density map [...] Read more.

Traditional object counting systems use object detection methods to count objects. However, when objects are small, crowded, and dense, object detection may fail, leading to inaccuracies in counting. To address this issue, we propose a crowded object counting system based on density map estimation. While most density map estimation models employ encoder–decoder or multi-branch approaches to generate feature maps at different scales for obtaining an accurate density map, improving the accuracy of crowded object counting remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose a novel model that can generate more accurate density maps, utilizing the context-aware network as the primary structure and integrating the self-attention mechanism. There are three main contributions in this paper. Firstly, the self-attention mechanism is employed to improve the accuracy of density map estimation. Secondly, the missing vehicle labels in the TRANCOS database are relabeled, ensuring that the ground truth data are more complete than the original TRANCOS database, thus enabling the proposed novel model to have higher crowded object counting accuracy. Thirdly, the parameters of the self-attention mechanism are analyzed to obtain the optimum parameter combination. The experimental results demonstrate that the accuracy of crowded object counting can reach 85.9%, 90.0%, 83.4%, and 92.6% for the TRANCOS, relabeled TRANCOS, ShanghaiTech Part A, and Part B datasets, respectively. Furthermore, the ablation study for the context-aware network with self-attention mechanism analyzes the optimum parameter combination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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15 pages, 2692 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Fuzzy Logic Control with Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network for Hydrogen Production Thermal Control System

by Hsing-Cheng Yu, Qing-An Wang and Szu-Ju Li

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8899; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198899 - 2 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1008

Abstract

In the development of decarbonization technologies and renewable energy, water electrolysis has emerged as a key technology. The efficiency of hydrogen production and its applications are significantly affected by power stability. Enhancing power stability not only improves hydrogen production efficiency and reduces maintenance [...] Read more.

In the development of decarbonization technologies and renewable energy, water electrolysis has emerged as a key technology. The efficiency of hydrogen production and its applications are significantly affected by power stability. Enhancing power stability not only improves hydrogen production efficiency and reduces maintenance costs but also ensures long-term reliable system operation. This study proposes a thermal control method that stabilizes hydrogen output by precisely adjusting the temperature of the electrolysis stack, thereby improving hydrogen production efficiency. Fluctuations in the electrolysis stack temperature can lead to instability in the hydrogen output and energy utilization, negatively affecting overall hydrogen production. To address this issue, this study introduces an innovative system architecture and a novel thermal control strategy combining fuzzy logic control with a long short-term memory neural network. This method predicts and adjusts the flow rate of chilled water to maintain the electrolysis stack temperature within a range of ±1 °C while sustaining a constant power output of 10 kW. This approach is crucial for ensuring system stability and maximizing hydrogen production efficiency. Long-term experiments have validated the effectiveness and reliability of this method, demonstrating that this thermal control strategy not only stabilizes the hydrogen production process but also increases the volume of hydrogen generated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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14 pages, 1576 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Language Model-Based Text Augmentation System for Cerebrovascular Disease Related Medical Report

by Yu-Hyeon Kim, Chulho Kim and Yu-Seop Kim

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8652; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198652 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 563

Abstract

Texts in medical fields containing sensitive information pose challenges for AI research usability. However, there is increasing interest in generating synthetic text to make medical text data bigger for text-based medical AI research. Therefore, this paper suggests a text augmentation system for cerebrovascular [...] Read more.

Texts in medical fields containing sensitive information pose challenges for AI research usability. However, there is increasing interest in generating synthetic text to make medical text data bigger for text-based medical AI research. Therefore, this paper suggests a text augmentation system for cerebrovascular diseases, using a synthetic text generation model based on DistilGPT2 and a classification model based on BioBERT. The synthetic text generation model generates synthetic text using randomly extracted reports (5000, 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000) from 73,671 reports. The classification model is fine-tuned with the entire report to annotate synthetic text and build a new dataset. Subsequently, we fine-tuned a classification model by incrementally increasing the amount of augmented data added to each original dataset. Experimental results show that fine-tuning by adding augmented data improves model performance by up to 20%. Furthermore, we found that generating a large amount of synthetic text is not necessarily required to achieve better performance, and the appropriate amount of data augmentation depends on the size of the original data. Therefore, our proposed method reduces the time and resources needed for dataset construction, automating the annotation task and generating meaningful synthetic text for medical AI research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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14 pages, 2500 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Spatial Layout of Newly Built Townhouses in Kaohsiung City

by Cheng-Chi Tseng, Long-Sheng Huang and Chung-Fah Huang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8547; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188547 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Due to their independent structure, piping, and access, townhouses offer great flexibility in floor plan changes and high spatial autonomy, making them the mainstream housing type in Taiwan. This study focuses on row houses and examines 2022 completion cases in Kaohsiung City. It [...] Read more.

Due to their independent structure, piping, and access, townhouses offer great flexibility in floor plan changes and high spatial autonomy, making them the mainstream housing type in Taiwan. This study focuses on row houses and examines 2022 completion cases in Kaohsiung City. It collects floor plans from 14 newly constructed buildings, totaling 227 units, and analyzes spatial dimensions including the facade width, depth, habitable room, staircases, bathrooms, and total floor area for each case. The objective of this study is to examine the spatial layout of row houses in Kaohsiung City, with the aim of providing a reference for the future planning and design of such structures. The study results showed that 81.8% of the row houses analyzed have a total floor area per unit ranging from 136 to 192 m², a facade width between 4.1 and 6.38 m, and a building depth from 7.67 to 12.68 m. In addition, they showed a low negative correlation between the facade width and total floor area, a high positive correlation between the building depth and total floor area, and a moderate negative correlation between the facade width and building depth. The spatial distribution within these houses includes 78% allocated to habitable room, 13.1% to staircases, and 8.7% to bathrooms. The total area of habitable rooms and bathrooms increases with the total floor area of the building. However, the total area of staircases remains almost constant as the area of habitable rooms increases. Furthermore, the most common location for staircase planning is the rear-right (RB) position, while the least common is the rear-left (LB) position. Among various staircase types, the C-shaped staircase has the largest average area per floor and the highest average proportion. Conversely, the I-shaped staircase has the smallest average area and the lowest average proportion. The U-shaped staircase is the most frequently planned, whereas the C-shaped staircase is the least frequently used. This means that planning of staircase location and type significantly affects the size and layout of habitable rooms and bathrooms in townhouses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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17 pages, 59483 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Augmented Reality- and Geographic Information System-Based Inspection of Brick Details in Heritage Warehouses

by Naai-Jung Shih and Yu-Chen Wu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8316; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188316 - 15 Sep 2024

Viewed by 612

Abstract

Brick warehouses represent interdisciplinary heritage sites developed by social, cultural, and economic impacts. This study aimed to connect warehouse details and GIS maps in augmented reality (AR) based on the former Camphor Refinery Workshop Warehouse. AR was applied as an innovation interface to [...] Read more.

Brick warehouses represent interdisciplinary heritage sites developed by social, cultural, and economic impacts. This study aimed to connect warehouse details and GIS maps in augmented reality (AR) based on the former Camphor Refinery Workshop Warehouse. AR was applied as an innovation interface to communicate the differences between construction details, providing a feasible on-site solution for articulating historical brick engineering technology. A complex warehouse cluster was georeferenced by the AR models of brick details. The map was assisted by a smartphone-based comparison of the details of adjacent warehouses. Sixty AR models of warehouse details exemplified the active and sustainable preservation of the historical artifacts. The side-by-side allocation of warehouse details in AR facilitated cross-comparisons of construction differences. We found that a second reconstructed result integrated AR and reality in a novel manner based on the use of a smartphone AR. GIS and AR facilitated a management effort using webpages and cloud access from a remote site. The vocabulary of building details can be enriched and better presented in AR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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15 pages, 2504 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on Identification of Critical Quality Features of Machining Processes Based on Complex Networks and Entropy-CRITIC Methods

by Dongyue Qu, Wenchao Liang, Yuting Zhang, Chaoyun Gu, Guangyu Zhou and Yong Zhan

Computers 2024, 13(9), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13090216 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 680

Abstract

Aiming at the difficulty in effectively identifying critical quality features in the complex machining process, this paper proposes a critical quality feature recognition method based on a machining process network. Firstly, the machining process network model is constructed based on the complex network [...] Read more.

Aiming at the difficulty in effectively identifying critical quality features in the complex machining process, this paper proposes a critical quality feature recognition method based on a machining process network. Firstly, the machining process network model is constructed based on the complex network theory. The LeaderRank algorithm is used to identify the critical processes in the machining process. Secondly, the Entropy-CRITIC method is used to calculate the weight of the quality features of the critical processes, and the critical quality features of the critical processes are determined according to weight ranking results. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method are verified by taking the medium-speed marine diesel engine coupling rod machining as an example. The results show that the method can still effectively identify the critical quality features in the case of small sample data and provide support for machining process optimization and quality control, thus improving product consistency, reliability, and machining efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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22 pages, 5745 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

GenAI-Assisted Database Deployment for Heterogeneous Indigenous–Native Ethnographic Research Data

by Reen-Cheng Wang, David Yang, Ming-Che Hsieh, Yi-Cheng Chen and Weihsuan Lin

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7414; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167414 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 751

Abstract

In ethnographic research, data collected through surveys, interviews, or questionnaires in the fields of sociology and anthropology often appear in diverse forms and languages. Building a powerful database system to store and process such data, as well as making good and efficient queries, [...] Read more.

In ethnographic research, data collected through surveys, interviews, or questionnaires in the fields of sociology and anthropology often appear in diverse forms and languages. Building a powerful database system to store and process such data, as well as making good and efficient queries, is very challenging. This paper extensively investigates modern database technology to find out what the best technologies to store these varied and heterogeneous datasets are. The study examines several database categories: traditional relational databases, the NoSQL family of key-value databases, graph databases, document databases, object-oriented databases and vector databases, crucial for the latest artificial intelligence solutions. The research proves that when it comes to field data, the NoSQL lineup is the most appropriate, especially document and graph databases. Simplicity and flexibility found in document databases and advanced ability to deal with complex queries and rich data relationships attainable with graph databases make these two types of NoSQL databases the ideal choice if a large amount of data has to be processed. Advancements in vector databases that embed custom metadata offer new possibilities for detailed analysis and retrieval. However, converting contents into vector data remains challenging, especially in regions with unique oral traditions and languages. Constructing such databases is labor-intensive and requires domain experts to define metadata and relationships, posing a significant burden for research teams with extensive data collections. To this end, this paper proposes using Generative AI (GenAI) to help in the data-transformation process, a recommendation that is supported by testing where GenAI has proven itself a strong supplement to document and graph databases. It also discusses two methods of vector database support that are currently viable, although each has drawbacks and benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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16 pages, 14894 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

NPS6D200—A Long Range Nanopositioning Stage with 6D Closed Loop Control

by Steffen Hesse, Alex Huaman, Michael Katzschmann, Bianca Leistritz and Ludwig Herzog

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6972; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166972 - 8 Aug 2024

Viewed by 911

Abstract

This work presents the new development of a nanopositioning machine for a large operating range. The machine, called NPS6D200, provides Ø200 $\mathrm{m}$$\mathrm{m}$ planar and 25 $\mathrm{m}$$\mathrm{m}$ vertical travel range and applies a 6D closed loop control with all drive forces applied [...] Read more.

This work presents the new development of a nanopositioning machine for a large operating range. The machine, called NPS6D200, provides Ø200 $\mathrm{m}$$\mathrm{m}$ planar and 25 $\mathrm{m}$$\mathrm{m}$ vertical travel range and applies a 6D closed loop control with all drive forces applied directly to the same moving part. The stage architecture evolves from an integrated planar direct drive which is extended by high precision vertical positioning capability. The setup of the machine and the characteristics of the different subsystems are presented together with investigations into the positioning performance that is achieved with the NPS6D200. In constant setpoint operation as well as in synchronized multiaxial motion tasks over three orders of magnitude, the system shows servo errors only in the low nanometer range and proves suitable as positioning platform for nanoscience applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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8 pages, 1825 KiB  

Open AccessCommunication

Structure and Optoelectronic Properties of Perovskite-like (PEA)₂PbBr₃Cl on AlN/Sapphire Substrate Heterostructure

by Yu-Hsien Lin, Jing-Suei Ni and Lung-Chien Chen

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6096; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146096 - 12 Jul 2024

Viewed by 790

Abstract

This study presents the structure and optoelectronic properties of a perovskite-like (PEA)₂PbBr₃Cl material on an AlN/sapphire substrate heterostructure prepared using spin coating. The AlN/sapphire substrate comprised a 2 μm thick AlN epilayer on a sapphire wafer deposited via metal–organic [...] Read more.

This study presents the structure and optoelectronic properties of a perovskite-like (PEA)₂PbBr₃Cl material on an AlN/sapphire substrate heterostructure prepared using spin coating. The AlN/sapphire substrate comprised a 2 μm thick AlN epilayer on a sapphire wafer deposited via metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The peak position of (PEA)₂PbBr₃Cl photoluminescence (PL) on the AlN/sapphire substrate heterostructure was 372 nm. The emission wavelength ranges of traditional lead halide perovskite light-emitting diodes are typically 410 to 780 nm, corresponding to the range of purple to deep red as the ratio of halide in the perovskite material changes. This indicates the potential for application as a UV perovskite light-emitting diode. In this study, we investigated the contact characteristics between Ag metal and the (PEA)₂PbBr₃Cl layer on an AlN/sapphire substrate heterostructure, which improved after annealing in an air environment due to the tunneling effect of the thermionic-field emission (TFE) mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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18 pages, 7996 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Device for Monitoring Erosion in the Field

by Thiago Augusto Mendes, Juan Félix Rodriguez Rebolledo, Sávio Aparecido dos Santos Pereira, Marcus Vinicius Miguel de Oliveira and Klebber Teodomiro Martins Formiga

Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070880 - 4 Jul 2024

Viewed by 688

Abstract

Monitoring erosion is an important part of understanding the causes of this geotechnical and geological phenomenon. In order to monitor them, it is necessary to develop equipment that is sophisticated enough to resist the sun and water without damage, that is self-mechanized, and [...] Read more.

Monitoring erosion is an important part of understanding the causes of this geotechnical and geological phenomenon. In order to monitor them, it is necessary to develop equipment that is sophisticated enough to resist the sun and water without damage, that is self-mechanized, and that can support the amount of data collected. This article introduces a rain-triggered field erosion monitoring device composed of three main modules: control, capture, and sensing. The control module comprises both hardware and firmware with embedded software. The capture module integrates a camera for recording, while the sensing module includes rain sensors. By filming experimental soil samples under simulated rain events, the device demonstrated satisfactory performance in terms of activation and deactivation programming times, daytime image quality without artificial lighting, and equipment protection. The great differences about this monitoring device are its ease of use, low cost, and the quality it offers. These results suggest its potential effectiveness in capturing the progression of field erosive processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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16 pages, 446 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Public Library Services in Taiwan through User-Generated Content: Analyzing Google Maps Reviews

by Chao-Chen Chen and Chen-Chi Chang

Electronics 2024, 13(12), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13122393 - 19 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1225

Abstract

This study explores the public library service evaluation domain through user-generated content on Google Maps, highlighting digital feedback’s significant yet underexplored potential in understanding public library patronage across Taiwan’s six major cities. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates Google Maps review [...] Read more.

This study explores the public library service evaluation domain through user-generated content on Google Maps, highlighting digital feedback’s significant yet underexplored potential in understanding public library patronage across Taiwan’s six major cities. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates Google Maps review content analysis with social network analysis to delineate public perceptions and identify areas for service enhancement in public libraries. It innovatively leverages personal experiences extracted from over 60,000 Google Maps reviews to evaluate public library services in cities such as Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The research taps into the National Library of Taiwan’s National Library Statistics System to provide a robust analysis of library performance and user satisfaction, offering a novel perspective by emphasizing user-centric feedback from Google Maps as a primary data source. This approach provides quantitative data on library usage and geographic distribution and enriches our understanding of the qualitative experiences of library users. In analyzing the keywords from Google Maps reviews of public libraries, we categorize and interpret these under the three core LibQUAL+ dimensions—Affect of Service, Information Control, and Library as Place. The findings expose variances in perceived service quality among the cities, with Kaohsiung and Taichung receiving the highest accolades for service satisfaction. Simultaneously, the study identifies potential areas for improvement, particularly in cities with lower satisfaction ratings like Taipei. This personalized feedback illustrates the intimate relationship between public libraries and their communities, offering invaluable insights for policymakers and library management to enhance service delivery and user experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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16 pages, 2889 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Approach for Identifying Opportunities in Product Innovation Design through Requirement Conflict Analysis

by Lanjiang Zheng, Caibin Jiang, Wenqiang Li, Changfu Wan and Sitong Ling

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125242 - 17 Jun 2024

Viewed by 678

Abstract

This study introduces a method to explore and broaden potential design avenues for a product by identifying opportunities for innovative design through requirement conflicts. The process involves clarifying user-expected demands using the Ideal Final Result approach and identifying potential conflicts by assessing product [...] Read more.

This study introduces a method to explore and broaden potential design avenues for a product by identifying opportunities for innovative design through requirement conflicts. The process involves clarifying user-expected demands using the Ideal Final Result approach and identifying potential conflicts by assessing product performance constraints and user expectations. Utilizing standardized representations of requirement conflicts, a knowledge retrieval technique based on expanding co-referential relationships is applied to analyze these conflicts. A judgment matrix is created to pinpoint clues for recognizing innovative design opportunities initially. Furthermore, the nine-windows method is utilized to expand and identify innovation opportunities along the time and system axis, leading to the identification of two types of innovation opportunities and their expanded outcomes. Ultimately, the method’s feasibility and practicality are validated by identifying innovative design opportunities within the context of the alpine tunnel construction system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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21 pages, 992 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Performance Analysis of mmWave and WiFi-Based Vehicle Communications

by Mohamed Rjab, Aymen Omri, Seifeddine Bouallegue, Hela Chamkhia and Ridha Bouallegue

Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071344 - 3 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 909

Abstract

Vehicle -to-vehicle (V2V) communications are crucial for enhancing road network safety and efficiency. With the increasing demand for bandwidth in V2V services, exploring innovative solutions has become imperative. This study explores a comparative analysis of mmWave and WiFi transmission technologies, with a specific [...] Read more.

Vehicle -to-vehicle (V2V) communications are crucial for enhancing road network safety and efficiency. With the increasing demand for bandwidth in V2V services, exploring innovative solutions has become imperative. This study explores a comparative analysis of mmWave and WiFi transmission technologies, with a specific focus on line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) scenarios in both 2D and 3D modeling environments. The use of stochastic geometry tools allows a realistic modeling of the random positioning of vehicles within the V2V system framework, resulting in accurate expressions for the successful transmission probability (STP) and average throughput (AT) for both communication systems. To validate our analytical findings, Monte Carlo simulations have been employed, offering a comprehensive evaluation of mmWave and WiFi performance. Simulation results highlight that mmWave systems outperform in scenarios with short transmission distances and low vehicle density while WiFi systems demonstrate greater efficiency for longer transmission distances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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15 pages, 672 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Cyber-Physical Testbed for IoT Microgrid Design and Validation

by Yih-Shiuan Lee and Chao Wang

Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071181 - 23 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1259

Abstract

Microgrids are small power systems, often equipped with renewable energy sources, that are alternatives or supplementary to utility grids. Many studies have been conducted on the design and implementation of microgrids and their interconnects to utility grids, and investigations have been extended to [...] Read more.

Microgrids are small power systems, often equipped with renewable energy sources, that are alternatives or supplementary to utility grids. Many studies have been conducted on the design and implementation of microgrids and their interconnects to utility grids, and investigations have been extended to the use of Internet of Things technology (IoT) to monitor and operate such power grids. However, the broad applications of the IoT technology itself also call for a green energy solution. This paper investigates how to power local IoT applications via an integration of a microgrid and the utility grid. Together, we call such a system an IoT microgrid. The goal of an IoT microgrid is to maintain the availability of IoT applications while saving energy costs, and this is achieved by sustaining IoT applications via local renewable energy from a microgrid and by mitigating the intermittent power supply using the utility grid. This paper characterizes the IoT microgrid and proposes a configurable cyber-physical testbed for its design and validation. The testbed incorporates the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) approach, where real-time simulation is integrated with physical elements for quick prototyping of those components in an IoT microgrid. The paper concludes with an example implementation of the proposed testbed, which demonstrates its use for validating both an IoT microgrid and the IoT application it sustains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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13 pages, 1181 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Inverse Trigonometric Fuzzy Preference Programming to Generate Weights with Optimal Solutions Implemented on Evaluation Criteria in E-Learning

by Emi Iryanti, Paulus Insap Santosa, Sri Suning Kusumawardani and Indriana Hidayah

Computers 2024, 13(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13030068 - 7 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1501

Abstract

Nielsen’s heuristics are widely recognized for usability evaluation, but they are often considered insufficiently specific for assessing particular domains, such as e-learning. Currently, e-learning plays a pivotal role in higher education because of the shift in the educational paradigm from a teacher-centered approach [...] Read more.

Nielsen’s heuristics are widely recognized for usability evaluation, but they are often considered insufficiently specific for assessing particular domains, such as e-learning. Currently, e-learning plays a pivotal role in higher education because of the shift in the educational paradigm from a teacher-centered approach to a student-centered approach. The criteria utilized in multiple sets of heuristics for evaluating e-learning are carefully examined based on the definitions of each criterion. If there are similarities in meaning among these criteria, they are consolidated into a single criterion, resulting in the creation of 20 new criteria (spanning three primary aspects) for the evaluation of e-learning. These 20 new criteria encompass key aspects related to the user interface, learning development, and motivation. Each aspect is assigned a weight to facilitate prioritization when implementing improvements to evaluate e-learning, which is especially beneficial for institutions with limited resources responsible for the relevant units. In terms of weighting, there is room for enhancement to attain more optimal weighting outcomes by employing a Fuzzy Preference Programming method known as Inverse Trigonometric Fuzzy Preference Programming (ITFPP). The higher the assigned weight, the greater the priority for implementing improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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18 pages, 7679 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Design of an Enhanced Dynamic Regulation Controller Considering the State of Charge of Battery Energy Storage Systems

by Yun-Sheng Tsai, Chi-Wen Chen, Cheng-Chien Kuo and Hung-Cheng Chen

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052155 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1279

Abstract

In recent years, the escalating electricity demand in Taiwan has heightened the prominence and discourse surrounding the issue of power supply. With the enactment of the European climate law, global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions has gained momentum. Concurrently, the Taiwanese government has [...] Read more.

In recent years, the escalating electricity demand in Taiwan has heightened the prominence and discourse surrounding the issue of power supply. With the enactment of the European climate law, global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions has gained momentum. Concurrently, the Taiwanese government has articulated the Taiwan 2050 net-zero emissions policy. To realize this objective, Taiwan has vigorously promoted renewable energy in recent years, increasing the proportion of renewable energy in its energy mix. However, confronted with the intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy generation, challenges arise concerning the stability and quality of power supply. In response to the impact of integrating renewable energy into the grid, the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has introduced the day-ahead ancillary service market. Through this platform, power generation and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) engage in competitive bidding, fostering the integration of diverse distributed energy resources into the system. These resources serve as dispatchable assets for Taipower, contributing to grid stability by providing ancillary services. This study has developed an advanced dynamic regulation reserve controller by employing an industrial PC (IPC) in conjunction with a multifunctional power meter. Through real-time measurement of the power grid frequency by the multifunctional power meter, a sophisticated dynamic frequency reserve control strategy has been devised, taking into account the charging state of energy storage systems. This strategy exhibits high operational quality, effectively regulating the charging and discharging of energy storage systems. In addition to swiftly adjusting the current grid frequency, it encompasses the capability to facilitate the transfer of peak electrical energy. This effectively stabilizes the power grid, alleviating supply pressures during nighttime peaks and enhancing the overall supply stability of the power system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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27 pages, 859 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Implementing Virtualization on Single-Board Computers: A Case Study on Edge Computing

by Georgios Lambropoulos, Sarandis Mitropoulos, Christos Douligeris and Leandros Maglaras

Computers 2024, 13(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13020054 - 18 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

The widespread adoption of cloud computing has resulted in centralized datacenter structures; however, there is a requirement for smaller-scale distributed infrastructures to meet the demands for speed, responsiveness, and security for critical applications. Single-Board Computers (SBCs) present numerous advantages such as low power [...] Read more.

The widespread adoption of cloud computing has resulted in centralized datacenter structures; however, there is a requirement for smaller-scale distributed infrastructures to meet the demands for speed, responsiveness, and security for critical applications. Single-Board Computers (SBCs) present numerous advantages such as low power consumption, low cost, minimal heat emission, and high processing power, making them suitable for applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), experimentation, and other advanced projects. This paper investigates the possibility of adopting virtualization technology on Single-Board Computers (SBCs) for the implementation of reliable and cost-efficient edge-computing environments.The results of this study are based on experimental implementations and testing conducted in the course of a case study performed on the edge infrastructure of a financial organization, where workload migration was achieved from a traditional to an SBC-based edge infrastructure. The performance of the two infrastructures was studied and compared during this process, providing important insights into the power efficiency gains, resource utilization, and overall suitability for the organization’s operational needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation, Communication and Engineering)

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