Design Stage Research Articles

Experimental determination of lateral sway of a pneumatic spring when passing through a railroad switch in conditions of provision of high-speed trains` safety

Experimental determination of lateral sway of a pneumatic spring when passing through a railroad switch in conditions of provision of high-speed trains` safety

Real Effect or Bias? Good Practices for Evaluating the Robustness of Evidence From Comparative Observational Studies Through Quantitative Sensitivity Analysis for Unmeasured Confounding.

The assumption of "no unmeasured confounders" is a critical but unverifiable assumption required for causal inference yet quantitative sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of real-world evidence remains under-utilized. The lack of use is likely in part due to complexity of implementation and often specific and restrictive data requirements for application of each method. With the advent of methods that are broadly applicable in that they do not require identification of a specific unmeasured confounder-along with publicly available code for implementation-roadblocks toward broader use of sensitivity analyses are decreasing. To spur greater application, here we offer a good practice guidance to address the potential for unmeasured confounding at both the design and analysis stages, including framing questions and an analytic toolbox for researchers. The questions at the design stage guide the researcher through steps evaluating the potential robustness of the design while encouraging gathering of additional data to reduce uncertainty due to potential confounding. At the analysis stage, the questions guide quantifying the robustness of the observed result and providing researchers with a clearer indication of the strength of their conclusions. We demonstrate the application of this guidance using simulated data based on an observational fibromyalgia study, applying multiple methods from our analytic toolbox for illustration purposes.

THE IDENTITY OF STAGE DESIGN AS A COMPONENT OF UKRAINIAN CULTURE OF THE 21ST CENTURY

The vocabulary of Ukrainian scenic art is extremely rich in artistic devices and metaphors. The formation of Ukrainian identity on the world art scene explains the growing interest of the scientific community in the phenomenon of Ukrainian culture, thus contributing to the relevance of the study of Ukrainian scenography as one of the aspects of Ukrainian culture of the 21st century. The purpose of the article is to identify the features of the identity of Ukrainian stage design in the context of cultural and social changes of the 21st century and in particular, in 2022. The following methods were used in the study: analytical, typological, terminological analysis and survey. As a result of the study, a list of the main ethnic elements used in theatrical performances to create a metaphorical image of the identity of Ukrainian culture in scenic art was defined. The study examined the issue of identity in scenography and Ukrainian culture in general, including the public’s attitude toward the use of ethnic elements aimed at achieving a metaphorical image of identity for the cultural past of the Ukrainian people in stage design. Accordingly, the study conducted a survey of visitors to theatrical events in Kyiv at the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Theatre regarding the placement of ethnic elements as the main component of scenic identity in the production of plays on the stage of the contemporary Ukrainian drama theatre. Summarising the results of the survey, it is possible to trace the Ukrainian audience’s preference for the use of traditional attributes in scenography during performances and art events dedicated to the appropriate coverage of Ukrainian culture. This research is of practical importance for stage designers and researchers of the identity of the Ukrainian stage space.

Mathematical Modeling of Load Capacity and Durability of Metal-Polymeric Bearings with a Composite Bushing Based on Polyamides, Polytetrafluoroethylenes, Polyetheretherketones, or Polyethylene Terephthalates

Predictive assessments of the performance characteristics of metal-polymer (MP) plain bearings at the design stage are necessary and important for engineering practice. They include assessments of bearing capacity, linear wear of the bushing, and bearing life. However, no method for their calculation has been developed. The authors created a generalized analytical method for the mathematical modeling of MP sliding bearings as a classical science-based method to study the contact mechanics of conformal cylindrical bodies with consideration of polymer bushing wear. The contact problem of the theory of elasticity takes into account the significant difference in the elasticity characteristics of polymeric materials from those of steel: their Young’s modulus is 60–250 times smaller, and Poisson’s ratio is 1.27–1.37 times larger. The method was used to study MP bearings with bushings made from several common groups of tribopolymers: polyamides (PAs), polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFEs), polyethylene terephthalates (PETs), and polyetheretherketones (PEEKs). The maximum contact pressures and durability of the dry friction bearings were calculated while taking into account the load; radial clearance; bushing thickness; the tribopolymers’ elasticity characteristics and wear resistance; the sliding friction coefficient; and the type of tribopolymer material. The Young’s modulus of a polymer material had a significant impact on the level of maximum contact pressures. Polymer fillers, depending on their type and the type of polymer, had very different effects on pressure changes (increase, no change, or decrease). An increase in pressure caused an increase in contact pressures. The durability of a mechanical bearing depended not only on the contact pressure but also on the polymer’s wear resistance, Young’s modulus, and friction coefficient. This study determined the quantitative and qualitative effects of these factors on the maximum contact pressures and bearing durability. The presented analytical method provides an effective and reasonable assessment of the specified service characteristics of sliding bearings with consideration of the multifactorial influence of the above factors.

Vibrational Analysis of Building Structures with Irregularities

This paper presents a mathematical model for predicting vibrations in lightweight, timber-based floor/ceiling structures, enhanced to account for irregularities in joist shape and stiffness, as well as floor stiffness. Building on a prior model that assumed precise geometry and homogeneous material properties, the study now incorporates real timber measurements via the power spectral density of irregularities to incorporate their impact on the system’s vibrational response, including mid-frequency vibrations. Existing results underscore the critical role of component connections in shaping vibration behavior, while the present paper gives new principles for building a model to assess how uncertainties in these connections or material properties affect the overall structural response. This new model maintains the property of efficient computation so that irregularities in the components may be included in the design stage to improve the mid-frequency performance of lightweight, timber-framed structures.

Decision support tool for designing out waste: a conceptual framework

PurposeConstruction activities are anticipated to experience steady growth worldwide, resulting in massive construction and demolition waste (CDW). Despite introducing five designing out waste (DoW) principles to combat CDW from the early design stage, the design process remains a notable contributor to CDW generation due to designers’ limited knowledge and experience. The decision-making process in identifying and selecting DoW solutions is relatively underexplored in the current literature. This study aims to bridge this gap by reviewing existing literature to investigate the implementation of DoW principles and uncover potential areas to support designers in selecting DoW solutions for their projects.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic literature review is adopted to analyse 50 selected articles published from 2000 to 2023 in order to develop the conceptual framework, which was subsequently reviewed by industry experts.FindingsThis review critically examines the current state of DoW implementation, the decision-making criteria for selecting DoW solutions and the available tools for DoW implementation. Existing limitations and future research directions to aid DoW in decision-making were identified. Drawing from the review’s findings, a conceptual framework is formulated to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives.Originality/valueThe outcome of this review offers researchers insight into identifying existing gaps and potential areas to aid the DoW decision-making process. Construction professionals can use the findings to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives, thereby minimising waste generation in construction projects.

Architecture 5.0: Opportunities and Challenges in the Nigerian Construction Industry

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other digital technologies (DTs) has often lacked a focus on human-centrism. Industry 5.0 emerged as a response to Industry 4.0’s digital revolution, emphasizing functional human-machine collaboration, sustainability, and resilience. However, the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) sector, particularly in Nigeria, has been slow to seize the opportunities presented by Industry 5.0. This study investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with deploying Industry 5.0, specifically focusing on architecture within the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). A rapid literature review was conducted, analyzing relevant and indexed articles from reputable databases. The findings indicate that integrating AI into architectural design workflows can catalyze the adoption of other DTs, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, digital twins, cloud computing, blockchain, and augmented/virtual reality. These technologies can potentially transform planning, operations, end-of-life management, and visualizations during the design phase of architectural services. The study emphasizes the importance of architectural professionals acquiring relevant technical skills through education and awareness initiatives. It also stresses the need for policies and programmes implemented by the government, regulatory agencies, and industry firms to accelerate the adoption of DTs. Effective strategies for leveraging AI’s potential are proposed to enhance design quality, speed, performance, and collaboration with allied design professionals. The findings offer valuable insights into adopting Architecture 5.0 within the NCI, particularly during the design stage.

Coupled Aero–Hydrodynamic Analysis in Floating Offshore Wind Turbines: A Review of Numerical and Experimental Methodologies

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) have received increasing attention as a crucial component in renewable energy systems in recent years. However, due to the intricate interactions between aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, accurately predicting the performance and response remains a challenging task. This study examines recent advancements in the coupled aero–hydrodynamic numerical simulations for horizontal-axis FOWTs, categorizing existing research by coupling methods: uncoupled, partially coupled, and fully coupled. The review summarizes models, methodologies, and key parameters investigated. Most partially coupled analyses rely on forced oscillation, while the interplay between aerodynamics and elasticity, as well as interactions among multiple FOWTs, remain under-explored. Additionally, this review describes relevant physical model tests, including wave basin tests, wind tunnel tests, and real-time hybrid tests (RTHT). Although RTHT faces issues related to system time delays, they have garnered significant attention for addressing scale effects. The paper compares the three coupling methods, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate approach based on specific design stage requirements to balance accuracy and computational efficiency. Finally, it suggests future research directions, offering a meaningful reference for researchers engaged in studying the aero–hydrodynamic behavior of FOWTs.

Building Information Modeling–Life Cycle Assessment: A Novel Technology for Rapid Calculation and Analysis System for Life Cycle Carbon Emissions of Bridges

With the rapid development of bridge construction, environmental concerns have become increasingly prominent. Low-carbon, green, and sustainable bridge engineering has emerged as an inevitable trend. A comprehensive carbon emission calculation system is key to achieving low-carbon bridges. This study proposes a rapid calculation and analysis system for bridge carbon emissions (Building Information Modeling–Life Cycle Assessment, BIM-LCA). This system, using the bridge information model as a carrier, calculates and manages data on material consumption, machinery, transportation, and energy throughout the bridge’s life cycle. It then calculates the carbon emissions for each stage. This system simplifies the complex and cumbersome data collection and analysis processes found in traditional methods while also making the carbon emissions across the full bridge life cycle more accessible and visible. Being applicable to all types of bridges, this system can provide insights and a basis for decision-making in the early design stages and during construction and operation to support carbon reduction. Ultimately, it promotes low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and sustainable bridge engineering development.

Dreams and fears in the process of creative thinking in children from areas affected by the armed conflict in Colombia

The development of creativity and creative thinking in early school-age children is a strategy to foster future capabilities for innovation and change. It is also a strategy to instill resilience in these children, enabling them to face the challenges posed by the various environments that surround teaching and learning processes. This article analyzes the dreams and fears expressed by children from educational institutions located in municipalities affected by the armed conflict in Colombia, within the framework of a route designed to develop creativity and innovative thinking. A qualitative narrative analysis methodology was used to characterize and analyze the narratives of 68 co-creativity teams, involving 408 children. The results show that the narratives are influenced not only by the context in which the children live but also by the consequences of the armed conflict in the areas where the schools are located. The findings suggest that educational strategies like the one studied must incorporate elements that allow for adaptation to the context from the design stage, with a differential approach, to generate the expected positive effects in the territories where they are implemented.

Design optimization of continuous fiber composites with thermo-mechanical coupling and load uncertainties

This paper introduces a theoretical framework for the design optimization of continuous fiber composites reinforced with continuous fiber trajectories subject to thermo-mechanical coupling and load uncertainties. Different uniform temperature variations are applied in the structure to investigate the influence of ambient temperature change on the structural performance. To consider the external load uncertainties, a robust design optimization model is proposed where the loads are modeled as hybrid variables, namely magnitudes as random variables and directions as interval variables, with the robust objective determined through a hybrid orthogonal polynomial expansion method. Furthermore, we use a level-set function to represent the structural boundary, with its evolution driven by shape derivatives calculated based on uncertainty analysis. The continuous fiber paths are subsequently determined by the level-set isoline extracted from the structural boundary, which in turn influences the structural mechanical performance due to the material anisotropy of composites. The continuity of continuous fiber and the equal space between adjacent trajectories largely ensure the additive manufacturability of the composites. Three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed framework. The results show that the ambient temperature variations and load uncertainties largely impact the optimized topology and fiber infill patterns of composites, thus are important to be considered in the design stage. Moreover, the optimized structure can have a 5-fold stiffness per unit mass compared with the initial design thus largely increasing the material efficiency in carrying external uncertain loads.

Development of label-free immunosensors based on AuNPs-fullerene nanocomposites for the determination of cancer antigen 125

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized and combined with fullerene, resulting in the formation of nanocomposite structures. The structures were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The nanostructures were functionalized with MPA and employed for covalent binding of CA125 antibody, whereby the antibody-bound nanocomposite structure was utilized for modification of the surface of the SPE. The surface of the immunosensor was protected by Nafion, and the individual stages of the immunosensor design were characterized by CV and EIS. CA125 determination was conducted using the EIS technique, which revealed a linear concentration range of 1–100 U·mL−1 and a LOD value of 0.016 U·mL−1. The immunosensor demonstrated selective recognition of CEA, NSE, HSA, and IgG proteins, exhibiting good reproducibility. The prepared immunosensor demonstrated 80.9% activity even after a 30-day period. Moreover, this immunosensor can be successfully employed in conventional clinical human serum applications. A comparison with existing literature reveals that the superior features of this immunosensor are its low LOD and high stability. Additionally, the short analysis time in comparison to commercial kits is considered a significant advantage. The prepared immunosensor displays valuable characteristics for the determination of CA125, and it has the potential to be developed for use in health applications.

Improved Estimation of the Seismically Induced Active Earth Thrust on a Cantilever Retaining Wall at the Preliminary Design Stage

Improved Estimation of the Seismically Induced Active Earth Thrust on a Cantilever Retaining Wall at the Preliminary Design Stage

Analysis of critical raw materials policy for electrical and electronic equipment: Planning for a truly circular economy

The European Union's objectives under the Green and Digital transitions, are contingent on the decarbonisation of essential sectors such as energy, transportation, and communications. At present, the EU does not have sufficient identified mineral resources, nor processing capacity, to supply many of its strategically defined materials. The success of these objectives hinges on the EU's ability to secure a stable and consistent supply of critical raw materials (CRM). Using a systematic three-part assessment of mandated and non-mandated EU policies, European Commission communications, and a review of CRM, the findings reveal that despite efforts to enhance local supply and diversify foreign sources of CRM, there is a lack of cross-sector coherence across social, economic, and technical aspects of recycling. This is further exacerbated by inefficient retention of waste-hosted critical raw materials. Failure to adopt integrative policy measures may result in the EU's continued dependency on undiversified foreign sources for its supply of critical raw materials, thereby compromising its strategic autonomy as well as the goals of the Green and Digital transitions. Improved design of electrical and electronic equipment and processing of waste from these products could conceivably provide a mechanism for a continuous and retained supply of critical raw materials, culminating in a potentially significant resource stream for the Union. The EU can improve resource efficiency, reduce its dependence on imports, and facilitate a truly circular economy by adopting a comprehensive and symbiotic policy framework that quantifies material resources in waste and that recognises the product design stage as an integral facet of the product recycling stage, herein referred to as “forwardcycling”.

An improved body force model based on a data-driven region-segmentation combinational loss model for a transonic fan rotor under uniform and non-uniform inflow

Boundary layer ingestion (BLI) fans are required to continuously operate under distorted inflow conditions, which severely reduces the fan's efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to focus efforts on designing a high-performance distortion-tolerant fan. During the preliminary design stage of the fan, it is inevitable to repeatedly evaluate the aerodynamic performances of different design cases through low-fidelity computational approaches. However, the predictive accuracy of these low-fidelity computational methods generally depends on the precision of the loss models integrated into them. These loss models are built using simplified physics or human experience, making it difficult to depict the complex non-linear mapping relationships between losses and their influencing factors under BLI inflow distortion. In this work, a high-accuracy data-driven based region-segmentation combinational loss model is used for the first time to attempt to improve the overall prediction accuracy of the body force model. As a low-fidelity computational approach, the body force model has the ability to predict the spatial distribution of three-dimensional, non-uniform flow under inflow distortion conditions. Various operating conditions, including different rotational speeds, radial inflow, and BLI-distorted inflow, are selected to test the predictive accuracy of this improved body force model based on a region-segmentation combinational loss model. The results show that, compared with the one based on traditional loss prediction approach, the improved body force model in this work has shown higher prediction accuracy for the fan adiabatic efficiency characteristic curve. In addition, further evaluations of the flow loss spatial distributions under BLI inflow distortion conditions indicate that the body force model based on region-segmentation combinational loss model can more accurately capture the radial loss distributions at different circumferential locations. Specifically, for the loss distribution in the tip area, it can capture the sharp increase in variation trend near the end wall, and the average prediction errors can be reduced by more than 10% at different annulus locations under various BLI inflow distortions. Meanwhile, this improved body force model also enhances the accuracy of predicting the loss distribution in the circumferential direction at different span positions, including more accurately capturing the circumferential positions corresponding to the maximum and minimum flow losses.

Virtual Reality in Algorithm Programming Course: Practicality and Implications for College Students

Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the revolutionary technologies in education that can simulate learning interactively and realistically. The reliability of VR supports various variations in learning, including learning programming algorithms. This research aims to design and develop VR in learning programming algorithms. The ADDIE model is applied in this study to develop products through the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The analysis of learning problems shows the unavailability of interactive learning media that can support various learning styles of students in programming algorithm materials. Therefore, this VR learning design integrates various elements of students' learning styles, including visual, audiovisual, kinesthetic, and reading. The product developed is in the form of a VR application that presents learning by having a variety of learning styles. Audiovisual displays are presented in a VR environment, while kinesthetic interactions are obtained through user movements, and material information and readings are presented in a VR environment. The data collected included the results of a practicality and effectiveness test involving sixty-six students. The results of the practicality test show that this VR product is practical to use based on the indicators of convenience, attractiveness, efficiency, and benefits. Meanwhile, the effectiveness test shows that this VR product can improve learning outcomes better than traditional learning methods. Overall, the VR products developed have proven to be practical and effective in learning programming algorithms. The presence of VR, which presents a variety of realistic displays in a virtual environment, opens opportunities for further research related to distance learning through VR technology as well as an analysis of the impact of VR on health.

Analysis of the Alignment of Bauran System Features Based on Outcome-Based Education Rules Using Feature-Oriented Domain Analysis

Implementing information systems in higher education curriculum design is a crucial tool for academics, enabling them to design, develop, and evaluate the curriculum more dynamically, responsively, and structurally. However, it is not just about having a tool. It is about ensuring that the tool aligns with curriculum design standards. This study, therefore, measures and analyses the conformity of the Bauran system as a curriculum management information system with the established stages and standards of curriculum design. The analysis is based on the Indonesia National Standards for Higher Education (Standar Nasional Pendidikan Tinggi (SN DIKTI)) by referring to the Guidebook for Higher Education Curriculum Development in Indonesia and best practices in the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum design. The method used in this research is feature-oriented domain analysis (FODA), which includes context analysis, domain modeling, and architecture modeling. Experts in the field of OBE curriculum then validate the results of feature measurement and mapping. The study compares 27 Bauran features to 10 stages in the curriculum design guidebook and nine stages in the OBE curriculum design flow. The analysis results show that the Bauran system has implemented 10 out of 10 stages (100%) of curriculum design according to the curriculum design guidebook. However, Bauran has only implemented 8 out of 9 stages (89%) in the OBE curriculum flow. These findings not only provide feature recommendations for future Bauran development and other higher education curriculum management systems but also highlight the potential of the Bauran system for future development.

Automated layered personification methodology of structural drawings with embedded design information

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape various industries, the demand for digitalization and intelligent design in the fields of architecture and structural engineering is increasingly pronounced. In the pursuit of digital and intelligent design, it is necessary to identify and extract information on various structural components from the construction drawings. In the current stages of intelligent structural design, the preprocessing of construction component drawings predominantly relies on manual efforts, highlighting a notable gap in automated solutions. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an innovative automated layered method to mimic human efforts while reading the architectural and structural drawings. The proposed method could both identify and embed the relevant information of the structural components within bitmap drawings. The proposed method employs the Connected Component Labeling algorithm, a novel Intersection Recognition and Connection approach, which is a straightforward method for information embedding. This approach automates the process of preprocessing and integrating basic information into the structural drawings, facilitating the transition from manual to intelligent systems. Then, the proposed method was validated by case studies and algorithm performance evaluations for its effectiveness and efficiency.

Design of Desktop-Based Student Learning Style and Personality Quiz Application with Microsoft Visual Basic Net 8.0

In education, learning style and personality play an important role because they influence how individuals perceive and absorb information. Educators can build more inclusive and successful learning environments by implementing strategies to accommodate a variety of learning styles and personalities. The learning style and personality quiz application was created with Microsoft Visual Basic 8.0. The purpose of this application is to find out the learning style and personality of students. By knowing their learning style and personality, students can understand themselves and make it easier to choose the learning method to use. The method used in designing this application is the waterfall method. The method begins with the analysis, design, coding, testing and maintenance stages. The learning style and personality quiz application has been tested on several students of the Information Technology and Computer Education Study Program, Medan State University for three weeks, the results show that the learning style and personality quiz application can help in selecting effective learning methods and understanding one's own character.

Herbal Cigarette Sales Information System Case Study at Stockis Sin Sriwijaya

There is still space for improvement in the application and usage of technology and information in the sales business, as indicated by the significant percentage of clients who continue to make manual purchases. An example would be the present Sriwijaya Herbal Sin Cigarettes retailer. The Sin Cigarette Herbal Sriwijaya stockist shop employs a traditional sales system where consumers physically visit the shop to make purchases. This research aims to enhance consumer convenience by developing a sales information system for herbal cigarettes, enabling online access to sales. This study employs a descriptive research methodology and a waterfall system development approach. This approach involves sequential steps, including needs analysis, design, code production, testing, and support. Data collection from the users was followed by the design and development stage of the program, employing the PHP programming language for implementation. Subsequently, an evaluation was conducted on the functioning system. The outcome is a sales information system that is anticipated to possess the capability to process data into high-quality information efficiently, seamlessly integrate various components, and serve as a repository for data storage. With the existence of this sales information system for herbal cigarettes, the processing of sales data has been computerized automatically, enabling automated report generation. This study introduces an internet-based sales information system for the Sriwijaya Herbal Cigarette Stockist Shop. It replaces traditional sales procedures, expands market reach, streamlines report generation, provides comprehensive buyer information, and maximizes profitability. The innovation employs the waterfall system development methodology and the PHP programming language to enhance retail operations' effectiveness and efficiency. An inherent constraint of this study is the need for the online-based sales information system to address all challenges the Sriwijaya Herbal Cigarette Stockist Shop faces, including technological infrastructure and user proficiency issues. Reliable internet connectivity is crucial for the system's effectiveness, which may require improvements in certain regions. Additionally, employees and customers may require additional training to use the new systems proficiently, which should be considered in terms of time and resources for this research.