Design methods for antimicrobial peptides with improved performance

The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult.In this regard,developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority.Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs),a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broadspectrum antipathogenic activity,hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance(AMR)crisis.Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application,with many already in the drug development pipeline.Their distinct properties,such as high target specificity,potency,and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms,make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.Nonetheless,several challenges,such as high toxicity,lability to proteolytic degradation,low stability,poor pharmacokinetics,and high production costs,continue to hamper their clinical applicability.Therefore,recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance.By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity,such as amphipathicity,hydrophobicity,structural conformation,amino acid distribution,and composition,researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance.In this review,we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs,including rational design and de novo synthesis.We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools,utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning,in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.

Current situation and development trend of design methods for subgrade structure of high speed railways

Purpose–This method will become a new development trend in subgrade structure design for high speed railways.Design/methodology/approach–This paper summarizes the structural types and design methods of subgrade bed for high speed railways in China,Japan,France,Germany,the United States and other countries based on the study and analysis of existing literature and combined with the research results and practices of high speed railway subgrade engineering at home and abroad.Findings–It is found that in foreign countries,the layered reinforced structure is generally adopted for the subgrade bed of high speed railways,and the unified double-layer or multi-layer structure is adopted for the surface layer of subgrade bed,while the simple structure is adopted in China;in foreign countries,different inspection parameters are adopted to evaluate the compaction state of fillers according to their respective understanding and practice,while in China,compaction coefficient,subsoil coefficient and dynamic deformation modulus are adopted for such evaluation;in foreign countries,the subgrade top deformation control method,the subgrade bottom deformation control method,the subsurface fill strength control method are mainly adopted in subgrade bed structure design of high speed railways,while in China,dynamic deformation control of subgrade surface and dynamic strain control of subgrade bed bottom layer is adopted in the design.However,the cumulative deformation of subgrade caused by train cyclic vibration load is not considered in the existing design methods.Originality/value–This paper introduces a new subgrade structure design method based on whole-process dynamics analysis that meets subgrade functional requirements and is established on the basis of the existing research at home and abroad on prediction methods for cumulative deformation of subgrade soil.

A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF CHINA'S MACHINE DESIGN METHODS AND THE PROSPECT

This paper examines the history of China’s machine design methods and its status quo. First of all, it discusses machine design methods in ancient China. (1)The design idea of creation by the intelligent and exposition by the ingenious. (2)The design principle of the dependence of workmanship on criteria. (3)A macroscopic view of the object of design. (4)The design method of manufacture emphasizing shape. (5)Technological requirements on excellent material and consummate skill. Second, it discusses machine design ideas in ancient China. (1)The system idea in machine design, (2)The idea of machine design.(3)The idea of standardization in machine design. (4)The idea of automation in machine design. Finally, it discusses the status quo and a look ahead of the theory of machine design in China.

Design methods of rhombic tensegrity structures

As a special type of novel flexible structures, tensegrity holds promise for many potential applications in such fields as materials science, biomechanics, civil and aerospace engineering. Rhombic systems are an important class of tensegrity structures, in which each bar constitutes the longest diagonal of a rhombus of four strings. In this paper, we address the design methods of rhombic structures based on the idea that many tensegrity structures can be constructed by assembling one-bar elementary cells. By analyzing the properties of rhombic cells, we first develop two novel schemes, namely, direct enumeration scheme and cell-substitution scheme. In addition, a facile and efficient method is presented to integrate several rhombic systems into a larger tensegrity structure. To illustrate the applications of these methods, some novel rhombic tensegrity structures are constructed.

Design Methods of Transversally Laminated Synchronous Reluctance Machines

Transversally laminated synchronous reluctance machine(SynRM)are usually designed with multiple-layer flux barriers to achieve high electromagnetic performance.This paper summarizes three design methods to optimize the machine.Related implementation procedures are detailed.Besides,advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed.Based on these conventional techniques,a comprehensive optimization method is proposed,with which a prototype SynRM is designed.The performances of this prototype are discussed to verify the optimal design method.

A Mixed-Variable Experimental Design Method

Mixed-variable problems are inevitable in engineering. However, few researches pay attention to discrete variables. This paper proposed a mixed-variable experimental design method (ODCD): first, the design variables were divided into discrete variables and continuous variables;then, the DVD method was employed for handling discrete variables, the LHD method was applied for continuous variables, and finally, a Columnwise-Pairwise Algorithm was used for the overall optimization of the design matrix. Experimental results demonstrated that the ODCD method outperforms in terms of the sample space coverage performance.

To improve robustness of mechanical properties of semi-solid cast A356 alloy using taguchi design method

Mechanical properties of semi-solid casting are dependent on multiple processing parameters,and improper processing parameters will not only reduce mean data but also increase variations.The present study investigated the impact of parameters in slurry preparation and heat treatment on the yield strength and ductility of T6 heat-treated A356 Al-Si alloy using rapid slurry forming(RSF)semi-solid casting.The focus was primarily on the robustness of mechanical properties based on Taguchi design method.By analyzing signal-to-noise ratio and minimum value calculated from-3S,the optimum slurry preparation parameters and heat treatment parameters were determined to be no quench,enthalpy exchange material(EEM)temperature of 140℃,EEM-to-melt ratio of 6mass%,stirring time of 18 s,solution heat treated at 520℃ for 2 h,and ageing heat treated at 190℃ for 6 h.In a small batch validation,the-3S yield strength and-3S elongation reach 256.1 MPa and 5.03% respectively,showing a satisfactory robustness.The hardness and microstructure of heat-treated samples with the best and worst properties were characterized to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms affecting the mean value and variations of mechanical properties.

Design,preparation,application of advanced array structured materials and their action mechanism analyses for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur battery(LSB)has brought much attention and concern because of high theoretical specific capacity and energy density as one of main competitors for next-generation energy storage systems.The widely commercial application and development of LSB is mainly hindered by serious“shuttle effect”of lithium polysulfides(Li PSs),slow reaction kinetics,notorious lithium dendrites,etc.In various structures of LSB materials,array structured materials,possessing the composition of ordered micro units with the same or similar characteristics of each unit,present excellent application potential for various secondary cells due to some merits such as immobilization of active substances,high specific surface area,appropriate pore sizes,easy modification of functional material surface,accommodated huge volume change,enough facilitated transportation for electrons/lithium ions,and special functional groups strongly adsorbing Li PSs.Thus many novel array structured materials are applied to battery for tackling thorny problems mentioned above.In this review,recent progresses and developments on array structured materials applied in LSBs including preparation ways,collaborative structural designs based on array structures,and action mechanism analyses in improving electrochemical performance and safety are summarized.Meanwhile,we also have detailed discussion for array structured materials in LSBs and constructed the structure-function relationships between array structured materials and battery performances.Lastly,some directions and prospects about preparation ways,functional modifications,and practical applications of array structured materials in LSBs are generalized.We hope the review can attract more researchers'attention and bring more studying on array structured materials for other secondary batteries including LSB.

Implementations of newly developed wheel and rail profile design methods

The developments of a series of wheel or CADF contact functions are briefly described. profile computer aided methods based on the RRDF Since 2001 the implementations of these methods are carded out according to different requirements for tramway vehicles, metro vehicles, and main line EMU vehicles etc. It is found that the main advantage of these new methods in wheel profile design is obtaining the proper wheel profiles to efficiently reduce the wears of wheel and rail and to improve the performances of both stability and curving performances. Moreover, post process of transfering a profile with discrete points to a profile with arc and line combinations is studied with a high precision.

A Footpad Structure with Reusable Energy Absorption Capability for Deep Space Exploration Lander:Design and Analysis

The footpad structure of a deep space exploration lander is a critical system that makes the initial contact with the ground,and thereby plays a crucial role in determining the stability and energy absorption characteristics during the impact process.The conventional footpad is typically designed with an aluminum honeycomb structure that dissipates energy through plastic deformation.Nevertheless,its effectiveness in providing cushioning and energy absorption becomes significantly compromised when the structure is crushed,rendering it unusable for reusable landers in the future.This study presents a methodology for designing and evaluating structural energy absorption systems incorporating recoverable strain constraints of shape memory alloys(SMA).The topological configuration of the energy absorbing structure is derived using an equivalent static load method(ESL),and three lightweight footpad designs featuring honeycomb-like Ni-Ti shape memory alloys structures and having variable stiffness skins are proposed.To verify the accuracy of the numerical modelling,a honeycomb-like structure subjected to compression load is modeled and then compared with experimental results.Moreover,the influence of the configurations and thickness distribution of the proposed structures on their energy absorption performance is comprehensively evaluated using finite element simulations.The results demonstrate that the proposed design approach effectively regulates the strain threshold to maintain the SMA within the constraint of maximum recoverable strain,resulting in a structural energy absorption capacity of 362 J/kg with a crushing force efficiency greater than 63%.

A Decision Support Framework for the Choice of Languages and Methods for the Design of Real Time Embedded Systems

The choice of methods or design languages is a crucial phase in the development of systems and software, also for real time and embedded systems. An open question that remains in the design of these types of systems is to build a method, or to choose one among those existing, capable to cover the life cycle of a project, and particularly the development phases. This article contributes to answer the question, by proposing an approach based on a multi-criteria comparative study, of few languages and methods dedicated to the design of real time and embedded systems. The underlying objective of this work is to present to designers a wide range of approaches, and elements that can guide their choices. In order to reach this goal, we propose different comparison criteria. Each criterion is divided into sub-criteria, so that the designers can refine their choices according to the qualities they prefer and wish to have in the method or language. We also define a rating scale which is used to assess the retained languages and methods. The scores obtained from this assessment are presented in tables, one table per criterion, followed by a summary table giving the overall scores. Graphics built from these tables are provided and intend to facilitate the judgement and thus the choice of the designers.

The Inheritance and Application of Chinese Reverse Contrast Typeface Style

This paper discusses the inheritance and application of Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style.It begins by analyzing the visual features of Western reverse contrast typeface styles,with a focus on Caslon Italian and French Clarendon,providing a Western perspective reference for subsequent Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style designs.The paper then traces the origins of the Chinese reverse contrast style,from the calligraphy style"Lacquer Script"to the earliest printing type"フワンテール形",exploring the historical background and cultural significance of the Chinese reverse contrast style.In the methodology section of Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style design,the discussion is conducted from two dimensions:inheritance and application.In terms of inheritance,through an in-depth analysis of"Lacquer Script"and"フワンテール形"typeface style,the paper summarizes three basic theories for modern Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style design.In the application section,it examines in detail the two most influential recent typeface styles,"Ribaasu"and"Basic Artistic",outlining three directions of application:extreme horizontal stroke variations,exaggerated contrast,and diverse decorative strokes,showcasing new directions and possibilities for Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style design.This paper not only reviews the developmental history of the Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style but also analyzes the design methodology of Chinese character reverse contrast typeface style through specific case studies.

Development of conductive hydrogels: from design mechanisms to frontier applications

Owing to their excellent mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility, conductive hydrogels(CHs) are widely used in the fields of energy and power, and biomedical technology. To arrive at a better understanding of the design methods and development trends of CHs, this paper summarizes and analyzes related research published in recent years. First,we describe the properties and characteristics of CHs. Using Scopus, the world’s largest abstract and citation database, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the related literature from the past 15 years and summarized development trends in the field of CHs. Second, we describe the types of CH network crosslinking and basic functional design methods and summarize the three-dimensional(3D) structure-forming methods and conductive performance tests of CHs. In addition, we introduce applications of CHs in the fields of energy and power, biomedical technology, and others. Lastly, we discuss several problems in current CH research and introduce some prospects for the future development of CHs.

A Notation to Support Exploring Collaboration in Design Teams

Collaboration in large projects is a major challenge for contemporary architectural practice and this paper presents a notation for describing and analyzing how these collaborations can take place.Based on an extensive literature review some opportunities were found for the development of a notation that combined three particular aspects:network diagrams,Euler diagrams and a model from architectural design.An exploratory case study was conducted based on the collaboration during a complex architectural project,which combined three approaches:document analysis,semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and a comparison of the documents with results from the interviews.The notation demonstrated to be suitable for two purposes:to improve the understanding of particular design events and as support material for presenting and exploring collaborations.Results indicate that the notation was suitable,comprehensible and flexible,and it demonstrated good value when used in speculative ways,such as an intermediary design artifact that supports discussion and improvements in the collaboration process,which indicates promising future directions.It can also be argued that,similar to a sketch,the notation can also support the process of planning and“designing”the interaction between teams in design fields and even in other project-based organizations.

Application of the Modified nverse Design Method in the Optimization of the Runner Blade of a Mixed-Flow Pump

To improve the design speed and reduce the design cost for the previous blade design method, a modified inverse design method is presented. In the new method, after a series of physical and mathematical simplifications, a sail?like constrained area is proposed, which can be used to configure di erent runner blade shapes. Then, the new method is applied to redesign and optimize the runner blade of the scale core component of the 1400?MW canned nuclear coolant pump in an established multi?optimization system compromising the Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) analysis, the Response Surface Methodology(RSM) and the Non?dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm?II(NSGA?II). After the execution of the optimization procedure, three optimal samples were ultimately obtained. Then, through comparative analysis using the target runner blade, it was found that the maximum e ciency improvement reached 1.6%, while the head improvement was about 10%. Overall, a promising runner blade inverse design method which will benefit the hydraulic design of the mixed?flow pump has been proposed.

Simplified design method for shear-valve magnetorheological dampers

Based on the Bingham parallel-plate model, a simplified design method of shear-valve magnetorheological （MR） dampers is proposed considering the magnetic circuit optimization. Correspondingly, a new MR damper with a full-length effective damping path is proposed. The prototype dampers are also fabricated and studied numerically and experimentally. According to the test results, the Bingham parallel-plate model is further modified to obtain a damping force prediction model of the proposed MR dampers. This prediction model considers the magnetic saturation phenomenon. The study indicates that the proposed simplified design method is simple, effective and reliable. The maximum damping force of the proposed MR dampers with a full-length effective damping path is at least twice as large as those of conventional MR dampers. The dynamic range of damping force increases by at least 70%. The proposed damping force prediction model considers the magnetic saturation phenomenon and it can realize the actual characteristic of MR fluids. The model is able to predict the actual damping force of MR dampers precisely.

The Conceptual Design Method for a Pumping Unit Based on QFD and TRIZ

Quality function deployment （QFD） is a quality system, that can help to design novel products that meet customers＇ needs. Theory of inventive problem solving （TRIZ） is a very powerful tool in helping to solve difficult technical problems encountered in the design process. Introducing QFD and TRIZ into the conceptual design of the pumping unit combines advantages of these two theories, therefore meeting different demands of different users. It can tell us “What should we do it” with QFD and “How should we do it” with TRIZ. The conceptual design method, which is based on QFD and TRIZ, is introduced andused to analyze and evaluate the conceptual design project of a pumping unit.

Analysis and Design of Cylindrical Magnetorheological Fluid Brake

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids consist of stable suspensions of magnetic particles in a carrying fluid such as water or silicone oils. The magnetorheological response of MR fluids results from the polarization induced in suspended particles by application of an external magnetic field. The interaction between the induced dipoles causes the particles to form columnar structure, parallel to the applied field. These chain-like structures restrict the motion of fluids, thereby increasing the viscosity and yield stress of the MR fluids. These mechanical characteristics allow for the construction of magnetically controlled device such as the MR fluids rotary brakes. However, there has been little information published about the design of MR fluid brakes. In this paper the design of the cylindrical MR fluid brake is investigated theoretically. Bingham model is used to characterize the constitutive behaviors of the MR fluids subject to an external magnetic field. The operational principle of the cylindrical MR fluid brake is presented. The theoretical method is developed to analyze the transmission properties of the torque of the cylindrical MR fluid brake. An engineering expression for the torque is derived to provide the theoretical foundations in the design of the cylindrical MR fluid brake. Based on this equation the volume and thickness of the annular MR fluids within the brake is expressed as functions of the desired ratio of torques with saturated magnetic field and without external field, the controlled mechanical power and the MR fluid material properties. The parameters of the thickness and width of the fluid in the brake can be calculated from the obtained equations when the required mechanical power level, the desired torque ratio are specified.

Hydraulic Design Method of Wave Dissipating Structure with Partially Perforated Front Wall

Based on the matching conditions of different fluid regions, the eigenfunction expansion method is used to develop a theoretical formula for wave reflection in front of the perforated structure with a partially slit front wall. The accuracy of the solution is verified by comparing the numerical results with experimental data. In addition, a new hydraulic design method is developed by derivation of the theoretical formula with respect to the porosity of the slit wall, and the results of this design method is drafted for harbour engineers to use.

Design and Analysis of Tapered Stress Joint for Top Tensioned Riser System

Stress Joint （SJ） plays a key role in the Top Tensioned Riser （TTR） system for deep water engineering. A preliminary design method of tapered SJ is proposed in the paper, which could help designers obtain accurate design data. After a further sensitive analysis is carried out, the related parameters choice and control methods are recommended in the engineering practice. By taking the extreme environment conditions into consideration, the effects of bending stress reduction and curve control are analyzed, and the 3-D FE models are established by ABQOUS for numerical evaluation to verify the correctness of design results. At last, dynamic analysis and fatigue analysis, based on actual project, are carried out with designed stress joint. The analysis results prove the feasibility and guidance of this method in the practical engineering applications.