@phdthesis{Weissker, author = {Weißker, Tim}, title = {Group Navigation in Multi-User Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.4530}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20211124-45305}, school = {Bauhaus-Universit{\"a}t Weimar}, pages = {148}, abstract = {Multi-user virtual reality systems enable collocated as well as distributed users to perform collaborative activities in immersive virtual environments. A common activity in this context is to move from one location to the next as a group to explore the environment together. The simplest solution to realize these multi-user navigation processes is to provide each participant with a technique for individual navigation. However, this approach entails some potentially undesirable consequences such as the execution of a similar navigation sequence by each participant, a regular need for coordination within the group, and, related to this, the risk of losing each other during the navigation process. To overcome these issues, this thesis performs research on group navigation techniques that move group members together through a virtual environment. The presented work was guided by four overarching research questions that address the quality requirements for group navigation techniques, the differences between collocated and distributed settings, the scalability of group navigation, and the suitability of individual and group navigation for various scenarios. This thesis approaches these questions by introducing a general conceptual framework as well as the specification of central requirements for the design of group navigation techniques. The design, implementation, and evaluation of corresponding group navigation techniques demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework. As a first step, this thesis presents ideas for the extension of the short-range teleportation metaphor, also termed jumping, for multiple users. It derives general quality requirements for the comprehensibility of the group jumping process and introduces a corresponding technique for two collocated users. The results of two user studies indicate that sickness symptoms are not affected by user roles during group jumping and confirm improved planning accuracy for the navigator, increased spatial awareness for the passenger, and reduced cognitive load for both user roles. Next, this thesis explores the design space of group navigation techniques in distributed virtual environments. It presents a conceptual framework to systematize the design decisions for group navigation techniques based on Tuckman's model of small-group development and introduces the idea of virtual formation adjustments as part of the navigation process. A quantitative user study demonstrates that the corresponding extension of Multi-Ray Jumping for distributed dyads leads to more efficient travel sequences and reduced workload. The results of a qualitative expert review confirm these findings and provide further insights regarding the complementarity of individual and group navigation in distributed virtual environments. Then, this thesis investigates the navigation of larger groups of distributed users in the context of guided museum tours and establishes three central requirements for (scalable) group navigation techniques. These should foster the awareness of ongoing navigation activities as well as facilitate the predictability of their consequences for all group members (Comprehensibility), assist the group with avoiding collisions in the virtual environment (Obstacle Avoidance), and support placing the group in a meaningful spatial formation for the joint observation and discussion of objects (View Optimization). The work suggests a new technique to address these requirements and reports on its evaluation in an initial usability study with groups of five to ten (partially simulated) users. The results indicate easy learnability for navigators and high comprehensibility for passengers. Moreover, they also provide valuable insights for the development of group navigation techniques for even larger groups. Finally, this thesis embeds the previous contributions in a comprehensive literature overview and emphasizes the need to study larger, more heterogeneous, and more diverse group compositions including the related social factors that affect group dynamics. In summary, the four major research contributions of this thesis are as follows: - the framing of group navigation as a specific instance of Tuckman's model of small-group development - the derivation of central requirements for effective group navigation techniques beyond common quality factors known from single-user navigation - the introduction of virtual formation adjustments during group navigation and their integration into concrete group navigation techniques - evidence that appropriate pre-travel information and virtual formation adjustments lead to more efficient travel sequences for groups and lower workloads for both navigators and passengers Overall, the research of this thesis confirms that group navigation techniques are a valuable addition to the portfolio of interaction techniques in multi-user virtual reality systems. The conceptual framework, the derived quality requirements, and the development of novel group navigation techniques provide effective guidance for application developers and inform future research in this area.}, subject = {Virtuelle Realit{\"a}t}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Berhe, author = {Berhe, Asgedom Haile}, title = {Mitigating Risks of Corruption in Construction: A theoretical rationale for BIM adoption in Ethiopia}, doi = {10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.4517}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20211007-45175}, school = {Bauhaus-Universit{\"a}t Weimar}, pages = {336}, abstract = {This PhD thesis sets out to investigate the potentials of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to mitigate risks of corruption in the Ethiopian public construction sector. The wide-ranging capabilities and promises of BIM have led to the strong perception among researchers and practitioners that it is an indispensable technology. Consequently, it has become the frequent subject of science and research. Meanwhile, many countries, especially the developed ones, have committed themselves to applying the technology extensively. Increasing productivity is the most common and frequently cited reason for that. However, both technology developers and adopters are oblivious to the potentials of BIM in addressing critical challenges in the construction sector, such as corruption. This particularly would be significant in developing countries like Ethiopia, where its problems and effects are acute. Studies reveal that bribery and corruption have long pervaded the construction industry worldwide. The complex and fragmented nature of the sector provides an environment for corruption. The Ethiopian construction sector is not immune from this epidemic reality. In fact, it is regarded as one of the most vulnerable sectors owing to varying socio-economic and political factors. Since 2015, Ethiopia has started adopting BIM, yet without clear goals and strategies. As a result, the potential of BIM for combating concrete problems of the sector remains untapped. To this end, this dissertation does pioneering work by showing how collaboration and coordination features of the technology contribute to minimizing the opportunities for corruption. Tracing loopholes, otherwise, would remain complex and ineffective in the traditional documentation processes. Proceeding from this anticipation, this thesis brings up two primary questions: what are areas and risks of corruption in case of the Ethiopian public construction projects; and how could BIM be leveraged to mitigate these risks? To tackle these and other secondary questions, the research employs a mixed-method approach. The selected main research strategies are Survey, Grounded Theory (GT) and Archival Study. First, the author disseminates an online questionnaire among Ethiopian construction engineering professionals to pinpoint areas of vulnerability to corruption. 155 responses are compiled and scrutinized quantitatively. Then, a semi-structured in-depth interview is conducted with 20 senior professionals, primarily to comprehend opportunities for and risks of corruption in those identified highly vulnerable project stages and decision points. At the same time, open interviews (consultations) are held with 14 informants to be aware of state of the construction documentation, BIM and loopholes for corruption in the country. Consequently, these qualitative data are analyzed utilizing the principles of GT, heat/risk mapping and Social Network Analysis (SNA). The risk mapping assists the researcher in the course of prioritizing corruption risks; whilst through SNA, methodically, it is feasible to identify key actors/stakeholders in the corruption venture. Based on the generated research data, the author constructs a [substantive] grounded theory around the elements of corruption in the Ethiopian public construction sector. This theory, later, guides the subsequent strategic proposition of BIM. Finally, 85 public construction related cases are also analyzed systematically to substantiate and confirm previous findings. By ways of these multiple research endeavors that is based, first and foremost, on the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data analysis, the author conveys a number of key findings. First, estimations, tender document preparation and evaluation, construction material as well as quality control and additional work orders are found to be the most vulnerable stages in the design, tendering and construction phases respectively. Second, middle management personnel of contractors and clients, aided by brokers, play most critical roles in corrupt transactions within the prevalent corruption network. Third, grand corruption persists in the sector, attributed to the fact that top management and higher officials entertain their overriding power, supported by the lack of project audits and accountability. Contrarily, individuals at operation level utilize intentional and unintentional 'errors' as an opportunity for corruption. In light of these findings, two conceptual BIM-based risk mitigation strategies are prescribed: active and passive automation of project audits; and the monitoring of project information throughout projects' value chain. These propositions are made in reliance on BIM's present dimensional capabilities and the promises of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Moreover, BIM's synchronous potentials with other technologies such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Radio Frequency technologies are topics which received a treatment. All these arguments form the basis for the main thesis of this dissertation, that BIM is able to mitigate corruption risks in the Ethiopian public construction sector. The discourse on the skepticisms about BIM that would stem from the complex nature of corruption and strategic as well as technological limitations of BIM is also illuminated and complemented by this work. Thus, the thesis uncovers possible research gaps and lays the foundation for further studies.}, subject = {Building Information Modeling}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{PreisDutra, author = {Preis Dutra, Joatan}, title = {Cultural Heritage on Mobile Devices: Building Guidelines for UNESCO World Heritage Sites' Apps}, doi = {10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.4531}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20211129-45319}, school = {Bauhaus-Universit{\"a}t Weimar}, pages = {360}, abstract = {Technological improvements and access provide a fertile scenario for creating and developing mobile applications (apps). This scenario results in a myriad of Apps providing information regarding touristic destinations, including those with a cultural profile, such as those dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS). However, not all of the Apps have the same efficiency. In order to have a successful app, its development must consider usability aspects and features aligned with reliable content. Despite the guidelines for mobile usability being broadly available, they are generic, and none of them concentrates specifically into cultural heritage places, especially on those placed in an open-air scenario. This research aims to fulfil this literature gap and discusses how to adequate and develop specific guidelines for a better outdoor WHS experience. It uses an empirical approach applied to an open-air WHS city: Weimar and its Bauhaus and Classical Weimar sites. In order to build a new set of guidelines applied for open-air WHS, this research used a systematic approach to compare literature-based guidelines to industry-based ones (based on affordances), extracted from the available Apps dedicated to WHS set in Germany. The instructions compiled from both sources have been comparatively tested by using two built prototypes from the distinctive guidelines, creating a set of recommendations collecting the best approach from both sources, plus suggesting new ones the evaluation.}, subject = {Benutzerschnittstellenentwurfssystem}, language = {en} } @article{MeiabadiMoradiKaramimoghadametal., author = {Meiabadi, Mohammad Saleh and Moradi, Mahmoud and Karamimoghadam, Mojtaba and Ardabili, Sina and Bodaghi, Mahdi and Shokri, Manouchehr and Mosavi, Amir Hosein}, title = {Modeling the Producibility of 3D Printing in Polylactic Acid Using Artificial Neural Networks and Fused Filament Fabrication}, series = {polymers}, volume = {2021}, journal = {polymers}, number = {Volume 13, issue 19, article 3219}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/polym13193219}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20220110-45518}, pages = {1 -- 21}, abstract = {Polylactic acid (PLA) is a highly applicable material that is used in 3D printers due to some significant features such as its deformation property and affordable cost. For improvement of the end-use quality, it is of significant importance to enhance the quality of fused filament fabrication (FFF)-printed objects in PLA. The purpose of this investigation was to boost toughness and to reduce the production cost of the FFF-printed tensile test samples with the desired part thickness. To remove the need for numerous and idle printing samples, the response surface method (RSM) was used. Statistical analysis was performed to deal with this concern by considering extruder temperature (ET), infill percentage (IP), and layer thickness (LT) as controlled factors. The artificial intelligence method of artificial neural network (ANN) and ANN-genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) were further developed to estimate the toughness, part thickness, and production-cost-dependent variables. Results were evaluated by correlation coefficient and RMSE values. According to the modeling results, ANN-GA as a hybrid machine learning (ML) technique could enhance the accuracy of modeling by about 7.5, 11.5, and 4.5\% for toughness, part thickness, and production cost, respectively, in comparison with those for the single ANN method. On the other hand, the optimization results confirm that the optimized specimen is cost-effective and able to comparatively undergo deformation, which enables the usability of printed PLA objects.}, subject = {3D-Druck}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{AlKhatib2021, author = {Al Khatib, Khalid}, title = {Computational Analysis of Argumentation Strategies}, doi = {10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.4461}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20210719-44612}, school = {Bauhaus-Universit{\"a}t Weimar}, pages = {134}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The computational analysis of argumentation strategies is substantial for many downstream applications. It is required for nearly all kinds of text synthesis, writing assistance, and dialogue-management tools. While various tasks have been tackled in the area of computational argumentation, such as argumentation mining and quality assessment, the task of the computational analysis of argumentation strategies in texts has so far been overlooked. This thesis principally approaches the analysis of the strategies manifested in the persuasive argumentative discourses that aim for persuasion as well as in the deliberative argumentative discourses that aim for consensus. To this end, the thesis presents a novel view of argumentation strategies for the above two goals. Based on this view, new models for pragmatic and stylistic argument attributes are proposed, new methods for the identification of the modelled attributes have been developed, and a new set of strategy principles in texts according to the identified attributes is presented and explored. Overall, the thesis contributes to the theory, data, method, and evaluation aspects of the analysis of argumentation strategies. The models, methods, and principles developed and explored in this thesis can be regarded as essential for promoting the applications mentioned above, among others.}, subject = {Argumentation}, language = {en} } @misc{Alabassy, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Alabassy, Mohamed Said Helmy}, title = {Automated Approach for Building Information Modelling of Crack Damages via Image Segmentation and Image-based 3D Reconstruction}, doi = {10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.6416}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20230818-64162}, school = {Bauhaus-Universit{\"a}t Weimar}, pages = {101}, abstract = {As machine vision-based inspection methods in the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) continue to advance, the need for integrating resulting inspection and maintenance data into a centralised building information model for structures notably grows. Consequently, the modelling of found damages based on those images in a streamlined automated manner becomes increasingly important, not just for saving time and money spent on updating the model to include the latest information gathered through each inspection, but also to easily visualise them, provide all stakeholders involved with a comprehensive digital representation containing all the necessary information to fully understand the structure's current condition, keep track of any progressing deterioration, estimate the reduced load bearing capacity of the damaged element in the model or simulate the propagation of cracks to make well-informed decisions interactively and facilitate maintenance actions that optimally extend the service life of the structure. Though significant progress has been recently made in information modelling of damages, the current devised methods for the geometrical modelling approach are cumbersome and time consuming to implement in a full-scale model. For crack damages, an approach for a feasible automated image-based modelling is proposed utilising neural networks, classical computer vision and computational geometry techniques with the aim of creating valid shapes to be introduced into the information model, including related semantic properties and attributes from inspection data (e.g., width, depth, length, date, etc.). The creation of such models opens the door for further possible uses ranging from more accurate structural analysis possibilities to simulation of damage propagation in model elements, estimating deterioration rates and allows for better documentation, data sharing, and realistic visualisation of damages in a 3D model.}, subject = {Building Information Modeling}, language = {en} }