Design Approach Research Articles

Frequency and time domain 19F ENDOR spectroscopy: role of nuclear dipolar couplings to determine distance distributions.

19F electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy is emerging as a method of choice to determine molecular distances in biomolecules in the angstrom to nanometer range. However, line broadening mechanisms in 19F ENDOR spectra can obscure the detected spin-dipolar coupling that encodes the distance information, thus limiting the resolution and accessible distance range. So far, the origin of these mechanisms has not been understood. Here, we employ a combined approach of rational molecular design, frequency and time domain ENDOR methods as well as quantum mechanical spin dynamics simulations to analyze these mechanisms. We present the first application of Fourier transform ENDOR to remove power broadening and measure T2n of the 19F nucleus. We identify nuclear dipolar couplings between the fluorine and protons up to 14 kHz as a major source of spectral broadening. When removing these interactions by H/D exchange, an unprecedented spectral width of 9 kHz was observed suggesting that, generally, the accessible distance range can be extended. In a spin labeled RNA duplex we were able to predict the spectral ENDOR line width, which in turn enabled us to extract a distance distribution. This study represents a first step towards a quantitative determination of distance distributions in biomolecules from 19F ENDOR.

Personalized interactive urban maps for autism: an innovative approach involving persons with Level 1 autism spectrum disorder to user-centered design

Purpose Because of social interaction difficulties, cognitive characteristics and sensory sensitivity, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may struggle with independence and active participation in urban contexts. Through understanding how people with ASDs experience and perceive urban spaces, the Personalized Interactive Urban Maps for Autism (PIUMA) project’s purpose is to create a useful platform to support persons with ASD in their movements in the city, helping them in managing their daily lives, promoting their autonomy and active participation in urban contexts, taking in to account their direct point of view. This paper aim to present a user-centered approach involving autistic people. Design/methodology/approach The authors involved researchers with different backgrounds applying mixed research techniques such as semi-structured qualitative interviews, participatory design, exploiting user-adapted systems techniques, human–computer interaction techniques and interviews. The authors involved people with autism (PWA) from the beginning of the project to gain user requirements, as well as to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of our solution in the final stage. In specific phases of the project, the authors involved a group of parents of PWA and a group of neurotypical individuals as a control group. Findings The authors collected various data and created an App taking into account PWA needs, suggestions and points of view. Research limitations/implications Choosing different methodologies to allow participants to express their point of view, their needs and suggestions, the authors limited the quantitative data collected. The male-to-female ratio in the study, along with the sample size and participants’ age, can also be considered limitations. Practical implications The authors collected information about how autistic people move in urban contexts, represent the space of their cities, move independently and use technological devices. The data the author collected also provides suggestions about how to improve computer systems designed for them. Social implications The results suggest how to improve computer systems designed for autistic people and how to encourage their full participation in community life according to their cognitive and sensory characteristics. Originality/value The PIUMA project takes into account the direct input of PWA in all the different stages from conception and design to deployment of the device in a human-centered design approach.

Development of an Inclusive Demographic Survey for Clinical Care and Research.

There is a need to accurately capture family demographic information to ensure appropriate delivery of services, optimize patient experiences, and examine health disparities; however, we lack a standardized and inclusive approach to collect demographic data. Our objective was to design a set of inclusive survey items for common demographic categories that can be used for clinical care and research. In this prospective, mixed-methods study, we used a rigorous survey design approach to conduct a literature review, seek expert validation, and perform cognitive pretesting with families between October 2021 and September 2023 to iteratively develop an inclusive demographic survey. Survey iterations were made based on triangulation of rankings for each candidate survey item and content analysis of feedback from content experts and families. We incorporated 21 sources from the literature review, feedback from 7 content experts, and cognitive pretesting data from 57 patient and family respondents from diverse backgrounds. We developed a final survey assessing the following categories: gender identity and sex (2 items), race and ethnicity identity (1 item), language for care (4 items), household education (1 item), and household socioeconomic status (1 item). The final survey captures nuances in demographic information (eg, racial and ethnic identity) within a parsimonious survey structure and optimizes the use of respectful, inclusive language. We used a rigorous, family-centered survey design approach to develop a novel inclusive demographic survey, providing a standardized tool for comprehensive and accurate demographic data collection in clinical care and research.

Exploring Peculiar Properties of Graded Rubber

A styrene-butadiene rubber having a gradient crosslink density in the thickness direction was simply prepared by vulcanizing under a temperature gradient to study its mechanical properties and swelling behavior. The graded rubber exhibited considerable strain recovery after stress removal despite having a low crosslinked part. Notably, the graded rubber also manifested greater hysteresis loss during cyclic test compared to a homogeneously crosslinked rubber, even though they had similar initial moduli. Furthermore, anomalous swelling behavior was observed in the graded rubber. The graded rubber exhibited shape transformation upon swelling. The mechanism was thoroughly explained using gel swelling theory under constraints. This must be a common phenomenon in graded rubbers with a crosslink gradient in the thickness direction. This comprehensive research provides a novel approach for material design with tailored properties and promising applications for this potential material.

Performance Evaluation of Recycled Fibers in Asphalt Mixtures

This study presents the results of using innovative and sustainable recycled fibers in different asphalt mixtures. Laboratory design and performance evaluation were focused on the cracking and rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures reinforced with recycled fibers. Two mixtures were designed for this research: 1. A dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixture containing 15% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and a PG 64-22 asphalt binder. 2. A cold-recycled mixture (CRM) incorporating silica fume and Portland cement as a mineral filler and CSS-1H asphalt emulsion. The recycled fibers used in this study included PET, LDPE, and carbon and rubber fibers. A balanced mix design (BMD) approach based on cracking and rutting performance parameters was used to design the control mixtures. The IDEAL-CT (ASTM D8225) was conducted to assess the cracking resistance, and the IDEAL-RT (ASTM D8360) was applied for rutting resistance. For the HMA mixture, results showed that the addition of PET, carbon, and rubber fibers enhanced cracking resistance and influenced the rutting resistance; ANOVA analyses revealed statistically significant differences in both CT index and RT index between the control mixture and the fiber-reinforced mixtures. In the case of the cold-recycled mixtures, the addition of LDPE, PET, and rubber improved cracking resistance; however, a decrease in rutting resistance was also observed among the evaluated CRM samples.

Evaluating maternal death surveillance and response system in Sunyani Municipality of Bono region in Ghana from 2017-2021

IntroductionMaternal death rates in Ghana have decreased overall but remain high in rural areas. The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response System (MDSR) aims to eliminate preventable maternal deaths effectively. However, its effectiveness is less pronounced at district and subdistrict levels than at national and regional levels. Despite the requirement for periodic evaluation, there is a lack of evidence supporting these assessments. This study focuses on evaluating the MDSR in Sunyani Municipal.MethodsThe evaluation was conducted using a cross-sectional design, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from the District Health Information Management Systems (DHIMS) and the maternal death line list from January 2017 to December 2021 on maternal deaths were reviewed. Stakeholders, including health professionals, were interviewed. The means, proportions, and other statistical measures were calculated using Epi Info Version 7. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, and the results were visually presented in tables and flowcharts to illustrate the flow of surveillance information.ResultsMost respondents were female, constituting 51.4% (19/37), with midwives comprising the largest group at 32.4% (12/37). Approximately 75.7% (28/37) were able to explain how the surveillance data has been used for public health action. The notification and reporting process was clear to 85% (17/20) of respondents. Although 94.6% (35/37) expressed willingness to notify and participate in audits at facility and community levels, the audits remained facility-based. All facilities consistently reported maternal deaths, but data storage equipment was lacking. Approximately 80% (20/25) of forms were reported within 24 h, and 88% (22/25) were investigated within seven days. Only 68% (17/25) of forms were filled out correctly, with no municipal and facility-level line list. All reported deaths came from healthcare facilities, with no community-reported maternal deaths.ConclusionsThe MDSR system in Sunyani Municipal demonstrates high awareness and willingness to participate among healthcare providers but faces challenges in data accuracy and community engagement. Death audits remain facility-based, and the lack of community-reported maternal deaths and municipal-level line lists indicates gaps in comprehensive reporting and data management. To improve the system, it is recommended that community case searches be enhanced for better reporting and to address data management issues by ensuring proper data quality assessment.

Assessment of capacitor bank configuration of self-Excitation in induction generators utilizing finite element analysis

Self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) require carefully designed capacitor banks to maintain stable operation. This paper compares a capacitor bank design approach based on general parameters with one derived from the magnetizing reactance of three-phase induction generators. Finite element method simulations in Simulink are used to analyze and optimize the performance of these capacitor bank configurations. The results provide insights into the most effective designs for achieving reliable self-excitation in induction generators.

Experimental, Numerical and Analytical Evaluation of Load-Bearing Capacity of Cold-Formed S-Beam with Sectional Transverse Strengthening

The article provides information about strengthening cold-formed thin-walled steel beams made of the sigma profile. An innovative concept for sectional transverse strengthening of thin-walled beams subjected to concentrated forces was investigated. The proposed solution’s novelty lies in attaching the sectional transverse strengthening to the beam’s cross-section, employing a point crimping technique. This technique requires a specific modification of the cross-section edges, necessitating double-lipped flanges. This strengthening method is innovative, as it has not been previously applied to cold-formed structures. Typically, strengthening is achieved using other cold-formed elements or materials, such as timber, lightweight concrete, or CFRP tapes. The laboratory experimentally validated the proposed method using short- and medium-length beams. The experimental results were then compared with the results of the numerical analyses and the conventional design approach described in EC3. The results demonstrated the feasibility of implementing this type of strengthening, its reliability under load, and the confirmation of an increase in the load-bearing capacity of the experimental samples by 11–24%.

Re-design and evaluation of diclofenac-based carborane-substituted prodrugs and their anti-cancer potential

In this study, we investigated a novel anti-cancer drug design approach by revisiting diclofenac-based carborane-substituted prodrugs. The redesigned compounds combine the robust carborane scaffold with the oxindole framework, resulting in four carborane-derivatized oxindoles and a unique zwitterionic amidine featuring a nido-cluster. We tested the anti-cancer potential of these prodrugs against murine colon adenocarcinoma (MC38), human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116), and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29). The tests showed that diclofenac and the carborane-substituted oxindoles exhibited no cytotoxicity, the dichlorophenyl-substituted oxindole had moderate anti-cancer activity, while with the amidine this effect was strongly potentiated with activity mapping within low micromolar range. Compound 3 abolished the viability of selected colon cancer cell line MC38 preferentially through strong inhibition of cell division and moderate apoptosis accompanied by ROS/RNS depletion. Our findings suggest that carborane-based prodrugs could be a promising direction for new anti-cancer therapies. Inhibition assays for COX-1 and COX-2 revealed that while diclofenac had strong COX inhibition, the re-engineered carborane compounds demonstrated a varied range of anti-cancer effects, probably owing to both, COX inhibition and COX-independent pathways.

Investigating Tensile Strength in SLA 3D Printing Enhancement Through Experimentation and Finite Element Analysis

Additive manufacturing, particularly Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, has emerged as a promising technology for producing complex and customized components. This study investigates the optimization of tensile strength in SLA 3D printed resin through a comprehensive experimental and computational analysis. Utilizing a multilevel factorial design approach, the study systematically evaluates the influence of print orientation and layer orientation on tensile strength. Experimental testing, conducted using an Instron 5566 machine, reveals that a print orientation of 22.5 degrees and side orientations yield the highest tensile strength, reaching 72.01 MPa. Computational simulations, performed using ANSYS software, corroborate experimental findings, demonstrating promising correlations between experimental and computational results. Moreover, the study explores the implications of print orientation on mechanical properties and offers insights into parameter optimization for enhancing mechanical performance in additive manufacturing. This research contributes to advancing the understanding of additive manufacturing processes and provides practical guidance for optimizing tensile strength in SLA 3D printing applications. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) predicts a maximum stress of 71.97 MPa under a tension load of 686 N, further validating the experimental and computational findings.

From features to benefits: a data-driven approach for the economic design of adaptive quality control

The current economic design of control charts assumes specific quality distributions, limits parameter choices, and over-relies on historical samples, hindering companies from determining the most economical parameters accurately. Leveraging industrial big data, we propose a data-driven, mixed-integer linear programming model for the economic design of adaptive control charts. Control limits are dynamically designed as a function of features to minimise quality costs. Considering the trade-off between false alarms and penalty costs, we develop three models: a basic model incorporating big data, a model with cost-penalised features, and a model that uses regularisation to manage overfitting. We simulate the model using new performance measures. Our findings demonstrate the economic value of adaptive control limits strategies incorporating feature data compared to benchmarks. We expanded the model to an endogenous sample size and sampling interval framework, further demonstrating the superiority of our approach. We undertook a case study using real-world data from a casting company and revealed that employing our approach culminates in a 24.6% reduction in costs relative to the company's existing quality control protocols. Our approach enables manufacturers to make strategic decisions about quality control by operationalising big data, thereby proving advantageous in reducing quality costs.

Smart Concrete Using Optical Sensors Based on Bragg Gratings Embedded in a Cementitious Mixture: Cure Monitoring and Beam Test

Smart concrete is a structural element that can combine both sensing and structural capabilities. In addition, smart concrete can monitor the curing of concrete, positively impacting design and construction approaches. In concrete, if the curing process is not well developed, the structural element may develop cracks in this early stage due to shrinkage, decreasing structural mechanical strength. In this paper, a system of measurement using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for monitoring the curing of concrete was developed to evaluate autogenous shrinkage strain, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) in a single system. Furthermore, K-type thermocouples were used as reference temperature sensors. The results presented maximum autogenous shrinkage strains of 213.64 με, 125.44 με, and 173.33 με for FBG4, FBG5, and FBG6, respectively. Regarding humidity, the measured maximum relative humidity was 98.20 %RH, which was reached before 10 h. In this case, the recorded maximum temperature was 63.65 °C and 61.85 °C by FBG2 and the thermocouple, respectively. Subsequently, the concrete specimen with the FBG strain sensor embedded underwent a bend test simulating beam behavior. The measurement system can transform a simple structure like a beam into a smart concrete structure, in which the FBG sensors’ signal was maintained by the entire applied load cycles and compared with FBG strain sensors superficially positioned. In this test, the maximum strain measurements were 85.65 με, 123.71 με, and 56.38 με on FBG7, FBG8, and FBG3, respectively, with FBG3 also monitoring autogenous shrinkage strain. Therefore, the results confirm that the proposed system of measurement can monitor the cited parameters throughout the entire process of curing concrete.

Design of an Underactuated, Flexure-Based Gripper, Actuated Through a Push–Pull Flexure

Abstract The design of grippers for the agro-industry is challenging. To be cost-effective, the picked object should be moved around fast requiring a firm grip on the fruit of different hardnesses, shapes, and sizes without causing damage. This article presents a self-adaptive flexure-based gripper design optimized for high acceleration loads. A main novelty is that it is actuated through a push–pull flexure that is loaded in tension when the gripper closes, allowing it to handle high actuation forces without the risk of buckling. To create a robust gripper that can handle relatively high loads, flexures are used that are reinforced and have a thickness variation over the length. The optimal thickness distribution of these flexures is derived analytically to facilitate the design process. The derived principles are generally applicable to flexure hinges. The resulting advanced cartwheel flexure joint, as used in this gripper, has a 2.5 times higher support stiffness and a 1.5 times higher buckling load when compared to a conventional cartwheel joint of the same size and actuation stiffness. The PP-gripper is numerically optimized for a high pull-out force, using analytical design insights as a starting point. The gripper can grip circular objects with radii between 30 and 40 mm. The pull-out force is 21.4 N, with a maximum actuation force of 100 N. Good correspondence is found between the geometric design approach, the numerically optimized design, and the results of the experimental validation.

Joyful living labs – pedagogical approach for urban design thinking soft skills

PurposeUrban design professionals face the challenge of creating responsive human settlements amidst complex, ever-evolving interactions between numerous factors, which makes each project a “wicked problem,” requiring designers with specific skills to solve them effectively. This paper explores how integrating “Living Labs” and “Learning Playing techniques” equips urban design students with the needed competencies to address these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a literature review focusing on urban design theories related to “wicked problems,” design thinking and soft skills. Through this review, the authors developed the “Urban Design Thinking Soft Skills (UDTS) matrix” and identified pedagogical approaches using Living Labs and Learning Playing Techniques. An award-winning community design studio at Cairo University served as a case study to test and validate the UDTS matrix. Interviews were conducted to further investigate the effectiveness of incorporating these approaches.FindingsThe study found that integrating Living Labs principles and Learning Playing Techniques (termed “Joyful Living Labs” in this context) are effective pedagogical methods. Interviews provided evidence supporting their value within urban design curricula for the Egyptian context.Originality/valueThis paper proposes the UDTS matrix as a framework to equip students with the necessary soft skills for tackling complex urban design challenges. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of “Joyful Living Labs” as a potential pedagogical approach specifically suited for the Egyptian context.

Integrating axiomatic design and design structure matrix into model‐based systems engineering: A case study for emergency response space mission design

AbstractWith the increasing complexity of space missions due to technological advancements, model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) has become a new paradigm for systems engineering (SE), providing a more formal and accurate system engineering process while reducing costs. However, MBSE does not offer a comprehensive approach for effective system function design. This study introduces a conceptual design approach that integrates axiomatic design (AD) and design structure matrix (DSM) into the MBSE paradigm and applies it to functional and logical design. The research focuses on utilizing the design knowledge encapsulated by system models to facilitate the development of new systems. System models have the potential to bridge different design domains in AD, reveal implicit associations, and offer functional and structural analysis capabilities. To validate our approach, we conducted a case study on an Emergency Response Remote Sensing mission system. This case study demonstrates that our proposed methodology lends formality to traditional AD by deriving AD matrices and DSMs from a system model, thereby enhancing the system's structure while curtailing elemental alterations during iterative design processes. The novelty of this research lies in realizing the integration of traditional design theory with the model paradigm of SE, leading to an effective design solution during the functional and logical design stages.

Analyzing The Effect of Body Size and Body Weight of Local Horses on Their Selling Price at The Tolo Horse Market, Jeneponto

Determining the selling price of horses in the Tolo Horse Market has been using the estimated system due to the limitations of weighing equipment. So, it is necessary to research the accuracy of determining the price seen from the body size and body weight of livestock and its effect on the selling price of local horses. This research was conducted in Tolo Horse Market. This research used a mixed method with a convergent parallel design approach. The results showed that the size of body length and chest circumference of horses is relatively more varied than waist height and pelvic height. Chest circumference and body length significantly (p<0.05) affect the selling price of horses in Tolo Horse Market. In conclusion, the selling price of local horses in the Tolo horse market is significantly influenced by body size, namely chest circumference, body length, and body weight. In comparison, the hip height and pelvic height of horses do not affect the selling price of horses. The ability to estimate the price is quite reasonable based on the linearity between the body weight of the research results and the selling price set. However, the use of measuring instruments is still recommended for accuracy.

Developing and Testing Training Resources to Improve Social Connectedness With Homebound Older Adults Who Receive Home-Delivered Meals.

Social isolation is disproportionately experienced by homebound older adults, including those who receive home-delivered meals. We used a three-phase, human-centered design approach to create and evaluate training resources focused on social isolation for meal-delivery drivers. We hypothesized that these training resources would increase meal-delivery drivers' behavioral intentions to have meaningful interactions with their clients. Working with subject matter experts and meal-delivery drivers, our team developed and produced a training video and website and evaluated the resources with a sample of meal-delivery drivers in Rhode Island, Texas, and Mississippi via an online survey. Respondents (n = 94) were 64% female, 65% age 55+, and 79% white. Respondents reported improved (p < .001) agreement with the main outcome, "I intend to regularly have meaningful social conversations with the clients I see." Through these scalable training resources, drivers may increase their intention to have meaningful conversations with older adults at risk for social isolation.

Discovery of Novel Iridium(III) Complex‐Based Photofunctional Materials Using Excited‐State Descriptors

AbstractThe design of iridium(III) complex‐based photofunctional materials is challenged by commercial viability issues in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and the limitation of polypyridyl structures for Ir(III) catalysts in photocatalysis. The burgeoning advancement of data‐driven science provides new solutions to this challenge. Herein, a three‐step data‐driven design approach is reported to target multifunctional red phosphorescent Ir(III) complexes. The approach uses machine learning and quantum chemistry calculations coupled with key excited‐state physical and chemical descriptors to identify the promising natural uracil‐based Ir(III) complexes from the self‐established “OLED Materials and Photocatalyst Database.” The newly designed red complexes demonstrate higher quantum yields and longer radiative lifetimes compared to their commercial counterparts. As photosensitizers, they display electron and energy transfer rates with substrates at the nanosecond level and are validated for lab‐scale photocatalysis. As the guests for OLEDs, their devices produce excellent red emission with low turn‐on voltages, minimal efficiency roll‐off, and decent electroluminescence efficiency. This research stands for an innovative endeavor in the data‐driven design of Ir(III) complexes, diverging from the traditional structure‐mimicking model, and can be generalized to the design of more photofunctional molecular materials.

Effect of a Virtual Biophilic Residential Environment on the Perception and Responses of Seniors

This study investigates the effects of a virtual biophilic residential environment on seniors’ physiological and subjective responses to evaluate its potential to promote healing and recovery. Thirty seniors were exposed to three different scales (units, buildings, complexes) of virtual biophilic residential environments that combined both physical and digital biophilic elements. Physiological responses, including heart rate, heart rate variability, and galvanic skin response, were measured alongside self-reported levels of satisfaction and immersion. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of physical and digital design interventions at each residential scale. The findings revealed that the virtual biophilic residential environment reduced physiological stress in seniors, with the most significant impact observed at the unit scale. Digital design interventions further enhance stress relief benefits, indicating that integrating physical and digital elements in biophilic residential environments can positively influence seniors’ stress levels. Additionally, significant correlations were identified between physiological responses and subjective perceptions of immersion and satisfaction. This study is valuable as an initial comparative analysis of the effectiveness of physical and digital approaches in biophilic design. This paper is a preliminary study and is significant in that it systematizes virtual environment research from an age-friendly perspective and expands approaches to biophilic design.

Topliss Modified Approach for Design and Synthesis of 1,3 Thiazines as Antimicrobials

In the series of 6-[4-substitutedphenyl]-4-phenyl-6H-1,3-thiazine-2-amines and N-[6-(4-substitutedphenyl)-4-phenyl-6H-1,3-thiazine-yl]acetamides, substituents at fourth position of the phenyl ring were selected according to the Topliss modified approach and synthesized initial set of compounds. The antimicrobial screening revealed that compounds with methoxy substituent having negative sigma (-0.04) and negative pi (-0.27) values are good antimicrobials showing low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Based on the observation hydroxyl group with more negative sigma (-0.61) and pi (-0.37) values was selected to synthesize second set compounds and were found better antimicrobials than the initial set of compounds. The study revealed that electron donating polar substituents at fourth position of the phenyl ring are required to improve antimicrobial potential in the series of 6-[4-substitutedphenyl]-4-phenyl-6H-1,3-thiazine-2-amines and N-[6-(4-substitutedphenyl)-4-phenyl-6H-1,3-thiazine-yl]acetamides.