An investigation into the effectiveness of student-led experiential learning for UG architects and the implications of incorporating AR into such pedagogical exercises

This paper focuses on a collaboration between three researchers from two universities in Zhejiang province to explore the pedagogical value of hands-on experiential learning using non-standard materials (in this case, bamboo). The second aim of the project was to explore how Augmented Reality (AR) might be used to improve the efficiency of the learning process for the participants. As a building project, the outcome was largely successful- the undergraduate (UG) student participants were able to construct a 4-metre-tall bamboo structure in the summer of 2020, using active bending, from a 3D computer model, within the timeframe. They were given complete autonomy as part of the project which resulted in problems but also arguably improved the learner autonomy and problem-solving abilities of the respondents over the timeframe. Concerning the use of AR in such projects, this researched identified the value for this purpose but also some very major obstacles, including cost and complexity.

A 6DOF Virtual Environment Space Docking Operation with Human Supervision

In this work, we present a synchronous co-simulation of a 6DOF (six degree of freedom) ball and plate platform and its 3D computer model. The co-simulation in the virtual environment is intended to mimic the rendezvous between a cargo vehicle such as the Falcon 9 from SpaceX and the ISS (International Space Station). The visual feedback sensing of the position of the 6DOF platform is implemented using a Kinect RGB-D device. The human in the loop acts as supervisory control for initiating the docking mechanism. This paper delivers an adaptive fractional order control solution which is easily tunable, implementable and validated on a laboratory benchmark. The results indicate that fractional order control can tackle large variability in the system dynamics and deliver specified performance at all times.

Immuno-Electrophysiological Mechanisms of Functional Electrical Connections Between Recipient and Donor Heart in Patients with Orthotopic Heart Transplantation Presenting with Atrial Arrhythmias

Background - The formation of recipient-to donor atrio-atrial connections (AAC) in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is poorly understood. We sought to investigate the mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias after OHT, the role of AACs, and their relationship to the immunological match. Methods - In a large series of OHT patients we performed a retrospective review of 42 patients who underwent catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias. A realistic 3D computer model of human atria was used to study AAC conductivity. Results - Patient age was 55±15 years (71% male). 24/42 patients (57%) had bi-atrial anastomosis. An AAC was found in 9/42 patients (21%, right-sided in 5 patients with bi-atrial anastomosis, left-sided in 4 patients). The AAC became apparent at the time of the electrophysiology study 10.1±7.6 years after OHT (range 0.3-22.2 years). Donor-specific antibodies (DSAB) were present in no patient with AAC, but were present in 69% of patients without AAC, p=0.002. In all patients with AAC, a recipient atrial tachycardia propagated via AAC to the donor atrium (4 patients presented with atrial fibrillation). Simulations showed AAC conduction requires an isthmus of ≥2 mm and is cycle length (CL) and location dependent. Patients without AAC (n=13) frequently presented with donor atrial arrhythmias, in 77% cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) flutter was ablated. The procedural success was high, although, 12 patients (29%) required re-ablation. Conclusions - AACs are found in 21% of OHT patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias and can manifest very early after OHT. Immune privilege characterized by the absence of DSAB may facilitate AAC formation. Propagation across an AAC is width, CL and location dependent. Patients with AAC present with focal atrial tachycardias or atrial fibrillation originating from the recipient atria; patients without most frequently present with CTI dependent atrial flutter. While multiple arrhythmias frequently require re-ablation, ablative therapy is highly effective.

3D computer model of the Ag-Cu-Ni T-x-y diagram: verification of sections in the atlas of phase diagrams for lead-free soldering

Spatial (three-dimensional - 3D) computer model of the T-x-y diagram of the Ag - Cu - Ni system, which is promising for the development of environmentally friendly solders, is presented. The model is constructed on the basis of published data on the binary systems forming this ternary system, the concentration projection of the liquidus surfaces, and four isothermal sections. It is shown that the phase diagram (PD) consists of 14 surfaces and 9 phase regions. The adequacy of the model is confirmed by comparing the isothermal sections and the liquidus projection.

Peptide Blocking CTLA-4 and B7-1 Interaction

Discovery of the B7 family immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4 (CD152), PD-1 (CD279), as well as their ligands B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), B7-H1 (PD-L1, CD274), and B7-DC (PD-L2, CD273), has opened new possibilities for cancer immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The blockade of inhibitory receptors (CTLA-4 and PD-1) with specific mAb results in the activation of cancer patients’ T lymphocytes and tumor rejection. However, the use of mAb in clinics has several limitations including side effects and cost of treatment. The development of new low-molecular compounds that block immune checkpoints’ functional activity can help to overcome some of these limitations. In this paper, we describe a synthetic peptide (p344) containing 14 amino acids that specifically interact with CTLA-4 protein. A 3D computer model suggests that this peptide binds to the 99MYPPPY104 loop of CTLA-4 protein and potentially blocks the contact of CTLA-4 receptor with B7-1 ligand. Experimental data confirm the peptide-specific interaction with CTLA-4 and its ability to partially block CTLA-4/B7-1 binding. The identified synthetic peptide can be used for the development of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors that can block CTLA-4 functional activity for cancer immunotherapy.

3D computer model of the Co-Cu-CoS-Cu2S subsystem T-x-y diagram above 800°C

The three-dimensional computer model of the Co-Cu-CoS-Cu2S subsystem T-x-y diagram at temperatures above 800oC is represented. It is shown that the liquid immiscibility in the binary subsystem Cu-Cu2S is transformed within the ternary system with Co into the wide two-phase region of two immiscible melts, which interrupts the univariant curve of the Co and Cu2S co-crystallization. The special features of the structure of the solidus surface of cobalt, caused by liquid-phase immiscibility are considered.

Inflatable Lunar Habitat

<p>The project “Inflatable Lunar Habitat” is develop by a group of students, master's degree in architecture, from Germany and is a part of this year's edition of IGLUNA, supported by Swiss Space Center.</p> <p>The idea of ​​the project is to be created an easily portable laboratory for conducting scientific experiments in extreme weather conditions, here on Earth. But at the same time, the project is designed so that in the future this type of construction will be used to be build a habitat villige located in lava tubes on the moon or even on Mars.</p> <p>The habitat is designed as an inflatable structure with an aerodynamic shape that is easy and fast to transport, carry out an assembly, it is also designed to be on a temporary basis and generate the least possible impact on the environment at the time of the investigation. For being inflatable is more vulnerable from the outside and the inside as well, because of that it is necessary to ensure the habitat subsystems such as the skin development and connections, the floor connections, the airlock and the climate control.</p> <p>The structure is arranged of several different in type and function layers. Starting from inside with inflatable transparent skin of ETFE-foil, serving to provide a safe and sterile place for the experiments, followed by a support system of two layers of  crossing inflatable tubes,  and ending with another layer of ETFE- foil serving to protect the support structure from external mechanical impacts. And at the top, the entire prototype is protected from wind, rain and sun by a final layer. The whole inflatable structure is firmly attached to a steel frame, which in turn is attached to the ground. Inside the steel frame is the floor, which is made of aluminum honeycomb panels, which provide the necessary stability, flat surface and protection against slipping.</p> <p>Due to the impossibility of the actual build of the prototype during this year's field campaign, due to the global pandemic, we included in the project and developed our vision for the lunar village, using as a modular unit for its design, the prototype of the  habitat constructed for the Earth.</p> <p>Although this year the project remained at the level of technical drawings and 3D computer model, next year with the help of our current sponsors and hopefully new ones, as well as with the support of the Swiss Space Center we expect to build a real prototype of inflatable lunar habitat and to test it on Mount Pilatus in Switzerland during the field campaign of IGLUNA 2021.</p>

Shape of a crack growth front under fatigue in the range of 106 - 107cycles

The paper explores the shape of a fatigue crack initiation in the interval of 106-107cycles of duplex stainless steel, commercially designated as SAF 2507. Particular emphasis is placed upon the development of the crack’s growth front and its subsequent expansion in three directions x, y, z. Created, accordingly, on the basis of the experimentally obtained results, is a 3D computer model to help provide a further prediction for the physical endurance of similar materials. The growth of a fatigue crack is modeled by using The SolidWorks and AutoCAD software tools for constructing the model of fatigue crack growth.