Design Concept Research Articles

The influence of industrial designers and developmental technologists on design-driven innovation and related mechanisms

ABSTRACT Design-driven innovation (DDI) is a concept that promotes product innovation by giving new meaning to existing products. However, there are divergent views on who starts the DDI process and what kinds of activities are carried out within it. Therefore, this study analyzed four cases that succeeded in de-maturing the Japanese electric fan market to confirm whether there are differences in DDI processes, outcomes of new products, and post-launch spillover effects on new businesses between DDI originating from industrial designers (IDs) and that originating from developmental technologists (DTs). This study also aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which these differences may arise. Our results showed that the difference in the way of thinking caused by the different knowledge and skills possessed by IDs and DTs affects the selection of core design concepts and product architecture. This was a fundamental factor that caused differences in DDI processes, the outcomes of new products, and the ripple effect on new businesses.

Acoustically Enhanced Triboelectric Stethoscope for Ultrasensitive Cardiac Sounds Sensing and Disease Diagnosis.

Electronic stethoscope used to detect cardiac sounds that contains essential clinical information is a primary tool for diagnosis of various cardiac disorders. However, the linear electro-mechanical constitutive relation makes conventional piezoelectric sensors rather ineffective to detect low-intensity, low-frequency heart acoustic signal without the assistance of complex filtering and amplification circuits. Herein, we find that triboelectric sensor features superior advantages over piezoelectric one for micro-quantity sensing originated from the fast saturated constitutive characteristic. As a result, the triboelectric sensor shows ultrahigh sensitivity (1215mV/Pa) than the piezoelectric counterpart (21mV/Pa) in the sound pressure range of 50 - 80dB under the same testing condition. By designing a trumpet-shaped auscultatory cavity with a power function cross-section to achieve acoustic energy converging and impedance matching, triboelectric stethoscope delivers 36dB signal-to-noise ratio for human test (2.3 times of that for piezoelectric one). Further combining with machine learning, five cardiac states can be diagnosed at 97% accuracy. In general, the triboelectric sensor is distinctly unique in basic mechanism, provides a novel design concept for sensing micromechanical quantities, and presents significant potential for application in cardiac sounds sensing and disease diagnosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Electronic Properties of W’ Twin Walls in Ferroelastic BiVO4

AbstractTopological defects in ferroic materials can exhibit intrinsic properties that differ from the bulk. Here， structural and electronic variations of non‐prominent (W’) ferroelastic twin domain walls are investigated in BiVO4, a widely investigated photocatalytic material. Using aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), a kink configuration of the sharp ferroelastic twin wall with an altered electronic structure is revealed. Nanoscale conductivity measurements by conductive atomic force microscopy (c‐AFM) show higher conductivity at twin walls compared to non‐conductive bulk domains. Electronic structure investigation by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) shows a higher density of oxygen vacancies and possible polaron accumulation at the wall. These findings reveal the electronic properties of BiVO4 domain walls, which are interesting for nanoscale‐engineered catalytic concepts of BiVO4 and materials design for photochemistry‐relevant applications.

Single Molecular Nanomedicines Based on Macrocyclic Carrier-Drug Conjugates for Concentration-Independent Encapsulation and Precise Activation of Drugs.

Nanomedicines often rely on noncovalent self-assembly and encapsulation for drug loading and delivery. However, challenges such as reproducibility issues due to the multicomponent nature, off-target activation caused by premature drug release, and complex pharmacokinetics arising from assembly dissociation have hindered their clinical translation. In this study, we introduce an innovative design concept termed single molecular nanomedicine (SMNM) based on macrocyclic carrier-drug conjugates. Through the covalent linkage of two chemotherapy drugs to a hypoxia-cleavable macrocyclic carrier, azocalix[4]arene, we obtained two self-included complexes to serve as SMNMs. The intramolecular inclusion feature of the SMNMs has not only demonstrated comprehensive shielding and protection for the drugs but also effectively prevented off-target drug leakage, thereby significantly reducing their side effects and enhancing their antitumor therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the attributes of being a single component and molecularly dispersed confer advantages such as ease of preparation and good reproducibility for SMNMs, which is desirable for clinical applications.

Performance Study of Hot & Cold Mix Using Bitumen and Emulsion

This project work describes laboratory experiments and presents results for the cold-mix mixtures. Construction of highway involves huge performances of hot and cold-mix mix outlay of investment. A precise design may save considerable amount of investment, as well, a reliable performance of the in-service highway can be achieved. Two things are of major considerations in this regard - pavement design and the mix design. This project work emphasizes some of the new considerations involved in the concept of mix design. Though there are a few equipment used for estimation of stability of the bituminous mixes in the laboratory. the Marshall test is the most popular one, possibly due to its simplicity and low cost.

Women's perspectives on mHealth behavior change interventions for the management of overweight, obesity, or gestational diabetes: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

mHealth interventions play an increasingly important role in health behavior change for gestational diabetes or peripartum obesity management. This qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis aims to explore women's perceptions of mHealth behavior change interventions for gestational diabetes and/or overweight/obesity management during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO) databases were searched using a Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type (SPIDER) concept framework through to February 2024. Included studies were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Study findings were evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis and GRADE-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) checklist. We identified 29 studies, representing 604 women's views from one upper middle-income and nine high-income countries. Two themes were generated: mHealth as a supportive tool; and mHealth as a personalizable tool. Women highlighted the importance of self-monitoring, information trustworthiness, peer support, motivational tools (goal setting, risk awareness, and problem solving) and convenience in achieving behavior change using mHealth technology. They suggest mHealth programs incorporate these elements to support user engagement and improved health outcomes. Understanding what women want as mHealth users is particularly important for effective interventions in gestational diabetes, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. Creating a better, more woman-centered experience by addressing central engagement issues should result in improved maternal health outcomes.

Fabrication and Characterization of Sustained-Release Eudragit RSPO Microsphere of Lornoxicam by Spray Drying Technique

Background: Lornoxicam is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with strong analgesic properties; however, its short half-life necessitates frequent administration for sustained efficacy. Objective: The objective of the present study was to identify critical formulation parameters affecting sustained release Eudragit RSPO microsphere of lornoxicam employing the concept of design of experiments Method: The lornoxicam-loaded microspheres were prepared using a spray drying technique by optimizing the drug:polymer ratio(X1) and inlet air temperature (X2) using a 32 full factorial design. The percentage drug entrapment (Y1), percentage yield (Y2) and cumulative percentage of the drug dissolved at 18 hr (Y3) were selected as dependent variables. Microspheres were evaluated for percentage drug entrapment, mean particle size, percentage yield, in vitro drug release study and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Result: The optimized batch showed 84.51% drug release after 18 h with significantly higher drug entrapment and percentage yield. The optimization was further verified using overlay and desirability plots. The sustained release behavior of the drug from microspheres in GIT was displayed. The predicted and observed responses for the optimized formulation were in close agreement with the release profile of the drug. Conclusion: The sustained release microspheres of lornoxicam may prove to be an effective analgesic with excellent anti-inflammatory potential.

Development of pulsed plasma operation scenario and required conditions in JA DEMO

Abstract We have developed the pulsed plasma operation scenarios for JA DEMO, a design concept of the steady-state tokamak demonstration reactor, to clarify controls of the current profile and power required for the operation. We compare the scenarios when injecting electron cyclotron waves only and both neutral beam and electron cyclotron waves for external heating and current drive. We demonstrate current profile control that maintains the minimum value of the safety factor above one and avoids creating the local minima in the safety factor profile and power control by argon seeding that maintains the fusion power constant at the desired value and reduces the heat load on the divertor, performing long-time integrated modelling simulations. We clarify the conditions of the heating and current drive system and impurity injection system required for such control. The dependence of power control on argon anomalous transport coefficients is investigated. We have the prospect of maintaining the fusion power of 1 GW for more than two hours, i.e., obtaining the required plasma performance determined using a systems code.

Statistical analysis of observational studies in disability research.

Observational studies have a critical role in disability research, providing the opportunity to address a range of research questions. Over the past decades, there have been substantial shifts and developments in statistical methods for observational studies, most notably for causal inference. In this review, we provide an overview of modern design and analysis concepts critical for observational studies, drawing examples from the field of disability research and highlighting the challenges in this field, to inform the readership on important statistical considerations for their studies.

A newly developed 10 kA-level HTS conductor: innovative tenon-mortise-based modularized conductor (TMMC) based on China ancient architecture

We proposed a new type of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) conductor concept: modularized conductors (MCs) connected by Chinese traditional tenon-mortise (TM) connection structure, referred as TMMC (tenon-mortise modularized conductor). The conductor consisted of multiple concentric round sub-conductors with slots for stacking rare-earth-barium-copper-oxide (REBCO) tapes. Innovatively, the REBCO stacks in the adjacent sub-conductors were arranged with the fully-misaligned configuration to enhance the critical current’s isotropy with respect to magnetic field and reduce ac loss. For example, the angle between the adjacent stacks in the two adjacent sub-conductors was 45° if each sub-conductor contains 4 REBCO stacks. In order to construct the fully-misaligned configuration, the sub-conductors were designed with two open half-circular formers and connected by TM structure which makes the conductor modularized and simply to assembly and disassembly. Based on the design concept, a prototype conductor containing 160 REBCO tapes distributed in the four concentric sub-conductors was fabricated. The conductor’s measured critical current was 13.69 kA at 77 K and self-field, which was consistent to the simulation result. In order to further improve the TMMC’s engineering critical current density (J ce) and bending performance, we proposed two enhancement approaches: reducing the former’s thickness and re-arrange stacks in the outer sub-conductors. With the enhancements, both TMMC’s radius and J ce were comparable to the existing slotted-core conductor. The study shows the TMMC’s advantages of non-twisted structures, easy assembly, high-current carrying and low ac losses, which made it promising for constructing large-scale scientific devices.

New design concept and thermal performance of a composite wall applied in solar greenhouse

Traditional solar greenhouse wall combines the functions of heat preservation and heating. It cannot accommodate both heat storage and insulation that the heat stored in the wall is uncontrollably lost as the temperature difference between the interior and exterior increases. This study proposed a novel composite wall (NCW) with an independent modular wall made of expanded polystyrene board and reinforced concrete (EPCW), and a solar water heating system (SWHS). The thermal properties of traditional brick walls and novel composite walls were assessed through field tests. Numerical simulations were utilized to analyze the heat transfer processes occurring within the wall, enabling determination of the magnitude of heat transfer towards both the interior and exterior. The thermal resistance of the ECPW with the same thickness is 1.5 times higher than that of clay bricks. Meanwhile, the heat loss from the exterior wall is reduced by 44 % through the EPCW. The SWHS installed on the greenhouse north wall increases heat storage by 89 % and heat release by 256 %. The greenhouse annual input cost for using NCW is 2.5 USD m−2 year−1 in 20-year life. It is 32.4 % lower than that of a conventional clay brick greenhouse, and has some promotional and application value.

Introduction to Haar Measure Tools in Quantum Information: A Beginner's Tutorial

The Haar measure plays a vital role in quantum information, but its study often requires a deep understanding of representation theory, posing a challenge for beginners. This tutorial aims to provide a basic introduction to Haar measure tools in quantum information, utilizing only basic knowledge of linear algebra and thus aiming to make this topic more accessible. The tutorial begins by introducing the Haar measure with a specific emphasis on characterizing the moment operator, an essential element for computing integrals over the Haar measure. It also covers properties of the symmetric subspace and introduces helpful tools like tensor network diagrammatic notation, which aid in visualizing and simplifying calculations. Next, the tutorial explores the concept of unitary designs, providing equivalent definitions, and subsequently explores approximate notions of unitary designs, shedding light on the relationships between these different notions. Practical examples of Haar measure calculations are illustrated, including the derivation of well-known formulas such as the twirling of a quantum channel. Lastly, the tutorial showcases the applications of Haar measure calculations in quantum machine learning and classical shadow tomography.

Novel design of cryptographic architecture of nanorouter using quantum-dot cellular automata nanotechnology

The article introduces a revolutionary Nanorouter structure, which is a crucial component in the Nano communication regime. To complete the connection, many key properties of Nanorouters are investigated and merged. QCA circuits with better speed and reduced power dissipation aid in meeting internet standards. Cryptography based on QCA design methodologies is a novel concept in digital circuit design. Data security in nano-communication is crucial in data transmission and reception; hence, cryptographic approaches are necessary. The data entering the input line is encrypted by an encoder, and then sent to the designated output line, where it is decoded and transferred. The Nanorouter is offered as a data path selector, and the proposed study analyses the cell count of QCA and the circuit delay. In this manuscript, novel designs of (4:1)) Mux and (1:4) Demux designs are utilized to implement the proposed nanorouter design. The proposed (4:1) Mux design requires 3–5% fewer cell counts and 20–25% fewer area, and the propsoed (1:4) Demux designs require 75–80% fewer cell counts and 90–95% fewer area compared to their latest counterparts. The QCAPro utility is used to analyse the power consumption of several components that make up the router. QCADesigner 2.0.3 is used to validate the simulation results and output validity.

Optimization of parameters and formulation of numerical model employing GRA–PCA and RSM approach for friction stir welded Ti–6Al–4V alloy joints

Abstract In this work, an endeavor was made to determine the impact of the tool’s shoulder diameter, pin profile, rotational and traverse speeds on the mechanical properties of the friction stir welded namely Ti–6Al–4V alloy joints. A total of 21 experiments were carried out based on the central composite design (CCD) concept of response surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic regression based numerical model was formulated to ascertain the relationship amidst the parameters of FSW process and the mechanical properties of the fabricated Ti alloy joints. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to confirm the importance of parameters and their interactive impacts. Optimized process parameter combinations were ascertained by grey relation based analysis (GRA) was coupled together with principal component analysis (PCA), a hybrid based approach. Single score of GRG based response was determined and GRG scores were ranked for all experiments. 1st rank was attained by the experiment no. 20 possessing a GRG score of 2.9989. Optimized values of 25mm shoulder diameter having a taper cylindrical pin geometry employed at a tool traverse speed of 40 mm/min, rotational speed of 1400 rpm resulted in the generation of flaw free Ti alloy joint possessing a largest tensile strength of 809.8 MPa, yield strength of 778.7 MPa and percentage of elongation of 6.9%. SEM based fractography ofTi alloy joint specimens announced that taper cylindrical pin geometry along with 25m shoulder diameter of employed tool have an inevitable part in generating frictional heat in ideal volumes and a perfect stirring action during FSW process.

A Microactuator Array Based on Ionic Electroactive Artificial Muscles for Cell Mechanical Stimulation

Mechanical stimulation is prevalent within organisms, and appropriate regulation of such stimulation can significantly enhance cellular functions. Consequently, the in vitro construction and simulation of mechanical stimulation have emerged as a research hotspot in biomechanics. In recent years, a class of artificial muscles named electroactive polymers (EAPs), especially ionic EAPs, have shown promising applications in biomechanics. While several techniques utilizing ionic EAPs for cell mechanical stimulation have been reported, further research is needed to advance and enhance their practical applications. Here, we prepared a microactuator array based on ionic EAP artificial muscles for cell mechanical stimulation. As a preliminary effort, we created a 5 × 5 microactuator array on a supporting membrane by employing laser cutting. We evaluated the electro-actuation performance of the microactuators through experimental testing and numerical simulations, affirming the potential use of the microactuator array for cell mechanical stimulation. The devised approach could inspire innovative design concepts in the development of miniaturized intelligent electronic devices, not only in biomechanics and biomimetics but also in other related fields.

In-Plane Combination of Micropillars with Distinct Aspect Ratios to Resist Overload-Induced Adhesion Failure.

Bioinspired micropillar adhesives have shown broad application prospects in space capture and docking, due to their strong adhesion, good environmental adaptability, and reusability. However, when performing space missions, unavoidable contact collision with target objects may cause large deformation of the micropillars, resulting in the loss of adhesion ability. This study reports a novel micropillar adhesive through the in-plane combination of micropillars (IPCM) with different aspect ratios, consisting of small pillars for retaining strong adhesion and large ones for resisting overload-induced adhesion failure. It is demonstrated that the IPCM array can still maintain 85% of the adhesion peak after static large deformation compared to a general micropillar array composed of the same pillars. The impact of element size and layout of the IPCM, as well as detachment velocity on adhesion performance under high preload is discussed. Furthermore, finite element contact analysis qualitatively reproduces the experimentally observed micropillar deformations and attributes the overload-induced adhesion failure to the redistribution of surface normal stress. Finally, the potential application of the IPCM in dynamic capture is demonstrated on different objects. The proposed IPCM opens up new design concepts for practical applications of bioinspired adhesives in space capture and docking.

Haram Lost and Found

With its great religious significance, the Holy Mosque in Makkah welcomes millions of tourists every year. The problem of misplaced objects at this holy site poses a problem for both guests and guards. In order to tackle this issue and improve worshippers' and visitors' overall experience, this study project explores the ideation, creation, and testing of a state-of-the-art mobile application called the "Lost and Found Assistance" app. This software makes use of modern technologies to expedite the process of finding misplaced items inside the Holy Mosque. The 'Lost and Found Assistance' app's main objective is to offer a workable answer to anyone who have misplaced their belongings inside the enormous Holy Mosque. It presents an easy-to-use and effective platform that enables users to report misplaced things, facilitating their prompt recovery. Additionally, it enables users to look for misplaced items, providing comfort to individuals who could have momentarily misplaced priceless items while visiting. In order to provide insight on the Holy Mosque's hallowed legacy and importance in the Islamic world, this study initiative examines the historical significance of the building. It explores the issues surrounding misplaced objects at this hallowed location, highlighting the demand for an up-to-date, technologically advanced solution. In addition, the research highlights the revolutionary role that mobile applications play in a variety of contexts as it examines the current state of lost and found services. Through an analysis of current applications and technological breakthroughs, it pinpoints chances to modify these advances to meet the particular difficulties presented by the Holy Mosque. The entire development process of the 'Lost and Found Assistance' app is described, from the first conceptualization to the design and coding stages. The project emphasizes the value of intuitive design concepts and user-friendly interfaces in making sure that the software is useful and accessible to a variety of users. An analysis of the app's usefulness in helping users find misplaced goods within the Holy Mosque completes the research endeavor. It talks about user pleasure and feedback, highlighting how the software improves users' experiences. It also looks at how widely the app might be used and offers ideas for improvements down the road. The 'Lost and Found Assistance' app helps to maintain a calm and serene atmosphere inside the Holy Mosque by utilizing contemporary technologies. The ability of technology to solve long-standing issues and improve the pilgrimage and visitor experience for millions of worshippers and tourists who visit this holy site is demonstrated by this study effort.

A Cages-on-Cluster Structure Constructed by Post-Clustering Covalent Modifications and Guest-Enabled Stimuli-Responsive Luminescence.

A novel gold(I)-cluster-based twin-cage is constructed by post-clustering covalent modification of a hexa-aldehyde cluster precursor with triaminotriethylamines. The cages-on-cluster structure have double cavities and four binding sites, showing site discriminative binding for silver(I) and copper(I) guests. The guests in the tripodal hats affect the luminescence of the cluster: tetra-silver(I) host-guest complex is weak red emissive, while bis-copper(I)-bis-silver(I) one is non-emissive but a stimuli-responsive supramolecule. The copper(I) ion inside the tri-imine cavity is oxidation sensitive, which enable the release of the bright emissive precursor cluster triggered by H2O2 solution. The hybridization of a cluster with cavities to construct a cluster-based cage presents an innovative concept for functional cluster design, and the post-clustering covalent modification opens up new avenues of finely tuning the properties of clusters.

A Cages‐on‐Cluster Structure Constructed by Post‐Clustering Covalent Modifications and Guest‐Enabled Stimuli‐Responsive Luminescence

A novel gold(I)‐cluster‐based twin‐cage is constructed by post‐clustering covalent modification of a hexa‐aldehyde cluster precursor with triaminotriethylamines. The cages‐on‐cluster structure have double cavities and four binding sites, showing site discriminative binding for silver(I) and copper(I) guests. The guests in the tripodal hats affect the luminescence of the cluster: tetra‐silver(I) host‐guest complex is weak red emissive, while bis‐copper(I)‐bis‐silver(I) one is non‐emissive but a stimuli‐responsive supramolecule. The copper(I) ion inside the tri‐imine cavity is oxidation sensitive, which enable the release of the bright emissive precursor cluster triggered by H2O2 solution. The hybridization of a cluster with cavities to construct a cluster‐based cage presents an innovative concept for functional cluster design, and the post‐clustering covalent modification opens up new avenues of finely tuning the properties of clusters.

Utilizing Amphibious AGVs to Optimize Container Transshipment for Deep Sea and Hinterland Operations

Transshipment is a key component of modern-day shipping logistics. Container supply chains rely on tran-shipment hubs to access remote locations. With globalisation driving growth in container trade, maritime congestion is rising at container terminals in ports worldwide. This is expected to worsen as demand con-tinues to grow. This research explores novel maritime equipment designs that can contribute to solving problems in the trans-shipment chain. One such idea is that of the Amphibious Automated Guided Vehicle, an innovative concept that travels on both land and sea. Envisioned as a tool to minimise the rehandling of containers, the Amphibious AGV forms the heart of the new changes that this research proposes for the fu-ture of trans-shipment. Complementing swifter trans-shipment, the research also proposes complementary design concepts such as floating terminals to add more flexibility for container ships and Amphibious AGVs applied to exchange containers offshore. To validate these ideas, an agent-based modelling methodology was used and replicated in the environment of the Hong Kong- Pearl River Delta. This work, therefore, opens up an intriguing future scope for maritime transshipment that is both sustainable and adaptable while also discussing limitations and concerns that need to be carefully considered.