Examples Of Good Practice Research Articles

Leaving the niche: Recommendations for mainstreaming Low Trophic Aquaculture in countries around the Atlantic basin

Low Trophic Aquaculture (LTA) is the farming of aquatic organisms such as primary producers (e.g., seaweeds) and primary consumers (e.g. bivalves). Despite recognition as a key pathway to the provision of sustainable food from the oceans, many forms of LTA around the Atlantic basin remain in the niche stage of socio-technical evolution. With governance regarded as a limiting factor to LTA development, aquaculture experts and stakeholders were surveyed to find, and interviewed to document, examples of implemented good practice in rules, regulations and processes that were seen as supportive of the sustainable development of LTA and related Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture. A theoretical framework on socio-technical change under polycentric governance informed an analysis of the good practices, according to five core themes: regulation and legislation; resources and infrastructure; human and social capital; financial instruments and economic support; and, the overarching socio-economic environment. Recommendations for action were constructed both inductively (from interview evidence) and deductively (from the theory), and were organised in relation to the three spheres of governance: Government should: provide stable policy and legal frameworks within which developers can operate with commercial confidence; ensure public trust in LTA products; support LTA start-ups; ensure availability of researchers and public officials with LTA relevant skills and knowledge. Market organisations should: allow LTA to better access financial capital and insurance; develop consultancy services; inform the public about LTA. Civil Society organisations, including universities, producer organisations and NGOs, should: in some cases, lead development of LTA with arrangements for local control; help certify appropriate LTA as sustainable, healthy and socially equitable.

Improving RCCE-IM for LGBTQ+ migrants: Lessons learned from COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background To foster equity during a pandemic event, public health practitioners must be mindful of social and political circumstances that inform poor health. This is especially true for populations who are exposed to several factors that structure health inequity, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer identifying (LGBTQ+) populations. We aim to report on the specific challenges of LGBTQ+ people, including those who belong to the migrant communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic and find out their needs in risk communication (RC), community engagement (CE) and infodemic management (IM). Methods We will first review findings of studies conducted in Portugal, UK, Italy, Brazil, Chile, and Sweden, between 2020-2023, in the context of “Project Global Queerantine”, then report on the additional challenges that LGBTQ+ people faced when living in migrant communities. Results LGBTQ+ individuals perceived their psychological wellbeing to have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Stressors included fear of the disease itself, and fear of spreading the virus, as well as the negative consequences of adhering to the recommendations of social distancing, which constantly interplayed with the marginalized position of being a LGBTQ+ person. Limited access to the LGBTQ+ community was a common stressor for trans individuals who faced prolonged waiting times for “gender dysphoria” assessment and hormone treatment. The intersectionality of vulnerability mechanisms experienced by LGBTQ+ migrants exacerbated all these issues, as did challenges in accessing and comprehending COVID-19-related information. Conclusions During health crises, it is critical for RCCE-IM efforts to consider the increased mental health issues and disruption of social support networks that LGBTQ+ people may face. Strategies and examples of good practices for RCCE-IM that are specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ migrants will be developed in collaboration with the workshop participants.

Promoting active ageing: The positive impact of older people’s participation in Urban Gardens

Abstract Background The socio-health and economic consequences of the progressive population ageing constitute a global challenge for public health, which is committed to the promotion of active and healthy ageing as a strategy to mitigate these consequences. The European project U-GARDEN has evaluated from a comprehensive and innovative approach the impact of urban gardens on the promotion of active ageing through the participation of older people in urban agriculture. Methods A qualitative methodology was designed and implemented in order to analyse the information provided by people over 65 years of age, who actively participated in urban gardens, from a personal and subjective perspective through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The benefits obtained from participation in urban gardens were analysed, considering the different dimensions that make up the paradigm of active ageing: physical, psychological, economic, health, behavioural and personal impact. A total of 20 interviews were used to reach the saturation point. Results Qualitative analysis showed multiple benefits of active and healthy aging. Participants reported increased physical activity and psychosocial improvements such as higher personal satisfaction, reduced stress, and enhanced self-esteem, strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Economically, they reported savings on food costs and increased food security. Overall, respondents noted improvements in general health and quality of life, highlighting urban gardening as valuable for well-being and social-economic integration. Conclusions The findings reported in the framework of the U-GARDEN project support the importance of implementing innovative strategies that encourage participation in urban gardens as a tool to improve the overall wellbeing and health of older people, effectively addressing some of the main challenges of ageing such as loneliness unwanted frailty and disability. Key messages • The U-GARDEN project is an example of good practice in the use of urban gardens as a platform for promoting active and healthy ageing. • The promotion of green spaces through the establishment of urban gardens should be considered by health and political authorities for their ability to promote the general well-being of society.

Plan for the crisis!

Abstract Background The COVID-19-crisis has posed major challenges for organisations providing care in terms of fulfilling their contracts as well as maintaining their quality standards. This project aimed to analyse the implementation of gender and diversity sensitive crisis preparedness in health and social care organisations in Austria. The innovation of this project lies in the organisational crisis preparation including the interfaces of all organisations and actors involved in the care of a vulnerable person. Methods A comprehensive survey and analysis of existing structures and processes was carried out. A participatory approach was used to develop modular guidelines tailored to different crisis scenarios. This was followed by a detailed process analysis, integration of good practices and the creation of assessment tools for practical evaluation. Staff training and technology needs were identified, followed by an assessment of the applicability of the findings to other social sector organisations. Results This project created guidelines with modular structures that enable preparation for crises and their consequences. Thereby strategies for risk mitigation and good practice examples, e.g. from the COVID-19 pandemic, were developed. A self-assessment of the status of crisis preparation as well as the continuous monitoring with special consideration of the intersectional diversity of the target groups and their vulnerability was developed and made available on the web. Conclusions The project results in guidelines as well as a self-assessment and monitoring tool directly benefiting the participating organisations. Through its transferability to other organisations the project promotes overall crisis resilience and sustainably strengthens the care for vulnerable groups in times of crisis. In addition, solidarity-based help in crisis situations is promoted. The project promotes not only organisational, but also individual as well as macro-social and economic benefits. Key messages • The project developed guidelines for gender and diversity sensitive crisis preparedness for health and social care organisations, including risk mitigation strategies and self-assessment/monitoring. • Crisis preparation must be systematically implemented in health and social care organisations involved in care of vulnerable persons.

4.Q. Scientific session: Global landscapes of healthcare worker migration: advancing effective and equitable solutions

Abstract Background Healthcare workforce migration not only increased in numbers, the mobility flows and migration patterns are also changing and becoming more diverse. The labour market push-and-pull factors and related risks of ‘brain-drain’ are still relevant and many countries, especially in the western world, heavily rely on foreign-born and foreign-trained healthcare workers to mitigate shortages and respond to the healthcare workforce crisis. However, this migration pattern increasingly co-exists with other patterns, blurring the categories of hosting and sending countries. For instance, some low- and middle-income countries have created the export of skilled healthcare workers as business model, others invest in healthcare worker education without advancing national labour market capacities. There is also an increase in crisis migration caused by wars, climate change, and other conflicts, yet these refugee healthcare workers are often excluded from the formal labour market. These examples illustrate that health policy across countries largely failed to respond to the changing global landscapes of migration and to govern education, recruitment and retention more effectively. The healthcare workforce debate is primarily driven by health labour market needs, while health policy and human rights remain marginal. There is also a lack of comprehensive data and research, that would allow for evidence-based decision-making. Ineffective policy and existing governance gaps exacerbate the global healthcare workforce crisis, increase stress and workload of the healthcare workers, and often ignore worker and human rights. Objectives This workshop looks beyond labour market push-pull factors and highlights the complexity of healthcare worker migration. It makes the diverse needs, stakeholder interests, and institutional frameworks visible that shape mobility patterns of healthcare worker, seeking to identify capacity for more effective governance and good-practice examples. The following major questions will be discussed, among others: What data and research are needed to better understand the global migration landscapes? What can we learn from cross-country knowledge exchange and good practice experiences? How can public health advance more equitable and effective education, recruitment and retention policy, and what role could global contracts and international organisations play? The interactive discussion will be facilitated by a commentary on global capacity building for equitable healthcare worker migration and the action taken by WHO. The presenters and the audience will advance knowledge exchange and critically explore novel solutions to the healthcare workforce crisis that are more sensitive to the needs of both individual migrant healthcare workers and less well-resourced countries, in the global South as well as within Europe. Key messages • Increasingly divers patterns of healthcare worker migration call for novel governance approaches that align labour markets, health policy needs, and human rights. • More effective, equitable and ‘humanised’ governance of healthcare worker migration needs a global public health and human rights approach.

Integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (Esg) Principles into Organisations

The term ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, has gained significant traction in the business world. A company’s dedication to ESG reflects its awareness of both the positive and negative impacts it has on society and the environment, influencing not only the business itself but the entire ecosystem around it. Organisations that embrace the ESG framework recognise that adopting best governance practices leads to positive outcomes across all sectors. This approach helps minimise the environmental impact and fosters a more equitable world, while maintaining sound administrative processes and sustaining profitability. Incorporating ESG factors into operations is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability, compliance and competitiveness. By focusing on environmental stewardship, fostering positive social impacts and maintaining strong governance structures, organisations can minimise their negative externalities, meet regulatory demands, and appeal to a growing number of ESG-conscious stakeholders. The main aim of this article is to analyse the ESG principles, and present examples of integrating ESG in large and SMEs companies. These organisations were chosen as examples of good practice: Maersk, Nestlé, Toyota, Baltic Marine Bunker and Klaipėdos Nafta. The companies in this article were chosen to show a diverse range of industries and approaches to ESG implementation.

Frontrunner model for responsible AI governance in the public sector: the Dutch perspective

AbstractAcross the European Union, considerable discrepancies can be observed regarding the current state of AI adoption in the public sector and the complexity of functioning AI governance structures. This can be attributed to diverse levels of digitalisation, AI maturity and governance styles across EU member states. In the field of AI implementation and AI governance models in the public sector the frontrunner is the Netherlands, scoring first in the Global Index on Responsible AI. Analysing this example of good practices in terms of AI governance, with a focus on the delegation acceptance perspective, is of relevance for the state of art on AI governance within the EU. The article looks into the structure of the public Dutch Algorithm Register which currently contains over 400 entries, the AI framework for the public sector, supervisory structures in place and risks management approaches, addressing the importance of values in the development and deployment of AI systems and algorithms. The article demonstrates how in the case of AI also, early adaptors shape future behaviours, thus carrying a burden of responsibility when developing and deploying key enabling technologies in line with the core values.

Health impact assessment in two planning projects in England: reflections on normative effectiveness

BackgroundThis article reports on research commissioned by (what was at the time) Public Health England (PHE). The objective is to reflect on the normative effectiveness of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) applied to two planning projects; (a) the new town at Cranbrook, Devon (HIA prepared in 2007), and (b) the regeneration of the Marsh farm area in Luton (HIA prepared in 2009). In this context, the focus is on the contribution of HIA to actions that are intended to lead to good or improved health and wellbeing.MethodsNormative HIA effectiveness criteria derived from a literature review were used to guide the analysis. The two included HIA cases were previously identified as good practice examples with regards to procedure and report quality. Semi-structured interviews with public health, planning and other actors originally involved in the HIAs were conducted in 2021. This was followed up by web-searches for evidence on actual developments in 2023.ResultsInterviews indicated that normative effectiveness initially appeared to be high, but that the longer-term effects of the financial crash of 2008 reduced this. Delays in initially anticipated timelines and HIA actors moving elsewhere or retiring meant that HIAs were not followed-up and connections between developments and the HIAs were no longer made. However, web-based searches conducted in 2023 found that key HIA suggestions were eventually implemented, albeit with delay. There is also evidence for improved IMD (index of multiple deprivation) rankings in the Marsh farm regeneration case.ConclusionA mismatch is observed with regards to HIA exercises appearing to be largely ‘forgotten’ after over a decade of their publication, but recommendations still being implemented, possibly as a result of ‘institutional memory’. Making monitoring and follow-up of HIA binding rather than advisory would allow for direct linkages to be made.

A corpus of GA4GH phenopackets: Case-level phenotyping for genomic diagnostics and discovery

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) Phenopacket Schema was released in 2022 and approved by ISO as a standard for sharing clinical and genomic information about an individual, including phenotypic descriptions, numerical measurements, genetic information, diagnoses, and treatments. A phenopacket can be used as an input file for software that supports phenotype-driven genomic diagnostics and for algorithms that facilitate patient classification and stratification for identifying new diseases and treatments. There has been a great need for a collection of phenopackets to test software pipelines and algorithms. Here, we present Phenopacket Store. Version 0.1.19 of Phenopacket Store includes 6668 phenopackets representing 475 Mendelian and chromosomal diseases associated with 423 genes and 3834 unique pathogenic alleles curated from 959 different publications. This represents the first large-scale collection of case-level, standardized phenotypic information derived from case reports in the literature with detailed descriptions of the clinical data and will be useful for many purposes, including the development and testing of software for prioritizing genes and diseases in diagnostic genomics, machine learning analysis of clinical phenotype data, patient stratification, and genotype-phenotype correlations. This corpus also provides best-practice examples for curating literature-derived data using the GA4GH Phenopacket Schema.

A call to action to scale up research and clinical genomic data sharing.

Genomic data from millions of individuals have been generated worldwide to drive discovery and clinical impact in precision medicine. Lowering the barriers to using these data collectively is needed to equitably realize the benefits of the diversity and scale of population data. We examine the current landscape of global genomic data sharing, including the evolution of data sharing models from data aggregation through to data visiting, and for certain use cases, cross-cohort analysis using federated approaches across multiple environments. We highlight emerging examples of best practice relating to participant, patient and community engagement; evolution of technical standards, tools and infrastructure; and impact of research and health-care policy. We outline 12 actions we can all take together to scale up efforts to enable safe global data sharing and move beyond projects demonstrating feasibility to routinely cross-analysing research and clinical datasets, optimizing benefit.

SIX STEPS TO HELP IMPROVE ADOPTION

Around 3,500 children are adopted in the UK each year. To mark National Adoption Week, an expert explores challenges facing the adoption system in England and examples of good practice are showcased

Lessons for biosecurity education from the International Nuclear Security Education Network

With the rapid advances in technology and life science, biological security is now at a defining moment. The mandate of the 2022 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention 9th Review Conference emphasised the urgent need for new tools to strengthen the Convention. In this paper, we review the development and efforts of the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) to provide examples of best practice for implementation of the newly founded International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN). Learning from the lessons of the INSEN, the sustainability of the network through continuous engagement of its members is essential for the further development of global biosecurity education.

High altitude dilemmas: assessing academic air travel reduction measures by comparing reduction potential and willingness

Abstract Many researchers consider air travel crucial for a successful career and fly frequently to attend conferences, participate in meetings, teach classes, and conduct fieldwork, which creates significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that often account for the largest share of a university’s emission total. Several universities have attempted to address this issue by implementing measures to reduce GHG emissions from academic air travel. Ideally, these measures are both effective in reducing emissions and acceptable to the academic staff willing to endorse them. We evaluated five air travel reduction measures and compared their GHG emission reduction potential to academics’ willingness to implement them. We calculated reduction potentials based on empirical flight data from the University of Zurich’s Department of Geography and conducted an online survey among the department’s academic staff to assess willingness. On average, academic staff were willing to implement all five measures. Measures restricting travel showed the highest reduction potential but the lowest willingness to adopt among academic staff. Conversely, measures involving the transition to alternative travel modes showed higher willingness but lower reduction potentials. Our results suggest that there is no straightforward answer for universities aiming to reduce their air travel emissions. In addition to implementing more acceptable low-impact measures, universities must explore examples of good practices and endeavor to remove obstacles to high-impact measure implementation.

Preface: 13th Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage

Abstract What strategies are available to minimize resource consumption in the light metal industry through recycling and energy efficiency? How can lightweight design make mobility more sustainable? And what role will artificial intelligence play in future processes in the metal processing industry? These and other questions are addressed at the 13th Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage 2024, which take place on the 26th–27th of September 2024 at the Hotel Gut Brandlhof in Saalfelden, Austria, and are organized in accordance with the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events. Under the guiding theme of “Light Metals Innovations for Environmental and Economic Sustainability”, this year’s conference offers an exciting program in three sessions “Digitalization in the Context of Circularity”, “Sustainable Process Development” and “Innovative Light Metals and their Characterization”. The focus is on decarbonization and digitalization in process and material development as well as the material characterization of light metals. A balanced spectrum of international presentations from universities, RTOs and industry provides participants with an up-to-date overview of the latest scientific findings and successful light metal applications. The 13th Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage 2024 are thus clearly focused on decarbonization and digitalization – even in times of diverse challenges. The first session, “Digitalization in the Context of Circularity”, highlights best-practice examples from the aluminium industry, the balance between sustainability and performance in metal processing and the implementation of complex geometries using wire-based additive manufacturing. The second session, “Sustainable Process Development”, is dedicated to the decarbonization and reduced material consumption of industrial processes, for example through GigaCasting, or the use of innovative recycling technologies. The third session, “Innovative Light Metals and their Characterization”, addresses forward-looking topics such as the development of special aluminium alloys for additive manufacturing, the use of old car scrap for innovative alloys and the decarbonization of the magnesium industry. The conference proceedings contain scientific contributions to the conference. We would like to thank all the authors for their high-quality work and the participants of the 13th Ranshofener Leichtmetalltage 2024 for their interest. We wish you stimulating reading and creative impulses! List of Scientific committee, Organizing committee are available in this Pdf.

Reducing COVID-19-Induced Educational Slumps—Training Preservice Teachers to Be Children Coaches: An Evaluation of Effects in Elementary Schools

The school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have had significant side effects, particularly on the psychological well-being of pupils. This situation poses great challenges for teachers in schools. At the same time, teacher education students have to be prepared for this situation by being trained to deal with difficult situations and pupils with symptoms of psychological disorders. Furthermore, they need to adequately address the increasing heterogeneity in terms of their pupils’ learning standards. To meet these challenges, the teaching project “CaBire” was called into being. As part of this project, teacher education students first receive theoretical input to act as socio-psychological coaches for children. After the training phase, students offer support to pupils at schools. This practical phase is accompanied by coaching-supervision seminars led by psychology teachers at the university. Both the practical phase, as well as the accompanying seminars at the university can be credited to teacher education students’ studies. Here we report a good-practice example and an evaluation of this teaching concept based on data of a mixed-method design. The results are promising and point towards a beneficial program for both teacher education students and pupils.

Palliative care in terminally ill advanced chronic liver disease patients.

While mortality rates from advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) are rapidly increasing, patients with an advanced disease stage have acomparable or even higher symptom burden than those with other life-limiting diseases. Although evidence is limited there is increasing recognition of the need to improve care for patients with ACLD; however, there are many limiting factors to providing good palliative care for these patients, including unpredictable disease progression, the misconception of palliative care and end of life care as being equivalent, alack of confidence in prescribing medication and alack of time and resources. Health professionals working with these patients need to develop the skills to ensure effective palliative care, while referral to specialized palliative care centers should be reserved for patients with complex needs. Basic palliative care, along with active disease management, is best delivered by the treating hepatologists. This includes discussions about disease progression and advance care planning, alongside the active management of disease complications. Liver disease is closely associated with significant social, psychological, and financial burdens for patients and their caregivers. Strategies to engage the discussion in multidisciplinary teams early in disease progression help to ensure addressing these issues proactively. This review summarizes the evidence on palliative care for patients with ACLD, provides examples of current best practice and offers suggestions on how disease-modifying and palliative care can coexist, to ensure that patients do not miss opportunities for quality of life improving interventions.

The Role of the EU in the Justice System Reforms

The European Union plays a significant role in reforming the judicial system, both in countries aspiring to EU membership and in existing EU member states. Achieving an adequate level of judicial independence, accountability, professionalism, and efficiency is crucial for preserving the rule of law across the EU. To this end, the European Union employs various mechanisms, initiatives, and corrective measures. These are essential not only for supporting judicial reforms but also for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the recommendations provided.The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of the European Union’s role in supporting judicial reform in both member states and countries aspiring to EU membership. To achieve this, the authors analyze European standards relevant to the independence, impartiality, and efficiency of the judiciary, as well as various mechanisms, reports, and opinions from relevant bodies. This approach allows authors to identify not only the challenges observed but also examples of good practices that can be valuable for both member states and candidate countries seeking EU membership.

Pathway to work with AI: Testing the clAIr role development method in an industrial work environment

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work processes requires the anticipatory change of work roles because areas of activity are shifting within job profiles, resulting in new interaction patterns between humans and AI and between employees. In order to avoid role conflicts, rejection of the AI system and other undesirable side effects of AI integration, organizations must support human-AI role development with suitable measures. This article presents a methodologically sound approach to role development (clarifying AI Augmented individual roles—clAIr) using the example of service technicians in a mechanical engineering company before and during the introduction of AI-based services. It illustrates how role clarity can be achieved in the interaction with AI when job profiles shift and how role development also includes collaboration with other departments and goal-oriented external communication with customers. The method results in six basic roles that are rooted in role theory in terms of role identity, role innovation, and role clarity. clAIr allows the anticipatory examination of human-AI work roles as a process-based approach.Practical Relevance: Due to the rapidly advancing development of AI in work processes, there is a need in organizations for scientifically validated findings and examples of good practice for successful work with AI. A socio-technical approach with a focus on the changes in role identities of professionals is promising, as the anticipated development of tasks and professions resulting from AI use can only be countered with a comprehensive approach. Previous work refers to human-centered job designs but neglects the preceding process of role identification as a key challenge of implementation. This process support is made possible by the clAIr method for determining roles for working with AI. Its use requires an understanding of role theory and expertise in organizational development.

Towards Establishing Quality Standards on Human Rights for Services in Dementia Care.

People with dementia often experience violations of fundamental human rights and impeded access to healthcare. This study aims to investigate the views of experts regarding the use of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) principles as quality standards for human rights-based care. A single-round Delphi e-consultation with 15 dementia experts was designed to evaluate each CRPD principle and collect feedback on their views about the application of the CRPD principles in dementia care. The CRPD principles were fully endorsed as quality standards; however, several experts commented on the complexities of the use of CRPD principles in relation to information disclosure, capacity assessment, stakeholders' involvement in decision-making, respecting needs and preferences, holistic approaches in care practice, and protection against abuse, neglect and discrimination. These findings indicate the CRPD quality standards were fully applicable for people with dementia although some clarification around interpretation could assist in their use. Future research should elaborate on further points of support and guidance for dementia care providing examples of good practice from across the globe, and develop a concordant, human rights-based scheme for the implementation and evaluation of dementia services. This study suggests that the CRPD can serve as a benchmark for human rights-based practices in dementia services globally that could enhance nursing care practice. Nursing staff are encouraged to consider human rights in relation to the complexities associated with people with dementia, their caregivers, and other services involved in their care.

Towards Energy-Efficient Data Centers: A Comprehensive Review of Passive and Active Cooling Strategies

With the rapid growth of cloud computing, the number of data centers (DCs) continuously increases, leading to a high-energy consumption dilemma. Cooling, apart from IT equipment, represents the largest energy consumption in DCs. Passive design (PD) and active design (AD) are two important approaches in architectural design to reduce energy consumption. However, for DC cooling, few studies have summarized AD, and there are almost no studies on PD. Based on existing international research (2005-2024), this paper summarizes the current state of cooling strategies for DCs. PD encompasses floors, ceilings, and layout and zoning of racks. Additionally, other passive strategies not yet studied in DCs are critically examined. AD includes air, liquid, free, and two-phase cooling. This paper systematically compares the performance of different AD technologies on various KPIs, including energy, economic, and environmental indicators. This paper also explores the application of different cooling design strategies through best-practice examples and presents advanced algorithms for energy management in operational DCs. This study reveals that free cooling is widely employed, with Artificial Neural Networks emerging as the most popular algorithm for managing cooling energy. Finally, this paper suggests four future directions for reducing cooling energy in DCs, with a focus on the development of passive strategies. This paper provides an overview and guide to DC energy-consumption issues, emphasizes the importance of implementing passive and active design strategies to reduce DC cooling energy consumption, and provides directions and references for future energy-efficient DC designs.