Design Stage Research Articles

Pole placement tuning of proportional integral derivative feedback controller for knee extension model

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has shown potential in rehabilitative exercises for patients recovering from spinal cord injuries. In recent developments, conventional open-loop FES control techniques have evolved into closed-loop systems that employ feedback controllers for automation. However, closed-loop FES systems often face challenges due to muscle non-linear effects, such as fatigue, time delays, stiffness, and spasticity. Therefore, an accurate non-linear knee model is required during the design stage, and precise tuning of the feedback controller parameters is vital. A proportional– integral–derivative (PID) controller is commonly used as a feedback controller due to its simplicity and ease of implementation. However, most PID tuning methods are complex and time consuming. This paper investigates the viability of employing the pole placement technique for tuning a PID controller that regulates the non-linear knee extension model. The pole placement method aims to improve the control and adaptability of the PID controller in closed-loop FES systems, specifically by facilitating knee extension exercises. MATLAB Simulink was used to assess the effectiveness of this tuning approach. Results showed that the PID controller performed satisfactorily without non-linearities, but performance varied with the inclusion of specific non-linearities. The pole placement tuning method facilitated preliminary assessments of PID controller performance, preceding highly advanced optimization.

User interface design of context-input-process-product evaluation application based on weighted product

This study aimed to show the user interface design form of the <br /> context-input-process-product (CIPP) evaluation application based on weighted product as a measuring tool for the effectiveness level of blended learning in health colleges. This research approach was development research. The development model used was Borg and Gall. It focused on the design stage, initial trials, and revisions. The initial test of the user interface design involved 32 respondents. The tool for conducting it was in the form of a questionnaire, which contains 16 questions. The research was at the health colleges in Buleleng Regency. The data analysis technique of the initial test results was quantitative descriptive. It compared the percentage level of user interface design quality from the weighted product-based CIPP evaluation application with a quality standard which referred to a five scale. The results of this study indicated that the quality of the user interface design was relatively good. The research result’s impact on educational evaluation was new knowledge for pedagogic evaluators in maximizing the development of digital-based evaluation tools by integrating the decision support system method (weighted product) with the educational evaluation model (CIPP model).

Emergency department Nurses’ narratives of burnout: Changing roles and boundaries

PurposeEmergency department nurses work in rapidly changing environments, which can contribute to occupational stress. Emergency department nurses utilise diverse strategies to mediate the impact of stress on their daily lives. There is a paucity of qualitative research which explores emergency department nurses’ experiences and perspectives of burnout. This study aimed to explore emergency department nurses’ experiences of burnout. Further, the study considered how emergency nurses conceptualised burnout and the strategies they used to manage the professional and personal effects of burnout. ProceduresThe COREQ research guidelines were used throughout the study from the design stage through to dissemination. Narrative inquiry was used as the underpinning theoretical framework. The researcher met individually with eight emergency department nurses from NSW hospitals to undertake a face-to-face semi-structured interview. An inductive approach was used to establish major themes within the narrative. FindingsTwo major themes were established: experiencing conflicting emotions and trying to establish a personal sense of control. Emergency nurses felt passionate about their professional roles, yet encountered difficulties due to management structures, time constraints and a sense of underappreciation. The misalignment between their expectations and the reality of emergency department nursing, resulted in experiences of burnout such as dissatisfaction and frustrations at work. Consequently, these nurses adopted diverse strategies within both their professional and personal domains. Principal conclusionsThe conclusions of this study are transferable to a variety of acute health services. Health service management have a role to promote a positive workplace culture for nurses, which advocates for home life balance. This will support nurses to construct clear boundaries between professional identity and their personal lives.

The Power of Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Their Applications to Discover Cysteine Protease Inhibitors.

A large family of enzymes with the function of hydrolyzing peptide bonds, called peptidases or cysteine proteases (CPs), are divided into three categories according to the peptide chain involved. CPs catalyze the hydrolysis of amide, ester, thiol ester, and thioester peptide bonds. They can be divided into several groups, such as papain-like (CA), viral chymotrypsin-like CPs (CB), papain-like endopeptidases of RNA viruses (CC), legumain-type caspases (CD), and showing active residues of His, Glu/Asp, Gln, Cys (CE). The catalytic mechanism of CPs is the essential cysteine residue present in the active site. These mechanisms are often studied through computational methods that provide new information about the catalytic mechanism and identify inhibitors. The role of computational methods during drug design and development stages is increasing. Methods in Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) accelerate the discovery process, increase the chances of selecting more promising molecules for experimental studies, and can identify critical mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology and molecular pathways of action. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are essential in any drug discovery program due to their high capacity for simulating a physiological environment capable of unveiling significant inhibition mechanisms of new compounds against target proteins, especially CPs. Here, a brief approach will be shown on MD simulations and how the studies were applied to identify inhibitors or critical information against cysteine protease from several microorganisms, such as Trypanosoma cruzi (cruzain), Trypanosoma brucei (rhodesain), Plasmodium spp. (falcipain), and SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro). We hope the readers will gain new insights and use our study as a guide for potential compound identifications using MD simulations.

Techniques in Drafting Contracts

At this time, it appears that there is a lack of discussion of various basic laws, such as civil law, commercial law, criminal law, constitutional law, contract law, and others. Our contract law still uses the regulations of the Dutch Colonial Government contained in Book III of the Civil Code. Book III of the Civil Code adheres to an open system, meaning that parties are free to enter into contracts with anyone, determine the terms, implementation and form of the contract, whether oral or written. This research aims to find out the principles and Pre-Drafting in contract design and the technical stages in contract design. The research specifications are descriptive in nature using normative juridical research. The approach method used is a statutory approach. Data obtained through document study and analyzed using qualitative methods. Based on the research results, the first is related to the principles in designing contracts, namely there are two legal principles that must be considered, namely: beginsselen der contrachtsvrijheid or party autonomy, and pacta sunt servanda. Beginselen der contrachtsvrijheid or party autonomy, namely that the parties are free to agree on what they want, provided that it does not conflict with the law, public order and morality. Regarding pre-preparation of contracts, there are four things that must be considered by the parties, namely. Identity of the parties, initial research on related aspects, creation of an MOU, and negotiations. The second research result is that there must be stages in contract design, contract title, opening, related parties, racital, contents of the contract and closing.

Numerical calibration of the mooring system for a semi-submersible floating wind turbine model

Abstract Numerical modelling of the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) dynamics plays a critical role at the design stage of a floating wind project. Still, there exist challenges for verification of efficient engineering models against experimental results. Recently, an experimental campaign was carried out for a 1:96 downscaled model of the OC4-DeepCWind semi-submersible platform with mooring lines made of fibre ropes and chains. Leveraging the results of this campaign, this paper focuses on development and calibration of a numerical model for the semi-submersible platform with a focus on the dynamic responses under bichromatic waves. In the numerical model, the hydrodynamic loads are modelled based on the potential flow theory with Morison drag. The lumped mass method is applied to model the mooring system. Both free decay tests and bichromatic wave conditions are considered in the model calibration process, and key uncertain parameters (e.g., mooring line length) that affect the response have been identified and discussed. Using the proposed calibration procedure, we establish a reasonably good numerical model for prediction of the platform motion and mooring dynamics. The low-frequency responses of the platform under bichromatic waves are well-captured. These outcomes contribute to the development of efficient numerical FOWT models under experimental uncertainty.

Conceptual design of shore station for an innovative waste collecting vessel

Marine environment protection legislation in the EU requires ships to return waste they generate on voyages to waste-reception facilities in ports. In many harbors there is a need to expand the port infrastructure to enable the operation of Waste Collecting Vessels (WCVs). In addition, these vessels can perform new functions of cleaning port basins and adjacent waterways. A novelty in the presented research on the conceptual design of the shore station is the inclusion of new requirements for an autonomy and modularization of the vessel. The shore station was designed in the form of a floating pontoon, taking into account the various functional requirements addressed in the ship's conceptual design stage. The pontoon consists of modules corresponding to the ship segments moored in them. The conceptual design was intentionally defined in a generalized form to allow for further development and adaptation to local requirements at individual ports.

A Service Blueprint Approach in Ship Building Activity Mapping

In the evolving landscape of shipbuilding, the confluence of innovative methodologies and advanced technologies is reshaping paradigms in ship design and production. The industry's quest for multidisciplinary methods that elaborate representing diverse ship building activities and boost efficiency in managing these activities has unveiled the potential of the service blueprint, a tool used in service design, which addresses design of activities and determining who does what activities when in collaboration with whom. Our proposition centres on the structured activity mapping representation, a novel activity map that utilizes service blueprint with detailed description of activities with rich and structured representation of context. The framework offers a comprehensive perspective, illuminating intricate processes such as concept design, detailed design and production stages as well as service and operation stages. This mapping would ensure alignment of each activity with overarching project objectives, encapsulating values, interactions, collaborations. This paper illustrates the approach of service blueprint in representing ship building activities with discussion on improvement potential of current activity mapping through the service blueprint approach as being conducted in the SEUS EU Horizon project.

RPL Management Model for Capacity Building of Village Apparatus: A Case Study on Cooperation between Surabaya State University and Bojonegoro District Government

Law Number 23 of 2014 grants regional autonomy, which means that each regional institution is authorized to manage its own policies. This includes village governments, which are regulated by Law Number 6 of 2014. Therefore, it is crucial to have competent village personnel who can provide exceptional services to the citizens. In 2021, 45,387 village heads, 43,876 village secretaries, 31,147 village-owned enterprise managers, and 7,889 professional assistants graduated from high school, according to data from the Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration. This highlights the need to strengthen the education of village apparatus. One way to achieve this is through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which is a collaboration between the Ministry and universities such as the State University of Surabaya and the State University of Yogyakarta. This program can help improve the skills of village apparatus. However, there is a gap between the reality and the implementation of the collaboration between the Ministry and Pertindes regarding the implementation of RPL for village apparatus. In Bojonegoro Regency, for instance, only 61% of village heads had a high school educational background in 2022, according to the Office of Community Empowerment and Village Government. To address this issue, the researcher aims to understand the management of RPL in Bojonegoro Regency to improve the capacity of village apparatus. The research is based at the State University of Surabaya and Bojonegoro Regency. The study obtained primary data from interviews, literature studies, and a memorandum of understanding between the State University of Surabaya (UNESA) and the Bojonegoro Regency Government. The researcher used a knowledge management approach in program planning, which focused on six main stages in development planning. These stages included problem identification, problem diagnosis, design stage, design implementation, design testing, and solution formulation. The results of the study showed that collaboration and support from educational institutions are strategic solutions for improving village human resources. Additionally, the RPL program is relevant to the functions of higher education institutions in preparing personnel for village government administration. The implementation of RPL in Bojonegoro is in accordance with the principles of cooperation. However, there were some technical obstacles in the implementation of activities.

Antifungal Potential of Secondary Metabolites Derived from Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr.: An Analysis of In Silico Enzymatic Inhibition and In Vitro Efficacy against Candida Species

Considering the escalating resistance to conventional antifungal medications, it is critical to identify novel compounds that can efficiently counteract this challenge. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the fungicidal properties of secondary metabolites derived from Arcangelisia flava, with a specific focus on their efficacy against Candida species. This study utilized a combination approach comprising laboratory simulations and experiments to discern and evaluate the biologically active constituents present in the dichloromethane extract of A. flava. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that compounds 1 (palmatine) and 2 (fibraurin) exhibited antifungal properties. The compounds exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 15.62 to 62.5 µg/mL against Candida sp. Moreover, compound 1 demonstrated a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 62.5 µg/mL against Candida glabrata and C. krusei. In contrast, compound 2 exhibited an MFC of 125 µg/mL against both Candida species. Based on a molecular docking study, it was shown that compounds 1 and 2 have a binding free energy of −6.6377 and −6.7075 kcal/mol, respectively, which indicates a strong affinity and specificity for fungal enzymatic targets. This study utilized pharmacophore modeling and Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations to better understand the interaction dynamics and structural properties crucial for antifungal activity. The findings underscore the potential of secondary metabolites derived from A. flava to act as a foundation for creating novel and highly efficient antifungal treatments, specifically targeting fungal diseases resistant to existing treatment methods. Thus, the results regarding these compounds can provide references for the next stage in antifungal drug design. Further investigation is necessary to thoroughly evaluate these natural substances’ clinical feasibility and safety characteristics, which show great potential as antifungal agents.

Statement of Retraction: Ecological technology of green building in the initial stage of design based on BIM technology

Statement of Retraction: Ecological technology of green building in the initial stage of design based on BIM technology

Aided design decision-making framework for engineering projects considering cost and social benefits

PurposeCurrently, engineering project design lacks a design framework that fully combines subjective experience and objective data. This study develops an aided design decision-making framework to automatically output the optimal design alternative for engineering projects in a more efficient and objective mode, which synthesizes the design experience.Design/methodology/approachA database of design components is first constructed to facilitate the retrieval of data and the design alternative screening algorithm is proposed to automatically select all feasible design alternatives. Then back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm is introduced to predict the cost of all feasible design alternatives. Based on the gray relational degree-particle swarm optimization (GRD-PSO) algorithm, the optimal design alternative can be selected considering multiple objectives.FindingsThe case study shows that the BP neural network-cost prediction algorithm can well predict the cost of design alternatives, and the framework can be widely used at the design stage of most engineering projects. Design components with low sensitivity to design objectives have been obtained, allowing for the consideration of disregarding their impacts on design objectives in such situations requiring rapid decisions. Meanwhile, design components with high sensitivity to design objective weights have also been obtained, drawing special attention to the effects of changes in the importance of design objectives on the selection of these components. Simultaneously, the framework can be flexibly adjusted to different design objectives and identify key design components, providing decision reference for designers.Originality/valueThe framework proposed in this paper contributes to the knowledge of design decision-making by emphasizing the importance of combining objective data and subjective experience, whose significance is ignored in the existing literature.

Development of Maths Booklet Media for Primary School Students

This research focuses on the development, validity, and practicality of booklet-based teaching materials for mathematics subjects, specifically on equivalent fractions. Following the Research and Development (R&D) model, which incorporates the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) design stages, this research aims to create effective learning aids. The assessment of the developed Booklet showed high validity and practicality. The material expert assessment rated it "very valid" at 93.33%, while the media design and language experts rated it high at 98.57% and 95%, respectively. In addition, both teachers and students considered the Booklet practical, with response percentages of 87% and 94%, respectively. These findings underscore booklet-based learning materials' effectiveness and ease of use in mathematics education. The Booklet is a valuable tool for teachers to deliver curriculum content effectively and for students to improve their understanding of mathematical concepts. Learning outcomes can be significantly enhanced through such media, facilitating understanding and practical application of mathematical principles.

Heat Transfer Models and Measurements of Brushless DC Motors for Small UASs

Heat transfer affects a motor’s sizing, its performance, and, ultimately, the overall vehicle’s range and endurance. However, the thermal literature does not have early-stage models for outrunner brushless DC (BLDC) motors found in small unmanned aerial systems (UASs). To address this gap, we have developed a non-dimensional heat transfer model (Nusselt correlation). Parametric experiments of four different-sized BLDC motors under load in Reynolds-matched wind tunnel tests generated data for model correlation. The motors’ aspect ratios (diameter/length) ranged from 0.9 to 1.5. The freestream Reynolds number of the axial flow over the motors ranged from 20,000 to 40,000. The rotational Reynolds number ranged from 10,000 to 20,000. The results showed that aspect ratio had the largest influence on heat transfer, followed by rotational and freestream Reynolds numbers. A steady-state model used the correlation to predict the motor’s ambient temperature differential within 10 K of experimental data. A case study applied the correlation to predict a hypothetical motor’s continuous torque in different environments. The correlation enables conceptual designers to capture thermally-driven trade-offs in early design stages and reduce costly revisions in later stages.

Balanced Mix Design Plus for Mixtures that Contain Recycled Asphalt Pavement

Recent efforts have been made to include mixture performance tests at the mix design stage using so-called “balanced” mix design (BMD). This paper evaluates the use of two mixtures that contain intermediate and high recycled asphalt pavement contents in the context of a BMD approach referred to as balanced mix design plus (BMD+). BMD+ utilizes the dynamic modulus, cyclic fatigue, and stress sweep rutting tests and mechanistic models and has three tiers of design based on the amount of performance testing required. As part of the BMD+ approach, index–volumetrics relationships (IVRs) and performance–volumetrics relationships (PVRs) based on the four-corner concept were developed for the two mixtures and verified using the performance data from seven other volumetric conditions. The developed PVRs were used to perform BMD+ Tier 3 analysis of the two mixtures, whereas the IVRs based on two points at the target air void content of 4% were used to conduct BMD+ Tier 2 analysis. The results indicate that the use of BMD+ Tier 2, which requires performance tests at only two conditions and without pavement simulations, yields longer lasting mixtures compared with Tier 1, which follows the Superpave volumetric mix design method. It was also found that Tier 3 requires more testing and pavement simulations but leads to even further gains in predicted life duration compared with Tier 2.

Исследование физико-механических свойств сгущенных хвостов обогащения и формируемого искусственного массива в выработанном пространстве карьера

The article presents the results of studying physical and mechanical properties of thickened concentration tailings, as well as regularities in their changes during the dumping process in mined-out spaces of open-pits. The necessity of experimental studies is explained by the existing discrepancy between the parameters of the artificial hydraulic deposition of soils and the design solutions, in particular, the spreading angles, the lack of a ponding zone created within the rock mass body, as well as the insignificant influence on the intakes of the dewatering plant. The following characteristics of the thickened tailings that define the parameters of the hydraulic deposition technology and the artificial massif formed inside the pit at the design stage were taken as the research objects: density, mineral density, absolute and relative moisture content, storactivity, viscosity, shear stress, flowing angle, and water conductivity. These characteristics were tested using conventional methods. Representative samples were collected at the discharge points of the thickened tailings in the open pit and directly at the discharge point of the thickener No.2 at the paste thickening plant. It was established that as the thickened tailings are transported to the place of their deposition inside the open pit, no changes take place in their density, moisture content, and water conductivity, but the rheological properties, such as viscosity, shear stress, angle of spreading undergo a significant change, which should be taken into account in design solutions. Being familiar with the technology of thickening, transportation and storage of paste mixtures in open-pit mines allows us to consider the mechanical impact on the pulp flocculi and their destruction, consisting in the rupture of the macromolecules, as the main cause of changes in the structure and properties of the thickened tailings.

Innovative Design of Marketing Ecosystems

This study is devoted to the issues of ecosystems and the ecosystem approach. The formation and use of marketing ecosystems can simplify both the processes of transformation of technological patterns and the interaction of different types of business models of enterprises. A separate focus is on marketing ecosystems as one of the important innovations of Industry 5.0. The transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 is accompanied by the creation of the necessary software and algorithmic base of quantum computing, introduction of technologies for visualisation of management decisions, development of neuromorphic models of enterprise architecture, digital twins of business processes.The purpose of the study is to develop approaches to designing a marketing ecosystem within the framework of Industry 5.0 and Industry 4.0, which is necessary for building effective interactions between innovative enterprises of different business spheres. The article considers the stages of innovative design of new marketing ecosystems, the result of which is the end-to-end integration of information resources of their member enterprises, which is necessary for the consolidation and synchronisation of structured and unstructured data on different business models of companies and the organisation of predictive analytics mechanisms. In the course of the work, the method of scientific analysis of literature on the research problem was applied, and the empirical experience of the authors of the article was used. The results of the study will be useful to all managers of innovative companies as well as the heads and employees of marketing departments of these companies.

SCADA implementation in microhydro power plant control and monitoring systems of screw turbine type

Screw turbine-type micro-hydro power plants are still controlled manually by humans when there is a change in the electrical load on the generator output. If there is a change in the electrical load, the generator output voltage will change, thus affecting the rotation of the turbine being used. In this case, humans are needed to manually regulate the flow of water entering the turbine to maintain the stability of the generator output voltage by controlling the sluice gate. The water discharge entering the screw turbine will rotate the generator through a belt/gearbox pulley transmission, thus producing an electrical voltage at the generator output. To maintain the stability of the generator output voltage, it is necessary to control the water discharge entering the screw turbine. The expected goal of this research is to design a control system for a screw turbine type microhydro power plant to stabilize the generator output voltage and monitor the output of a screw turbine type generator using a SCADA (Supervisory Control, and Data Aquisition) system. The method used is the research and development method, namely the system design stage based on secondary data that has been collected, where the system design includes hardware design and software design, followed by making hardware such as control panels and devices. Software, which includes display design and leader diagrams and testing, is carried out by testing the system on software, hardware, and overall system testing. From the results of the discussion and analysis, the screw turbine type microhydro power plant control design system was created, a load control system consisting of 6 groups and sluice gate opening control that uses an ultrasonic sensor to determine the water level. With the results of controlling the sluice gate at a door opening of 30 mm, the generator voltage is 18.42 Volts DC, DC current is 0.0 Ampere at a load of 0 watts, when the load is 30 watts the generator voltage decreases by 18.40 volts, current is 1.37 Ampere. Through the on-line monitoring system, electrical parameters are obtained which are displayed on the SCADA system by looking in real-time at the history of DC voltage and DC current, DC power, and DC energy generated by the screw turbine-type DC generator. The voltage read is 18. 57 volts, current 1.37 Amperes, DC electrical power is 25.4 watts with a DC light load of 30 watts.

Implementation challenges of Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies in Spain during the period 2014-20

Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies (ISUDS) have become the approach adopted by Spain for the promotion of sustainable urban development co-financed by the ERDF during the period 2014-20. While previous research has mainly focused on the design stage of these policies, this study focuses on the implementation stage. Through document analysis and in-depth interviews with actors from the Spanish public administration, this study reveals a low rate of execution of the strategies and the challenges faced by local entities. This research aims to broaden our knowledge about ISUDS in Spain and to propose measures that could improve the implementation of future European programmes on urban sustainability.

Early-life factors shaping the gut microbiota of Common buzzard nestlings

BackgroundExploring the dynamics of gut microbiome colonisation during early-life stages is important for understanding the potential impact of microbes on host development and fitness. Evidence from model organisms suggests a crucial early-life phase when shifts in gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation and reduced host condition. However, our understanding of gut microbiota colonisation in long-lived vertebrates, especially during early development, remains limited. We therefore used a wild population of common buzzard nestlings (Buteo buteo) to investigate connections between the early-life gut microbiota colonisation, environmental and host factors.ResultsWe targeted both bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota using the 16S and 28S rRNA genes. We sampled the individuals during early developmental stages in a longitudinal design. Our data revealed that age significantly affected microbial diversity and composition. Nest environment was a notable predictor of microbiota composition, with particularly eukaryotic communities differing between habitats occupied by the hosts. Nestling condition and infection with the blood parasite Leucocytozoon predicted microbial community composition.ConclusionOur findings emphasise the importance of studying microbiome dynamics to capture changes occurring during ontogeny. They highlight the role of microbial communities in reflecting host health and the importance of the nest environment for the developing nestling microbiome. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between microbial communities, host factors, and environmental variables, and sheds light on the ecological processes governing gut microbial colonisation during early-life stages.