Design Construction Research Articles

Preclinical Evaluation of HER2-Targeting DARPin G3: Impact of Albumin-Binding Domain (ABD) Fusion.

Designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) G3 is an engineered scaffold protein. This small (14.5 kDa) targeting protein binds with high affinity to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 is overexpressed in several cancers. The use of the DARPin G3 for radionuclide therapy is complicated by its high renal reabsorption after clearance via the glomeruli. We tested the hypothesis that a fusion of the DARPin G3 with an albumin-binding domain (ABD) would prevent rapid renal excretion and high renal reabsorption resulting in better tumour targeting. Two fusion proteins were produced, one with the ABD at the C-terminus (G3-ABD) and another at the N-terminus (ABD-G3). Both variants were labelled with 177Lu. The binding properties of the novel constructs were evaluated in vitro and their biodistribution was compared in mice with implanted human HER2-expressing tumours. Fusion with the ABD increased the retention time of both constructs in blood compared with the non-ABD-fused control. The effect of fusion with the ABD depended strongly on the order of the domains in the constructs, resulting in appreciably better targeting properties of [177Lu]Lu-G3-ABD. Our data suggest that the order of domains is critical for the design of targeting constructs based on scaffold proteins.

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME: IMPACT OF IDEAL ROOFING ON OCCUPANTS HEALTH

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has been defined as a “set of adverse health or discomfort symptoms that individuals experience when they spend time indoors, particularly in office buildings, and that lessen while away from the building” Apte et al. (2000). Various construction elements such as windows, floors, roof designs and construction methods can substantially increase or reduce health and safety levels. This can affect internal and external environments in workplaces. Therefore, the more sustainable the construction elements, the less hazardous or negative impacts on the building construction, the workforce, the environment, the occupants and vice versa. This study aims to use existing building construction elements and designs in North Cyprus to create a framework for developing and evaluating suitable roofing structures for adequate insulation in the North Cyprus residential buildings. This was achieved through research experiments on the construction of building elements, that is, roofing. Most SBS buildings in Cyprus have no roof structure or adequate insulation. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to prove that wrong roof systems contribute to SBS formation in buildings and the rate of SBS effects on the end users.

Synthetic protein protease sensor platform.

Introduction: Protease activity can serve as a highly specific biomarker for application in health, biotech, and beyond. The aim of this study was to develop a protease cleavable synthetic protein platform to detect protease activity in a rapid cell-free setting. Methods: The protease sensor is modular, with orthogonal peptide tags at the N and C terminal ends, which can be uncoupled via a protease responsive module located in between. The sensor design allows for several different readouts of cleavage signal. A protein 'backbone' [Green fluorescent protein (GFP)] was designed in silico to have both a C-terminal Flag-tag and N-Terminal 6x histidine tag (HIS) for antibody detection. A protease cleavage site, which can be adapted for any known protease cleavage sequence, enables the uncoupling of the peptide tags. Three different proteases-Tobacco, Etch Virus (TEV), the main protease from coronavirus SARS-COV-2 (Mpro) and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)-a cancer-selective human protease-were examined. A sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was developed based on antibodies against the HIS and Flag tags. As an alternative readout, a C-terminal quencher peptide separable by protease cleavage from the GFP was also included. Purified proteins were deployed in cell-free cleavage assays with their respective protease. Western blots, fluorescence assays and immunoassay were performed on samples. Results: Following the design, build and validation of protein constructs, specific protease cleavage was initially demonstrated by Western blot. The novel ELISA proved to afford highly sensitive detection of protease activity in all cases. By way of alternative readout, activation of fluorescence signal upon protease cleavage was also demonstrated but did not match the sensitivity provided by the ELISA method. Discussion: This platform, comprising a protease-responsive synthetic protein device and accompanying readout, is suitable for future deployment in a rapid, low-cost, lateral flow setting. The modular protein device can readily accommodate any desired protease-response module (target protease cleavage site). This study validates the concept with three disparate proteases and applications-human infectious disease, cancer and agricultural crop infection.

Study of the Geometry of an Oscillating Water Column Device with Five Chambers Coupled under Regular Waves through the Constructal Design Method

This research conducts a numerical study of a wave energy converter (WEC) device with five coupled hydropneumatic chambers, operating based on the principle of an oscillating water column (OWC). A turbine was not included, only considering the tube without it. The computational domain was defined by a wave channel housing an OWC device subjected to regular incident waves. The central objective was to assess the impact of chamber geometry on maximizing the total hydropneumatic power in energy conversion. The numerical simulations consider the pressure, mass flow rate, and total hydropneumatic power, with the latter being the performance indicator. To determine the geometries to be analyzed, the Constructal Design method was employed in conjunction with the exhaustive search optimization method to maximize the performance indicator. The degrees of freedom defined were the ratios between the height (Hn) and the length (Ln) of the hydropneumatic chambers (Hn/Ln, where n varies from one to five). Based on the results of the mass flow rate and pressure, their influence on power was evaluated. It was observed that the influence of the degrees of freedom on the pressure difference, mass flow rate, and hydrodynamic power was quite similar, displaying an increase for low ratios of Hn/Ln up to a maximum magnitude and followed by a decrease in magnitude. The best performance was achieved for the geometric configuration with Hn/Ln = 0.2613 (Hn = 5.0625 m and Ln = 15.8219 m), representing an improvement of 98.6% compared to the worst case analyzed.

Engineering and Design for Sustainable Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis of Current Status and Future Trends

The purpose of this study is to investigate the state of engineering and design research for sustainable construction. It aims to report the current status and future trends within this dynamic field, combining econometric and content analysis using the Bibliometrix R encapsulation tool. This study reviewed academic journals using bibliometric analysis. We selected articles by searching the Scopus database. Primarily relevant articles were identified and screened. The dataset comprised a substantial compilation of 731 journal articles from 278 sources published between January 2000 and June 2023, which formed the basis of the in-depth analysis. The importance of sustainable construction is gradually gaining more attention, and engineering and design are the significant phases of construction. This research identifies that sustainable construction is nothing in isolation; instead, it warrants the holistic integration of multiple factors, as illustrated in the Sankey diagram. Recycling, durability, life cycle assessment, innovative materials, and energy efficiency have emerged as central themes, reflecting global concern to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impacts, and optimize resource utilization. This study is a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, offering guidelines for collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. This paper paves the way for interdisciplinary cooperation and strategic alignment among diverse stakeholders, promoting innovative approaches to sustainable construction.

Застосування та опрацювання результатів лазерного сканування в цивільному будівництві.

The goal of this work is to create a 3D model and detailed drawings of the structural components of a kindergarten building in the city of Truskavets, based on laser scanning. The methodology is based on using laser scanning to create detailed 3D models and drawings of buildings. This process involves several stages: performing laser scanning of the object, processing the obtained data to create an accurate 3D model, analyzing the model to identify necessary changes or improvements in the structure, and finally, developing detailed drawings based on this model. The method also includes assessing the accuracy and quality of scanning to ensure the reliability of the final results. Results As a result of this work, detailed 3D models and drawings of the construction object were created using laser scanning. The results demonstrated high accuracy and quality of the models, enabling their effective use in reconstruction and repair works. The study also showcased how this technology can enhance design and planning in construction, particularly in the context of renovating existing buildings. These outcomes affirm the efficacy of laser scanning as a tool for modern construction design. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The importance of this work lies in the creation of a high-precision 3D model from laser scanning results, enabling the development of a detailed plan for the reconstruction of the kindergarten. This was the first time a comprehensive set of tasks for creating a 3D model of a kindergarten in Truskavets was carried out, based on laser scanning technology.

Modular slot-die coater for in situ grazing-incidence x-ray scattering experiments on thin films.

Multimodal in situ experiments during slot-die coating of thin films pioneer the way to kinetic studies on thin-film formation. They establish a powerful tool to understand and optimize the formation and properties of thin-film devices, e.g., solar cells, sensors, or LED films. Thin-film research benefits from time-resolved grazing-incidence wide- and small-angle x-ray scattering (GIWAXS/GISAXS) with a sub-second resolution to reveal the evolution of crystal structure, texture, and morphology during the deposition process. Simultaneously investigating optical properties by in situ photoluminescence measurements complements in-depth kinetic studies focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the triangular interdependency of processing, structure, and function for a roll-to-roll compatible, scalable thin-film deposition process. Here, we introduce a modular slot-die coater specially designed for in situ GIWAXS/GISAXS measurements and applicable to various ink systems. With a design for quick assembly, the slot-die coater permits the reproducible and comparable fabrication of thin films in the lab and at the synchrotron using the very same hardware components, as demonstrated in this work by experiments performed at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY). Simultaneous to GIWAXS/GISAXS, photoluminescence measurements probe optoelectronic properties in situ during thin-film formation. An environmental chamber allows to control the atmosphere inside the coater. Modular construction and lightweight design make the coater mobile, easy to transport, quickly extendable, and adaptable to new beamline environments.

Exploring the combined cooling effect of street canyon geometry and the surrounding built environment.

Exploring the impact of complex urban morphology on the urban heat island (UHI) effect is essential for sustainable environmental management and enhancing human well-being. This study explored the combined cooling effect of street canyon geometry and the surrounding built environment using a CatBoost model and the Shapley method. The findings indicated that in streets with low building height and density, a high proportion of sky and vegetation and a flatter skyline are conductive to mitigate UHI effect. In streets with high building height and density, a lower proportion of sky and vegetation, and a well-proportioned skyline, can effectively mitigate UHI effect. Regardless of the building density and height around the street, street trees are the optimal choice for greening construction and improvement of large and medium-sized cities in China, given their high controllability and the current urban stock background. Therefore, reasonable control and allocation of street trees can effectively adjust the street canyon geometry, providing suitable cooling strategies for streets with different surrounding built environments. This study proposed a method to mitigate the UHI effect through street canyon geometry, which can be extended to other high-density urban thermal environment studies and guide policymakers on street construction and urban design.

The use of non-invasive ERT method to diagnose karst in roadengineering in the Lublin Upland (Poland)

Appropriate design in linear construction depends on many factors, including detailed geological conditions. One of the biggest problems are unrecognized erosion forms, in particular karst ones, which have a huge impact on the design and subsequent operation of roads. For this purpose, in addition to conventional methods such as drilling or geotechnical probing, which are point-based, non-invasive spatial geophysical methods are used. This article presents an example of the use of geoelectrical surveys, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for the recognition of karst zones for linear investments. The article describes ERT investigations, which to some extent allows to identify dangerous karst phenomena occurring in the Lublin Upland (Poland), which are of great importance at the design stage of roads and in their further safe operation. Non-invasive geophysical research has been verified and confirmed by traditional geotechnical research, which confirms the effectiveness of their use. The Electrical Resistivity Tomography was used as a method providing a broader spectrum of knowledge on the spatial arrangement of soil layers in the subgrade of the planned road investments. It also enabled a more accurate, more detailed interpretation of geotechnical studies. The described geophysical investigations opens wide possibilities for their application to researchers. In the future, non-invasive methods have a chance to become as reliable as geotechnical methods, but this requires a lot of research to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of the interpretation of the obtained results.

Development and consideration of Chinese super-large diameter shield tunnel

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the country has made significant progress in tunnel construction, transforming from a “weak tunnel nation” to a “strong tunnel nation.” As of 2022, China has undertaken more than 60 projects involving large-diameter shield tunnels. To promote the sustainable and high-quality development of large-diameter shield tunnels in China, this article systematically reviews the development history of large-diameter shield tunnels, summarizes the current projects in the country, and addresses various aspects such as construction technology management, design technology, ecological conservation, safety, and intelligence. The article also provides suggestions for the development of large-diameter shield tunnels in China, with the aim of playing a proactive role in promoting their advancement.

Constructive development and design justification of the protective shell of a nuclear reactor made of reinforced concrete

Introduction. This paper provides materials justifying the introduction of a new constructive solution for the reinforced concrete protective shell of a nuclear reactor in a prefabricated and monolithic design.
 
 Aim. Among the tasks that were set during the development of the constructive solution, the main one was to ensure the work of reinforced concrete for compression under all types of loading and the perception of tensile forces by ropes that are in a free state, available for maintenance and operation.
 
 Materials and methods. The calculations were performed by the finite element method using a software package MicroFe-StaDiCon for calculation of the spatial structures for strength, stability and vibrations.
 
 Results. A fundamentally new constructive solution has been developed for the protective shell of the nuclear reactor of the NPP, consisting of reinforced concrete elements in the form of cylindrical folds with a bulge directed towards possible external and internal force emergency effects, including the explosion of the reactor. Variants of protective shells have been developed with the elaboration of fundamental technical solutions for unified folded elements made of reinforced concrete with the possibility of their monolithic and prefabricated manufacture. A scheme of open arrangement and tensioning of cable bundles with tension transfer to pre-fabricated structures of the inner and outer parts of the protective shell is proposed.
 
 Conclusions. This design solution provides compressive forces in reinforced concrete of the folds of the inner and outer parts of the protective shell from the load during loading, which prevents the formation of cracks in them. The tensile forces in the shell are perceived by the prestressed reinforcement located inside its structure, free for maintenance and control. In the process of work, fundamental solutions have been developed for the structural nodal joints of prefabricated folded reinforced concrete elements, technological holes in the shell structure and the implementation of prestressing in it. A comparative technical and economic analysis of the proposed and existing inner protective shell showed the possibility of reducing concrete consumption by 1.5–2 times, non-stressed reinforcement by 3–4 times, construction time by 4 times.

Analysis of the regulatory database to determine the criteria for the effectiveness of structural and technological solutions for the installation of structural slabs

This article is devoted to the analysis of the regulatory framework in the context of determining the criteria for the effectiveness of structural and technological solutions for the installation of structural slabs. The study is aimed at identifying the regulatory requirements and standards that regulate the process of installation of the covering, in particular structural plates. The authors highlight current issues related to the effectiveness of constructions and installation technologies, as well as conduct a systematic review of the literature and analyze existing norms and standards. Particular attention is paid to defining the key criteria that determine the efficiency and reliability of the installation of structural plates. The results of the study can be useful for specialists in the field of construction design, architectural design and the construction industry. The analysis of the regulatory framework allows modern practitioners and researchers to better understand the requirements for structures and contributes to the further development of standards in the field of installation of structural slabs. Against the background of the rapid development of the construction industry and constant technological evolution in the field of building structures, special attention is devoted to the analysis of the regulatory framework for determining the criteria for the effectiveness of structural and technological solutions, in particular, when installing structural slabs. The article begins with substantiating the relevance of the topic, based on the need to optimize and improve construction processes. The authors identify problems and challenges that often arise in connection with the installation of structural plates, and argue the need for a thorough analysis of regulatory documents. In the future, a systematic review of the literature and existing national and international standards regulating the installation process of structural plates is carried out. Special attention is paid to identifying inconsistencies or gaps in existing regulatory documents and the need for their clarification. The key aspect of the extended analysis is the determination of efficiency and reliability criteria for the installation of structural plates. The authors consider technical and operational aspects, taking into account the impact of the environment and the requirements for the durability of structures. The main results of the research can be useful for practicing engineers, architects and specialists in the construction industry. The conclusions and recommendations of the article can serve as a basis for further scientific research in the field of improvement of regulatory requirements and standards for improving the quality and safety of the installation of structural slabs.

Pulp and Paper Industry at the Start of the First Five-Year Plan: Plans and Practices

In Soviet Russia and the Soviet Union, formed in 1922, the pulp and paper industry was poorly developed. Following the First World War, the Civil War and the Soviet-Polish War, the loss of the western regions, where more than a third of paper products were produced, was also a negative factor. Despite the presence of large forest areas, there were not enough resources for their development, and there was no machine-building base. As a result, the Soviet state imported significant volumes of semi-finished products, paper and cardboard. The article analyzes the plans of the Supreme Economic Council of the USSR for the development of the pulp and paper industry in the second half of the 1920s, the design and progress of construction of enterprises. It was revealed that the main economic body sought to gradually reduce the import of wood pulp, pulp, paper and other necessary materials through the expansion and construction of production facilities. Trusts and regional economic bodies played a major role in the location of enterprises. For them, new construction provided an opportunity to attract capital investment and create industrial centers. It is concluded that large-scale plans for the development of the pulp and paper industry in the Soviet Union in the second half of the 1920s. were poorly developed from a financial and personnel point of view, were based on the weak level of development of the industry and reflected the optimistic ideas of economists and business executives about the potential of the new economic policy. On the contrary, the competition for projects of pulp and paper enterprises in 1928 reflected the transition from decentralized to centralized design of facilities and demonstrated the priorities of the Soviet government regarding the location of new production facilities.

State Goals, Institutional Social Constructions, and Utah’s Postsecondary Education Governance Reform Efforts

State-level postsecondary education governance has experienced a lull in successful reform efforts since the turn of the century. However, in 2020, the Utah System of Higher Education and Utah System of Technical Colleges were formally merged following a multi-year effort by state legislators and higher education officials. Framed by the theory of social construction and policy design, this study considers underlying institutional considerations and statewide goals that led to Utah’s governance merger and how these changes impacted the public higher education sectors in the state, offering insights for research examining higher education governance and reform efforts.

A shorter inverted repeat length in a hairpin RNA results in a stronger silencing efficacy

RNA interference (RNAi), particularly hairpin RNA (hpRNA) constructs, is a potent genetic manipulation tool, influencing traits that are crucial for crop improvement. Typical hpRNA constructs consist of inverted repeat sequences derived from the mRNA of the target gene, separated by a non-complementary spacer. This configuration initiates the formation of a double-stranded RNA structure due to the complementary nature of sense and antisense sequences in the transcribed RNA. In this research, two hpRNA constructs, namely hp-TFL1-S and hp-TFL1-L, with distinct lengths of inverted repeats, were designed to target TFL1, a pivotal regulator of both flowering timing and inflorescence structure. hp-TFL1-L construct encompasses all the 150 nucleotide sequences of the hp-TFL1-S construct and an extra 135 nucleotides. These constructs included a chalcone synthase intron as a spacer, resulting in hairpin double-stranded RNA molecules of 150 and 285 base pair after transcription. The PCR and qRT-PCR analysis results confirmed the accurate design of both constructs and their successful suppression of TFL1 mRNA expression in transgenic Arabidopsis. Interestingly, Arabidopsis lines carrying hp-TFL1-S and hp-TFL1-L exhibited distinct phenotypic features. hp-TFL1-S induced more pronounced phenotypic changes, resulting in earlier flowering compared to the hp-TFL1-L and control group. Moreover, hp-TFL1-S had a significant impact on inflorescence architecture, distinguishing it from both hp-TFL1-L and control plants. This study provides an example where inverted repeat length alters the efficacy of silencing, and in this case, surprisingly the shorter construct appears to have a stronger silencing efficacy. This argues multiple sized hpRNAs should be tested in RNAi-based gene silencing experiments.

Investigation on the penetrability of cement slurries with three solid-phase particle sizes in coral sands with different gradations

The law of penetrability of cement slurry in coral sand media is a key issue in the design of foundation grout reinforcement and construction in coral sand formations. Indoor infiltration grouting tests were conducted to evaluate the influences of the characteristic parameters of cement slurry and coral sands on the penetrability, to classify the penetrability of three kinds of cement slurries with different solid-phase particle sizes (SP) in coral sands with different gradations, to ascertain the dominant permeation intervals of typical cement slurries in coral sands in terms of penetrability, and to reveal the dynamic competitive relationships between the SP and viscosity of the slurries on the penetrability. In addition, the influences of the filtration effect on the penetrability in terms of the infiltration channels and the diffusion rate of the slurries were determined. The results showed that the characteristic parameters of the slurry and coral sands affected the penetrability in descending order thus: water-cement ratio, permeability coefficient of coral sands (PC), grouting pressure, and cement particle diameter d90. The ranking of the three typical cement slurry grouting capacity is different according to the different permeation properties of the injected medium. In actual grouting operations, the trade-off between the solid particle size and viscosity of the slurry should be considered based on the permeation performance of coral sands, and a slurry with an advantage of penetrability is selected.

Infrastructure digital twin technology: A new paradigm for future construction industry

The construction industry has traditionally been slow to adopt digital technology, resulting in inefficient workflows, frequent cost overruns, and delays. Moreover, its fragmented structure, inherent to market dynamics, exacerbates these challenges. Embracing digitalization and transitioning to Industry 4.0 can substantially enhance efficiency and productivity in construction through increased innovation and improved collaboration, ultimately reducing information gaps and data discrepancies. This study aims to assess the potential integration of digital twin technology across various construction stages, spanning from initial design to project delivery. Existing literature emphasizes the transformative power of digital twin technology in advancing building innovation and environmental sustainability. These virtual replicas are crucial in optimizing industrial manufacturing by harmonizing production processes and societal interactions. A focused examination of digital twin technology applications in construction highlights its ability to streamline coordination and facilitate data sharing among stakeholders. Property owners increasingly recognise the value of digital twin technology in local contexts, driving the digitization of design and collaboration methods in construction. Integrating digital twin technology right from a project's inception and extending it across design phases optimizes project delivery, enhances asset quality, and contributes to societal sustainability. As the nexus between digitalization and sustainability goals strengthens, the construction industry stands at the cusp of a significant transformative journey.

Multilevel Heterogeneous Interfaces Enhanced Polarization Loss of 3D-Printed Graphene/NiCoO2/Selenides Aerogels for Boosting Electromagnetic Energy Dissipation.

Heterointerface engineering is an attractive approach to modulating electromagnetic (EM) parameters and EM wave absorption performance. However, the weak interfacial interactions and poor impedance matching would lead to unsatisfactory EM absorption performance due to the limitation of the construction materials and design strategies. Herein, multilevel heterointerface engineering is proposed by in situ growing nanosheet-like NiCoO2 and selenides with abundant interface structures on 3D-printed graphene aerogel (GA) skeletons, which strengthens the interfacial effect and improves the dielectric polarization loss. Benefiting from the features of substantially enhanced polarization loss and optimized impedance matching, the graphene/S-NiCoO2/selenides (G/S-NCO/Se) have achieved brilliant EM wave absorption performance with a strong reflection loss (RL) value of -60.7 dB and a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8 GHz, which is about six times greater than that of the graphene aerogel (-9.8 dB). Moreover, it is further confirmed by charge density differences and off-axis electron holography that a large amount of polarized charge accumulates at the interface, leading to significant polarization relaxation behaviors. This work provides a deep understanding of the effect of a multilevel heterogeneous interface on dielectric polarization loss, which injects a fresh and infinite vitality for designing high-efficiency EM wave absorbers.

3D Bioprinting of Multicellular Stem Cell‐Derived Constructs to Model Pancreatic Cell Differentiation

AbstractIn vitro models of the pancreas can aid in developing therapies for pancreatic diseases. Nonetheless, most pancreatic tissue engineering is limited to insulin‐secreting β‐cells or pancreatic adenocarcinoma models. Combining all essential tissue components, including exocrine, endocrine, and blood vasculature, is crucial to recapitulate native tissue organization. In this study, extrusion‐based 3D bioprinting to create pancreatic tissue constructs containing both endocrine and exocrine compartments is exploited. Mouse pluripotent stem cell‐derived pancreatic progenitors, pancreatic endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells are bioprinted. During postprinting cultivation, the cells differentiated into exocrine and endocrine lineages, resulting in vascularized pancreatic tissue‐like constructs with multiple cell types. However, the bioprinted constructs contracted significantly postprinting, hindering control of cell positioning and shape preservation. Therefore, 2 strategies to reduce the contraction and deformation of the bioprinted constructs are developed. These bioprinting techniques and biomaterial combinations allow us to investigate the influence of construct design and cellular composition on pancreatic cell fate. The results reveal that increased construct stiffness and endothelial component presence significantly promoted endocrine while suppressing exocrine differentiation. Overall, a novel strategy for pancreatic tissue engineering that advances and holds promise for pancreas disease and development modeling, as well as pharmaceutical testing is demonstrated.

Physico-Mechanical Properties of Pumpkin Seeds in the Context of Drying Processes

The paper highlights the significance of the drying process in post-harvest cucurbit seed treatment technology. To improve the effectiveness of drying high-moisture seeds, a plant construction design was introduced, incorporating the concept of providing varied heat distribution to a vigorously agitated seed layer. The paper validates the necessity of refining the dimensional, frictional, and aerodynamic properties of pumpkin seeds to determine the optimal operating modes for the proposed dryer. (Research purpose) To identify the physical and mechanical properties of pumpkin seeds by defining their dimensional, frictional and aerodynamic characteristics. (Materials and methods) The study employs one-factor experimental research methods with subsequent statistical data processing. An experimental study was conducted on the physical and mechanical properties of Volzhskaya Grey pumpkin seeds possessing a standard moisture content ranging between 9.3 and 9.7 percent. Well-known laboratory apparatuses, namely the «conical tank» and the «inclined plane», were used to determine the natural repose angle and to enhance the accuracy of friction coefficients determination. For analyzing the aerodynamic properties of the seeds, the K-293 Petkus air separator was employed. (Results and discussion) Research methods were developed and experimental plants were described. It was established that with a probability confidence level of 0.95, the static friction coefficients of pumpkin seeds on a solid steel sheet, a perforated steel sieve and on rubber are 0.473, 0.418, 0.481, respectively, and the dynamic friction coefficients under the identical conditions are measured as 0.331, 0.293, 0.337. The average angle of natural repose is found to be 22 degrees, the midsection area is 97.94 square millimeters, the soaring velocity is 7.083 meters per second, the windage coefficient stands at 0.196 and the aerodynamic drag coefficient is 0.136. (Conclusions). The assumption that enhancing the drying efficiency of vegetable seeds can be achieved by implementing a diverse thermal energy supply to continuously moving mass inside the apparatus is confirmed, provided that the seeds do not stick together in layers resulting in blockage of the coolant flow. An improved design of the dryer configurations has been developed and, to validate its optimum design and technological specifications, an in-depth analysis of the seeds' dimensional, frictional, and aerodynamic attributes has been conducted.