Design Issues Research Articles

Legal issues of the artificial intelligence identification

Artificial intelligence, as well as a number of other products of the technological revolution, served as a prerequisite for the formation of a specific area of public relations, which led to the search for adequate forms and methods of legal regulation. The use of legal resources in the process of creating the necessary regulators has led to the accumulation of relevant practical experience and the emergence of a disciplinary ontology accumulating doctrinal knowledge about the AI legal existence. The central place in it is occupied by the issue of AI legal identification, which has both theoretical and practical significance. Its development involves the development of a complex of fundamental, programmatic and design issues. The article presents the solutions forming this complex in the context of the development of scientific legal knowledge and practice of legal regulation in the field of AI creation and use, as well as a rational view of mediation by law of the considered public relations in its current form; the author characterizes the content and dynamics of this view, analyzes the accumulated law-making experience and practice of legal experiments. The article also sets out forecasts for the further development of this segment of the legal sphere and the tools used to streamline it; defines the tasks of the legal doctrine for the future. The article was prepared on the basis of a scientific report presented by the author at a meeting of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences on March 12, 2024.

Increasing the Confidence of Local Brand Through Package Design and Information Label

Packaging design issues are rapidly gaining the attention of researchers as evidence indicates that most consumers are making choice decisions based on product package design. Furthermore, product information on packaging, such as ingredients and nutrition information, also increases consumers’ attention since consumers are concerned about healthy products. This study seeks to develop a theoretical model to show the effects of consumer attitudes toward visual food packaging and information labels on brand awareness and purchase intention. Six hundred fifty people completed a self-administered online questionnaire based on the literature. The empirical results show that attitudes toward visual packaging and information labels directly impact brand awareness and indirectly (through brand awareness) influence purchase intention. Surprisingly, the comparison between global and local brands shows no differentiation between global and local brands. It means the local brands can compete with the global brands. Additionally, this research indicated no differentiation between high and low business reputations. It implies that consumers in Indonesia have positive perceptions and the same favorability for any brand. This study provides managers with insights emphasizing the visual packaging design factors and informative labels to form consumers’ brand awareness and influence purchase intention.

Study of the one-dimensional consolidation and creep of clays with different thicknesses using different hypotheses and three elastic visco-plastic models

The one-dimensional consolidation analysis of clays considering creep compression is a classical issue in soil mechanics and geotechnical design. The major debate lies in how to predict the consolidation settlement for a thick layer in the field using parameters obtained from a thin specimen from the laboratory. Different hypotheses have been advocated, based on which various methods and constitutive models have been developed. However, there are still some questions unaddressed and concepts inconsistently used, which may mislead engineers in the selection of methods/models and may result in settlements underestimated on a risk design side. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review and a thorough comparison study are performed on the existing methods and models for the consolidation analysis of clays exhibiting creep, from theoretical derivations to numerical simulations in comparison with soil test data. An in-depth discussion is carried out on several key issues related to the thickness effects on the time-dependent compression behaviour of clays. The arguments of Hypothesis A and Hypothesis B are revisited based on the current development of constitutive theories. Three existing elastic visco-plastic (EVP) models that consider the creep compression implicitly during the whole consolidation process can perform well in predicting the settlement of clay layers with different thicknesses, and are in line with Hypothesis B. It is concluded that using existing EVP models based on porous-media continuum mechanics is a rigorous scientific method (also called “rigorous” Hypothesis B method), which is superior to the old Hypothesis A method which has logic errors and may result in unsafe underestimation of settlements.

Architecture decisions in quantum software systems: An empirical study on Stack Exchange and GitHub

Context:Quantum computing provides a new dimension in computation, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics to potentially solve complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. However, little research has been conducted about the architecture decisions made in quantum software development, which have a significant influence on the functionality, performance, scalability, and reliability of these systems. Objective:The study aims to empirically investigate and analyze architecture decisions made during the development of quantum software systems, identifying prevalent challenges and limitations by using the posts and issues from Stack Exchange and GitHub. Methods:We used a qualitative approach to analyze the obtained data from Stack Exchange Sites and GitHub projects — two prominent platforms in the software development community. Specifically, we collected data from 385 issues (from 87 GitHub projects) and 70 posts (from 3 Stack Exchange sites) related to architecture decisions in quantum software development. Results:The results show that in quantum software development (1) architecture decisions are articulated in six linguistic patterns, the most common of which are Solution Proposal and Information Giving, (2) the two major categories of architectural decisions are Implementation Decision and Technology Decision, (3) Software Development Tools are the most common application domain among the twenty application domains identified, (4) Maintainability is the most frequently considered quality attribute, and (5) Design Issues and High Error Rates are the major limitations and challenges that practitioners face when making architecture decisions in quantum software development. Conclusions:Our results show that the limitations and challenges encountered in architecture decision-making during the development of quantum software systems are strongly linked to the particular features (e.g., quantum entanglement, superposition, and decoherence) of those systems. These issues mostly pertain to technical aspects and need appropriate measures to address them effectively.

Crossing cable design optimization of multi-tower cable-stayed bridge based on joint analytical method and genetic algorithm

As the length of the main span increases, the stiffness of multi tower cable-stayed bridges continues to decrease. The performance of the structure can be improved by setting crossing cables at the main span. The setting of crossing cables is a key issue in the overall design of bridges. This study presents a new optimization strategy to achieve the optimal setting of crossing cables. The developed technique combines analytical algorithm, optimization algorithm and finite element method. The anchor position, number, cross-sectional area and cable force of crossing cable are taken as variables. Firstly, an analytical algorithm is used to determine the feasible interval of the number and area of crossing cables, and then the genetic algorithm is used to search for the optimal solution within the feasible interval to obtain the crossing cable layout with minimum steel. Based on the analytical method, the feasible interval is determined, so that the population is close to the convergence point from the initial state, and the optimization efficiency is improved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by four optimization problems, and the influence of the deck stiffness on the anchor position of crossing cable is discussed, which provides a reference for the setting of the crossing cables in the preliminary design stage.

Deep Learning Aided Intelligent Reflective Surfaces for 6G: A Survey

The envisioned sixth-generation (6G) networks anticipate robust support for diverse applications, including massive machine-type communications, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, and enhanced mobile broadband. Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) have emerged as a key technology capable of intelligently reconfiguring wireless propagation environments, thereby enhancing overall network performance. Traditional optimization techniques face limitations in meeting the stringent performance requirements of 6G networks due to the intricate and dynamic nature of the wireless environment. Consequently, Deep Learning (DL) techniques are employed within the IRS framework to optimize wireless system performance. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the latest research in DL-aided IRS models, covering optimal beamforming, resource allocation control, channel estimation and prediction, signal detection, and system deployment. The focus is on presenting promising solutions within the constraints of different hardware configurations. The survey explores challenges, opportunities, and open research issues in DL-aided IRS, considering emerging technologies such as digital twins (DTs), computer vision (CV), blockchain, network function virtualization (NFC), integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), software-defined networking (SDN), mobile edge computing (MEC), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). Practical design issues associated with these enabling technologies are also discussed, providing valuable insights into the current state and future directions of this evolving field.

An optimum structural design method for a torque sensor measuring the control moment of the micro flapping-wing robot

Abstract This paper presents an optimum structural design method for a sensor capable of measuring the control torque of the micro flapping-wing robot. Torque measurement in flapping-wing robots has special demands on the sensor bandwidth. The method in this paper focuses on the development of a multi-objective optimization method based on the surrogate model to solve the sensor indicator design issues, for example, increasing sensitivity while meeting bandwidth requirements. Initially, Latin hypercube sampling was applied to the choice of the characteristic parameters of the sensor. Based on finite element techniques, the surrogate models describing displacement and eigenfrequency were established to characterize the sensor indicators, and a multi-objective optimization was conducted. According to the optimization results, the sensor structure was manufactured, and a torque measurement platform was set up. Calibration experiments and frequency response experiments demonstrated a high level of consistency between the surrogate model and the experimental data. With the assistance of the eddy current displacement sensor, the actual displacement sensitivity coefficient of the torque sensor is determined to be 0.4325 mm mNm−1, consistent with the calculation of the surrogate model. The characteristic frequency is 488.5 Hz, with a relative error of 7.47% compared to the surrogate model. This indicates that the optimum structural design method can be utilized for the rapid design of torque sensors for special requirements, thus laying the foundation for the control torque measurement of micro flapping-wing robots.

Robust State Feedback Control with D-Admissible Assurance for Uncertain Discrete Singular Systems

This study addresses the state feedback control associated with D-admissible assurance for discrete singular systems subjected to parameter uncertainties in both the difference term and system matrices. Firstly, a refined analysis criterion of D-admissible assurance is presented, where the distinct form embraces multiple slack matrices and has lessened linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) constraints, which may be beneficial for reducing the conservatism of admissibility analysis. In consequence, by hiring the state feedback control, controller design issues with pole locations, which directly dominate the system performance, are mainly treated. For all the presented criteria can be formulated by the strict LMIs, they are thus suitably solved via current LMI solvers to conduct a state feedback controller with specific poles’ locations of system’s performance requirements. Finally, two numerical examples illustrate that the presented results are efficient and practicable.

Performance-constrained multi-objective optimization of antennas for miniaturization design

The miniaturization of antennas is crucial as it improves the integration of wireless communication system. In order to achieve miniaturization of antennas, a performance-constrained multi-objective optimization method (PCMOM) considering the size and return loss is proposed. In the PCMOM method, an optimization strategy based on a multi-port network model is introduced, enabling the formation of antennas with various structures. Furthermore, we integrate the constraint of return loss performance into the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), eliminating solutions that do not meet performance requirements. Three pixel antennas are designed using the PCMOM method and two of them are fabricated. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PCMOM method can effectively address the complex trade-off issues in antenna miniaturization design.

Efficacy of Save Medical Corporation (SMC)-01, a Smartphone App Designed to Support Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Based on Established Guidelines: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Lifestyle modifications are a key part of type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Many patients find long-term self-management difficult, and mobile apps could be a solution. In 2010, in the United States, a mobile app was approved as an official medical device. Similar apps have entered the Japanese market but are yet to be classified as medical devices. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Save Medical Corporation (SMC)-01, a mobile app for the support of lifestyle modifications among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This was a 24-week multi-institutional, prospective randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received SMC-01, an app with functions allowing patients to record data and receive personalized feedback to encourage a healthier lifestyle. The control group used paper journals for diabetes self-management. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12. The change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12 was -0.05% (95% CI -0.14% to 0.04%) in the intervention group and 0.06% (95% CI -0.04% to 0.15%) in the control group. The between-group difference in change was -0.11% (95% CI -0.24% to 0.03%; P=.11). There was no statistically significant change in glycemic control. The lack of change could be due to SMC-01 insufficiently inducing behavior change, absence of screening for patients who have high intention to change their lifestyle, low effective usage of SMC-01 due to design issues, or problems with the SMC-01 intervention. Future efforts should focus on these issues in the early phase of developing interventions. Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCT2032200033; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT2032200033.

Wearable Devices Based on Bioimpedance Test in Heart-Failure: Design Issues.

Heart-failure (HF) is a severe medical condition. Physicians need new tools to monitor the health status of their HF patients outside the hospital or medical supervision areas, to better know the evolution of their patients' main biomarker values, necessary to evaluate their health status. Bioimpedance (BI) represents a good technology for sensing physiological variables and processes on the human body. BI is a non-expensive and non-invasive technique for sensing a wide variety of physiological parameters, easy to be implemented on biomedical portable systems, also called "wearable devices". In this systematic review, we address the most important specifications of wearable devices based on BI used in HF real-time monitoring and how they must be designed and implemented from a practical and medical point of view. The following areas will be analyzed: the main applications of BI in heart failure, the sensing technique and impedance specifications to be met, the electrode selection, portability of wearable devices: size and weight (and comfort), the communication requests and the power consumption (autonomy). The different approaches followed by biomedical engineering and clinical teams at bibliography will be described and summarized in the paper, together with results derived from the projects and the main challenges found today.

Statistical implication analysis: a novel approach to understand the reciprocal relationships between outcomes in early psychosis.

Patients can respond differently to intervention in the early phase of psychosis. Diverse symptomatic and functional outcomes can be distinguished and achieving one outcome may mean achieving another, but not necessarily the other way round, which is difficult to disentangle with cross-sectional data. The present study's goal was to evaluate implicative relationships between diverse functional outcomes to better understand their reciprocal dependencies in a cross-sectional design, by using statistical implication analysis (SIA). Early psychosis patients of an early intervention program were evaluated for different outcomes (symptomatic response, functional recovery, and working/living independently) after 36 months of treatment. To determine which positive outcomes implied other positive outcomes, SIA was conducted by using the Iota statistical implication index, a newly developed approach allowing to measure asymmetrical bidirectional relationships between outcomes. Two hundred and nineteen recent onset patients with early psychosis were assessed. Results at the end of the three-years in TIPP showed that working independently statistically implied achieving all other outcomes. Symptomatic and functional recovery reciprocally implied one another. Living independently weakly implied symptomatic and functional recovery and did not imply independent working. The concept of implication is an interesting way of evaluating dependencies between outcomes as it allows us to overcome the tendency to presume symmetrical relationships between them. We argue that a better understanding of reciprocal dependencies within psychopathology can provide an impetus to tailormade treatments and SIA is a useful tool to address this issue in cross-sectional designs.

A user-centred future for agricultural digital innovation: demonstrating the value of design thinking in an animal health context

ABSTRACT Purpose Much of the literature investigating farmer engagement with digital technology has focused on farmer-centred adoption factors. However, more recent research has called for new user-centred approaches to technology design to promote more responsive development and ultimately more successful uptake. Methodology Responding to these calls, this study draws on Stanford’s design thinking framework and principles to design a digital innovation for use in an animal health context. Findings The study details how a co-design workshop was used to incorporate end-user needs, values, and requirements for a digital animal health innovation. Additionally, it outlines how co-design approaches can be useful to identify and address innovation design issues early on in the design process. Practical implications This study highlights the importance of end-user engagement for the design, development, and implementation of digital innovations for the agricultural sector and the importance this has for successful technology development and user uptake. Theoretical implications This study contributes to the literature on innovation development for agriculture and to the theory on farmer engagement. Originality/value This study is one of few that applies co-design and design thinking methodologies to the creation of a digital animal health diagnostic tool.

Positive Energy Districts: Fundamentals, Assessment Methodologies, Modeling and Research Gaps

The definition, characterization and implementation of Positive Energy Districts is crucial in the path towards urban decarbonization and energy transition. However, several issues still must be addressed: the need for a clear and comprehensive definition, and the settlement of a consistent design approach for Positive Energy Districts. As emerged throughout the workshop held during the fourth edition of Smart and Sustainable Planning for Cities and Regions Conference (SSPCR 2022) in Bolzano (Italy), further critical points are also linked to the planning, modeling and assessment steps, besides sustainability aspects and stakeholders’ involvement. The “World Café” methodology adopted during the workshop allowed for simple—but also effective and flexible—group discussions focused on the detection of key PED characteristics, such as morphologic, socio-economic, demographic, technological, quality-of-life and feasibility factors. Four main work groups were defined in order to allow them to share, compare and discuss around five main PED-related topics: energy efficiency, energy flexibility, e-mobility, soft mobility, and low-carbon generation. Indeed, to properly deal with PED challenges and crucial aspects, it is necessary to combine and balance these technologies with enabler factors like financing instruments, social innovation and involvement, innovative governance and far-sighted policies. This paper proposes, in a structured form, the main outcomes of the co-creation approach developed during the workshop. The importance of implementing a holistic approach was highlighted: it requires a systematic and consistent integration of economic, environmental and social aspects directly connected to an interdisciplinary cross-sectorial collaboration between researchers, policymakers, industries, municipalities, and citizens. Furthermore, it was reaffirmed that, to make informed and reasoned decisions throughout an effective PED design and planning process, social, ecological, and cultural factors (besides merely technical aspects) play a crucial role. Thanks to the valuable insights and recommendations gathered from the workshop participants, a conscious awareness of key issues in PED design and implementation emerged, and the fundamental role of stakeholders in the PED development path was confirmed.

Developing Surveys on Questionable Research Practices: Four Challenging Design Problems

AbstractThe exposure of scientific scandals and the increase of dubious research practices have generated a stream of studies on Questionable Research Practices (QRPs), such as failure to acknowledge co-authors, selective presentation of findings, or removal of data not supporting desired outcomes. In contrast to high-profile fraud cases, QRPs can be investigated using quantitative, survey-based methods. However, several design issues remain to be solved. This paper starts with a review of four problems in the QRP research: the problem of precision and prevalence, the problem of social desirability bias, the problem of incomplete coverage, and the problem of controversiality, sensitivity and missing responses. Various ways to handle these problems are discussed based on a case study of the design of a large, cross-field QRP survey in the social and medical sciences in Sweden. The paper describes the key steps in the design process, including technical and cognitive testing and repeated test versions to arrive at reliable survey items on the prevalence of QRPs and hypothesized associated factors in the organizational and normative environments. Partial solutions to the four problems are assessed, unresolved issues are discussed, and tradeoffs that resist simple solutions are articulated. The paper ends with a call for systematic comparisons of survey designs and item quality to build a much-needed cumulative knowledge trajectory in the field of integrity studies.

Design Issues With Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems

Design Issues With Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems

Is Spartina alterniflora eradication project in Chongming Island a nature-based solution?

Invasive species profoundly impact ecosystems globally, not only threatening biodiversity by displacing native species but also disrupting ecological balances and imposing significant economic burdens. This has led countries to actively combat these pervasive threats. In China, Spartina alterniflora, an invasive species, has taken over more than 70 % of the coastal zone in just 50 years, especially in salt marsh. This study aims to assess the Spartina alterniflora eradication project in Dongtan of Chongming Island, Shanghai, based on the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NBS). To ensure the comprehensiveness and diversity of the assessment process, stakeholders with diverse backgrounds were invited. The Dongtan project was qualitatively evaluated using the IUCN self-assessment tool for its adherence to the IUCN NBS Standard, identifying its strengths, weaknesses, improvement areas, and contributions to the national eradication campaign. The results show that the Dongtan Project closely aligns with the NBS standard, achieving an 88 % match, and demonstrates excellence in addressing societal challenges, enhancing biodiversity, and offering multiple benefits. Nevertheless, improvements can be made in Economic Feasibility (Criterion 4), Inclusive Governance (Criterion 5), and Balance Trade-offs (Criterion 6). The study underscores the importance of employing NBS standards for self-assessment in the project design phase, which facilitates the identification and refinement of potential design issues. The success of the Dongtan Project, exemplified by its effective Spartina alterniflora eradication strategies, serves as a compelling model for similar national campaigns.

Cultural Adaptation of Child Discipline Measures for Puerto Rican Mothers: Enhancing the Cultural Sensitivity of Parenting Assessments.

Puerto Ricans (PRs) face significant challenges in accessing essential parenting resources and support due to language barriers and lack of culturally appropriate healthcare services, perpetuating health disparities. Cultural adaptation of psychosocial measurement tools is crucial for promoting health equity and improving health outcomes. This study describes the cultural adaptation of two parenting discipline assessment measures for use with Spanish-speaking PR mothers of 2-4-year-old children. We used a community-engaged, mixed-methods approach to measurement adaptation that involved independent translations (n = 2), back-translations (n = 2), and an adaptation committee (n = 6, including all translators) who reviewed, appraised, and modified survey versions. We conducted cognitive interviews (n = 20) to pretest the semi-finalized Spanish measures and assess mothers' understanding of survey items. Mothers had a mean age of 28.6 years. Most were married/cohabitating (70%), had a high school diploma or GED (90%), and a household income of less than $40,000 (68%). Indexed children's mean age was 2.9 years, with most identified by mothers as female (60%). Feedback from the adaptation committee and pretesting participants led to specific changes like rephrasing culturally specific terms and adjusting examples to better fit the daily experiences of PR mothers. Most mothers found the Spanish version of the measures to be clear and culturally relevant. This cultural adaptation process addressed translation inconsistencies and design issues, and better captured culturally relevant discipline practices. Engaging communities in measurement adaptations ensures culturally and linguistically tailored measures that respect participant preferences, strengthen partnerships, and enable interventions to address health disparities, thereby promoting child health.

Unlocking Learning: The Impact of an Educational Escape Room on Energy Transition

Since the first escape room opened in 2007, the industry has grown to attract people from all over the world and is expected to continue to grow. This trend of rising social and recreational interest has, in turn, being introduced in the education sector in many countries. The use of escape rooms for educational purposes has become increasingly popular across different levels of education, including higher education institutions. This innovative and ludic approach involves students in their learning environment, encourages the use of numerous soft skills (creativity, problem solving, teamwork, etc.), and provides opportunity to escape the ‘routine’ of traditional and less student-centered learning methods. Although Educational Escape Rooms (EER) are becoming more prevalent in formal education, initiatives related to the topic of energy transition are scarce. As a result, there is limited information on the impact of these strategies to promote youth motivation and learning towards the energy transition. Exploring this issue is particularly relevant as young people have the potential to play an active and important role in achieving a sustainable future. This case study employs a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with mixed data. The sample consist of 32 students playing an EER, designed by higher education students, on energy transition. The study aims to assess the quality of the resource design and its impact on students’ knowledge, motivation to learn, soft skills utilization, and engagement. The study results show a noteworthy improvement in self-perceived knowledge regarding the energy transition after playing the EER. This increase is associated with new knowledge gained by the players about energy consumption, production and transformation. The results indicate that the EER is ineffective in increasing or decreasing motivation to learn among players. Engagement is perceived as positive with respect to the experience of playing the EER. However, there is no correlation between motivation to learn and engagement. The study also suggests that the EER has the potential to improve various soft skills, especially teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Finally, the EER was generally praised by the players for its engagement, on both quantitative and qualitative data in the study. On the other hand, the thematic analysis revealed some design issues that may have affected the players' experience and learning outcomes. These included excessive difficulty in some puzzles, lack of guidance, and insufficient time to complete. These issues need to be addressed in order to improve the overall impact of the EER, despite players' generally positive perceptions of it. In relation to the four puzzles that compose the EER (which relate to energy consumption, production, storage and transformation), they were generally positively rated by the participants, with the energy consumption puzzle being the highest rated for its practical application.

BIM and virtual reality for pre-design evaluation of building performance

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the extent to which design errors that cause construction performance failures in healthcare facilities, typically identified in a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), can be anticipated through Pre-Design Evaluation (PDE). The methodological approach involved comparing two case studies crossing results of a POE with walkthrough, questionnaires, interview, and checklist, and a proposed PDE using a checklist and simulation with an immersive virtual reality device. An exploratory study of POE and PDE, involving user participation in two healthcare facilities in Brazil, was conducted to validate the data. Diagnostic maps were created to assess the relationship between design issues identified in both POE and PDE. The findings indicated that many problems detected in the POE could have been foreseen through the proposed PDE model, with input from a limited number of expert users. Immersive virtual reality integrated with BIM workflows facilitates communication between designer and users, guiding the development of appropriate design solutions related to sizing, space functionality, and furniture and equipment requirements. The practical implications suggest that implementing the proposed PDE in future studies can help anticipate potential performance issues in healthcare buildings, leading to resource optimization and enhanced performance in the built environment. This study demonstrates the implementation of a PDE approach based on the principles of POE, integrating both technical expertise and user perspectives. It confirms that this type of evaluation can significantly contribute to the early stages of the design process.