Design Environment Research Articles

Transformable Inspection Robot Design and Implementation for Complex Pipeline Environment

Transformable Inspection Robot Design and Implementation for Complex Pipeline Environment

Mixture optimization for mechanical, environmental, and economic objectives in grouting slurry for repairing earthen sites

Anchor and fissure grouting are used to repair earthen sites. However, the common method to obtain the compressive strength of grouting slurry would cause material, labor, and time losses. In addition the material properties, environmental and economic benefits have gained increasing attention. This study proposes a design framework for multi-objective proportioning optimization based on machine learning and metaheuristics. The results indicated that the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, whose hyper-parameters were optimized by a genetic algorithm, can accurately predicted the compressive strength of the slurries. The impact of the variables on development of compressive strength can explain the internal reaction mechanisms. The analytical framework based on meta-heuristic and technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) provided Pareto-optimal solutions in design scenario of each sub-dataset. The framework proposed in this study can efficiently achieve mechanical, environmental, and economic design objectives of anchor grouting and fissure grouting slurries for repairing earthen sites.

Public Spaces for Older People: A Review of the Relationship between Public Space to Quality of Life

This paper investigates the relationship between public spaces and quality of life (QoL) for older adults, aiming to identify knowledge gaps within the context of population ageing and urbanisation. Recognising the growing importance of sustainable urban development, the research explores how cities can foster active ageing and improve QoL through accessible and inclusive public spaces. A scoping literature review identifies five key QoL domains for older adults: autonomy, meaningful activities, positive social relationships, leisure opportunities, and health. To identify knowledge gaps, a review of the literature was conducted for each of the highlighted themes. The review highlights areas requiring further investigation, including the interplay between environmental design and social connections, intergenerational perspectives on public space liveliness, the influence of context on QoL and the built environment, and the value of qualitative research in this field. By contributing to the understanding of QoL in relation to public spaces through the lens of person–environment fit theory, this study aims to inform urban design, landscape architecture, and policymaking in the creation of age-friendly communities with inclusive public spaces.

The Coupling Mechanism between Railway Alignment Design and Resource Environment in the Southwestern Mountainous Areas of China

Faced with the characteristics of multifactor coupling and interweaving along the railway lines in the southwestern mountainous areas of China, researching the coupling mechanism and optimizing the collaborative development path between alignment designs and the resource environment is conducive to promoting the green and sustainable development of railways in these southwestern mountainous areas. In this study, first, regarding the environmental characteristics of engineering along the railway lines in the southwestern mountainous area, the key elements of the interaction and coercion between the alignment design (internal system) and the resource environment (external system) are identified, and the interactive impact mechanism of the “alignment design–resource environment” complex is revealed. Accordingly, a nonlinear coupling mechanism between the alignment design system and the resource environment system is established using the deviation coefficient coupling degree model. Second, from a methodological perspective, following a technical path of “analyzing the coercive effects of internal and external factors–identifying coupling relationships–discovering coupling laws–screening driving factors–proposing optimization plans–achieving collaborative development goals”, we propose an overall optimization plan to solve the problem. Finally, the Chengdu Changdu section of the X railway, which is located in a southwestern mountainous area, is taken as an example for this study. The results indicate that if the state of the external system of the KL scheme is continuously improved through the regulation of the u22 (crossing the ecological protection red line length), u23 (biodiversity impact), and u24 (ecosystem impact) indicators and that the internal structure of the line design is improved by optimizing the l12 (total length of bridges and tunnels) and l13 (number of stations) indicators, effectively driving the improvement in the u31 (land resource occupation) and u43 (land development intensity) indicators, the alignment design and resource environment will exhibit a mutually reinforcing coupling evolution trend and ultimately achieve an “alignment design–resource environment” composite system with higher quality coupling.

Catherine Bauer’s Passage Through India: Frontier Urbanization and the Construction of ‘Interdisciplinary’ Urban Research at the College of Environmental Design, Berkeley

This article examines the work of Catherine Bauer from 1953 to 1963, an overlooked period in her life, when she engaged with questions of ‘Indian urbanization’ alongside the formation of an urban research institute in India. Her unique interdisciplinary vision for planning research and practice in this period was co-produced through her concurrent work on California and resulted in multiple reports on Californian urbanization as well as a seminar and book on Indian urbanization. The institute in India did not materialize; however, in 1962 an urban institute was set up in the newly formed College of Environmental Design at Berkeley.

The importance and feasibility of hospital interventions to prevent and manage patient aggression and violence against physicians in China: a Delphi study

BackgroundAggression and violence by patient (and their relatives/friends) is widely acknowledged as a serious occupational hazard, with physicians being particularly susceptible to witnessing and experiencing such incidents within hospitals. Research has shown that the negative consequences of such aggression and violence are not only felt at the individual level, but also at the team and organizational levels. Understanding how to prevent and manage this behavior towards physicians in hospitals is urgent and not fully researched. While there are many potentially effective interventions, it is unclear which ones would be valuable and feasible for Chinese hospitals. Because patient aggression and violence may occur more frequently in Chinese hospitals than in other countries, this suggests that cultural differences play a role and that tailored interventions may be needed.MethodWe conducted a Delphi study to reach a consensus on the importance and feasibility of hospital interventions to prevent and manage patient (and their relatives/friends) aggression and violence against physicians in Chinese hospitals. Seventeen experts in China were invited to complete online questionnaires over three rounds.ResultsAfter three rounds, consensus was achieved concerning 44 interventions, five other interventions were rejected, and no consensus was reached on another two. These interventions were clustered into eight categories: environment design, access and entrance, staffing and working practices, leadership and culture, training and education, support, during/after-the-event actions, and hospital policy. Each category is considered important in preventing and managing patient (and their relatives/friends) aggression and violence towards physicians in Chinese hospitals. This study also investigated the feasibility of the suggested interventions and found that 36 of the 44 interventions were considered not only relevant, but also feasible for implementation in Chinese hospitals.ConclusionsThis study provides an overview of interventions that can be implemented in Chinese hospitals to prevent and manage patient (and their relatives/friends) aggression and violence before, during, and after a violent incident occurs.

MeSat Mission: Exploring Martian Environment with THz Radiometer Payload and Optimal Trajectory

Space exploration presents vast prospects for scientific, industrial, and economic progress. This paper introduces the MeSat mission as a pioneering approach to Mars exploration. The MeSat aims to deepen our understanding of Martian conditions and resources by employing an optimized Earth-to-Mars trajectory, enabling a comprehensive study of the Martian atmosphere and surface. The mission comprises a cargo microsatellite hosting three 6U CubeSats and two 3U CubeSats, deployed into four separate Mars orbits to form a constellation. Each CubeSat carries distinct payloads: a THz radiometer for Martian water vapor atmospheric observation, a high-resolution surface camera, a high-tech spectrometer, and a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) for wind speed readings. This paper includes the majority of the key parameters; however, we focus our discussion more on two aspects of this pioneering mission: the first aspect contains the proposal of four distinct payloads for the study of Mars’ atmosphere and the second aspect proposes an optimal mission design algorithm that analyzes a fuel-efficient low-thrust trajectory from Earth to Mars. Regarding the payloads, the THz radiometer requires a specific design; hence, we explain this payload in more depth; the rest of the payloads, we suggest utilizing commercially available elements for the cost-effective manufacture of a whole system. For mission trajectory optimization, the study employs a dual-step hybrid optimization algorithm (PSO-homotopy) to analyze fuel-efficient low-thrust trajectories from Earth to Mars, incorporating the ephemeris dynamics model to account for gravitational perturbations in the entire Solar System. In practical mission design, crucial factors like hyperbolic excess velocity, diverse opportunities for Earth launch and Mars rendezvous, varied propulsion systems, and time of flight (TOF) play vital roles in trajectory optimization. In summary, for the MeSat mission, we propose a comprehensive Mars environmental mission design. We consider all aspects of the mission from trajectory design to engineering detail design, since we would like to inspire future Mars missions with a complete report.

Design Practices for Sustainability in Micro Enterprises in Brazil Through the Innovation Route

Objective: The research aims to map the concept of Design for Environment (DfE) and propose a plan of guidelines for implementation and use in Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) teams focused on packaging. It also aims to identify DfE elements, where they are being used and results produced, as well as proposing a checklist to guide sustainable practices in product and/or packaging designs. Method: The research is qualitative, developed through a bibliographic review, when evaluating the scenario of micro-enterprises that use DfE practices in Brazil through innovation processes. As for nature, it is applied by proposing a checklist to guide best practices to position micro-enterprises in the sustainability scenario. In relation to the objectives, the approach is exploratory in explaining the scenario in which micro-enterprises in Brazil are involved in innovation for Sustainability. Results and Discussion: It was found that for most authors, companies have difficulty innovating due to the challenges and uncertainties that surround them. The study finds a panorama that shows fear on the part of micro and small companies regarding take risks inherent to the innovation process. In this context, it is suggested that in future studies, the approach for knowledge of causes that corroborate this scenario, especially those that are directly related to the innovation process for Sustainability. Research Implications: This study collaborates by sharing the scenario that permeates among micro-enterprises in the national scenario, with regard to investments in innovation for sustainability, fears and risks, signaling to those active microentrepreneurs current projects as well as for those with plans for future micro-enterprises. Originality/Value: At the end, a check list was proposed suggesting the main practices based on DfE based on Product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Towards Sustainable Urban Futures: Integrating a Novel Grey Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for Optimal Pedestrian Walkway Site Selection

Today, urban development faces complex global challenges that require new approaches to influence its practices and policies. By prioritizing sustainability, mobility, and community resilience, we are moving towards a holistic approach that protects the well-being of residents and the environment. In this dynamic urban design environment, finding ways to identify pedestrian-friendly spaces and create safe, efficient, and sustainable urban environments is a major challenge, and it requires research that seeks to optimize this choice, especially in terms of integrating numerical modeling methods and a wide range of measurement tasks. This research is concerned with optimizing pedestrian accessibility, which directly contributes to reducing environmental impact, improving non-motorized transport, and reducing traffic congestion. It integrates a novel, mixed multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model that benefits from the use of Grey’s theory. This research’s purpose goes beyond addressing cities’ immediate challenges; it seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable urban planning. This study represents a pioneering effort to identify the challenges of optimal site selection for pedestrian walkways. By using a multi-criteria decision-making approach based on mathematical modelling and facility engineering, this effort addresses gaps in the current understanding of site selection criteria and aims to lead a paradigm shift toward a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environment. The results show that the updated RANCOM-PIV greyscale is quite robust and reliable, when comparing the final results of the PIV greyscale and the MARCOS greyscale.

Children’s Hospital Environment Design Based on AHP/QFD and Other Theoretical Models

Children’s Hospital Environment Design Based on AHP/QFD and Other Theoretical Models

Towards believable and educational conversations with virtual patients

Virtual Reality (VR) technology allows the design and application of realistic but adaptive learning environments in medical education. In particular, virtual patient systems have logistical and methodological advantages compared to non-computerized interventions. However, evidence for their effectiveness is fragmented as any educational domain introduces its requirements regarding learning goals, measurements of learning outcomes, and application design. In this context, we present preliminary results of evaluating a VR training application for conducting a clinical interview to diagnose mental disorders in children and adolescents using virtual patients. The evaluation focuses on design elements related to the virtual patient’s appearance and natural language capabilities. Our results indicate that our virtual patient design is highly believable and that our dialog system is satisfying. However, conversational flow requires optimization. We discuss design directions and potential enhancements for learner-virtual patient interactions in VR and address future operations to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach.

Advanced Enzyme Mimicking Engineering: 3D Biomimetic Pt Single‐Atom Nanozymes Initiating Pressure‐Driven Device

AbstractCurrent research on single‐atom nanozymes has predominantly concentrated on 2D structures, with limited exploration into the influence of 3D biomimetic structures on their catalytic performance. In this work, a 3D nanostructure of Pt single‐atom nanozyme (Pt‐NC SAzyme) is fabricated by encapsulating platinum 2,4‐pentanedionate in each molecular cage of ZIF‐8 and then pyrolyzing. X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis confirmed the presence of Pt as single atoms, with each Pt atom exclusively coordinated with four nitrogen atoms, while the *O is identified as an intermediate in the catalytic reaction. Additionally, theoretical calculations demonstrated that Pt‐NC SAzyme exhibited a lower potential energy and a shorter pathway for catalyzing the production of O2 from H2O2 than that of 2D Pt‐NC due to the localization effect, confirming a superior catalase‐like activity of Pt‐NC SAzyme. Based on the efficient O2 production from Pt‐NC SAzyme, a dual‐mode pressure immunosensor is established to achieve sensitive detection of aminopyrine by converting gas‐induced pressure into visual and timing readouts. This work introduced a novel approach to enhance the catalytic activity of SAzymes through bionic structural design and coordination environment, while also proposing a new concept for point‐of‐care testing in food safety, environmental monitoring, and disease diagnosis.

Data models in ship design and construction – insights from 4D BIM

The lack of a cohesive understanding of a ship product data model, from design to operations, is currently a limiting factor in realizing more efficient ship lifecycle management and design processes. The paper sheds light on the history and gaps in realizing an integrated, interoperable, and multi-domain ship product data model. It also explores practices from BIM (Building Information Modelling) as an inspiration for solutions to overcome challenges related to information modeling, integrated design environment, and 4D engineering and planning.

ПРОЄКТУВАННЯ ТЕАТРАЛЬНО-ВИДОВИЩНИХ ЦЕНТРІВ ДЛЯ ДІТЕЙ ТА МОЛОДІ (на прикладі досвіду кафедри дизайну архітектурного середовища)

The article explores the influence of educational, research, and competitive design of theatrical and spectacle buildings developed by professors and students of the Department of Architectural Environment Design at the Institute of Architecture and Design National University "Lviv Polytechnic". Within the framework of the contemporary cultural and educational environment, where active youth participation is a vital component of cultural development, there is a necessity for the creation of adaptive, innovative spaces for creativity and communication. The persistence of outdated architectural forms, characteristic of the Soviet period, particularly in segments like theaters for young audiences and puppet theaters, is emphasized. The absence of innovation in these types of structures at the beginning of the 21st century is noted, especially concerning theatrical and spectacle institutions such as theaters for young audiences and puppet theaters, which continue to exist but do not meet the modern needs for quality cultural education of Ukrainian youth. An analysis of over ten projects at all levels shows that a significant portion not only reproduces the concepts of architects from the second half of the 20th century but also incorporates elements inherited from theatrical and spectacle buildings of the former USSR. However, in recent years, the Lviv architectural school, particularly following the establishment of the Department of Architectural Environment Design, has shown a tendency towards experimentation and the search for innovative solutions for the architecture of the future. This is evidenced by the results of educational and competitive design projects, as well as the introduction of special courses that revive the ideas of futuristic architecture from the last century. Achievements in this field reflect the architectural visions of renowned masters such as F. Kiesler and I. Leonidov, as well as contemporary researchers like A. Quarmby, K. Tange, B. Fuller, G. Golmin and G. Kreiger, who explore the possibilities of future architecture. The article provides a classification of theatrical and spectacle centers for children and youth. The author discusses factors that continue to negatively impact the development of theatrical and spectacle centers in Ukraine in the future. The experience of designing research, educational, and competitive projects, exemplified by the activities of the Department of Architectural Environment Design, demonstrates that it can find application in the applied architectural and construction industry of the country as a whole.

Comparison of additive main effect–multiplicative interaction model and factor analytic model for genotypes ordination from multi‐environment trials

AbstractAn additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model is used to explore the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) in complete multi‐environmental trials. This model orders genotypes (G) according to their performance across environments (E) on a vectorial plane generated by the first two axes of a principal component analysis (AMMI‐biplot). Alternatively, interaction terms can be regarded as random effects, which can be predicted from linear mixed models using a factor analytic (FA) covariance structure for the GEI terms. Here, an FA‐biplot was obtained by plotting the G and E scores derived from the FA mixed model with complete and incomplete data. The aim of this work was to compare AMMI‐biplot with FA‐biplot for balanced data and then show the impact of the imbalance on the FA‐biplot. The G ordinations were assessed in four scenarios generated using datasets of 3 consecutive years obtained from comparative wheat trials conducted under a complete random block design in different environments across the Argentine network of cultivar assessment. For each scenario, G with the lowest performance in the third year were deleted, one by one, from all sites to generate a scenario with missing G. Although we used different statistical procedures to obtain AMMI‐biplot and FA‐biplot, they showed the same interaction pattern in the case of up to 50% of G dropped from all E in the last year of the multiyear trials. We conclude that the FA‐biplot yields a robust G ordination even when with incomplete datasets.

The Effect of Icon Color Combinations in Information Interfaces on Task Performance under Varying Levels of Cognitive Load

In human–computer interaction interfaces, icons serve as highly symbolic elements that convey information and significantly influence the performance of visual search and other tasks. Thus, the selection of appropriate colors plays a crucial role in the design of human–computer interfaces. This study aimed to investigate the effects of icon color combinations on human visual search task performance across various cognitive load conditions. The experiment was divided into two parts, involving a cognitive load test experiment and an icon search task, wherein the former required participants to select the target icon from 16 de-colored icons, and the latter involved selecting the target icon from 16 color combinations of 8 colors (background colors: black, red, blue, and purple; foreground colors: white, yellow, green, and turquoise). A total of 20 participants (11 females and 9 males, all aged between 18 and 24 years) were recruited for this experiment to perform both tasks sequentially. Through a comprehensive consideration of factors such as the NASA-TLX scale, retrieval time, etc., the experimental results revealed that cognitive load increased with time pressure, resulting in varying optimal color combinations for different cognitive load levels. Additionally, background colors did not affect task response time under different cognitive loads, whereas white foreground color was superior to turquoise foreground color in a medium cognitive load environment. Meanwhile, our results recommend prioritizing white-on-black as the preferred color combination, given that it demonstrated excellent cognitive performance in all three cognitive load environments. Conversely, white-on-blue is not recommended as a color combination for the design of high cognitive load environments. Concerning medium cognitive load environments, yellow-on-red or white-on-purple color combinations were preferred. Finally, in low cognitive load environments, white-on-purple is recommended as the primary color combination. Overall, this study provides a theoretical reference for the future design of interactive interface icons across various contexts.

The updated design of university libraries in the digital era

AbstractWith the rise of the digital era, digital reading and learning have become widespread. University libraries, as core locations for study and communication, face challenges in fully meeting the demands of modern teaching and learning. This paper takes the library at the Changqing campus of Shandong University of Arts as a case study to explore the environmental space design of constructed libraries in the digital era. By reviewing relevant concepts and theoretical frameworks, analyzing the existing environment, and researching intervention design methods, the paper discusses the positive role of adapting to the digital future in renovating established library spaces.

A Review of Olfactory Display Designs for Virtual Reality Environments

The field of Virtual Reality continues to evolve to provide an ever-greater sense of immersion to the user. However, VR experiences are still primarily constrained through the human senses of vision and audition, with some interest in haptic (mainly vibrotactile) applications. Only recently have olfactory displays- technologies that generate and deliver scent stimuli- been examined to provide the sense of smell to the human olfactory organ in virtual environments. This paper presents a classification and review of olfactory-enhanced virtual reality systems, particularly those that deployed a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) or Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) system. In addition, the paper provides a discussion of the various technological and design challenges for developing an olfactory display suitable for enhancing virtual reality experiences. Finally, the paper proposes future perspectives on the field and includes a table summarizing the characteristics and features of the reviewed systems.

A Structured Literature Review on the Research and Design of Rehabilitation Environments.

This literature review is conducted to identify knowledge gaps and shape a framework for the development of guidelines and future research on programming and design of rehabilitation environments. Patients suffering from trauma, stroke, neurological or cardiopulmonary conditions, or recovering from surgery or cancer treatment require rehabilitation services. A comprehensive rehabilitation program can support continuum of care for inpatient and outpatient groups. However, within most facilities, rehabilitation environments are found to be outdated and undersized compared to other programs or lack the correct adjacencies within the facility. Unfortunately, this deficiency is echoed by limited guidelines on programming, planning, and design of these environments. General guidelines derived from healthcare environments research is not adaptable to rehabilitation environments, because the paradigm used in most healthcare environment research does not address specific needs of rehabilitation patients in regaining confidence or relearning daily life skills. We conducted a structured literature review, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses as a basis for reporting the available body of work on evidence-based research in rehabilitation environments. Through analysis of the limited literature, specific mediators such as patient confidence and motivation were identified. An environment that creates a balance between privacy and social interaction can promote these mediators. Creating enriched environments through elements that engage the senses and encourage more social and physical interaction is essential for recovery. Finally, accessibility and wayfinding are of great importance in these environments due to potential limited mobility or cognitive impairments of patients.

Nature-Based Design in Stroke Rehabilitation Environments: A Scoping Review.

To identify, examine, and map the characteristics of knowledge of nature-based design in stroke rehabilitation facilities, examine how research in this field has been conducted and identify gaps in knowledge. Many stroke survivors have wide ranging impacts, resulting in long hospital stays to undertake rehabilitation. The physical environment can influence brain recovery; however, there is limited evidence to support the design of effective rehabilitation environments. Conversely, the health benefits available from connection with nature are well established. A nature-based design approach may have benefits and implications for the physical environment of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities; however, it is unclear what evidence exists in this field. This scoping review followed the JBI methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews, with systematic searches of six databases. Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Aims and research methods varied widely. Investigations in 19 studies related to gardens and other designed outdoor nature-based environments. Other studies explored natural analogues, nature inside, inside/outside connections, and the natural environment. Findings from the studies were spread across the fields of design, use, exposure to, and engagement in nature-based environments. The characteristics of knowledge underpinning nature-based design in stroke rehabilitation environments are highly diverse, and significant gaps exist in the evidence base. A framework developed during this review for mapping knowledge on the intentions and impacts for spaces and services in this field assisted to identify these gaps and may be applied to other areas of healthcare design research.