Rethinking iterative design: A case study of a design team’s handling of user representations

Changes in serotype or genetic payload of recombinant adeno associated virus (rAAVs) gene therapies require adapting the transfection conditions of the upstream HEK293 cultivations. This study adopts an iterative model-based experiment design approach, where increasing data availability is leveraged to evolve models of different complexity. Initial models based on data from shaker flask runs guided the design of the first round at Ambr250 scale. With Ambr250 data becoming available, hybrid models capturing process state evolutions and historical models incorporating these evolutions to predict rAAV titer, were developed. These models were then combined into a full model approach, which was utilized within a Bayesian Optimization framework for the design of a second round of Ambr250 scale runs. The iterative approach was tested across different projects applying transfer learning to enhance the predictive power and improve the subsequent optimization. The approach was benchmarked against a statistical Design of Experiment method. The results show that the model-based experiment design consistently (and across projects) produces higher rAAV titer values than the benchmark approach (Project C: 4.4% or 7.0% increases in titer values relative to the response surface modeling approach for ELISA and ddPCR, respectively; Project D: 32.4% or 10.9% increases in titer values relative to the standard DoE-screening pick for ELISA and ddPCR, respectively), effectively optimizing the transfection mixture composition. The combination of propagation and historical models, augmented by transfer learning and an ever-increasing amount of data, enhanced the process design workflow, contributing to improved rAAV production through efficient transfection strategies.

This study proposes a stress constraint-based iterative approach for configuration design (SIACD) to address the flaws of iterative structural design approaches, such as evolutionary structural optimization (ESO), bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO), and the fully stressed method, which cannot manage stress constraints directly and have excessive iterations. The proposed SIACD can rapidly obtain the light-weight structural configuration that satisfies stress constraints. Among topology optimization methods, topology optimization with adaptive volume constraint (AVC) is an effective method to rapidly determine the optimal structural configuration that satisfies the stress constraints. We used five design cases, comprising two- and three-dimensional cantilever beams and three-dimensional fixed beams, to test the proposed SIACD and compare it with the three existing topology optimization (or iterative design) methods of AVC, ESO, and BESO. The results indicated that the proposed SIACD demonstrates excellent feasibility.

This discourse is an argument for a holistic approach to developing learning games and computer mediated experiences through the intersections of the areas of efficacy, effectiveness, and user experience in designing and developing serious games and simulated learning experiences. Some examples are explored in which reasonably effective design approaches could have been improved by a more holistic and iterative approach. The approach includes the integration of learning objectives, outcomes, usability, motivation, experience, ludus, aesthetics, cost and sustainability of the systems based on research within the fields of education, learning theory, game design theory, and simulation. These constructs explain the need for an iterative and holistic approach to designing and developing learning games. Embracing iterative and learning centered design of serious games will perpetuate development of effective educational technology.KeywordsEducational TechnologyEfficacyEngagementSerious GamesEvaluation

Reaching thermal comfort levels in hot-arid climates is becoming more difficult nowadays without the use of high energy consuming mechanical systems. Therefore, the need to use effective passive energy design techniques, such as earth-sheltered buildings, is becoming greater.This paper describes research, that uses monitoring and simulations, to evaluate basements’ thermal performance, which reached thermal comfort levels without active air-conditioning systems, despite the harsh climate conditions. The case study was conducted in Al Minya city, Egypt, which is known for its high diurnal range. The study calibrated a non-conditioned basement simulation model versus the monitored data to simulate its thermal performance. The greatest challenge was to calculate the ground temperature. To do this successfully, we used an iterative approach between packages of the Basement preprocessor and EnergyPlus/Designbuilder until reaching a convergence.The iterative method results showed significant agreement, between the measured and modeled data, with a correlation of 98 percent, and errors with mean bias error and normalized root mean square error of -1.0 and 7.6 percent, respectively. On the other hand, the EnergyPlus method, integrating the Xing approach, showed significantly divergent results between the simulated models versus the measured data. The calibrated model analysis evaluation, using the Fanger’s thermal comfort model, showed satisfactory results within the thermal comfort sensation range.The research results significance indicates that the precise customized detailed iterative method is essential to create the needed inputs which subsequently lead to near-to-actual outputs compared with other ground-contact simulation methods. In fact, the precise customized detailed iterative method approach may be used as a benchmark for simulators for easy and precise ground temperatures’ calculations and earth-sheltered buildings’ simulations.

Reaching thermal comfort levels in hot-arid climates is becoming more difficult nowadays without the use of high energy consuming mechanical systems. Therefore, the need to use effective passive energy design techniques such as earth-sheltered buildings is becoming greater. This paper combines researches that uses monitoring and simulations in order to evaluate basements’ thermal performance that reached thermal comfort levels without active air-conditioning systems, despite the harsh climate conditions. The case study was conducted in Al-Minya city, Egypt, which is known for its high diurnal range. The study calibrated a non-conditioned basement simulation model versus the monitored data to simulate its thermal performance. The greatest challenge was to calculate the ground temperature. To do this successfully, we used an iterative approach between packages of the basement preprocessor and Energy Plus / Design Builder until reaching a convergence. The iterative method results showed significant agreement between the measured and modeled data; with a correlation of 98 percent and errors with mean bias error and normalized root mean square error of -1.0 and 7.6 percent; respectively. On the other hand, the Energy Plus method, integrating the Xing approach, showed significantly divergent results between the simulated models versus the measured data. The calibrated model analysis evaluation, using the Fanger’s thermal comfort model, showed satisfactory results within the thermal comfort sensation range. The research results significance indicates that the precise customized detailed iterative method is essential to create the needed inputs which subsequently lead to near-to-actual outputs compared with other ground-contact simulation methods. In fact, the precise customized detailed iterative method approach may be used as a benchmark for simulators for easy and precise ground temperatures’ calculations and earth-sheltered buildings’ simulations.

Small and medium-sized manufacturing industries can use online reviews to add valuable user requirements, enabling them to iteratively and precisely upgrade their products based on user needs. However, a sustainable, iterative approach to product design requires the integration of a large amount of information about user requirements for accurate selection. Currently, product iterations are primarily focused on developing new solutions or upgrading a few components with little screening to see if the product iterations meet user needs. This leads to a large number of wasted resources and a shortened product lifecycle. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a sustainable iterative research method that mines user needs and provides comprehensive decision making for product design based on online reviews, using probabilistic semantic term sets (PLTS). The proposed method considers the hesitation and uncertainty among evaluating experts regarding indicators, and uses the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to analyze the correlations between demand indicators. The DEMATEL correlation function is improved by reconstructing the PLTS acquisition score function and deviance into a DEMATEL correlation function, in the form of exact values using an improved binary semantic approach. This iterative design approach provides accurate feedback on how users feel about the use of product components and ensures that most product components are sustainably recycled. A drone case study is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. In-depth interviews with experts confirm that this approach is more sustainable and provides a new research methodology for sustainable iterative product design.

A machine learning-based iterative design approach to automate user satisfaction degree prediction in smart product-service system

Purpose. To develop an innovative energy-efficient copper-based material with improved physical properties that ensures durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety. Methodology. The proposed methodology combines physical and chemical analysis and a design thinking cycle to create and optimize a copper composite material. Control of technological parameters ensures control of structure and properties, while iterative design thinking stages allow solutions to be adapted to user needs. Feedback and testing refine the material and technology, improving product quality and functionality. Findings. A model for comprehensive assessment of the technical and operational characteristics of energy-efficient copper-based material has been developed, taking into account key parameters such as thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability. The assessment includes analysis of feedback from potential users, ensuring the material's adaptability to market needs and specific applications. The proposed approach combines qualitative forecasting and quantitative determination of parameters, which contributes to the creation of a material with high practical value and industrial applicability. Originality. For the first time, an iterative design thinking approach has been applied to the development of copper-based materials, which comprehensively integrates technical, operational, and user requirements into the process of creating a composite powder material. A model has been developed that combines physicochemical characteristics, powder metallurgy technology parameters, and user feedback, ensuring the adaptability and high practical value of the material in real-world applications. Practical value. The proposed powder metallurgy technology with parameter control provides a material with optimized properties. Design thinking takes into account user needs,improving product quality and competitiveness. The results can be implemented in production to reduce energy consumption and costs, contributing to the development of applied materials science and sustainable technologies.

Oceans and seas seem to be an empty space and untouched wilderness, but are in fact heavily used and exploited by different economic activities which have, to greater or lesser extent, environmental impacts. Attention for marine environmental challenges has grown, and is nowadays captured by views on ecosystem-based management. This builds on the notion that the way forward in marine ecosystem protection is an integrated approach that is place- or area-based (so-called spatial turn) and should use the best available scientific information. This research focuses on this spatial turn in marine governance at the North Sea, one of the busiest seas in the world. More specifically, the emphasis on the informational governance of spatial tensions between nature conservation and economic activities at the North Sea. Informational governance points to the growing centrality of informational processes in decision-making around environmental challenges. Information is seen as an indispensable resource to use in resolving such challenges and serves as steering tool in governing sustainability. Information provision through all kind of (online) media means is deliberately aimed at influencing decision-making and fostering change of behaviour. In the marine context, informational governance seems to be a new and promising mode of governance. Facilitated by information and communication technologies, information can connect spatially distant environmental issues to people's daily lives. However, information is not seen as an unproblematic and neutral object, it is at the centre of struggles and debates in decision-making on resolving spatial and environmental challenges at sea. This study analyzes how public and private actors through informational governance (try to) resolve spatial conflicts between economic activities and nature conservation at the North Sea, in order to better understand the centripetal force of information in marine governance. Three research questions are guiding the research: How can the centrality of information in the spatial turn in marine governance be conceptualized and analyzed? Which actors are involved in informational governance on marine ecosystem protection and use at the North Sea, and how do they (inter-) act in informational processes? How does informational governance contribute to the solving of spatial conflicts between economic activities and nature conservation at the North Sea? Chapter 2 gives an account of the research methodology that underpins the research. It explains that the study draws on a non-radical constructivist and critical realist perspective, and presents the research design used in the study: a qualitative case study approach. The selection of the cases has been based on two different rationales. Two cases were selected as they highlight the role of three main actor groups in informational governance at sea. Two other cases explore informational processes in governance arrangements with regard to a specific spatial conflict between marine ecosystem conservation and use(fisheries and offshore wind power development) . In the study, triangulated data gathering served to strengthen the validity and reliability of the research. The mix of methods employed included document review of research reports, policy documents and online information; semi-structured interviews; and participatory observation in several meetings and conferences. In data analysis, an iterative approach following the theoretical propositions of the research was used. In Chapter 3, the marine scaping framework is presented to analyse informational governance on marine ecosystem protection and use. Marine scaping through information follows the morphogenetic approach and combines a focus on conditions structuring informational processes with an agency-based approach. The framework distinguishes three scapes that together form the structure-side: seascape, humanscape and mindscape. Seascape represents the connection between the biophysical specifics of the marine ecosystem and the material features of economic activities that are emplaced in this ecosystem. Humanscape points to human organization in social, political and economic terms. Mindscape brings in the ideational dimension, and refers to discourses, ideas, norms, values and perceptions. In the interplay of humanscape with seascape and mindscape, the connection with agency is made, pointing to the initiatives and interactions between actors who, by means of information, strive for sustainability at the North Sea. To assess whether conditions have changed over time, so- called elaboration is added to the framework. In marine governance, the explicit aim is to strive for a balance between ecosystem protection and use, hence to foster elaboration. Chapter 3 illustrates the application of the marine scaping framework by a case study about informational initiatives of eNGO officials who want to push the development of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) at the North Sea forward, in order to achieve "ecological coherence" in marine conservation on the North Sea. It is indicated how and why officials from environmental non-gouvernmental organizations (eNGOs) carried out extensive science-based studies to inform policy-making. This information remains however footloose, because there was no institutional setting where the specific need for a MPA network was (high) on the agenda, and as such, eNGOs had no opportunity to tap their reports into existing informational processes. At the same time, this case study shows how eNGOs build up their so-called "informational capital". The case study presented in Chapter 4 provides a historical understanding of informational interactions between science and policy in the Dutch MPA site selection. By establishing MPAs, nature conservation gains literally a place on the North Sea map. Following international regulations and treaties, North Sea countries are obliged to take the leading role in the designation process, and to use scientific criteria only, based on biological and ecological information. The chapter shows that information about vulnerable and pristine habitats and sea life that needs to be protected was merely lacking or contested. It becomes evident that ecological , socio-economic and political considerations cannot be easily separated. Scientists and policy-makers dealt with the entanglement of interests by sharing tasks in the informational processes, being both information providers and users. It is found that especially in cases of uncertainties and data gaps, judgment by scientists is best characterized as expert judgment and sometimes even gut feeling. However, it is also highlighted that it is necessary to keep science as impartial as possible, and to overtly communicate what and whose information is used. Chapter 5 analyses the role of information in incorporating the habitat impact of bottom touching gear in the certification scheme of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This represents a spatial conflict between one of the oldest maritime activities at the North Sea, (plaice) fisheries, and marine conservation. The global MSC labeling program is probably the most famous example of informational governance on marine ecosystem protection and use, as it is almost 20 years old. It fits in neatly with the ideas of informational governance: scientific information to assess the environmental performance of a fishery clash with information derived from the fishery itself and stakeholders. And at the same time, information about the fisheries' performance (through the logo on a fish product) is brought to consumers who in turn can reward sustainable fisheries through their buying power. This case study indicates how eNGOs use informational capital in the informational struggles . This role became especially evident during the assessment of the first North Sea plaice fishery, when WWF started to negotiate information with fishermen beyond the formal MSC assessment procedure in order to creating so-called 'no take-zones'. The eNGO made sure that informal interactions were not totally disconnected from the assessment process. According to this case study, the two fisheries who agreed on the spatial measure also tried to get most out of the additional spatial measure that became part of their certification. They took the spatial measure up in their message towards (potential) clients, stating their fisheries go even beyond the high sustainability standards of MSC. The case study in Chapter 6 concerns informational processes related to the ecological impacts of an economic newcomer at the North Sea, that is offshore wind energy. The chapter highlights how the sustainability promise of this renewable source appears to be 'dark green': offshore wind farms (OWFs) contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and to the protection of certain marine life (benthos, fish and some bird species). Remarkably, the ecological differentiation towards offshore wind power remains unexploited. Powerful actors related to this pro-wind discourse, such as the wind sector and large eNGOs, are hesitant to use the dark green message of offshore wind power. In onshore wind debates, their emphasis is on the dominant 'pro-wind' discourse about combating climate change which leaves no room for (nuanced) spatial and ecological concerns. It is however stated that including the ecological merits of OWFs in an (existing) informational governance design would not be very complicated, and allows actors to commonly strive for further differentiation in the European electricity market. The last chapter recapitulates the general findings of the research. The conclusions suggest that a broad array of actors is involved in informational processes that relate to marine governance and push for more sustainability at the North Sea. These actors can take up five distinctive roles in informational processes, that of information negotiator, information authority, information manager, information verifier and information mediator. This role division might be established in a formal way, although often there is room for actors to take up different roles, sometimes only temporally or informally. The conclusions also point to the theoretical contribution of this research to the theoretical development of informational governance, most notably the lessons learnt from its application to the marine context. The methodological reflections indicate the generalizability of the findings, which are in this research linked to the development of the marine scaping framework and the empirically informed distinction between the five roles of actors in informational governance. Finally, the concluding chapter highlights opportunities for future research, such as studies of informational governance related to other economic activities at the North Sea or in other parts of the world. Oceans and seas seem to be an empty space and untouched wilderness, but are in fact heavily used and exploited by different economic activities which have, to greater or lesser extent, environmental impacts. Attention for marine environmental challenges has grown, and is nowadays captured by views on ecosystem-based management. This builds on the notion that the way forward in marine ecosystem protection is an integrated approach that is place- or area-based (so-called spatial turn) and should use the best available scientific information. This research focuses on this spatial turn in marine governance at the North Sea, one of the busiest seas in the world. More specifically, the emphasis on the informational governance of spatial tensions between nature conservation and economic activities at the North Sea. Informational governance points to the growing centrality of informational processes in decision-making around environmental challenges. Information is seen as an indispensable resource to use in resolving such challenges and serves as steering tool in governing sustainability. Information provision through all kind of (online) media means is deliberately aimed at influencing decision-making and fostering change of behaviour. In the marine context, informational governance seems to be a new and promising mode of governance. Facilitated by information and communication technologies, information can connect spatially distant environmental issues to people's daily lives. However, information is not seen as an unproblematic and neutral object, it is at the centre of struggles and debates in decision-making on resolving spatial and environmental challenges at sea. This study analyzes how public and private actors through informational governance (try to) resolve spatial conflicts between economic activities and nature conservation at the North Sea, in order to better understand the centripetal force of information in marine governance. Three research questions are guiding the research: How can the centrality of information in the spatial turn in marine governance be conceptualized and analyzed? Which actors are involved in informational governance on marine ecosystem protection and use at the North Sea, and how do they (inter-) act in informational processes? How does informational governance contribute to the solving of spatial conflicts between economic activities and nature conservation at the North Sea? Chapter 2 gives an account of the research methodology that underpins the research. It explains that the study draws on a non-radical constructivist and critical realist perspective, and presents the research design used in the study: a qualitative case study approach. The selection of the cases has been based on two different rationales. Two cases were selected as they highlight the role of three main actor groups in informational governance at sea. Two other cases explore informational processes in governance arrangements with regard to a specific spatial conflict between marine ecosystem conservation and use(fisheries and offshore wind power development) . In the study, triangulated data gathering served to strengthen the validity and reliability of the research. The mix of methods employed included document review of research reports, policy documents and online information; semi-structured interviews; and participatory observation in several meetings and conferences. In data analysis, an iterative approach following the theoretical propositions of the research was used. In Chapter 3, the marine scaping framework is presented to analyse informational governance on marine ecosystem protection and use. Marine scaping through information follows the morphogenetic approach and combines a focus on conditions structuring informational processes with an agency-based approach. The framework distinguishes three scapes that together form the structure-side: seascape, humanscape and mindscape. Seascape represents the connection between the biophysical specifics of the marine ecosystem and the material features of economic activities that are emplaced in this ecosystem. Humanscape points to human organization in social, political and economic terms. Mindscape brings in the ideational dimension, and refers to discourses, ideas, norms, values and perceptions. In the interplay of humanscape with seascape and mindscape, the connection with agency is made, pointing to the initiatives and interactions between actors who, by means of information, strive for sustainability at the North Sea. To assess whether conditions have changed over time, so- called elaboration is added to the framework. In marine governance, the explicit aim is to strive for a balance between ecosystem protection and use, hence to foster elaboration. Chapter 3 illustrates the application of the marine scaping framework by a case study about informational initiatives of eNGO officials who want to push the development of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) at the North Sea forward, in order to achieve "ecological coherence" in marine conservation on the North Sea. It is indicated how and why officials from environmental non-gouvernmental organizations (eNGOs) carried out extensive science-based studies to inform policy-making. This information remains however footloose, because there was no institutional setting where the specific need for a MPA network was (high) on the agenda, and as such, eNGOs had no opportunity to tap their reports into existing informational processes. At the same time, this case study shows how eNGOs build up their so-called "informational capital". The case study presented in Chapter 4 provides a historical understanding of informational interactions between science and policy in the Dutch MPA site selection. By establishing MPAs, nature conservation gains literally a place on the North Sea map. Following international regulations and treaties, North Sea countries are obliged to take the leading role in the designation process, and to use scientific criteria only, based on biological and ecological information. The chapter shows that information about vulnerable and pristine habitats and sea life that needs to be protected was merely lacking or contested. It becomes evident that ecological , socio-economic and political considerations cannot be easily separated. Scientists and policy-makers dealt with the entanglement of interests by sharing tasks in the informational processes, being both information providers and users. It is found that especially in cases of uncertainties and data gaps, judgment by scientists is best characterized as expert judgment and sometimes even gut feeling. However, it is also highlighted that it is necessary to keep science as impartial as possible, and to overtly communicate what and whose information is used. Chapter 5 analyses the role of information in incorporating the habitat impact of bottom touching gear in the certification scheme of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This represents a spatial conflict between one of the oldest maritime activities at the North Sea, (plaice) fisheries, and marine conservation. The global MSC labeling program is probably the most famous example of informational governance on marine ecosystem protection and use, as it is almost 20 years old. It fits in neatly with the ideas of informational governance: scientific information to assess the environmental performance of a fishery clash with information derived from the fishery itself and stakeholders. And at the same time, information about the fisheries' performance (through the logo on a fish product) is brought to consumers who in turn can reward sustainable fisheries through their buying power. This case study indicates how eNGOs use informational capital in the informational struggles . This role became especially evident during the assessment of the first North Sea plaice fishery, when WWF started to negotiate information with fishermen beyond the formal MSC assessment procedure in order to creating so-called 'no take-zones'. The eNGO made sure that informal interactions were not totally disconnected from the assessment process. According to this case study, the two fisheries who agreed on the spatial measure also tried to get most out of the additional spatial measure that became part of their certification. They took the spatial measure up in their message towards (potential) clients, stating their fisheries go even beyond the high sustainability standards of MSC. The case study in Chapter 6 concerns informational processes related to the ecological impacts of an economic newcomer at the North Sea, that is offshore wind energy. The chapter highlights how the sustainability promise of this renewable source appears to be 'dark green': offshore wind farms (OWFs) contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and to the protection of certain marine life (benthos, fish and some bird species). Remarkably, the ecological differentiation towards offshore wind power remains unexploited. Powerful actors related to this pro-wind discourse, such as the wind sector and large eNGOs, are hesitant to use the dark green message of offshore wind power. In onshore wind debates, their emphasis is on the dominant 'pro-wind' discourse about combating climate change which leaves no room for (nuanced) spatial and ecological concerns. It is however stated that including the ecological merits of OWFs in an (existing) informational governance design would not be very complicated, and allows actors to commonly strive for further differentiation in the European electricity market. The last chapter recapitulates the general findings of the research. The conclusions suggest that a broad array of actors is involved in informational processes that relate to marine governance and push for more sustainability at the North Sea. These actors can take up five distinctive roles in informational processes, that of information negotiator, information authority, information manager, information verifier and information mediator. This role division might be established in a formal way, although often there is room for actors to take up different roles, sometimes only temporally or informally. The conclusions also point to the theoretical contribution of this research to the theoretical development of informational governance, most notably the lessons learnt from its application to the marine context. The methodological reflections indicate the generalizability of the findings, which are in this research linked to the development of the marine scaping framework and the empirically informed distinction between the five roles of actors in informational governance. Finally, the concluding chapter highlights opportunities for future research, such as studies of informational governance related to other economic activities at the North Sea or in other parts of the world.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review and analysis of existing research articles on new product development (NPD) published in the 12-year period starting from 1998 to 2009. Design/methodology/approach – To explore the articles related to NPD, four key words namely new product, product design, product development and product innovation were used in combination of title or abstract or keyword of the articles through several knowledge databases. The abstracts of journal papers were read and a decision as to whether article belongs to any NPD research issue or not was made. In total, 1,127 research articles were categorized systematically and then analyzed on various principal NPD information groups. Findings – Analysis of selected articles led to a certain level of dispersion in the publication of NPD research in different journals. It is found that more attention needs to be on knowledge and creativity management, communication and information transfer in any NPD process. Originality/value – By observing extended literature from authors reviewing articles from various journals, growth in research, and variety of topics covered in NPD, a broad systematic multi journal review of NPD literature is clearly overdue. The authors have developed a comprehensive listing of publications on NPD where they have classified the surveyed papers according to various principal NPD information groups like: published year, NPD research stream, type of organization studied (industrial/consumer/service), level of innovation (high/moderate/low), NPD focus on frameworks, performance perspective (success, failure or both), NPD research design (conceptual/empirical and qualitative/quantitative) and NPD relevant best practice element. Based on the classification scheme, the issues were analyzed from the system's perspective and their implications to NPD research.

New product development (NPD) is widely recognized as an important source of being a competitive advantage. It can bring considerable returns to an organization but can also be considered a risky process, such as making wrong decisions in the project selection or suffer consequences from using inexperienced project teams. This study aims to develop a risk management model to help NPD teams in managing risks with their projects. The conceptual framework is developed from three sources of publications; systematic literature review of academic research during year 2002-2012, the project management body of knowledge from a professional association and the international standards related to risk management. The model consists of risk identification and the risk analysis process to use for the prioritization of risk factors. Thirty-nine risk factors were identified during the study and the risk breakdown structure (RBS) for food NPD with twenty risk categories have been developed and used for risk identification. The model has been validated by four case studies of NPD projects in the food industry of Thailand. The major risks found in these case studies were the quality of raw materials, trade barriers for export, understanding of customer requirements, inconsistency of raw material costs, communication problems between R&D and the manufacturing team, NPD team knowledge in project management, human resource constraints and product formulation for scale-up.Refined risk assessment models have been used to develop risk assessment tool, consisting of risk identification by RBS and a risk checklist, and risk analysis by fuzzy inference systems. Some suggestions for risk response strategies have been studied and discussed in this research. This integrated tool can be further developed and commercialized as suggested in a business plan to use by NPD teams as a roadmap and process work-flow for risk management of a NPD project in the food industry. The user acceptance test for prototype of a risk assessment tool from research showed results of a 90.5% acceptance rate by users in the NPD team.

BackgroundStrategies for maximizing the microbial production of bio-based chemicals and fuels include eliminating branched points to streamline metabolic pathways. While this is often achieved by removing key enzymes, the introduction of nonnative enzymes can provide metabolic shortcuts, bypassing branched points to decrease the production of undesired side-products. Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) can provide such a shortcut in industrially promising thermophilic organisms; yet to date, this enzyme has not been found in any thermophilic organism. Incorporating nonnative enzymes into host organisms can be challenging in cases such as this, where the enzyme has evolved in a very different environment from that of the host.ResultsIn this study, we use computational protein design to engineer the Zymomonas mobilis PDC to resist thermal denaturation at the growth temperature of a thermophilic host. We generate thirteen PDC variants using the Rosetta protein design software. We measure thermal stability of the wild-type PDC and PDC variants using circular dichroism. We then measure and compare enzyme endurance for wild-type PDC with the PDC variants at an elevated temperature of 60 °C (thermal endurance) using differential interference contrast imaging.ConclusionsWe find that increases in melting temperature (Tm) do not directly correlate with increases in thermal endurance at 60 °C. We also do not find evidence that any individual mutation or design approach is the major contributor to the most thermostable PDC variant. Rather, remarkable cooperativity among sixteen thermostabilizing mutations is key to rationally designing a PDC with significantly enhanced thermal endurance. These results suggest a generalizable iterative computational protein design approach to improve thermal stability and endurance of target enzymes.

This research investigates the implementation of the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology in the context of website management for personal branding. The background of the study elucidates the increasing importance of personal branding in the digital age and the role of websites as crucial platforms for individuals to showcase their expertise and establish their online presence. Against this backdrop, the research explores how the RAD methodology is applied to streamline the development and management of personal branding websites, emphasizing its iterative, collaborative, and time-efficient approach. The study delves into the principles and phases of RAD, highlighting its suitability for website development projects characterized by evolving requirements and tight timelines. By employing a qualitative research approach, including interviews, surveys, and case studies, the research examines the experiences and perspectives of individuals and organizations utilizing RAD in their website management endeavors for personal branding purposes. The findings reveal several critical insights into implementing RAD in website management for personal branding. Firstly, RAD enables rapid prototyping and iteration, facilitating the timely development and deployment of websites tailored to individual branding needs. Secondly, RAD promotes collaboration and user involvement, ensuring that websites effectively meet user requirements and preferences. Thirdly, RAD's iterative nature allows for flexibility and adaptability, enabling individuals to respond promptly to changes in branding strategies and market dynamics. Overall, the research underscores the significance of RAD as a valuable methodology for developing and managing personal branding websites. By leveraging RAD's iterative, collaborative, and time-efficient approach, individuals create dynamic and engaging online platforms that effectively communicate their expertise, values, and unique brand identity. The findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for practitioners, researchers, and organizations seeking to enhance their branding efforts through effective website management strategies.

The Engineering Design Research Center (EDRC) at Carnegie Mellon University has created a two-semester design course that integrates research and education though industrially sponsored design projects. Over each of the six semesters that the course has been taught, teams of undergraduate and graduate students have designed, fabricated, and delivered a new generation of wearable computers. The Wearable Computer Design course at the EDRC is cross-disciplinary and inter-departmental, drawing students from four colleges in nine disciplines including five engineering departments (chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and engineering and public policy), architecture, computer science, industrial administration and industrial design, The students in this course learn about design theory and practice, participate in research, and successfully deliver products to sponsors. Furthermore, the students are exposed to the complete cycle of design from concept through initial theoretical modeling and design, multi-disciplinary design tradeoffs to manufacturing, and finally to customer satisfaction and user feedback. This class also serves as a testbed for learning about the needs of a multi-disciplinary design team, for anticipating the needs of geographically-distributed design teams, for reflecting on the interplay between product design and design process, and for evaluating the design tools and design methodologies that have been developed at the EDRC. The paper describes the evolution of the Wearable Computer Design course, the integration of design education, design research and design practice in an interdepartmental course. It also describes the interplay between disciplines, between theory, practice and education, and between designers and users.

A digital self-management intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes: Combining theory, data and participatory design to develop HeLP-Diabetes