A demonstration of the utility of fractional experimental design for finding optimal genetic algorithm parameter settings

This paper demonstrates that the use of sparse experimental design in the development of the structure for genetic algorithms, and hence other computer programs, is a particularly effective and efficient strategy. Despite widespread knowledge of the existence of these systematic experimental plans, they have seen limited application in the investigation of advanced computer programs. This paper attempts to address this missed opportunity and encourage others to take advantage of the power of these plans. Using data generated from a full factorial experimental design, involving 27 experimental runs that was used to assess the optimum operating settings of the parameters of a special genetic algorithm (GA), we show that similar results could have been obtained using as few as nine runs. The GA was used to find minimum cost schedules for a complex component assembly operation with many sub-processes

A robust design methodology suitable for application to one-off products

Robust design is an activity of fundamental importance when designing large, complex, one-off engineering products. Work is described which is concerned with the application of the theory of design of experiments and stochastic optimization methods to explore and optimize at the concept design stage. The discussion begins with a description of state-of-the-art stochastic techniques and their application to robust design. The content then focuses on a generic methodology which is capable of manipulating design algorithms that can be used to describe a design concept. An example is presented, demonstrating the use of the system for the robust design of a catamaran with respect to seakeeping

Developing and applying an integrated modular design methodology within a SME

Modularity within a product can bring advantages to the design process by facilitating enhanced design reuse, reduced lead times, decreased cost and higher levels of quality. While the benefits of modularity are becoming increasingly better known, at present it is usually left to the designers themselves to introduce modularity into products. Studies into modularity have shown that byimplementing 'formal' methods, further benefits can be made in terms of time, cost, quality and performance. Current approaches that have been proposed for the formal development of modular design methodologies fail to accurately represent knowledge that is inherently produced during design projects and fail to consider design from the different viewpoints of the development process. This work, built on previous work on modularity and design for reuse, aims to develop an integrated design methodology that will optimise the modules created through the design process and allow for modularity to be 'built-in' to product development from the initial stages. The methodology andassociated tools have been developed to provide an easy-to-use approach to modularity that has support for design rationales and company knowledge that aid in effective design decision making. The methodology, named GeMoCURE, provides an integrated total solution to modular design based on reuse of proven physical and knowledge modules. Its incremental nature allows for the optimalstructure to be maintained as the design progresses. A special focus has been on the application of this approach for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are typically challenged by a lack of design human resources and expertise

The S-Cycle performance matrix : supporting comprehensive sustainability performance evaluation of technical systems

The work reported in this paper consolidates and rationalises disparate evaluation methods in a novel, generic framework to support the selection of comprehensive material/energetic sustainability performance indicators (SPIs) for technical systems. The S-Cycle Performance Matrix (S-CPMatrix) is comprised of 6 generic sustainability goals, 11 SPI archetypes, and 23 corresponding metrics identified from a model of technical system sustainability (the S-Cycle). The matrix was evaluated by interpreting and classifying 324 indicators currently applied to evaluate technical system sustainability performance in the literature, with 94.1% found to be fully classifiable with respect to the matrix following several refinements. The remaining 5.9% suggested additional SPI archetypes and a goal that were not initially identified. The matrix is intended to support decision makers in meeting three criteria for comprehensiveness identified from the literature: (C1) inclusion of indicators measuring performance at all relevant scales; (C2) inclusion of efficiency and effectiveness indicators; and (C3) coverage of all system sustainability goals. It may be applied to different systems in conjunction with different evaluation methods, thereby contributing to more consistent guidance on the selection of comprehensive SPIs for technical systems. In addition to industrial evaluation and comparison with existing evaluation methods, four avenues for future research were identified: (i) use of the S-CPMatrix to support systems comparison/benchmarking; (ii) further investigation of unsupported metrics; (iii) the nature and measurement of contaminants; and (iv) the comprehensiveness of SPI sets currently used in sustainability performance evaluation of technical systems

Modelling the relationship between design activity and computer-supported collaborative design factors

Computer-Supported Collaborative Design (CSCD) technologies can enable teams to collaborate across boundaries. Emerging research documents the potential of CSCD technologies to contribute towards successful collaborative design, however, no model exists to define the relationship between a successful design activity and CSCD factors which influence its success. This paper utilises a systematic literature review to categorise known CSCD factors, categorise and characterise them, and applies this knowledge towards developing an established design activity model to include CSCD factors

A novel systematic method to evaluate computer supported collaborative design technologies

Selection of suitable computer-supported collaborative design (CSCD) technologies is crucial to facilitate successful projects. This paper presents the first systematic method for engineering design teams to evaluate and select the most suitable CSCD technologies comparing technology functionality and project requirements established in peer-reviewed literature. The paper first presents 220 factors that influence successful CSCD. These factors were then systematically mapped and categorised to create CSCD requirement statements. The novel evaluation and selection method incorporates these requirement statements within a matrix and develops a discourse analysis text processing algorithm with data from collaborative projects to automate the population of how technologies impact the success of CSCD in engineering design teams. This method was validated using data collected across 3 years of a student global design project. The impact of this method is the potential to change the way engineering design teams consider the technology they use and how the selection of appropriate tools impacts the success of their CSCD projects. The development of the CSCD evaluation matrix is the first of its kind enabling a systematic and justifiable comparison and technology selection, with the aim of best supporting the engineering designers collaborative design activity

Identification of a new cAMP response element-binding factor by southwestern blotting.

We have identified in mammalian cells a novel cyclic AMP response element (CRE)-binding protein of molecular mass 47 kDa. This protein was not recognized by either the CREB-327/341 or c-Jun antisera, and its tissue distribution did not overlap with those of the CREB and Jun families. For example, hepatoma and placental tissue did not contain the 47-kDa DNA-binding protein, but did contain the CREB isoforms. On the other hand, S49 lymphoma cells contained a high level of the 47-kDa DNA-binding protein but did not contain a 47-kDa Jun-related protein which was found in normal liver and hepatoma. This new 47-kDa factor bound to the CRE in the dephosphorylated form, and phosphorylation of the protein by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A completely abolished its DNA-binding activity. The isoforms of the CREB-327/341 family, on the other hand, bound to DNA in the phosphorylated form, and alkaline phosphatase treatment reduced significantly their interaction with CRE sequence. This reverse effect of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation on the DNA-binding property of this new 47-kDa protein in particular distinguishes it from other known CREB factors and suggests that the protein might play a unique role in the regulation of cAMP-mediated transcription

Developing a model to estimate the potential impact of municipal investment on city health

This article summarizes a process which exemplifies the potential impact of municipal investment on the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in city populations. We report on Developing an evidence-based approach to city public health planning and investment in Europe (DECiPHEr), a project part funded by the European Union. It had twin objectives: first, to develop and validate a vocational educational training package for policy makers and political decision takers; second, to use this opportunity to iterate a robust and user-friendly investment tool for maximizing the public health impact of 'mainstream' municipal policies, programs and investments. There were seven stages in the development process shared by an academic team from Sheffield Hallam University and partners from four cities drawn from the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. There were five iterations of the model resulting from this process. The initial focus was CVD as the biggest cause of death and disability in Europe. Our original prototype 'cost offset' model was confined to proximal determinants of CVD, utilizing modified 'Framingham' equations to estimate the impact of population level cardiovascular risk factor reduction on future demand for acute hospital admissions. The DECiPHEr iterations first extended the scope of the model to distal determinants and then focused progressively on practical interventions. Six key domains of local influence on population health were introduced into the model by the development process: education, housing, environment, public health, economy and security. Deploying a realist synthesis methodology, the model then connected distal with proximal determinants of CVD. Existing scientific evidence and cities' experiential knowledge were 'plugged-in' or 'triangulated' to elaborate the causal pathways from domain interventions to public health impacts. A key product is an enhanced version of the cost offset model, named Sheffield Health Effectiveness Framework Tool, incorporating both proximal and distal determinants in estimating the cost benefits of domain interventions. A key message is that the insights of the policy community are essential in developing and then utilising such a predictive tool

High-Resolution Electron Time-of-Flight Apparatus for the Soft-X-Ray Region

A gas-phase time-of-flight (TOF) apparatus, capable of supporting as many as six electron-TOF analyzers viewing the same interaction region, has been developed to measure energy- and angle-resolved electrons with kinetic energies up to 5 keV. Each analyzer includes a newly designed lens system that can retard electrons to about 2% of their initial kinetic energy without significant loss of transmission; the analyzers can thus achieve a resolving power (E/ΔE) greater than 104 over a wide kinetic-energy range. Such high resolving power is comparable to the photon energy resolution of state-of-the-art synchrotron–radiation beamlines in the soft x-ray range, opening the TOF technique to numerous high-resolution applications. In addition, the angular placement of the analyzers, by design, permits detailed studies of nondipolar angular distribution effects in gas-phase photoemission

Towards sustainable manufacturing within Industry 4.0 : a framework for the textile industry

Due to increasing sustainability demands, textiles manufacturing, an industry that uses substantial amounts of natural resources, energy and labour, are facing tough challenges in the years ahead. One of the more overlooked concepts with great potential for sustainable manufacturing is Industry 4.0. This paper addresses how the textile industry is engaging with Industry 4.0 technologies and applications in the context of sustainable manufacturing. A proposal for an implementation framework is introduced based on a literature review within this field