Design Recommendations Research Articles

Design and optimisation of automated hydraulic gate control systems for flood control

The study was conducted to analyse the design and optimisation of automated hydraulic gate control systems for effective flood control. It used data analysis from water level sensors, modelling of hydraulic systems, and control algorithms to automate the monitoring of hydraulic locks. As a result of the study, key aspects that confirm the importance of automation of hydraulic gate control for effective flood control were identified. It was established that the introduction of radiofrequency and ultrasonic sensors for water level monitoring provided a high level of data accuracy, which allowed responding in a timely manner to rising water levels. Adaptive control algorithms allowed optimising the operation of gates in dynamic conditions, considering changes in hydrodynamic characteristics. In addition, analysis of gate stability showed that the use of modern materials, such as high-strength steels and composites, substantially increased their durability and corrosion resistance. This was an important factor in ensuring the reliable operation of structures in extreme conditions. The examined models of the dynamic behaviour of gates identified critical zones that are subject to special attention during design since they can be destroyed under the influence of hydrodynamic forces. Overall, the results of the study highlighted the importance of integrating modern technologies into the design of hydraulic systems to improve their functionality and reliability in flood-risk situations. The influence of vibrations and resonant phenomena on the gate structures was analysed, which allowed identifying possible risks for their stability in flood conditions. As a result, recommendations for gate design included structural improvements that help reduce dynamic loads and improve their ability to withstand extreme hydrodynamic conditions

Effective Concrete Failure Area for SC Structures Using Stud and Tie Bar Under Performance Tests.

Nuclear power plants, where steel-plate concrete (SC) structures are commonly adopted, require large-scale components to withstand significant loads, such as those caused by sudden explosions. As a result, SC modular members used in nuclear power plants must have thicker walls filled with concrete compared to standard-sized ones. These large walls also require additional components, such as tie bars and H-shaped steel sections, to reinforce adhesion and resist shear stresses. This study focuses on tie bars placed adjacent to studs and evaluates their influence on the tensile strength of wall structures. To investigate this, we conducted experimental tests using full-scale specimens, including various combinations ranging from single stud to combined stud-tie configurations. Based on the results of these performance tests, we propose a design recommendation for estimating the tensile capacity of SC structures, considering the influence of tie bars.

The Development and (Mis)appropriation of a Digital Kit for Jewellers

Jewellers’ participation in interaction design is scarce, yet the creativity of jewellers could add value as they interpret materials and mediate personal connections in poetic ways. We investigate how to empower jewellers to experiment with the possibilities that physical computing offers to their practice. This paper presents the making of a Digital Jewellery Kit, a composite of pre-assembled circuitry, used by second-year BA jewellery students during a 10-week project which brought together theory and practice. Drawing on students’ reflective accounts, we discuss what made the jewellers’ path into physical computing more meaningful to their practice, what type of artefacts they created with electronics as well as what values drove their creative process. We offer design recommendations on how to support the praxes of jewellers whilst allowing their creativity to grow through their new understanding of physical computing and contribute to the discussions around hybrid craft within HCI and educational contexts.

Forecasts and Statistical Insights for Line Intensity Mapping Cross-correlations: A Case Study with 21 cm × [C ii]

Intensity mapping—the large-scale mapping of selected spectral lines without resolving individual sources—is quickly emerging as an efficient way to conduct large cosmological surveys. Multiple surveys covering a variety of lines (such as the hydrogen 21 cm hyperfine line, carbon-monoxide rotational lines, and [C ii] fine-structure lines, among others) are either observing or will soon be online, promising a panchromatic view of our Universe over a broad redshift range. With multiple lines potentially covering the same volume, cross-correlations have become an attractive prospect, both for probing the underlying astrophysics and for mitigating observational systematics. For example, cross-correlating 21 cm and [C ii] intensity maps during reionization could reveal the characteristic scale of ionized bubbles around the first galaxies, while simultaneously providing a convenient way to reduce independent foreground contaminants between the two surveys. However, many of the desirable properties of cross-correlations in principle emerge only under ideal conditions, such as infinite ensemble averages. In this paper, we construct an end-to-end pipeline for analyzing intensity mapping cross-correlations, enabling instrumental effects, foreground residuals, and analysis choices to be propagated through Monte Carlo simulations to a set of rigorous error properties, including error covariances, window functions, and full probability distributions for power-spectrum estimates. We use this framework to critically examine the applicability of simplifying assumptions such as the independence and Gaussianity of power-spectrum errors. As worked examples, we forecast the sensitivity of near-term and futuristic 21 cm × [C ii] cross-correlation measurements, providing recommendations for survey design.

Motivating residents to volunteer for urban waterway restoration: A segmentation approach

AbstractUrban landscapes play a crucial role in the health of freshwater ecosystems. The task of protecting and restoring urban freshwater waterways requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society, including volunteers. The recruitment and retention of volunteers is often a challenge for community environmental organizations as urban residents are diverse and influenced by a blend of personal, societal, and environmental factors. We surveyed a representative sample of 1901 urban residents across Aotearoa New Zealand and used the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and audience segmentation to understand the underlying factors influencing volunteering for waterway restoration projects and to identify potential target audiences to recruit new volunteers. We identified four segments within the target audience (“Supportive,” “Receptive but unsure,” “Hesitant and lack opportunity,” and “Reluctant”) each with its own unique profile of capabilities, opportunities, and motivations for volunteering. Recommendations for appropriate intervention designs to increase levels of volunteering include providing tailored messaging and events for those who are “Receptive but unsure” or “Hesitant and lack opportunity” and information about volunteering opportunities to “Supportive” individuals. This knowledge lays the groundwork for future initiatives focused on increasing urbanites' volunteering with community freshwater restoration groups.

Нормативные аспекты и практические подходы к визуализации данных

The article examines the role and importance of data visualization in the modern information society. The regulatory aspects of the application of the visualization method are considered, including issues of classification, security, confidentiality and ethics of data use. Special attention is paid to the use of visualization techniques to work with open information and open data to present graphs, charts, big data, datasets, dashboards and interactive reports. When perorming the work, the ESCD and SPDS standards were taken into account, containing rules and recommendations for the graphic design of objects; BI tools for creating dashboards were considered. At the same time, it is emphasized that modern trends in digitalization and automation put forward additional requirements for information processing, which can be interpreted as a new stage in the field of data visualization.

Trachoma Impact Survey Results from 31 Woredas in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Purpose Baseline surveys were conducted in Tigray region, Ethiopia, in 2013. Since then, rounds of azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) have been delivered in-line with international guidance. The purpose of these surveys was to assess trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) prevalence following those treatments to enable the region to plan the next steps towards elimination of trachoma. Methods All surveys followed WHO recommendations for community-based cross-sectional survey design. Thirty-one woredas in six zones of Tigray region were surveyed. There were two survey series: all 31 woredas were surveyed in the first series, and 11 woredas were resurveyed in the second, due to having a TF prevalence between 5% and 9.9% in the first series. Results In the first series of 31 surveys, one woreda had an adjusted TF prevalence in 1−9-year-olds of <5.0%, 13 had a prevalence of 5.0−9.9% and 17 had a prevalence of 10.0−29.9%. In the second series of 11 surveys, the prevalence of TF was <5.0% in seven woredas and 5.0−9.9% in four woredas. The most recent adjusted prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was ≥.2% in 27 EUs. One-third of households visited had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-minute return journey of their house, and 11% had an improved latrine. Conclusion Eight woredas met the criteria to stop MDA for 2 years before the re-survey. However, further rounds of MDA, additional efforts to improve water and sanitation access and ongoing strengthening of surgical services for TT are needed across Tigray.

Into the Nexus of disability, mobility aid and travel Behavior-A Tale from a South Asian City

Building a sustainable society and ensuring inclusive urban development must address the transportation needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Among PWDs, movement-challenged persons face particularly significant challenges in their daily transportation. Without a proper understanding of the mobility patterns of movement-challenged persons, ensuring the sustainability of the transportation system is impossible. This study aims to explore the mobility patterns of movement-challenged persons in Dhaka, based on a survey of 400 individuals. The findings indicate that walking frame and cane users are more likely to use rickshaws, while wheelchair users prefer traveling by CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) driven vehicles. Walking stick users prioritize door-to-door service when choosing a mode of transport, whereas walking frame/crutch and wheelchair users prioritize convenience. Specifically, movement-challenged persons who use rickshaws and CNGs consider door-to-door service an important factor in their travel mode selection. Survival analysis reveals that wheelchair and walking frame/crutch users are more likely to make shorter trips by walking or wheeling. Statistical modeling indicates that wheelchair users experience longer waiting times and are less inclined to use buses. Additionally, wheelchair users are completely dependent on walking (wheeling) for access and egress, while walking frame/crutch and walking stick users utilize both rickshaws and walking for these purposes. The study provides design and technology-oriented recommendations to improve accessibility of transportation modes for movement-challenged persons.

Exploring and Modeling Directional Effects on Steering Behavior in Virtual Reality.

Steering is a fundamental task in interactive Virtual Reality (VR) systems. Prior work has demonstrated that movement direction can significantly influence user behavior in the steering task, and different interactive environments (VEs) can lead to various behavioral patterns, such as tablets and PCs. However, its impact on VR environments remains unexplored. Given the widespread use of steering tasks in VEs, including menu adjustment and object manipulation, this work seeks to understand and model the directional effect with a focus on barehand interaction, which is typical in VEs. This paper presents the results of two studies. The first study was conducted to collect behavioral data with four categories: movement time, average movement speed, success rate, and reenter times. According to the results, we examined the effect of movement direction and built the SθModel. We then empirically evaluated the model through the data collected from the first study. The results proved that our proposed model achieved the best performance across all the metrics (r2 > 0.95), with more than 15% improvement over the original Steering Law in terms of prediction accuracy. Next, we further validated the SθModel by another study with the change of device and steering direction. Consistent with previous assessments, the model continues to exhibit optimal performance in both predicting movement time and speed. Finally, based on the results, we formulated design recommendations for steering tasks in VEs to enhance user experience and interaction efficiency.

Recommendations for Appropriate Design for Handling Landslides on the Slopes of the Balai River (Sei Balai), Batubara Regency

Sei Balai River, precisely in Nibung Hangus/Tanjung Tiram District, Batu Bara Regency, is one of the rivers in the Bah Bolon River Area (WS). Sei Balai River has experienced flooding several times and caused landslides on the riverbanks. One of the most critical locations is in Lima Beras Village, Nibung Hangus/Tanjung Tiram District, Batu Bara Regency, which has damaged the riverbanks which are feared that if not handled early, it may result in the breaking of community access roads in the mobilization and demobilization of agricultural and plantation products in the village. Based on the results of the geotechnical investigation, it was concluded that the Bearing Capacity Value of the Shallow Foundation Permit from the qc Data was obtained at No. Test. S - 1, with a depth of 5 meters, the permitted bearing capacity (Qi) was 3.8 (Ton / m2) with a square foundation width B = 1 m and No. Test. S – 2, with a depth of 5 meters, the permissible bearing capacity (Qi) is 4.53 (Ton/m2) B = 1 m

PERENCANAAN RUMAH TAHFIDZPRENEUR DI DESA CIBADAK, CARIU, BOGOR, JAWA BARAT, INDONESIA

Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur in Cibadak Village, Cariu, Bogor, West Java requires assistance in the planning process. This community service is motivated by the society's intention to build a tahfidz facility on land of approximately 5,200 m2 in Cibadak Village, Cariu, Bogor. The land is located in a residential area that is ideal for building a Tahfidz House. Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur will be built with guesthouse dormitory facilities, owner's house, farm, prayer room, multipurpose room, library, informal class, cooperative, and management office. The design recommendation is to divide these spaces into public, semi-public, private, and service areas. The main access is on the main road side, the public area is adjacent to this side. The private area is on the back side to ensure privacy. The service area is also on the back side. The middle part is filled with a semi-public area. The distant water source creates obstacles to water distribution and it is recommended to install a centrifugal pump so that water distribution is smooth. The results of physical and chemical tests on the water on the Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur land show that the water meets household standards but it is necessary to install a filter in the water reservoir so that the water is free of bacteria. Keywords: Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur, site concept, water distribution, clean water filter

Exploring the Transformative Influence of Dramatic Arts Education on Academic Achievement and Personal Development of Grade 10 Students

This study examined how dramatic arts education affects students in Grade 10 through improving their academic performance and personal growth thereby changing their lives. Using interpretative paradigms based on social interpretative theoretical frameworks, the study used a mixed qualitative and quantitative research methodology. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 120 Grade 10 dramatic arts students and seven teachers. The case study was conducted in two schools using a descriptive study methodology. An examination of the data showed strong correlations between involvement in the dramatic arts and academic achievement, and discernible behavioural and critical skill gains throughout a student's academic life. Results showed that, because of the topic matter covered, students of the dramatic arts modified their misbehaviours. The results demonstrated that dramatic arts is important for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical communication skills. This study recommends that teachers receive training in dramatic arts teaching and that more students be enrolled in dramatic arts programmes. Even though students enjoy dramatic arts as a subject, the results of this study show that some students were concerned about getting parental approval to enrol in dramatic arts. The study emphasises the transformational potential of dramatic arts education in providing students with the necessary skills for coping in a rapidly shifting world and gives insightful recommendations for educators, legislators, and curriculum designers. The study concluded that studying dramatic arts benefits students’ academic performance and has a transformative effect on their personal lives. The study also found that parents greatly influenced the choice of dramatic arts as a subject taught in schools.

In-situ detection of electrolyte defects in lithium-ion batteries using ultrasonic imaging and analysis of formation patterns

The urgent necessity for enhanced cycling performance in lithium batteries is paramount for electric vehicles to attain broader economic advantages. However, prolonged usage and cycling often lead to electrolyte de-wetting within the battery, posing a significant risk to battery safety and lifespan reduction. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying electrolyte de-wetting is pivotal for the development of long-lasting batteries. This study employs an ultrasonic non-destructive testing method to investigate changes in the internal electrolyte during battery operation. Analysis of the results found that during to the relatively higher current density and temperature near the tabs, electrolyte de-wetting is more prone to occur in these areas, with defects being more severe at the positive electrode compared to the negative electrode. Finally, these issues are addressed to provide reasonable recommendations for future battery design and optimization.

Telepresence Robots in the Context of Dementia Caregiving: Caregivers’ and Care Recipients’ Perspectives

As a result of a rapidly aging population and the increasing prevalence of dementia among older adults, technological solutions are increasingly being considered to facilitate caregiving. This research investigates the perspectives of 20 caregiving dyads on VGo, a telepresence social robot with features designed to support caregiving. Care recipients (CRs), aged 65 and older, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, along with their primary caregivers (CGs), evaluated the robot through an online interview study. The interviews integrated informative videos showcasing VGo’s features and functions. Insights from the interviews revealed diverse expectations, interests, and reservations. The majority of CGs and their CRs perceived the robot’s features as beneficial. In particular, the voice command capability was appreciated as an alternative to using smartphones and as a way to manage home appliances. The community feature, however, did not align well with many participants’ lifestyles, and participants had a number of suggestions to enhance the robot’s notification function. Based on the interview results, the study offers a set of design recommendations for telepresence social robots in home caregiving contexts. This investigation highlights the promise of social robots in caregiving contexts and underscores the need for further improvements to ensure they fit users’ needs.

Experimental and numerical investigation on cyclic behavior of Q1100 ultra-high strength steel H-section compressive-bending members about strong-axis

Q1100 refers to ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) with a nominal yield strength of 1100 MPa. Hysteretic tests were conducted on seven Q1100 UHSS H-section welded columns to assess their hysteretic performance. The hysteretic performance was evaluated through hysteresis curves, damage phenomena, energy dissipation, ductility, and load-carrying capacity. The impact of the width-to-thickness ratio and axial pressure ratio on the hysteretic behavior was also investigated. A validated finite element model was utilized to analyze the hysteresis behavior, influencing factors, and the applicability of Eurocode 3 width-to-thickness ratio limits, resulting in proposed seismic design recommendations.

Shear buckling behaviour of beams with partial-depth stiffeners at the support

This paper presents the findings from experimental tests and numerical simulations on plate girders with various end post configurations. While EN 1993-1-5:2024 provides design rules for both rigid and non-rigid end posts, it does not address the shear resistance of partially stiffened webs. The use of partial-depth stiffeners faces risks due to the lack of thorough investigation into their mechanical behaviour. To explore this issue, small numbered experimental tests and large numbered parametric studies on beams with different web slenderness were conducted using advanced numerical simulations. The results indicated that the shear buckling capacity of girders is lower than the design recommendation when the web stiffener height is <50 % of the web height. For girders with full-height stiffeners, EN 1993-1-5:2024 yields safe results. The accuracy of the EN 1993-1-5:2024 design rule for partially stiffened beams was also evaluated and new and shear buckling design curves were proposed for girders with partial-depth stiffeners.

A Sustainable Vision for Technical Education 4.0 of Post COVID-19

The impacts of industry 4.0 have been reflected in education around the world as countries compete to formulate educational policies based on innovation and digitization in order to adapt to the IR 4.0. In this regard, a new approach to technical education 4.0 has been formulated. It seeks to integrate technical education with the technology developments that define the Industrial Revolution 4.0, emphasizing the importance of this alignment in promoting sustainable economic growth and fostering inclusive development. The paper highlights the strategies and techniques implemented in the design of technical education 4.0 school buildings, arriving at legislative and design recommendations for creating school buildings that are compatible with sustainable education, meet the needs of industry 4.0 building practices, and are supported by modern technologies. By using an integrated approach in terms of new design needs and new education needs that adapt to modern pandemics and prevent any diseases in the future, this research aims to present a new model for technical education 4.0 in the pandemic era in line with the sustainable development goals in the Education Strategy 2030. This study discusses the problems existing in the current situation of technical education schools in Egypt and comes up with a new model that is compatible with new design and educational needs. It is structured using new design strategies for technical education 4.0 schools based on design patterns for 21st century schools that meet industry 4.0 needs and address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Axial compression behavior of mechanized filament-wound GFRP-steel tubed concrete stub columns

Filament-wound is presently the prevailing and efficient process in the field of molding, known for its ability to achieve optimal molding effects. This technique offers numerous advantages, including high precision, a high fiber content. Traditional FRP-steel tubed concrete stub columns (FSTCSCs) are fabricated by longitudinally wrapping FRP sheet, which results in low production efficiency. This paper introduces a mechanized filament-wound FSTCSC, which can achieve overall molding and effectively improve production efficiency. This paper presents an examination of the axial compression performance of mechanically wound FSTCSC. Two variables were considered including FRP wrapping angle and concrete strength. The experimental results reveal that fiber fracture of mechanized filament-wound FSTCSC is a gradual process, with damage starting from the outermost layer. When GFRP undergoes fracture, a higher wrapping angle results in enhanced restraint stiffness but reduced ductility. Moreover, the validated finite element model is used to analyze the parameters such as the wrapping angle and the thickness of GFRP tube, and it is found that adjusting both upward and downward wrapping angles plays a role in boosting the peak load carrying capacity. Furthermore, five models for predicting ultimate strengths were evaluated using test results, followed by the provision of recommendations for practical design.

Situating data stories in space to entice new audiences to engage with science

ABSTRACT Science communication predominantly engages individuals who already possess a pre-existing interest in science, thereby limiting its reach to a broader and more diverse audience. Situated approaches that intertwine content with spatial design may overcome interest barriers as it allows for spontaneous encounters with science. This paper describes the design of a multi-modal physicalisation coined Star Listener as the result of a collaboration between scientific experts (in astrophysics), design researchers and media professionals. Star Listener consists of different sensory engagement modalities, including textual information panels, speakers that distribute sonified data of stars, two public video displays with an animated explainer and interactive touchscreens with a mini-game. Star Listener was placed in an entryway of a public library for a period of 2 months. We evaluated this set-up by observing and interviewing passersby, both in an in-the-wild study and as a controlled in-the-wild study. We present design recommendations for the design of situated data representations and narrative physicalisations to support engagement of varied audiences with science.

The Impact of Virtual Immersive Public Art on the Restorative Experience of Urban Residents

This study explores the role of virtual immersive public art in improving the psychological well-being of urban residents. The research is set in the context of urban environments, where virtual immersive public art has the potential to foster innovation, integrate technology, and organically blend into public spaces. The study evaluates the impact of such art on psychological restoration by focusing on three key dimensions: interactive themes, interactive mechanisms, and artistic characteristics. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect participants’ real-life experiences and reactions to these art installations. The results show that virtual immersive public art significantly contributes to the restorative experience of urban residents, offering valuable insights into how these installations can promote mental health. Based on the findings, the study provides practical design recommendations for incorporating virtual immersive public art into future urban planning and design projects to enhance urban living conditions and support psychological recovery.