Papers by Keyword: Design

Abstract: UHPC (ultra-high performance concrete) is an excellent material applicable also for strengthening of existing structures. Recently published papers were focused mainly on the behaviour of strengthened slabs subjected to bending, in this paper, experiments on punching and on strengthening of columns are mentioned. Strengthening of bridge decks requires a special composition of UHPC with high fibre contents and with the ability of casting in the slope. The appropriate mix for UHPC was developed within the research project. The experience gained from the extensive experimental program resulted in development of rules for strengthening of existing structures using UHPC, which follow the European codes and Czech recommendations for design of structures made of UHPC.

Abstract: This work presents a systematic review to provide an overview of the possibilities for coupling, fabrication or embedding of electronics into textiles whilst assuring the capability of these products to meet the requirements of a sports modality. The development of smart wearables systems for sports based on textiles attracts more and more users – motivated by design, by technology, as well as by the expectation of increased performance. A bibliographic search was carried out using the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore and Science Direct. This study includes 32 articles and discusses these in a new taxonomy with three dimensions: measured variable, types of feedback and applications. Of the 23 technologies surveyed, this review showed that these wearable systems are mainly used for vital signs monitoring and to provide feedback on the electrical activity of the heart, with sensors mostly placed in the chest. Usually, the technologies are externally attachable rather than embedded in the textile. We observed that the implementation of design as the process of development of e-textile products is still only scarcely present in these studies.

Abstract: Research on improving petroleum bitumen complex properties by modifying them with polymeric elastomers in the form of rubber waste are given in this article. The purpose of the research is to create a bituminous-rubber composition with an increased set of thermo-physical and physical-mechanical characteristics. The effect of bitumen modification with waste rubber crumb and powder in combination with the addition of taurite on the melting temperature, the degree of crosslinking, toughness and heat resistance of the compositions was studied. The optimal composition of bituminous-rubber compositions modified with taurite with high thermo-physical and physical-mechanical characteristics has been determined.

Abstract: Some fashion brands and designers have been developing services and products in the last decade taking similarly, into consideration consumers that have some disability. Knowing that visual communication of a brand itself is not possible with unsighted consumers, it is necessary and relevant to investigate how consumers can create an emotional attachment with fashion brands. This paper aims to analyze the inclusive design approach and methods. Attending to the following question of investigation, “how visually impaired consumers are able to create an emotional relationship with fashion brands” the methodology for this paper is based on a mixed methodology. The literature review is based on scientific papers, informative articles, books, and report analysis. Regardless of the product or services, clothing brands established in Portugal usually do not have an inclusive approach. A set of hypotheses were formulated from the literature review analysis, which will be further tested using the data collected. It was not possible to set up the empirical study winch will be carried out in the future. This study will be of added value to guide future investigations and endorse the possible future success of fashion brands and designers in Portugal in the field of accessibility and inclusive design.

Abstract: In modern society, it is impossible to imagine life without plastics. However, managing the waste composed of plastics is one of the most significant environmental issues confronting us today. Recycling plastic waste or recovering the secondary raw materials sources is the most crucial action available to reduce ecological impacts worldwide. With the need to recycle plastic waste, questions also arise about applying new products from recycled plastics and advanced processing technologies. Advanced technologies overlap actively with the applied design, and their implementation enables them to move from extraordinary design ideas to the final object. Therefore, this contribution shows the possibility to prepare the unique textile pattern, interior accessories, and jewelry from the post-consumer use bottle poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by electrospinning.

Abstract: Critical investigation of strength properties of materials is required in Engineering practice to ensure an enhanced service life. Globally, industrialists are struggling to increase cost savings from lost production due to the failure of machine, while customers are concerned about the safety and reliability of the products. Hammer mills are prone to various modes of failure like chemical failure, erosive failure, abrasive failure and fatigue failure. The effect of these failure modes is always detrimental to the operation of the machine and its efficiency. Hence, forensic investigation is essential to determine the failure modes and their effects on hammer mills for bone crushing. Field investigation was carried out to monitor the hammer mill in operation for 12 months with a production of 20 bags per hour. The total production per day for 8 hours is expected to be 160 bags at a given speed. Thus, the cost of machine downtime on production is huge. The Pareto method was used to determine the effect of downtime on revenue and production for a period of one year. The hours of failure were between 1 to 2 hours per day. The loss in revenue was calculated using the variation of number of failure with time, as obtained from hammer mill. The outcome showed that hammers investigated failed as a result of abrasive wear, fatigue, impact, and chemical wear, respectively. The cost of downtime was found to be $ 37,745,809,920.00 CAD for the period of study. Based on findings, wide ranging factors are required to evaluate the performance of the hammer mill for improved productivity and efficiency. These are proper material selection, design and appropriate operational parameters. However, there is need for optimisation of the hammer material via heat treatment methods as this will reduce the yearly cost of production, downtime of the milling machine for bone crushing as well as improvement in productivity.

Abstract: The influence of various design and technological parameters of the process of plasma deposition of coatings on their quality is considered. In the process of research, regularities were revealed and relationships were established between the factors and criteria of technological processes, which make it possible to solve optimization problems when developing technological recommendations and improving the methods of applying plasma coatings. The results of the research are the obtained mathematical models that can be applied to analyze the influence of individual factors, as well as their combination on the quality indicators of the process of forming coatings with given physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The aim of this work is a development and characterization of a sustainable product from solid waste from civil construction. Morphology of collected waste has been analyzed by SEM/EDS. Residues have been macerated, mixed in different proportions with cement and water, and made into rectangular boxes. Mechanical test has been carried out by flexing three points on specimens, absorbing water and analyzing fracture by SEM. Morphology of samples have shown a heterogeneous and porous mass, with particles of different sizes, few agglomerates, and presence of organic material. Resistance to average rupture of samples has been obtained in MPa, characteristic of concrete for structural application. For CDR to be used in sustainable ceramics, it is recommended to improve a process of comminution and homogenization to guarantee reproducibility of lots and technological product properties. This being so, a mockup has been developed proposing a hollow element type product, Cobogó style, indicating potential of using civil construction waste as a sustainable product.

Abstract: In the work the bituminous-polymeric composition stable against action of external factors is designed taking into account literature-patent researches and industrial needs. The basic physical-mechanical and thermophysical properties of the designed bituminous-polymeric composition are investigated, and also change of water absorption, shrinkage with time and flammability is studying. The technology of manufacturing bitumen-polymer composition in production is described. The designed bituminous-polymeric composition on some indicators, in particular on heat resistance and flexibility is better than existing analogs that allows its introduction.

Abstract: Mobile Health (mHealth) refers to any medical and public health practice aided by smart phones, tablets, or any mobile device. These devices are able to move about which allows communication anytime, anywhere. M-health is considered as the next step beyond the E-health systems. In recent times, M-health has become a new normal that has come to stay, despite the gradual reduction in COVID 19 cases worldwide that was believed to prompts most organization to go online. Software Developers have been on their toes trying to develop applications that can run effectively and remotely to deliver all healthcare services via mobile devices. This paper intends to develop a robust Mobile App using Zoho Creator that can effectively be bundled on any platform (Android, IOS etc) to meet the needs of patients anytime, everywhere. The application is rich with embedded platform and privileges for Doctors, Pharmacist, Lab scientist, Nurses, Medical record officers and patients. The interfaces are developed in a way that is attractive, easy to use, and optimized to meet the user’s needs. The app also takes care of selfservice facilities like Blood Pressure( BP) test, temperature test, heartbeat and some basic first aid and public health information tips for daily use.