Abstract

Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) technologies have been evolving in recent decades, allowing simulating real-life situations in controlled and safe virtual environments, where they reveal increasingly realistic details. There is an increase in the number of publications on virtual reality interventions in different areas, especially in Education, particularly in interventions with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The lack of social skills prevents these children diagnosed with ASD to respond appropriately and adapt to the most diverse daily social situations. On this basis, VR has revealed a set of evidences that present promising results and show great acceptance among the diversified population with ASD. In order to understand how VR may contribute to the improvement of skills, allowing their inclusion, we conducted a systematic review of the literature. We present considerations on the selected studies, identifying the main gaps and pointing out possible directions for future research. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
The present paper presents the implementation of next-generation centralized Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) solution for Medium Voltage (MV) power grids, developed in the scope of the SCALE project [1]. The main goals of the project are the development, testing, and field pilot deployment of an innovative, fully digital PAC system for Substation Automation (SAS), centralizing in a single device the functionalities of several bay-level Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED). The envisioned system, comprised of a Centralized Protection and Control (CPC) device and Merging Units (MU)/Process Interface Units (PIU), constitutes a highly flexible, resilient, future-proof solution that relies both on modern IEC 61850 standards and on legacy industrial protocols to guarantee multi-vendor interoperability and continued integration with multi-generation devices inside and outside of the substation. Centralizing SAS functionalities in a single device provides access to a wide range of data and measurements that unlocks technologically advanced substation-centric network automation applications. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2023.

Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic required swift adaptations within public spaces, particularly in view of the uncertainties enveloping the transmission dynamics of the virus. Among the prominently contacted surfaces, door handles have garnered significant attention in research efforts aiming to curtail transmission risks. A notable proposition emerged to obviate the necessity of direct physical contact with handles, thereby introducing a novel approach. Thus, the manufacturing modality of three-dimensional (3D) printing was naturally embraced, primarily attributable to its expeditious prototyping capabilities. Although the extant literature and the open-source community have proffered diverse panaceas, this inquiry embarked on rectifying certain inadequacies that had afflicted antecedent methodologies. Elaborate exposition is provided pertaining to the progression of the developmental trajectory and the concomitant design refinements. In a bid to substantiate the efficaciousness of the produced solution, the finite element analysis (FEA) was judiciously employed to assess two distinct loading scenarios: during the installation phase and the subsequent operation of the contrivance. The empirical findings manifest the commendable load tolerance, with the proposed solution being capable of withstand forces exceeding 15 N. Furthermore, even under the most adverse circumstances, the device evinced a maximal displacement of 15 mm. Collectively, the corollaries borne out of this scholarly investigation corroborate the efficacy, utilitarian functionality, and ergonomic viabilities of the proposed solutions and manufacturing process. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.

Abstract

Abstract
Biofouling is the major factor that limits long-term monitoring studies with automated optical instruments. Protection of the sensing areas, surfaces, and structural housing of the sensors must be considered to deliver reliable data without the need for cleaning or maintenance. In this work, we present the design and field validation of different techniques for biofouling protection based on different housing materials, biocides, and transparent coatings. Six optical turbidity probes were built using polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PLA with copper filament, ABS coated with PDMS, ABS coated with epoxy and ABS assembled with a system for in situ chlorine production. The probes were deployed in the sea for 48 days and their anti-biofouling efficiency was evaluated using the results of the field experiment, visual inspections, and calibration signal loss after the tests. The PLA and ABS were used as samplers without fouling protection. The probe with chlorine production outperformed the other techniques, providing reliable data during the in situ experiment. The copper probe had lower performance but still retarded the biological growth. The techniques based on transparent coatings, epoxy, and PDMS did not prevent biofilm formation and suffered mostly from micro-biofouling.