Design Methodology Research Articles

Validity and reliability of an Arabic-language version of the postpartum specific anxiety scale research short-form in Jordan.

The English-language Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS) is a valid, reliable measure for postpartum anxiety (PPA), but its 51-item length is a limitation. Consequently, the PSAS Working Group developed the PSAS Research Short-Form (PSAS-RSF), a statistically robust 16-item tool that effectively assesses PPA. This study aimed to assess and validate the reliability of an Arabic-language version of the PSAS-RSF in Jordan (PSAS-JO-RSF). Using a cross-sectional methodological design, a sample of Arabic-speaking mothers (N = 391) with infants aged up to 6 months were recruited via convenience sampling from a prominent tertiary hospital in northern Jordan. Factor analysis, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), McDonald's ω, and inter-item correlation measures were all examined. Explanatory factor analysis revealed a four-factor model consistent with the English-language version of the PSAS-RSF, explaining a cumulative variance of 61.5%. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the good fit of the PSAS-JO-RSF (χ2/df = 1.48, CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.039, SRMR = 0.019, p < 0.001). The four factors demonstrated acceptable to good reliability, with McDonald's ω ranging from 0.778 to 0.805, with 0.702 for the overall scale. The CR and AVE results supported the validity and reliability of the PSAS-JO-RSF. This study establishes an Arabic-language version of the PSAS-JO-RSF as a valid and reliable scale for screening postpartum anxieties in Jordan.

Using predictive models unravel the potential of titanium oxide-loaded activated carbon for the removal of leachate ammoniacal nitrogen.

The TiO2 nanocomposite efficiency was determined under optimized conditions with activated carbon to remove ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) from the leachate sample. In this work, the facile impregnation and pyrolysis synthesis method was employed to prepare the nanocomposite, and their formation was confirmed using the FESEM, FTIR, XRD, and Raman studies. In contrast, Raman phonon mode intensity ratio ID/IG increases from 2.094 to 2.311, indicating the increase of electronic conductivity and defects with the loading of TiO2 nanoparticles. The experimental optimal conditions for achieving maximum NH3-N removal of 75.8% were found to be a pH of 7, an adsorbent mass of 1.75mg/L, and a temperature of 30°C, with a corresponding time of 160min. The experimental data were effectively fitted with several isotherms (Freundlich, Hill, Khan, Redlich-Peterson, Toth, and Koble-Corrigan). The notably elevated R2 value of 0.99 and a lower ARE % of 14.61 strongly support the assertion that the pseudo-second-order model compromises a superior depiction of the NH3-N reduction process. Furthermore, an effective central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed, and the lower RMSE value, precisely 0.45, demonstrated minimal disparity between the experimentally determined NH3-N removal percentages and those predicted by the model. The subsequent utilization of the desirability function allowed us to attain actual variable experimental conditions.

Social marketing of the coffee cream liquor in the Association of Agroindustrial Entrepreneurs of Challohuma of San Juan del Oro

The purpose of the study is to explain the factors that determine social marketing of coffee cream liquor in the Association of Agroindustrial Entrepreneurs of Challohuma in San Juan del Oro District, Department of Puno (Southern Peru). The methodological design specifies a type of quantitative approach, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, through surveys in a total of 41 members of the association. Results demonstrated that the factors that significantly determine social marketing of coffee cream liqueur are marketing factors on individual consumers (product attributes, brand assignment, packaging, labeling and product support services), society (commitment to health, environment and collaborators), and about the company (internal quality of service, satisfied and productive service employees, greater service value, satisfied and loyal customers and healthy profits and growth). The Pearson coefficient r = 0.746 explains at the significance level of α = 0.01 that social marketing factors of coffee cream liquor of the Association of Agroindustrial Entrepreneurs of Challohuma in San Juan del Oro, are positively and considerably correlated with the factor of individual, social and business consumer, supporting the alternative hypothesis. It is concluded that social marketing plans must be implemented to boost the growth of the company.

Incidencia del programa ondas en la formación de investigadores

Article derived from research aimed at evaluating the impact of the Ondas Program on the training of children, young people, graduates and research teachers from official educational institutions in the urban area of the municipality of Palmira; with mixed methodology, non-experimental descriptive, transversal and retrospective design, in a sample of students, teachers and graduates of I.E. urban public utilities in Palmira linked to the Ondas program between 2014-2018; updated information with evidence from recent years. A matrix of indicators and a semi-structured online form questionnaire are used as instruments. In findings, the Ondas program has positive results in the training of children, young people, graduates and research teachers, since the longer they stay in the program, the greater the effect over time, improving academic level and preference for careers related to S&amp;T. concluding that the promotion of scientific vocations through the Ondas program demonstrates the achievement of its objectives

Optimization, Sodium Hydroxide and Plantain Fibres: Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Composites for Transtibial Prosthetic Socket

Low mechanical behaviors of natural fibres in the reinforcement of polymer composites have remain an issue of concern. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of NaOH treatment on the mechanical properties of plantain fiber for the transtibial prosthetic sockets made of polyester resin. Plantain fiber was extracted from the plantain bast using water retting techniques. The fibres were modified using alkaline treatment method of 5 – 25% for variable time of 30 to 150 minutes. It was optimized using 3-level Factorial design (3-LCD) of response surface methodology based on tensile properties of treated fibres. The polyester composites of plantain and glass fibers were prepared using hand-layup techniques. Instron Universal testing machine-3369 model was used to determine the tensile and impact properties of fibers and polyester composites. Rockwell hardness tester-RBHT/S-39 model was used to determine the hardness property. The optimum process conditions of 5 % NaOH for 119 minutes improved plantain fiber tensile strength, modulus, strain, energy, and extension by improved by 102.03, 208.07, 9.70, 210.52 and 205.73 %, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength and modulus was obtained at 10 and 12.5% fiber loading. The hardness and impact strength of NaOH modified unsaturated polyester composites was marginally more than 3.51 and 10.69% of glass fiber reinforced unsaturated composites, respectively, at 12.5% fiber loading. FTIR analysis revealed the improvement in mechanical properties. Thus, NaOH modified plantain fiber unsaturated polyester composites serves as a better alternative for making transtibial prosthetic socket.

Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Nursing Home Residents', Families', and Staff's Perceptions of Bioethical Principles: A Qualitative Study.

In this study, we employed a pre-interview survey and conducted interviews with nursing home staff members and residents/family members to understand their perceptions of whether the COVID-19 restrictions fulfilled obligations to nursing home residents under various principles, including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and privacy. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with staff members from 14 facilities, and 20 with residents and/or family members from 13 facilities. We used a qualitative descriptive study design and thematic analysis methodology to analyze the interviews. Findings from the pre-interview survey indicated that, compared to nursing home staff, residents and their families perceived lower adherence to bioethics principles during the pandemic. Qualitative analysis themes included specific restrictions, challenges, facility notifications, consequences, communication, and relationships between staff and residents/family members. Our study exposes the struggle to balance infection control with respecting bioethical principles in nursing homes, suggesting avenues for improving processes and policies during public health emergencies.

Optimization of Aircraft Fuel Systems Considering Fluid Dynamics Principles

The fuel system is the lifeline of any aircraft, pivotal for its operation and future advancements. This study delves into aircraft fuel system design methodologies, aiming to streamline development processes. Through optimization and matrix methods like the morphological matrix, Saab Aerospace pioneer’s conceptual designs. These methods automate development and deepen our understanding of how top-level requirements impact engineering details. Quantifying matrices opens doors to design optimization and probabilistic design. Furthermore, a systematic approach to simulation modeling minimizes development time, leveraging parallel development and collaborative engineering. With stakeholder expectations in mind, experience gleaned from projects like the Gripen fuel system shapes an overarching process for future endeavors. This journey promises to reshape aircraft fuel system design, ensuring each drop of fuel propels us towards boundless horizons. Key Words: Aerospace engineering, Fuel system, Optimization techniques, Matrix methods, Simulation models, Conceptual design, System integration, Aircraft performance, Fuel tank configurations, Operational flexibility, Gripen Fuel, DSM- Design Structure Matrix

Design of experiments and Derringer's desirability function in optimisation and validation of RP-HPLC method for the analysis of enrofloxacin and its impurities

AbstractUsing the Design of Experiments methodology (Response-Surface Methodology and Derringer's Desirability Function), a simple, fast and robust RP-HPLC method was developed for the analysis of enrofloxacin (EFC), its impurity A (fluoroquinolonic acid, FQ) and impurity B (ciprofloxacin, CPX). Gradient elution of samples was performed on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 32 mM phosphate buffer pH 3.5 – methanol (0 min-19.6% methanol; 15.5 min-19.6% methanol; 29.5 min-80% methanol; 30 min-19.6% methanol; 35 min-19.6% methanol), delivered at a flow rate of 1.5 mL min−1, wavelength of detection 278 nm (for EFX and CFX) and 265 nm for FQ. A good linear response was achieved in the range 15–35 μg mL−1 (EFX) and LOQ-150% for impurities (CFX and FQ). Other validation parameters were also tested: precision, accuracy, sensitivity and robustness. The developed method was shown to be simple, practical and suitable for the analysis of EFC and its impurities (CPX, FQ) in veterinary drugs.

Novel nanohybrid iron (II/III) phthalocyanine-based carbon nanotubes as catalysts for organic pollutant removal: process optimization by chemometric approach.

In the present study, two iron phthalocyanine (FePc)-based nanocatalysts were synthesized and fully characterized. The carbon nanotubes (CNT) functionalized in an easy way with either Fe(II)Pc or Fe(III)Pc exhibit a very good catalytical activity. The activity in real wastewater effluent was comparable with the activity in distilled water. The procedure of modeling and optimizing with the assistance of chemometrics, utilizing design of experiments (DOE) and response surface methodology (RSM), revealed the conditions of optimum for decaying Reactive Yellow 84 on the nanocatalysts FePc_CNT. These optimal conditions included a catalyst dose of 1.70 g/L and an initial concentration (C0) of 20.0 mg/L. Under the indicated optimal conditions, the experimental findings verified that the removal efficiency was equal to Y = 98.92%, representing the highest observed value in this study. Under UVA light, after only 15 min of reaction, over 94% of dye was removed using both catalysts. The reuse experiments show that the activity of both nanohybrid material based on FePc-CNT slightly decreases over four consecutive runs. The quenching experiments show that RY84 was removed through radical pathways (O2•- and •OH) as well as non-radical pathways (1O2 and direct electron transfer).

Introduction of Cellulolytic Bacterium Bacillus velezensis Z2.6 and Its Cellulase Production Optimization

Enzyme-production microorganisms typically occupy a dominant position in composting, where cellulolytic microorganisms actively engage in the breakdown of lignocellulose. Exploring strains with high yields of cellulose-degrading enzymes holds substantial significance for the industrial production of related enzymes and the advancement of clean bioenergy. This study was inclined to screen cellulolytic bacteria, conduct genome analysis, mine cellulase-related genes, and optimize cellulase production. The potential carboxymethylcellulose-hydrolyzing bacterial strain Z2.6 was isolated from the maturation phase of pig manure-based compost with algae residuals as the feedstock and identified as Bacillus velezensis. In the draft genome of strain Z2.6, 31 related cellulolytic genes were annotated by the CAZy database, and further validation by cloning documented the existence of an endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) belonging to the GH5 family and a β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) belonging to the GH1 family, which are predominant types of cellulases. Through the exploration of ten factors in fermentation medium with Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken design methodologies, maximum cellulase activity was predicted to reach 2.98 U/mL theoretically. The optimal conditions achieving this response were determined as 1.09% CMC-Na, 2.30% salinity, and 1.23% tryptone. Validation under these specified conditions yielded a cellulose activity of 3.02 U/mL, demonstrating a 3.43-fold degree of optimization. In conclusion, this comprehensive study underscored the significant capabilities of strain Z2.6 in lignocellulolytic saccharification and its potentialities for future in-depth exploration in biomass conversion.

Exploring the significance of early life outdoor experiences: a scoping review of retrospective outdoor methods

ABSTRACT Outdoor programs have shown holistic health benefits for participants, with recent evidence indicating that these benefits can extend long after the conclusion of the program. The methods employed in retrospective studies exploring these outcomes are diverse, leading to many different approaches. Furthermore, only a few studies reference a theoretical framework guiding the authors’ approach. The primary objectives of this review were to (1) identify the purposes and outcomes from retrospective studies related to outdoor experiences, (2) summarize the methodological characteristics, and (3) compile reported methodological limitations. A Peer Reviewed Electronic Search Strategy (PRESS) was employed to search four prominent databases; Yielding 5206 candidate studies, from which 31 met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis revealed that there were four main study purposes and 22 unique outcomes. Retrospective, longitudinal, and follow-up were the three main methodological designs, with methods exhibiting significant variation and diversity. This review concludes with five suggestions for future research.

Experimental Evaluation of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Controller for an EV3 Ballbot System

In this paper, experimental results about the performance of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Controller (TSFC) for an EV3 Ballbot Robotic System (EV3BRS) are reported. The physical configuration of the EV3BRS has the form of an inverted pendulum mounted on a ball. The EV3BRS is an underactuated robotic system with four outputs and two control torques. In this work, following the Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy control design methodology, the Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) approach is used in the design of the TSFC. The EV3BRS’s TS Fuzzy Model (TSFM) design comes from linearization of the nonlinear model around two operation points near the upright position of EV3BRS’s body. The Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) approach was used to obtain the feedback gains for every local linear controller, guaranteeing, via a conservative stability condition, the global asymptotic stability of the overall fuzzy control system. The main goal of the control task consists of maintaining the EV3BRS’s body at its upright position. Measurement and control data from and to the EV3BRS are transferred via telecontrol and telemetry. The appropriate performance of the controller design is corroborated via experimentation.

A Review on Design and Verification of Programmable UART with AXI

A Review on Design and Verification of Programmable UART with AXI

Using Generative AI Midjourney to Enhance Divergent and Convergent Thinking in an Architect’s Creative Design Process

Architects use a range of tools, from the traditional pencil to Virtual Reality technologies to prototype and articulate their creative designs. In recent years, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) software has reached the mainstream and there is an exponential appearance of GenAI images that portray architectural designs. This article documents an architectural design methodology that uses Midjourney, a text-to-image GenAI software, as a design tool that enhances architects’ creativity. Prompted by a design brief, we used Midjourney to accelerate (1) the identification and refinement process of developing a prospective user and (2) the ideation process of creating different desirable spaces for the designed user.

A variable stiffness design method for soft robotic fingers based on grasping force compensation and linearization

Abstract Soft fingers play an increasingly important role in robotic grippers to achieve adaptive grasping with variable stiffness features. Previous studies of soft finger design have primarily focused on the optimization of the structural parameters of existing finger structures, but limited efforts have been put into the design methodology from fundamental grasping mechanisms to finger structures with desired grasping force features. To this aim, a fundamental architecture of soft fingers is proposed for analyzing common soft finger features and the influence of the internal structures on the overall grasping performance. In addition, three general performance metrics are introduced to evaluate the grasping performance of soft finger designs. Then, a novel method is proposed to combine the variable stiffness structure with the fundamental architecture to compensate for the grasping force of the finger and linearization. Subsequently, an embodiment design is proposed with a cantilever spring-based variable stiffness (CSVS) mechanism based on the method, and a multi-objective optimization method is employed to optimize the design. Besides, the CSVS features are analyzed through finite element analysis (FEA), and by comparing the grasping performance between the V-shape finger and the CSVS finger, it is demonstrated that the design method can effectively shorten the pre-grasp stage and linearize the grasping force in the post-grasp stage while reducing the likelihood of sliding friction between the finger and the grasped object. Finally, experiments are conducted to validate the accuracy of the FEA model, the effectiveness of the design methodology, and the adaptability of the CSVS finger.

Theoretical semi-quantitative risk assessment methodology for tunnel design and construction processes

Theoretical semi-quantitative risk assessment methodology for tunnel design and construction processes

Top-Down Design Method of a Time Domain Accelerometer with Adjustable Resolution

A top-down design methodology and implementation of a time domain sensor is presented in this paper. The acceleration resolution of the time domain sensor is equal to the time-measurement accuracy divided by the sensor sensitivity. Combined with the sensitivity formula, the acceleration resolution is proportional to the vibration amplitude, the time-measurement accuracy, and the third power of the resonant frequency. According to the available time-measurement accuracy and the desired acceleration resolution, the parameters including the vibration amplitude and the resonant frequency were theoretically calculated. The geometrical configuration of the time domain sensor device was designed based on the calculated parameters. Then, the designed device was fabricated based on a standard silicon-on-insulator process and a matched interface circuit was developed for the fabricated device. Experimental results demonstrated that the design methodology is effective and feasible. Moreover, the implemented sensor works well. In addition, the acceleration resolution can be tuned by adjusting the time-measurement accuracy and the vibration amplitude. All the reported results of this work can be expanded to other time domain inertial sensors, e.g., a gyroscope or tilt sensor.

Study on ultimate capacity and design method of cold-formed steel equal lipped angle components under axial compression

This study focuses on evaluating the load-bearing capacity of cold-formed steel (CFS) equal lipped angle components. It delves into the structural behavior and design methods, taking into account various edge conditions and buckling modes. By considering the key parameters, which are component length, component thickness, total lip length, and lip bending angle, a total of 555 numerical models are developed for a systematic analysis on the components with two types of cross-sectional shapes. Since the coefficients within the direct strength method (DSM) inadequately capture the ultimate load-bearing capacity of lipped angle components, we introduce a design methodology rooted in the DSM framework to address global and global-local coupling buckling modes while imposing constraints to prevent local-distortion coupling buckling modes. The machine learning models (XGBoost, BPNN, and 1D-CNN) are adopted to predict the structural behavior of the two types of lipped angle components. These models can integrate the analysis of the components with two types of cross-section shapes in predictions of ultimate load capacity, axial deformation, and buckling modes. Meanwhile, the prediction accuracy of the machine learning models surpasses that of the analytical design methodology, offering more accurate prediction for ultimate load capacity, axial deformation and buckling modes.

Design and operational control methodology for large-scale photovoltaic system in green port application

ABSTRACT Due to the complex-shading and ununiform-corrosion problems caused by the oceanic climate, the working conditions of photovoltaic (PV) system in port are poor. In this study, some effective PV topologies are developed and compared under typical oceanic conditions. In order to improve the output of port PV system, a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is developed, in which the convolutional neural network (CNN) and bidirectional long short time memory network (BiLSTM) are introduced to forecast the real-time optimal operation point. Finally, the developed topology and MPPT method are verified by a comprehensive set of case studies. Experimental results show that the total-cross-tied (TCT) and gradient (GT) topologies can achieve the best performance. However, by considering the complex structure and higher failure rate due to the large number of joints in TCT topology, the PV arrays installed on the roofs, in the free space of green belt, freight yard and near the seaside are suggested to be connected in GT topology to balance operation efficiency, failure rate and maintenance costs. Moreover, the developed CNN-BiLSTM-based MPPT method and PV topology can effectively work together, and the average forecasting error is just 3.482%, which outperforms the compared state-of-the-art methods significantly.

Incidence of teacher reflection on the teacher's understanding of diversity and its role in the transition to inclusive education

AbstractThis research focuses on including people with disabilities in higher education. It proposes that reflective teaching is a tool to move from an integrative to an inclusive approach. Using a qualitative methodology, it analyzes teachers' positions on integration and inclusion, using focus groups to collect information. The results show that most teachers are close to the integration approach, although they recognize difficulties in implementing inclusion. Academics highlight the importance of curricular adaptation, flexible methodology and universal learning design to enable the participation of students with disabilities in higher education. The analyses also highlight the constant need for teachers to adapt, which generates additional pressure, especially for those who adhere to an inclusive approach. Teachers should base their reflection on the emotional and rational components of teaching, which play a crucial role in balancing the individual and objective freedoms of teachers and students, thus ensuring a fair and equitable educational environment for all.