Potential Design Strategies Research Articles

Research Progress in the Design Concept of Green Commuting Cities

Abstract: The connection between green commuting and urban design was intimately intertwined in this study. As urbanization progressed, issues such as population growth, housing, transportation, and the environment had become increasingly salient. Green commuting had emerged as a vital strategy to mitigate these challenges and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. This paper elucidated the principles underlying green commuting, highlighting a human-centric approach, the interconnections between public transit, walking, and cycling as modes of travel, and the significance of the digital city paradigm. By examining the transportation systems and urban design methodologies, techniques, and characteristics of Vienna and Copenhagen, the paper delineated the strengths and weaknesses in the development of these cities. It delved into the design approaches and philosophies in green commuting from these two cities that were exemplary and worthy of emulation. The paper proposed potential strategies for green and low-carbon design in future urban transportation, aiming to construct a more ecologically sustainable urban transportation system and infuse new dynamism into urban development.

Light-Adapted Optoelectronic-Memristive Device for the Artificial Visual System.

With the development of artificial intelligence systems, it is necessary to develop optoelectronic devices with photoresponse and storage capacity to simulate human visual perception systems. The key to an artificial visual perception system is to integrate components with both sensing and storage capabilities of illumination information. Although module integration components have made useful progress, they still face challenges such as multispectral response and high energy consumption. Here, we developed a light-adapted optoelectronic-memristive device integrated by an organic photodetector and ferroelectric-based memristor to simulate human visual perception. ITO/P3HT:PC71BM/Au as the light sensor unit shows a high on/off ratio (Iph/Id) reaching ∼5 × 104 at 0 V. The memristor unit, consisting of ITO/CBI@P(VDF-TrFE)/Cu, has a RON/ROFF ratio window of ∼106 under 0.05 V read voltage and ultralow power consumption of ∼1 pW. Moreover, the artificial visual perception unit shows stable light-adapted memory windows under different wavelengths of irradiation light (400, 500, and 600 nm; they meet the spectral range of human visual recognition) and can clearly identify the target image ("T" shape) because of the apparent contrast, which results from the high ROFF/RON ratio values. These results provide a potential design strategy for the development of intelligent artificial vision systems.

Mechanism of Cationic Lipid Induced DNA Condensation: Lipid-DNA Coordination and Divalent Cation Charge Fluctuations.

The condensation of nucleic acids by lipids is a widespread phenomenon in biology with crucial implications for drug delivery. However, the mechanisms of DNA assembly in lipid bilayers remain insufficiently understood due to challenges in measuring and assessing each component's contribution in the lipid-DNA-cation system. This study uses all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate DNA condensation in cationic lipid bilayers. Our exhaustive exploration of the thermodynamic factors reveals unique roles for phospholipid head groups and cations. We observed that bridging cations between lipid and DNA drastically reduce charges, while mobile magnesium cations "ping-ponging" between double strands create charge fluctuations. While the first factor stabilizes the DNA-lipid complex, the latter creates attractive forces to induce the spontaneous condensation of DNAs. This novel mechanism not only sheds light on the current data regarding cationic lipid-induced DNA condensation but also provides potential design strategies for creating efficient gene delivery vectors for drug delivery.

Two-step printing bionic self-lubricating composite surface fabricated by selective laser melting ink-printed metal nanoparticles

The combination of self-lubricating materials and surface texture was a promising strategy to improve tribology performance. The designed parameters and manufacturing methods of the textured composite surface were pivotal in fully harnessing this synergistic effect. Inspired by natural structures such as the scapharca subcrenata shell, trimeresurus stejnegeri snakeskin, crocodile, and tree frog toe pad surface, bionic self-lubricating composite surfaces (BSCSs) with different textures were prepared on AISI 4140 steel substrate to enhance tribological properties. These BSCSs combined self-lubricating composite material (SLCM) with copper (Cu) material in bionic patterns using the selective laser melting ink-printing metal nanoparticles manufacturing method. Tribological properties and worn surfaces of the BSCSs with various design parameters were analyzed under dry sliding conditions. Results indicated that the synergy effects of printed Cu and SLCM texture effectively reduced friction coefficient and improved wear resistance of the BSCSs. The SLCM texture density and the size of array element in the BSCSs were found to influence the types of lubricating film formed during the sliding process, thereby affecting the tribological performance. This investigation provided a potential surface design strategy and a more flexible manufacturing method for surface engineering.

Novel CDK19-Targeted Radiotracers: A Potential Design Strategy to Improve the Pharmacokinetics and Tumor Uptake.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 19 (CDK19) is overexpressed in prostate cancer, making it an attractive target for both imaging and therapy. Since little is known about the optimized approach for radioligands of nuclear proteins, linker optimization strategies were used to improve pharmacokinetics and tumor absorption, including the adjustment of the length, flexibility/rigidity, and hydrophilicity/lipophilicity of linkers. Molecular docking was conducted for virtual screening and followed by IC50 determination. Both BALB/c mice and P-16 xenografts were used for tissue distribution and PET/CT imaging. The ligand 68Ga-10c demonstrated high absorption in tumor 5 min after injection and sustains long-term imaging within 3 h. Furthermore, 68Ga-10c exhibited slow clearance within the tumor and was predominantly metabolized in both the liver and kidneys, showing the potential to alleviate metabolic pressure and enhance tissue safety. Therefore, the linker optimization strategy is well suited for CDK19 and provides a reference for the radioactive ligands of other nuclear targets.

Decoration on the inner surface of low-tortuosity microchannels derived from wood plate for highly stable lithium sulfur batteries

The low-tortuosity microchannels of wood-based carbon matrix in free-standing cathodes for lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) were a double-edged sword, which brought in both a high energy density due to a high sulfur loading and severe shuttle effect for poor cycling stability. Herein, a layer of cellulose aerogel extracted from the wood wall was coated on the inner surface of the low-tortuosity microchannels of the wood plate, which was further transformed into a hierarchical carbon matrix using in free-standing cathode for LSBs. The decorated cathode exhibited a maximal specific capacity of 1377.2 mAh g−1 due to the enhanced utilizing ratio of active materials and exceptional cycling stability even under a high current density (1 C) for more than 500 cycles. Furthermore, the decorated cathode maintained good cycling stability with a higher sulfur areal loading (6.3 mg cm−2). The cellulose-based carbon aerogel coated on the inner surface of low-tortuosity microchannels provided a large specific surface area. This decoration strategy not only provided physical restriction on polysulfides but also increased conversion sites for polysulfides, improving the cycling performance of the wood-based free-standing cathode of LSBs. This work provided a potential structural design strategy for the advanced free-standing cathode of LSBs.

A Bright Future? A Perspective on Class C GPCR Based Genetically Encoded Biosensors.

One of the major challenges in molecular neuroscience today is to accurately monitor neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, peptides, and various other biomolecules in the brain with high temporal and spatial resolution. Only a comprehensive understanding of neuromodulator dynamics, their release probability, and spatial distribution will unravel their ultimate role in cognition and behavior. This Perspective offers an overview of potential design strategies for class C GPCR-based biosensors. It briefly highlights current applications of GPCR-based biosensors, with a primary focus on class C GPCRs and their unique structural characteristics compared with other GPCR subfamilies. The discussion offers insights into plausible future design approaches for biosensor development targeting members of this specific GPCR subfamily. It is important to note that, at this stage, we are contemplating possibilities rather than presenting a concrete guide, as the pipeline is still under development.

Anti-OX40 Antibody Combined with HBc VLPs Delays Tumor Growth in a Mouse Colon Cancer Model

ObjectiveCombination immunotherapy strategies targeting OX40, a co-stimulatory molecule that can enhance antitumor immunity by modulating the proliferation, differentiation, and effector function of tumor-infiltrating T cells, have attracted much attention for their excellent therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of combined anti-OX40 and hepatitis B core virus-like particles (HBc VLPs) therapy using a mouse colon cancer model. MethodsHumanized B-hOX40 mice were injected subcutaneously with MC38 colon tumor cells and treated with HBc VLPs+anti-hOX40 antibody. Tumor growth was monitored. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to evaluate the populations of T cell subsets in the tumors. ResultsThe combination of anti-OX40 with HBc VLPs resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth, suggesting that a potent antitumor immunity was induced by the combination therapy. Further studies revealed that HBc VLPs+anti-OX40 treatment induced a significant increase in effector T cells (Teffs) and a significant decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which accounted for the synergistic antitumor effect of anti-OX40 in combination with HBc VLPs. ConclusionCombination therapy of anti-hOX40 and HBc VLPs provides synergistic antitumor activity in colon cancer-bearing mice, which may represent a potential design strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Festivalization of business events: exploring a new strategy for designing more engaging conference experiences

PurposeThis study aims to explore a potential conference experience design strategy, namely, festivalization. It investigates the potential festivalization effects on conference attendees in two formats of business conferences: virtual and in-person.Design/methodology/approachA series of two scenario-based experimental studies were conducted. A series of one-way analysis of covariance and PROCESS procedures (Model 6) were performed for data analysis.FindingsThe inclusion of festivalization elements significantly enhances positive responses of attendees, especially for in-person conferences. This effect is further explained by a serial mediation effect, where enhanced perceived values and conference engagement play key roles in improving attendees’ conference experience.Practical implicationsBy incorporating festivalization elements, conference organizers can create a more engaging and satisfying event experience for attendees. This can lead to greater satisfaction, positive word-of-mouth and increased registrations.Originality/valueThis study represents a pioneering effort in revealing the underlining mechanisms that explain how festivalization affects attendee engagement and subsequent behaviors in business event management in both face-to-face and virtual settings.

X-ray-triggered through-space charge transfer and photochromism in silver nanoclusters.

Materials exhibiting X-ray-induced photochromism have consistently piqued the interest of researchers. Exploring the photochromic properties of such materials is valuable for understanding the structural changes and electron transfer processes that occur under high energy radiation, such as X-ray irradiation. Here, a crystalline silver(I) nanocluster synthesized from tert-butylacetylene silver was found to have the ability to exhibit color and photoluminescence changes upon exposure to X-ray radiation. The responsive behavior was observed across a wide temperature range of 100-300 K, with the ability to respond particularly well to soft X-rays (λ > 1 Å) and exhibit light responsiveness to hard X-rays (λ < 1 Å). By combining experimental findings including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, etc. with theoretical calculations, we have proposed that X-ray irradiation induces electron transfer from chloride (Cl-) located in the center of the silver(I) nanocluster to the surrounding Ag14 in the skeleton. This represents the first documented example in which electron transfer induced by X-ray excitation has been observed, accompanied by a photochromism process, in silver nanoclusters. This study contributes to our understanding of X-ray-induced photochromism and the electron transfer process in silver cluster compounds. It also provides valuable insights and potential design strategies for applications such as photochromism, photoluminescence color change, and photoenergy conversion.

Awareness and Availability of Low Sodium Iodized Salt: Results from Formative Research of Promoting Uptake of Low SodiUm Iodized Salt by Rural and Urban HousehoLds in India-The PLURAL Study.

Dietary sodium intake is high among adults in India. Use of low sodium iodized salt (LSIS) can help reduce sodium intake. However, contextually relevant and culturally appropriate interventions to promote LSIS uptake in India have not been developed and implemented. We carried out formative research to inform an intervention to promote uptake of LSIS among rural and urban households in north (Sonipat district) and south (Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts) India. Sixty-two in-depth interviews of six focus groups were held with a range of stakeholders-consumers, retailers and influencers. Participant views on availability, affordability, taste and safety of LSIS, along with views on hypertension, its risk factors and potential intervention design and delivery strategies were elicited. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. While the awareness of hypertension and its risk factors was high among the participants, awareness of LSIS was low. There was also low demand for, and availability of, LSIS. Since cost of LSIS was higher than regular salt, participants preferred that a subsidy be provided to offset the cost. Based on these findings, an intervention to promote the uptake of LSIS was implemented by project staff using various educational materials such as posters, pamphlets and short videos.

Screening-current-induced magnetic fields and strains in a compact REBCO coil in self field and background field

REBa2Cu3O7−x (REBCO) coated conductors, owing to its high tensile strength and current-carrying ability in a background field, are widely regarded a promising candidate in high-field applications. Despite the great potentials, recent studies have highlighted the challenges posed by screening currents, which are featured by a highly nonuniform current distribution in the superconducting layer. In this paper, we report a comprehensive study on the behaviors of screening currents in a compact REBCO coil, specifically the screening-current-induced magnetic fields and strains. Experiments were carried out in the self-generated magnetic field and a background field, respectively. In the self-field condition, the full hysteresis of the magnetic field was obtained by applying current sweeps with repeatedly reversed polarity, as the nominal center field reached 9.17 T with a maximum peak current of 350 A. In a background field of 23.15 T, the insert coil generated a center field of 4.17 T with an applied current of 170 A. Ultimately, a total center field of 32.58 T was achieved before quench. Both the sequential model and the coupled model considering the perpendicular field modification due to conductor deformation are applied. The comparative study shows that, for this coil, the electromagnetic–mechanical coupling plays a trivial role in self-field conditions up to 9 T. In contrast, with a high axial field dominated by the background field, the coupling effect has a stronger influence on the predicted current and strain distributions. Further discussions regarding the role of background field on the strains in the insert suggest potential design strategies to maximize the total center field.

A Review on Composite Railways Sleepers; Recent Developments, Limitations &amp; Future Perspectives

The current review on a number of composite railway sleeper technologies have been developed, there are still few places where they are used in rail tracks. This report thoroughly examines recent advancements in composite sleepers and discusses the major obstacles to their broad adoption and use. Currently, there are a variety of composite sleeper technologies on the market, ranging from those made of recycled plastic that have few or no fibers to those that have a lot of fibers. Although recycled plastic sleepers are inexpensive, employing them poses significant difficulties because to their poor stiffness, strength, and dynamic qualities, which are frequently incompatible with those of timber. The exorbitant cost of high-fibre sleepers, on the other hand, prevents their widespread use. Further limiting their use is the lack of information on the historical long-term performance of these new and alternative materials. This research also presents potential design strategies for resolving the obstacles to the use and adoption of composite sleeper technologies.

Passengers’ experience in underground non-transfer metro stations: The impact of spatial characteristics

Underground spaces have emerged as a promising solution for enhancing the overall quality of life in cities by allowing for better land use, reducing noise, and improving air quality. However, the subterranean placement of non-infrastructure facilities gives rise to numerous apprehensions, predominantly concerning the experience of their users. The underground environment may evoke fears and anxieties, disrupt cognitive and physiological responses, and affect personal safety. This paper examines the extent to which the specific spatial characteristics of underground non-transfer metro stations influence the passenger experience measured by the subjective indicators of comfort and safety. The research combines survey data collected from 1400 users with spatial data obtained from space syntax analyses and field investigations of 28 underground metro stations in Warsaw, Poland. Based on the results of multiple regression analysis, a set of spatial features that affect user comfort and safety was identified. The results show that passengers’ experience is shaped by several architectural characteristics of metro ‘stations, as well as their accessibility and position in the city and neighbourhood. Among the most influential architectural features is the configuration of the concourse level followed by the geometry of the platform hall and the use of art elements. Based on the findings presented in the study, potential design strategies that could improve the user experience are proposed and discussed. The recommended approaches offer valuable insights for designers aiming to improve the existing metro stations and facilitate more effective designs for new underground facilities.

Water-in-Salt Electrolytes for Reversible Zinc Electrodeposition for Dynamic Windows

Reversible metal electrodeposition (RME) is an emerging and promising method for designing dynamic windows with electrically controllable transmission, excellent color neutrality, and wide dynamic range. Despite its very negative deposition voltage, Zn is a viable option for metal-based dynamic windows due to its fast switching kinetics and reversibility. In this manuscript, we describe the construction of Zn RME dynamic windows using water-in-salt electrolytes (WISe). By systematically comparing different electrolytes, we study the effects of different WISe components on Zn RME spectroelectrochemistry. This insight allows us to design practical two-electrode 25 cm2 Zn dynamic windows, the first examples of RME devices with WISe. We also establish a link between the morphology of the Zn electrodeposits and the optical contrast of the transparent electrodes during switching. Taken together, these studies highlight a potential design strategy for the construction of RME dynamic windows.

Mechanical properties of heterogeneous metallic glasses: Insights from brick-and-mortar designs

The brick-and-mortar architectural paradigm is commonly applied in structural design to achieve an exceptional combination of strength and plasticity due to its highly tunable mechanical attributes. This study applies molecular dynamics simulations of tensile loading to investigate the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of brick-and-mortar metallic glasses (BMMGs). The focus is primarily on the implications of the aspect ratio of the bricks and interlayer thickness on the strength, plasticity, and deformation mechanisms. Results indicate that the failure mode is typified by multiple shear bands localized within the softer mortar regions, creating a staggered network under smaller aspect ratios that significantly enhances plastic deformation. However, a transition to a single dominant SB occurs when the aspect ratio exceeds 4.1. In addition, results indicate that a concurrent improvement in strength and plasticity can be achieved by modulating the distance between brick layers in BMMGs. This enhancement originates from the extensive generation and interaction of shear transformation zones. This study highlights that a desirable balance between strength and plasticity can be obtained in BMMGs with appropriate brick aspect ratios and interlayer thicknesses, providing a potential design strategy for the advancement of novel metallic glasses with superior properties.

Beyond boundaries. Exploring new post pandemic housing models through the reformulation of collective spaces

The outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the world where we live in. Especially in the urban and architectural fields, it has posed the necessity to define new housing models, capable of responding to both ambitions and needs of the upcoming post-pandemic society. In particular, two different types of necessities have risen: social issues (the necessity of more spaces for recreation, working, exercising, ...) and environmental issues (the reduction of flood risk, urban heat islands, air pollution, ...). The argument of this paper is that it is possible to overcome this apparent dualism of targets only through the reformulation of the conventional “living” paradigm, and, specifically, through the extension of the latter beyond the (physical and conceptual) “walls” that traditionally define the idea of housing. For this purpose, the outdoor space, conceived as not a mere addition but as a structural component of the living environment, has been identified as the main field of investigation. The effects of the pandemic situation, indeed, have exacerbated the traditional contraposition between private, semi-private and public realms. However, it is exactly through the exploration of this “friction” that it is possible to generate alternative design pathways for the reconceptualization of the conventional housing models towards a social and more sustainable perspective. For this reason, taking as a case study the Albanian city of Lezhë and the surrounding region, the paper reflects on the connection between the ground floor spaces of local dwellings and the outdoor areas around them. In particular, two different space typologies have been considered: the “in-between” space, resulting from the aggregation logics driven by the different historical settlements models; and the “residential/outdoor space interface” between private buildings and the adjoining common areas (streets, squares, parks, etc.). For each of these two categories, the paper tries to establish potential design principles, strategies and tools which can embrace the twofold necessity of creating spaces where to integrate the new recreational, social or working activities which have been making their way into the post-pandemic idea of living, but also to give possible answers to the forementioned impending climate issues. In this way, the ultimate goal is to explore how new housing models based on blurring the traditional demarcation between private and public through the reformulation on the outdoor space idea may not only improve liveability and physical and psychological health of individuals, but also entail wider-scale effects, becoming a beacon to ultimately increase identity, social inclusivity, and climate resilience of local communities.

Three-dimensional printed microcantilever with mechanical metamaterial for fiber-optic microforce sensing

Mechanical metamaterials can adjust mechanical properties of structures flexibly through a mechanical structural design based on the premise that the materials remain unchanged. Here, a cantilever probe microstructure is designed using mechanical metamaterials for an optical fiber microforce sensor tip that can be prepared by femtosecond laser-induced two-photon polymerization. The elastic constant k of the fabricated fiber-optic microforce sensor has been adjusted by two orders of magnitude from 0.165 to 46 N/m, and the geometric configuration of the cantilever beam can be tailored to match the mechanical properties of biological specimens. This fiber microforce sensor shows an ultra-high force sensitivity of 154 nm/µN and a force resolution of up to 130 pN. The optical fiber microforce sensor that shows the lowest force resolution in a direct-contact mode has high potential for biosensing applications, and the results reveal a potential design strategy for special scanning tunneling microscope probes with unique physical properties.

Mechanical reinforcement of waterborne latex pressure‐sensitive adhesives with polymer‐grafted nanoparticles

AbstractWaterborne pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) consisting of polymer microparticle emulsions (i.e. latex) are more commonly used in commercial applications than solvent‐borne alternatives, as the use of water as a suspension medium provides better consumer safety and reduces environmental impact. However, the lower mechanical performance of waterborne PSAs prevents their use in applications requiring permanent adhesion or strong bonding between substrates. This reduction in mechanical strength is often attributed to void spaces that form during water evaporation and coalescence of the latex particles, and thus a potential strategy to improve PSA strength would be to add filler materials to occupy these voids. Fundamental studies investigating how interfacial interactions between the latex and fillers affect the collective strength of the films would enable better design of adhesive compositions to tailor PSA mechanical properties. Here we report the use of polymer brush‐grafted nanoparticles (PGNPs) as a means of mechanically reinforcing the PSAs, and determine how different aspects of the particle and polymer brush designs enable this improvement in adhesive performance. The PGNPs investigated here are intentionally designed to phase segregate into the aqueous phase of the initial latex suspension, which allows them to both fill free pore volume and also form multivalent supramolecular interactions with the latex particles to form polymer bridges that improve the interconnectivity of the final film. These studies provide insight into potential design strategies for tuning PSA properties with PGNPs, and enable up to 32% improvements to the cohesive strength of the PSAs without the typical deterioration of adhesive strength observed in PSAs using non‐brush‐coated particle fillers.

High Affinity and FAP-Targeted Radiotracers: A Potential Design Strategy to Improve the Pharmacokinetics and Tumor Uptake for FAP Inhibitors.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, making it an attractive target for both imaging and therapy of malignancy. This study presents a range of novel FAP inhibitors derived from amino derivatives of UAMC1110, incorporating polyethylene glycol and bulky groups containing bifunctional DOTA chelators. The compounds labeled with gallium-68 were developed and characterized to study biodistribution properties and tumor-targeting performance in nude mice bearing U87MG tumor xenografts. Several tracers of interest were screened due to the advantages in imaging and tumor-specific uptake. Positron emission tomography scans revealed that polyethylene glycol-modified 68Ga-3-3 had a rapid penetration within the neoplastic tissue and excellent tumor-to-background contrast. In a comparative biodistribution study, naphthalene-modified 68Ga-6-3 exhibited more significant tumor uptake (∼50% ID/g, 1 h p.i.) than 68Ga-3-3 and 10-fold higher than 68Ga-FAPI-04 under the same conditions. Remarkably, 68Ga-8-1, combining the two structural design strategies, obtains superior imaging performance.