Design Community Research Articles

Benthic Fish Communities Associated with Posidonia oceanica Beds May Reveal the Fishing Impact and Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas: Two Case Studies in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

The effectiveness of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is strongly related to its zoning design, management, and surveillance, and fish communities are considered indicators of conservation effects. Posidonia oceanica beds and fish assemblages were studied here to evaluate the fishing impacts and the effectiveness of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of Santa Maria di Castellabate (SMC) and Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta (CIM) in the South Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy. P. oceanica characteristics were estimated counting and collecting shoots, while fish communities were investigated by visual census. Multivariate analyses were performed to detect differences in fish assemblages among the MPA protection levels and seagrass characteristics. Significant differences in fish communities were observed between the depth and protection levels. The latter are probably due to the zoning design at SMC, which does not allow a spillover effect, and to fishing activities, as showed by the ABC curve results. Trophic analyses suggested the use of longlines at SMC, due to the dominance of planktivorous fish species, and of trammel nets at CIM, due to the great heterogeneity of the fish trophic groups. Shoot density and leaf length were significantly correlated with fish communities. CCA analyses showed omnivorous species, mostly belonging to the Sparidae family, correlated with the highest shoot densities, with their feeding habits mostly directed to crustaceans, while macro- and microinvertivores, mainly belonging to the Serranidae and Labridae families, correlated with the highest leaf lengths, where they sough shelter and feed. In conclusion, the data suggest that a zoning redesign at SMC and an increase in the surveillance of fishing activities at CIM might enhance the effectiveness of these MPAs, highlighting the role of fish community studies in identifying MPA efficiency issues and providing trustful guidelines for their management.

SCHOOL BUDGET NEEDS ASSESSMENT: MULTI-SITES STUDY AT MALANG PUBLIC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

This study aims to examine more deeply and find supporting factors related to the need for assessment funding in three public junior high schools in Malang city. In addition, this study also aims to analyze what dimensions are very supportive in the financing assessment process within the institution. This article uses a qualitative research type with a multi-site and descriptive approach to reveal some of these dimensions. Meanwhile, the techniques used in extracting data related to the research theme are in-depth interview techniques, participant observation, and documentation techniques. After going through data mining techniques to obtain information, the researchers found that five main things became successful in assessing school financing needs. First, identify the urgency of allocating absorbed education funding. Second, policy analysis in determining the main priority elements of education financing must be considered so that it is right on target and under the vision and mission of the institution. Third, being able to assess and identify sources that generate funding for education. Fourth, agencies and stakeholders involve the community in the education design and financing process.

Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation for Lateral Distortional Buckling Behaviour of Steel-Concrete Composite Beams

Lateral Distortional Buckling (LDB) is a mode of instability in Steel-Concrete Composite (SCC) beams that is yet to be fully understood by the structural engineering research and design community. This work investigated numerical methods to understand the LDB behavior of SCC beams under negative moments that exhibit nonlinear behavior. Focus of the study was to develop and validate 3-Dimensional finite element (FE) models which capture the LDB behavior of SCC beams precisely. Detailed 3-Dimensional FE models of the SCC beams were developed using ABAQUS. For modeling concrete, a nonlinear damage plasticity model was considered. A quad-linear curve was used to describe the stress-stain relationship for the steel beam. The stress-stain relationship for the rebar was described using a bi-linear curve while an elastic perfectly plastic model was assigned to the headed stud shear connectors. Steel hardening behavior was simulated using an isotropic hardening model. The interaction between the concrete slab, steel beam, and studs was described using appropriate interface elements combined under suitable constraints. The FE model’s accuracy was validated by results obtained from previous experiments found in literature together with a brief description of the experiments done by previous researchers to ensure completeness. Validation of the model was done by comparing Moment-Rotation curves obtained from the experimental tests, lateral displacements of the bottom flange along the axial direction and comparison of the failure modes between the numerical model and experimental test specimens. It was observed that the maximum relative error for the ultimate moment capacity of the composite beams from FE analysis and the experimental tests was less than 2% which shows that the FE model was in strong agreement with the experimental results. Accordingly, the numerical model developed herein proves to be capable of accurately representing the LDB phenomenon.

Hierarchies of bias in artificial intelligence architecture: Collective, computational, and cognitive

This paper examines the prevalence of bias in artificial intelligence text-to-image models utilized in the architecture and design disciplines. The rapid pace of advancements in machine learning technologies, particularly in text-to-image generators, has significantly increased over the past year, making these tools more accessible to the design community. Accordingly, this paper aims to critically document and analyze the collective, computational, and cognitive biases that designers may encounter when working with these tools at this time. The paper delves into three hierarchical levels of operation and investigates the possible biases present at each level. Starting with the training data for large language models (LLM), the paper explores how these models may create biases privileging English-language users and perspectives. The paper subsequently investigates the digital materiality of models and how their weights generate specific aesthetic results. Finally, the report concludes by examining user biases through their prompt and image selections and the potential for platforms to perpetuate these biases through the application of user data during training.

Reducing anxiety and hospital readmission in the early weeks following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation: the new community enhanced rehabilitation team

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess if the new community-enhanced rehabilitation team reduced anxiety and readmissions in service users discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation setting.Design/methodology/approachThe study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology. Service user’s anxiety level was measured before being discharged and at the end of the Community Enhanced Rehabilitation Team (CERT) transition intervention. Six service users were interviewed to gain further understanding of their experiences of anxiety.FindingsFindings showed the anxiety score was significantly lower (M = 1.5, 95% CI [0.051,2.99], t(20) = 2.159, p = 0.043) following the CERT intervention (M = 8.6, SD = 6.4) compared to before (M = 10.1, SD = 7.0). No service user receiving the CERT intervention was readmitted to hospital within 12 weeks of discharge from the inpatient setting, compared to three service users (15% of those discharged) who were discharged to other community services.Research limitations/implicationsCommunity rehabilitation pathways would benefit from having interventions to aid patient transitions from inpatient to the community. The National Health Service (NHS) trusts develop community rehabilitation teams as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and they should consider including transitional support as part of their model.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that as NHS trusts design and implement community mental health teams, they should consider including transition support as part of their model.Social implicationsPeople with severe and enduring mental health difficulties who have been in an inpatient rehabilitation setting would benefit from community transitional support. This study suggests that such support helps reduce anxiety and readmission.Originality/valueCommunity rehabilitation teams are currently being developed across the NHS as part of the NHS long-term plan. These teams are new, and as such, there is a dearth of information regarding their effectiveness. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to evaluate outcomes in these new teams.

Assessment of the Magdalena River delta socio-ecological system through the Circles of Coastal Sustainability framework

River-mouth systems and deltas are hotspots where many of the coastal syndromes can be found. Moreover, these systems provide essential ecosystem services (e.g., recreation, food provisioning, protection against natural hazards). The present study focuses on the socio-ecological system at the delta of the Magdalena River in the central Caribbean Region in Colombia. This research seeks to assess the multidimensional sustainability of the Magdalena river-mouth system (MRm-SES) to improve the knowledge basis for its integrated management. To do so, an assessment tool named “Circles of Coastal Sustainability” (CCS) was used to evaluate the system splitting it into four domains (environmental, social, economic and governance) that were divided into 5 categories each. These domains were evaluated through a total of 52 indicators distributed like this: 16 for the Environmental domain, 16 for the Economic domain, 12 for the Social and Cultural domain and, 8 for the Governance domain. The results show that the overall sustainability of the MRm-SES is classified as “Satisfactory.” None of the domains is in “Excellent” or “Bad” conditions. However, the evaluation of the categories shows that four (4) of them have “Poor” conditions (i.e., Social Benefits, Demographics, Economic Security, and Resources Management). Hence, it is recommended to put those categories at the centre of the discussion to define management strategies (e.g., Preserving and restoring habitats; tackling sources of pollution and excessive sediment; local reduction of net Greenhouse Gas and adaptation to climate change; participation of local communities in the management design and implementation), without disregarding the interrelation with the other categories and dimensions. Finally, it is argued that despite all the improvement opportunities, the CCS is a valuable tool to evaluate and communicate with different stakeholders (academic community, managers and decision-makers, local communities, etc.), to improve the sustainability of coastal systems in Colombia and the world.

(In)Visible Participants

What should we understand about designing against infrastructures of oppression and marginalization? Research articles and social technologies produced by our design community have focused on procedures for action. Through this technicist approach, we have often disregarded the experiences of the participants of this type of design process, excluding their voices from institutionalized design knowledge, and thus replicating their invisibility. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand what characterizes people’s experiences and drives their participation, how these processes and practices interweave with their lives, and to bring their voices to the core of our research outcomes. These reflections emerge out of interviews with the participants of a design project in a Brazilian favela. The need for a more complex and multilayered perspective for design processes against infrastructures of oppression and marginalization emerges, together with the understanding of desire and affection, as critical factors in the process of unmaking them.

The Historical Literature of Australian Domestic Interior Design 1945-1975

ABSTRACT This article surveys the formation of the historiography of Australian domestic interior design and decoration from 1945 to 1975. The review aims to understand the inclusions and omissions of Australian interior design history, indicate their possible causes and propose methods for re-evaluation. From its inception, the history of interior design in Australia was framed on architectural lines and its practitioners viewed as tangential to the central disciplines of the built environment and decorative arts. Despite a subsequent flowering of community and museum interest in mid-century design, scholarship on professionally designed interiors has been limited. Amongst thousands of post-war Australian practitioners, all but Marion Hall Best have escaped substantial attention. Diminished by a lower status in history’s hierarchies of practice, professional interior design in Australia remains largely unstudied. It is ripe for mining by scholars open to new perspectives on global debates and the shaping of contemporary practice.

Guidelines for disassembly and adaptation in architectural design compared to circular economy goals - A literature review

The application of Circular Economy (CE) in architectural practice is limited, despite the urgent need to reduce environmental burdens of the construction sector that CE offers. Design for Disassembly and Design for Adaptability (DfD/A) are recognised as key design strategies supporting CE. However, with further development of life-cycle assessment (LCA) or circularity factors (CF) that enable more life-cycle evaluations, the rationale for applying specific DfD/A guidelines needs to be revised. This paper aims to establish which DfD/A guidelines foster environmental benefits expected of the implementation of CE in architectural practice and under which conditions. Also, it is of interest whether quantification of environmental impact is consistent in guiding designers in CE compliant material choices and detailing. This literature review covers papers published before August 2022, with analysis of 2652 titles, 2031 abstracts and 70 full-texts, focusing on material choice, construction strategies, circular options and the related assessment methods (LCA, circularity assessment). The results indicate that only a few DfD/A guidelines unconditionally support CE goals in architectural design. The rationale for the application of most of the DfD/A guidelines requires a case-by-case analysis, both in terms of broader context assumptions and the related environmental impact. Furthermore, a multitude of scoring schemes and focus areas hinders practical comparison of materials and leads to divergent conclusions. Based on the findings, a design process framework is proposed, linking general CE and specific DfD/A guidance. In conclusion, policy and design community recommendations and further research needs are identified. A systematisation of LCA-methods and impact categories associated with specific industrial and business models is needed to avoid contradictory design recommendations.

A System-Oriented Dialogue Model to Design Community Partnerships for More Effective Sars-Cov-2 Prevention in Schools: The Case of Spain.

Objectives: The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) COVID-19 guidelines for non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) identify safety, hygiene and physical distancing measures to control SARS-Cov-2 transmission in schools. Because their implementation requires complicated changes, the guidelines also include "accompanying measures" of risk communication, health literacy and community engagement. Although these are considered crucial, their implementation is complex. This study aimed to co-define a community partnership that a) identifies systemic barriers and b) designs recommendations on how to implement the NPI to improve SARS-Cov-2 prevention in schools. Methods: We designed and piloted a System-Oriented Dialogue Model with the participation of 44 teachers and 868 students and their parents from six Spanish schools during 2021. The results were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants identified 406 items addressing issues related to system characteristics, which is indicative of the complexity of the challenge. Using a thematic analysis, we defined 14 recommendations covering five categories. Conclusion: These findings could help in developing guidelines for initiating community engagement partnerships in schools to provide more integrated prevention interventions.

Disentangling trait and daily experiences of uncertainty and meaning in life: implications for daily anxiety, negative affect, and somatic symptoms

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough there is growing evidence supporting the association between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and psychopathology, little is known about the covariation of IU and psychological distress day-to-day. The purpose of this ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study was to examine negative emotional and somatic correlates of trait IU and daily uncertainty, while investigating how a source of stability, meaning in life (MIL), might buffer against deleterious effects of IU and uncertainty.Design and MethodsAdult community members (n = 62) from a mid-size town in the Rocky Mountain region completed baseline measures of IU and MIL and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of meaning, uncertainty, affect, and somatic symptoms over the course of one week.ResultsResults indicate individuals high in trait IU experience more uncertainty day-to-day and greater distress when they feel uncertain compared to individuals lower in trait IU; however, MIL plays a stronger protective role for high IU compared to low IU individuals.ConclusionsThese findings support and extend previous research showing IU is associated with psychological distress and that MIL may be a critical resource to cultivate. Interventions promoting meaning day-to-day may reduce the effects of uncertainty on the well-being of those highly intolerant of uncertainty.

Simulating creep induced moment redistribution in prestressed concrete bridges constructed by the balanced cantilever method: ad hoc traditional formulae versus real time-dependent analysis

Assessing available numerical techniques adopted to determine the design time-dependent moment for prestressed concrete segmental bridges constructed by the balanced cantilever method is of utmost importance to the bridge design community. In essence, despite some apparent diversity, there are basically two key conventional approaches to compute the design time-dependent moment accounting for creep effects for this type of bridges. The first is a family of varied simplified methods typically known to practicing designers and with pre-consensus on their reliability and effectiveness. Time-dependent moments retrieved from these classical methods always reside in an intermediate state falling between the results from “two” time-independent analysis cases, namely, (a) sequentially adding all partial permanent loads and prestressing pertaining to various construction steps using the part-bridge structural system corresponding to each step, and (b) assuming all loads and prestressing forces to be applied at-once to the final completed bridge. The second approach is through performing real sophisticated step-by-step time-dependent analysis using a specialized software. The research primary objective is to assess the validity/reliability of commonly used ad-hoc approaches that evolved over the years relying on simplified analyses/formulae to cater for time-dependent creep effects for this type of bridges. Aiming at realistic conclusions, three case-study real-world segmental balanced cantilever bridges over the Nile River in Egypt are elected. Midas Civil commercial package is used to perform time-dependent finite element analyses for the three bridges. Main parameters considered are, inter alia, time-dependent effects of creep and shrinkage of concrete, relaxation of prestressed steel, losses due to friction and anchor setting of prestressing tendons, sequence of construction, and construction-driven temporary change of support conditions (where applicable). The study concludes that creep-induced moment redistribution from simplified traditional formulae typically adopted in the literature may lead to a considerable error in estimating the design time-dependent moment in balanced cantilever bridges.

Toward Sociable City Park: The Relationship between Sociopetality of Seating Facilities Design and Communities’ Social Activity in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Green space in urban areas, including city parks, is one of the essential components and inseparable elements of the urban structure. Not only have environmental benefits, but city parks are also beneficial for the community in social improvement, as they become places for human interaction and integration. Khon Kaen City, one of the city centers in Thailand, continues to grow from what was originally only a small rural area. Thus the existence of city parks is fundamental. Since sitting is an activity that can open opportunities for social interaction and create the vitality of urban space, the importance of creating seating that can maximize the social interaction (sociopetal) of the community in the city park is needed. However, the seating facilities in Khon Kaen city parks are dominated by linear seating characteristics that can minimize social interaction (sociofugal). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the sociopetality of seating facilities design and communities' social activity. Data on seating facilities design characteristics and communities' social activity collected through behavioral mapping in three city parks in Khon Kaen were analyzed using chi-square and odd ratio. The results showed a significant relationship between the sociopetality of seating facilities design and communities' social activity. Sociopetal seats tend to be used 2.4 times more often for social activity than individual activity. This finding can be a reference for architects, planners, and designers to increase social activity in city parks.

Comparing the flexural and morphological properties of dissimilar FFF-fabricated polymer composites

Additive manufacturing is becoming more and more significant for the production of engineering products. The global community of designers and manufacturers will undoubtedly benefit from identifying the process factors that could lead to superior mechanical behaviour. The incorporation of fibres and nanoparticles in polymer matrix is one of the most significant advancements in polymer fabrication. This study intends to investigate how the flexural behaviour of dissimilar polymer composites viz carbon fibre reinforced poly lactic acid (CF-PLA), carbon fibre reinforced poly ethylene terephthalate glycol (CF-PETG) and multi walled carbon nano tubes reinforced PLA (MWCNTs-PLA) are affected by process parameters viz nozzle diameter (0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm), and infill pattern (triangular, honeycomb, rectilinear) through fused filament fabrication (FFF). Flexural testing was carried out on the fabricated specimens, and post to the testing, fractography has been carried out and statistical analysis of the observations is performed utilizing analysis of variance and Taguchi method. According to the observations, flexural strength of the polymer composite specimen increases with increase in nozzle diameter (ND). The flexural behaviour is also directly impacted with the variation of infill pattern (IP). Process parameter variations affect target factors differently depending on the fabricating material. For flexural behaviour, IP contributes 68.27% to CF-PLA, while ND contributes 88.96% to CF-PETG and 77.59% to MWCNTs-PLA. Overall, the highest flexural strength, 70.372 MPa, is exhibited by the specimen with ND 0.6 mm and rectilinear IP for MWCNTs-PLA as fabricating filament material. This study will aid researchers and designers in developing FFF-fabricated electrochemical energy storage devices with improved flexural behaviour of functional parts for a wide range of applications.

Privacy Legislation as Business Risks: How GDPR and CCPA are Represented in Technology Companies' Investment Risk Disclosures

Power exercised by large technology companies has led to concerns over privacy and data protection, evidenced by the passage of legislation including the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). While much privacy research has focused on how users perceive privacy and interact with companies, we focus on how privacy legislation is discussed among a different set of relationships-those between companies and investors. This paper investigates how companies translate the GDPR and CCPA into business risks in documents created for investors. We conduct a qualitative document analysis of annual regulatory filings (Form 10-K) from nine major technology companies. We outline five ways that technology companies consider GDPR and CCPA as business risks, describing both direct and indirect ways that the legislation may affect their businesses. We highlight how these findings are relevant for the broader CSCW and privacy research communities in research, design, and practice. Creating meaningful privacy changes within existing institutional structures requires some understanding of the dynamics of these companies' decision-making processes and the role of capital.

Ultimate Strength of Quasi-Isotropic Composites: ISO 12215-5:2019 Validation

Discussion
 With the incorporation of the International Journal of Small Craft Technology into the IJME, it is always good to see papers of direct concern to the small craft design community. The process of on-going validation of scantling rule formulae is also to be welcomed. The authors are to be commended on both counts. Word count restricts comments/questions to the ultimate flexural strength of hand-laminated panels (Table 5).

412 Utility of a Team Science and Project Management Approach to Providing Effective Participant Recruitment Support to Research Teams: The Indiana CTSI Recruitment Concierge Service (RCS)

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Evaluate effectiveness of participant recruitment service to improve study enrollment through customer feedback surveys and recruitment data obtained by research teams utilizing services. Use survey information to conduct gap analysis of additional support needed for participant recruitment. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Participant enrollment is often cited as one of the most challenging aspects of clinical research. In 2021, the Indiana CTSI used project management techniques to design and pilot a Team Science approach for providing participant recruitment support to clinical research teams. This service called the Indiana CTSI Recruitment Concierge Service (RCS) is comprised of recruitment, community engagement, social media, communications, and project management expertise. Additional experts are chosen to participate based on the study needs (regulatory, population insight, informatics, clinical services, etc.) RCS customers are comprised of study teams from a variety of areas and research experience. These customers are sent surveys to evaluate the support they received and provide suggestions for improvement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The RCS assisted 72 study teams in 2021 and 85 (as of November) in 2022. These studies were referred via word of mouth as no advertising of the service had been done to date. All customers were provided a study specific consultation with recommendations of services and resources that would assist their study. Some services recommended were: local study listing and volunteer registry (All IN for Health), digital marketing support, materials design expertise, community engagement and healthcare patient recruitment guidance. The overall feedback from RCS customers has been positive with most teams indicating the support improved their study recruitment and/or engagement plan. RCS will use information obtained to develop a strategy for prioritizing services due to the overwhelming number of requests received. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Using project management techniques and a Team Science approach, the Indiana CTSI was able to develop a comprehensive participant recruitment service that integrates clinical research operations, community engagement, and informatics expertise to design study specific recruitment plans and coordination of services.

Katrin Schreiter. Designing One Nation: The Politics of Economic Culture and Trade in Divided Germany.

With her intriguing and complex monograph, Designing One Nation: The Politics of Economic Culture and Trade in Divided Germany, Katrin Schreiter adds her voice to the emerging historiographic argument that our understanding of German postwar history has much to gain from attending more closely to the significant commonalities and interconnections between the two German states. To bring this into focus, she embarks on a comparative analysis of the design, production, trade, and consumption of domestic furniture in both Germanys, attending not only to local dynamics but also to cross-border interactions in the areas of trade and cultural diplomacy. The parallels between the two states in certain areas are indeed notable, even if Schreiter’s conclusion that the two states shared the same economic culture would be more persuasive with a clearer definition of the term and a more rigorous analytical framework that accounts also for the apparent differences. Both German states created centralized institutions to support design. Both Germanys also saw state-sponsored consumer education initiatives involving efforts to promote specific, albeit dissimilar, styles as “correct” expressions of national identity. Both design communities embraced functionalism or, at least, a functionalist aesthetic. Both furniture industries underwent mechanization and standardization, and both states became major furniture exporters. And, over time, both populations developed a wide range of aesthetic preferences in home furnishings. In the end, Schreiter argues, ideas and expectations converged in a “pan-German conservative modernity” (152), which helped smooth reunification.

Greetings From the New Editor

As I begin my term (January 2023–December 2027) as Editor-in-Chief of the ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, I would like to offer a few thoughts on the current state of the journal and the many opportunities for growth in the coming years. I am truly honored and humbled to continue the tradition of excellence established by previous editors—Professors Michael McCarthy (University of California, Irvine) (2003–2007), Panos Papalambros (University of Michigan) (2008–2012), Shapour Azarm (University of Maryland) (2013–2017), and Wei Chen (Northwestern University) (2018–2022)—whose vision, hard work, and dedication built JMD into one of the leading journals in our field.Over the past five years, my predecessor, Professor Wei Chen, has worked tirelessly on a number of impactful initiatives, for which the JMD community is truly grateful. The journal’s impact factor has risen to 3.441 (2021), and the average time elapsed from submission to editor decision has decreased to less than 1.5 months, making it one of the leading journals in the ASME portfolio. JMD has begun hosting quarterly webinars to highlight timely topics and encourage in-depth discussion of emerging research threads. Under Professor Chen’s leadership, JMD expanded the publication of special issues to highlight strategic, emerging research themes, including a new annual special issue that fast tracks some of the most highly reviewed papers from the ASME IDETC conference. JMD’s companion website1 has continued to thrive, hosting featured articles and serving as an important repository and bulletin board for all aspects of the journal. Professor Chen also implemented several initiatives to enhance inclusivity, including a double-blind review process, an increasingly diverse cohort of associate and guest editors (with more than 30% of AEs identifying as women or members of underrepresented groups), a DEI advocate, and special efforts to encourage participation from international and underrepresented members of the community.Over the next five years, I would like to build on these initiatives and grow the journal community in several ways. While it will take some time to become completely familiar with all of the facets of the journal, I’ve identified a few focus areas as a starting point. First, I would like to build an advisory board, separate from the suite of associate editors and populated with former associate editors and other scholars who are passionate about JMD, to help us catalyze some new initiatives. One example is an expanded view of inclusivity to include not only underrepresented populations but also new authors and early career members of the community. Work is needed to amplify their voices and demystify and support the process of successfully publishing a paper in JMD as a new author. Another initiative is a concerted effort to publish broad, insightful reviews of the status of research in the mechanical design community, the impact of our research, and the challenges facing the community. If our work is successful, these reviews will serve as required reading for incoming graduate students and scholars, much as the Finger and Dixon reviews educated previous generations. Together with the advisory board and the associate editors, I would like to host roundtable discussions at major conferences, such as IDETC and ICED, to seek feedback and suggestions from the community. Finally, we will strive to continue the efforts of previous editors to raise the impact factor and decrease the time for review while simultaneously emphasizing the need for a fair and thoughtful review process.None of these things would be possible without an exceptional collection of Associate Editors, reviewers, and authors, and one of the most superb assistants in publishing, Ms. Amy Suski. I’m also grateful for the exceptional behind-the-scenes efforts of our featured articles editor and webinar organizer, Professor Faez Ahmed, and my co-editor, Professor Qiaode Jeff Ge, who handles all of the mechanism-related submissions. Their dedication and hard work are an invaluable contribution to the community, and I am humbled to work with them every day.Please continue to support the journal by sending us your very best papers, contributing thoughtful and constructive reviews, and contacting me any time with ideas for improving the journal or leveraging the journal platform to support the community in meaningful ways. The mechanical design community has always been a warm and welcoming professional home for me, so it’s an incredible privilege to work with all of you to raise our journal to the next level of excellence.

Simplified analytical solutions to the yaw dynamics of modular floating structures

Climate change has necessitated the development of modular floating structures (MFS) as a sustainable solution to enhance the resiliency of coastal cities against flooding and sea level rise. Hence, it is imperative that simplified methods of analysis are introduced to the design community. This technical note presents closed-form expressions parameterizing the response amplitude operators (RAO) of rectangular pontoons subject to yaw (rotation about the vertical z axis) to complement solutions derived by Wang (2022) for the five remaining degrees of freedom. Following validation, a parametric investigation was implemented to assess the influence of pontoon geometry on the yaw response of an idealized MFS exposed to realistic sea states. It was identified that pontoons exhibiting a characteristic width smaller than the wavelength are generally more resistant to yaw excitation as they become squarer in shape. Conversely, while larger pontoons are less sensitive to geometric effects, they exhibit heightened sensitivity to changes in wave conditions. The simplified analytical approach thus provides an accessible pathway towards the structural or architectural design of floating structures as a precursor to detailed computational modeling.