Conceptual Design Model Research Articles

Optimizing the Supply Chain for Recycling Electric Vehicle NMC Batteries

The rapid growth of electric vehicle production has led to increased waste batteries that can no longer be used. This increase causes environmental and economic challenges. Lithium-ion battery waste harms the environment as it contains toxic and flammable chemicals. New raw materials need to be procured economically due to the need for more infrastructure and a circular economy. Therefore, the solution to overcome the impact of the accumulation of lithium battery waste is to recycle the battery. Recycling end-of-life batteries is necessary to mitigate material supply risks, reduce demand for new materials, and mitigate harmful environmental and health impacts. This study aims to provide a conceptual model for the supply chain network design of electric vehicles' Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery recycling process. We developed a mathematical model to determine the allocation of multi-product recycling products from multi-suppliers and other related entities such as manufacturers and landfills over multiple periods. The analysis method utilizes techno-economic investment feasibility analysis and load distance method. The problem in the recycling process supply chain network is formulated in a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model. The MILP optimization results show that the proposed model produces a globally optimal solution for allocating NMC batteries. The application of this study is to provide a solution to the treatment of waste batteries from electric vehicle end-users in Java Island, Indonesia. In addition, it can develop economic opportunities in the waste battery recycling business in the electric vehicle industry. It is building a contribution to a sustainable electric vehicle battery management system by reducing the dependence on demand for new materials from mining and analyzing the sustainability of the NMC electric vehicle battery recycling process.

Generating conceptual landscape design via text-to-image generative AI model

This study explores the integration of text-to-image generative AI, particularly Stable Diffusion, in conjunction with ControlNet and LoRA models in conceptual landscape design. Traditional methods in landscape design are often time-consuming and limited by the designer’s individual creativity, also often lacking efficiency in the exploration of diverse design solutions. By leveraging AI tools, we demonstrate a workflow that efficiently generates detailed and visually coherent landscape designs, including natural parks, city plazas, and courtyard gardens. Through both qualitative and quantitative evaluations, our results indicate that fine-tuned models produce superior designs compared to non-fine-tuned models, maintaining spatial consistency, control over scale, and relevant landscape elements. This research advances the efficiency of conceptual design processes and underscores the potential of AI in enhancing creativity and innovation in landscape architecture.

The Relevance of Source Credibility Theory on Purchase Intention in the Field the of Marketing: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose: the purpose of this paper is to explore the current stage of knowledge on the theory of source credibility and analyse the usage of the source credibility theory to learn about customer purchase intention in the marketing field. This paper analyses to what extent and in what ways source credibility theory and the concept of source credibility are used to learn about customer purchase intention. Further, we know that the theory can further be extended or added to the current theory by adding the concept of receiver credibility and messenger credibility to know about credibility and its impact on purchase intention. Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic literature review is used to identify helpful research articles from 3 major databases i.e. SCOPUS, APA Psyc Articles, and EBSCO. 20 journal articles are extracted after a careful review of 143 articles through the systematic review process of PRISMA. Findings: The conceptual model design defines purchase intention as the credibility of three sources, i.e., source credibility, message credibility, and receiver credibility. The source's credibility is further dependent on expertise, trustworthiness and attractiveness. In contrast, message credibility is majorly defined with the help of argument quality and completeness, and receiver credibility can be defined through the receiver's attitude, emotional attachment and social influence. Originality/value: the study will help understand source credibility theory and how source credibility helps influence customer purchase intentions. This will help marketers in product development or servicing design, enhancing customer purchase intention by triggering source credibility.

The Rewardable Persuasive Model: A Mobile Exergame Conceptual Design Model that Facilitates Youths to Exercise through Mobile Gaming

This study seeks to assess current design models to propose a conceptual design model for a mobile exergame that promotes physical activity among youths. Encouraging youths to engage in physical activity rather than remaining sedentary is essential due to the numerous health benefits associated with regular exercise. Exercise is a subset of physical activity structured for fitness. Exergames have the potential to inspire youths to be active by combining exercise and gaming engagingly and enjoyably. The proliferation of mobile gaming has further broadened the availability and accessibility of exergames. In this study, we conducted four stages of information gathering to assess and propose a mobile exergame conceptual design model: a literature review, a user survey, expert reviews, and in-depth user interviews. Based on the study's findings, we identified appropriate components and their rationale by adapting an existing design model to our conceptual design model for a mobile exergame. This conceptual design model is called the Rewardable Persuasive Model (RPM). This model aims to help youths achieve their weekly physical activity targets using an engaging and functional mobile application (app). The app incentivizes exercise by integrating it as a key element for unlocking gameplay. With the introduction of these components, an exergame can be designed to engage youths and facilitate physical activity effectively. In a future study, youths will use an app to assess the RPM's effectiveness over time. This assessment will ascertain its appropriateness for facilitating exercise during inactivity.

“It’s more delicious because I like you”: commercial food influencers’ follower satisfaction, retention and repurchase intention

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how commercial influencers retain their followers and successfully persuade them to consider purchasing newly recommended products and services within the food industry. We explored the impact of followers’ purchase satisfaction upon their repurchase intention for newly promoted food products and services, directly and by the mediating roles of followers’ affective commitment and loyalty toward commercial food influencers.Design/methodology/approachOur conceptual model design was supported by the tricomponent attitude model, which helps explain followers’ emotional attachment to the influencers. We validated the proposed model using a sample of 200 followers of renowned commercial food influencers in Iran. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling for data analysis, with the assistance of Warp PLS (version 8.0) software.FindingsWe found that followers’ purchase satisfaction exerts a positive influence upon their repurchase intention, both directly and through the mediating roles of affective commitment and loyalty toward commercial food influencers.Practical implicationsThis study elucidates the role of followers’ satisfaction with their previous purchases in influencing their intention to buy newly recommended products. There is a multiplicity of important implications for restauranteur’s business models, as this marketing approach rewards a digital equivalent of a strong customer relationship and an honest, high-quality product. Our results also suggest that food influencers can operate effectively in the affiliate marketing sphere by operating and sustaining enduring relationships.Originality/valueThis work addresses how the influencer–follower relationship, followers’ purchase satisfaction and emotional attachment toward influencers, shape both follower retention and future repurchase intentions. This is from the perspective of the tricomponent attitude model within the food industry.

Conceptual design model of engaging gamification mechanic for online courses

Conceptual design model of engaging gamification mechanic for online courses

Explaining Crisis Situations via a Cognitive Model of Attention

Decision making in critical situations is a complex process. There are many processes to consider. This paper describes a theoretical approach to researching attentional processes and automatic unconscious processes in terms of metacognition. An application of the approach is presented to explain decision making and metacognition as a solution for ineffective cognitive biases during a crisis situation. Evidence is presented from studies on neuropsychology, cognitive control, and cognitive architectures. An application of the recently formulated semiotic methodology is implemented that allows the design of conceptual models of Attention as Action. The formulation of a general model of attentional processes is based on a set of rules. The crisis phenomenon, as the crisis situation trigger, is semiotically described and applied as insight for a crisis information system design that prompts its users toward self-aware internal decision making. The research conducted evidently shows how the approach can explain the design of several cognitive architectures. Pointing toward metacognition as a solution to a crisis phenomenon and cognitive biases, the paper shows that understanding human cognitive and behavioral processes can significantly improve management in a critical infrastructure crisis situation.

Contribution of the time domain electromagnetic method to the study of the Kalahari transboundary multilayered aquifer systems in Southern Angola

The Cunene Province (Southern Angola) is facing recurrent and pluriannual droughts. Surface water supply could be reinforced using the groundwater resources of the multilayered aquifer systems (MAS) hosted in the siliciclastic sediments of the Kalahari Group. The MAS were first identified in the early 2000s in Northern Namibia and recently in the Cunene Province, by studies of the PLANAGEO project based on modern processing and reinterpretation of legacy data from the 1960s and 1970s (electrical resistivity data and deep boreholes). This article presents the results of a time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) survey conducted in the Cunene Province to: (i) contribute to the design of the hydrogeological conceptual model of the transboundary MAS, namely their geometry and extension; (ii) validate the reprocessing of the legacy data; and (iii) guide the future location of boreholes. Results depict the geometry of the sedimentary basin and the characterization of the MAS, with particular emphasis on the intermediate and deep aquifers. The borehole siting, based on the interpretation of the new TDEM data and the legacy data (clay markers in borehole logs), was successful, with a good agreement between estimated and observed horizons of the deep aquifers. However, the presence of clayey layers, a clay-rich matrix in the detrital deposits and saline/brackish groundwater led to uncertainties in the interpretation of the electrical transects. As such, recommendations are made to improve future data collection and mapping of the MAS.

The future of project management simulation exercises

In recent times project management has become among the most popular post graduate courses at UK Universities particularly for international students. Students consider the skill set useful for employability and transferable for a wide range of future avenues helpful in an uncertain world. However, many start this course with no workplace experience and many of the project management concepts are difficult to grasp or cannot be fully tested except within a realistic project situation. Hence project management simulations or games have become increasingly popular to help resolve this issue. This research study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a project management simulation exercise used by a leading UK University within their project management teaching programme at post-graduate level. A review of the literature included recent studies of simulation, the development of project management education thinking, experiential learning theory and the skill set required from modern project managers from the perspective of professional bodies, industry groups and academics. This produced a list of 17 skills or competences or knowledge areas including both hard skills such as schedule management and risk management and soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and innovation. Students from the 2021-22 academic year produced quantitative data via a survey relating to their self-perception of their skill level before and after the simulation. Tutors were interviewed to obtain a deeper insight into the mechanisms of learning, the conditions required and their thoughts on future simulation design development. This qualitative data was used to develop a conceptual model for future project management simulation design. The results show that from the student perspective this learning approach is highly effective with in almost all cases the level of competence started at below average and ended at above average after the simulation. Students consider this approach memorable and enjoyable, were fully engaged and would recommend to their peers. The problem of self-assessment was discussed but a link between student confidence and employability proposed. The conceptual model developed from the qualitative data includes not only simulation design but also game management and tutor skill development. Collaboration between industry partners, game developers and educationalists is proposed to develop the next generation of project management simulation exercises.

Expert Analysis on the User Interface of an Academic E-Supervision Application Based on Vocational Education Character

Designing information systems to accommodate the unique needs of various users receives a lot of attention in contemporary software engineering. One such distinctive requirement in the educational context is academic supervision. Academic supervision encompasses activities to assist educators in enhancing their skills for managing the learning process and achieving educational objectives. In vocational high schools, the primary educational goals are to prepare students for the job market and empower them to initiate their businesses. These goals can only be realized if teachers incorporate technical and entrepreneurial skills into learning. The main goal of this study is to assist school supervisors and principals in assessing and directing teachers as they incorporate ideas of vocational education into the teaching and learning process. The research methodology used in this study is research and development, which includes several stages: initial needs analysis and assessment of the current state of academic supervision; development, which involves the creation of a conceptual system model; system interface design; model validation and revision; and evaluation, which requires system testing, implementation, and deployment. Based on the initial investigation and analysis of academic supervision, particularly in the context of vocational education, this research presents a conceptual model and system interface design. The outcomes of this research encompass the interface, system architecture, and user guide for the academic e-supervision system. An expert analysis of the user interface design indicates that the interface received positive evaluations from experts, with an overall average rating of 88%.

How to Keep Balance between Interaction and Automation? Toward User Overall Positive Experience of IoT-Based Smart Home Design

Advances in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have had a profound impact on the experiential tasks of the smart home, particularly automated tasks supported by sensors, embedded systems, and communication devices that are capable of autonomously performing a range of tasks previously performed by humans. However, the improvement in the level of smart home automation has not necessarily promoted more meaningful, relaxing, and positive experiences for users. This is largely due to the fact that it often overlooks the meaningful involvement of humans in the process. This paper proposes a conceptual design model for a smart home through two studies that aim to maintain the benefits of automation while ensuring positive experiences with user engagement tasks. Study 1 involved qualitative data using semi-structured interviews to understand what tasks lead to positive user experiences (P-UX) during the use of the smart home and what kind of factors influence these positive experiences. Study 2, using an online questionnaire, quantitatively investigated the varying impact of these factors on positive experiences in both automation and human–machine interactions. The results of both studies show that there are nine factors that influence positive user experience in the smart home, with instrumentality, convenience, and flexibility playing an important role in the positive experience of automation, aesthetics, immersion, association, and memory, having a greater effect on the positive experience of user engagement in interactions, and customization and emotion contributing to both paradigms. In future smart home design, this model will help designers rationally allocate tasks between automation and human–machine interaction as a way to enhance the overall positive user experience.

A peer-to-peer trading model to enhance resilience: A blockchain-based smart grids with machine learning analysis towards sustainable development goals

Blockchain technology, with its peer-to-peer trading feature, influences the management of energy consumption by offering the potential to transform transparency, efficiency, and sustainability within the energy sector. Nonetheless, there is a need to develop analytical decision-making models tailored for managing peer-to-peer energy transactions to improve energy resilience. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address the research question: How can energy distribution systems be protected via blockchain technology to enhance energy resilience and mitigate vulnerabilities to disruptions? This paper employs a conceptual research model design and a mathematical decision-making model to address the research question by capturing the peer-to-peer trading capability of blockchain technology. The theory of planned behavior provides theoretical explanations for the proposed model. The sample includes longitudinal energy consumption data from 2015 to 2023 in Texas. The findings indicate a significant improvement in energy efficiency along with a considerable decrease in total electricity consumption. Post hoc analysis results reveal that the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average algorithm is effective as a reliable input for the proposed mathematical model. The significant implications are to implement blockchain-based smart grids in which energy systems become more resilient to disruptions, as the peer-to-peer capability enables users to trade energy. The proposed model suggests that energy will be used more efficiently and effectively. This paper contributes to prior works by introducing a mathematical model that captures the trading behavior of energy consumers. Moreover, this paper proposes the SARIMA algorithm to predict energy demand.

Eco-design tool to support the design of industrial electric vehicles. The case studies of an electric shuttle and an autonomous mobile robot

The benefits of process optimization brought by multiple tools that appeared in shopfloors with the fourth industrial revolution are undiscussed; however, they need electricity to run and require critical materials. Additionally, the significant impact on sustainability that early design decisions can have over the entire lifecycle is well-recognized. The literature counts several environmental analyses of electric vehicles but narrows almost uniquely on passengers’ cars. Currently, the literature should i) enwiden the range of analyzed products, ii) consider all stages of the product life cycle, iii) provide tools suitable for the early stage of design, able to return consistent results handling very little data. As electrification is concerned, in the literature there are approaches intended to assess the environmental impacts or focused on the design tool. The proposed approach, further applied to develop an eco-design tool, overcomes the existing literature by providing a tool i) able to handle few data, ii) that considers all the product lifecycle phases, and iii) allows designers to assess and compare alternative scenarios. A method is proposed, and a tool derived. Two applications concern an electric shuttle and an autonomous mobile robot; with the latter the gap of assessing the environmental impact of autonomous mobile robots is also filled. The obtained results are reasonably comparable with other existing works. Results are compared to a full LCA for the frame assembly and prove that i) the tool is reliable, and it more likely overestimates the impacts; ii) the design phase is subjected to high variability, and this affects the tool results. Future works may introduce additional types of batteries, deeper focus on the manufacturing phase; machine learning techniques may support future extension of the tool and create parametric models for conceptual and early design. The proposed method and tool can be extended to the economic sphere.

A constraint-driven conceptual design approach for product based on function-behavior-structure design process

Conceptual design is an important part of new product development (NPD) since it relies on performance, quality, and cost restrictions from users during the design process, and it has a direct impact on downstream design activities. However, in the function-behavior-structure (FBS) design model, constraints are only frequently used in the scheme evaluation or detailed optimization stage, ignoring the influence of various constraints in the function solution process, which leads to repeated revisions of design schemes. In addition, the expression of constraints in NPD is focused on the abstraction of qualitative requirements, and there is no regular classification and definition. Aiming at the above defects, a constraint-driven product conceptual design model based on FBS model is proposed. First, a constraint-driven FBS conceptual design model is proposed as an important theoretical basis for subsequent design. Second, FBS mapping is driven by constraints, and function-behavior association matrix under functional constraints and behavior-structure association matrix under behavioral constraints are established to obtain feasible principle solutions. Third, the principle solutions are combined according to the compatibility constraints, and the constraint evaluation criteria are integrated with the technology for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) to obtain the optimal conceptual scheme (CS). To aid the design process, a prototype solving CSs based on design constraints system is developed to assist designers to manage constraints and improve evaluation efficiency. Finally, a case study of the high-speed blender scheme is used to validate the proposed approach and the optimal CS driving by constraint is solved, then the compared results and prototype system showed the applicability of the proposed approach.

A Conceptual Instructional Design Model for Executive Education

This paper presents a conceptual instructional design (ID) model for executive education derived from business school good practice and education theory. A review of executive education literature finds that today’s executive education offerings are required to be real-world oriented, closely aligned with the demands of the post-pandemic workplace, attuned to the changing needs and circumstances of adult learners and sufficiently able to deliver immersive learning. A reconnaissance investigation of 14 top-ranked business schools identifies the most frequently adopted teaching and learning approaches in executive education considered as good practice for the sector. These include experiential learning, collaborative learning, and technology-enabled learning. The proposed conceptual instructional design model is rooted in these approaches alongside three key principles that underpin experiential learning, namely authenticity, reflection and collaboration. Moreover the model proposes ADDIE supported teaching approaches to ensure the realisation of these principles within an appropriate constructive learning environment (CLE). Informed by activity theory, an ‘activity system’ is presented as the outer shell of the model to ensure that an executive education-oriented CLE is informed by learner needs and authentic context.

Recognition and prioritization of flexible design strategies in student dormitories during respiratory disease outbreaks

This study aimed to address the evolving needs of student dormitories during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by employing flexible strategies to optimize the use of these buildings during respiratory disease outbreaks. Initially, the relationship between architecture and respiratory infections was examined using the descriptive-analytical method and library research, and the operational spaces impact on airborne transmissions was identified. Subsequently, a conceptual model for flexible design was developed. A questionnaire was then distributed amongst architecture experts, and the results were compared through the Friedman test and Shannon’s entropy to prioritize flexible design strategies for dormitories during quarantine. Amongst these strategies, ‘segregation of space’ had the highest impact on the operational spaces of dormitories. Generally, the priorities of employing flexible strategies on dormitory spaces are as follows: ‘privatizing wet spaces’, ‘converting communal rooms into suites’, ‘splitting suites’, ‘creating screening spaces’, and ‘designing hierarchical access’. Next, a case study was conducted on the current dormitory of the Iran University of Science and Technology, and a proposed dormitory was presented based on the prioritized strategies. Finally, the current and the suggested dormitory were compared with space syntax criteria, including connectivity, depth and integration, and the pandemic responsiveness of the new plan was evaluated.

Systematic synthesis of design prompts for large language models in conceptual design

Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) demonstrate great potential in supporting engineering design, especially conceptual design. Prompt engineering plays an important role in facilitating designer-LLM collaboration in conceptual design. This paper proposes a new classification scheme that categorizes design-specific prompts into multiple classes. It also introduces different patterns for synthesizing design prompts, being grounded in the theoretical foundations of prompt engineering and domain-specific design methodology. A design experiment, utilizing ChatGPT, was conducted to investigate the impacts of different syntheses of design prompts on the effectiveness of LLM in concept generation, as measured by the metrics of novelty and diversity.

Experimental and Numerical Study of Novel Vortex Bladeless Wind Turbine with an Economic Feasibility Analysis and Investigation of Environmental Benefits

This study combines experimental and numerical evaluations of Vortex Bladeless Wind Turbines (VBWTs) to understand their potential in renewable energy generation. The methodology employs Two-Way Fluid–Solid Interface (FSI) simulations, alongside real-world data, providing important insights into the turbine’s vibration dynamics and flow interactions during operation. Key findings include identifying optimal vibration frequencies and amplitudes that enhance energy harvesting and a clear advantage in power-generation estimations shown by one of the models used. The study reveals possible applications of VBWT in various settings like airport runways, highways, and buildings, indicating a promising avenue for incorporating such renewable-energy solutions. Discussions on the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of VBWT deployment are also presented, suggesting a need for further research and optimization in this area. A conceptual generator design and business model are introduced as part of a broader discussion on technology integration and energy storage. The research in this study encompasses experimental and numerical analysis, to achieve a broader understanding of the workings of a VBWT, realizing the feasibility of using such systems in lower-wind-speed conditions and upscaling to higher-wind-speed cases.

USABILITY ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON MY BEST E-LEARNING APPLICATION UNIVERSITY OF BINA SARANA INFORMATIKA

After the Covid-19 pandemic ended, the lecture system at several universities in Indonesia began to gradually improve. The lecture system for several courses is carried out face-to-face. However, there are still several courses that are conducted online using e-learning applications with various considerations for the needs of the university. Bina Sarana Informatics University (UBSI) is a technology-based university where the learning system has implemented internet technology even long before the Covid-19 pandemic occurred. UBSI always strives to continue to improve the quality of the e-learning system that has been implemented. This can be seen from the development of e-learning applications for the lecture process which makes it easier for lecturers and students to access and absorb information related to campus academics. My Best is an e-learning application that is currently used in the KBM process in the UBSI environment and to improve the quality of the application used it is necessary to carry out a usability engineering evaluation. This analysis method consists of several stages, namely platform constraints, general design principles, conceptual model and screen design. The results of the usability analysis on the My Best e-learning application at Bina Sarana Informatika University have complete stage coverage, this means that My Best is an e-learning application in the very good category.

A novel tuned torsional mass damper (TTMD) for seismic protection of structures

Energy dissipators are being increasingly utilized in the seismic protection of both newly constructed and retrofitted buildings. However, their control effectiveness would decline when applied to the stiff structures with small responses, such as drifts and inter-story velocities. To more effectively dissipate the vibration energy, this paper proposes a novel energy dissipator dubbed as tuned torsional mass damper (TTMD) based on the amplification effect of inerter. In particular, the conceptual design and ideal mechanical model of the proposed TTMD are firstly elaborated. A single degree of freedom (SDOF) system is then established to derive the optimal parameters of TTMD, namely the frequency and damping ratios, based on the fixed-point theory. Subsequently, a three-story benchmark building is adopted to demonstrate the control effectiveness of TTMD in the frequency domain. For comparison, the control effectiveness of the conventional viscous damper (VD) and viscous mass damper (VMD) are also examined. Moreover, parametric studies are conducted to investigate the influences of the mass ratio, secondary mass ratio, and lead of ball screw on the control performances of TTMD, and sensitivity analyses are also performed to assess the robustness of TTMD against the structural uncertainties. Finally, case studies are performed to further illustrate the control performance and the hysteretic behaviors of TTMD in the time domain. The results show that the proposed TTMD is more effective than the conventional VD and VMD in reducing the seismic responses of building; the relative angle of TTMD can be effectively reduced by increasing either the mass ratio or the lead of ball screw. The proposed TTMD could be a promising and viable alternative to conventional dampers in the field of structural vibration control.