Design Principles Research Articles

Rigid structural battery: Progress and outlook

The advancement of high-energy-density batteries is vital for the development of lightweight, durable, and intelligent fully electric mobility systems. Reducing battery weight not only increases energy density but also confers load-bearing properties to the energy storage setup. These integrated batteries, known as rigid structural batteries, effectively encapsulate the concept of structural energy storage. The design of rigid structural batteries follows principles of mechanical/electrochemical decoupling at the microscale, and coupling at the macroscale. Based on achieving mechanical/electrochemical decoupling at different scales, we categorize rigid structural batteries into component-level, unit-level, and material-level rigid structural batteries. This review aims to summarize the progress in this field concerning mechanical/electrochemical decoupling at various scales and discuss fundamental design principles and core issues to address in rigid structural batteries. It also proposes strategies for the expeditious implementation of rigid structural batteries, aiming for long-term breakthroughs to surpass performance bottlenecks.

Manipulating cationic ordering toward highly efficient and zero-thermal-quenching cyan photoluminescence

Developing effective design principle in crystalline materials for superior optical properties remains a critical challenge. Herein, we establish the cationic ordering strategy to build rigid framework and significantly improve phosphor performance. As a proof of concept, the NaHf2-xYx(PO4)3:Eu2+ (x = 0.05–0.2) phosphor series is constructed, which possesses absolutely cationic ordered structure and the linked outstanding photoluminescent properties. Structurally, heterovalent substitution in the lattice maintains the single-site occupancy of Na+ ions in NaHf2-xYx(PO4)3:Eu2+, as confirmed by Rietveld refinements and NMR spectroscopy. This cationic arrangement keeps the cation/vacancy ordered distribution that ensures high structural rigidity, with Debye temperature, as the indicator of rigidity, extracted from low temperature heat capacities exceeding 379 K. The resultant high structural rigidity, coupled with intrinsic defects, induces zero-thermal-quenching luminescence up to 150 °C. Moreover, the substitution of Y3+ at Hf4+ site facilitates effective Eu3+ to Eu2+ reduction, making them excellent cyan emitters with quantum efficiency exceeding 90 % and intense violet absorption. This work provides an impetus for the discovery of the currently state-of-the-art cyan phosphors for practical applications and gives insight into the structural factors influencing luminescent properties.

Care Guardian Application for Elder People

The application, named Care Guardian, focuses on enhancing the quality of life for elderly users by incorporating essential features such as a medication reminder system, emergency response capabilities, and streamlined healthcare coordination. Through personalized reminders and seamless emergency alerts, the platform aims to facilitate proactive health management. This application also locate nearby hospitals, document storage and location tracking. Care Guardian provides efficient healthcare navigation tailored to the unique needs of elderly individuals and their caregivers. This research adopts a comprehensive technology stack, blending Android Java for frontend development and Python Django for backend operations, all managed through the Visual Studio IDE. The development methodology integrates Agile practices, ensuring continuous integration and deployment to enhance efficiency, scalability, and maintainability of the application. Emphasizing user-centric design principles, the research targets empowering elderly individuals to independently manage their health needs, offering caregivers a platform specifically designed to fulfill to their requirements. Initial performance assessments of the system demonstrate its effectiveness and reliability in meeting the diverse needs of caregivers and elderly users alike, fostering peace of mind and promoting self-reliance within this demographic. The research’s user-centric approach and advanced technological features position Care Guardian as a high-quality application poised to deliver a superior user experience, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for its target users.

DIY Ventilator Using Arduino: Review

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, brought with it an unprecedented surge in the demand for ventilators. The resultant shortage of these life-saving medical devices exposed a critical gap in healthcare systems worldwide. In response, a global community of DIY enthusiasts, engineers, and healthcare professionals initiated projects aimed at designing and developing DIY ventilators. Many of these projects have harnessed the accessibility, affordability, and versatility of Arduino microcontrollers, an open-source electronics platform. The proposed system aims to fulfill the need of the portable ventilators by providing:  Cost effective  Easily accessible to everyone  Production Locally This comprehensive review paper delves deeply into these DIY ventilator projects, specifically those incorporating Arduinobased solutions, with a primary focus on their design principles, functionalities, safety considerations, regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and the associated challenges and opportunities. The analysis presented in this review is drawn from a wide range of references, including peer-reviewed articles, guidance documents, and original research.

Design of Two-Wheeler Hybrid Electric Vehicle using MATLAB-Simulink

Abstract: This report presents the design and structural analysis of a go-kart using PTC Creo for CAD modelling and ANSYS for finite element analysis (FEA). The aim is to develop a low-cost, comfortable, and durable go-kart with an optimized frame design. The study involves the application of design principles and advanced simulation tools to ensure the go-kart meets safety and performance standards. The best frame design was identified through iterative testing and analysis, focusing on weight distribution, material selection, and structural integrity. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the design procedure and good strength for a Roll cage. This project emphasizes on the practical and engineering applications of the subjects Vehicle Dynamics and Automotive Technology.

A Collaborative Code Platform with Advanced AI Features and Real-Time Collaboration Tools

Abstract: Good collaboration and code management are crucial in today's software development environment. Our research has launched a new collaborative process that combines AI resources, including AI and global research, to improve products and enhance and facilitate collaboration. The platform features real-time collaboration tools such as dynamic text with multilanguage support, dialog functionality, and notepad functionality. With OAuth authentication, users can seamlessly perform CRUD operations on files and directories, share code repositories, and participate in live coding sessions. The platform supports compilation and execution of a code file and follows good design principles such as caching, microservices architecture, and containerization to ensure scalability and performance. The platform focuses on user experience by providing simple user interface design and easy interface navigation. Users can create workspaces, share them collaboratively, and seamlessly import repositories from Git. The platform's intelligent data manager helps manage files and directories, while the collaborative platform allows developers to collaborate on code libraries efficiently. The platform is modern web-based, using React on the frontend and Node.js on the backend; Supported with syntax highlighting and smart initialization along with Socket.io for runtime with SQL and NoSQL databases. Provides comprehensive language support. All progress is saved, providing users with peace of mind. While the basic design is for desktops, future iterations are expected to support mobile devices.

Law Chatbot

bstract: This paper presents the development and implementation of a pioneering solution titled “Law Chatbot” aimed at revolutionizing access to legal information and services. The Law Chatbot is an artificial intelligence-powered conversational agent designed to provide users with instant legal advice, guidance, and resources. Leveraging text retrieval and generation, the chatbot offers personalized responses to user queries, covering a wide spectrum of legal topics such as civil law, criminal law, contract law, and intellectual property rights. The system is built upon a scalable and secure architecture, ensuring reliability and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters. Through seamless integration with messaging platforms and web interfaces, the Law Chatbot provides round-the-clock accessibility, empowering individual and businesses to navigate complex legal issues efficiently and affordably. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive knowledge base, the Law Chatbot represents a transformative tool in democratizing access to legal expertise, bridging the gap between legal professionals and the general populace. This report elucidates the design principles, technical components, and potential applications of the Law Chatbot, highlighting its significance in promoting legal literacy, fostering legal empowerment, and facilitating access to justice in the digital age.

Assessment of RC Frame Structure under Different Seismic Condition

Abstract: Structures in seismic zones are especially prone to collapse during significant ground motion occurrences. This susceptibility is sometimes linked to flaws in seismic design principles, notably in the selection of suitable structural systems. Equivalent static analysis, which is often employed in seismic design, may not accurately account for the structure's strength and stiffness. As a result, ground floor columns may become highly reinforced, thereby lowering ductility, and causing poor performance. This thesis offers a parametric study of an RC frame structure developed for various seismic zones. The finite element software is used to model the structure to investigate performance levels. Pushover analysis was performed to determine the structure's seismic capacity and behavior under various seismic conditions. Parametric research employing RC Frames with demand variation was done to investigate the structure's behavior in different seismicity zones across the country

Decoding Gender Representation and Bias in Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)

This article offers a thorough exploration of gender representation and bias within Voice User Interfaces (VUIs), delving into their intricate impact on technology design, user interaction, and broader societal dynamics. It scrutinizes the entrenched gender stereotypes inherent in VUI design, revealing the intricate interplay between technology, cultural norms, and gender expectations[1]. It highlights the ethical implications of such biases, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in the development of VUIs[2], [3]. the article advocates for a multifaceted approach to understanding and identifying bias in VUIs, incorporating methodologies such as data analysis, algorithmic auditing, and user testing[4]. Beyond individual interactions, it discusses how gender bias in VUIs can erode trust, diminish user satisfaction, and perpetuate systemic inequalities[1]. Proposing a shift towards gender-neutral design principles, it advocates for inclusivity and equity, championing personalized experiences and diverse representation. Looking ahead, the article outlines future directions in VUI technology aimed at advancing gender equality through enhanced natural language understanding, sentiment analysis, and collaborative design approaches[4]. By unraveling and addressing gender representation and bias in VUIs, this article lays a robust foundation for fostering a more inclusive and equitable landscape in voice technology.

Flat optics of nonuniform phase gradient metasurfaces

Abstract Flat optics of uniform phase gradient metasurfaces based on the generalized Snell’s law has been extensively studied. The optics of nonuniform phase gradient metasurfaces (NPGMs) is less clear. Here based on Huygens’ principle and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, we explore the optical properties of NPGMs made of nanorods (meta-atoms), which can be tuned by modulation of propagation phase and geometric phase. It is found that the nonuniformity of phase gradient may lead to multichannel anomalous reflection/refraction. The multiple beam splitters with arbitrary intensity ratio can be achieved by using the amplitude/phase modulation. Based on our design principle, we can obtain different anomalous reflection patterns (with channels ±1, ±2, both ±1 and ±2, or no reflection at anomalous angle) by different arrangement of just two types of meta-atoms. In addition, we are able to achieve chiral anomalous reflections for designed NPGMs made of nanorods and L-shaped nanoparticles. Our formulism provides general design guidance for NPGMs and can be used to realize the beam splitting function with adjustable angle and intensity ratio.

Evaluation of Rural Healing Landscape DESIGN Based on Virtual Reality and Electroencephalography

From the user’s perspective, emotional elements are increasingly being used in design. Researchers have indicated that healing landscapes in rural areas play a positive role in soothing human emotions. In this study, a landscape with healing functions was designed, and 32 subjects experienced emotions in a virtual reality (VR) scene while their 32-channel electroencephalography (EEG) signals were collected. This study compared the brain responses with and without the presence of healing landscape elements and conducted correlation coefficient analysis using eight different regression prediction models to examine the relationship between security, comfort, positivity, and corresponding healing landscape elements. The results show significant improvements in emotions of security, comfort, and positivity post-exposure to the landscape design, especially with certain elements, such as seating, shrubs, and tree pools. EEG data indicate enhanced emotional and cognitive states, particularly relaxation, with increased activity in specific brain regions. The decision tree regression model is the most suitable for our data. It reveals strong correlations between specific healing landscape elements and emotional responses. In the comfort category, “shrubs” show the highest correlation (R² = 0.82), while in the security category, “trees” have the highest correlation (R² = 0.77). Similarly, in the positivity category, “trees” again exhibit the highest correlation (R² = 0.71) with EEG data, indicating their significant impact on these emotional dimensions. This study demonstrates the importance of using scientific methods, such as EEG technology, to validate the principles of emotional design and also underscores the role of green environments in enhancing psychological health and emotional comfort.

Corrosion-Resistant Organic Superamphiphobic Coatings

In recent years, organic superhydrophobic coatings have emerged as a promising direction for the protection of metal substrates due to their excellent liquid-repelling properties. Nonetheless, these coatings face challenges such as poor mechanical robustness and short service lives, which have limited their development and garnered attention from numerous researchers. Over time, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of superhydrophobic coatings and have published many related articles. Nevertheless, the lack of logical organization and systematic summarization of research focus in this field hinders its advancement. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to clarify the design principles and working mechanisms of organic superhydrophobic coatings, as well as to summarize and synthesize the latest research on different aspects of superhydrophobic coatings, including liquid-repellent performance, wear resistance, adhesion, antibacterial properties, and self-healing properties. By employing decoupling mechanisms to study each performance aspect separately, this review aims to provide references for extending the service life of organic superhydrophobic coatings.

Narrowband room temperature phosphorescence of closed-loop molecules through the multiple resonance effect

Luminescent materials with narrowband emission show great potential for diverse applications in optoelectronics. Purely organic phosphors with room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) have made significant success in rationally manipulating quantum efficiency, lifetimes, and colour gamut in the past years, but there is limited attention on the purity of the RTP colours. Herein we report a series of closed-loop molecules with narrowband phosphorescence by multiple resonance effect, which significantly improves the colour purity of RTP. Phosphors show narrowband phosphorescence with full width at half maxima (FWHM) of 30 nm after doping into a rigid benzophenone matrix under ambient conditions, of which the RTP efficiency reaches 51.8%. At 77 K, the FWHM of phosphorescence is only 11 nm. Meanwhile, the colour of narrowband RTP can be tuned from sky blue to green with the modification of methyl groups. Additionally, the potential applications in X-ray imaging and display are demonstrated. This work not only outlines a design principle for developing narrowband RTP materials but also makes a major step forward extending the potential applications of narrowband luminescent materials in optoelectronics.

Combining Building Information Model and Life Cycle Assessment for Defining Circular Economy Strategies

Although the construction industry has the potential to implement circular economy (CE) principles, the sector suffers from a veritable lack of initiatives to develop circular and regenerative design principles. However, existing buildings intended to be demolished could be considered as material banks for future constructions, with the aim to exploit anthropogenic resources, extend material/product efficiency, and reduce the extraction of natural resources. This concept of buildings as material banks is being studied more and more in the scientific literature, but it still requires the existing building stock to be fully digitalized, thus making materials reusable in new buildings starting from the architectural design stage. Moreover, the decision process regarding CE strategies requires the consideration of the environmental impacts of the deconstruction and end-of-life processes, which is essential in CE implementation. This paper introduces a digital platform for generating materials inventory and supporting the definition of reuse strategies. Then, by using digital tools in combination with life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of the deconstruction process and output of materials and components inventories, a method is defined and tested on a pilot building in Luxembourg.

Highly sensitive electrochemical quantification of carbendazim via synergistic enhancement of ring-opening metathesis polymerization and polyethyleneimine modified graphene oxide.

Anovel aptamer-based sensor was developed using the signal amplification strategy of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and polyethyleneimine modified graphene oxide to achieve trace detection of carbendazim (CBZ). The dual identification of aptamer and antibody was used to avoid false positive results and improve the selectivity. Polyethyleneimine modified graphene oxide (GO-PEI), as a substrate material with excellent conductivity, was modified on the surface of aglassy carbon electrode (GCE) to increase the grafting amount of aptamer on the electrode surface. Moreover, a large number of cyclopentenyl ferrocene (CFc) was aggregated to form long polymer chains through ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), so as to significantly improve the detection sensitivity of the biosensor. The linear range of this sensor was 1 pg/mL-100 ng/mL with a detection limit as low as 7.80fg/mL. The sensorexhibited excellent reproducibility and stability, and also achieved satisfactory results in actual sample detection. The design principle of such a sensor could provide innovative ideas for sensors in the detection of other types of targets.

On the optimality of the radical-pair quantum compass

Quantum sensing enables the ultimate precision attainable in parameter estimation. Circumstantial evidence suggests that certain organisms, most notably migratory songbirds, also harness quantum-enhanced magnetic field sensing via a radical-pair-based chemical compass for the precise detection of the weak geomagnetic field. However, what underpins the acuity of such a compass operating in a noisy biological setting, at physiological temperatures, remains an open question. Here, we address the fundamental limits of inferring geomagnetic field directions from radical-pair spin dynamics. Specifically, we compare the compass precision, as derived from the directional dependence of the radical-pair recombination yield, to the ultimate precision potentially realisable by a quantum measurement on the spin system under steady-state conditions. To this end, we probe the quantum Fisher information and associated Cramér–Rao bound in spin models of realistic complexity, accounting for complex inter-radical interactions, a multitude of hyperfine couplings, and asymmetric recombination kinetics, as characteristic for the magnetosensory protein cryptochrome. We compare several models implicated in cryptochrome magnetoreception and unveil their optimality through the precision of measurements ostensibly accessible to nature. Overall, the comparison provides insight into processes honed by nature to realise optimality whilst constrained to operating with mere reaction yields. Generally, the inference of compass orientation from recombination yields approaches optimality in the limits of complexity, yet levels off short of the theoretical optimal precision bounds by up to one or two orders of magnitude, thus underscoring the potential for improving on design principles inherent to natural systems.

SMART HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING IOT

The concept of a "smart home" is rapidly gaining popularity among homeowners worldwide, and it's all thanks to the integration of WiFi connectivity. Smart home automation systems driven by WiFi offer exciting new possibilities for enhancing our living spaces, from increased comfort and convenience to greater energy efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging the power of WiFi, smart home automation systems enable us to remotely monitor and manage various aspects of our homes using smartphones, tablets, or other internet-enabled devices. Plus, these systems are designed to seamlessly communicate and integrate across different manufacturers and platforms, making it easier than ever to customize your living space to suit your needs. But the benefits of smart home automation systems go beyond mere convenience. They also have the potential to significantly reduce our energy consumption, minimize waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future. At the same time, integrated sensors, cameras, and motion detectors can enhance our home security and safety, providing peace of mind and mitigating risks associated with burglary, fire, or other hazards. Ofcourse, there are some challenges and considerations to keep in mind when it comes to WiFi-enabled smart home automation systems. Privacy and data security are top concerns, and interoperability and compatibility issues must be addressed to ensure that these systems remain flexible and adaptable to the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners. Additionally, user-friendly interfaces and intuitive design principles are essential for ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience. In this research paper, we aim to explore the transformative potential of WiFi-enabled smart home automation systems and provide constructive insights into how we can overcome the challenges and considerations associated with this technology. By shedding light on the opportunities, challenges, and best practices associated with these systems, we hope to empower homeowners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike to make informed decisions that enhance the quality of life while safeguarding privacy, security, and sustainability.

DFT Guided Design and Preparation of Quasi-Nanocrystalline Hf-La2O3 Cathode with Unprecedented Thermal Emission Performance.

With the guidance of density functional theory (DFT), a high-performance hafnium (Hf) cathode for an air/water vapor plasma torch is designed and the concepts and principles for high performance are elucidated. A quasi-nanocrystalline hexagonal close-packed (HCP) Hf-La2O3 cathode based on these design principles is successfully fabricated via a powder metallurgy route. Under identical voltage and temperature conditions, the thermal emission current density of this quasi-nanocrystalline Hf-La2O3 cathode is ≈20 times greater than that of conventional Hf cathodes. Additionally, its cathodic lifespan is significantly extended. Quasi-nanocrystalline Hf-La2O3 products are manufactured into cathode devices with standard dimensions. This fabrication process is straightforward, requires minimal doped oxides, and is cost-effective. Consequently, the approach offers substantial performance enhancements over traditional Hf melting methods without incurring significantly additional costs.

Covid-19’s Emotional Toll on Students: Experiences during Online Assessments in an Open and Distance Learning Programme

The Covid-19 pandemic had an immense effect on teaching and learning during 2020. The fast shift to online examinations in reaction to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown underlines the significance of motivationally enriched and emotionally supportive instruction through this stressful time. It cannot be assumed that all students had the same access to online assets or internet-equipped devices such as laptops or tablets. Not all students coped well, as an analysis of student remarks in a qualitative study indicates. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to analyse student reports on emotions experienced during the first fully online assessments in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in order to develop an understanding of the motivating and supportive learning environments in online teaching. A total of 20 students from an open and distance learning university were purposefully selected to answer 15 questions related to their learning needs and, in particular, emotional challenges during lockdown. The study drew on a theoretical framing of five motivational design principles, which link emotions to academic performance. The 17 participants all had access to mobile phones and 12 to laptops for participation in online academic activities. The emotions experienced most by the students varied from anxiousness to restlessness, associated with technology access, and the trend was that emotions were shared mostly with family and friends. The findings are discussed in terms of the need to support student emotions in a fully online university course during these stressful times.

Redesigning the survey course: A focus on music, historically excluded identities, and the canon

AbstractSo‐called survey courses have been a persistent but contested genre in world languages, especially in regard to “the canon,” an unstable concept that has historically determined the textual choices of such surveys. This article presents a case study for redesigning the survey course genre in line with theory to diversify, decolonize, and decanonize the curriculum. It discusses a number of steps concerning the theoretical background, textual improvements, approaches to assignments, classroom atmosphere, and general pedagogy. It reflects on questions of positionality, institutional support, and workload. Focusing on music and short texts, the survey course described here questions the common practices and core values of German studies, music history, and musicology, and takes a critical stance toward privilege and power. In this context, the course counters tokenization, juxtaposes non‐canonical and canonical works, and focuses on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility work, as well as universal instructional design principles and social justice education. Thus, the survey becomes a new genre—one that still offers students the breadth of cultural production but relies on a particular set of prerequisites determined by factors such as the space, time, and accessibility of a course, as well as the identity markers of instructor and students.