Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Editors: Michael Lowe, Yan Luximon
Topics: Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN: 978-1-964867-42-7
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005977
Articles
A Systems Engineering Decision-Making Matrix for Assessing XR Suitability in Task Execution
Extended Reality (XR) technologies, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), possess profound transformative potential across diverse domains such as education and aviation. Yet some tasks or training programs are ill-suited to XR integration, leading to problems ranging from lack of adoption to wasted capital and even harm. This paper introduces a robust decision-making framework to evaluate the suitability and efficacy of XR for a proposed system, addressing the critical need for well-defined criteria that determine when and how to deploy these technologies effectively.Through a comparative analysis of real-world applications, we identify crucial factors influencing XR adoption. Meta-studies of student education platforms reveal that over one-third of XR applications fail, juxtaposed with the aviation sector's extensive success in XR-integrated training programs. These contrasting scenarios underscore the necessity for a methodical approach to XR technology selection and integration, informed by analogous decision matrices from fields like robotics. We propose a metric-driven framework to evaluate XR's suitability for specific tasks or training objectives, drawing parallels with the "4 D’s" of robotic automation.Central to this framework is the introduction of the DIVE acronym: Danger, Immersion, Verification, and Expertise. This guide assesses the viability of XR systems based on the degree of inherent task danger or distraction, the necessity for immersive experiences, the ability to thoroughly verify user performance, and the benefits of delivering domain-specific expertise. Applying the DIVE framework to scenarios like history lectures and aviation training, we demonstrate how XR suitability varies with task demands, emphasizing visual immersion for education and danger simulation for aviation.This structured approach aims to better inform decision-makers, reducing the risk of overly ambitious XR projects that fail due to misalignment, inadequate user engagement, or insufficient technological fidelity. By aligning technological capabilities with project goals, the framework optimizes investments in the rapidly growing XR market, enhancing adoption and ensuring the effective integration of XR in serious applications across various fields.
Nicole Kosoris
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Task Analysis: A Model Based Human Systems Engineering Approach
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases. Human Systems Engineering (HSE) consists of human factors engineering, safety, training, survivability and force protection, habitability, manpower, personnel, training, and human-centered engineering. Model-Based Human Systems Engineering (MBHSE) is the intersection of the two disciplines. MBHSE aims to address the deficiencies of MBSE in adequately including humans within system and analytical models. A key pillar of effective Human Systems Engineering is the Critical Task Analysis. A Critical Task Analysis (CTA) is a systematic process used to identify, analyze, and evaluate critical tasks within a system or process. These are tasks that, if not performed correctly, can have significant negative consequences such as accidents, injuries, system failures, or financial losses. One comprehensive CTA approach is through a Mission Task Analysis (MTA). An MTA systematically analyzes how operators interact with the system within the context of specific mission goals and operational environments. MTA is a method of task analysis designed to cover all aspects of the mission under all expected operating and environmental conditions. Conceptually, MTA operates on three levels. At the mission level, the goal is to identify system requirements that map to human performance requirements. At the function level, the method allocates functions and identifies machine-related requirements that translate into human performance requirements. At the task level, the method identifies specific behaviors, information flows and needs, interaction dynamics, decision parameters, safety assessments, workload dynamics (visual, auditory, cognitive, and psychomotor), automation considerations, and other key human factors elements.Current MBSE methods, practices, standards, and procedures omit key elements of how operators interact with systems-of-interest. This paper describes a novel approach to effectively model system operators and users. The MBHSE task analysis outlined in this paper uses SysML to conduct and capture a Mission Task Analysis in support of system design and improvement. The approach focuses on both compiling existing MBSE architecture models and generating new models that provide more information about critical tasks. Existing views that support a task analysis include the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DODAF) Operational Activity to Systems Function Traceability Matrix (System View 5a; SV-5a), Operational Activity to Systems Traceability Matrix (System View 5b; SV-5b), Operational Activity Decomposition Tree (Operational View 5a; OV-5a), and Operational Activity Model (Operational View 5b; OV-5b). Relying solely on these existing views does not allow human systems engineers to fully conduct, represent, or communicate the requisite components of a Critical Task Analysis.To augment standard MBSE approaches, MBHSE generates additional models. These include models that show task-relevant information exchanges within the system architecture; models that capture all variations of the sub-tasks steps and sequences; models that capture the key input and output parameters for decisions related to the critical tasks; models that provide design recommendations for various levels of automation relating to a task; and models that capture the critical knowledge, skills, and attributes (KSAs) operators must possess to execute a task.
Zachary Guyton, Kristina Kuhlken, Michael Lowe
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Operations management - a concept for a self-organized task and workplace allocation
One of the main tasks of production planning and control is workforce scheduling. The responsible personnel (supervisors, department or production managers) must optimally plan the execution of pending orders to achieve high delivery capability, low inventory levels, short lead times, and high resource utilization. Typically, employees are assigned to workstations in shifts and then allocated to workplaces and orders. With every change that occurs (employee absences, material shortages, machine breakdowns, etc.) the previously created production plans must be adjusted to the new circumstances and communicated. This results in many managers spending significant time on planning instead of focusing on their core leadership responsibilities. To reduce the high planning effort and directly involve shopfloor employees in the capacity and operational control of work assignments an concept for a self-organized task and workplace allocation is being developed. The concept of self-organized shift planning enables employees to enjoy more attractive working conditions and greater autonomy, while simultaneously relieving managers of non-value-adding administrative tasks. Centralized planning and allocation of orders, workstations, and employees are replaced by self-organized shift planning, supported by a mobile planning board. This paper emphasizes the necessity of employee qualification to achieve greater workforce flexibility. A critical factor for the successful implementation of an agile and self-organized production is the cross-divisional qualification of employees. In such environments, employees are expected to take on greater responsibility, make independent decisions, and adapt quickly to new challenges. In this way, employee qualification not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the overall adaptability and resilience of the organization in the face of rapidly changing market conditions. This approach to self-determined workforce scheduling is presented in this paper, showing a partial result from the research project "agileASSEMBLY." Including the next steps an introduction of a digital planning board, which identifies qualification needs and strategically guides employee development.
Nika Perevalova, Stefan Gerlach
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Incorporating Human Factors into OMC5 Design and Operations for Improved Efficiency and Technician Well-being
This paper highlights the critical role of human factors in shaping building design and operations, specifically focusing on their integration within the OMC5 project at BCRTC Translink. The study examines how understanding work processes, equipment needs, and stakeholder impacts can drive building requirements and contribute to the success of heavy maintenance operations.The development of the OMC5 concept of operations emphasized the importance of aligning building design with the operational needs of heavy maintenance teams. This process involved the identification of necessary equipment, workflows, and personnel to ensure the facility met the evolving demands of the maintenance cycle. Human factors principles were integrated as a central driver in the design process, enabling proactive planning and ensuring the design supported technician productivity, safety, and overall work efficiency.The study found that by incorporating human factors into the design of OMC5, teams were able to accurately forecast workstation capacities and optimize the equipment overhaul cycle. By addressing process requirements, the project captured the "voice of the customer," distinguishing between stakeholder preferences and core operational needs. Moreover, the integration of ergonomic solutions was identified as a key opportunity to enhance worker well-being while fostering technology adoption.Incorporating human factors into the design of OMC5 not only improved the overall building layout but also shifted stakeholder perspectives. By emphasizing ergonomics, technology integration, and reducing non-value-added activities, OMC5's design improves work conditions for technicians and supports a modern, benchmark-driven approach to heavy maintenance. The project is still in the design phase, with a target opening between 2032 and 2033. This project demonstrates how human factors principles can shape successful, efficient, and worker-friendly operations.
Nancy Franco
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Challenges and strategies associated with recruiting, training, and retaining mining maintenance workers
Retaining knowledgeable and capable workers in the mining industry is a well-known challenge, especially for maintenance workers. Since they are limited in quantity and their skill sets are very attractive to other workplaces. A key to maintaining an efficiently run operation is good maintenance, and without skilled maintenance personnel, operations are in dire straits. This study examines the challenges and strategies associated with recruiting, training, and retaining mining maintenance workers across various roles, including technicians, mechanics, engineers, subcontractors, and researchers. The mining industry faces significant workforce challenges due to an ageing workforce, skills gaps, and competition for talent. Our research investigates how these issues manifest differently for each maintenance role and explore implications for work system design. Forty-five interviews were conducted with relevant personnel and five workshops (42 participants) consisting of electricians, mining vehicles, mining machinery, and engineers. Our research reveals role-specific challenges and their implications for work system design, aligning with Carayon's SEIPS model (Carayon & Smith, 2006), which integrates human factors and ergonomics into system design for improved safety and efficiency. Key findings indicate that technicians and mechanics face challenges in remote work locations and physically demanding tasks, necessitating improved onsite living conditions and safety training. Engineers struggle with limited career progression opportunities, highlighting the need for clear advancement pathways and continuous learning programs. Subcontractors experience integration and job security issues, requiring better communication and engagement strategies. Researchers encounter difficulties bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, emphasizing the importance of industry-academia partnerships.The study proposes tailored strategies for each role, including enhanced training programs, flexible work arrangements, and improved employee value propositions. Additionally, it suggests implementing data-driven recruitment processes, mentorship programs, and cross-training initiatives to address role-specific challenges. These findings have significant implications for work system design in the mining industry, emphasizing the need for adaptable, role-specific approaches to workforce management to improve recruitment success and employee retention across all maintenance roles.
Phillip Tretten, Joel Lööw, Prasanna Ilankoon
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
AI in a Talent Hunt: Unlocking the Future of Recruitment
In today's rapidly changing hiring landscape, having the right HR tools is vital for achieving and maintaining a competitive advantage and attracting skilled and talented individuals. Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative (Gen) AI, is an important asset that can enable a swift response to unforeseen changes and provide better insights when deployed correctly. This paper will explain how leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) in talent services can significantly benefit an organization. We will also show how LLMs can enable different patterns that help build solutions to address complex user requests. The study proves how AI agentic systems designed for this use case can separate a complex request into smaller "chunks of actions" in which each task is optimized and potentially reassessed. The "collective" response from the system will enable the HR service specialist to make an informed decision in a shorter time. This work shows how introducing AI solutions improves user experience, achieves automation, and elevates recruiting team capabilities. At the same time, a key focus is placed on mitigating the risk of introducing AI within the recruiting technology stack. The paper focuses on the following knowledge domains: Recruitment, Talent and Skills Development, and Employee and HR services.
Anna Topol, Christopher Hyland, Elizabeth Koumpan, Laurentiu Gabriel Ghergu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
AI-Driven Talent Management: Transforming Workforce Strategies in the Digital Age
With the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence around the world, it has left the Human Resource department no choice, but to adapt and incorporate into their systems and strategies. This research paper will examine the role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming traditional talent management strategies. The paper will also evaluate the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into talent management systems. While researching this, this study will provide insights into future trends and best practices for organizations that adopt AI-driven talent management.
Sapheya Aftimos, Randa Diab-bahman
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Enhancing Project and Logistics Management through Blockchain-Driven Innovation
Blockchain technology has garnered significant attention for its potential to transform traditional business practices. Within the realms of project and logistics management, blockchain introduces a paradigm shift toward enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability. This paper explores the role of blockchain in revolutionizing these fields by examining its foundational elements, practical applications, and the associated benefits and challenges. Real-world examples and scholarly insights are presented to illustrate the viability and transformative power of blockchain-driven innovation in optimizing project workflows and logistics operations.
Ayodeji Dennis Adeitan, Clinton Aigbavboa
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Dynamic Facial Dimensions in Design of Respirator: A Pilot Study
To involves dynamic facial movement into anthropometry, enhancing facial product design like respirator, this pilot study explored the dynamic dimensions and variations in facial dimensions under different movements in Chinses population. Using 3dMDface™ System, facial data were collected from 16 participants performing 9 movements that are required in respirator fitting test. This study manually selected 21 landmarks and calculated the Euclidean distances for 12 dimensions that related to the respirator design. Results revealed that longitudinal facial dimensions exhibited the largest variations, with facial length ranging from 116.0 mm to 192.4 mm (variation of 76.4 mm). In contrast, frontal dimensions showed smaller variations. Minimal variations were observed in inner upper face. Open mouth, grimacing and cough resulted in the greatest changes in facial dimensions. These findings highlight the importance of considering dynamic facial changes when designing masks or respirators, particularly by incorporating flexible features to accommodate facial elongation caused by jaw movements
Huanhuan Li, Yuqian Wang, Yan Luximon
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Exploring the Effects of Virtual Windows on Emotional Well-being in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
The emotional well-being of older adults is crucial for maintaining overall health, particularly in the face of social isolation, anxiety, and depression, which can significantly impact their quality of life. This systematic review evaluates the effects of virtual window therapy on emotional well-being in this demographic, focusing on its impact on anxiety, mood, and overall life satisfaction. A comprehensive analysis of 10 relevant studies revealed from 782 studies that participants using virtual windows experienced significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in mood. The immersive experience, enhanced by full-spectrum lighting and views of natural scenes, contributed to greater environmental satisfaction and reduced cognitive load, fostering a connection to nature. These factors collectively supported increased emotional resilience and life satisfaction. Overall, virtual window therapy presents a promising intervention for improving emotional well-being in older adults, alleviating anxiety while promoting a positive emotional state, thus warranting further research into its long-term benefits and practical applications in various settings.
Furqan Ali Shah, Yan Luximon, Anthony Kong
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Playful Learning Through Toy Design: Innovating Pedagogy for Entrepreneurial Learning
This study introduces a pedagogical framework for playful entrepreneurial learning that can be utilized in Higher Education (HE) and, more broadly, innovative education and research. Through a multidisciplinary teaching innovation focusing on rapid prototyping and crafting of toys, an international group of teachers interested in the capacities of playful learning (PL) conducted a playful learning session first with entrepreneurship students and second with teaching education students in Finland. Building on previous theories of PL, the framework presented includes various learning tools, both tangible and technological. The playful pedagogy is grounded in sociocultural, socio-material, and enactivist approaches aimed to facilitate an entrepreneurial mindset as part of toy design assisted by everyday materials with the idea of constructing three-dimensional toy-like or playable objects as part of group work. The students were also allowed to use AI. The findings illustrate that in the emerging AI era, HE students benefit from engaging with simple materials to complement advanced technological tools such as generative AI. Our study shows that entrepreneurial learning can be enhanced through design-based learning challenges requiring a playful mindset.
Katriina Heljakka, Marjaana Kangas, Jesper Falck Legaard
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Digital Management Strategies and Technological Innovation in Automotive Advanced Surface Design
The design and development of automotive Advanced Surfaces (AS), which adhere to Bezier curve definitions, are crucial in automotive design. As design management evolves, it now encompasses strategic responsibilities alongside AS model refinement. The role of design in driving corporate innovation, creating new business models, and leading organizational change has been increasingly recognized. In a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, industries, including the automotive sector, are experiencing profound transformations driven by digitalization. Digital transformation has become a strategic priority for enterprises to maintain competitiveness.AS design projects are long-term and involve complex task allocation and coordination among multiple personnel. Traditional task management methods often fail to accurately capture changes in responsibility, leading to unclear accountability and disruptions in task flow. Additionally, new employees face a steep learning curve, increasing on boarding time and costs, and potentially delaying project timelines. These inefficiencies compromise project performance and overall success.Our digital platform offers an effective solution by centralizing issue management and enabling real-time tracking. This platform ensures that issues are promptly recorded and updated, providing clear visibility into their status and progress. It can also automatically notify relevant personnel to ensure timely follow-up, reducing the risk of omissions or duplicated efforts. This system enhances the precision, efficiency, and transparency of issue resolution, improving overall project management and workflow efficiency.To validate this digital platform we recruited 38 (20F, 18M) to participant to our experiment. NASA-TLX has been employed to measure their performance. We calculated the effect size to present the difference between control and experimental groups. For capturing quantitative data, 6 interviewees (3 professions, 3 novices) have been invited to the semi-structured interview. We used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to uncover the latent thematic structure in the text data. This method helps us understand respondents' perspectives and supports subsequent qualitative analysis.In conclusion, we explore the introduction of digital platform management in the AS group and its remarkable results. The digital platform significantly improved data accuracy, traceability, collaboration, and decision-making speed while reducing human errors. User research revealed engineers' pressures during the transition but also highlighted positive feedback on the benefits of digital transformation. This initiative enhances AS group's efficiency and technology-centric transformation, providing a successful example for other groups in the industry.
Tianbao Cui, Bengang Yi, Minglong Peng, Keyi Zhou, Zhuyu Wang, Xiaoke Zhang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
A Comparative Study on the Impact of AIGC and Traditional Inspiration Sources on the Design Process of Designers
This research delves into the impact of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) as a source of inspiration on the ideation process of designers. The study aims to juxtapose the efficacy of designers employing AIGC tools, exemplified by Midjourney, against traditional search engines such as Pinterest during the ideation phase, emphasizing the stages of keyword definition, inspiration search, and inspiration selection. Utilizing think-aloud protocol analysis and semi-structured interviews, the research scrutinized the ideation processes of 12 master's students in design under various task constraints. The outcomes indicated that designers employing AIGC tools demonstrated heightened prudence during the keyword definition phase, and their search depth and selection strategies varied significantly. AIGC tools were found to be more effective in managing associative creative searches, yielding unique design solutions. The study demonstrates that AIGC, as an emerging source of inspiration, possesses certain advantages and potential, showcasing its efficacy as an inspirational source in the early stages of the design process. Additionally, the study offers recommendations for designers on integrating both AIGC and traditional inspiration sources in their creative endeavors.
Yulu Yang, Ruoxuan Ma, Yi Xiao
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Citizen Frugal Innovation: Insights from international Open Innovation Challenges with underrepresented groups of society
At the AHFE 2024 in Nizza, the EU-funded FRANCIS presented insights from an international Open Innovation challenge on kitchen and household ideas that targeted groups of society that are underrepresented in comparable initiatives: challenged families, green (i.e. eco-friendly) minimalists and independent senior citizens. It highlighted lessons learned from the experiences and conceptual changes that were explored before starting the next challenge with a focus on travel, hotel and outdoor experiences. Now, the project has completed this second challenge that again aimed at involving the perspective of neglected groups by including citizens such as the operational staff of hotels and solo-travellers in the target community. The paper will detail the lessons learned from both challenges and detail if and how the changes between both challenges have proven to be an improvement or have actually failed to optiimise the process. The overarching aim of FRANCIS is to explore the potential of citizen frugal innovation (CFI), i.e. the ability of citizens to create simple high-value yet affordable solutions with limited resources. It does so by engaging citizens in idea challenges focused on everyday needs. The lessons learned presented in the paper will include facts and figures, along with insights from anecdotal evidence and results from surveys and interviews. The paper's rich data set will highlight key factors that enable or prevent citizen participation in frugal innovation. It will benefit future initiatives of industry, science and civil organizations. The paper will also examine the impact dimension of the project with respect to sustainability as well as responsible research and innovation.The following is a short summary of key findings achieved by FRANCIS: (1) It is of utmost importance to localise the citizen's support. (2) Tools and methods used in the challenges need to be simplified beyond typical standards in innovation management as, for example, used in the work with small and medium enterprises, students and startup entrepreneurs. (3) Trust and empowerment are key levers for getting citizens involved. (4) Industry coaching is helpful but expectation management is needed to create suitable awareness about citizen projects.
Liza Wohlfart, Carmen Antuña Rozado, Venkata Gandikota, Cindia Li
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
The Power of Science Fiction Films on Visionary Creativity and Innovations
A visionary view of the future is currently more important than it has been for a long time - especially in product development. Numerous crises, conflicts and threats have been shaking up politics, society and markets for years and are having a profound impact on supply chains and markets, but also on demand and purchasing behavior. In addition, the need for innovation continues to grow, development cycles are becoming even shorter and markets are becoming more dynamic, partly due to disruptive technologies.However, people find it difficult to think several years into the future, especially when they are young and lack life experience. This is particularly noticeable in higher education. Technical courses teach methods and techniques to tackle problems and develop creative solutions, but not with a visionary time horizon. In this publication, films are presented as a potent source of inspiration and a powerful support tool, especially those from the genre of science fiction. Experiences and findings from several years of use in teaching in specific projects for partners from industry and research are displayed and opportunities as well as obstacles and challenges of this innovation method are described.
Andreas Eursch
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Educating for Innovation: Using Problem-Based Collaborative Tasks and Belbin’s Team Roles to Enhance the Development of Student Enterprise Skills
Educating university students about enterprise and entrepreneurship helps to equip graduates with skills and behaviours that are likely to have a significant impact on the success of their future careers. Enterprise education provides students with opportunities to generate ideas, show initiative, design creative solutions to problems, and gain experience of practical activities that can have social and commercial value. A key enterprise skill that is highly demanded of graduates is the ability to collaborate and work effectively with others. The current study investigates the use of problem-based, collaborative work to enhance student enterprise skills. In particular, it explores students’ perceptions of the development of specific enterprise skills during teamwork, and the extent to which skills development and academic performance were related to students’ own team-role preferences. Data on enterprise skills development are examined across seven academic cohorts of psychology undergraduate students taking an optional Social Enterprise module in one university.
Mark Turner
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Application of the Travelling Salesman Problem in Optimizing Logistic Routes
This research addresses the problem of inefficient transportation logistics in Lahore, Pakistan, where rapid urban growth has led to increased travel demands and mismanagement of resources. The main aim of the study is to optimize the travel sequence for a salesman delivering packages across ten selected areas in Lahore, aiming to minimize the distance traveled and enhance operational efficiency. The study utilizes a sample size of ten distinct locations within the city to apply the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) framework. The method employed involves the integration of TSP and allowing for effective route optimization. For implementation, the delivery vehicles of Daraz are considered as an example, which include Suzuki Bolan and CD 70 bike for their services. Results indicate significant improvements in delivery efficiency and cost savings of up to 34% for both types of vehicles, demonstrating the practical applicability of TSP in real-world scenarios. These findings suggest that TSP can revolutionize transportation and logistics in other emerging economies like Lahore, paving the way for future advancements in route planning and operational strategies, particularly in public transportation and logistics services.
Izza Anwer, Muhammad Irfan Yousuf, Hassan Ali
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Designing new technologies in an industrial workplace: what role do workers and their current and future work play in the design process?
This study examines an ongoing design process, monitoring a use-case in a metalworking company aiming to digitalize a product storage area for enhanced product and stock traceability. Two research questions were defined: i) what perspectives and concerns drive the design team’s discussions regarding the new work situation? ii) how is the work of operators who interact with the products in the storage area and their experience and potential for skills development considered in this design process? Data was collected through the monitoring of the design team meetings, work observation moments, and meetings with members of the design team to promote reflection and discussion of results. Findings suggest that the design team's concerns are exclusively driven by technical concerns with variation in the perspectives privileged between operational management and technology designers. This leaves aside concerns regarding the operators’ development in their work situation, the possibility to debate the actual work and the problems that are recognized by the workers and how they can provide key criteria to design future work situations. The originality of the study lies in the external monitoring of an ongoing design process by a research team, aiming to contribute to setting a “dialogical debate” between all actors involved in the design and implementation of I4.0/I.50 technologies. This will allow the definition of guidelines for decision-makers following a participatory approach and promoting a dignified and sustainable management of the design process.
Claudia Pereira, Daniel Silva, Paula Lopes, Mariana Magalhães, Marta Santos
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings