Architectural Engineering Research Articles

Green Engineering of Silicon and Titanium Dioxide Architectures and Realizing Downstream Applications

AbstractBiomineralization has long been a source of inspiration and frustration for researchers in a wide variety of disciplines from ecologists and dental practitioners to materials scientists. An amazing variety of organisms have the capacity to produce inorganic mineral complexes through biomineralization. In this context, different organisms use proteins, peptides, and polysaccharides as templates to control the nucleation, growth, and morphology of structures containing minerals and metals. Due to lack of clarity in the field, distinctions are provided between the various biomineralization processes as Type I, II, and III biomineralization. Synthetic biomineralization is an emerging field in which these processes are applied to unnatural substrates to create useful inorganic materials with applications in a variety of fields. A comprehensive overview of silica and titanium oxide biomineralization is given, covering the major achievements this sub‐field has attained since its emergence. The ground‐breaking discoveries are focused based on the templating agent used and the mechanisms that are proposed in the field are discussed. Synthetic biomineralization are led, which are more recently demonstrated to have feasible applications in energy, electronics, construction, and biotechnology. These possibilities are discussed alongside prospects based on the current trend of research in the field.

Automated layered personification methodology of structural drawings with embedded design information

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape various industries, the demand for digitalization and intelligent design in the fields of architecture and structural engineering is increasingly pronounced. In the pursuit of digital and intelligent design, it is necessary to identify and extract information on various structural components from the construction drawings. In the current stages of intelligent structural design, the preprocessing of construction component drawings predominantly relies on manual efforts, highlighting a notable gap in automated solutions. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an innovative automated layered method to mimic human efforts while reading the architectural and structural drawings. The proposed method could both identify and embed the relevant information of the structural components within bitmap drawings. The proposed method employs the Connected Component Labeling algorithm, a novel Intersection Recognition and Connection approach, which is a straightforward method for information embedding. This approach automates the process of preprocessing and integrating basic information into the structural drawings, facilitating the transition from manual to intelligent systems. Then, the proposed method was validated by case studies and algorithm performance evaluations for its effectiveness and efficiency.

Additive Manufacturing Oriented Parametric Design Automation of Adaptive Joint System for an Irregular Form Gridshell Structure

In architectural engineering, triangular tessellation using polygon mesh topology is one of the commonly used computational geometric approaches to simplify a free curved building façade into flat triangular facets and their subsequent straight edges. In such a façade system, exterior panels are supported by a network of profiles that correspond to their edges hidden behind the panels at an offset distance. A group of profiles, derived from the edges common to a node point of tessellated panels (i.e., the outermost panels enveloping the building), may dislocate from each other when offset from their original locations due to non-coplanar alignment and unique offset directions and distances. This dislocation problem gives rise to geometric complications in nodal connector design in addition to varying in the connected profile count and orientations. Design considerations regarding the effects of ’offset vertex dislocation’ (i.e., the dislocation of the edges when it offsets from the original topology due to incoherent normal direction) should incorporate proper variables in the correct sequence based on a fundamental understanding that causes the dislocation problem. However, it is very often these topological problems pertaining to offset that are neglected, leading to subsequent design flaws. Such oversights diminish the inherent strengths of DfMA (design for manufacture and assembly) and design automation. This study develops a computational mathematical approach aimed at addressing the geometric complexities in nodal connector design. It focuses on two main areas: the precise positioning of substructure profiles essential for the design and a design automation approach that minimizes the length of the nodal connector arms to enhance 3D printing productivity. A life-scale proof-of-concept structure based on an automated parametric design process that implements the research findings demonstrates the application, incorporating 3D-printed PA12 (Polyamide-12) nodal connectors.

System architecture optimization strategies: dealing with expensive hierarchical problems

Abstract Choosing the right system architecture for the problem at hand is challenging due to the large design space and high uncertainty in the early stage of the design process. Formulating the architecting process as an optimization problem may mitigate some of these challenges. This work investigates strategies for solving system architecture optimization (SAO) problems: expensive, black-box, hierarchical, mixed-discrete, constrained, multi-objective problems that may be subject to hidden constraints. Imputation ratio, correction ratio, correction fraction, and max rate diversity metrics are defined for characterizing hierarchical design spaces. This work considers two classes of optimization algorithms for SAO: multi-objective evolutionary algorithms such as NSGA-II, and Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithms. A new Gaussian process kernel is presented that enables modeling hierarchical categorical variables, extending previous work on modeling continuous and integer hierarchical variables. Next, a hierarchical sampling algorithm that uses design space hierarchy to group design vectors by active design variables is developed. Then, it is demonstrated that integrating more hierarchy information in the optimization algorithms yields better optimization results for BO algorithms. Several realistic single-objective and multi-objective test problems are used for investigations. Finally, the BO algorithm is applied to a jet engine architecture optimization problem. This work shows that the developed BO algorithm can effectively solve the problem with one order of magnitude less function evaluations than NSGA-II. The algorithms and problems used in this work are implemented in the open-source Python library SBArchOpt.

Rigid-Flexible Coupling Realized by Synergistic Engineering of the Graphitic-Amorphous Architecture for Durable and Fast Potassium Storage.

Graphite anodes hold great potential for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), yet their practical application is hindered by poor cycle performance caused by substantial interlayer expansion. Herein, a partial graphitic carbon (PGC) is elaborately engineered via the catalytic effect of ferric citrate using pitch as a carbon precursor. Systematically varying the catalyst content enables an optimal PGC design integrating a highly graphitized phase providing abundant active sites for K-ion intercalation, balanced with an amorphous carbon region that accommodates volume expansion and facilitates ion diffusion. The optimized PGC12 electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 281.9mAhg-1, characterized by a prolonged low-potential plateau region, and excellent cycle stability with a capacity retention of 94.8% after 300 cycles. It also realizes an impressive rate capability with a retained capacity of 222.2mAhg-1 at 1C. Moreover, the assembled K-ion full-cell delivers an exceptional energy density of 148.2Whkg-1. In-situ XRD and DFT simulations further verify the distinct phase transition mechanisms and reaction dynamics across different carbon configurations. This work elucidates the impact of carbon configurations on K-storage performance and proposes a structural model for efficient K-ion storage, which is instrumental in the rational design and advancement of carbon anodes in PIBs.

A step-by-step definition of a reference architecture for cyber ranges

Being on the advent of Industry 5.0, organizations have been progressively incorporating information technology into their formerly air-gapped operational technology architectures. This coalescence has nevertheless amplified the attack surface, ringing the bells of preparedness. In this direction, Cyber Ranges (CRs) have cropped up as a valuable and attractive solution, providing a diverse perspective on reinforcing the overall cybersecurity stance. However, there exists a significant literature gap in attempts to define a complete approach for CR design, development, evaluation, and operation as per the up-to-date guidelines. To address this shortcoming, this work introduces the first to our knowledge overarching, fine-grained reference architecture for CR. This is done by adopting a three-step, systematic methodology. First, we scrutinize contemporary guidelines to extract an abstract architectural model that structurally entrenches the foundations of CR reference architecture. Then, we percolate and pinpoint common functionalities and capabilities of existing CRs, towards delineating the functional and informational aspects of the reference architecture. Finally, we devise an evaluation formula that approximates the conformance of a CR with the state-of-the-art. Through the latter step, we impart a unified means of identifying the most appropriate components to implement the structural, functional, and informational aspects of a CR. Overall, this work can be seen as an attempt towards CR unification and standardization, therefore it is anticipated to serve as a basis and point of reference for multiple stakeholders at varying levels.

Extracurricular activities as a pedagogy for the 2030 Agenda integration in an architectural engineering curriculum: a case study

Purpose Considering the lack of integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) within architectural engineering education, the purpose of this study is to develop a framework that incorporates the SDGs into a programme through extracurricular research activities. Design/methodology/approach A framework based on case studies was examined. The framework uses extracurricular activities, including an integrated design process and analytical mapping tool. These were accompanied by a comprehensive list of the 17 SDGs and their interpretations. Findings The framework enabled students to develop a systematic understanding of sustainability early on in their design process, leading to a more comprehensive consideration of architectural design issues and increased motivation to prioritise sustainability in architecture. Research limitations/implications The focus was on extracurricular activities rather than integrating the framework into the main programme. Therefore, further research is needed to explore this integration within the core curriculum. Practical implications The implications of research initiatives and extracurricular activities in promoting understanding of the SDGs among undergraduates were highlighted. The recommendations may be valuable for academic institutions aiming to align their planning in higher education with the necessary skills and global requirements as outlined in Agenda 2030. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its contribution from the field of architectural engineering and its endeavour to incorporate the SDGs into a programme in the Middle East through a research-based approach.

A Simulation for Teaching Set Based Design in Architecture Engineering and Construction

Question: How can a simulation be designed to support teaching and learning of set-based design principles among architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) learners? To what extent can a set-based design (SBD) simulation enhance the understanding of set-based design (SBD) principles in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC)? Purpose: This paper presents a simulation exercise for teaching SBD principles and processes among AEC learners. Research Method: The simulation game is presented through a physical, in-class simulation activity. A pre-and post-test survey is also incorporated into the study to assess its effectiveness among learners. Findings: The paper disseminates a novel physical simulation exercise that can be adopted for teaching set-based design principles among AEC learners. The findings demonstrate that the simulation can enhance learners’ understanding of set-based design concepts, such as mapping the design space, imposing constraints on the design, and performing the set-based design process. Limitations: The study involved two rounds of surveys with 26 student participants from the Architectural Engineering discipline. Including more learners from more diverse disciplines can be further explored and compared to the current findings. Further studies may also include practitioners and trainees within the construction industry. Implications: The simulation can be adopted to train students in a set-based design process to prepare for collaborative project delivery in contexts with the involvement of construction teams early in the design process. Value for practitioners: The paper presents a simulation that can guide practitioners in elaborating the concepts of collaborative design to project AEC teams. Keywords: simulation, games, lean design, point-based design, set-based design Paper type: full paper

Fourth wave technologies in construction and architecture: from idea to realization (part 2)

The Industrial Revolution is the restructuring of society under the influence of innovations in technology and technique, which is accompanied by a jump in productivity. Today, the 4th revolution is taking place, which is rapidly changing the landscape of various areas of life, including architecture and the construction industry. The Industry 4.0 revolution connects technologies used in organizations and people’s daily lives. It combines physical and digital technologies. But it doesn’t develop as a daily simple life in architecture and construction industry like many other industries like as automotive, aircraft, electronic etc. The relevance of the study is to study and analyze the stage of the historical event on the industrial revolutions (specially fourth industrial revolution) and his realization in today’s construction and architecture industry. A comprehensive review of contemporary and historical literature related to fourth industrial revolution, and his realization level in the industry with specific focus on construction and architecture industry. Thus, the main tasks of the study can be distinguished as follows: review of historical literature and basic understanding of the industrial revolutions; understanding of Industry 4.0 and its principles and benefits; reveal and introduce Industry 4.0 in construction and architecture industry; some samples about using Industry 4.0 in construction and architecture industry. Part two of the research is devoted to the idea and explanation of fourth wave technology in construction and architecture. The research used the method of analysis of scientific and historical literature and documents related to the Industrial Revolution (specially fourth industrial revolution) and his achievement in the construction and architecture industry to achieve and formulate conclusions. The conclusion of study is about today’s stage of realization of fourth industrial revolution in the construction and architecture industry and his point of view to next industrial revolution which start from 2017. The author believes that the development of the construction and architecture industry now and in the future depends on the attention and use of new industries and professionals in this industry specially IT specialists and technology. The conclusion of the second part of the study articulates fourth wave technologies in all areas of construction and architecture. The scientific novelty of the study is to study, analysis, identify main factors of Industry 4.0, and collection of some samples of realization of this technology (fourth wave technologies) in construction and architecture industry.

Portfolio Assessment and Contact-Hour-Based Evaluation (ChbE) in Architectural Education

In Architectural Education, the assessment of design courses involves the collective participation of the studio masters, the jurors, and the department board to assess the student’s ability to interpret and proffer solutions from thought processes to design proposals. Unfortunately, the assessment process is heterogeneous in the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accredited Schools of Architectural Technology, as institutions deploy atypical assessment scoresheets with varying variables and concomitant weightings. In most cases, such non-standard assessment variables laud students’ cognitive ability to the detriment of their affective and psychomotor persuasions in design development. This has structurally flawed the measurement of performance in the design ethos of Architectural Technology students. This issue necessitated the inception of this study towards defining the limits of assessment and evaluation protocols of design courses in Architectural Education and determining the variables that constitute criteria for assessment of portfolios. The study involved four (4) NBTE-accredited institutions that offer Architectural Technology. The methodology adopted structured questionnaires and interviews, observations, comparative analysis of scoresheets from such institutions, and archival retrieval of policy documents. Purposive sampling was adopted to administer structured questionnaires to 45 lecturers out of 63 lecturers serving in these institutions thus constituting 71.43% of the academic staff population. Results revealed poor evaluation of design miscellany in Architectural Education and the adoption of an incompatible assessment structure of design courses in the October 2020 NBTE curriculum for Architectural Technology. The study recommended the adoption of a standard Portfolio Assessment Sheet (PAS) and nouveau Contact-hour-based Evaluation module (ChbE) for measuring competence in design miscellany. A review of the assessment structure of design courses in the October 2020 NBTE curriculum and appraisal of the subsisting policy on Architectural Education were also considered imperative.

Strategic Analysis of Information Technology Architecture With Pepprard and Ward Methods At PT. Bank XYZ

The rapid development of the digital era has placed Information Technology (IT) as a crucial element in the banking industry. PT. Bank XYZ aims to enhance its IT capabilities to achieve its business objectives and become one of Indonesia's top banks. In line with the regulatory requirements of POJK No. 11/POJK.03/2022, this research focuses on a strategic analysis of PT. Bank XYZ's IT architecture using the Pepprard and Ward methods, combined with Anita Cassidy’s approach. The research analyzes the current conditions of the bank’s IT architecture and external factors, employing PEST and Porter’s Five Forces methods, followed by a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. From this analysis, strategic recommendations are provided to support the bank’s IT goals over a four-year period (2024-2028). The strategic plan consists of 19 key IT programs covering applications, data, and technology, aimed at enhancing customer experience, data quality, and infrastructure resilience. This roadmap will help PT. Bank XYZ improve its IT operations and align its technological advancements with its business objectives, positioning the bank for growth in the competitive banking sector. The research contributes practical insights into developing an IT strategy that complies with regulatory standards and supports long-term corporate goals.

The impact of nanomaterials on energy-centric form-finding of educational buildings in semi-arid climate

In the modern world, the use of novel technologies in architecture has become highly significant and transformative for human-environment interactions. One of the most critical concerns in architecture is achieving optimal forms and selecting suitable materials for effective design across diverse climatic zones. Also, adopting innovative climate design methods in public spaces, such as educational buildings, is essential due to their strategic urban locations and diverse user populations. Therefore, the research conducted in this study focuses on two main aspects: optimizing building form based on energy consumption and solar radiation received by vertical surfaces, and, selecting appropriate nanomaterials for building surface to reduce energy usage and maintenance costs. This study begins with theoretical foundations, defining the key terms through a comprehensive review of relevant literature. Then, four identical classroom modules with consistent height and floor levels are proposed, and Energy Plus software is used to evaluate the energy consumption based on a module simulation in initial forms of square and rectangle with varying proportions. The best module and orientation is determined using specified climatic data of the coldest and the hottest days of the year. Further, investigations involve combining these modules in various layouts, emphasizing those that align with the functional requirements of educational spaces. Finally, two parameters of energy consumption and solar radiation on vertical surfaces are measured during specified time interval between sunrise and sunset. The results indicate that among the four proposed modules, the 18 × 18 module with a north-south orientation is the most optimal in the semi-arid climate of Tehran, and therefore, Type 3 layout demonstrates the best performance for energy consumption. This is while by incorporating selected nanotechnology (self-cleaning nanomaterial paint), energy usage decreases in all layouts, regardless of the season.

Students' ideas about life and professional success in relation to career orientations and life satisfaction

Introduction. Studying ideas about success among young people studying at a university can help identify their life goals, expectations, and values, which in turn will ensure more effective preparation of future specialists for professional activities. The purpose of the study was to identify ideas about professional and life success in relation to career orientations and life satisfaction among students. Materials and methods. The study, in which 111 students took part, was conducted at the University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Russian Federation, St. Petersburg). Projective methods were used, including the method of unfinished sentences, the «Study of Career Orientations» test by E. Shein, the «Life Satisfaction» test (LS) by N.N. Melnikova. Methods of mathematical statistics: frequency analysis, cluster analysis (Ward's method), correlation analysis: Spearman correlation coefficient, factor analysis (Varimax method). Results. Data analysis showed that for students, success in life includes not only material, but also psychological well-being, as well as self-realization, recognition and the opportunity to help people. Professional success lies in social status, material wealth, professional competence, the presence of useful connections and the opportunity not to engage in work. Examples of life success for modern students are relatives (30%), professional success – representatives of the business sphere (34%). Students show a desire for self-realization, while wanting to maintain harmony between their personal life and career (r=0,26; p≤0,001). Respondents who attach great importance to social status tend to perceive their life as more harmonious (r=0,23; p≤0,01). Orientation towards «autonomy» (r=0,21; p≤0,01) and «entrepreneurship» (r=0,23; p≤0,01) increase life satisfaction. Conclusion. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of creating programs aimed at developing skills to achieve professional and personal well-being and helping students. Knowledge about the needs and expectations of future specialists will allow employers to create a motivating environment for comfortable cooperation and achieving goals.

EEG-Oriented Self-Supervised Learning With Triple Information Pathways Network.

Recently, deep learning-based electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis and decoding have attracted widespread attention for monitoring the clinical condition of users and identifying their intention/emotion. Nevertheless, the existing methods generally model EEG signals with limited viewpoints or restricted concerns about the characteristics of the EEG signals, and thus represent complex spectro-/spatiotemporal patterns and suffer from high variability. In this work, we propose the novel EEG-oriented self-supervised learning methods and a novel deep architecture to learn rich representation, including information about the diverse spectral characteristics of neural oscillations, the spatial properties of electrode sensor distribution, and the temporal patterns of both the global and local viewpoints. Along with the proposed self-supervision strategies and deep architectures, we devise a feature normalization strategy to resolve the intra-/inter-subject variability problem. We demonstrate the validity of our proposed deep learning framework on the four publicly available datasets by conducting comparisons with the state of the art baselines. It is also noteworthy that we exploit the same network architecture for the four different EEG paradigms and outperform the comparison methods, thereby meeting the challenge of the task-dependent network architecture engineering in EEG-based applications.

Identifying the policy configurational conditions for off-site construction development: a case of China

PurposeA series of policies have been formulated to promote off-site construction (OSC) development. However, the effectiveness of these policies has yet to be fully explored. This study aims to explore the practical policy configurational conditions for achieving a high level of OSC development.Design/methodology/approachData on policy configurational conditions and the OSC development level were collected from 28 provinces/municipalities in China using text mining. A mixed-method approach was used to conduct data analysis involving text analysis and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Text analysis was used to identify current policies with frequencies as independent variables and obtain the proportion of OSC projects in new construction projects as the dependent variable. QCA is employed to analyze the necessary and sufficient conditions of policy conditions for the high-level development of OSC by exploring the complex causal relationships between policy configurational conditions and the OSC development level.FindingsNine policies are obtained from the current policy framework for promoting OSC development using text analysis: industry supports, land policies, presale policies, reputation rewards, regulation controls, tax incentives, floor area rewards, financial subsidies, and loan subsidies. Four policy configurational conditions are identified that can achieve a high development level of OSC: three incentive-driven policy conditions with industry supports, presale policies, tax incentives, and floor area rewards as the core conditions, and one compulsory-driven policy conditions with land policies, financial supports, and loan supports as the core conditions using fuzzy set QCA. Moreover, our study found that a single policy cannot achieve a high level of OSC development as a necessary condition, and the policy configurational conditions that lead to high and nonhigh levels of OSC development are asymmetrical.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not test the policy’s dynamic effects on the OSC development. A longitudinal study will be conducted to further identify the impact of policy on OSC implementation.Practical implicationsIt provides policymakers with four practical policy configurational conditions to promote OSC development and guides policymakers to optimize effective policies considering the interaction effects of effective policies such as industry supports, presale policies, tax incentives, and floor area rewards instead of their net effects.Originality/valueIt contributes to the existing literature concerning the effects of policy on emerging technology (i.e. OSC) promotion by elucidating configurative effects rather than net effects. Meanwhile, it enriches the research on the antecedent conditions that affect the implementation of other emerging technologies in the architecture engineering and construction industry.

Numerical computations of MHD mixed convection flow of Bingham fluid in a porous square chamber with a wavy cylinder

This work examines the behavior of Bingham fluids in porous media under magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) conditions, addressing a significant issue in fluid dynamics and heat transport. The authors study mixed convection in a porous square chamber with twisted cylinders using COMSOL Multiphysics and finite element techniques. Compared to other research, this one offers a more complicated and realistic model since it integrates Bingham fluid flow and MHD effects in a porous chamber with wavy cylinders. Plotting of streamlines, isotherms, and Nusselt numbers is done for several parameters: Numbers Reynolds (1, 5, 10, 50), Hartmann (0, 25, 50, 100), Bingham (0, 1, 5, 10), Darcy (10−4, 10−3, 10−2, 10−1), and Grashof (102,103,104,105) are among those assigned numbers. According to findings, larger Bn values promote thermal stratification and decrease flow mobility, which results in dominating conductive heat transmission. The nusselt number falls with Ha and Bn but rises with Re, Da, and Gr. The study aims to provide useful insights into several industrial disciplines, such as nuclear power plant architecture and petroleum engineering, by enhancing heat transfer in non-Newtonian fluids under magnetic fields. It also boosts the efficiency of chemical reactors and filters. Based on our findings, for lower Re = 1, the lowest value of Numean is 2.602, while at Re = 50, its values rise to 6.425.

Making Tax Smart: Feasibility of Distributed Ledger Technology for Building Tax Compliance Functionality to Central Bank Digital Currency

The latest advancements in distributed ledger technology (DLT) and payment architectures such as the UK’s New Payments Architecture present opportunities for leveraging the hidden informational value and intelligence within payments. In this paper, we present Smart Money, an infrastructure capability for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) which enables real-time value-added tax split payments, oversight, controlled access, and smart policy implementation. This capability is implemented as a prototype called Making Tax Smart (MTS), which utilises the open-source R3 Corda DLT framework. The results presented herein confirm that it is feasible to build an MTS capability which is scalable and co-exists with the current payment systems. Smart Money CBDC has the potential to mobilise payments data, transforming the role of money from a blunt instrument to a government policy sensor and actuator without disrupting the existing money system. DLT, smart contracts, and programmable money have a crucial role to play with benefits for government departments, the economy, and society as a whole.

On Hysteresis In A Variable Pitch Fan Transitioning To Reverse Thrust Mode And Back

Abstract A novel hysteresis phenomenon during the transition to and back from the reverse thrust mode in a Variable Pitch Fan (VPF) is identified and characterised in this work. This is done by using a three-dimensional (3D) fully transient Unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier?Stokes (URANS) with the transitioning fan blade aerofoils simulated by an adaptation of the mesh displacement method. The VPF is modelled to be transitioning in a modern 40000 lbf geared high bypass ratio turbofan engine architecture at "Approach Idle" engine power setting in a typical twin-engine airframe with the flaps, slats, and spoilers set for an aircraft touchdown airspeed of 140 knots. The transition to reverse thrust mode involves flow starvation into the engine, formation of recirculation zones in the bypass duct and the establishment of the reverse stream, all of which occurs in the opposing presence of the free stream flow at aircraft touchdown velocity. The transition back to forward flow mode involves the gradual re-establishment of the free stream which is opposed by the presence of the reverse stream within the engine. It is quantified that in the transition to reverse thrust, the blockage develops with a larger time delay than the disappearance of the blockage during the transition back due to the interplay of the temporal dynamics of fan blade motion and flow field response. The hysteresis phenomena described in this work are critical in properly developing control schedules to adapt for potential bi-stable flow field development during the landing run.

Optimalisasi Operasional Layanan dan Integrasi Sistem pada Arsitektur Perusahaan PT X melalui Penerapan TOGAF ADM

This research discusses the application of the TOGAF ADM method in modelling X Ltd,which operates in the field of printing and book publishing services. X Ltd facesoperational challenges that are still manual and not fully integrated with the system sothat the service operational process becomes ineffective in terms of time. This researchaims to design an integrated architecture, including business process architecture,application and data architecture, and technology architecture. The research method usesa qualitative approach by conducting interviews with two sources from X Ltd to analyzecurrent operations. The results show that TOGAF ADM can help X Ltd Optimizes itsoperational system, accelerates data management, publishing books, and improvingcustomer service, and facilitating adaptation to changes through new system architecturemodelling.

Optimized architectural engineering and interface modulation in metallic-phase selenide for exceptional sodium-storage performance

Transition metal selenides (TMSs) exhibit promise as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high specific capacity and diverse electronic properties. However, practical implementation faces challenges such as structural deterioration, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) instability, and diminished coulombic efficiency, especially at the nanoscale. Here, we introduce a novel approach that combines surface engineering of Fe3Se4 with an interface engineering strategy (Fe3Se4@NC) to effectively address these issues. By incorporating engineered void spaces and an electrolyte-blocking layer within micrometer-sized secondary clusters, Fe3Se4 nanoparticles gain the ability to expand and contract freely during cycling, thereby preserving interparticle connections and enhancing the structural integrity. The synergy of surface engineering with a nitrogen-doped carbon layer and interface engineering through electrolyte modulation leads to an outstanding 95.1 % initial Coulombic efficiency in the Fe3Se4@NC electrode. Even after 2000 cycles at 5 A g−1, the electrode retains over 89.2 % of its initial capacity with an average specific capacity of 450 mAh g−1. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shed light on the structural evolution and sodiation dynamics during charge/discharge process. Experimental investigations and DFT calculations provide a comprehensive understanding of the SEI composition and the structural stability of the composite.