Prototype system for supporting the incremental modelling of vague geometric configurations

In this paper the need for Intelligent Computer Aided Design (Int.CAD) to jointly support design and learning assistance is introduced. The paper focuses on presenting and exploring the possibility of realizing learning assistance in Int.CAD by introducing a new concept called Shared Learning. Shared Learning is proposed to empower CAD tools with more useful learning capabilities than that currently available and thereby provide a stronger interaction of learning between a designer and a computer. Controlled computational learning is proposed as a means whereby the Shared Learning concept can be realized. The viability of this new concept is explored by using a system called PERSPECT. PERSPECT is a preliminary numerical design tool aimed at supporting the effective utilization of numerical experiential knowledge in design. After a detailed discussion of PERSPECT's numerical design support, the paper presents the results of an evaluation that focuses on PERSPECT's implementation of controlled computational learning and ability to support a designer's need to learn. The paper then discusses PERSPECT's potential as a tool for supporting the Shared Learning concept by explaining how a designer and PERSPECT can jointly learn. There is still much work to be done before the full potential of Shared Learning can be realized. However, the authors do believe that the concept of Shared Learning may hold the key to truly empowering learning in Int.CAD

The design co-ordination framework : key elements for effective product development

This paper proposes a Design Co-ordination Framework (DCF) i.e. a concept for an ideal DC system with the abilities to support co-ordination of various complex aspects of product development. A set of frames, modelling key elements of co-ordination, which reflect the states of design, plans, organisation, allocations, tasks etc. during the design process, has been identified. Each frame is explained and the co-ordination, i.e. the management of the links between these frames, is presented, based upon characteristic DC situations in industry. It is concluded that while the DCF provides a basis for our research efforts into enhancing the product development process there is still considerable work and development required before it can adequately reflect and support Design Co-ordination

A design reuse model

The problem with design reuse in engineering practice is the apparent lack of any formal guidelines or approach to help encourage its application and thereby allow designers to effectively benefit from previous domain knowledge. In response to this situation, this paper formalises an approach to reuse in engineering design . The resulting Design Reuse Model consists of processes: design by reuse, domain exploration and design for reuse, and six knowledge-related components: design requirements, sources of domain knowledge, reuse library, domain model, evolved design model and completed design model. The reuse processes are then proposed as the essential aspects of computationally supporting reuse, and as such are used to indicate the failure of existing support to recognise the totality of design reuse

Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease

An expert system for preliminary numerical design modelling

This paper is based upon the premise that computers can do more than just 'number crunching' to assist a designer in his task. Key features of the design process where traditional computer-aided design (CAD) approaches have had limited success are presented. The approach of expert systems, which shows promise of assisting in these features, is outlined and a system based on this approach, DESIGNER, described. This system can be applied to any numerical design problem and is illustrated through an example from preliminary ship design

Computer representation of numerical expertise for preliminary ship design

This paper presents some of the results of a program of research into methods and representing knowledge of empirical numerical relationships used in these early stages of the design process. The work is based on an experimental system, DESIGNER, described in earlier papers. An improved understanding of the requirements of an interactive numerical design system is developed. As a consequence, methods have been developed to handle approximate values and relationships, to include design margins, and to represent explicitly in the system the definition and use of goals, or design requirements. Using a design model representing a bulk carrier, the paper then presents a worked exampl

Design co-ordination for concurrent engineering

This paper is the outcome of discussions directed at research issues in supporting design coordination. Design coordination is described as a high-level concept of the planning, scheduling, representation, decision-making and control of product development with respect to time, tasks, resources and design aspects. The need and hypothesis for supporting design coordination is given, and major bottlenecks, related research problems and associated questions are presented. The paper concludes that, while the primary objective of concurrent engineering would seem to be directed at considering aspects of design simultaneously, design coordination provides the means of integrating and controlling disparate activities, i.e. design coordination is a vehicle for the realization of concurrent engineering

NODES - A numerical and object based modelling system for conceptual engineering design

In the early stages of engineering design a considerable amount of experience and knowledge of past designs is used to build and evaluate new empirical models with known design relationships. However, conventional computer-based systems which aim to assist this stage have tended to concentrate on the analytical aspects of the process and have not been successful in accessing this expertise and benefiting from it during synthesis. The paper presents some of the results of a programme of research into methods of representing the knowledge to support modelling during these early stages of the design process. Key features of the modelling at this stage are the use of abstract representations, reuse of past design information, partitioning of designs, and synthesis of concept structures. The work is based on an experimental system, NODES, which was developed to model knowledge of design objects and their associated numerical relations. The utility of the system in creating, evolving and evaluating design solutions is illustrated through a worked example in a typical engineering design application