Novel Aspects of Constructal Law: Four Distinct and Competing Goals in Flow Channels Design

Constructal law explains the sense of evolution (morphing to get access to flows) of finite size systems, but paradoxes do exist as not all vegetables have a tree form. Also, nature does not improve all animals for displacement. This work aims at creating a model to explain those paradoxes about constructal law. It adopted the system engineering technique of segregation between functions (abstract goals) and solutions (physical entities). Further, this work introduced the assumptions of flow under external threats and imperfect channels (subject to leakages and suboptimal form). Results showed that there are always elements doing four functions in all types of channels: to reduce entropy, to protect channel, to retain integrity and to drive flow. Although the four functions are always present, natural systems typically privilege one function over others, depending on environmental demands. As a solution to improve flows, animal brains also fit in the model of four functions. Human mind seems to have groups of instincts associated with each of the four channel design functions, leading to four behavior phenotypes and four motivations (prominence, inclusiveness, negativity prevention and tradition). Finally, this model (channels need to meet four goals) unified physics and animal psychology and extended applications of Constructal law to the fields of systems engineering methods, management, and psychological science.

休闲绿地活动空间设计

从"以人为本"的理念出发,通过对居住区中心绿地的道路、广场、植物、建筑的空间分析,提出活动空间设计方法和有关对策。

DATA CRYSTALLIZATION APPLIED FOR DESIGNING NEW PRODUCTS

It is only the observable part of the real world that can be stored in data. For such incomplete and ill-structured data, data crystallizing aims at presenting the hidden structure among events including unobservable events. This is realized by data crystallization, where dummy items, corresponding to potential existence ofunobservable events, are inserted to the given data. These dummy items and their relations with observable events are visualized by applying KeyGraph to the data with dummy items, like the crystallization of snow where dusts are involved in the formation of crystallization of water molecules. For tuning the granularity level of structure to be visualized, the tool of data crystallization is integrated with human＇s process of understanding significant scenarios in the real world. This basic method is expected to be applicable for various real world domains where previous methods of chance-discovery lead human to successful decision making. In this paper, we apply the data crystallization with human-interactive annealing （DCHA） to the design of products in a real company. The results show its effect to industrial decision making.

Software defect prevention based on human error theories

Software defect prevention is an important way to reduce the defect introduction rate.As the primary cause of software defects,human error can be the key to understanding and preventing software defects.This paper proposes a defect prevention approach based on human error mechanisms：DPe HE.The approach includes both knowledge and regulation training in human error prevention.Knowledge training provides programmers with explicit knowledge on why programmers commit errors,what kinds of errors tend to be committed under different circumstances,and how these errors can be prevented.Regulation training further helps programmers to promote the awareness and ability to prevent human errors through practice.The practice is facilitated by a problem solving checklist and a root cause identification checklist.This paper provides a systematic framework that integrates knowledge across disciplines,e.g.,cognitive science,software psychology and software engineering to defend against human errors in software development.Furthermore,we applied this approach in an international company at CMM Level 5 and a software development institution at CMM Level 1 in the Chinese Aviation Industry.The application cases show that the approach is feasible and effective in promoting developers＇ ability to prevent software defects,independent of process maturity levels.