Original Design Research Articles

Computational Design of a Kit of Parts for Bending Active Structures

Bending-active structures are composed of elastic elements that deform to achieve a desired target shape. To support effective design, inverse algorithms have been proposed that optimize the geometry of each element specifically for each design. This makes it difficult to reuse elements across designs or gain efficiency in fabrication through mass production. We address this issue and propose a computational framework to rationalize bending-active structures into a sparse kit of parts. Our method solves for the optimal part geometry such that multiple input designs can be faithfully realized with the same kit of parts. Assigning parts to different assemblies leads to a combinatorial explosion that makes exhaustive search intractable. Instead, we propose a relaxed continuous optimization incorporating a physics-based simulation in its inner loop to model the elastic deformation of the bending-active structure accurately. Our algorithm allows analyzing different design trade-offs of a kit of parts to tune the balance between fabrication complexity and fidelity to the original designs. We demonstrate our method on three different classes of bending-active structures, showcasing the effectiveness of our approach for part reuse and sustainable practices in fabrication-driven design.

Rapid prediction of key residues for foldability by machine learning model enables the design of highly functional libraries with hyperstable constrained peptide scaffolds.

Peptides are an emerging modality for developing therapeutics that can either agonize or antagonize cellular pathways associated with disease, yet peptides often suffer from poor chemical and physical stability, which limits their potential. However, naturally occurring disulfide-constrained peptides (DCPs) and de novo designed Hyperstable Constrained Peptides (HCPs) exhibiting highly stable and drug-like scaffolds, making them attractive therapeutic modalities. Previously, we established a robust platform for discovering peptide therapeutics by utilizing multiple DCPs as scaffolds. However, we realized that those libraries could be further improved by considering the foldability of peptide scaffolds for library design. We hypothesized that specific sequence patterns within the peptide scaffolds played a crucial role in spontaneous folding into a stable topology, and thus, these sequences should not be subject to randomization in the original library design. Therefore, we developed a method for designing highly diverse DCP libraries while preserving the inherent foldability of each scaffold. To achieve this, we first generated a large-scale dataset from yeast surface display (YSD) combined with shotgun alanine scan experiments to train a machine-learning (ML) model based on techniques used for natural language understanding. Then we validated the ML model with experiments, showing that it is able to not only predict the foldability of peptides with high accuracy across a broad range of sequences but also pinpoint residues critical for foldability. Using the insights gained from the alanine scanning experiment as well as prediction model, we designed a new peptide library based on a de novo-designed HCP, which was optimized for enhanced folding efficiency. Subsequent panning trials using this library yielded promising hits having good folding properties. In summary, this work advances peptide or small protein domain library design practices. These findings could pave the way for the efficient development of peptide-based therapeutics in the future.

Green and Digital Technologies in Design

The goal of the study is to develop conceptual projects and products with an experimental nature within the module “Green Technologies in Design” of the innovative integrative module “Innovative Design”. This module is studied in the extended professional training program at PGD “Elisaveta Vazova,” Sofia, over a two-year period from 2021 to 2023. Project-based learning for students in theeleventh and twelfth grades, specializing in “Computer-Aided Design and Drawing of Textile Flat Products,” is implemented through the application of digital, green, ecological, sustainable, waste-free, and low-waste technologies, techniques, and materials in design. It has led to the creation of original designer projects and environmentally friendly ecological products. The project developssustainable practical skills and emotional-aesthetic competencies for creative ecological thinking, ecological education, culture and behaviour, solving ecological problems, practical application of the interdisciplinary and competence approach, and transforming “green” skills into a “green” way of life.Keywords: green and digital technologies in design, innovative design, product design.

Nonlinear Vibrations of Low Pressure Turbine Bladed Disks: Tests and Simulations

One of the most effective methods to limit the mechanical vibrations of bladed disks is the use of friction damping at mechanical joint interfaces. Unfortunately, dedicated tests to assess the impact of mistuning and the effectiveness of friction dampers are uncommon. This paper presents an original design of an academic demonstrator to perform an experimental analysis of the dynamic response of a tip-free bladed disk with under-platform dampers (UPDs), including an identification of intrinsic and contact mistuning introduced by the UPDs. The 48-blade disk was tested in a vacuum spinning rig by using permanent magnets. Vibration measurements were performed with the Blade Tip-Timing system. Tests were simulated using the Policontact tool, which predicted the average experimental nonlinear response in the presence of UPD, confirming the tool’s ability to capture the general nonlinear dynamic behavior of the mistuned bladed disk. This study presents a novel approach combining experimental Blade Tip Timing (BTT) with numerical simulations using Policontact (ver. 3.0) software and a model update based on experimental evidence to validate nonlinear dynamic responses. It distinguishes between intrinsic and contact mistuning effects, providing new insights into their impact on bladed disk vibrations. Additionally, a comparison of aluminum and steel UPDs reveals that steel offers a 26% greater damping efficiency due to its higher density and preload, significantly improving vibration reduction.

Controlling large deformations in soft rock roadways with integrated anchor shotcrete and grouting techniques

Effective and safe support in soft rock roadways remains a critical challenge in underground coal mining due to the extreme weakness of the rocks and their susceptibility to weathering and water invasion. This paper examines the tailgate of longwall panel 2606, a typical soft rock roadway excavated along the edges of mined-out areas with thin pillars at the Lvtang Coal Mine in Guizhou, China. Despite employing a combination of rock bolts, cable bolts, and surface support systems, significant roadway deformation was observed. The mechanisms behind this deformation were analyzed through in-situ tests and clay mineral composition analysis. These analyses revealed that the primary causes of the roadway’s substantial deformation were the low strength and weathering susceptibility of the coal and surrounding rock. A novel synergistic control strategy combining anchoring, shotcreting, and grouting was proposed for supporting soft rock roadways. Detailed numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate the deformation and stability of the tailgate under various support scenarios, validating the effectiveness of the proposed support scheme. The synergistic support strategy was implemented to reinforce the 2606 tailgate, and field monitoring was conducted to assess its effectiveness. Monitoring data indicated that rib deformation with the new support design was reduced by 66% compared to the original design. The results demonstrate that the improved synergistic support system effectively mitigated large deformations and maintained the stability of the tailgate. These findings provide a valuable engineering reference for supporting and reinforcing soft rock roadways under similar geological conditions.

Willingness to pay of Portuguese sparkling wine consumers: Econometric and machine learning approaches

Abstract Understanding consumer choices and their drivers of willingness to pay (WTP) for a bottle of wine has been a research challenge in wine economics, particularly in niche markets such as sparkling wine. This study investigates the determinants of WTP for sparkling wine based on data from Portuguese consumers. The results provided by two alternative methodologies are compared: a traditional econometric model, based on the estimation of an ordered probit model; and a modelling approach based on data-driven and using machine learning algorithms. Both approaches present similar results, highlighting the relevance of some determinants including income, Champagne brand, not being a protected designation of origin and being a red wine consumer as main predictors of WTP for sparkling wine in Portugal.

Human-computer interaction interface design of flight simulator based on situation awareness

To meet the comprehensive requirements of drivers for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) during operation and to enhance situation awareness (SA), this paper proposes a design and evaluation method for flight simulator HCI interfaces grounded in SA. Firstly, the widely adopted Endsley’s SA model, which comprehensively covers processes relevant to individual drivers was selected as the foundational framework. The study concentrates on flight, cruise, and landing scenarios within the simulator, analyzing and restructuring the information architecture of the HCI interface. Secondly, a self-assessment scale was developed based on the three-level model of information processing for SA to measure drivers’ SA cognitive levels. The core scenarios of the simulation training were analyzed to establish a design-making process. Thirdly, invite participants were invited to engage in simulated driving sessions on the flight simulator, where their SA cognitive levels were assessed. An analysis of detail features was performed on samples with high SA cognitive levels. Subsequently, drivers’ requirements for the control layout features of the HCI interface design were gathered through surveys. The design detail features of the HCI interface associated with high SA cognitive levels were identified and synthesized into four distinct dimensions to guide the detailed design process. Finally, participants engaged in simulated driving using the finalized interface design, and their SA cognitive levels were reassessed. The results demonstrated that the HCI interface design derived from this method significantly improved SA cognitive levels compared to the original design.

The Generative Generic-Field Design Method Based on Design Cognition and Knowledge Reasoning

Large language model (LLM) and Crowd Intelligent Innovation (CII) are reshaping the field of engineering design and becoming a new design context. Generative generic-field design can solve more general design problems innovatively by integrating multi-domain design knowledge. However, there is a lack of knowledge representation and design process model in line with the design cognition of the new context. It is urgent to develop generative generic-field design methods to improve the feasibility, innovation, and empathy of design results. This study proposes a method based on design cognition and knowledge reasoning. Firstly, through the problem formulation, a generative universal domain design framework and knowledge base are constructed. Secondly, the knowledge-based discrete physical structure set generation method and system architecture generation method are proposed. Finally, the application tool Intelligent Design Assistant (IDA) is developed, verified, and discussed through an engineering design case. According to the design results and discussion, the design scheme is feasible and reflects empathy for the fuzzy original design requirements. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper is an effective technical scheme of generative generic-field engineering design in line with the design cognition in the new context.

Enhancing YOLOv8’s Performance in Complex Traffic Scenarios: Optimization Design for Handling Long-Distance Dependencies and Complex Feature Relationships

In recent years, the field of deep learning and computer vision has increasingly focused on the problem of vehicle target detection, becoming the forefront of many technological innovations. YOLOv8, as an efficient vehicle target detection model, has achieved good results in many scenarios. However, when faced with complex traffic scenarios, such as occluded targets, small target detection, changes in lighting, and variable weather conditions, YOLOv8 still has insufficient detection accuracy and robustness. To address these issues, this paper delves into the optimization strategies of YOLOv8 in the field of vehicle target detection, focusing on the EMA module in the backbone part and replacing the original SPPF module with focal modulation technology, all of which effectively improved the model’s performance. At the same time, modifications to the head part were approached with caution to avoid unnecessary interference with the original design. The experiment used the UA-DETRAC dataset, which contains a variety of traffic scenarios, a rich variety of vehicle types, and complex dynamic environments, making it suitable for evaluating and validating the performance of traffic monitoring systems. The 5-fold cross-validation method was used to ensure the reliability and comprehensiveness of the evaluation results. The final results showed that the improved model’s precision rate increased from 0.859 to 0.961, the recall rate from 0.83 to 0.908, and the mAP50 from 0.881 to 0.962. Meanwhile, the optimized YOLOv8 model demonstrated strong robustness in terms of detection accuracy and the ability to adapt to complex environments.

Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Carvacrol and Citral-Edible Polysaccharide-Based Nanoemulgels on Shelf Life Extension of Chalkidiki Green Table Olives.

Modern bioeconomy and sustainability demands lead food technology in the development of novel biobased edible food preservatives. Herein, the development and characterization of novel polysaccharide (xanthan gum and kappa-carrageenan)-based nanoemulgels (NGs) enhanced with essential oil derivatives; pure citral (CT); pure carvacrol (CV); and various CT:CV ratios (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25) are presented. The obtained NGs are applied as active edible coatings for extending the shelf life of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) green table olives of Chalkidiki. The zeta potential demonstrated the high stability of the treatments, while light scattering measurement and scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the <100 nm droplet size. EC50 indicated high antioxidant activity for all the tested samples. The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) confirmed the synergistic effect of NG with a CT:CV ratio at 50:50 against Staphylococcus aureus and at CT:CV ratios 25:75 and 75:25 against E. coli O157:H7. NG coatings with CT:CV ratios at 50:50 and at 25:75 effectively controlled the weight loss at 0.5%, maintained stable pH levels, and preserved the visual quality of green olives on day 21. The synergistic effect between CT and CV was confirmed as they reduced the spoilage microorganisms of yeasts and molds by 2-log [CFU/g] compared to the control and almost 1 log [CFU/g] difference from pure CT and CV-based NGs without affecting the growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria crucial for fermentation. NGs with CT:CV ratios at 50:50 and at 25:75 demonstrated superior effectiveness in preventing discoloration and maintaining the main sensory attributes. Overall, shelf life extension was achieved in 21 compared to only 7 of the uncoated ones. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of polysaccharide-based NGs in mixtures of CT and CV for the shelf life extension of fermented food products.

Influence of Water Ingress at the Shield Tunnel Portal on Tunnel Deformation and Load Capacity Weakening

Abstract. During the construction of shield tunnels, adverse geological conditions can lead to tunnel segment settlement and damage. This study investigates the deformation patterns and changes in load capacity of shield tunnels under water ingress conditions at the portal, using a segment of the Jinan Metro as a case study. Through field measurements and numerical simulations, we analyzed the structural deformation and weakening of load capacity caused by water ingress. The results indicate that significant settlement occurs at both the tunnel crown and invert after water ingress, with a maximum settlement of 181.2 mm compared to the original design axis. The deformation profile of the tunnel primarily resembles a transverse "duck egg" shape, while the segments near the portal exhibit vertical "duck egg" deformations due to grouting and other factors. Multiple cracks and damages were observed in the segments, with up to 16 cracks found in a single ring. Compared to the original design conditions, the bending moment in the tunnel lining increased by approximately 7%, and the axial force increased by about 9%, leading to an 11% reduction in tunnel resistance effects. The findings of this study regarding tunnel lining deformation and load capacity weakening provide valuable insights for similar engineering projects.

𝒢‐Style: Stylized Gaussian Splatting

AbstractWe introduce 𝒢‐Style, a novel algorithm designed to transfer the style of an image onto a 3D scene represented using Gaussian Splatting. Gaussian Splatting is a powerful 3D representation for novel view synthesis, as—compared to other approaches based on Neural Radiance Fields—it provides fast scene renderings and user control over the scene. Recent pre‐prints have demonstrated that the style of Gaussian Splatting scenes can be modified using an image exemplar. However, since the scene geometry remains fixed during the stylization process, current solutions fall short of producing satisfactory results. Our algorithm aims to address these limitations by following a three‐step process: In a pre‐processing step, we remove undesirable Gaussians with large projection areas or highly elongated shapes. Subsequently, we combine several losses carefully designed to preserve different scales of the style in the image, while maintaining as much as possible the integrity of the original scene content. During the stylization process and following the original design of Gaussian Splatting, we split Gaussians where additional detail is necessary within our scene by tracking the gradient of the stylized color. Our experiments demonstrate that 𝒢‐Style generates high‐quality stylizations within just a few minutes, outperforming existing methods both qualitatively and quantitatively.

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SEED SHAFT TURBER OF THE LINTER MACHINE

It is noted that the main factor in reducing the quality of the lint is its contamination caused by the increased content of crushed seeds. The latter is explained by the mechanical impact on the seed roller from the rigid elements of the working bodies of the linter machine, such as saws, grates and agitator. The magnitude of this impact largely depends on the density of the seed roller itself. In addition, its high density is the cause of additional energy costs for its rotation. To reduce the dynamic loads on the seeds in the roller, an original design of agitator with elastic inclined blades separated by elastic bushings is proposed. The proposed agitator provides intensive mixing of seeds in the seed roller both in the axial direction and in the direction of its rotation. It is shown that agitator with elastic blades allows to reduce energy costs by 20 % and reduce seed damage by 0.3 %

Changes in the Public Spaces at the Collective Living Quarters in Hanoi: A Case Study of Thanh Cong Living Quarter

The collective living quarters, referred to as Khu tập thể in Vietnamese, a familiar phrase used by Hanoians, is connected with periods of subsidy and is an unforgettable memory that is part of the lives of many families, who were officers and civil servants working in the State sector. Thanh Cong quarter is one of the most prominent areas in Hanoi with upgraded design, constructions, and landscape compared to other collective living quarters in the city. It is seen as a completed living area offering a fully functioning lifestyle for its community. Thanh Cong quarter underwent a lot of changes under the transition to a socialist oriented economy in Vietnam in the late 1980s. The original design of the collective living quarters was not suitable for private businesses, which led to the encroachment on public spaces. As a result, the quarter could not avoid impacts on the appearances and daily routines of residents. Step-by-step changes were a common phenomenon within all collective living quarters from this period.

Optimal design configuration of grading ring for polymeric insulator under different environmental conditions

Polymeric insulators play a crucial role in power transmission lines. To ensure safe and reliable operation at High Voltage (HV), they are often equipped with single or double grading rings to uniformly distribute the electric field and voltage along the creepage distance. This study investigates the impact of optimal grading ring configurations on electric field distribution using the Finite Element Method (FEM). In addition, an adaptable method for achieving optimal grading ring design is proposed. Numerical results demonstrate that employing the Nelder-Mead (NM) optimization algorithm helps determine the ideal configuration for grading ring material, dimensions, and location to achieve uniform electric field distribution compared to insulators without grading rings or with original designs. This method has also been adapted for different environmental conditions, including pollution, water droplets, and icing conditions.

Thermal Performance Analysis and Design Evolution of Ventilated Stone Facades: A Case Study of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) in Warsaw

The rationale for this work arose from the urgency of improving the energy efficiency of buildings at the design stage, given the changing requirements of energy efficiency standards such as the Polish Technical Conditions (WT 2014 and WT 2020). This research is novel as there is currently limited information available on the improvement of the thermal performance of ventilated stone facade systems, although they are now widely used due to their practical and aesthetic advantages. The first objective of this work is to evaluate the thermal performance of the ventilated facades of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) and to assess how certain design variations can help achieve a lower level of energy consumption. Using a comprehensive case study approach, this study provides accurate thermal calculations of the facade to assess its global thermal insulation coefficient (Rt) and thermal transmittance (Uc). The improvement in the actual U-value from the original design is as follows: the U-value is reduced from 0.33 originally to 0.228 for WT 2014 and to 0.198 for WT 2020, showing a reduction of about 30.9% and 13.2%, respectively. These results indicate the energy efficiency of increased insulation thickness and optimally oriented air gap dimensions. The practical contributions of this research are valuable for architects, engineers, and contractors involved in the design and construction process of buildings aiming to achieve near-zero energy buildings (nZEBs), including concrete suggestions on how to improve current construction practices as well as material recommendations. There is a need for durability studies, for example to assess the performance of such facades under different climatic conditions, as part of future work to support these findings.

Application of Hybrid Absorptive-Diffusive Panels with Variable Acoustic Characteristics Based on Wooden Overlays Designed Using Third-Degree-of-Freedom Bezier Curves.

This manuscript describes the application of novel hybrid acoustic panels with variable acoustic properties that could be used in the design process. Despite the significant growth in the modern acoustic absorbing and diffusing panel sector in recent years, there is still a need for sustainable and original designs that will fit standard interior design trends. The most significant requirement is satisfying the design needs of variable acoustic venues. The availability of acoustic panels with variable properties is minimal, as most designs are based on textiles in the form of rolling banners; therefore, there is no market diversity. The current paper presents an original solution for a novel perforated wooden panel based on third-degree-of-freedom curves. Due to the possibility of exchanging the front panel, the acoustic surface can be varied and adjusted to the room considering different requirements for the acoustic climate, for example, by modifying the attenuation range from low to mid-high frequencies. The novel panels have unique esthetic properties with functional acoustic features regarding sound diffusion and absorption. In this paper, sound absorption and diffusion measurements will be presented for the different variants of the panels, presenting the option to modify the parameters to adjust the panel's features to the room's needs. In situ acoustic measurements in a laboratory were conducted to test the variable acoustic panels' influence on the room's acoustic parameters, such as T30 and C80. In summary, the advantages of this kind of design will be discussed, alongside the possible impact on modern construction materials' utilization in architecture.

Visual cognition-based optimised design of primary flight displays in cockpits

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different cockpit primary flight display (PFD) interface designs on pilot cognitive efficiency and cognitive load. This study designed five optimised PFD interfaces and conducted interface cognition experiments to assess cognitive responses across six different PFD interface designs, including the original design. It compared various subjective and objective metrics across different interface designs and evaluated the impact of each design factor on cognitive task performance. The experimental results show that the PFD interface in the original interface design performs better under different flight symbol designs, and the interface with 50% increase in font size performs better among interface designs with different font sizes with relatively lower cognitive load. This study provides experimental support and optimization suggestions for the optimal design of cockpit PFD interface, which can help improve pilots’ perception and operational capabilities, and thus enhance task performance efficiency and flight safety. Future research can investigate the effects of various design factors on the cognitive effects of the interface to enhance the ongoing improvement and optimisation of interface design.

The Origin, Characterization, and Precise Design and Regulation of Diverse Hard Carbon Structures for Targeted Applications in Lithium-/Sodium-/Potassium-Ion Batteries

The Origin, Characterization, and Precise Design and Regulation of Diverse Hard Carbon Structures for Targeted Applications in Lithium-/Sodium-/Potassium-Ion Batteries

(Pragmatist) geographies of rankings

AbstractAs a rapidly growing interdisciplinary literature has argued, rankings have become a key means of valuation in contemporary society. However, the majority of the work focuses on rankings in only a few areas, and even if spatial aspects play a role in the interdisciplinary literature, the number of explicitly geographical works on rankings is surprisingly low. Against this backdrop, in this paper I aim firstly to flesh out a pragmatism‐inspired geographical perspective on rankings. Secondly, using the example of wine rankings, I will ask the question as to how the growing importance of rankings has changed valuation schemes. The wine industry is particularly well suited to this, as nominal classifications in the form of designations of origin have historically played a central role here. A pragmatist, geographical perspective on ordinal ordering processes illustrates that rankings evoke both economic and geographical realities; they do this not only through the ranking processes as such, but also through observation of and engagement with rankings by different actors. In the case of wine, local/regional specificity is an inherent part of the world of rankings—be it through the fact that ranking processes build on (embodied) geographically contextualised knowledge of wine judges, through the possibilities of using (or not using) (different) rankings for different markets by wine producers, or through the balance between the marketing of wine through rankings and the suitability of those very wines for the specific markets in which they are to be sold. This is perhaps the biggest difference compared with other fields in which the importance of rankings has increased considerably—in particular, higher education. It helps to explain why the historically significant valuation scheme of geographical origin has not lost any of its significance, despite the increase in the importance of rankings in the world of wine.