A game for emotional regulation in adolescents: The (body) interface device matters

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of the type of interface device in the efficacy of a serious game that teaches emotional regulation (ER) strategies in a non-clinical sample of adolescents. We conducted a between-participants experiment in which participants (N = 61) played a frustration induction game, and then an ER game (a breathing strategy game), using one of three types of devices (computer, smartphone, and RGB-D camera). Frustration mood and perceived arousal were the main variables measured. Results revealed a significant interaction between moment (pre-induction phase, post-induction phase, and regulation phase) and the type of interface device used in the frustration mood scores. In participants who used the computer and smartphone, frustration increased after the induction phase and decreased after the regulation phase. However, for participants who used the RGB-D camera, frustration decreased significantly after the induction phase, and this change was maintained after the regulation phase. Changes in arousal were similar with the three devices. This study highlights that the type of interface device (and specifically, the participation of the body) is a crucial variable in the efficacy of serious games affecting users’ emotional experience.     

Visualization of load transfer behaviour between geogrid and sand using PFC

Geogrids have been widely used to improve the soil mechanical behaviour in geotechnical engineering. In order to investigate the load transfer behaviour between the geogrid and sand, a numerical compound tensile test (in sand) with one geogrid tensile member has been carried out using PFC^2D. In this study, sand was modelled as unbonded particles using the linear contact stiffness model, while the geogrid was modelled as bonded particles using the piecewise linear model which has been developed based on the parallel bond model. Calibrations have been performed by comparing the numerical simulation results with the experimental data. The load transfer behaviour between the geogrid and sand has been visualized by geogrid force and displacement distributions along the geogrid, contact force changes in the specimen and rotations of the sand particles in the vicinity of the geogrid at different clamp displacements. The DEM simulation results show that PFC^2D can be used as a practical tool to visualize the load transfer behaviour between the geogrid and sand. Furthermore, the visualization results provide researchers more insights into the interface behaviour between the geogrid and sand at a microscopic scale.     

A finite element simulator for spine orthopaedics with haptic interface

The human spine is a biomechanical structure that allows complex motions while providing stability and protection for the spinal cord during a variety of loading conditions. In this study, finite element models of spine are developed to investigate clinical problems as well as to predict its biomechanical behaviour. This research proposes a combination of an online real-time FE simulator and an offline nonlinear FEA solver. Haptic feedback is provided in the online FE simulator to enhance the human–computer interaction of the system. Primitive results of spinal deformation can be obtained from the haptic online FE simulator. The offline FEA solver provides detailed deformation and strain/stress information based on the primary simulation results from the online FE simulator.     

Modified Eshelby tensor for an ellipsoidal inclusion imperfectly embedded in an infinite piezoelectric medium

The modified Eshelby tensor for predicting the effective moduli of particle-reinforced piezoelectric composites is derived for the problem of an ellipsoidal inclusion which is imperfectly bonded to the matrix. A linear interface relation is adopted, which involves discontinuities of the mechanical displacements and electric potential across the interface, and assumes that the corresponding jumps are proportional to the continuous stresses and electric displacements at the interface. The piezoelectric field induced by a uniform eigenstrain given only in the inclusion is deduced analytically. As the induced piezoelectric field is no longer uniform, the average strains and electric displacements are calculated, and the modified piezoelectric Eshelby tensor is evaluated by both an iterative method and a direct method. By comparison, it is shown that the iterative method yields rapidly convergent results.     

An indirect testing approach for characterizing pressure profiles of compression bandages and hosiery

As outlined in compression therapy literature, the performance of a compression textile can be characterized by its stiffness and interface pressure. In this study, an indirect approach for measuring pressure from a set of compression bandages and hosiery was developed, from which rigidity (EI) values were determined, and tension–elongation curves and pressure-elongation data were calculated. The calculated pressure values were compared against PicoPress sensor readings measured on 10 participants. Results showed that the correlation between both approaches varied among bandage and hosiery samples.     

Effect of the particle size ratio on macro- and mesoscopic shear characteristics of the geogrid-reinforced rubber and sand mixture interface

As a new type of material for civil engineering projects, the rubber and sand mixture is widely used in roadbed fillers, offering environmental benefits over traditional tyre disposal methods. This study uses a large-scale direct shear apparatus to examine the interface shear properties of the geogrid-reinforced rubber and sand mixture, considering different particle size ratios (r), rubber contents, and normal stresses. Based on indoor tests, direct shear models of the mixture with different values of r are established in PFC^3D, revealing the meso-mechanical mechanism of the mixture in the direct shear process. The results show that when r is greater than 1, incorporating a certain amount of rubber particles can increase the shear strength of the mixture. The r values of 15.78, 7.63, and 3.98 correspond to an optimal rubber content of 30%, 10%, and 20%, respectively. When r is less than 1, mixing rubber particles can only reduce the shear strength of the mixture. When the rubber content is low, the smaller the value of r, the greater is the thickness of the shear band. Furthermore, the normal and tangential contact forces are greater. The fabric anisotropy evolution law of the mixture is consistent with the change in the contact force distribution.     

低速冲击下的界面响应和磨损行为*

为探究低速冲击下界面响应与磨损行为之间的联系，开展多周次的低速冲击磨损实验；通过分析冲击过程中的接触力峰值、接触时长、接触力冲量、动能耗散等，研究冲击速度对接触界面的力学响应的影响；通过对冲击磨痕的磨损轮廓和形貌、磨损体积的检测分析，以及对磨痕区域元素组分变化的测试，研究冲击速度对接触界面磨损损伤行为的影响。结果表明：冲击速度的增加会导致接触界面在更短的时间内受到更强烈的力学作用；能量吸收率对冲击速度的变化不敏感，但冲击速度的提高会导致单位能量造成的磨损损伤逐渐降低；冲击磨痕可分为以塑性变形和以剥层磨损为主要损伤形式的2种区域；磨损区内经历了严重的摩擦氧化，并随着冲击速度的增加发生冲击副材料转移。因此，冲击速度越高，接触界面间的摩擦越剧烈，形成的表面氧化层避免了冲击副与基底材料的直接接触，延缓了磨损损伤的进一步发展。     

单片机与接口技术项目化教学改革的实践与探索

As a comprehensive electrical and electronic course, Single Chip Microcomputer and Interface Technology is usually com- bined with automation technology, applied electronic technology, communication technology, etc., so that students can master the professional theory and application practice of single chip microcomputer. In the course teaching, teachers mainly focus on the knowledge points of single chip microcomputer system design, application programming, installation and debugging, select suitable interface circuit, application program, and organize and design the integrated circuit system and logic function of single chip micro- computer, so as to help students complete the resource allocation and function realization of different single chip microcomputer project design.