Design Characteristics Research Articles

Nursing Students’ Satisfaction and Self-Confidence with Simulation-Based Learning and Its Associations with Simulation Design Characteristics and Educational Practices

Nursing Students’ Satisfaction and Self-Confidence with Simulation-Based Learning and Its Associations with Simulation Design Characteristics and Educational Practices

Design and implementation of blue-green infrastructure for socio-cultural benefits at community scales: the case of Wigram Basin in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Stormwater-related blue-green infrastructure (BGI) has been shown to play an important role in enhancing the socio-ecological-cultural resilience of communities under stress from climate change and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. BGI has been defined as natural, semi-natural, and artificial spaces that deliver valued bio-physical and socio-cultural benefits to communities through the facilitation of natural processes, with a particular focus on stormwater management. While studies have identified a range of benefits associated with BGI, research has only partially examined their valuation, especially concerning socio-cultural outcomes. Research has also failed to consider the ways in which BGI operates at community scales, and how this may be influenced by the design process of individual projects. This study examines the range of socio-cultural benefits associated with BGI projects, alongside the design characteristics which may influence these outcomes using a mixed-methods case study of Wigram Basin. Results found that while a range of benefits were associated with the implementation of local BGI, broader socio-cultural outcomes such as social cohesion, the facilitation of a sense of place, and the ability to practice cultural values were infrequently identified by respondents. Results also demonstrated that the transdisciplinary design team, specific project priorities, and the approach taken to community and Indigenous engagement may have influenced the range of benefits achieved by Wigram Basin. As such, this research recommends that the design of BGI considers the range of disciplines required to be involved in project design, the pathways required to provide socio-cultural benefits, early, ongoing, and place-based community and Indigenous engagement and education, and the ongoing assessment and valuation of all project outcomes to maximize BGI implementation.

Flight experimental analysis of largemulti-propeller airtanker dropping capability

Abstract In the absence of a dropping capability experiment of domestic airtankers, it is necessary to know the actual dropping capability of fixed-wing airtankers for data support to wildfire-fighting, improving fire-fighting efficiency, and reducing the loss of forest and grassland resources. According to the design characteristics of large multi-launch propeller airtankers in China, this experiment shall collect retardant samplesof the filled flame retardant with collection equipment on the flat ground after being dropped by the airtanker in the air. Then, the sample coverage was counted and contour maps of the ground patterns were plotted to compare the dropping coefficients, dropping heights, and dropping speeds of the different dropping modes. At the last, according to the comparison result, the best dropping strategy shall be shown in different requirements. The result shows that when the coverage level is required to be GPC-6, the maximum coverage shall be obtained by all compartments released simultaneously, with a maximum coverage coefficient of 0.16. When the coverage level is required to be GPC-1, it is better to release the retardant from the tank independently with a suitable interval for larger coverage, and the maximum coverage coefficient is 4.49.

Nail Designs Research with Camouflage Patterns

This study aims to analyze the design characteristics of camouflage patterns and apply them to nail art to propose original and stylish designs. In line with the trend of modern women expressing their individuality through nail art, this research explores the concept of camouflage, its historical development, and other characteristics based on previous studies, and proposes nail art designs incorporating camouflage patterns. By utilizing various colors and materials, this study presents camouflage nail designs that add a unique touch to everyday life. The research results include five distinct nail art designs: First, a classic camouflage design using colors and patterns similar to natural environments; second, a geometric camouflage design utilizing geometric patterns; third, a unique camouflage design using mix-and-match patterns; fourth, an abstract camouflage design based on geometric patterns; and fifth, a minimalist camouflage design using black and white. By integrating camouflage patterns that have influenced numerous artists and designers, this study presents unique and character-filled nail art designs through a combination of various colors and patterns. The study explores the contemporary significance of camouflage patterns and their diversity, proposing new nail art designs that extend the scope of materials and techniques. It aims to expand the artistic domain of nail art, contributing to both academic development and the advancement of the nail industry. This study holds significance as a resource for expanding the practical and popular design domain of nail art, aiding in the development of new nail art designs.

Research Progress in the Design Concept of Green Commuting Cities

Abstract: The connection between green commuting and urban design was intimately intertwined in this study. As urbanization progressed, issues such as population growth, housing, transportation, and the environment had become increasingly salient. Green commuting had emerged as a vital strategy to mitigate these challenges and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. This paper elucidated the principles underlying green commuting, highlighting a human-centric approach, the interconnections between public transit, walking, and cycling as modes of travel, and the significance of the digital city paradigm. By examining the transportation systems and urban design methodologies, techniques, and characteristics of Vienna and Copenhagen, the paper delineated the strengths and weaknesses in the development of these cities. It delved into the design approaches and philosophies in green commuting from these two cities that were exemplary and worthy of emulation. The paper proposed potential strategies for green and low-carbon design in future urban transportation, aiming to construct a more ecologically sustainable urban transportation system and infuse new dynamism into urban development.

Сучасні тенденції розвитку двигунів безпілотних літальних апаратів

The subject of this study is the current state and prospects for the development of the market for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and power plants. The purpose of this work was to identify trends in the development of UAV engines of various classes. Task: collection, systematization, and analysis of information on the most common engines of reconnaissance and strike UAVs of the operational-tactical level, as well as UAVs of the "barrage ammunition" class. This article provides a brief description of various types of UAV power plants, and their main advantages and disadvantages are given, which are often decisive when choosing the type of power plant for a specific UAV. It was found that a power plant with an internal combustion engine (ICE) is best suited for use in medium- and long-range UAVs.This study demonstrated that four-stroke internal combustion engines are most commonly used in reconnaissance-strike UAVs at both operational and tactical levels. The features of the design and characteristics of four-stroke internal combustion engines, which have become the most widely used UAVs, are described. It was determined that the introduction of turbocharging or increasing the pressure is the main means of forcing four-stroke internal combustion engines, which makes it possible to simultaneously achieve high specific power and high brake efficiency of the engine over a wide range of altitudes during its operation. It is shown that one of the most important tasks for a long-range UAV engine is to reduce the specific brake fuel consumption. Thus, there is a tendency to promote the use of high-powered aviation diesels in long-range UAVs. It was determined that the main requirements for UAV engines of the "barrage ammunition" class are high specific power, low cost and adaptability to mass production. This study shows that gasoline two-stroke internal combustion engines with crank-chamber scavenging are extremely widespread in UAVs of the "barrage ammunition" class. The design features and characteristics of UAV two-stroke internal combustion engines are described. The main means of ensuring high specific power of such two-stroke internal combustion engines are increasing the engine RPM, optimizing gas exchange processes, and reducing the weight of the construction by using new materials. Conclusion. The results show that depending on the UAV type, the set of engine requirements can vary significantly. Modern trends in the development of UAV engines of various classes have been determined. Potentially promising directions for increasing the efficiency of engines and for comprehensive improvement of their indicators and characteristics have been determined.

Utilizing Artificial Neural Network Ensembles for Ship Design Optimization to Reduce Added Wave Resistance and CO2 Emissions

Increased maritime cargo transportation has necessitated stricter management of emissions from ships. The primary source of this pollution is fuel combustion, which is influenced by factors such as a ship’s added wave resistance. Accurate estimation of this resistance during ship design is crucial for minimizing exhaust emissions. The challenge is that, at the preliminary parametric design stage, only limited geometric data about the ship is available, and the existing methods for estimating added wave resistance cannot be applied. This article presents the application of artificial neural network (ANN) ensembles for estimating added wave resistance based on dimensionless design parameters available at the preliminary design stage, such as the length-to-breadth ratio (L/B), breadth-to-draught ratio (B/T), length-to-draught ratio (L/T), block coefficient (CB), and the Froude number (Fn). Four different ANN ensembles are developed to predict this resistance using both complete sets of design characteristics (i.e., L/B, B/T, CB, and Fn) and incomplete sets, such as L/B, CB, and Fn; B/T, CB, and Fn; and L/T, CB, and Fn. This approach allows for the consideration of CO2 emissions at the parametric design stage when only limited ship dimensions are known. An example in this article demonstrates that minor modifications to typical container ship designs can significantly reduce added wave resistance, resulting in a daily reduction of up to 2.55 tons of CO2 emissions. This reduction is equivalent to the emissions produced by 778 cars per day, highlighting the environmental benefits of optimizing ship design.

Case–control study of fatal bicycle crashes in peri-urban areas of Delhi

ObjectivesThere is a lack of evidence on interventions to improve the safety of cycling use in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the impact of road design and traffic characteristics...

Treatment optimisation for blood pressure with single-pill combinations in India (TOPSPIN) – Protocol design and baseline characteristics

BackgroundThe burden of over 300 million individuals living with hypertension in India is increasing steadily. Most current guidelines recommend initial combination therapy for effective blood pressure (BP) control. However, there is no randomised evidence to inform which combinations to use in the South Asian population, who account for over one-quarter of the world's population. MethodsThis multi-centre, single-blind, randomised, three-arm trial recruited men and women aged 30–79 years with hypertension. The trial compares the efficacy of commonly recommended single pill combinations (SPCs) of three drug classes – calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), ACE inhibitor (perindopril), and a thiazide-like diuretic (indapamide). The primary objective is to determine the most effective two-drug combination, initially at starting doses with forced up-titration at 2 months, in reducing 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure (ASBP) at 6 months. The trial has 85 % power to detect a difference of 3 mmHg in 24-h ASBP amongst the groups.Participant recruitment took place from August 2022 to February 2024. Baseline resultsThe 1981 participants (42.0 % women) enrolled had a mean age of 52.1 (SD 11.3) years and a mean body mass index of 26.5 (SD 4.2) kg/m2. 58.1 % of participants had a previous diagnosis of hypertension and 18.6 % of participants were known to diabetes. The mean ASBP was 135.6 (SD 17.0) mmHg, and the mean ambulatory diastolic BP was 84.5 (SD 10.9) mmHg. ConclusionThe TOPSPIN trial is the first randomised evaluation of commonly used BP-lowering combination therapies in a South Asian population. The results have potentially significant implications for choosing first-line antihypertensive agents among Indians and the South Asian diaspora.

Rapid microwave preparation of nitrogen doped carbon dots and their applications as highly sensitive nanoprobe for hematin

In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were obtained by microwave rapid preparation method with lipase and guanidine hydrochloride as precursors in only 6 min. In order to achieve high sensitivity detection of hematin, based on obtained NCDs as a nanoprobe, a new detection method based on photoluminescence (PL) change was developed. Further studies have shown that the sensing strategy relied on the inner filter effect to selectively quench the PL emission of NCDs at 379 nm by hematin under 320 nm excitation. The nanoprobe had a wide linear range (0.2–13 μmol/L) and a detection limit of 0.07 μmol/L. The method was effectively applied to the identification of hematin in human blood samples. The proposed nanoprobe has the characteristics of simple and efficient design. It can achieve rapid and accurate detection, which is very suitable for real-time analysis of blood samples to facilitate diagnosis.

Mixed Methods Research Centering on Minoritized Students in Higher Education: A Literature Review

AbstractThe increasing diversity among higher education students urges researchers to expand research methodologies beyond traditional quantitative approaches. A growing number of higher education researchers have employed mixed methods research (MMR) approaches in studies centering on minoritized student populations. In this review, we identified and analyzed 72 empirical MMR studies published between 2007 and 2023, describing the characteristics of the research design and focusing on the MMR design strategies employed by the authors. The review details specific MMR strategies, including methods for engaging participants, integrating quantitative and qualitative data, and advancing the research agenda that centers minoritized students. Based on the review, we discuss methodological considerations and offer recommendations for higher education professionals to advance more thoughtfully conscious, student-centered modes of knowledge production focusing on minoritized populations.

Additively-manufactured shear tri-coaxial rocket injector mixing and combustion characteristics

A monolithic tri-coaxial propellant injection scheme for enhanced mixing of methane-oxygen in liquid-propellant rocket systems is enabled by additive manufacturing. Mixing and combustion characteristics of the tri-coaxial design are assessed experimentally from 1–69 bar using laser absorption tomography and chemiluminescence imaging, and are compared to a traditionally-manufactured bi-coaxial design. Quantitative two-dimensional images of temperature and carbon monoxide mole fraction are generated from the laser absorption spectroscopy methods, while OH* chemiluminescence provides an approximate metric for combustion heat release defining flame length and injector standoff distance. At similar pressures and oxidizer-to-fuel ratios, the tri-coaxial injector design is shown to enhance mixing and combustion progress, reducing characteristic mixing length scales and achieving improved combustion performance relative to more conventional bi-coaxial designs. Despite enhanced mixing, the tri-coaxial design exhibits more limited reduction in flame standoff distance from the injector face, suggesting that increased heat flux to the injector face can be managed. The tri-coaxial injector highlights the potential to leverage additive manufacturing to enhance performance and simplify the fabrication of liquid-propellant rocket engines.

A novel hybrid model for predicting the bearing capacity of piles

Due to the uncertainty of soil condition and pile design characteristics, it is always a challenge for geotechnical engineers to accurately determine the bearing capacity of piles. The main objective of this study is to propose a hybrid model coupling least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) with an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm for the prediction of bearing capacity of piles. The improved PSO algorithm was used to optimize the LSSVM hyperparameters. The performance of the IPSO-LSSVM model was compared with seven artificial intelligence models, namely adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), M5 model tree (M5MT), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), gene expression programming (GEP), random forest (RF), regression tree (RT) and a stacked ensemble model. Six statistical indices (e.g., coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), BIAS and discrepancy ratio (DR)) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The R2, MAE, RMSE, RRMSE and BIAS values of the IPSO-LSSVM model were 1, 4.27 kN, 6.164 kN, 0.005 and 0, respectively, for the training datasets and 0.9977, 22 kN, 36.03 kN, 0.0275 and –11, respectively, for the testing datasets. Compared with the ANFIS, MARS, GEP, M5MT, RF, RT and the stacked ensemble models, the proposed IPSO-LSSVM model shows high accuracy and robustness on the test datasets. In addition, the sensitivity, uncertainty, reliability and resilience of the IPSO-LSSVM model were also analyzed in this study. First published online 22 October 2024

An expository analysis of biomechanical and subjective impacts induced by shoe inserts in asymptomatic subjects: A systematic review on functionality and mechanisms of action

AbstractThis systematic review explores the biomechanical and subjective effects of shoe inserts, including foot orthotics (FOs) and insoles, in asymptomatic subjects. Aimed at understanding their implications, the review poses two key research questions: (i) the influence of shoe inserts on lower extremity biomechanics and subjective perception and (ii) the effects of different design characteristics on these aspects. Following Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines, a meticulous search of Scopus and PubMed from August 2022 to March 2023 yielded 34 articles, with 26 focusing on biomechanical effects and eight on comfort effects. The studies, conducted during static and dynamic activities, such as standing, walking, jogging, running, jumping, and cycling, reveal significant reductions in rearfoot eversion, knee joint forces, and lower extremity muscle forces through postings and wedging in FOs. Changes in stiffness impact rearfoot kinematics, plantar pressure distribution, and ankle–foot power distribution. Conversely, surface texture and arch variations demonstrate limited significance. FOs and shoe inserts, characterized by geometric, material, location, size, and fabrication features, effectively regulate forces and moments on the lower extremity. This control promotes uniform plantar pressure distribution and enhances comfort during various activities. These insights benefit manufacturers, clinicians, and stakeholders, providing a deeper understanding of the positive benefits of FOs and shoe inserts. However, further well‐designed studies on clinical populations are necessary to validate these findings and establish their clinical efficacy, as the current focus remains on healthy subjects.

Preparation of steel slag-based cementitious materials compounded with GBFS and phosphogypsum: mix design, hydration, and microstructure characteristic

Preparation of steel slag-based cementitious materials compounded with GBFS and phosphogypsum: mix design, hydration, and microstructure characteristic

Reverse Selection Designs for Accommodating Multiple Control Arms.

Evaluating a novel treatment in a randomized controlled trial requires comparison against existing therapies. If several existing therapies of similar benefit exist, the identification of a single control regimen may be difficult. For this situation, we propose a reverse selection design which, in its simplest form, includes a single experimental treatment arm and two control arms. Rather than carrying both control arms through the entire trial, the control arms are compared at an early interim analysis, ideally while accrual is ongoing. At this time, the worst-performing control arm is dropped and randomization continues to the remaining arms. At the end of the study, we compare the treatment to the remaining control arm. When no head-to-head comparison of the extant therapies is available or feasible, this design requires a smaller sample size than a traditional three-arm design or two sequential trials in which the extant therapies are compared and the better treatment is used in a subsequent trial as the control arm. This is because the final comparison is only between two arms and because the early interim analysis occurs prior to the end of accrual - yet with enough information such that any substantially better control arm will be selected. We evaluate the operating characteristics of a reverse selection design via simulation and show that it reduces the required sample size needed to compare the treatment against the best control, controls type I error, and likely selects the right control arm to use in the final analysis.

Design and Baseline Characteristics of the STRIDE Trial: evaluating Semaglutide in People with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

People with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) suffer from a high burden of symptoms and significant functional impairment. There are few therapies that improve function and reduce symptoms in this population. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been shown to improve glycemic control, reduce body weight and reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (T2D). STRIDE (NCT04560998) is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3b trial evaluating 1mg once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (GLP-1 RA) vs. placebo, in people with symptomatic PAD (Fontaine IIa claudication) and T2D. Eligible participants were≥18 years, had hemodynamically stable PAD, had no planned intervention, and were not receiving a GLP-1 RA. The primary endpoint is change in maximum walking distance on a constant-load treadmill (CLT). Secondary endpoints include quality of life and cardiometabolic assessments. A total of 792 participants were randomized in 20 countries. Participants' median age was 68 and they had T2D for a median of 12 years. Risk factors included 25.6% current smokers, 87.9% with hypertension, and 42.7% with coronary heart disease. The mean BMI was 29.6kg/m2 and mean HbA1C was 7.3%. Participants exhibited baseline functional impairment with a median maximum walking distance of 186 meters on a CLT. STRIDE has enrolled participants with symptomatic PAD and T2D, frequent risk factors and comorbidities, and functional impairment. The trial will provide evidence for the functional outcomes with semaglutide in people with PAD and T2D.

Influence of non-linear thermal radiation on the dynamics of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions between the cone and the disk

Abstract Purpose The current work presents a theoretical framework to boost heat transmission in a ternary hybrid nanofluid with homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions in the conical gap between the cone and disk apparatus. Furthermore, the impacts of non-linear thermal radiation on the ternary hybrid nanofluid composed of white graphene, diamond, and titanium dioxide dispersed in water are analyzed. Originality/value The combination of cone and disk systems is crucial for designing efficient heat exchange devices in the field of biomedical science for various purposes. For instance, in medical devices, the cone–disk apparatus is used to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics for better design and functionality. Hence, a sincere attempt has been made to study the impact of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions on the nanofluid flow between the cone and disk in the presence of non-linear thermal radiation. Design/methodology/approach The mathematical model’s governing equations are partial differential equations (PDEs) which are then transformed into non-linear ordinary differential equations through appropriate similarity transformations. These transformed resultant equations are approximated by the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth/fifth order (RKF45) technique. The influence of essential aspects on the flow field, heat, and mass transfer rates was analyzed using a graphical representation. Findings The interesting part of this research is to discuss the power of parameters in three cases, namely, (1) rotating cone/disk, (2) rotating cone/stationary disk, and (3) stationary cone/rotating disk. Furthermore, the thermal variation of the fluid is analyzed by an artificial neural network with the help of the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation algorithm. The regression analysis, mean square error, and error histogram of the neural network are analyzed using this algorithm. From the graph, it is perceived that the flow field climbed up significantly with an increase in the values of radiation parameters in all cases. Also, it is noticed that temperature upsurges significantly by upward values of solid volume fraction of the nanoparticles ( ϕ \phi ).

Semaglutide 2.4 mg in Participants With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: Baseline Characteristics and Design of the Phase 3 ESSENCE Trial.

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated potential beneficial effects in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). To describe the trial design and baseline characteristics of the 'Effect of Semaglutide in Subjects with Non-cirrhotic Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis' (ESSENCE) trial (NCT04822181). ESSENCE is a two-part, phase 3, randomised, multicentre trial evaluating the effect of subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg in participants with biopsy-proven MASH and fibrosis stage 2 or 3. The primary objective of Part 1 is to demonstrate that semaglutide improves liver histology compared with placebo. The two primary endpoints are: resolution of steatohepatitis and no worsening of liver fibrosis, and improvement in liver fibrosis and no worsening of steatohepatitis. The Part 2 objective is based on clinical outcomes. The current work reports baseline characteristics of the first 800 randomised participants which includes demographics, laboratory parameters, liver histology, non-invasive tests and presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) cardiometabolic criteria. Of 800 participants, 250 (31.3%) had fibrosis stage 2 and 550 (68.8%) had fibrosis stage 3. In the overall population, mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 56 (11.6) years, 57.1% were female, mean (SD) body mass index was 34.6 (7.2) kg/m2, 55.5% had type 2 diabetes and > 99% had at least one MASLD cardiometabolic criterion according to the published definition. The ESSENCE baseline population includes participants with clinically significant fibrosis stages 2 and 3. Although MASLD cardiometabolic criteria were not a requirement for study enrolment, almost all participants (> 99%) had at least one MASLD cardiometabolic criterion. NCT04822181.

Engineering of the High‐Power Laser‐Induced Synthesis of Ni‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework: Investigation of its Optical Properties, Computational Methodology, Electrocatalytic Performances, and Glucose‐Sensing Ability

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials with numerous chemical and structural possibilities. Due to their ease of modification, well‐organized structure, and diverse guest molecule chemistry, MOFs are ideal platforms for uncovering improved functional material design characteristics. Quantitative analysis of glucose is crucial, especially in some food products, for quality control as well as evaluation of the glucose levels helps diagnose and treat diabetes. Recent glucose sensing devices have relied heavily on MOFs and other nanomaterials to enable user‐friendly and safe non‐invasive sensing methods. Nevertheless, the conventional synthesis methods involve multi‐day reactions, cooling, and depressurization processes. This study demonstrates the unprecedented high‐power laser‐induced rapid synthesis (LIRS) of Ni‐based MOF nanospheres with interconnected nano‐rods and noncentrosymmetric primitive triclinic crystalline structure, highlighting their multifunctional usage in sensing and gas sorption applications. Ab initio simulations show excellent agreement with the experimental physical and gas sorption properties. Furthermore, the Ni‐MOF‐based biosensor accurately measures glucose real‐life beverage samples, yielding promising glucose detection biosensor results with a low limit of the detection (LOD) of 13.96 µM and high sensitivity of 120.606 µA mM−1 cm−2.