@techreport{RossiMaurelliUnnithanetal.2021, author = {Rossi, Angelo Pio and Maurelli, Francesco and Unnithan, Vikram and Dreger, Hendrik and Mathewos, Kedus and Pradhan, Nayan and Corbeanu, Dan-Andrei and Pozzobon, Riccardo and Massironi, Matteo and Ferrari, Sabrina and Pernechele, Claudia and Paoletti, Lorenzo and Simioni, Emanuele and Maurizio, Pajola and Santagata, Tommaso and Borrmann, Dorit and N{\"u}chter, Andreas and Bredenbeck, Anton and Zevering, Jasper and Arzberger, Fabian and Reyes Mantilla, Camilo Andr{\´e}s}, title = {DAEDALUS - Descent And Exploration in Deep Autonomy of Lava Underground Structures}, isbn = {978-3-945459-33-1}, issn = {1868-7466}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22791}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227911}, pages = {188}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The DAEDALUS mission concept aims at exploring and characterising the entrance and initial part of Lunar lava tubes within a compact, tightly integrated spherical robotic device, with a complementary payload set and autonomous capabilities. The mission concept addresses specifically the identification and characterisation of potential resources for future ESA exploration, the local environment of the subsurface and its geologic and compositional structure. A sphere is ideally suited to protect sensors and scientific equipment in rough, uneven environments. It will house laser scanners, cameras and ancillary payloads. The sphere will be lowered into the skylight and will explore the entrance shaft, associated caverns and conduits. Lidar (light detection and ranging) systems produce 3D models with high spatial accuracy independent of lighting conditions and visible features. Hence this will be the primary exploration toolset within the sphere. The additional payload that can be accommodated in the robotic sphere consists of camera systems with panoramic lenses and scanners such as multi-wavelength or single-photon scanners. A moving mass will trigger movements. The tether for lowering the sphere will be used for data communication and powering the equipment during the descending phase. Furthermore, the connector tether-sphere will host a WIFI access point, such that data of the conduit can be transferred to the surface relay station. During the exploration phase, the robot will be disconnected from the cable, and will use wireless communication. Emergency autonomy software will ensure that in case of loss of communication, the robot will continue the nominal mission.}, subject = {Mond}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Niebler2019, author = {Niebler, Thomas}, title = {Extracting and Learning Semantics from Social Web Data}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-17866}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-178666}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Making machines understand natural language is a dream of mankind that existed since a very long time. Early attempts at programming machines to converse with humans in a supposedly intelligent way with humans relied on phrase lists and simple keyword matching. However, such approaches cannot provide semantically adequate answers, as they do not consider the specific meaning of the conversation. Thus, if we want to enable machines to actually understand language, we need to be able to access semantically relevant background knowledge. For this, it is possible to query so-called ontologies, which are large networks containing knowledge about real-world entities and their semantic relations. However, creating such ontologies is a tedious task, as often extensive expert knowledge is required. Thus, we need to find ways to automatically construct and update ontologies that fit human intuition of semantics and semantic relations. More specifically, we need to determine semantic entities and find relations between them. While this is usually done on large corpora of unstructured text, previous work has shown that we can at least facilitate the first issue of extracting entities by considering special data such as tagging data or human navigational paths. Here, we do not need to detect the actual semantic entities, as they are already provided because of the way those data are collected. Thus we can mainly focus on the problem of assessing the degree of semantic relatedness between tags or web pages. However, there exist several issues which need to be overcome, if we want to approximate human intuition of semantic relatedness. For this, it is necessary to represent words and concepts in a way that allows easy and highly precise semantic characterization. This also largely depends on the quality of data from which these representations are constructed. In this thesis, we extract semantic information from both tagging data created by users of social tagging systems and human navigation data in different semantic-driven social web systems. Our main goal is to construct high quality and robust vector representations of words which can the be used to measure the relatedness of semantic concepts. First, we show that navigation in the social media systems Wikipedia and BibSonomy is driven by a semantic component. After this, we discuss and extend methods to model the semantic information in tagging data as low-dimensional vectors. Furthermore, we show that tagging pragmatics influences different facets of tagging semantics. We then investigate the usefulness of human navigational paths in several different settings on Wikipedia and BibSonomy for measuring semantic relatedness. Finally, we propose a metric-learning based algorithm in adapt pre-trained word embeddings to datasets containing human judgment of semantic relatedness. This work contributes to the field of studying semantic relatedness between words by proposing methods to extract semantic relatedness from web navigation, learn highquality and low-dimensional word representations from tagging data, and to learn semantic relatedness from any kind of vector representation by exploiting human feedback. Applications first and foremest lie in ontology learning for the Semantic Web, but also semantic search or query expansion.}, subject = {Semantik}, language = {en} } @article{HeinLatoschikWienrich2022, author = {Hein, Rebecca M. and Latoschik, Marc Erich and Wienrich, Carolin}, title = {Inter- and transcultural learning in cocial virtual reality: a proposal for an inter- and transcultural virtual object database to be used in the implementation, reflection, and evaluation of virtual encounters}, series = {Multimodal Technologies and Interaction}, volume = {6}, journal = {Multimodal Technologies and Interaction}, number = {7}, issn = {2414-4088}, doi = {10.3390/mti6070050}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-278974}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Visual stimuli are frequently used to improve memory, language learning or perception, and understanding of metacognitive processes. However, in virtual reality (VR), there are few systematically and empirically derived databases. This paper proposes the first collection of virtual objects based on empirical evaluation for inter-and transcultural encounters between English- and German-speaking learners. We used explicit and implicit measurement methods to identify cultural associations and the degree of stereotypical perception for each virtual stimuli (n = 293) through two online studies, including native German and English-speaking participants. The analysis resulted in a final well-describable database of 128 objects (called InteractionSuitcase). In future applications, the objects can be used as a great interaction or conversation asset and behavioral measurement tool in social VR applications, especially in the field of foreign language education. For example, encounters can use the objects to describe their culture, or teachers can intuitively assess stereotyped attitudes of the encounters.}, language = {en} } @article{DjebkoPuppeKayal2019, author = {Djebko, Kirill and Puppe, Frank and Kayal, Hakan}, title = {Model-based fault detection and diagnosis for spacecraft with an application for the SONATE triple cube nano-satellite}, series = {Aerospace}, volume = {6}, journal = {Aerospace}, number = {10}, issn = {2226-4310}, doi = {10.3390/aerospace6100105}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-198836}, pages = {105}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The correct behavior of spacecraft components is the foundation of unhindered mission operation. However, no technical system is free of wear and degradation. A malfunction of one single component might significantly alter the behavior of the whole spacecraft and may even lead to a complete mission failure. Therefore, abnormal component behavior must be detected early in order to be able to perform counter measures. A dedicated fault detection system can be employed, as opposed to classical health monitoring, performed by human operators, to decrease the response time to a malfunction. In this paper, we present a generic model-based diagnosis system, which detects faults by analyzing the spacecraft's housekeeping data. The observed behavior of the spacecraft components, given by the housekeeping data is compared to their expected behavior, obtained through simulation. Each discrepancy between the observed and the expected behavior of a component generates a so-called symptom. Given the symptoms, the diagnoses are derived by computing sets of components whose malfunction might cause the observed discrepancies. We demonstrate the applicability of the diagnosis system by using modified housekeeping data of the qualification model of an actual spacecraft and outline the advantages and drawbacks of our approach.}, language = {en} } @article{ZimmererFischbachLatoschik2018, author = {Zimmerer, Chris and Fischbach, Martin and Latoschik, Marc Erich}, title = {Semantic Fusion for Natural Multimodal Interfaces using Concurrent Augmented Transition Networks}, series = {Multimodal Technologies and Interaction}, volume = {2}, journal = {Multimodal Technologies and Interaction}, number = {4}, issn = {2414-4088}, doi = {10.3390/mti2040081}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197573}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Semantic fusion is a central requirement of many multimodal interfaces. Procedural methods like finite-state transducers and augmented transition networks have proven to be beneficial to implement semantic fusion. They are compliant with rapid development cycles that are common for the development of user interfaces, in contrast to machine-learning approaches that require time-costly training and optimization. We identify seven fundamental requirements for the implementation of semantic fusion: Action derivation, continuous feedback, context-sensitivity, temporal relation support, access to the interaction context, as well as the support of chronologically unsorted and probabilistic input. A subsequent analysis reveals, however, that there is currently no solution for fulfilling the latter two requirements. As the main contribution of this article, we thus present the Concurrent Cursor concept to compensate these shortcomings. In addition, we showcase a reference implementation, the Concurrent Augmented Transition Network (cATN), that validates the concept's feasibility in a series of proof of concept demonstrations as well as through a comparative benchmark. The cATN fulfills all identified requirements and fills the lack amongst previous solutions. It supports the rapid prototyping of multimodal interfaces by means of five concrete traits: Its declarative nature, the recursiveness of the underlying transition network, the network abstraction constructs of its description language, the utilized semantic queries, and an abstraction layer for lexical information. Our reference implementation was and is used in various student projects, theses, as well as master-level courses. It is openly available and showcases that non-experts can effectively implement multimodal interfaces, even for non-trivial applications in mixed and virtual reality.}, language = {en} } @article{LodaKrebsDanhofetal.2019, author = {Loda, Sophia and Krebs, Jonathan and Danhof, Sophia and Schreder, Martin and Solimando, Antonio G. and Strifler, Susanne and Rasche, Leo and Kort{\"u}m, Martin and Kerscher, Alexander and Knop, Stefan and Puppe, Frank and Einsele, Hermann and Bittrich, Max}, title = {Exploration of artificial intelligence use with ARIES in multiple myeloma research}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {8}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {7}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm8070999}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197231}, pages = {999}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background: Natural language processing (NLP) is a powerful tool supporting the generation of Real-World Evidence (RWE). There is no NLP system that enables the extensive querying of parameters specific to multiple myeloma (MM) out of unstructured medical reports. We therefore created a MM-specific ontology to accelerate the information extraction (IE) out of unstructured text. Methods: Our MM ontology consists of extensive MM-specific and hierarchically structured attributes and values. We implemented "A Rule-based Information Extraction System" (ARIES) that uses this ontology. We evaluated ARIES on 200 randomly selected medical reports of patients diagnosed with MM. Results: Our system achieved a high F1-Score of 0.92 on the evaluation dataset with a precision of 0.87 and recall of 0.98. Conclusions: Our rule-based IE system enables the comprehensive querying of medical reports. The IE accelerates the extraction of data and enables clinicians to faster generate RWE on hematological issues. RWE helps clinicians to make decisions in an evidence-based manner. Our tool easily accelerates the integration of research evidence into everyday clinical practice.}, language = {en} } @article{LopezArreguinMontenegro2019, author = {Lopez-Arreguin, A. J. R. and Montenegro, S.}, title = {Improving engineering models of terramechanics for planetary exploration}, series = {Results in Engineering}, volume = {3}, journal = {Results in Engineering}, doi = {10.1016/j.rineng.2019.100027}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202490}, pages = {100027}, year = {2019}, abstract = {This short letter proposes more consolidated explicit solutions for the forces and torques acting on typical rover wheels, that can be used as a method to determine their average mobility characteristics in planetary soils. The closed loop solutions stand in one of the verified methods, but at difference of the previous, observables are decoupled requiring a less amount of physical parameters to measure. As a result, we show that with knowledge of terrain properties, wheel driving performance rely in a single observable only. Because of their generality, the formulated equations established here can have further implications in autonomy and control of rovers or planetary soil characterization.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Budig2018, author = {Budig, Benedikt}, title = {Extracting Spatial Information from Historical Maps: Algorithms and Interaction}, edition = {1. Auflage}, publisher = {W{\"u}rzburg University Press}, address = {W{\"u}rzburg}, isbn = {978-3-95826-092-4}, doi = {10.25972/WUP-978-3-95826-093-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-160955}, school = {W{\"u}rzburg University Press}, pages = {viii, 160}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Historical maps are fascinating documents and a valuable source of information for scientists of various disciplines. Many of these maps are available as scanned bitmap images, but in order to make them searchable in useful ways, a structured representation of the contained information is desirable. This book deals with the extraction of spatial information from historical maps. This cannot be expected to be solved fully automatically (since it involves difficult semantics), but is also too tedious to be done manually at scale. The methodology used in this book combines the strengths of both computers and humans: it describes efficient algorithms to largely automate information extraction tasks and pairs these algorithms with smart user interactions to handle what is not understood by the algorithm. The effectiveness of this approach is shown for various kinds of spatial documents from the 16th to the early 20th century.}, subject = {Karte}, language = {en} } @article{RodriguesWeissHewigetal.2021, author = {Rodrigues, Johannes and Weiß, Martin and Hewig, Johannes and Allen, John J. B.}, title = {EPOS: EEG Processing Open-Source Scripts}, series = {Frontiers in Neuroscience}, volume = {15}, journal = {Frontiers in Neuroscience}, issn = {1662-453X}, doi = {10.3389/fnins.2021.660449}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-240221}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Since the replication crisis, standardization has become even more important in psychological science and neuroscience. As a result, many methods are being reconsidered, and researchers' degrees of freedom in these methods are being discussed as a potential source of inconsistencies across studies. New Method: With the aim of addressing these subjectivity issues, we have been working on a tutorial-like EEG (pre-)processing pipeline to achieve an automated method based on the semi-automated analysis proposed by Delorme and Makeig. Results: Two scripts are presented and explained step-by-step to perform basic, informed ERP and frequency-domain analyses, including data export to statistical programs and visual representations of the data. The open-source software EEGlab in MATLAB is used as the data handling platform, but scripts based on code provided by Mike Cohen (2014) are also included. Comparison with existing methods: This accompanying tutorial-like article explains and shows how the processing of our automated pipeline affects the data and addresses, especially beginners in EEG-analysis, as other (pre)-processing chains are mostly targeting rather informed users in specialized areas or only parts of a complete procedure. In this context, we compared our pipeline with a selection of existing approaches. Conclusion: The need for standardization and replication is evident, yet it is equally important to control the plausibility of the suggested solution by data exploration. Here, we provide the community with a tool to enhance the understanding and capability of EEG-analysis. We aim to contribute to comprehensive and reliable analyses for neuro-scientific research.}, language = {en} } @article{HirthSeufertLangeetal.2021, author = {Hirth, Matthias and Seufert, Michael and Lange, Stanislav and Meixner, Markus and Tran-Gia, Phuoc}, title = {Performance evaluation of hybrid crowdsensing and fixed sensor systems for event detection in urban environments}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {17}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s21175880}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245245}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Crowdsensing offers a cost-effective way to collect large amounts of environmental sensor data; however, the spatial distribution of crowdsensing sensors can hardly be influenced, as the participants carry the sensors, and, additionally, the quality of the crowdsensed data can vary significantly. Hybrid systems that use mobile users in conjunction with fixed sensors might help to overcome these limitations, as such systems allow assessing the quality of the submitted crowdsensed data and provide sensor values where no crowdsensing data are typically available. In this work, we first used a simulation study to analyze a simple crowdsensing system concerning the detection performance of spatial events to highlight the potential and limitations of a pure crowdsourcing system. The results indicate that even if only a small share of inhabitants participate in crowdsensing, events that have locations correlated with the population density can be easily and quickly detected using such a system. On the contrary, events with uniformly randomly distributed locations are much harder to detect using a simple crowdsensing-based approach. A second evaluation shows that hybrid systems improve the detection probability and time. Finally, we illustrate how to compute the minimum number of fixed sensors for the given detection time thresholds in our exemplary scenario.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{Dandekar2023, author = {Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {Analysing the phase space of the standard model and its basic four forces from a qubit phase transition perspective: implications for large-scale structure generation and early cosmological events}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-29858}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-298580}, pages = {42}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The phase space for the standard model of the basic four forces for n quanta includes all possible ensemble combinations of their quantum states m, a total of n**m states. Neighbor states reach according to transition possibilities (S-matrix) with emergent time from entropic ensemble gradients. We replace the "big bang" by a condensation event (interacting qubits become decoherent) and inflation by a crystallization event - the crystal unit cell guarantees same symmetries everywhere. Interacting qubits solidify and form a rapidly growing domain where the n**m states become separated ensemble states, rising long-range forces stop ultimately further growth. After that very early events, standard cosmology with the hot fireball model takes over. Our theory agrees well with lack of inflation traces in cosmic background measurements, large-scale structure of voids and filaments, supercluster formation, galaxy formation, dominance of matter and life-friendliness. We prove qubit interactions to be 1,2,4 or 8 dimensional (agrees with E8 symmetry of our universe). Repulsive forces at ultrashort distances result from quantization, long-range forces limit crystal growth. Crystals come and go in the qubit ocean. This selects for the ability to lay seeds for new crystals, for self-organization and life-friendliness. We give energy estimates for free qubits vs bound qubits, misplacements in the qubit crystal and entropy increase during qubit decoherence / crystal formation. Scalar fields for color interaction and gravity derive from the permeating qubit-interaction field. Hence, vacuum energy gets low only inside the qubit crystal. Condensed mathematics may advantageously model free / bound qubits in phase space.}, language = {en} } @techreport{LhamoNguyenFitzek2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Lhamo, Osel and Nguyen, Giang T. and Fitzek, Frank H. P.}, title = {Virtual Queues for QoS Compliance of Haptic Data Streams in Teleoperation}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28076}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280762}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Tactile Internet aims at allowing perceived real-time interactions between humans and machines. This requires satisfying a stringent latency requirement of haptic data streams whose data rates vary drastically as the results of perceptual codecs. This introduces a complex problem for the underlying network infrastructure to fulfill the pre-defined level of Quality of Service (QoS). However, novel networking hardware with data plane programming capability allows processing packets differently and opens up a new opportunity. For example, a dynamic and network-aware resource management strategy can help satisfy the QoS requirements of different priority flows without wasting precious bandwidth. This paper introduces virtual queues for service differentiation between different types of traffic streams, leveraging protocol independent switch architecture (PISA). We propose coordinating the management of all the queues and dynamically adapting their sizes to minimize packet loss and delay due to network congestion and ensure QoS compliance.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{VomhoffGeisslerHossfeld2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Vomhoff, Viktoria and Geißler, Stefan and Hoßfeld, Tobias}, title = {Identification of Signaling Patterns in Mobile IoT Signaling Traffic}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28081}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280819}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {We attempt to identify sequences of signaling dialogs, to strengthen our understanding of the signaling behavior of IoT devices by examining a dataset containing over 270.000 distinct IoT devices whose signaling traffic has been observed over a 31-day period in a 2G network [4]. We propose a set of rules that allows the assembly of signaling dialogs into so-called sessions in order to identify common patterns and lay the foundation for future research in the areas of traffic modeling and anomaly detection.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @misc{FunkenTscherner2019, author = {Funken, Matthias and Tscherner, Michael}, title = {Jahresbericht 2018 des Rechenzentrums der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, edition = {1. Auflage}, organization = {Rechenzentrum (Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg)}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-188265}, pages = {76}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Eine {\"U}bersicht {\"u}ber die Aktivit{\"a}ten des Rechenzentrums im Jahr 2018.}, subject = {Julius-Maximilians-Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, language = {de} } @misc{OPUS4-15355, title = {Jahresbericht 2016 des Rechenzentrums der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, edition = {1. Auflage}, organization = {Rechenzentrum (Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg)}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-153558}, pages = {72}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Das Dokument umfasst eine j{\"a}hrliche Zusammenfassung der Aktivit{\"a}ten des Rechenzentrums als zentraler IT-Dienstleister der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, subject = {Jahresbericht}, language = {de} } @misc{FunkenTscherner2018, author = {Funken, Matthias and Tscherner, Michael}, title = {Jahresbericht 2017 des Rechenzentrums der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, edition = {1. Auflage}, organization = {Rechenzentrum (Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg)}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-168537}, pages = {68}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Eine {\"U}bersicht {\"u}ber die Aktivit{\"a}ten des Rechenzentrums im Jahr 2017.}, subject = {Julius-Maximilians-Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, language = {de} } @article{SchererFleishmanJonesetal.2021, author = {Scherer, Marc and Fleishman, Sarel J. and Jones, Patrik R. and Dandekar, Thomas and Bencurova, Elena}, title = {Computational Enzyme Engineering Pipelines for Optimized Production of Renewable Chemicals}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, issn = {2296-4185}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2021.673005}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-240598}, year = {2021}, abstract = {To enable a sustainable supply of chemicals, novel biotechnological solutions are required that replace the reliance on fossil resources. One potential solution is to utilize tailored biosynthetic modules for the metabolic conversion of CO2 or organic waste to chemicals and fuel by microorganisms. Currently, it is challenging to commercialize biotechnological processes for renewable chemical biomanufacturing because of a lack of highly active and specific biocatalysts. As experimental methods to engineer biocatalysts are time- and cost-intensive, it is important to establish efficient and reliable computational tools that can speed up the identification or optimization of selective, highly active, and stable enzyme variants for utilization in the biotechnological industry. Here, we review and suggest combinations of effective state-of-the-art software and online tools available for computational enzyme engineering pipelines to optimize metabolic pathways for the biosynthesis of renewable chemicals. Using examples relevant for biotechnology, we explain the underlying principles of enzyme engineering and design and illuminate future directions for automated optimization of biocatalysts for the assembly of synthetic metabolic pathways.}, language = {en} } @article{KammererGoesterReichertetal.2021, author = {Kammerer, Klaus and G{\"o}ster, Manuel and Reichert, Manfred and Pryss, R{\"u}diger}, title = {Ambalytics: a scalable and distributed system architecture concept for bibliometric network analyses}, series = {Future Internet}, volume = {13}, journal = {Future Internet}, number = {8}, issn = {1999-5903}, doi = {10.3390/fi13080203}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244916}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A deep understanding about a field of research is valuable for academic researchers. In addition to technical knowledge, this includes knowledge about subareas, open research questions, and social communities (networks) of individuals and organizations within a given field. With bibliometric analyses, researchers can acquire quantitatively valuable knowledge about a research area by using bibliographic information on academic publications provided by bibliographic data providers. Bibliometric analyses include the calculation of bibliometric networks to describe affiliations or similarities of bibliometric entities (e.g., authors) and group them into clusters representing subareas or communities. Calculating and visualizing bibliometric networks is a nontrivial and time-consuming data science task that requires highly skilled individuals. In addition to domain knowledge, researchers must often provide statistical knowledge and programming skills or use software tools having limited functionality and usability. In this paper, we present the ambalytics bibliometric platform, which reduces the complexity of bibliometric network analysis and the visualization of results. It accompanies users through the process of bibliometric analysis and eliminates the need for individuals to have programming skills and statistical knowledge, while preserving advanced functionality, such as algorithm parameterization, for experts. As a proof-of-concept, and as an example of bibliometric analyses outcomes, the calculation of research fronts networks based on a hybrid similarity approach is shown. Being designed to scale, ambalytics makes use of distributed systems concepts and technologies. It is based on the microservice architecture concept and uses the Kubernetes framework for orchestration. This paper presents the initial building block of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis platform called ambalytics, which aims at a high usability for users as well as scalability.}, language = {en} } @article{OberdoerferBirnstielLatoschiketal.2021, author = {Oberd{\"o}rfer, Sebastian and Birnstiel, Sandra and Latoschik, Marc Erich and Grafe, Silke}, title = {Mutual Benefits: Interdisciplinary Education of Pre-Service Teachers and HCI Students in VR/AR Learning Environment Design}, series = {Frontiers in Education}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Education}, issn = {2504-284X}, doi = {10.3389/feduc.2021.693012}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241612}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The successful development and classroom integration of Virtual (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) learning environments requires competencies and content knowledge with respect to media didactics and the respective technologies. The paper discusses a pedagogical concept specifically aiming at the interdisciplinary education of pre-service teachers in collaboration with human-computer interaction students. The students' overarching goal is the interdisciplinary realization and integration of VR/AR learning environments in teaching and learning concepts. To assist this approach, we developed a specific tutorial guiding the developmental process. We evaluate and validate the effectiveness of the overall pedagogical concept by analyzing the change in attitudes regarding 1) the use of VR/AR for educational purposes and in competencies and content knowledge regarding 2) media didactics and 3) technology. Our results indicate a significant improvement in the knowledge of media didactics and technology. We further report on four STEM learning environments that have been developed during the seminar.}, language = {en} } @article{NaglerNaegeleGillietal.2018, author = {Nagler, Matthias and N{\"a}gele, Thomas and Gilli, Christian and Fragner, Lena and Korte, Arthur and Platzer, Alexander and Farlow, Ashley and Nordborg, Magnus and Weckwerth, Wolfram}, title = {Eco-Metabolomics and Metabolic Modeling: Making the Leap From Model Systems in the Lab to Native Populations in the Field}, series = {Frontiers in Plant Science}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science}, number = {1556}, issn = {1664-462X}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2018.01556}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-189560}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Experimental high-throughput analysis of molecular networks is a central approach to characterize the adaptation of plant metabolism to the environment. However, recent studies have demonstrated that it is hardly possible to predict in situ metabolic phenotypes from experiments under controlled conditions, such as growth chambers or greenhouses. This is particularly due to the high molecular variance of in situ samples induced by environmental fluctuations. An approach of functional metabolome interpretation of field samples would be desirable in order to be able to identify and trace back the impact of environmental changes on plant metabolism. To test the applicability of metabolomics studies for a characterization of plant populations in the field, we have identified and analyzed in situ samples of nearby grown natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana in Austria. A. thaliana is the primary molecular biological model system in plant biology with one of the best functionally annotated genomes representing a reference system for all other plant genome projects. The genomes of these novel natural populations were sequenced and phylogenetically compared to a comprehensive genome database of A. thaliana ecotypes. Experimental results on primary and secondary metabolite profiling and genotypic variation were functionally integrated by a data mining strategy, which combines statistical output of metabolomics data with genome-derived biochemical pathway reconstruction and metabolic modeling. Correlations of biochemical model predictions and population-specific genetic variation indicated varying strategies of metabolic regulation on a population level which enabled the direct comparison, differentiation, and prediction of metabolic adaptation of the same species to different habitats. These differences were most pronounced at organic and amino acid metabolism as well as at the interface of primary and secondary metabolism and allowed for the direct classification of population-specific metabolic phenotypes within geographically contiguous sampling sites.}, language = {en} } @article{PetschkeStaab2018, author = {Petschke, Danny and Staab, Torsten E.M.}, title = {DLTPulseGenerator: a library for the simulation of lifetime spectra based on detector-output pulses}, series = {SoftwareX}, volume = {7}, journal = {SoftwareX}, doi = {10.1016/j.softx.2018.04.002}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-176883}, pages = {122-128}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The quantitative analysis of lifetime spectra relevant in both life and materials sciences presents one of the ill-posed inverse problems and, hence, leads to most stringent requirements on the hardware specifications and the analysis algorithms. Here we present DLTPulseGenerator, a library written in native C++ 11, which provides a simulation of lifetime spectra according to the measurement setup. The simulation is based on pairs of non-TTL detector output-pulses. Those pulses require the Constant Fraction Principle (CFD) for the determination of the exact timing signal and, thus, the calculation of the time difference i.e. the lifetime. To verify the functionality, simulation results were compared to experimentally obtained data using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) on pure tin.}, language = {en} } @misc{Hochmuth2022, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Hochmuth, Christian Andreas}, title = {Innovative Software in Unternehmen: Strategie und Erfolgsfaktoren f{\"u}r Einf{\"u}hrungsprojekte}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28841}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-288411}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Innovative Software kann die Position eines Unternehmens im Wettbewerb sichern. Die Einf{\"u}hrung innovativer Software ist aber alles andere als einfach. Denn obgleich die technischen Aspekte offensichtlicher sind, dominieren organisationale Aspekte. Zu viele Softwareprojekte schlagen fehl, da die Einf{\"u}hrung nicht gelingt, trotz Erf{\"u}llung technischer Anforderungen. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist das Forschungsziel der Masterarbeit, Risiken und Erfolgsfaktoren f{\"u}r die Einf{\"u}hrung innovativer Software in Unternehmen zu finden, eine Strategie zu formulieren und dabei die Bedeutung von Schl{\"u}sselpersonen zu bestimmen.}, subject = {Innovationsmanagement}, language = {de} } @article{OsmanogluKhaledAlSeiariAlKhoorietal.2021, author = {Osmanoglu, {\"O}zge and Khaled AlSeiari, Mariam and AlKhoori, Hasa Abduljaleel and Shams, Shabana and Bencurova, Elena and Dandekar, Thomas and Naseem, Muhammad}, title = {Topological Analysis of the Carbon-Concentrating CETCH Cycle and a Photorespiratory Bypass Reveals Boosted CO\(_2\)-Sequestration by Plants}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, issn = {2296-4185}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2021.708417}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-249260}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Synthetically designed alternative photorespiratory pathways increase the biomass of tobacco and rice plants. Likewise, some in planta-tested synthetic carbon-concentrating cycles (CCCs) hold promise to increase plant biomass while diminishing atmospheric carbon dioxide burden. Taking these individual contributions into account, we hypothesize that the integration of bypasses and CCCs will further increase plant productivity. To test this in silico, we reconstructed a metabolic model by integrating photorespiration and photosynthesis with the synthetically designed alternative pathway 3 (AP3) enzymes and transporters. We calculated fluxes of the native plant system and those of AP3 combined with the inhibition of the glycolate/glycerate transporter by using the YANAsquare package. The activity values corresponding to each enzyme in photosynthesis, photorespiration, and for synthetically designed alternative pathways were estimated. Next, we modeled the effect of the crotonyl-CoA/ethylmalonyl-CoA/hydroxybutyryl-CoA cycle (CETCH), which is a set of natural and synthetically designed enzymes that fix CO₂ manifold more than the native Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. We compared estimated fluxes across various pathways in the native model and under an introduced CETCH cycle. Moreover, we combined CETCH and AP3-w/plgg1RNAi, and calculated the fluxes. We anticipate higher carbon dioxide-harvesting potential in plants with an AP3 bypass and CETCH-AP3 combination. We discuss the in vivo implementation of these strategies for the improvement of C3 plants and in natural high carbon harvesters.}, language = {en} } @article{vonMammenWagnerKnoteetal.2017, author = {von Mammen, Sebastian Albrecht and Wagner, Daniel and Knote, Andreas and Taskin, Umut}, title = {Interactive simulations of biohybrid systems}, series = {Frontiers in Robotics and AI}, volume = {4}, journal = {Frontiers in Robotics and AI}, issn = {2296-9144}, doi = {10.3389/frobt.2017.00050}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-195755}, year = {2017}, abstract = {In this article, we present approaches to interactive simulations of biohybrid systems. These simulations are comprised of two major computational components: (1) agent-based developmental models that retrace organismal growth and unfolding of technical scaffoldings and (2) interfaces to explore these models interactively. Simulations of biohybrid systems allow us to fast forward and experience their evolution over time based on our design decisions involving the choice, configuration and initial states of the deployed biological and robotic actors as well as their interplay with the environment. We briefly introduce the concept of swarm grammars, an agent-based extension of L-systems for retracing growth processes and structural artifacts. Next, we review an early augmented reality prototype for designing and projecting biohybrid system simulations into real space. In addition to models that retrace plant behaviors, we specify swarm grammar agents to braid structures in a self-organizing manner. Based on this model, both robotic and plant-driven braiding processes can be experienced and explored in virtual worlds. We present an according user interface for use in virtual reality. As we present interactive models concerning rather diverse description levels, we only ensured their principal capacity for interaction but did not consider efficiency analyzes beyond prototypic operation. We conclude this article with an outlook on future works on melding reality and virtuality to drive the design and deployment of biohybrid systems.}, language = {en} } @article{AppelScholzMuelleretal.2015, author = {Appel, Mirjam and Scholz, Claus-J{\"u}rgen and M{\"u}ller, Tobias and Dittrich, Marcus and K{\"o}nig, Christian and Bockstaller, Marie and Oguz, Tuba and Khalili, Afshin and Antwi-Adjei, Emmanuel and Schauer, Tamas and Margulies, Carla and Tanimoto, Hiromu and Yarali, Ayse}, title = {Genome-Wide Association Analyses Point to Candidate Genes for Electric Shock Avoidance in Drosophila melanogaster}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {10}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0126986}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-152006}, pages = {e0126986}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Electric shock is a common stimulus for nociception-research and the most widely used reinforcement in aversive associative learning experiments. Yet, nothing is known about the mechanisms it recruits at the periphery. To help fill this gap, we undertook a genome-wide association analysis using 38 inbred Drosophila melanogaster strains, which avoided shock to varying extents. We identified 514 genes whose expression levels and/or sequences covaried with shock avoidance scores. We independently scrutinized 14 of these genes using mutants, validating the effect of 7 of them on shock avoidance. This emphasizes the value of our candidate gene list as a guide for follow-up research. In addition, by integrating our association results with external protein-protein interaction data we obtained a shock avoidance- associated network of 38 genes. Both this network and the original candidate list contained a substantial number of genes that affect mechanosensory bristles, which are hairlike organs distributed across the fly's body. These results may point to a potential role for mechanosensory bristles in shock sensation. Thus, we not only provide a first list of candidate genes for shock avoidance, but also point to an interesting new hypothesis on nociceptive mechanisms.}, language = {en} } @article{FisselerMuellerWeichert2017, author = {Fisseler, Denis and M{\"u}ller, Gerfrid G. W. and Weichert, Frank}, title = {Web-Based scientific exploration and analysis of 3D scanned cuneiform datasets for collaborative research}, series = {Informatics}, volume = {4}, journal = {Informatics}, number = {4}, issn = {2227-9709}, doi = {10.3390/informatics4040044}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197958}, pages = {44}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The three-dimensional cuneiform script is one of the oldest known writing systems and a central object of research in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Hittitology. An important step towards the understanding of the cuneiform script is the provision of opportunities and tools for joint analysis. This paper presents an approach that contributes to this challenge: a collaborative compatible web-based scientific exploration and analysis of 3D scanned cuneiform fragments. The WebGL -based concept incorporates methods for compressed web-based content delivery of large 3D datasets and high quality visualization. To maximize accessibility and to promote acceptance of 3D techniques in the field of Hittitology, the introduced concept is integrated into the Hethitologie-Portal Mainz, an established leading online research resource in the field of Hittitology, which until now exclusively included 2D content. The paper shows that increasing the availability of 3D scanned archaeological data through a web-based interface can provide significant scientific value while at the same time finding a trade-off between copyright induced restrictions and scientific usability.}, language = {en} } @article{PetschkeStaab2019, author = {Petschke, Danny and Staab, Torsten E.M.}, title = {DDRS4PALS: a software for the acquisition and simulation of lifetime spectra using the DRS4 evaluation board}, series = {SoftwareX}, volume = {10}, journal = {SoftwareX}, doi = {10.1016/j.softx.2019.100261}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202276}, pages = {100261}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Lifetime techniques are applied to diverse fields of study including materials sciences, semiconductor physics, biology, molecular biophysics and photochemistry. Here we present DDRS4PALS, a software for the acquisition and simulation of lifetime spectra using the DRS4 evaluation board (Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland) for time resolved measurements and digitization of detector output pulses. Artifact afflicted pulses can be corrected or rejected prior to the lifetime calculation to provide the generation of high-quality lifetime spectra, which are crucial for a profound analysis, i.e. the decomposition of the true information. Moreover, the pulses can be streamed on an (external) hard drive during the measurement and subsequently downloaded in the offline mode without being connected to the hardware. This allows the generation of various lifetime spectra at different configurations from one single measurement and, hence, a meaningful comparison in terms of analyzability and quality. Parallel processing and an integrated JavaScript based language provide convenient options to accelerate and automate time consuming processes such as lifetime spectra simulations.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DaviesDewellHarvey2021, author = {Davies, Richard and Dewell, Nathan and Harvey, Carlo}, title = {A framework for interactive, autonomous and semantic dialogue generation in games}, series = {Proceedings of the 1st Games Technology Summit}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 1st Games Technology Summit}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246023}, pages = {16-28}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Immersive virtual environments provide users with the opportunity to escape from the real world, but scripted dialogues can disrupt the presence within the world the user is trying to escape within. Both Non-Playable Character (NPC) to Player and NPC to NPC dialogue can be non-natural and the reliance on responding with pre-defined dialogue does not always meet the players emotional expectations or provide responses appropriate to the given context or world states. This paper investigates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing to generate dynamic human-like responses within a themed virtual world. Each thematic has been analysed against humangenerated responses for the same seed and demonstrates invariance of rating across a range of model sizes, but shows an effect of theme and the size of the corpus used for fine-tuning the context for the game world.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SanusiKlemke2021, author = {Sanusi, Khaleel Asyraaf Mat and Klemke, Roland}, title = {Immersive Multimodal Environments for Psychomotor Skills Training}, series = {Proceedings of the 1st Games Technology Summit}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 1st Games Technology Summit}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246016}, pages = {9-15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Modern immersive multimodal technologies enable the learners to completely get immersed in various learning situations in a way that feels like experiencing an authentic learning environment. These environments also allow the collection of multimodal data, which can be used with artificial intelligence to further improve the immersion and learning outcomes. The use of artificial intelligence has been widely explored for the interpretation of multimodal data collected from multiple sensors, thus giving insights to support learners' performance by providing personalised feedback. In this paper, we present a conceptual approach for creating immersive learning environments, integrated with multi-sensor setup to help learners improve their psychomotor skills in a remote setting.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Nogatz2023, author = {Nogatz, Falco}, title = {Defining and Implementing Domain-Specific Languages with Prolog}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-30187}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301872}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The landscape of today's programming languages is manifold. With the diversity of applications, the difficulty of adequately addressing and specifying the used programs increases. This often leads to newly designed and implemented domain-specific languages. They enable domain experts to express knowledge in their preferred format, resulting in more readable and concise programs. Due to its flexible and declarative syntax without reserved keywords, the logic programming language Prolog is particularly suitable for defining and embedding domain-specific languages. This thesis addresses the questions and challenges that arise when integrating domain-specific languages into Prolog. We compare the two approaches to define them either externally or internally, and provide assisting tools for each. The grammar of a formal language is usually defined in the extended Backus-Naur form. In this work, we handle this formalism as a domain-specific language in Prolog, and define term expansions that allow to translate it into equivalent definite clause grammars. We present the package library(dcg4pt) for SWI-Prolog, which enriches them by an additional argument to automatically process the term's corresponding parse tree. To simplify the work with definite clause grammars, we visualise their application by a web-based tracer. The external integration of domain-specific languages requires the programmer to keep the grammar, parser, and interpreter in sync. In many cases, domain-specific languages can instead be directly embedded into Prolog by providing appropriate operator definitions. In addition, we propose syntactic extensions for Prolog to expand its expressiveness, for instance to state logic formulas with their connectives verbatim. This allows to use all tools that were originally written for Prolog, for instance code linters and editors with syntax highlighting. We present the package library(plammar), a standard-compliant parser for Prolog source code, written in Prolog. It is able to automatically infer from example sentences the required operator definitions with their classes and precedences as well as the required Prolog language extensions. As a result, we can automatically answer the question: Is it possible to model these example sentences as valid Prolog clauses, and how? We discuss and apply the two approaches to internal and external integrations for several domain-specific languages, namely the extended Backus-Naur form, GraphQL, XPath, and a controlled natural language to represent expert rules in if-then form. The created toolchain with library(dcg4pt) and library(plammar) yields new application opportunities for static Prolog source code analysis, which we also present.}, subject = {PROLOG }, language = {en} } @techreport{LohGeisslerHossfeld2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Loh, Frank and Geißler, Stefan and Hoßfeld, Tobias}, title = {LoRaWAN Network Planning in Smart Environments: Towards Reliability, Scalability, and Cost Reduction}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28082}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280829}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The goal in this work is to present a guidance for LoRaWAN planning to improve overall reliability for message transmissions and scalability. At the end, the cost component is discussed. Therefore, a five step approach is presented that helps to plan a LoRaWAN deployment step by step: Based on the device locations, an initial gateway placement is suggested followed by in-depth frequency and channel access planning. After an initial planning phase, updates for channel access and the initial gateway planning is suggested that should also be done periodically during network operation. Since current gateway placement approaches are only studied with random channel access, there is a lot of potential in the cell planning phase. Furthermore, the performance of different channel access approaches is highly related on network load, and thus cell size and sensor density. Last, the influence of different cell planning ideas on expected costs are discussed.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @article{LohMehlingHossfeld2022, author = {Loh, Frank and Mehling, Noah and Hoßfeld, Tobias}, title = {Towards LoRaWAN without data loss: studying the performance of different channel access approaches}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {2}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22020691}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-302418}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) is one of the fastest growing Internet of Things (IoT) access protocols. It operates in the license free 868 MHz band and gives everyone the possibility to create their own small sensor networks. The drawback of this technology is often unscheduled or random channel access, which leads to message collisions and potential data loss. For that reason, recent literature studies alternative approaches for LoRaWAN channel access. In this work, state-of-the-art random channel access is compared with alternative approaches from the literature by means of collision probability. Furthermore, a time scheduled channel access methodology is presented to completely avoid collisions in LoRaWAN. For this approach, an exhaustive simulation study was conducted and the performance was evaluated with random access cross-traffic. In a general theoretical analysis the limits of the time scheduled approach are discussed to comply with duty cycle regulations in LoRaWAN.}, language = {en} } @article{KernKullmannGanaletal.2021, author = {Kern, Florian and Kullmann, Peter and Ganal, Elisabeth and Korwisi, Kristof and Stingl, Ren{\´e} and Niebling, Florian and Latoschik, Marc Erich}, title = {Off-The-Shelf Stylus: Using XR Devices for Handwriting and Sketching on Physically Aligned Virtual Surfaces}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.684498}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260219}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This article introduces the Off-The-Shelf Stylus (OTSS), a framework for 2D interaction (in 3D) as well as for handwriting and sketching with digital pen, ink, and paper on physically aligned virtual surfaces in Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VR, AR, MR: XR for short). OTSS supports self-made XR styluses based on consumer-grade six-degrees-of-freedom XR controllers and commercially available styluses. The framework provides separate modules for three basic but vital features: 1) The stylus module provides stylus construction and calibration features. 2) The surface module provides surface calibration and visual feedback features for virtual-physical 2D surface alignment using our so-called 3ViSuAl procedure, and surface interaction features. 3) The evaluation suite provides a comprehensive test bed combining technical measurements for precision, accuracy, and latency with extensive usability evaluations including handwriting and sketching tasks based on established visuomotor, graphomotor, and handwriting research. The framework's development is accompanied by an extensive open source reference implementation targeting the Unity game engine using an Oculus Rift S headset and Oculus Touch controllers. The development compares three low-cost and low-tech options to equip controllers with a tip and includes a web browser-based surface providing support for interacting, handwriting, and sketching. The evaluation of the reference implementation based on the OTSS framework identified an average stylus precision of 0.98 mm (SD = 0.54 mm) and an average surface accuracy of 0.60 mm (SD = 0.32 mm) in a seated VR environment. The time for displaying the stylus movement as digital ink on the web browser surface in VR was 79.40 ms on average (SD = 23.26 ms), including the physical controller's motion-to-photon latency visualized by its virtual representation (M = 42.57 ms, SD = 15.70 ms). The usability evaluation (N = 10) revealed a low task load, high usability, and high user experience. Participants successfully reproduced given shapes and created legible handwriting, indicating that the OTSS and it's reference implementation is ready for everyday use. We provide source code access to our implementation, including stylus and surface calibration and surface interaction features, making it easy to reuse, extend, adapt and/or replicate previous results (https://go.uniwue.de/hci-otss).}, language = {en} } @article{BartlWenningerWolfetal.2021, author = {Bartl, Andrea and Wenninger, Stephan and Wolf, Erik and Botsch, Mario and Latoschik, Marc Erich}, title = {Affordable but not cheap: a case study of the effects of two 3D-reconstruction methods of virtual humans}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.694617}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260492}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Realistic and lifelike 3D-reconstruction of virtual humans has various exciting and important use cases. Our and others' appearances have notable effects on ourselves and our interaction partners in virtual environments, e.g., on acceptance, preference, trust, believability, behavior (the Proteus effect), and more. Today, multiple approaches for the 3D-reconstruction of virtual humans exist. They significantly vary in terms of the degree of achievable realism, the technical complexities, and finally, the overall reconstruction costs involved. This article compares two 3D-reconstruction approaches with very different hardware requirements. The high-cost solution uses a typical complex and elaborated camera rig consisting of 94 digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The recently developed low-cost solution uses a smartphone camera to create videos that capture multiple views of a person. Both methods use photogrammetric reconstruction and template fitting with the same template model and differ in their adaptation to the method-specific input material. Each method generates high-quality virtual humans ready to be processed, animated, and rendered by standard XR simulation and game engines such as Unreal or Unity. We compare the results of the two 3D-reconstruction methods in an immersive virtual environment against each other in a user study. Our results indicate that the virtual humans from the low-cost approach are perceived similarly to those from the high-cost approach regarding the perceived similarity to the original, human-likeness, beauty, and uncanniness, despite significant differences in the objectively measured quality. The perceived feeling of change of the own body was higher for the low-cost virtual humans. Quality differences were perceived more strongly for one's own body than for other virtual humans.}, language = {en} } @article{WienrichLatoschik2021, author = {Wienrich, Carolin and Latoschik, Marc Erich}, title = {eXtended Artificial Intelligence: New Prospects of Human-AI Interaction Research}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.686783}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260296}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Artificial Intelligence (AI) covers a broad spectrum of computational problems and use cases. Many of those implicate profound and sometimes intricate questions of how humans interact or should interact with AIs. Moreover, many users or future users do have abstract ideas of what AI is, significantly depending on the specific embodiment of AI applications. Human-centered-design approaches would suggest evaluating the impact of different embodiments on human perception of and interaction with AI. An approach that is difficult to realize due to the sheer complexity of application fields and embodiments in reality. However, here XR opens new possibilities to research human-AI interactions. The article's contribution is twofold: First, it provides a theoretical treatment and model of human-AI interaction based on an XR-AI continuum as a framework for and a perspective of different approaches of XR-AI combinations. It motivates XR-AI combinations as a method to learn about the effects of prospective human-AI interfaces and shows why the combination of XR and AI fruitfully contributes to a valid and systematic investigation of human-AI interactions and interfaces. Second, the article provides two exemplary experiments investigating the aforementioned approach for two distinct AI-systems. The first experiment reveals an interesting gender effect in human-robot interaction, while the second experiment reveals an Eliza effect of a recommender system. Here the article introduces two paradigmatic implementations of the proposed XR testbed for human-AI interactions and interfaces and shows how a valid and systematic investigation can be conducted. In sum, the article opens new perspectives on how XR benefits human-centered AI design and development.}, language = {en} } @article{WienrichCarolus2021, author = {Wienrich, Carolin and Carolus, Astrid}, title = {Development of an Instrument to Measure Conceptualizations and Competencies About Conversational Agents on the Example of Smart Speakers}, series = {Frontiers in Computer Science}, volume = {3}, journal = {Frontiers in Computer Science}, doi = {10.3389/fcomp.2021.685277}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260198}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The concept of digital literacy has been introduced as a new cultural technique, which is regarded as essential for successful participation in a (future) digitized world. Regarding the increasing importance of AI, literacy concepts need to be extended to account for AI-related specifics. The easy handling of the systems results in increased usage, contrasting limited conceptualizations (e.g., imagination of future importance) and competencies (e.g., knowledge about functional principles). In reference to voice-based conversational agents as a concrete application of AI, the present paper aims for the development of a measurement to assess the conceptualizations and competencies about conversational agents. In a first step, a theoretical framework of "AI literacy" is transferred to the context of conversational agent literacy. Second, the "conversational agent literacy scale" (short CALS) is developed, constituting the first attempt to measure interindividual differences in the "(il) literate" usage of conversational agents. 29 items were derived, of which 170 participants answered. An explanatory factor analysis identified five factors leading to five subscales to assess CAL: storage and transfer of the smart speaker's data input; smart speaker's functional principles; smart speaker's intelligent functions, learning abilities; smart speaker's reach and potential; smart speaker's technological (surrounding) infrastructure. Preliminary insights into construct validity and reliability of CALS showed satisfying results. Third, using the newly developed instrument, a student sample's CAL was assessed, revealing intermediated values. Remarkably, owning a smart speaker did not lead to higher CAL scores, confirming our basic assumption that usage of systems does not guarantee enlightened conceptualizations and competencies. In sum, the paper contributes to the first insights into the operationalization and understanding of CAL as a specific subdomain of AI-related competencies.}, language = {en} } @article{WienrichReitelbachCarolus2021, author = {Wienrich, Carolin and Reitelbach, Clemens and Carolus, Astrid}, title = {The Trustworthiness of Voice Assistants in the Context of Healthcare Investigating the Effect of Perceived Expertise on the Trustworthiness of Voice Assistants, Providers, Data Receivers, and Automatic Speech Recognition}, series = {Frontiers in Computer Science}, volume = {3}, journal = {Frontiers in Computer Science}, doi = {10.3389/fcomp.2021.685250}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260209}, year = {2021}, abstract = {As an emerging market for voice assistants (VA), the healthcare sector imposes increasing requirements on the users' trust in the technological system. To encourage patients to reveal sensitive data requires patients to trust in the technological counterpart. In an experimental laboratory study, participants were presented a VA, which was introduced as either a "specialist" or a "generalist" tool for sexual health. In both conditions, the VA asked the exact same health-related questions. Afterwards, participants assessed the trustworthiness of the tool and further source layers (provider, platform provider, automatic speech recognition in general, data receiver) and reported individual characteristics (disposition to trust and disclose sexual information). Results revealed that perceiving the VA as a specialist resulted in higher trustworthiness of the VA and of the provider, the platform provider and automatic speech recognition in general. Furthermore, the provider's trustworthiness affected the perceived trustworthiness of the VA. Presenting both a theoretical line of reasoning and empirical data, the study points out the importance of the users' perspective on the assistant. In sum, this paper argues for further analyses of trustworthiness in voice-based systems and its effects on the usage behavior as well as the impact on responsible design of future technology.}, language = {en} } @article{WienrichKommaVogtetal.2021, author = {Wienrich, Carolin and Komma, Philipp and Vogt, Stephanie and Latoschik, Marc E.}, title = {Spatial Presence in Mixed Realities - Considerations About the Concept, Measures, Design, and Experiments}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.694315}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260328}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Plenty of theories, models, measures, and investigations target the understanding of virtual presence, i.e., the sense of presence in immersive Virtual Reality (VR). Other varieties of the so-called eXtended Realities (XR), e.g., Augmented and Mixed Reality (AR and MR) incorporate immersive features to a lesser degree and continuously combine spatial cues from the real physical space and the simulated virtual space. This blurred separation questions the applicability of the accumulated knowledge about the similarities of virtual presence and presence occurring in other varieties of XR, and corresponding outcomes. The present work bridges this gap by analyzing the construct of presence in mixed realities (MR). To achieve this, the following presents (1) a short review of definitions, dimensions, and measurements of presence in VR, and (2) the state of the art views on MR. Additionally, we (3) derived a working definition of MR, extending the Milgram continuum. This definition is based on entities reaching from real to virtual manifestations at one time point. Entities possess different degrees of referential power, determining the selection of the frame of reference. Furthermore, we (4) identified three research desiderata, including research questions about the frame of reference, the corresponding dimension of transportation, and the dimension of realism in MR. Mainly the relationship between the main aspects of virtual presence of immersive VR, i.e., the place-illusion, and the plausibility-illusion, and of the referential power of MR entities are discussed regarding the concept, measures, and design of presence in MR. Finally, (5) we suggested an experimental setup to reveal the research heuristic behind experiments investigating presence in MR. The present work contributes to the theories and the meaning of and approaches to simulate and measure presence in MR. We hypothesize that research about essential underlying factors determining user experience (UX) in MR simulations and experiences is still in its infancy and hopes this article provides an encouraging starting point to tackle related questions.}, language = {en} } @article{GlemarecLugrinBosseretal.2021, author = {Gl{\´e}marec, Yann and Lugrin, Jean-Luc and Bosser, Anne-Gwenn and Collins Jackson, Aryana and Buche, C{\´e}dric and Latoschik, Marc Erich}, title = {Indifferent or Enthusiastic? Virtual Audiences Animation and Perception in Virtual Reality}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.666232}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259328}, pages = {666232}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In this paper, we present a virtual audience simulation system for Virtual Reality (VR). The system implements an audience perception model controlling the nonverbal behaviors of virtual spectators, such as facial expressions or postures. Groups of virtual spectators are animated by a set of nonverbal behavior rules representing a particular audience attitude (e.g., indifferent or enthusiastic). Each rule specifies a nonverbal behavior category: posture, head movement, facial expression and gaze direction as well as three parameters: type, frequency and proportion. In a first user-study, we asked participants to pretend to be a speaker in VR and then create sets of nonverbal behaviour parameters to simulate different attitudes. Participants manipulated the nonverbal behaviours of single virtual spectator to match a specific levels of engagement and opinion toward them. In a second user-study, we used these parameters to design different types of virtual audiences with our nonverbal behavior rules and evaluated their perceptions. Our results demonstrate our system's ability to create virtual audiences with three types of different perceived attitudes: indifferent, critical, enthusiastic. The analysis of the results also lead to a set of recommendations and guidelines regarding attitudes and expressions for future design of audiences for VR therapy and training applications.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinWienrichLatoschik2021, author = {Hein, Rebecca M. and Wienrich, Carolin and Latoschik, Marc E.}, title = {A systematic review of foreign language learning with immersive technologies (2001-2020)}, series = {AIMS Electronics and Electrical Engineering}, volume = {5}, journal = {AIMS Electronics and Electrical Engineering}, number = {2}, doi = {10.3934/electreng.2021007}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-268811}, pages = {117-145}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This study provides a systematic literature review of research (2001-2020) in the field of teaching and learning a foreign language and intercultural learning using immersive technologies. Based on 2507 sources, 54 articles were selected according to a predefined selection criteria. The review is aimed at providing information about which immersive interventions are being used for foreign language learning and teaching and where potential research gaps exist. The papers were analyzed and coded according to the following categories: (1) investigation form and education level, (2) degree of immersion, and technology used, (3) predictors, and (4) criterions. The review identified key research findings relating the use of immersive technologies for learning and teaching a foreign language and intercultural learning at cognitive, affective, and conative levels. The findings revealed research gaps in the area of teachers as a target group, and virtual reality (VR) as a fully immersive intervention form. Furthermore, the studies reviewed rarely examined behavior, and implicit measurements related to inter- and trans-cultural learning and teaching. Inter- and transcultural learning and teaching especially is an underrepresented investigation subject. Finally, concrete suggestions for future research are given. The systematic review contributes to the challenge of interdisciplinary cooperation between pedagogy, foreign language didactics, and Human-Computer Interaction to achieve innovative teaching-learning formats and a successful digital transformation.}, language = {en} } @techreport{SertbasBuelbuelErgencFischer2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Sertbas B{\"u}lb{\"u}l, Nurefsan and Ergenc, Doganalp and Fischer, Mathias}, title = {Evaluating Dynamic Path Reconfiguration for Time Sensitive Networks}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28074}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280743}, pages = {5}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In time-sensitive networks (TSN) based on 802.1Qbv, i.e., the time-aware Shaper (TAS) protocol, precise transmission schedules and, paths are used to ensure end-to-end deterministic communication. Such resource reservations for data flows are usually established at the startup time of an application and remain untouched until the flow ends. There is no way to migrate existing flows easily to alternative paths without inducing additional delay or wasting resources. Therefore, some of the new flows cannot be embedded due to capacity limitations on certain links which leads to sub-optimal flow assignment. As future networks will need to support a large number of lowlatency flows, accommodating new flows at runtime and adapting existing flows accordingly becomes a challenging problem. In this extended abstract we summarize a previously published paper of us [1]. We combine software-defined networking (SDN), which provides better control of network flows, with TSN to be able to seamlessly migrate time-sensitive flows. For that, we formulate an optimization problem and propose different dynamic path configuration strategies under deterministic communication requirements. Our simulation results indicate that regularly reconfiguring the flow assignments can improve the latency of time-sensitive flows and can increase the number of flows embedded in the network around 4\% in worst-case scenarios while still satisfying individual flow deadlines.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{LeGrossmannKrieger2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Le, Duy Thanh and Großmann, Marcel and Krieger, Udo R.}, title = {Cloudless Resource Monitoring in a Fog Computing System Enabled by an SDN/NFV Infrastructure}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28072}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280723}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Today's advanced Internet-of-Things applications raise technical challenges on cloud, edge, and fog computing. The design of an efficient, virtualized, context-aware, self-configuring orchestration system of a fog computing system constitutes a major development effort within this very innovative area of research. In this paper we describe the architecture and relevant implementation aspects of a cloudless resource monitoring system interworking with an SDN/NFV infrastructure. It realizes the basic monitoring component of the fundamental MAPE-K principles employed in autonomic computing. Here we present the hierarchical layering and functionality within the underlying fog nodes to generate a working prototype of an intelligent, self-managed orchestrator for advanced IoT applications and services. The latter system has the capability to monitor automatically various performance aspects of the resource allocation among multiple hosts of a fog computing system interconnected by SDN.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{HoewelerXiangHoepfneretal.2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {H{\"o}weler, Malte and Xiang, Zuo and H{\"o}pfner, Franz and Nguyen, Giang T. and Fitzek, Frank H. P.}, title = {Towards Stateless Core Networks: Measuring State Access Patterns}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28077}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280770}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Future mobile communication networks, such as 5G and beyond, can benefit from Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) when deployed on cloud infrastructures to achieve elasticity and scalability. However, new challenges arise as to managing states of Network Functions (NFs). Especially control plane VNFs, which are mainly found in cellular core networks like the 5G Core (5GC), received little attention since the shift towards virtualizing NFs. Most existing solutions for these core networks are often complex, intrusive, and are seldom compliant with the standard. With the emergence of 5G campus networks, UEs will be mainly machine-type devices. These devices communicate more deterministically, bringing new opportunities for elaborated state management. This work presents an emulation environment to perform rigorous measurements on state access patterns. The emulation comes with a fully parameterized Markov model for the UE to examine a wide variety of different devices. These measurements can then be used as a solid base for designing an efficient, simple, and standard conform state management solution that brings us further towards stateless core networks.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{GrigorjewDiederichHossfeldetal.2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Grigorjew, Alexej and Diederich, Philip and Hoßfeld, Tobias and Kellerer, Wolfgang}, title = {Affordable Measurement Setups for Networking Device Latency with Sub-Microsecond Accuracy}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28075}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280751}, pages = {5}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This document presents a networking latency measurement setup that focuses on affordability and universal applicability, and can provide sub-microsecond accuracy. It explains the prerequisites, hardware choices, and considerations to respect during measurement. In addition, it discusses the necessity for exhaustive latency measurements when dealing with high availability and low latency requirements. Preliminary results show that the accuracy is within ±0.02 μs when used with the Intel I350-T2 network adapter.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{GallenmuellerScholzStubbeetal.2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Gallenm{\"u}ller, Sebastian and Scholz, Dominik and Stubbe, Henning and Hauser, Eric and Carle, Georg}, title = {Reproducible by Design: Network Experiments with pos}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28083}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280834}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In scientific research, the independent reproduction of experiments is the source of trust. Detailed documentation is required to enable experiment reproduction. Reproducibility awards were created to honor the increased documentation effort. In this work, we propose a novel approach toward reproducible research—a structured experimental workflow that allows the creation of reproducible experiments without requiring additional efforts of the researcher. Moreover, we present our own testbed and toolchain, namely, plain orchestrating service (pos), which enables the creation of such experimental workflows. The experiment is documented by our proposed, fully scripted experiment structure. In addition, pos provides scripts enabling the automation of the bundling and release of all experimental artifacts. We provide an interactive environment where pos experiments can be executed and reproduced, available at https://gallenmu.github.io/single-server-experiment.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{OdhahGrassKraemer2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Odhah, Najib and Grass, Eckhard and Kraemer, Rolf}, title = {Effective Rate of URLLC with Short Block-Length Information Theory}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28085}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280859}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Shannon channel capacity estimation, based on large packet length is used in traditional Radio Resource Management (RRM) optimization. This is good for the normal transmission of data in a wired or wireless system. For industrial automation and control, rather short packages are used due to the short-latency requirements. Using Shannon's formula leads in this case to inaccurate RRM solutions, thus another formula should be used to optimize radio resources in short block-length packet transmission, which is the basic of Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLCs). The stringent requirement of delay Quality of Service (QoS) for URLLCs requires a link-level channel model rather than a physical level channel model. After finding the basic and accurate formula of the achievable rate of short block-length packet transmission, the RRM optimization problem can be accurately formulated and solved under the new constraints of URLLCs. In this short paper, the current mathematical models, which are used in formulating the effective transmission rate of URLLCs, will be briefly explained. Then, using this rate in RRM for URLLC will be discussed.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @techreport{RaffeckGeisslerHossfeld2022, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Raffeck, Simon and Geißler, Stefan and Hoßfeld, Tobias}, title = {DBM: Decentralized Burst Mitigation for Self-Organizing LoRa Deployments}, series = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, journal = {W{\"u}rzburg Workshop on Next-Generation Communication Networks (WueWoWas'22)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28080}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280809}, pages = {4}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This work proposes a novel approach to disperse dense transmission intervals and reduce bursty traffic patterns without the need for centralized control. Furthermore, by keeping the mechanism as close to the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) standard as possible the suggested mechanism can be deployed within existing networks and can even be co-deployed with other devices.}, subject = {Datennetz}, language = {en} } @article{DumicBjeloperaNuechter2021, author = {Dumic, Emil and Bjelopera, Anamaria and N{\"u}chter, Andreas}, title = {Dynamic point cloud compression based on projections, surface reconstruction and video compression}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {1}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22010197}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252231}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In this paper we will present a new dynamic point cloud compression based on different projection types and bit depth, combined with the surface reconstruction algorithm and video compression for obtained geometry and texture maps. Texture maps have been compressed after creating Voronoi diagrams. Used video compression is specific for geometry (FFV1) and texture (H.265/HEVC). Decompressed point clouds are reconstructed using a Poisson surface reconstruction algorithm. Comparison with the original point clouds was performed using point-to-point and point-to-plane measures. Comprehensive experiments show better performance for some projection maps: cylindrical, Miller and Mercator projections.}, language = {en} } @article{MadeiraGromerLatoschiketal.2021, author = {Madeira, Octavia and Gromer, Daniel and Latoschik, Marc Erich and Pauli, Paul}, title = {Effects of Acrophobic Fear and Trait Anxiety on Human Behavior in a Virtual Elevated Plus-Maze}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.635048}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258709}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) is a well-established apparatus to measure anxiety in rodents, i.e., animals exhibiting an increased relative time spent in the closed vs. the open arms are considered anxious. To examine whether such anxiety-modulated behaviors are conserved in humans, we re-translated this paradigm to a human setting using virtual reality in a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) system. In two studies, we examined whether the EPM exploration behavior of humans is modulated by their trait anxiety and also assessed the individuals' levels of acrophobia (fear of height), claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), sensation seeking, and the reported anxiety when on the maze. First, we constructed an exact virtual copy of the animal EPM adjusted to human proportions. In analogy to animal EPM studies, participants (N = 30) freely explored the EPM for 5 min. In the second study (N = 61), we redesigned the EPM to make it more human-adapted and to differentiate influences of trait anxiety and acrophobia by introducing various floor textures and lower walls of closed arms to the height of standard handrails. In the first experiment, hierarchical regression analyses of exploration behavior revealed the expected association between open arm avoidance and Trait Anxiety, an even stronger association with acrophobic fear. In the second study, results revealed that acrophobia was associated with avoidance of open arms with mesh-floor texture, whereas for trait anxiety, claustrophobia, and sensation seeking, no effect was detected. Also, subjects' fear rating was moderated by all psychometrics but trait anxiety. In sum, both studies consistently indicate that humans show no general open arm avoidance analogous to rodents and that human EPM behavior is modulated strongest by acrophobic fear, whereas trait anxiety plays a subordinate role. Thus, we conclude that the criteria for cross-species validity are met insufficiently in this case. Despite the exploratory nature, our studies provide in-depth insights into human exploration behavior on the virtual EPM.}, language = {en} } @article{WienrichDoellingerHein2021, author = {Wienrich, Carolin and D{\"o}llinger, Nina and Hein, Rebecca}, title = {Behavioral Framework of Immersive Technologies (BehaveFIT): How and why virtual reality can support behavioral change processes}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.627194}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258796}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The design and evaluation of assisting technologies to support behavior change processes have become an essential topic within the field of human-computer interaction research in general and the field of immersive intervention technologies in particular. The mechanisms and success of behavior change techniques and interventions are broadly investigated in the field of psychology. However, it is not always easy to adapt these psychological findings to the context of immersive technologies. The lack of theoretical foundation also leads to a lack of explanation as to why and how immersive interventions support behavior change processes. The Behavioral Framework for immersive Technologies (BehaveFIT) addresses this lack by 1) presenting an intelligible categorization and condensation of psychological barriers and immersive features, by 2) suggesting a mapping that shows why and how immersive technologies can help to overcome barriers and finally by 3) proposing a generic prediction path that enables a structured, theory-based approach to the development and evaluation of immersive interventions. These three steps explain how BehaveFIT can be used, and include guiding questions for each step. Further, two use cases illustrate the usage of BehaveFIT. Thus, the present paper contributes to guidance for immersive intervention design and evaluation, showing that immersive interventions support behavior change processes and explain and predict 'why' and 'how' immersive interventions can bridge the intention-behavior-gap.}, language = {en} }