Modular Thinking Research Articles

Purpose This study explores how design strategies based on modular thinking intersect with the principles of open building movement (OBM), in early architectural education. It aims to assess the pedagogical value of OBM's adaptability-focused framework when applied in a studio environment. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study was conducted on 20 student projects developed in a second-year architecture studio focused on modular, reconfigurable residential units for temporary student use. The projects were evaluated through core OBM principles – support–infill distinction, user agency and adaptation – alongside selected ideas from the Metabolism movement. Student feedback and iterative reflections were incorporated to triangulate the analysis. Findings Students successfully engaged with OBM concepts, especially at the infill level, using modular strategies to enable personalization and post-occupancy adaptability. However, the standardized dimensions of the living modules and students’ limited experience in technical knowledge and detailing led to limitations such as structural rigidity, reduced facade flexibility and insufficient technical resolution in the projects. Social implications The study posits adaptability as a social necessity, advocating for architectural education that prepares students to create resilient, inclusive environments. It emphasizes how OBM principles can democratize design, enabling transient users to modify environments without expensive renovations – a vital approach for sustainable urbanization. Originality/value This paper distinctly connects the systemic modularity of Metabolism with the user-centric pragmatism of OBM, evaluating their joint significance as a pedagogical foundation in early architectural education. It enhances discussions on sustainable design by framing adaptability as an instructive competency that reconciles industrial discipline, ecological resilience and participatory equity.

In response to the practical needs of automatic monitoring and control systems in the field of computer networks at present, this study constructs a new system development strategy with modular thinking as the core. After in-depth exploration of system requirements, this study points out the problems existing in traditional systems and proposes innovative design concepts for key modules such as information collection, anomaly detection, and control feedback. On this basis, this study applied distributed system architecture and cutting-edge algorithm technology, significantly improving the monitoring efficiency and response speed of the system. The research conclusion shows that the system has made significant progress in multiple dimensions such as performance, scalability, and security, and is expected to provide solid technical support for future network management.

As an effective approach to mitigating urban environmental issues, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) have become a focal point of research regarding their current development status and future prospects in China. Addressing the significant disparities in the development of the NEVs industry across different cities, this study focuses on ten typical Chinese cities and develops a novel multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) framework to evaluate the prospects of NEVs promotion in these cities. The study first establishes a comprehensive indicator system that covers key dimensions such as economy, policy support, infrastructure, technological innovation, and environment, encompassing five different types of evaluation information. This system incorporates five different types of evaluation information: exact numbers, interval numbers, triangular fuzzy numbers, hesitant fuzzy numbers, and probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTS), enhancing the framework's ability to handle diverse data types. Subsequently, the improved entropy (IEntropy) weight method is employed to determine the objective weights of the evaluation indicators. These objective weights are then integrated with the Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method, facilitating a structured group decision-making approach that synthesizes hybrid evaluation information. Based on modular thinking, hybrid evaluation information is synthesized to evaluate and rank the NEVs development prospects of each city. Sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis further demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the proposed MADM framework. The ranking results indicate that Shanghai and Guangzhou lead in NEVs promotion, while cities like Harbin and Zhengzhou lag behind. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted policy recommendations to promote the sustainable development of the NEVs industry in major Chinese cities.

We explore and develop an integrated model to enhance understanding and evaluation of the economic and environmental sustainability performance of alternative agricultural cropping production systems. More specifically, our developed Environmentally Sustainable Residual Income Decomposition Modelling (ESRIDM) integrates accounting decomposition analysis, Water and Economic Sustainability Performance Measurement (WESM), system thinking, modular thinking, Environmentally Sustainable Residual Income (ESRI) theory, into a holistic modelling system influenced by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) approaches.The ESRIDM is theorised and applied in the context of nitrogen management in Australian Cotton production through a detailed case study and comparative analysis of three nitrogen fertiliser options. We find the ESRIDM is able to: (i) provide an overall assessment of the economic and environmental sustainability performance of each scenario modelled; (ii) increase the transparency of the production system to enable the identification of key issues which influence the likely suitability of each scenario; (iii) enable an analysis of probable outcomes under various alternatives; (iv) evaluate the feasibility of regulatory option modelled. While this paper offers a novel perspective to a specific context, ESRIDM is designed to be adapted to a variety of contexts with a view to contributing to the evolution of more sustainable systems of production more generally.

Abstract This paper addresses the issues of logical allocation state constraints, invalid state switching, and program redundancy in the software design process of the signal processor in the T-type three-level inverter. It combines the importance and advantages of modular thinking in software design to propose a solution method for software modularization based on functional analysis and hierarchical module division. The article presents simulation tests and experimental results of the software modularization of the T-type three-level inverter implemented based on FPGA/CPLD chips, validating the feasibility and effectiveness of this design approach.

Abstract In order to improve the assembly efficiency and automation level of camshaft press-fit equipment for domestic enterprises and achieve data traceability, a smart camshaft real-time press-fit detection system based on C# has been designed and developed. The system adopts modular thinking for C# program design and interface design, collects pressure and displacement data during the press-fit process, forms curves, and uses regional determination methods to determine the results, in order to achieve the goal of press-fit detection. After the press-fit is completed, the press-fit result data and curve data are saved to the database, achieving data traceability. The system collects data from the upper computer and determines the press-fit result, reducing the workload of the equipment controller (PLC), improving assembly efficiency and detection accuracy, and is innovative to some extent. After testing, the system runs stably and reliably, providing a certain reference value for the intelligent transformation of press-fit equipment.

Sustainable teaching model innovation is an important way to build a new business discipline in Chinese university business school; however, its effective implementation faces various challenges. This paper conducts an exploratory study on the current status of teaching practices in the business school of L University using personal interviews and questionnaire surveys. This paper compares the main performance of three stages in the initiation of teaching activities, use of teaching methods, and evaluation of teaching effectiveness in the business school of L University. We used project-based learning (PBL) theory, modular teaching theory, and deliberate practice theory to analyze three problems in business school teaching practice: lack of linkage between business knowledge modules, lack of articulation between business theory and business practice, and lack of systematic thinking in course assessment and evaluation. Based on the analysis of the above problems, this paper proposes three countermeasures: to reconstruct the relationship of “course-knowledge-tool” with modular thinking, to strengthen the linkage between theory and practice with deliberate practice, and to promote systemic thinking with real problems assessment. This research is essential to cultivate new business talents with “business theory + business skills + system logic”, and to build a new business talent education system for the digital economy and new consumer development requirements.

In this article, Pessoa emphasizes the importance of viewing neural activity from a perspective that functional networks form dynamically in a way that dramatically changes the functional contribution of individual brain areas. In this response, I argue that we should strive toward pluralism in understanding neural activity at both the emergent network and modular levels, on the bases that a purely emergent understanding would be incomplete, and that there are computational advantages to anatomically stable modularity.

The paper examines the peasant songs – horovels of Artsakh; it aims to cover the peculiarities of the musical linguistic language of the region. Work songs are one of the oldest layers of Armenian folk music. Our study is based on the notes made by Komitas Vardapet, Robert Atayan and Matevos Muradyan, in which horovels of the historical Varanda (present-day Martuni) region predominate. Back in the dawn of Christianity, Artsakh was one of the most important spiritual centers of the Armenian world with its folklore, unique dialect and song-making tradition. Presumably, this was the reason why Komitas Vardapet took a keen interest in music folklore of Artsakh (10 out of 20 peasant songs, recorded by him, are Artsakh horovels). As a result of comparative analysis of the musical material, we have identified several typological principles of structure and evolution of the musical language of horovels of the region under review (presence of metro-rhythmic, intonational and melodic patterns, prevalence of Phrygian scale with a tertiary secondary support). This, in turn, attests to the existence of traditional modular thinking in the peasant songs of Artsakh. “Horovel”, recorded by R. Atayan during his first expedition to Karabakh in 1957, when historical Artsakh was part of the Azerbaijani SSR, is published in the article for the first time.

Critical thinking in the urban living habitat: Attributes criteria and typo-morphological exploration of modularity design

Traditional large-scale enterprise cloud system has the problem of large delay. Therefore, a delay tolerant data congestion avoidance algorithm based on modular computing is designed. The resource allocation rules of rbfr strategy in traditional enterprise cloud are improved to change the traditional interactive overall mode and make it modular.Using modular thinking to construct the data congestion control algorithm, mainly in the control layer to achieve the model, through the introduction of ant colony algorithm in modularization, the design of delay tolerant data congestion avoidance algorithm is realized. In order to verify the algorithm’s congestion avoidance effect, comparative experiments are designed. Experimental results show that the packet loss rate of large enterprise cloud system under this algorithm is lower than that of traditional delay tolerant data congestion avoidance algorithm.

The general modular management theory takes organizational structure, work flow and product design and production as the core. In practice, it only pays attention to a certain aspect of modularization, and does not establish a comprehensive and unified modular management system. In this context, this article, guided by modular thinking, constructs a comprehensive management model based on modular thinking, and elaborates on the basic management structure of the modular management system. Meanwhile, this paper discusses the practical requirements of promoting modular management mode from the perspective of system, stability and moderation. It is hoped that this research can promote the theoretical innovation of comprehensive modular management and also provide a reference for the innovative practice of enterprise business models.

While responding to the challenges of globalization, the system of modern education often reduces the range of humanitarian disciplines, forming utilitarian programs in universities, but at the same time preserves such a vestige of the past as the priority of the academic format over the heuristic one. At the same time, the global world, a multiplex of events and opportunities, contributes to the emergence of a special type of a student in the educational discourse – a multipotential (MPL), who is capable of succeeding in several activities at once. The philosophical and methodological key to the reorganization of education within this context may be the idea of ​​a “transversal self” of a student in the dynamics of diversity and creative self-development. In light of the theory of generations and multipotentiality, a balance of academism and new forms of university communication is becoming necessary because in the life of millennials and representatives of generation Z, reality and virtual space, modular thinking and multitasking, the dislike for reading and creativity, and independent judgments merge. Interactive, visual, virtual and performative forms of learning are the most effective solutions for them. Social cataclysms of the beginning of the 21st century also require special stress resistance, emotional intelligence, auto-reflection, and media literacy from participants of the educational process. This actualizes the resources of practical philosophy, psychology, sociology and other humanitarian disciplines for the comprehensive development, awareness and self-regulation of a person. A very constructive educational discourse is the communication of a multi-potential teacher with gifted students. One example can be the scientific and creative activities of Vanya Angelova, a professor at Velikotyrnovsky University. St. Cyril and Methodius, who emphasizes the value of the "return" of the book, the co-creation of teachers and students, and wide international cooperation within the context of the topic of multi-potentials.

During the Renaissance, the language of proportion became a unified theory capable of encompassing the understanding of the world within a coherent theological, philosophical and artistic framework. Music, with its harmonic paradigm, plays a key role in this construction. From the fifteenth century through to the end of the sixteenth century, architects and architectural theorists made reference, both in new treatises and commentaries to Vitruvius, to musical matters, transforming architecture into the summa of knowledge. The affinity to music was grounded on both a common mathematical and rhetoric gnosiology. Formerly conceived of as ideal, numbers became eloquent, reinforcing the quantitative paradigm of proportion with its qualitative one. The language of proportion as a compositional tool reveals the shift between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: while the Medieval tèchne based on modular thinking provides beauty and universal truth using the technique of repetition, the Humanist paradigm of variety produces pleasure and individual truth – a condition typical of the premodern.

Zhang, S.; Sun, L.; Fan, L.; Song, S., and Li, Z., 2018. Modularized control system design of underwater vehicle for submarine cable inspection. In: Liu, Z.L. and Mi, C. (eds.), Advances in Sustainable Port and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 83, pp. 579–584. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.At present, the control system of underwater vehicle does not take into account the influence of nonlinear hydrodynamic factors, but mainly collects the state information from the central controller and generates control signals. The control function of the system is concentrated, which leads to poor system flow resistance and slower speed. In view of this problem, combined with the actual application requirements of underwater vehicle for submarine cable inspection, in this paper, a method of control system design based on modular thinking is proposed. Considering the nonlinear hydrodynamic factors, the four degree of freedom motion modeling method of vehicle is presented. The hardware part of the vehicle control system is decomposed into a series of standard modules according to the function. By using the method of modularization, the control system design of underwater vehicle for submarine cable inspection is designed. Experimental results show that the system has better anti-flow capability and faster speed.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how modularity is used for enabling value creation in managing healthcare logistics services.Design/methodology/approachMaterial logistics of four different kinds of hospitals is examined through a qualitative case study. The theoretical framework builds on the literature on healthcare logistics, service modularity and value creation.FindingsThe case hospitals have developed their material logistics independently from others when looking at the modularity of offerings, processes and organisations. Services, such as assortment management, shelving and developing an information platform, have been performed in-house partly by the care personnel, but steps towards modularised and standardised solutions are now being taken in the case hospitals, including ideas about outsourcing some of the services.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper proposes seven modularity components for healthcare logistics management: segmentation, categorisation and unitisation of offerings, differentiation and decoupling of processes, and centralisation and specialisation of organisations. Thus, this study clarifies the three-dimensional concept of modularity as a cognitive frame for managing logistics services with heterogeneous customer needs in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.Practical implicationsModularity offers a tool for developing logistics services inside the hospital and increases possibilities to consider also external logistics service providers.Social implicationsManaging healthcare logistics services through modularity has potential social implications in developing healthcare processes and changing the usage of health services. On a wider scale, modularity is helping healthcare systems reaching their goals in terms of service quality and cost.Originality/valueThis paper shows the context-specific antecedents of service modularity and the usage of modular thinking in managing healthcare logistics.

The leading hypothesis concerning the “reuse” or “recycling” of neural circuits builds on the assumption that evolution might prefer the redeployment of established circuits over the development of new ones. What conception of cognitive architecture can survive the evidence for this hypothesis? In particular, what sorts of “modules” are compatible with this evidence? I argue that the only likely candidates will, in effect, be the columns which Vernon Mountcastle originally hypothesized some 60 years ago, and which form part of the well-known columnar hypothesis in neuroscience—systems that cannot handle gross cognitive functions (vision, olfaction, language, etc.) as distinct from strictly exiguous subfunctions (such as aspects of edge detection, depth discrimination, etc.). This is in stark contrast to the modules postulated by much of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, and evolutionary psychology. And yet the fate of this revised notion is unclear. The main issue confronting it is the effect of the neural network context on local function. At some point the effects of context are so strong that the degree of specialization required for modularity is not able to be met. Still, despite indications from neuroimaging that peripheral and central systems deploy shared circuitry, some skills clearly do seem to display modularization and autonomy. This article: (1) provides an in-depth analytical and historical review of the fortunes of modular thinking in cognitive science; (2) offers a systematic calibration of brain regions in terms of degrees of functional specificity and robustness; and (3) suggests another way of accounting for the partially encapsulated character of expertise and other highly practiced skills without having to resort to domain-specific modules.

ABSTRACTWhen conducting scientific research, experts in molecular and cellular biology (MCB) use specific reasoning strategies to construct mechanistic explanations for the underlying causal features of molecular phenomena. We explored how undergraduate students applied this scientific practice in MCB. Drawing from studies of explanation building among scientists, we created and applied a theoretical framework to explore the strategies students use to construct explanations for ‘novel’ biological phenomena. Specifically, we explored how students navigated the multi-level nature of complex biological systems using generative mechanistic reasoning. Interviews were conducted with introductory and upper-division biology students at a large public university in the United States. Results of qualitative coding revealed key features of students’ explanation building. Students used modular thinking to consider the functional subdivisions of the system, which they ‘filled in’ to varying degrees with mechanistic elements. They also hypothesised the involvement of mechanistic entities and instantiated abstract schema to adapt their explanations to unfamiliar biological contexts. Finally, we explored the flexible thinking that students used to hypothesise the impact of mutations on multi-leveled biological systems. Results revealed a number of ways that students drew mechanistic connections between molecules, functional modules (sets of molecules with an emergent function), cells, tissues, organisms and populations.

To date, research has mainly discussed the definition and classification of producer services. Yet many companies require an integrated solution of products and producer services. The aim of this paper is to propose a model of the ecological evolution of manufacturing service systems (MSS) driven by service providers. This model adopts modular thinking to integrate dispersive producer services into an entire MSS, the process of which forms the ecological evolution of MSS. This paper applies ecological theory to build the ecological evolution mechanism of MSS. In this mechanism, the predator–prey relationship is used as a metaphor for the relationships between manufacturers and service providers in a MSS. A predator–prey model is built to simulate the ecological evolution of MSS. A predation cellular genetic algorithm is adopted to optimise this evolution. The proposed model and algorithm are demonstrated and validated by a case study of MSS in bicycle industry. This study contributes to theory by proposing and clarifying the mechanism for provision of services between businesses. The future research will focus on the application and empirical analysis of this mechanism derived from big data.

This paper aims to provide a descriptive, analytical, and reflective approach to the work of Brazilian architect Eduardo de Almeida. The method of this approach is a promenade through 54 years of work, following an interpretive walk Almeida proposed in his last lecture in Sao Paulo, in 2014. Visions of the creator and the critic are intertwined here, based on interpreting works and ideas. The focal points of the text highlight some key features of the oeuvre of the architect: rigor, rationality, tectonic and modular thinking, sensitivity, and discretion. These elements define, as well as determinate, the results of the discussed projects. Although for methodological reasons we do not intend to reach any conclusion, this promenade demonstrates that the creative work developed by Almeida was the result of a constant overlapping of clarifying layers of rationality and analysis of his own architectural practice, which, determined by the profession, helped to build the architect's position.