Open Design Research Articles

Design, Development and Application of a Modular Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) Sensor for Near-Surface Geophysical Surveys.

Low-frequency electromagnetic induction (EMI) is a non-invasive geophysical method that is based on the induction of electromagnetic (EM) waves into the subsurface to quantify changes in electrical conductivity. In this study, we present an open (design details and software are accessible) and modular system for the collection of EMI data. The instrument proposed allows for the separations between the transmitter to be adjusted and up to four receiving antennas as well as the acquisition frequency (in the range between 3 and 50 kHz) to permit measurements with variable depth of investigation. The sensor provides access to raw data and the software described in this study allows control of the signal processing chain. The design specifications permit apparent conductivity measurements in the range of between 1 mS/m and 1000 mS/m, with a resolution of 1.0 mS/m and with a sampling rate of up to 10 samples per second. The sensor allows for a synchronous acquisition of a time stamp and a location stamp for each data sample. The sensor has a mass of less than 5 kg, is portable and suitable for one-person operation, provides 4 h of operation time on one battery charge, and provides sufficient rigidity for practical field operations.

Hyperloop New Mode of Transportation

Today conventional mode of transportation is rail, road, water, and air. These modes of transport are relatively slow and expensive or a combination of relatively slow and expensive. Hyper loop is latest mode of transportation which is fast and inexpensive to change the pattern of transportation. Similar to Linux, hyper loop is also open and unique design concept. By bringing this concept to reality, it will help people to travel from one city to another city in a very small time and also at a low cost. The hyper loop capsule would accelerate with the help of linear electric motor and traverse through the tube at a high speed. By using passive magnetic levitation or air bearing, capsule will run above their track. Hyper loop consists of a low-pressure tube with capsules that are travelled at low and high speed throughout the length of the tube. The capsules are supported with the help of cushion of air. To accelerate the capsules the magnetic linear accelerator is fitted at various stations on the hyperloop tube. To enter and exit the passengers the passage may be left either at the end of the tube or branches along the tube length. Let's see how the hyperloop change mode of transportation.

Use of HugoTM RAS in General Surgery: The First 70 Cases at a German Centre and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

Introduction: The versatile open modular design of the newly introduced robotic platform HugoTM RAS is expected to allow its rapid spread in general surgery. However, the system is not yet approved for use in oesophageal and HPB-surgery and is not licensed worldwide. The aim of this work was to review the current spectrum of general surgical procedures that may be feasibly and safely performed with Hugo. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our own series and performed a systematic review of all the published reports of general surgical procedures performed with this system in the literature. Results: Seventy patients underwent general surgery with Hugo at our institution, and another 99 patients were reported in the literature. The most common procedures were colorectal (n = 55); cholecystectomy (n = 44); repair of groin, ventral and hiatal hernias (n = 34); upper GI (n = 28); adrenalectomy (n = 6); and spleen cyst deroofing (n = 2). No device-related complications were reported. Arm collisions and technical problems were rare. The docking and console times improved in all series. The port positions and robotic arm configurations varied among authors and depended on the surgical indication, patient characteristics and surgeon's preference. Conclusions: A wide spectrum of general surgical procedures has been safely and effectively performed with the Hugo RAS, even by robotically inexperienced teams with a limited choice of instruments. Technical improvements to the system and the introduction of robotic energy devices may help Hugo evolve to a vital alternative to established robotic systems.

A phase 3, randomised, observer-blinded, placebo controlled-trial evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of investigational SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine CVnCoV in adult healthcare workers in Mainz (Germany)

BackgroundCV-NCOV-005 was conducted to generate additional safety and immunogenicity data for the former CVnCoV SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine candidate in healthcare workers (HCW). MethodsRandomised, observer blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial performed at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany. HCWs aged ≥18 years with no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection/positive serology were randomly assigned to receive two doses of CVnCoV, or two doses of placebo (0.9% NaCl). The primary objectives were to expand the safety database of CVnCoV and assess antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2. Primary safety and reactogenicity outcomes included solicited adverse events (AEs) within 7 days after each dose and unsolicited AEs within 28 days after each dose, with safety follow-up for 13 months after first vaccination. Since HCWs became eligible to receive an authorised vaccine during enrolment and efficacy results from HERALD CVnCoV trial were made available on 30th of June 2021, this study was unblinded and converted to an open label design. ResultsMost participants in the CVnCoV group reported at least one solicited AE, a relatively high number being Grade 3 (43.3% in CVnCoV group and 6.4% in placebo group). Most AEs were short in duration and did not affect vaccine compliance. The percentage of participants with unsolicited AEs up to 28 days after any dose was slightly higher in CVnCoV group (37.0%) compared with placebo group (31.2%). IgG binding antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were observed after vaccination, with higher seroconversion rates and antibody levels after the second dose. ConclusionNo safety concerns for CVnCoV were identified up to 1 year post second dose. IgG responses against SARS-CoV-2 were observed after two doses, with a higher seroconversion rate and antibody levels observed after second vaccination.Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04674189, study period: 23rd of December 2020 to 8th of June 2022.

Tuning Ion Mobility in Lithium Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes via Entropy Engineering.

The development of improved solid electrolytes (SEs) plays a crucial role in the advancement of bulk-type solid-state battery (SSB) technologies. In recent years, multicomponent or high-entropy SEs are gaining increased attention for their advantageous charge-transport and (electro)chemical properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of how configurational entropy affects ionic conductivity is largely lacking. Herein we investigate a series of multication-substituted lithium argyrodites with the general formula Li6+x[M1aM2bM3cM4d]S5I, with M being P, Si, Ge, and Sb. Structure-property relationships related to ion mobility are probed using a combination of diffraction techniques, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and charge-transport measurements. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental evidence of a direct correlation between occupational disorder in the cationic host lattice and lithium transport. By controlling the configurational entropy through compositional design, high bulk ionic conductivities up to 18 mS cm-1 at room temperature are achieved for optimized lithium argyrodites. Our results indicate the possibility of improving ionic conductivity in ceramic ion conductors via entropy engineering, overcoming compositional limitations for the design of advanced electrolytes and opening up new avenues in the field.

The design of neighbourhood open spaces to improve mental health: a critical review of restorative spatial characteristics and their applicability in design practice

ABSTRACT As urbanisation continues to increase, a rising prevalence of individuals dealing with stress-related mental health issues can be observed. Psychological restoration research can teach designers which spatial characteristics should be implemented in neighbourhood open spaces to enhance psychological restoration and improve citizens’ mental health. Unfortunately, this information is scattered across different fields, and it is unclear if the research results can be applied in design practice. Therefore, this study aims to identify restorative spatial characteristics and their applicability in neighbourhood open space design to improve citizens’ mental health, and critically reflect upon the current literature to guide future research and design practice. A scoping literature review (N = 62) resulted in 32 restorative spatial characteristics that can be applied in design practice. According to the literature, designers should focus on a variety of vegetation, consider the position of design elements, and optimise the design of adjacent buildings to enhance restorative potential. Although more research is needed into the applicability of the currently available information in real-life settings and for a variety of participant groups, this study is a first step in bringing together research of different fields on the design of neighbourhood open spaces that improve mental health of all citizens.

Digital Simulation of Coupled Dynamic Characteristics of Open Rotor and Dynamic Balancing Test Research

An aero engine, as the core power equipment of the aircraft, enables safe and stable operation with a very high reliability index, and is an important guarantee in flight. The open rotor turbine engines (contra-rotating propeller) have stood out as a research hotspot for aviation power equipment in recent years due to their outstanding advantages of low fuel consumption, high airspeed, and strong propulsion efficiency. Aiming at the problems of vibration exceeding the standard generated by imbalance during the operation of the dual-rotor system of aircraft development, the difficulty of identifying the coupled vibration under the micro-differential speed condition, and the complexity of the dynamic characteristic law, a kind of numerical simulation of the dynamics based on the finite element technology is proposed, together with an experimental research method for the fast and accurate identification of the coupled vibration of the dual-rotor system. Based on the existing open rotor engine structure design to build a simulation test bed, establish a double rotor finite element simulation digital twin model, and analyze and calculate the typical working conditions of the dynamic characteristics of parameters. The advanced algorithm of double rotor coupling vibration signal identification is utilized to carry out decoupling and dynamic balancing experimental tests, comparing the simulation results with the measured data to verify the accuracy of the technical means. The results of the study show that the vibration suppression rate of the finite element calculation simulation test carried out for the simulated double rotor is 98%, and the average vibration reduction ratio of the actual field test at 850 rpm, 1000 rpm, and 3000 rpm is over 50%, which achieves a good dynamic balancing effect, and has the merit of practical engineering application.

Design Options for Sustainable and Open Business Models: A Taxonomy-Based Analysis

The imperative for decarbonization forces businesses to transform their business models (BMs) and to adopt Sustainable Business Models which focus on creating value sustainably. In the context of Sustainable Business Model Innovation, maintaining close relationships within ecosystems is crucial to ensure a sustainable transformation while preserving competitiveness. As corporate boundaries become more transparent, the importance of external resources increases, leading to a shift from closed to open business models (OBM). In OBMs, stakeholders, including customers, actively co-create innovation and value creation. Our research investigates how integrating these approaches can shape BMs that effectively address decarbonization drivers and tackle the required business model innovation. We conducted a structured literature review to develop a taxonomy that outlines 64 design options across nine dimensions for sustainable, open BMs. In conclusion, this study provides sustainable and open design options, classified into detailed taxonomies. The practical applicability of this taxonomy was demonstrated through a use case classification, providing a foundation for companies and further research into designing and implementing these BMs in the context of decarbonization.

P‐219: Research on the Direction of Luminance Modulation at Small Angles Based on Micro Lens

The study investigated the variations in luminance of active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diodes (AMOLED) when viewed at small angles, employing different micro lens arrangements. By examining the micro lens array (MLA) structure, we analyzed how luminance behaves at various angles. Concurrently, we explored the alignment of red, green, and blue (R/G/B) pixel apertures with the micro lens placement, aiming to achieve precise luminance modulation for acute viewing angles.Initially, micro lens arrays are crafted by utilizing materials with varying refractive indices above the pixel aperture, ensuring total internal reflection of light at thejunction between materials of high and low refractive indices. This arrangement also alters the emission angle of light. Within this architecture, the critical angle — determined by the disparity in refractive indices — and the variance in the angle at the reflective interface are crucial in influencing light emission reflection.Furthermore, we explored how the spacing of graphic openings with low refractive indices influences the angle of light emission. This spacing affects the reflection angle, as it is not produced by a singular interface but rather by a composite of multiple angles. The size of the pixel apertures and the spacing of these openings cause the point of total internal reflection to vary, altering the deflection angle of light. Thus, the design of pixel openings and the external expansion is crucial to controlling the light emission angle.Lastly, we examined the influence of the reflective interface and the external expansion design on the light output angle. This analysis highlighted the enhancement of light output at narrow angles and provided strategies to minimize luminance fluctuations at such angles, contributing to the development of high‐precision luminance control in AMOLED displays.

Review of Advanced Methods in Hardware Acceleration for Deep Neural Networks

Abstract: Convolutional neural networks have become very efficient in performing tasks like Object Detection providing human like accuracy. However, their practical implementation needs significant hardware resources and memory bandwidth. In recent past a lot of research is being carried out for achieving higher efficiency in implementing such neural networks in hardware. We talk about FPGAs for hardware implementation due to their flexibility for customisation for such neural network architectures. In this paper we will discuss the metrics for efficient hardware accelerator and general methods available for achieving an efficient design. Further, we will discuss the actual methods used by recent research for implementation of deep neural networks particularly for object detection related applications. These methods range from actual ASIC design like TPUs [1] for on chip acceleration, state of the art open source designs like Gemini to methods like hardware reuse, re-configurable nodes and approximation in computations as a trade-off between speed and accuracy. This paper will be a valuable summary for the researchers starting in the field of hardware accelerators design for neural networks

Seeing a Sea of Ships - Exploring the Ship Design Space in the Digital Domain

We tackle in this work aspects of the ship design space in the digital domain, with an overview of the current status and opportunities to shift from fixed arrangements towards open technologies, proposing a mix of open and proprietary databases. The discussion is focused on the visual domain and digital thread in ship design. Literature examples from the Brazilian case and the visualization of the ocean space are presented (Numerical Offshore Tank - TPN), followed by the Japanese services to design and optimize hull for specific missions (NMRI), and lastly the current open ship design library developed in Norway (Vessel.js, NTNU). We present the argument that seeing a sea of ships, that is, visualizing the behavior of many options is already a reality, accessible from a portable device, without the need a large cluster as in the past, exemplified by web-based cases. Our conclusion is that computer graphics approaches to Ship Design should be considered open and exchangeable. Naval architects should focus on what they do best: creating, analyzing, refining, storing and populating the database of the know-how from the institution (e.g. university, research institute or company).

Potential Gradient-Driven Dual-Functional Electrochromic and Electrochemical Device Based on a Shared Electrode Design.

The integration of electrochromic devices and energy storage systems in wearable electronics is highly desirable yet challenging, because self-powered electrochromic devices often require an open system design for continuous replenishment of the strong oxidants to enable the coloring/bleaching processes. A self-powered electrochromic device has been developed with a close configuration by integrating a Zn/MnO2 ionic battery into the Prussian blue (PB)-based electrochromic system. Zn and MnO2 electrodes, as dual shared electrodes, the former one can reduce the PB electrode to the Prussian white (PW) electrode and serves as the anode in the battery; the latter electrode can oxidize the PW electrode to its initial state and acts as the cathode in the battery. The bleaching/coloring processes are driven by the gradient potential between Zn/PB and PW/MnO2 electrodes. The as-prepared Zn||PB||MnO2 system demonstrates superior electrochromic performance, including excellent optical contrast (80.6%), fast self-bleaching/coloring speed (2.0/3.2 s for bleaching/coloring), and long-term self-powered electrochromic cycles. An air-working Zn||PB||MnO2 device is also developed with a 70.3% optical contrast, fast switching speed (2.2/4.8 s for bleaching/coloring), and over 80 self-bleaching/coloring cycles. Furthermore, the closed nature enables the fabrication of various flexible electrochromic devices, exhibiting great potentials for the next-generation wearable electrochromic devices.

The Effect of Furrow Opener and Disc Coulter Configurations on Seeding Performance under Different Residue Cover Densities

The performance of the no-till seeder is one of the most important factors that affect the success of the no-tillage. Striking the right balance between furrow opener design and residue cover is essential for optimizing seeding conditions and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that promote both soil conservation and high-yield crop production. This study investigates the impact of residue cover on no-tillage maize seeding after wheat harvest, focusing on plant spacing, seeding depth, mean emergence time, and percent emergence. Trials with hoe-type and double-disc-type furrow openers, accompanied by plain- or ripple-disc-type coulters, were conducted in Antalya, Turkey. The results indicate that residue cover had no significant effect on mean plant spacing, but a higher residue cover increased spacing variation. The seeding depth in hoe-type furrow opener trials remained consistent, while double-disc-type furrow openers showed lower depths with 80% and 90% residue covers. The percentage of plant emergence and mean emergence time decreased as the residue cover increased in double-disc-type furrow opener trials. At 90% residue cover, PE decreased to 60%. The impact of disc coulters on hoe-type furrow openers was limited, but they increased seeding depth and MET in double-disc-type furrow openers. These findings can help optimize residue management for improved efficiency in no-till farming systems.

Investigating differences in brain activity between physical and digital prototyping in open and constrained design tasks

AbstractThis article presents an fNIRS experiment investigating cognitive differences between physical and digital prototyping methods in designers (N=25) engaged in open and constrained design tasks. Initial results suggest that physical prototyping yields increased hemodynamic response (i.e., brain activity) compared to digital design, and that constrained design yields increased hemodynamic response compared to open design, in the prefrontal cortex. Further work will seek to triangulate results by investigating potential correlations to design processes and design outputs.

Operationalizing community-based open scientific design research benchmarks: application to model-based architecture design synthesis

AbstractThe point has repeatedly been made that validation is a crucial success factor in demonstrating the scientific contribution and ensuring the adoption of results. Still, researchers in design science validate their research findings too infrequently. We must all evaluate our claimed contributions on open benchmarks to improve validation quality and foster cumulative research. In this paper, we propose a meta-model to standardise and operationalise the concept of open scientific benchmarks in design science and to guide communities of researchers in the co-development of scientific benchmarks.

Addressing cultural inertias for co-design: exploring Chinese participants’ perceptions of design games

AbstractInnovation-driven firms must adopt an open design strategy for competitiveness. Co-design games are recommended to foster an open, equal, and collaborative culture. However, most studies focus on the West. East-Asian countries, notably China, face unique challenges due to cultural disparities and inertia. This paper explores design games in the Chinese context through a case study with traditional workshops, revealing participants' perspectives and the potential impact on cultural inertia.

Utilizing periodic boundary conditions to save computational resources for assessing building natural ventilation in urban areas

For the first time in literature, we innovatively conducted CFD simulations with periodic boundary conditions to predict coupled indoor-outdoor airflows for a full-scale 3D six-floor residential building unit in urban areas with uniformly building clusters. A few influencing parameters on building ventilation performance are comprehensively analyzed, including the impacts of the surrounding buildings, wind incident angle (θ), external opening designs, cross or single-sided ventilation modes, and indoor facilities. Ventilation evaluation is contingent on factors including air change rate per hour (ACH), the corresponding ACH of purging flow rate (ACHPFR), and age of air (τ).Results show that the efficiency of natural ventilation on each floor differs from previous research conclusions after considering the impacts of surrounding buildings. Single-sided ventilation is significantly less effective than cross-ventilation in all scenarios. Most cross-ventilation cases have one-order greater ACH and ACHPFR values compared to those with single-sided ventilation. The window-to-wall ratio on the windward and leeward sides can affect the natural ventilation rate of the corresponding rooms. A large leeward opening helps to increase the ventilation rate, especially for the rooms on the upper floor, but it decreases the ventilation for the rooms near the ground. Indoor furniture has an insignificant impact on outdoor airflow and natural ventilation efficiency.

Design and Test of Offset Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying Modulator with GF180MCU Open Source Process Design Kit

This article explores the evolution of integrated circuits (ICs), highlighting the fundamental role of open source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in their development. It describes the IC’s design flow, differentiating between Front-end and Back-end design stages, and details the process of implementing the digital stage in offset quadrature phase-shift keying (OQPSK) modulation in an IC, including its hardware description language (HDL), the implementation test in the field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the physical layout using the first manufactured open source process design kits (PDKs) in Global Foundries’ 180 nm, as well as the use of OpenLane and Caravel. To conclude, the results of the physical tests obtained from the digital modulation are presented, as well as the performance of the raised cosine shaping filter.

An approach to coupling analysis for open architecture product

During the configuration process of open architecture products (OAPs), adaptive change is inevitable to meet customers' personalised demands. However, the coupling between modules makes adaptive changes of open architecture products more difficult. For the coupling between modules in open architecture product design, an approach to analysing the coupling between modules is proposed. The implications of adaptive change for open architecture products are explained, and the interface relationships among the common platform, customised modules, and personalised modules are analysed. The coupling modes of three cases are discussed, i.e. the coupling between modules under the same branch, between modules under different branches with only functional collaboration, and between modules under different branches with function-structure correlation. The coupling degrees are calculated with consideration of the number of connections between modules and their comprehensive correlation degree. The structural complexity of the module is considered by development cost, development time, change cost, and change time, which is expressed with the information content in axiomatic design. Based on structural complexity, the dependency, and coupling degree between modules, the calculation method of change impact degree between modules is presented. The method on coupling analysis between modules in open architecture product design for personalised electric winches is illustrated.

Evaluating hydrodynamics and implications to sediment transport for tidal restoration at Swan Cove Pool, Virginia

Coastal restoration projects are significantly important in coastal ecosystems as wetland losses accelerate. This study investigates tidal hydrodynamics and the potential impacts of a waterway opening on an existing roadway to restore and revitalise salt marshes in a small estuarine system in Virginia, USA. A depth-integrated, discontinuous Galerkin shallow-water equations model (DG-SWEM) is applied for astronomic tide simulation. The model employs a high-resolution unstructured mesh with a minimum element size of less than one meter and resolves complex tidal flows in the entire barrier island system, including the existing culvert gate and canal system. Compared to the existing system, the water exchange increased dramatically (flushing time also dramatically decreased) under the opened scenarios regardless of the opening width (22.9-, 30.5-, and 38.1-m width). By increasing the opening width, peak velocity through the proposed opening decreased 30–40%, and the maximum shear stress was reduced by more than half. The high-resolution model represented complex tidal flows, including eddies, and assisted in striking a balance of water-exchange capability, opening stability, and minimising their potential erosions for the opening design. Besides, erosion and sediment transport potentials for suspended sediments were estimated using bed shear stress and a Lagrangian particle tracking module. Such proxy modelling approach allows for the impact assessment of civil engineering and ecological waterworks in complex and highly damped tidal flow areas and is readily transferrable to other like systems (e.g. causeway construction, causeway cutting, biota passageways, and inlet modification).