Comprehensive Project Research Articles

Assessing the Viability of Translocated Mongolian Dung Beetles (Gymnopleurus mopsus) for Ecological Restoration in Republic of Korea: An Analysis of Environmental Adaptability

This study investigates the reintroduction and ecological adaptation of the endangered dung beetle, Gymnopleurus mopsus, in South Korea, a region from which it has been absent since the 1970s. To facilitate this, we imported genetically identical populations of G. mopsus from Mongolia and embarked on a comprehensive restoration research project. A key focus of this endeavor was to evaluate the adaptability of these beetles to the local environment, an essential aspect of successful reintegration of species from foreign ecosystems. Under meticulously controlled field cage conditions, we conducted an in-depth monitoring of the life history traits of G. mopsus. This monitoring revealed that the adult beetles, which entered hibernation in September 2019, began emerging in stages from late April to May 2020. Following hibernation, we observed that the adults engaged in reproductive activities from late-May until early-August, with the emergence of the first-generation (F1) adults occurring from late-July to mid-September. This led to a notable tripling in population size, increasing from 34 to 109 individuals. The successful survival and reproductive behaviors of these Mongolian dung beetles in the climatic conditions of Korea suggest a promising potential for their adaptation when reintroduced into native habitats. We are now directing our efforts towards long-term monitoring, focusing on the survival and reproductive efficacy of these new generations, to further validate the success of this ecological restoration project.

Approach Proposal for Energy-Efficient Retrofit of Historic Buildings with Comparative Analysis of EU Research Projects

Within the framework of the building section, the existing building stock is a research area with a high potential for energy savings, as it is a crucial energy consumption source. Studies are being carried out on many existing building stocks to prevent and reduce the increasing energy consumption and negative situations due to climate change and global warming. It is seen that parameters such as energy efficiency are considered as a whole with conservation in intervention methods, especially in European countries, since only conservation is insufficient for historical buildings, which are one of the primary sources of important existing building stock. Preserving cultural identity values and energy efficiency are the primary intervention criteria. By considering these two intervention criteria in balance and as a whole, the permanence and sustainability of the buildings for future generations is ensured. In this regard, comprehensive, large-scale, and multinational projects supported by the European Union (EU), especially in European countries, are carried out. In line with the conclusions drawn from the detailed and systematic analysis, comparison, and evaluation of the projects, the study proposed an approach and intervention model for future studies. The determined projects were examined in detail regarding purpose, scope, target, strategy, content, and project outcome outputs. Systematic inferences were made through the analysis in line with the data obtained. Comparisons and evaluations were made on approach information, objectives, analysis methods, technology and software used, active-passive and renewable energy systems, monitoring and tracking systems, and project output data obtained at the project's end to make the intervention's effects sustainable. As a result, a comprehensive approach model for energy-efficient retrofitting intervention approaches has been proposed in line with the conclusions obtained from the analysis, comparison, and evaluations of energy-efficient retrofitting of historic buildings. Thus, the approach model obtained with the study will guide the creation of intervention models for the studies to be carried out on energy-efficient retrofits in historical buildings.

Integrating LLMs and software-defined resources for enhanced demonstrative cloud computing education in university curricula

This paper explores the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Software-Defined Resources (SDR) as innovative tools for enhancing cloud computing education in university curricula. The study emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge in cloud technologies such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), DevOps, and cloud-native environments. It introduces Lean principles to optimize the teaching framework, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in learning. By examining a comprehensive educational reform project, the research demonstrates that incorporating SDR and LLMs can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, while also providing essential hands-on skills required in today’s dynamic cloud computing landscape. A key innovation of this study is the development and application of the Entropy-Based Diversity Efficiency Analysis (EDEA) framework, a novel method to measure and optimize the diversity and efficiency of educational content. The EDEA analysis yielded surprising results, showing that applying SDR (i.e., using cloud technologies) and LLMs can each improve a course’s Diversity Efficiency Index (DEI) by approximately one-fifth. The integrated approach presented in this paper provides a structured tool for continuous improvement in education and demonstrates the potential for modernizing educational strategies to better align with the evolving needs of the cloud computing industry.

Digital Application Objectives and Benefit Analysis of BIM Technology in Large-Scale Comprehensive Development Projects

Digital Application Objectives and Benefit Analysis of BIM Technology in Large-Scale Comprehensive Development Projects

Optimization of architectural design and construction with integrated BIM and PLM methodologies.

Digital transformation in the architecture industry encounters challenges such as data silos within design stages, between design and construction, and across the entire industry chain, including BIM and project management. This study introduces a pioneering approach for seamlessly integrating building information modeling (BIM) and product lifecycle management (PLM) within the management framework and collaborative workflows of architectural design and construction. The proposed methodology was implemented in two major projects, namely, the Wuhan Next-Generation Weather Radar Construction Project and the Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention Comprehensive Capacity Enhancement Project (Phase I), with the former being China's first end-to-end digitally integrated construction project. Compared with traditional projects, these implementations achieved improvements of 24.39% and 38.04%, respectively, in objective function values. The findings highlight the unique advantages of BIM-PLM integration in optimizing lifecycle management, enhancing cross-disciplinary, cross-enterprise, and cross-regional collaboration, improving project design efficiency and quality, and reducing costs and waste. This integration provides valuable insights into the digital advancement of the construction industry.

Challenges in Underground Utility Tunnel Construction and Strategies for Intelligent Management

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, the importance of municipal infrastructure construction is increasingly highlighted. The municipal underground pipeline project, as a key link, aims to optimize the living environment and improve the quality of life services for the people. Given the continuous growth of urban population and the increasingly scarce land resources, the municipal comprehensive underground pipeline project effectively alleviates the pressure on urban land resources by efficiently utilizing underground space. However, the construction of such projects involves complex construction technologies, and scientific and reasonable intelligent management methods are needed to ensure project quality and construction efficiency. In view of this, the author discusses the challenges faced in municipal underground pipeline construction and the intelligent management strategies through participation in the design and construction of several pipeline projects.

Cybersecurity Transformation: Cyber-Resilient IT Project Management Framework

In response to the escalating threats of cybersecurity attacks and breaches, ensuring the development and deployment of secure IT products has become paramount for organizations in their cybersecurity transformation. This work emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive and secure IT project management life cycle that safeguards products from their initial development stages through decommissioning. The primary objective is to seamlessly integrate security considerations into every facet of IT project management life cycles. This work embraces a cyber-resilient IT project management framework and advocates the inclusion of cybersecurity measures in IT projects and their strategic, organized, continuous, and systematic integration throughout the entire product life cycle. It introduces a pioneering framework that harmonizes the cybersecurity risk management process with the IT project management life cycle. This framework delineates a methodical sequence of steps, each encompassing a distinct set of activities. The effectiveness and practical applicability of the proposed framework were validated through a comprehensive case study focused on the Personal Health Record (PHR) system. The PHR case study served as a real-world scenario to assess the framework’s ability to address cybersecurity challenges in a specific domain. The results of the experiment demonstrated the framework’s efficacy in enhancing the security posture of IT projects, showcasing its adaptability and scalability across diverse applications.

Key Technologies and Typical Applications in Deepfake Detection

As deepfaking technology advances, it increasingly facilitates the seamless splicing of a person's voice, facial expressions, and body movements into source images or videos to create hyper-realistic virtual content. This growing technological sophistication, paired with the open-source nature of neural network algorithms, has unfortunately led to the exploitation of deepfake technology by individuals for illicit activities, seeking financial gain. This situation highlights the urgent necessity to thoroughly understand and vigilantly monitor the evolution of deepfake technology. This paper delves into the fundamental concepts and operational mechanisms underlying contemporary deepfake detection methods. It aims to augment the comprehension of these technologies and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of current detection approaches. This evaluation provides critical insights into their operational efficacy and reliability in differentiating genuine from manipulated content. Furthermore, the paper explores the challenges that current technologies face, such as the rapid evolution of deepfake methods that may outpace detection capabilities. By thoroughly analyzing these technologies, the paper endeavors to offer a comprehensive overview and projects future trends in deepfake detection. It anticipates developments that could significantly enhance the efficacy of countermeasures and thus bolster the fight against digital identity fraud and misinformation, safeguarding digital media integrity in an increasingly synthetic landscape.

Evaluation of students’ digital literacy through an immersive university-high school collaboration

IntroductionRecent efforts including the U.S. Department of Education’s Raise the Bar: STEM Excellence for All Students, designed to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, typify the development of effective outreach programs implemented in high school settings to increase STEM achievement and literacy and to promote future careers in STEM. Specifically, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are topics of great importance and interest but are often reserved for higher-level education. Introductions of complex subjects in high school promotes student efficacy, enthusiasm, and skill-development for STEM careers. Establishing strong partnerships between universities and high schools is mutually beneficial for the professional development of students, teachers, and professors. In this paper, we detail immersive outreach efforts and their effectiveness in a high school setting.MethodsFrom Spring 2021 to Spring 2024, we conducted eight data-science and analysis-coding style workshops along with two data science units, with 302 students participating in the data science workshops and 82 students in the data science units. All students who participated in the data science lessons completed a comprehensive final project. Surveys measuring knowledge and appeal to data science and coding were conducted both retrospectively and prospectively, before and after each workshop and the data science units. A 1 year follow up survey was conducted for students in the 2023 data science lessons (n = 23).ResultsOverall, average student interest significantly increased from 2.72 ± 1.08/5.0 (n = 205) to 3.15 ± 1.18/5.0 (n = 181, p = 0.001) during the data science workshops, while 70% of students expressed desire to continue with coding. Interest modestly increased in the data science lessons from 3.15 ± 0.65/4.0 to 3.17 ± 0.77/4.0 (n = 82, p = 0.8571), while knowledge significantly increased from 64.16% to 88.5% (% correct out of six questions) in the 2023 data science lessons and from 52.62% to 60.79% (% correct out of 29 questions) in the 2024 data science lessons.DiscussionIncreasing STEM exposure through outreach programs and a modified curriculum can positively alter students’ career trajectory and prepare them for the evolving technologically advanced world and the careers within it.

Comparative analysis of embodied carbon in modular and conventional construction methods in Hong Kong

Addressing the rise in global temperatures and the associated increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, is a critical challenge necessitating innovative approaches within the building sector, a significant contributor to worldwide carbon emissions. While previous studies have demonstrated the prefabrication’s potential in reducing emissions, comprehensive assessments using actual project data for buildings constructed entirely with modular methods in Hong Kong are lacking. This study bridges this gap by evaluating the modular integrated construction (MiC) method through an embodied carbon assessment of the Kai Tak Community Isolation Facility. Using comprehensive project data from China State Construction (HK) Limited, the research conducts a comparative analysis between the actual emissions of the MiC method and those of a hypothetical conventional construction approach. Quantitative analysis reveals that MiC achieves a 20.7% reduction in embodied carbon, primarily due to shortened construction timelines, decreased waste generation, and optimized material usage. This significant reduction suggests substantial potential for decreasing the construction industry’s carbon footprint. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the environmental benefits of MiC in Hong Kong construction industry, promoting its broader adoption of MiC as a strategy for achieving carbon reduction targets. The findings align with Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality goals and contribute to the global initiative to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Redefining Hospital Accessibility: A Service Design Framework for Inclusive Healthcare

Abstract In the framework of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030, Bologna faces challenges related to enhancing the quality and accessibility of its built environment to improve the quality of life and well-being of its residents. The IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant’Orsola Polyclinic is a key agent of change within this initiative. The hospital has initiated a comprehensive renovation project aligned with its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which addresses Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10, which addresses Reduce Inequalities. To address these goals, the hospital has engaged a research team from the University of Bologna to apply Service Design methodologies. The research aims to reshape accessibility and user experience systematically and sustainably, adhering to the principles of Design for All. The study maps diverse user groups, analyses circulation paths, and identifies physical and procedural barriers affecting vulnerable individuals, especially those with disabilities. The research introduces a novel approach by developing a comprehensive strategy rather than isolated solutions, focusing on interconnected accessibility services across pavilions. Dedicated hubs within each pavilion facilitate resource and support device exchange, improving users’ experiences. A pilot project, initially targeting wheelchair accessibility hubs, employs innovative technologies to enhance independent tool usage and monitor distribution and maintenance efficiently. The project is now entering a testing phase, during which the solution will be refined based on user feedback.

The Subjective Dimension of a Journalist’s Professional Culture

The article is devoted to the professional culture of modern journalists as a dynamic phenomenon that has become the subject of discussion in the media employees’ corporation and the academic community. In this regard, the authors review the contradictory experts’ opinions on the future of the world and domestic press. The originality of the presented research is that the issues are considered from the journalists’ subjective point of view. For this purpose, the special technique of semi-structured in-depth interviews with acting editorial workers was developed as a part of a comprehensive research project “Professional Ideology of Journalism” organized by the Department of Theory of Journalism and Mass Communications of St. Petersburg State University. The results of the performed procedures are described in the article. Hypothetically, the authors assumed that, in a subjective dimension, the existing knowledge on the professional culture of a journalist and, in particular, the normative ideas on it would be noticeably corrected. Accordingly, the purpose of the study is to identify the real diversity of journalists’ subjective views on the profession and their position in it, as far as this is achievable within the framework of a particular research project. The analysis of the interview materials showed that the ideas and skills of media employees are formed without the direct infl uence of standards adopted in the global and national community, they are formed mainly on the basis of personal experience and communication in the industrial environment. Thus, culture gets a lot of subjective versions. This means that in the process of transformation of current journalism, individual creativity is enhanced, which is especially typical for the younger generation. On the other hand, the contours of the profession become blurred at the ideological, instrumental, and ethical levels. The authors of the article support regular discussions of the problems of the profession, which will contribute to the removal of emerging contradictions and to mutual understanding between generations. Keywords: professional culture of a journalist, subjective view, in-depth interview, standards, diversity

THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE IN TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CASE STUDY OF TEBESSA, ALGERIA

The research explores the importance of architectural and urban heritage for its positive impacts on cities and societies. It highlights how such heritage embodies cultural identity, connects past and present, and promotes tourism and economic development. Tebessa, in eastern Algeria, serves as a case study due to its rich architectural and urban heritage, influenced by Phoenician, Numidian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic civilizations. Key landmarks in Tebessa include the Temple of Minerve, Caracalla Gate, Byzantine Wall, Roman Theatre, Roman Church, Archaeological Park, and Ancient Mosque. These sites create an open archaeological space within the urban fabric, serving as cultural heritage and vital resources for tourism and economic revitalization. The research initially adopts a theoretical approach to identify and describe various heritage sites. It then employs fieldwork, involving the Directorate of Tourism, the Directorate of Culture, and the Department of Archaeological Sites, to assess the status and significance of these monuments. Findings reveal several issues, such as the lack of strategic and institutional efforts to protect and utilize the heritage for cultural tourism and economic development. There is significant neglect and deterioration due to inadequate restoration programs and weak promotional initiatives. The research recommends adopting a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy for preserving the heritage of Tebessa, including comprehensive projects, legal frameworks, digital integration, and a participatory management approach. Collaboration with local and international heritage organizations and educational programs to raise awareness are also essential. These measures aim to preserve the architectural heritage and boost tourism in Tebessa.

Research on Teacher Support Strategies in Project-based Learning in Kindergarten

Teacher professional support is key to children's in-depth project exploration, significantly impacting their overall learning and development. This article first analyzes the concept of project-based learning and then discusses specific support strategies within project-based learning. Teachers should conduct comprehensive project design and meticulous planning in advance, providing essential emotional, methodological, and resource support to children, while enhancing their observational and evaluative abilities. By fostering a supportive environment, educators can encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students, ultimately leading to a richer educational experience.

Exploring the income impact of rural e-commerce comprehensive demonstration project and determinants of county selection

The development of rural e-commerce in China is viewed as an opportunity to increase rural income. Using panel data from 592 national-level key poverty-stricken (NLKPS) counties from 2014 to 2020, we confirm that the National Rural E-commerce Comprehensive Demonstration Project (NRECDP), launched by the Chinese government, delivers significant rural income growth for selected counties by providing financial support. Digital inclusive finance has facilitated rural e-commerce development, thereby promoting rural income. Our study uses the endogeneity switching regression (ESR) model to address self-selection bias and finds that NRECDP participation increases rural income by ~12.97%. The determinants of participation in the NRECDP include levels of economic development, e-commerce development, infrastructure development, industry structure, and digital inclusive finance. Additionally, the determinants of rural income include education levels and population density. Moreover, our heterogeneity analysis reveals that the rural income growth effect of NRECDP involvement is more significant for NLKPS counties in non-ethnic regions, central regions, higher industry structures, and the three regions and three prefectures. Additionally, entrepreneurship serves as a potential channel linking NRECDP implementation and rural income growth.

Digital Application of BIM Technology in the Architectural Design Stage

This paper discusses the digital application of building information model (BIM) technology in the architectural design stage. Taking the large-scale comprehensive development project of Guangxi headquarters base as an example, this paper analyzes in detail how BIM technology promotes the intelligence and refinement of the design process. Through the three-dimensional modeling and simulation analysis of BIM technology, the project design has realized the accurate transformation from concept to operation, which not only improves the design efficiency, but also ensures the construction quality and economic benefits. This paper focuses on the application of BIM in the digital design of building structure, the deepening design of steel nodes, as well as the remarkable results in the comprehensive layout optimization of mechanical and electrical pipelines. Through the collision detection and optimization design of the BIM model, the potential design conflicts and construction problems were found and solved at the initial stage of the project, ensuring the efficient promotion and smooth implementation of the project. The research results show that BIM technology, as the core digital tool in the architectural design stage, is of great significance for improving the overall design level of the construction industry and realizing intelligent construction.

Conservation of Dhulikhel

This paper outlines a comprehensive conservation project addressing historical and natural heritage in Dhulikhel, an endangered settlement in Kavrepalanchowk. Undertaken in two phases, the initiative began with inventory and documentation conducted by the 2075 batch of architecture students of Kathmandu Engineering College. The final phase involved identifying existing issues by our team and proposing solutions to prevent further deterioration. The primary objective is the conservation of Dhulikhel, focusing on reviving the settlement by discouraging out-migration and creating diverse employment opportunities centered on its five main celebratory nodes (Chowk).

Analysis of Head Movement in KPSIT Dummies and the Impact of Seats and Seat Belts during Low-Speed Collisions 20 km/h.

The aim of this study was to compare the head displacement of the KPSIT C50 dummy, representing a 50th percentile male, with the KPSIT C5 dummy, representing a 5th percentile female, during low-speed collisions. Low-speed collisions, such as those occurring in urban traffic jams, are increasingly common. The research was conducted on a dedicated educational workstation designed to measure forces in seat belts. This study is part of a comprehensive research project on crash tests involving both volunteers and physical KPSIT dummies. The tests were conducted at a speed of 20 km/h to simulate real-world low-speed collision scenarios. The findings demonstrate that using a sports bucket seat with four-point or five-point harnesses significantly reduces head displacement compared with standard car seats. Such seating configurations enhance safety by minimizing the risk of head injuries, which can occur when airbags do not deploy during low-speed collisions. Moreover, the study highlights that standard three-point seat belts allow for greater forward head movement, increasing the risk of head contact with the vehicle's interior during collisions at speeds too low to trigger airbag deployment.

The issue of interconnections and mutual influence of digital transformation in international trade: How digitization affects customer satisfaction?

This research aims to investigate the relationships and mutual influence between the digitalization of international trade and customer satisfaction in the context of the post-COVID-19 economy. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive research project has been developed, involving a quantitative approach that combines the advantages of experiments and surveys. Customer satisfaction was assessed based on key service quality parameters in the SERVQUAL model. The study involved 4 stores operating on the AliExpress international trading platform. The sample included a total of 3796 customers. The research findings confirmed the impact of digitalization on customer satisfaction in international trading operations across nearly all dimensions of the SERVQUAL model. The implementation of basic digital innovations substantially enhanced reliability, order processing and delivery speed, product packaging, and the process of selecting and ordering goods, as well as the regularity of notifications and data security. However, the introduction of a chatbot significantly reduced customer satisfaction with the provision of additional information, leading to a decrease in customer empathy. The academic contribution of this study lies in its ability to complement and expand the scientific understanding of the impact of digitalization on customer satisfaction in international trade in the post-COVID-19 era. The study demonstrated that not all digital innovations are perceived equally positively by customers and do not necessarily lead to increased satisfaction. Accordingly, the practical outcome of this research is the empirical confirmation of the need to test customer satisfaction when implementing digital innovations.

Help-Seeking Situations Related to Visual Interactions on Mobile Platforms and Recommended Designs for Blind and Visually Impaired Users.

While it is common for blind and visually impaired (BVI) users to use mobile devices to search for information, little research has explored the accessibility issues they encounter in their interactions with information retrieval systems, in particular digital libraries (DLs). This study represents one of the most comprehensive research projects, investigating accessibility issues, especially help-seeking situations BVI users face in their DL search processes. One hundred and twenty BVI users were recruited to search for information in six DLs on four types of mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android phone, and Android tablet), and multiple data collection methods were employed: questionnaires, think-aloud protocols, transaction logs, and interviews. This paper reports part of a large-scale study, including the categories of help-seeking situations BVI users face in their interactions with DLs, focusing on seven types of help-seeking situations related to visual interactions on mobile platforms: difficulty finding a toggle-based search feature, difficulty understanding a video feature, difficulty navigating items on paginated sections, difficulty distinguishing collection labels from thumbnails, difficulty recognizing the content of images, difficulty recognizing the content of graphs, and difficulty interacting with multilayered windows. Moreover, corresponding design recommendations are also proposed: placing meaningful labels for icon-based features in an easy-to-access location, offering intuitive and informative video descriptions for video players, providing structure information about a paginated section, separating collection/item titles from thumbnail descriptions, incorporating artificial intelligence image/graph recognition mechanisms, and limiting screen reader interactions to active windows. Additionally, the limitations of the study and future research are discussed.