Current Design Principles Research Articles

Design Principles for a Higher Education Course Focusing on Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning for solving work assignments is essential for societal and personal development. Higher education is one natural part of lifelong learning and, therefore, needs to be re-focused from solely younger students to include professionals and their development goals. One problem related to giving a course for professionals is their struggle between work assignments and the course. Focusing on the added perspective of professionals for higher education, this study presents five design principles for courses for professionals. Design principles are guidelines based on experience and iterative development in higher education. The empirical data comes from a course in digitalisation and digital transformation, which was given thrice. The course participants were professionals from private and public organisations in Sweden. The empirical data originates from the professionals who made a check-in, mid-term evaluation, and evaluation after the course, resulting in 75 entries. Two researchers analysed the first two course entries inductively, forming the foundation for the first round of design principles. The course design for the third round was then revised according to its weaknesses. Based on the strengths and weaknesses found in empirical material from all three courses, the current design principles are professional pathways referring to new knowledge directly linked to real-world applications, knowledge evolution, meaning gradual integration of knowledge using seminars and examination assignments, preparedness protocol focusing on updated information and structured templates for the seminars. Further, the design principle of collaborative connection includes discussion where professionals exchange experiences, and the last principle, learning fusion, directs toward blended learning by combining face-to-face seminars and films. The revised course design, according to the design principles, implied that the number of professionals graduating and their grades increased. The findings of this study add theoretically to existing knowledge and practical implications by providing design principles that higher education teachers and other stakeholders can use to design or revise professional development courses. The design principles could be used stand-alone or combined to increase professionals' learning and satisfaction.

Innovations in ion-selective optodes: a comprehensive exploration of modern designs and nanomaterial integration.

In recent years, ion-selective optodes (ISOs) have remarkably progressed, driven by innovative modern designs and nanomaterial integration. This review explored the development of modern ISO by describing state-of-the-art strategies to improve their sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time monitoring capacity. The review reported the traditional membrane based-optodes, and investigated the latest research, current design principles, and the use of essential components, such as ionophores, indicator dyes, polymer membranes, and nanomaterials, in ISO fabrication. Special attention was given to nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots, polymer dots, nanospheres, nanorods and nanocapsules) and particularly on how rare earth elements can further enhance their potential. It also described innovative ISO designs, including wearable optodes, smartphone-based optodes, and disposable paper-based optodes. As the pursuit of highly sensitive, selective, and adaptable ion sensing devices continues, this summary of the current knowledge sets the stage for upcoming innovations and applications in different domains (pharmaceutical formulations, medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications).

Perspectives on aqueous organic redox flow batteries

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) have pioneered new routes for large-scale energy storage. The tunable nature of redox-active organic molecules provides a robust foundation for creating innovative AORFBs with exceptional performance. Molecular engineering endows various organic molecules with considerable advantages in solubility, stability, and redox potential. Advanced characterizations have enabled a comprehensive understanding of the redox reaction and degradation mechanisms of these organic molecules. Computational chemistry and machine learning have guided the development of new organic molecules. The practical application of AORFBs will depend on the complementary efforts of multiple parties. This paper consolidates the current design principles of molecular engineering, degradation mechanisms, characterization techniques, and the utilization of computational chemistry. It also offers perspectives and forecasts the necessary attributes and strategic efforts for the next-generation AORFBs, aiming to provide the research community with a deeper understanding.

Learning from strangers: transferability of current principles for designing inclusive area-based settlements to learning factories in resource-limited settings

What can we learn from the current design principles adopted to build inclusive area-based settlements such as refugee camps? How can we transfer the lesson learnt to useful principles for learning factories in resource-limited settings? Refugee camps are a form of settlement in which internally displaced persons (IDP)s reside and receive centralised protection, humanitarian assistance, and other services from governments and humanitarian actors. These settlements can be planned and developed on land allocated by the Government, or created spontaneously when persons of concern settle on land which has not been designated to accommodate them. This type of settlement often limits rights and freedom, such as the ability to move and work freely and they do not consider any sustainability insights. To overcome these limitations, it is necessary to pursue alternatives based on a separate set of design parameters that include life-cycle analysis. After analysing the current general situations of refugee camps and settlements, firstly, the paper offers a set of life-cycle principles to facilitate the achievement of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive temporary settlements and secondly a reflection on possible principles to transfer and apply to the design of learning factories in resource-limited settings.

Metamaterial-Based Analog Recurrent Neural Network Toward Machine Intelligence

Wave-based analog computation platforms hold the promise of realizing intelligent information processing with high speed and low computational cost, but current design principles face intractable problems in processing low-frequency wave information end to end at the physical layer. Here we theoretically demonstrate a concept of a metamaterial-based analog recurrent neural network (Meta-RNN) for intelligent classification of physical information carried by mechanical vibrations. With the spatiotemporal recurrence relation induced by coupled local resonators of the simulated metamaterial model, the Meta-RNN is capable of memorizing the internal hidden state in the dynamic displacement field. The trained coupling and synergy of local resonators lead to desirable vibration energy localization with selective frequency extraction capability, which can distinguish the intrinsic characteristics of vibration information. The proposed Meta-RNN provides a foundation for implementing a promising mechanical analog processor for intelligent vibration information processing and classification, and paves the way to efficient machine learning platforms for machine intelligence.

Developing Multifunctional/Smart Civil Engineering Materials to Fight Viruses

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed an extraordinary threat to global public health, wealth, and well-being. As the carriers of human life and production, infrastructures need to be upgraded to mitigate and prevent the spread of viral diseases. Developing multifunctional/smart civil engineering materials to fight viruses is a promising approach to achieving this goal. In this Perspective, a basic introduction on viruses and their structure is provided. Then, the current design principles of antiviral materials and structures are examined. Subsequently, the possibility of developing active/passive antiviral civil engineering materials (including cementitious composites, ceramics, polymers, and coatings) is proposed and envisioned. Finally, future research needs and potential challenges to develop antiviral civil engineering materials are put forward. The proposed strategies to develop multifunctional/smart antiviral civil engineering materials will aid in the construction of smart infrastructures to prevent the spread of viruses, thus improving human life and health as well as the sustainability of human society.

Abstract P062: The CL2A-SN38 linker-payload system conjugated to trastuzumab results in improved cellular cytotoxicity over time relative to T-DM1

Abstract Background The approved antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab-govitecan (SG) that exploits the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN38, represents a substantial advance in the ADC field. SN38 is the first payload with low nanomolar cytotoxicity. This deviates from current design principles, which utilize ultracytotoxic payloads. The CL2A linker has a short non-cleavable seven polyethylene glycol segment that enables a higher number of hydrophobic SN38 molecules to be attached to reduced cysteines. CL2A is also designed to permit the release of SN38 in an acidic environment via a pH-sensitive benzyl carbonate bond to SN38’s lactone ring. There is no cathepsin B cleavage site. Key to the performance of SG is the SN38 release half-life of 1-2 days. This also deviates from very stable linker systems that require full ADC internalization and lysosomal processing for payload release. As a result of these novel ADC properties, SG is given in higher and repeated doses, which results in slow release at the tumor site and enhanced uptake by target cancer cells and reduced toxicity on healthy cells due to low potency SN38 alone. Our goal is to further evaluate the CL2A-SN38 system when conjugated to trastuzumab. Material and methods Trastuzumab was conjugated to CL2A-SN38 to reduced cysteines (T-SN38). Monitoring the changes in DAR over time was performed to determine the stability of T-SN38 in PBS at pH values of 7.4, 5.72, and 4.58, to mimic circulating blood, early endosomes, and lysosomes, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays for 72 h on HER2-positive ovarian cancer SKOV3.ip and HER2-negative CHO cells were performed and compared to the approved anti-HER2 ADC trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1). Cytotoxicity assays were also performed between T-SN38 and T-DM1 at their respective IC50 values and the percent of cell survival determined daily from 24-96 h. Results T-SN38 was generated with a DAR of 6.97. Surprisingly, the half-life of SN38 release in acidic pH was extremely slow (t1/2=~120 h) and at the final evaluated time point (120 h) 69% of SN38 remained conjugated to trastuzumab. As anticipated, as a function of concentration T-DM1 was significantly more potent than T-SN38 (IC50=0.0013 vs 0.0832 mg/mL). However, when cytotoxicity was evaluated as a function of time T-SN38 switched to the more potent ADC at the late time points. T-SN38 killed SKOV3.ip cells 36% more effectively than T-DM1 at 96 h. Conclusions Our data from SN38 release experiments in acidic buffer suggest that pH-induced cleavage of the CL2A linker is not a contributable release mechanism of SN38 when bound to trastuzumab and is counterintuitive for what is currently described for SG. However, traceless release of hydrophobic SN38 capable of traversing cell membranes is only possible by hydrolysis of the benzyl carbonate bond. Our cytotoxicity studies over time suggest that pH-dependent release does occur. Further investigations are ongoing to more precisely determine the contribution of the carbonate bond for SN38 release and cytotoxic potency. Citation Format: Hardeep Singh, Victor Jeffrey Leyton. The CL2A-SN38 linker-payload system conjugated to trastuzumab results in improved cellular cytotoxicity over time relative to T-DM1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P062.

Graphene-Supported Atomically Dispersed Metals as Bifunctional Catalysts for Next-Generation Batteries Based on Conversion Reactions.

Next-generation batteries based on conversion reactions, including aqueous metal-air batteries, nonaqueous alkali metal-O2 and -CO2 batteries, alkali metal-chalcogen batteries, and alkali metal-ion batteries have attracted great interest. However, their use is restricted by inefficient reversible conversion of active agents. Developing bifunctional catalysts to accelerate the conversion reaction kinetics in both discharge and charge processes is urgently needed. Graphene-, or graphene-like carbon-supported atomically dispersed metal catalysts (G-ADMCs) have been demonstrated to show excellent activity in various electrocatalytic reactions, making them promising candidates. Different from G-ADMCs for catalysis, which only require high activity in one direction, G-ADMCs for rechargeable batteries should provide high activity in both discharging and charging. This review provides guidance for the design and fabrication of bifunctional G-ADMCs for next-generation rechargeable batteries based on conversion reactions. The key challenges that prevent their reversible conversion, the origin of the activity of bifunctional G-ADMCs, and the current design principles of bifunctional G-ADMCs for highly reversible conversion, have been analyzed and highlighted for each conversion-type battery. Finally, a summary and outlook on the development of bifunctional G-ADMC materials for next-generation batteries with a high energy density and excellent energy efficiency are given.

Teaching and assessing communication skills in the postgraduate medical setting: a systematic scoping review

BackgroundPoor communication skills can potentially compromise patient care. However, as communication skills training (CST) programs are not seen as a priority to many clinical departments, there is a discernible absence of a standardised, recommended framework for these programs to be built upon. This systematic scoping review (SSR) aims to gather prevailing data on existing CSTs to identify key factors in teaching and assessing communication skills in the postgraduate medical setting.MethodsIndependent searches across seven bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar) were carried out. Krishna’s Systematic Evidence-Based Approach (SEBA) was used to guide concurrent thematic and content analysis of the data. The themes and categories identified were compared and combined where possible in keeping with this approach and then compared with the tabulated summaries of the included articles.ResultsTwenty-five thousand eight hundred ninety-four abstracts were identified, and 151 articles were included and analysed. The Split Approach revealed similar categories and themes: curriculum design, teaching methods, curriculum content, assessment methods, integration into curriculum, and facilitators and barriers to CST.Amidst a wide variety of curricula designs, efforts to develop the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes set out by the ACGME current teaching and assessment methods in CST maybe categorised into didactic and interactive methods and assessed along Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Learning Evaluation.ConclusionsA major flaw in existing CSTs is a lack of curriculum structure, focus and standardisation. Based upon the findings and current design principles identified in this SSR in SEBA, we forward a stepwise approach to designing CST programs. These involve 1) defining goals and learning objectives, 2) identifying target population and ideal characteristics, 3) determining curriculum structure, 4) ensuring adequate resources and mitigating barriers, 5) determining curriculum content, and 6) assessing learners and adopting quality improvement processes.

The Rise of Soft Neural Electronics

Neuroscience aims at gaining a better understanding of the mechanism and function of neural systems, but its development is usually limited by the available tools to probe and stimulate the neural system. Advanced electronic devices can receive and send physical/chemical signals from and to biological systems, thus opening opportunities for neuroscience. However, the soft mechanical nature of neural tissue poses challenges for conventional rigid electronics, as the implantation of stiff electronic devices causes a mixture of side effects, including immunoreaction, chronic damage to the surrounding tissue and device dysfunction. The emerging soft electronics offer promises to solve the mechanical mismatch between artificial devices and soft neural tissues. With multiple functions integrated, they are beneficial to complex behavior studies. In this perspective, we summarize the current design principles of soft neural electronics and give an outlook on future possibilities.

Structural Behavior of Steel-Plate Girders in Shear: Experimental Study and Review of Current Design Principles

AbstractThis paper presents a novel experimental investigation into the pre- and postcritical behavior of steel-plate girders in shear. We have quantitatively scrutinized the deformation behavior o...

Giant momentum-dependent spin splitting in centrosymmetric low- Z antiferromagnets

The energy vs. crystal momentum E(k) diagram for a solid (band structure) constitutes the road map for navigating its optical, magnetic, and transport properties. By selecting crystals with specific atom types, composition and symmetries, one could design a target band structure and thus desired properties. A particularly attractive outcome would be to design energy bands that are split into spin components with a momentum-dependent splitting, as envisioned by Pekar and Rashba [Zh. Eksperim. i Teor. Fiz. 47 (1964)], enabling spintronic application. The current paper provides "design principles" for wavevector dependent spin splitting (SS) of energy bands that parallels the traditional Dresselhaus and Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) - induce splitting, but originates from a fundamentally different source -- antiferromagnetism. We identify a few generic AFM prototypes with distinct SS patterns using magnetic symmetry design principles. These tools allow also the identification of specific AFM compounds with SS belonging to different prototypes. A specific compound -- centrosymmetric tetragonal MnF2 -- is used via density functional band structure calculations to quantitatively illustrate one type of AFM SS. Unlike the traditional SOC-induced effects restricted to non-centrosymmetric crystals, we show that antiferromagnetic-induced spin splitting broadens the playing field to include even centrosymmetric compounds, and gives SS comparable in magnitude to the best known ('giant') SOC effects, even without SOC, and consequently does not rely on the often-unstable high atomic number elements required for high SOC. We envision that use of the current design principles to identify an optimal antiferromagnet with spin-split energy bands would be beneficial for efficient spin-charge conversion and spin orbit torque applications without the burden of requiring compounds containing heavy elements.

Uncovering the Needs for a Hybridized Interaction Design Model for Sign Language Learning Through Experts’ Feedback

Nielsen’s and Molich’s design guidelines have been famously adapted in studies related to the design of interactive products, including for learning environment, and for hearing-impaired learners. In current situation, the learning materials for hearing-impaired learners are lacking in terms of positive interactions that promote two-way communication, partly because they do not apply appropriate design principles appropriately for the users. This affects their stimulation in learning activities. Hence, this paper aims at uncovering the current design principles applied in learning materials for learning sign language for the hearing-impaired learners. Besides an elicitation of literature, a semi-structured interview with the experts in hearing-impaired curricula has been carried out. It reveals that a study needs to urgently be carried out in proposing a heuristics design model that is specifically able to evoke the positive learning experience.

A systematic literature review on synchronous hybrid learning: gaps identified

More and more higher educational institutions invest in technology-enhanced learning spaces, which raises the question of how these environments can be shaped to be as effective as possible. A specific new learning space is the synchronous hybrid or blended learning environment in which both on-site and remote students can simultaneously attend learning activities. Given that synchronous hybrid learning is relatively new, there are few studies that have investigated its use and effectiveness. This study synthesised the best available evidence worldwide to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of the current research regarding the benefits, challenges and current design principles to set up synchronous hybrid learning. In line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, we included 47 studies which were analysed to respond to our research questions. One of the main findings is that existing research suggests cautious optimism about synchronous hybrid learning which creates a more flexible, engaging learning environment compared to fully online or fully on-site instruction. Yet, this new learning space has several challenges which are both pedagogical and technological in nature. To meet these challenges, several design guidelines are formulated. A final conclusion is that most of the existing literature is exploratory and qualitative in nature and has focused mostly on descriptions of students’ experiences, the organisational implementation and the technological design. Empirical studies have only begun to emerge and more research is needed into different pedagogical scenarios and their impact on student outcomes.

Unsteady particle motion in an acoustic standing wave field

The acoustic-based separation has attracted considerable attention in biomedical research, such as sorting of cells and particles. Current design principles used for acoustic systems are based on the steady Stokes theory, equating the Stokes drag with the primary radiation force. However, this approach is not valid for large cells/particles or in the presence of particle–particle interaction. In this work,we analytically examine unsteady inertial affects and particle–particle hydrodynamic interaction on the particle motion in a viscous fluid in the presence of an acoustic standing wave field. Comparing our results to the steady Stokes theory, we find that the unsteady inertial force decreases the particle’s velocity, while particle–particle interaction enhances it. For a particular acoustic-based separation approach ‘tilted-angle standing surface acoustic waves (taSSAW)’, we find that both effects of unsteady inertial force and particle–particle interaction are evident and should be considered for O(10μm) particles or larger. Our study improves the current predictions of particle trajectory in acoustic-based separation devices.

Unsteady particle motion in an acoustic standing wave field

The acoustic-based separation has attracted considerable attention in biomedical research, such as sorting of cells and particles. Current design principles used for acoustic systems are based on the steady Stokes theory, equating the Stokes drag with the primary radiation force. However, this approach is not valid for large cells/particles or in the presence of particle–particle interaction. In this work, we analytically examine unsteady inertial affects and particle–particle hydrodynamic interaction on the particle motion in a viscous fluid in the presence of an acoustic standing wave field. Comparing our results to the steady Stokes theory, we find that the unsteady inertial force decreases the particle’s velocity, while particle–particle interaction enhances it. For a particular acoustic-based separation approach ‘tilted-angle standing surface acoustic waves (taSSAW)’, we find that both effects of unsteady inertial force and particle–particle interaction are evident and should be considered for m) par...

Urban Design Guidelines for Shophouses: A Temperature Modification Approach

In many developed countries, the commercial district is filled by the high-rise building, but in the city of a developing country like Medan, Indonesia, the commercial area is characterized by shophouses typology. The absence of urban design guideline for the shophouses area causes the low- quality design of the districts and makes many environmental problems, such as the increasing of micro temperature. This paper seeks to apply some of the current design principles that the literature suggest about how to improve urban microclimates through design intervention to reduce temperatures in a densely built up commercial areas. The research will demonstrate this in the case of Medan through a focus, primarily on the “ubiquitous “shop-house” which is the dominant type in the buildings typology observed in commercial areas of Indonesian cities. The research methodology used is a combination of primary data collected through a visual survey. Next, the study collected temperature measurement to get a particular condition in temperature modification. In the end, the study formulated the design guidelines, which related to the evidence to contemporary, relevant design wisdom.

Should we choose between problem-based learning and team-based learning? No, combine the best of both worlds!

Background: To meet changes in society and health care, medical curricula require continuous improvement. A relatively new development in medical education is team-based learning (TBL). In the previous century, problem-based learning (PBL) emerged as an exciting new method.Aims: What are the similarities and differences between PBL and TBL? How do both approaches fit with current design principles? How might PBL and TBL benefit from each other’s unique strengths?Methods: Analysis of the literature.Results: The overall similarities between PBL and TBL relate to the use of professionally relevant problems and small group learning, both fitting well with current instructional design principles. The main difference is that one teacher in TBL can run twenty or even more study teams, whereas in PBL each small group is run by one teacher.Conclusion: In this paper we advocate for a joining of forces. By combining elements of PBL and TBL, we could create varied instructional approaches that are in keeping with current instructional design principles, thereby combining the best of both worlds to optimize student learning.

Implication of pedestrians׳ stated preference of certain attributes of crosswalks

Pedestrians in Tanzania face many problems when crossing roads, including safety and convenience, which discourage the use of this important mode of transport. This study was aimed at determining pedestrians׳ preferences of environmental and infrastructural attributes of crosswalks in order to improve the utility of the facilities and mode by promoting elements preferred by the majority of pedestrians. The survey involved interviewing pedestrians and the results indicated that the majority prefer to cross on level ground and medians, with females and younger pedestrians more willing to use non-level crossings. The most preferred viable options for controlling vehicles׳ speed and the crosswalk were humps on either side of the crossing and the use of signals (especially on higher class roads), respectively. The majority considered safety to be the most desirable improvement with females and those on utilitarian trips most in support. Also, pedestrians׳ preference of attributes in relation to different road classes highly agrees with current design principles. It was found that gender, age of pedestrian, purpose of trip and road class affect pedestrian preference and if considered in the planning and design of crossing facilities, they can result in improved safety, convenience and use of this Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) mode.

Stormwater Governance and Future Cities

Urban stormwater infrastructure traditionally promoted conveyance. Cities are increasingly designing stormwater infrastructure that integrates both conveyance and infiltration in hybrid systems to achieve public health, safety, environmental, and social goals. In addition, cities face decisions about distribution of responsibilities for stormwater management and maintenance between institutions and landowners. Hybrid governance structures combine centralized and distributed management to facilitate planning, operations, funding, and maintenance. Effective governance in any management approach will require changes in the expertise of stormwater agencies. Recognizing the distinction between hybrid infrastructure and hybrid governance is important in long-term planning decisions for construction and management of stormwater systems. A framework is presented that relates the level and type of existing stormwater infrastructure with available capital, institutional development, and predominant citizen contributions. Cities with extensive existing infrastructure are increasingly integrating distributed, “green” approaches that promote infiltration, and must improve institutional expertise for governance decisions. For cities with little existing infrastructure, landowner management often dominates, especially when municipalities cannot keep pace with rapid growth. In between, rapidly industrializing cities are positioned to use growing capital resources to fund both conveyance and infiltration measures based on current design principles. For all cities, local management innovations, including decisions regarding public engagement, will be critical in shaping future urban stormwater systems.