A Novel Approach to Configuration Redesign: Using Multiobjective Monotonicity Analysis to Alter the Pareto-set

Configuration (or topology or embodiment) design remains a ubiquitous challenge in product design optimization and in design automation, meaning configuration design is largely driven by experience in industrial practice. In this article, we introduce a novel configuration redesign process founded on the interaction of the designer with results from rigorous multiobjective monotonicity analysis. Guided by Pareto-set dependencies, the designer seeks to reduce trade-offs among objectives or improve optimality overall, deriving redesigns that eliminate dependencies or relax active constraints. The method is demonstrated on an ingestible medical device for oral drug delivery, currently in early concept development.

The Impact of HVAC on the Development of Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Concepts

Automation and electrification are changing vehicles and mobility. Whereas electrification is mainly changing the powertrain, automation enables the rethinking of the vehicle and its applications. The actual driving range is an important requirement for the design of automated and electric vehicles, especially if they are part of a fleet. To size the battery accordingly, not only the consumption of the powertrain has to be estimated, but also that of the auxiliary users. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is one of the biggest auxiliary consumers. Thus, a variable HVAC model for vehicles with electric powertrain was developed to estimate the consumption depending on vehicle size and weather scenario. After integrating the model into a tool for autonomous and electric vehicle concept development, various vehicle concepts were simulated in different weather scenarios and driving cycles with the HVAC consumption considered for battery sizing. The results indicate that the battery must be resized significantly depending on the weather scenario to achieve the same driving ranges. Furthermore, the percentage of HVAC consumption is in some cases higher than that of the powertrain for urban driving cycles, due to lower average speeds. Thus, the HVAC and its energy demand should especially be considered in the development of autonomous and electric vehicles that are primarily used in cities.

Assessing Community Disaster Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas of Bangladesh: From a Gender Lens

The main purpose of this study was to assess the level of community flood resilience with a special focus on gender. A gender perspective ensures the representation of diversified voices in the study. From concept development to data representation, all the steps were completed ensuring gender-based inclusion. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to conduct the study. A total of 402 responses were analyzed as the sample. A linear structured questionnaire was developed by using a five-point Likert scale to collect quantitative data. As part of the qualitative tool, in-depth observation was used in the study. The study found that female members of the community lag in terms of disaster resilience comparing to their male counterparts. The scores in different components of resilience assessment framework indicate that there are gaps in terms of level of resilience from the gender perspective. The same disaster can create a disproportionate level of impact on women and men due to an unequal level of resilience. The study indicates that assessing community disaster resilience and introducing resilience enhancement interventions should focus on a gender-based approach.

AGRICULTURE 4.0

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has stimulated the development of new technologies and techniques that are changing the global production system. The objective of this paper is to analyze the stream of innovation of Agriculture 4.0, such as its origin, features and consequences. Agriculture 4.0 is a digital model of agricultural production guided by high-performance manufacturing and is a result of a long historical process of technological development. The innovation in the agricultural sector in Brazil is essential to the maintenance of its competitiveness. However, the 4.0 concept of production is still a challenge the country needs to overcome. Agtech startups are working as a solution for technology diffusion. The Piracicaba Valley Agtech, in the state of São Paulo, is a successful case of Agriculture 4.0 concept development.

MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMISATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT IN FLOATING OFFSHORE SYSTEMS

This paper addresses the need for a rapid, multi-disciplined and rational approach to floating system concept development and selection during the very earliest stages of project definition. It describes the implementation of a modified multi- objective Genetic Algorithm for this purpose. A formulation of the NSGA-II algorithm is combined with additional Target Functions to reduce otherwise large multi-disciplined problems to more tractable solution using tools commonly available in the design office. It also provides a rational basis for the comparison of different design solutions each of which are Pareto Optimal with respect to the technical and economic performance of each underlying concept. A specific example of marginal field development using a novel FPSO concept is presented. Starting with just the oil field location and reserves estimate, the algorithm provides the means to define preliminary hull form and production facility capacities, match performance to payload, and give preliminary indicators of likely investment performance. The method may also be applied more generally in preliminary ship design, particularly where it is possible to model economic performance alongside efficiency, safety and key technical factors in hydrodynamics and structures.

Development of an instrument to assess early number concept development in four South African languages

A recently published interview-based test, known by its partly German acronym, MARKO-D SA, is introduced in this article by way of a narrative of its development through various cycles of research. The 48-item test, in 4 South African languages, captures number concept development of children in the 6 to 8-year age group. The authors present their argument for the South African versioning and translation of the test for this country, where there is a dearth of suitable assessment instruments for gauging young children’s mathematical concept development. We also present the findings of the research that was conducted to standardise and norm the local version of the test, along with our reasoning about the theoretical strength of the conceptual model that undergirds the test.

University’s support for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of entrepreneurial climate

Purpose Drawing on institutional theory, this paper seeks to untangle the relationship between university support for entrepreneurship and students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Specifically, this study aims to examine whether entrepreneurial climates within universities mediate the relationship between university support for entrepreneurship and students’ entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data is drawn from 195 students across three Malaysian higher education institutions. Partial least squares procedures are used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Findings show that no element of university support for entrepreneurship had a direct effect on students’ entrepreneurial intentions. However, the entrepreneurial climate was found – to mediate the relationship between perceived business and concept development support and students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Originality/value This study represents one of the few efforts in the literature considering the role of entrepreneurial climates within universities in influencing students’ entrepreneurial intention. In considering the mediating role of entrepreneurial climate, in the relationship between university support for entrepreneurship and students’ entrepreneurial intentions, this study provides a complementary and contextualised perspective, to existing studies, which have traditionally focussed on the mediating role of individual attributes. Doing so provides further evidence of entrepreneurial universities in fostering entrepreneurship.