Understanding network influence and its determinants are key challenges in political science and network analysis. Traditional latent variable models position actors within a social space based on network dependencies but often do not elucidate the underlying factors driving these interactions. To overcome this limitation, we propose the social influence regression (SIR) model, an extension of vector autoregression tailored for relational data that incorporates exogenous covariates into the estimation of influence patterns. The SIR model captures influence dynamics via a pair of $n \times n$ matrices that quantify how the actions of one actor affect the future actions of another. This framework not only provides a statistical mechanism for explaining actor influence based on observable traits but also improves computational efficiency through an iterative block coordinate descent method. We showcase the SIR model’s capabilities by applying it to monthly conflict events between countries, using data from the Integrated Crisis Early Warning System (ICEWS). Our findings demonstrate the SIR model’s ability to elucidate complex influence patterns within networks by linking them to specific covariates. This paper’s main contributions are: (1) introducing a model that explains third-order dependencies through exogenous covariates and (2) offering an efficient estimation approach that scales effectively with large, complex networks.

This paper proposes a redefinition of interfaces as dynamic, adaptive systems crucial for managing the increasing complexity of modern systems. Drawing on diverse domains, the paper identifies key interface properties such as adaptability, cost-efficiency, and error response. The paper introduces a novel Generic Interface (GI) architecture, utilizing a model-based systems engineering approach. The GI architecture features modular components, designed to handle integration, data management, and error resolution. A case study of smart grids demonstrates the effectiveness of the GI architecture in addressing challenges like integrating diverse energy sources, ensuring grid reliability, and enabling demand response. The proposed GI architecture provides a robust framework for integrating complex systems, emphasizing adaptability, cost optimization, and error response.

This paper presents two studies with packaging design engineers and quality and risk professionals in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, addressing the critical need for design support. The studies contribute to the development of a framework aimed at balancing risk management and multi-user experience in the context of product support. A review of prior work highlights the gap in tailored support for designers in this field. Using structured interviews and thematic analysis, seven key requirements were identified to guide the framework’s creation. A user persona was also developed, capturing the core responsibilities, challenges, and motivations of quality and risk professionals. These findings provide actionable insights to aid designers address complex regulatory and user-centric challenges, paving the way for innovation and improved outcomes in pharmaceutical packaging design.

The objective of this research is to explore the use of publicly available recall data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to extract Failure Modes and Effects Analysis data. This large data set was analysed using a Large Language Model chatbot. To assess the usefulness of priming the chatbot with this data, the chatbot was also asked to generate data without priming it with the recall data. This was performed on two specific products. It was found that primed-chatbot results were more specific and used technical terminology appropriate to the product being analysed. The proposed approach can be used by designers in the forward design process during new product development. The proposed approach provides designers with insight into potential failures, the associated consequences, their severity, and root causes as well.

The diverse knowledge levels among first-year mechanical engineering students lead to significant disparities in individual learning. Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) offer a solution by providing tailored digital one-to-one instruction, bridging knowledge gaps, and equalizing learning outcomes. This thesis develops an ITS for design theory based on a knowledge-based engineering system, presenting an innovative model that integrates key features of ITS and knowledge-based systems. Implemented in a specialized environment, the system’s application and validation demonstrate its ability to meet context-sensitive design teaching requirements and provide adaptive tutoring.

The power, speed and sophistication of software for computer-aided design (CAD) drafting has revolutionized the design process and the productivity of experienced users. Assessment and mark-up of student drawings in a university class is still time-consuming and requires teaching assistants to be well-versed and proficient. This bottleneck can slow the learning of students if they are not provided with timely and proficient feedback. Software can be developed that uses the quantitative information stored in electronic files for direct comparison with a solution. This however requires an appropriate learning/teaching approach that is complementary with the assessment approach. A learning approach with complementary assessment is outlined along with the developed software for the assessment of large numbers of student submissions in a university level engineering course on drafting.

Let $\mathsf {KP}$ denote Kripke–Platek Set Theory and let $\mathsf {M}$ be the weak set theory obtained from $\mathsf {ZF}$ by removing the collection scheme, restricting separation to $\Delta _0$-formulae and adding an axiom asserting that every set is contained in a transitive set ($\mathsf {TCo}$). A result due to Kaufmann [9] shows that every countable model, $\mathcal {M}$, of $\mathsf {KP}+\Pi _n\textsf {-Collection}$ has a proper $\Sigma _{n+1}$-elementary end extension. We show that for all $n \geq 1$, there exists an $L_\alpha $ (where $L_\alpha $ is the $\alpha ^{\textrm {th}}$ approximation of the constructible universe L) that satisfies $\textsf {Separation}$, $\textsf {Powerset}$ and $\Pi _n\textsf {-Collection}$, but that has no $\Sigma _{n+1}$-elementary end extension satisfying either $\Pi _n\textsf {-Collection}$ or $\Pi _{n+3}\textsf {-Foundation}$. Thus showing that there are limits to the amount of the theory of $\mathcal {M}$ that can be transferred to the end extensions that are guaranteed by Kaufmann’s theorem. Using admissible covers and the Barwise Compactness theorem, we show that if $\mathcal {M}$ is a countable model $\mathsf {KP}+\Pi _n\textsf {-Collection}+\Sigma _{n+1}\textsf {-Foundation}$ and T is a recursive theory that holds in $\mathcal {M}$, then there exists a proper $\Sigma _n$-elementary end extension of $\mathcal {M}$ that satisfies T. We use this result to show that the theory $\mathsf {M}+\Pi _n\textsf {-Collection}+\Pi _{n+1}\textsf {-Foundation}$ proves $\Sigma _{n+1}\textsf {-Separation}$.

The notion of “zero-sum” games describes situations characterized by scarcity and competition. Reframing these situations to yield more positive sum scenarios benefits from design strategies that can identify new sources of value, oriented toward out-comes that reward collective benefit over maximizing one’s individual strategy to win at others’ expense. This emergent practice, called Positive Sum Design, identifies and critiques the conditions that contribute to zero-sum bias in the interest of creatively reframing challenges and redesigning scenarios to encourage more cooperative strategies and pluralistic values. Positive Sum Design can be thus characterized as both a cultural critique and a set of creative practices applied toward that critique to help practitioners identify opportunities for transcending presumed constraints and transmuting zero sum games into non-zero-sum ones.

This paper examines the effects of prototyping on design space exploration (DSE). Based on a literature review, a study design is proposed that attempts to integrate a longitudinal view from downstream development steps in the point-in-time investigation of design fixation. This study design is tested in a pilot study, the results are presented and discussed. The observation of participants’ design fixation (DF) in downstream activities shows that the need to create prototypes limited DSE behaviour, and suggestions for further adaptation of the study design are made. Challenges related to group dynamics, bias and logistical issues highlighted the need for a more refined study design. The findings highlight the role of prototyping in limiting DSE behaviour and suggest improving metrics, refining interventions and using structured moderation to improve future DF and DSE research.

This paper introduces a novel approach to analysing design protocols using a combination of methods. It describes an approach using a synthesis of concept extraction (using an LLM), semantic analysis (using word vectors and conceptual clustering), and network analysis (following graph construction). It suggests that the resulting measures are useful for studying design framing and for aiding qualitative analysis. It demonstrates this technique with data from a study of 17 designers addressing two design problems. The method enables the comparison of designers working on the same problem as well as the study of individual designers’ use of concepts over time during a think-aloud study.

Pulmonary artery hypertension in children is a progressive, fatal disease secondary to a variety of causes leading to right ventricular dysfunction. Traditional treatments include lung transplantation (LTx) and targeted therapy. However, due to the shortage of donor sources, heavy medical economic burden, immune rejection, and other problems, many patients are discouraged. In the past 20 years, the Potts palliative shunt, which was initially used for the treatment of cyanotic heart disease, has been gradually revived. Studies have shown that reverse Potts shunt can improve postoperative cardiac function, delay lung transplantation, and improve long-term quality of life in children with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is a feasible and effective alternative to LTx. The surgical procedure is relatively less complex, so it is worth promoting in resource-poor countries, and limited medical expertise. In the future, with refinements of the reverse Potts shunt (unidirectional-valved shunt and transcatheter Potts shunt) and formulation of guidelines (shunt sizes, involvement of multidisciplinary team), there is expected to be further expansion of indications. This article reviews the physiological mechanisms, past and present status of reverse Potts shunt indications and contraindications, surgical procedures, benefits, future application prospects, and key unsolved problems of reverse Potts shunt in the treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in children.

Sensor-integrating, “gentelligent” components allow to “inherit” operational loads-data for design optimisations from one generation to the next. For area-wide acquisition and reliable transmission of this data, wireless sensor networks (WSN) are often used, but small sensor nodes for reconstructing deformations and loads, so-called shape sensing, are rarely considered as well as a methodical development of such sensor nodes. This paper presents the development of a small sensor node in accordance to the VDI 2206 for shape sensing with a prototype with strain gauges, HX711 A/D converters and an Arduino Nano 33 IoT microprocessor. An infrastructured WSN is built and tested on an aluminium part at a test rig. The shape sensing is carried out with three sensor nodes and the deformed shape is displayed on a server-website to demonstrate the functionality of the methodically developed WSN.

Radiotherapy involves applying radiation doses to tumor cells and healthy tissue. To protect healthy tissue, an accessory called a bolus is used. Traditional boluses face issues such as limited adaptability and inconsistencies in radiodensity. This study proposes a low-cost process that uses 3D scans and additive manufacturing (AM) to design and produce custom boluses. The method uses a 3D scanner as an alternative to standard medical image acquisition, processes the images with CAD and mesh optimization, and then manufactures the pieces through additive manufacturing using polylactic acid (PLA) as the printing material. By optimizing the fill percentage, radiodensity was controlled, resulting in boluses that achieved a 65% cost reduction in material and an 81% savings in imaging compared to the traditional method.

Among state-of-the-art research, thermoelectric modules using the Peltier effect are used for general personalized climatization. However, none of the personalized climatization approaches found in literature reviewed the usability for the wearer, let alone in the context of motorcycle driving. This work was aimed at integrating Peltier technology into a motorcycling protective item in such a way that it is functional, perceived as safe, and usable for motorcyclists. Multiple integration options observing the requirements for motorcyclist’s safety equipment were generated. The functionality and usability of the integration approaches, as well as their impacts on perceived safety of the driver were evaluated. This work could serve as a base for future studies addressing user-oriented methodologies for the validation of technical products in the context of motorcycle protective clothing.

Substantial engineering efforts are dedicated to reducing injury risks in crash scenarios during the development of new vehicles. This is achieved by performing crash simulations to optimize the nonlinear behavior of systems. However, the complexity makes their behavior difficult and time-consuming for engineers to understand. To reduce the analysis time, this study introduces a modular framework combining Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLM). Shapley Additive Explanation values allow for simulation-wise feature importance attribution and generate a data-driven understanding. An LLM assists by making result data interactively accessible and supports technical report generation. Validated through a real-world vehicle side crash optimization use case, the framework demonstrates enhanced and accessible insights into system behavior within virtual engineering.

How can local governments in developing countries, constrained by limited resources, identify and respond to the most pressing public demands? This paper posits that public deliberative platforms, even those with controlled agendas, can be instrumental in this regard by facilitating communication between local elites and ordinary citizens, thereby leading to an observable uptick in political trust over time. Public deliberation serves two functions: firstly, it highlights shifting societal issues, incentivizing bureaucrats to respond more promptly; and secondly, it generates narratives that temporarily improve the public perception of local governments, even among individuals not directly benefiting from government actions. This study provides evidence consistent with these theoretical implications by examining Chinese topical debate programs, during which local officials engage with citizens and respond to their concerns. Empirical results based on a staggered difference-in-differences design suggest that broadcasting such programs in China produces a prompt increase in citizens’ trust in local officials. Our results demonstrate that public deliberation can yield noticeable outcomes in developing countries, even with controlled agendas and constrained resources.

This article assesses the relationship between the first four bishops of the English Mission in Korea, Japanese colonial rule and the Korean independence movement from 1905 to 1945. It is proposed that the bishops attempted to walk a precarious tightrope between the demands of the colonial government, bent on assimilating Korea, including the Churches, and the ardent aspirations of Koreans, including Christians, who sought to resist colonial rule. The authors conclude that this was a complicated policy which they did not always pull off but one which can be judged as successful overall.