A Web-enabled virtual repository for supporting distributed automotive component development

Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a semantic web specification that aims to support conceptual modeling of information about resources in the form of a triples of facts. In this paper, we note that, although RDF provides mechanisms to encode meta-information (such as source, trust, or certainty) about facts recorded in the knowledge base, existing RDF query languages and RDF stores fail to support key primitives needed in a large class of knowledge applications which associate utilities or costs on the available knowledge statements. To address this shortcoming, we propose a novel R2DF framework for utility ranked resource descriptions. We first propose a simple ranked RDF (R2DF) specification to enhance RDF triples with an application specific weight (e.g. cost). We then propose a SPARankQL query language specification, which includes a set of novel primitives on top of the SPARQL language to express top-k queries using traditional query patterns as well as novel flexible path predicates. An extended query processor engine, AR2Q, leverages novel index structures to support efficient ranked path search and includes query optimization strategies based on two key metrics: (a) proximity and (b) sub-result inter-arrival time. Experiments show that the use of these two metrics has significant impacts on the performance of top-k queries over R2DF graphs: in particular, the proximity measure helps reduce the number of path matches that need to be considered, whereas the inter-arrival measure reduces the overall execution time significantly especially when used along with proximity. The proposed strategies help obtain query plans close to optimal.

Managing Product and Production Variety – A Language Workbench Approach

Product lifecycle modelling is to define and represent product lifecycle data and to maintain data interdependencies. This paper presents a framework of product lifecycle model that comprises three parts: product information model, process model based on product life cycle, and extended enterprise resource model. Further, the relationship and formation of product models at different stages are described. Finally, an integrated information architecture is proposed to support interoperability of distributed product data sources.

Semantic-rich 3D parametric models, like Building Information Models (BIMs) are becoming the main information source during the entire lifespan of an asset. The use of BIM in existing buildings has been hampered by the challenges surrounding the limitations of existing technologies for developing retrofit models. Some progress has been recently made in generating non-parametric models from the Point Cloud Data (PCD). However, a proper fully developed parametric model is still some way away. In this paper, challenges are addressed by reviewing the state-of-the-art before presenting our approach. The aim of our approach is to apply the Semantic Web Technologies for generating parametric models using PCD as primary data. The Semantic Web as a set of standards and technologies is used for providing an appropriate framework for storing, sharing, and reusing the semantics of information on the web. Building elements are recognized in PCD, and the concept of Resource Description Framework (RDF) as a Semantic Web technology and a standard model for interchanging the data on the web is then used to markup detected elements. The RDF data is then standardized to Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as an open standard building data model to generate the parametric model of the asset utilizing BIM software that supports IFC. Some parts of this ongoing research are performed manually, and the future work is to implement the process automatically. Primary results are quite promising and should be of interest to the modeling of all kinds of assets, in particular, Historical Building Information Modelling (HBIM).

: One challenge of tactical information processing within the demanding net-centric environment is the fusion of data extracted from various free-form message databases. The development of high-level data fusion products addresses this challenge; however, development relies heavily on the availability of large, accurate data sets. This report documents the Database Creation for Information Processing Methods, Metrics, and Models (DCIPM3) project that creates, from a U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL)-designated context, a notional albeit realistic detailed scenario encompassing a multitude of social interactions. A time ordered event list (TOEL) was created from the scenario that includes references to multiple forms of communication, events, and interactions between subjects. An extensive message set that includes communication between subjects was derived from the TOEL. The Web Ontology Language (OWL) was used to create an ontology populated with information, e.g., 'meet at two,' from the message set. Resource Description Framework (RDF) triples were extracted from this ontology. The resulting database from the extracted triples can be used by the information fusion community when both a known social context and a comprehensive database of messages to support that context are required.

Abstract. In recent years, 3D virtual indoor/outdoor urban modelling becomes a key spatial information framework for many civil and engineering applications such as evacuation planning, emergency and facility management. For accomplishing such sophisticate decision tasks, there is a large demands for building multi-scale and multi-sourced 3D urban models. Currently, Building Information Model (BIM) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are broadly used as the modelling sources. However, data sharing and exchanging information between two modelling domains is still a huge challenge; while the syntactic or semantic approaches do not fully provide exchanging of rich semantic and geometric information of BIM into GIS or vice-versa. This paper proposes a novel approach for integrating BIM and GIS using semantic web technologies and Resources Description Framework (RDF) graphs. The novelty of the proposed solution comes from the benefits of integrating BIM and GIS technologies into one unified model, so-called Integrated Geospatial Information Model (IGIM). The proposed approach consists of three main modules: BIM-RDF and GIS-RDF graphs construction, integrating of two RDF graphs, and query of information through IGIM-RDF graph using SPARQL. The IGIM generates queries from both the BIM and GIS RDF graphs resulting a semantically integrated model with entities representing both BIM classes and GIS feature objects with respect to the target-client application. The linkage between BIM-RDF and GIS-RDF is achieved through SPARQL endpoints and defined by a query using set of datasets and entity classes with complementary properties, relationships and geometries. To validate the proposed approach and its performance, a case study was also tested using IGIM system design.

Building Information Modelling is a well-known acronym in the construction industry. BIM process is more than modelling buildings, and it provides the opportunity to drive efficiency and effectiveness to the information management of build projects. Accordingly, Building Information Models (BIMs), typically known as semantic three-dimensional parametric models, are fast becoming the comprehensive information source in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), and Facility Management (FM). The use of BIM in existing buildings has been hampered by the challenges and limitations surrounding the available technologies. The most popular and commonly used approach for generating models is to manually generate 3D artefacts utilizing point measurements extracted from range-based technologies (typically 3D laser scanning). In the recent past, several studies have been carried out to make the retro t BIM development process as effective and efficient as possible by developing different methods for mapping 3D models using Point Cloud Data (PCD) as the main source of information. However, an appropriate fully generated parametric model is still some way away. In this paper, we review the-state-of-the-art to address the research gap and challenges involved in generating parametric models before outlining the proposal of our approach. In this research, we employ Semantic Web technologies to capture parametric models. Elements are first recognized in PCD, and corresponding geometric information extracted from PCD are then tagged with Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). Tags are then linked with the generated Resource Description Framework (RDF) data for each element. The core and challenging part of this research is the standardization process where RDF as a serialization is translated to Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as a data model. The generated IFC format is then utilized to capture corresponding models. The primary results are very promising and should be of interest to the modelling of all kinds of building components, particularly historical building information modelling (HBIM).

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Probabilistic seismic hazard estimates are a key ingredient of earthquake risk mitigation strategies and are often communicated through seismic hazard maps. Though the literature suggests that visual design properties are key for effective communication using such maps, guidelines on how to optimally design hazard map are missing from the literature. Current maps use color palettes and data classification schemes which have well-reported limitations that may inadvertently miscommunicate seismic hazard. We surveyed the literature on color and classification schemes to identify design criteria that have empirical support for communicating hazard information. These criteria were then applied to redesign the seismic hazard map for Germany. We isolated several communication goals for this map, including essential properties about moderate-hazard seismic regions and a critical hazard threshold related to the German seismic building codes. We elucidate our redesign process and the selection of new colors and classification schemes that satisfy the evidence-based criteria. In a mixed-methods survey, we evaluate the original and redesigned seismic hazard maps, finding that the redesign satisfies all the communication goals, and improves users&rsquo; awareness about the spatial spread of seismic hazard, relative to the original. We consider practical implications for the design of hazard maps across the natural hazards.

To review current classification systems for adolescent and adult scoliosis. The literature was reviewed in reference to scoliosis classification systems for adolescent and adult scoliosis. There are multiple classification systems for scoliosis. Classification of scoliosis is dependent on patient age, spinal abnormality, scoliotic curve, and global spinal alignment. To date, classification systems have focused predominantly on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or adult/degenerative scoliosis; a single classification system evaluating scoliotic deformities of different ages and spinal abnormalities has not been identified. The importance of scoliosis classification schemes lies in their ability to standardize communication among health care providers. With regard to the classification of adolescent scoliosis, the Lenke system has addressed many of the significant limitations of the King system and is now the standard classification scheme. Classification schemes for adult scoliosis have been reported only recently, and each offers specific advantages (the simple pathogenesis-based system of Aebi, the strong clinical relevance of the Schwab system, and the richly descriptive Scoliosis Research Society system). This article highlights the salient features of currently used scoliosis classification systems.

This paper proposes a framework for building product information model (PIM) and product rule model (PRM), and integrated reasoning based on Description Frame Logic (DFL) [1] for collaborative product engineering environments. Most of the previous research has focused either on building ontology for PIM or on building a rule base for PRM respectively, not on both of them. Some research on product engineering has tried to build both ontology language and rule-language. But, the research is/has been limited to using both languages in a homogeneous approach under open world assumption (OWA) such as Web Ontology Language (OWL)/Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL), which has some drawbacks to accommodate the requirements of enhanced expressivity for collaborative product engineering. We adopt Description Frame Logic (DFL) framework to integrate product semantics in PIM and engineering-specific knowledge in PRM based on description logic (DL) and logic programming (LP) under both open world assumption (OWA) and closed world assumption (CWA). This enables to secure seamless and interactive reasoning between PIM and PRM. We also include rule-expressions and constraint checking with DL for PIM while we include DL-expression in rules and LP’s non-logical features for PRM. This provides enhancement of expressiveness required for product engineering. Additionally, we show the benefits of the proposed framework with a case study.

Maps are the most commonly used means of visualizing and communicating natural hazard information to support decisions about risk mitigation. They are a product of hazard assessment studies which involve different input parameters with uncertainties relevant to decision making. This process is further complicated by the subjective uncertainties that arise in the audience when confronted with the visualization of hazard information.&amp;#160;Natural hazard maps are primarily designed to be used by experts, but they are also used in their unaltered form to communicate with non-experts, many of whom are unfamiliar with the map&amp;#8217;s scientific background and implications. Previous studies focus mainly on evaluating such maps with expert groups (e.g., directly involved stakeholders and authorities), with less attention on non-experts (e.g., the public audiences) who are confronted with these maps before purchasing a house, getting insurance or making other critical decisions.&amp;#160;To address this gap, our study investigates how well hazard maps are understood and interpreted by non-expert audiences. We tested two earthquake hazard maps of Germany that differ in color palettes (rainbow vs. colorblind-friendly and perception-optimized yellow-orange-red-brown color palettes) and data classification schemes (algorithmic Fisher vs. quasi-logarithmic classification schemes). We showed both maps to 20 non-expert participants during the 2024 Science &amp;amp; Innovation Days (a public engagement event) in T&amp;#252;bingen, Germany. Participants answered map-reading and hazard perception questions (e.g., participants were asked to read off the hazard level for a given city, and to compare hazard levels between for a pair of cities) while their eye movements were monitored with eye-tracking software.&amp;#160;To identify if either map improved map reading and hazard perception, participants&amp;#8217; responses were scored, analyzed and compared using a two-sample Mann&amp;#8211;Whitney U and Fisher&amp;#8217;s Exact tests. In general, the differences detected in participants&amp;#8217; responses were not statistically significant, perhaps due to the small sample size. Still, we observed that nearly all participants who used the redesigned map (8 out of 9) correctly read the hazard level for a city while only 33% (3 out of 9 participants) who used the rainbow color map responded correctly.Eye-tracking data were used to analyze focus-metrics. Composite heatmaps accumulating the duration of eye fixations of all participants indicate that their eye movements were focused more on the high hazard zones and the corresponding values shown on map legend when answering questions using a hazard map redesigned to use best practices for hazard perception.To quantify these differences, the ratio of fixations on high-hazard zones to total fixations on the map were calculated for both map versions. The data were tested for normality and the statistical significance of the differences were evaluated using Independent Samples t-tests for equal variances. While the results were not statistically significant, participants viewing the redesigned map showed a greater number of fixations on high-hazard zones compared to the participants viewing the original map, with a moderate effect size. We note tendencies in the data that encourage the repetition of the experiment with a larger sample size.

A method of modeling vertical fluid flow and solute transport in a GIS context

In order to improve parametric design process efficiency, design product is layer-by-layer decomposed into design unit according to the functional, and the design unit is looked as the carrier of knowledge and the object of parameter driving.In order to describe the product structure and integrate design knowledge, PS hierarchical structure model and integrated design information model are established.Based on the product information model, put forward the product parametric design steps.In order to be clear, an example of double eccentric butterfly valve parametric design is provided.

Most current virtual maintenance systems are independent of CAD systems and the results in modification, maintainability analysis and evaluation can not be shared by CAD systems automatically and directly, reducing design efficiency and making information silo. The approach integrating virtual reality function into CAD system is adopted to build Product Information Model of Virtual Maintenance Integrated into CAD System (VM-CADPIM) by extending CAD product information model and making it virtual maintenance system a part of CAD system. A virtual maintenance system integrated into CATIA seamlessly is developed based on the VM-CADPIM to implement the bidirectional information transmission between virtual maintenance system and CAD system. The correctness and effectiveness of the information model in eliminating the inherent defects of virtual maintenance system independent of CAD and making virtual maintenance system more practical and significant in engineering applications are shown.

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is the graph-based standard data model for representing semantic web information, and SPARQL is the standard query language for querying RDF data. Because of the huge volume of linked open data published on the web, these standards have aroused a large interest in the last years. This paper proposes a fuzzy extension of the SPARQL language that improves its expressiveness and usability. This extension allows (1) to query a fuzzy RDF data model, and (2) to express fuzzy preferences on data and on the structure of the data graph, which has not been proposed in any previous fuzzy extensions of SPARQL.