Experimental Project Research Articles

The Seasonality of Labour in Ceramic Production and Agriculture in the Ancient Greek Rural World

This article explores the seasonality of labour in ceramic production and its correlation with agricultural tasks, focusing on a Hellenistic kiln site in Sant’Angelo Vecchio, southern Italy, in the hinterland of Metaponto. Through a comprehensive examination of archaeological data and the outcomes of an experimental archaeology project, the study estimates the labour required for various stages of the pottery-making operational sequence. The findings reveal that small-scale rural workshops mainly produced limited quantities of items primarily for household and agrarian use. Only two or three individuals, working part-time, were needed to manage the various tasks involved, such as raw material collection, transportation, clay preparation, vessel shaping and kiln firing. The findings also demonstrate that the seasonal nature of their pottery work could be fitted within the seasonal rhythms of agricultural activities. This research highlights the interconnectedness of all productive activities in the region; sites and tasks are intricately linked, fostering a flexible and seasonal labour system in both ancient and modern Mediterranean societies.

Assessing the Efficacy of Gene-Drive Technology in Reducing Malaria Transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Progress and Future Prospects

Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating innovative solutions to combat its transmission. This review examined the efficacy of gene-drive technology as a novel approach to reducing malaria transmission through genetic modifications of Anopheles mosquitoes. Utilizing a comprehensive literature review and analysis of experimental studies and pilot projects, we assessed the mechanisms of gene drives, including population suppression and replacement strategies. The findings indicated that gene-drive technology has the potential to significantly alter mosquito populations, thereby diminishing the burden of malaria. However, challenges such as ecological concerns, regulatory complexities, and public acceptance must be addressed for successful implementation. The integration of gene drives with existing malaria control measures, collaborative research efforts, and robust ethical governance is crucial for maximizing effectiveness and ensuring sustainable outcomes. Furthermore, monitoring and evaluation systems are essential for assessing the safety and efficacy of gene-drive initiatives. This review underscored the transformative potential of gene-drive technology in malaria prevention, advocating for continued dialogue among stakeholders to navigate the complexities associated with its application in Sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: Gene-drive technology, Malaria transmission, Anopheles mosquitoes, Public health, Sub-Saharan Africa.

Communicative consciousness and principles of environmental design in the experimental project "Stone. Inversion. Vessel"

The article is based on the analysis and summary of the design process of the work of the Chinese author "Stone. Inversion. Vessel". It examines three key aspects of the development of environmental design. Firstly, it is a combination of modern technologies with aesthetic representations of traditional Chinese culture. Through the study of the project, it is demonstrated how traditional Chinese art can be combined with modern technologies when creating a design object. Secondly, the project highlights the features of the development of design in the modern era. It is characterized by problems of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, which can be mitigated through interdisciplinary integration with the use of the latest technologies. Environmental design, thanks to the multifaceted concept of "environment", meets the conditions of development of the modern era. Thirdly, the article focuses on the fact that the communication of the subjects of the creative process is based on the images embodied in a specific project. Environmental design as an interdisciplinary field is based on the methods of different scientific fields, since the environment that changes under the influence of human activity is not the same. In the proposed article, the author uses the art criticism method when describing blue-and-green landscape painting, and also assigns a large role to the communicative method of sociology developed by the American scientist Harold Dwight Lasswell. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the author was able to show the possibility of a harmonious combination of modern 3D modeling technologies with the traditional Chinese art of blue-and-green landscape painting (青绿山水 qīng lǜ shān shuǐ). In other words, a planar image turns into a design object, with the help of which can be realized various spatial combinations. Through artistic thinking, one can enjoy not only the functional, but also the aesthetic possibilities of the design object. So, in the described project, the author focuses on the imagination of the observer, forcing him to climb a mountain peak, but inside the building. This is how communication takes place between the author, the "viewer" and the project itself. The image is the basis of communication between various objects of the environment involved in the design process. The creative process combines the material (functional) and spiritual (image-induced) needs of a person. Environmental design, through the synthesis of spiritual and material, establishing communication between design objects and integrating disciplines through the prism of an image, explores how design affects human activity.

Public administration boundary crossing imperatives: A practitioner’s reflections on pathways toward improved relevance for public service contexts

As a practitioner with boundary spanning interests and roles, I take a reflexive posture to ponder the nature and significance of boundary crossing in public administration. Specifically, I consider how boundary crossing could provide pathways toward greater relevance for public service contexts in South Africa. By bricolage, I derive theoretical and methodological associations across social constructionist perspectives that include relational theory, critical theory and reflexivity. Building on how the boundary crossing imperative is expressed in programme purposes and on brief reviews of public administration interdisciplinarity, I reflect on my experiences in practitioner-academic interactions and inter-institutional projects. From this exploration, I draw provisional conclusions about constraints to and opportunities for beneficial boundary crossing. I incorporate examples of critical considerations to guide the furtherance of education outcomes through boundary interactions between academics and practitioners. The limitations of self-reflexivity in qualitative inquiry are mediated through different data sources and the transparency with which subjective experiences are interpreted. The paper’s contribution is in making explicit a critical inside-out perspective and placing this side by side other empirical endeavours. Amid calls for more relevant and reflexive practices in public administration, the paper provides an example of cross boundary reflections that are still underrepresented and are yet to gain sophistication in practitioner-academic engagement and scholarship.

“Like an invisible hand”: Gender in university cooperation for international development in Spain

International development cooperation has been strongly influenced by gender mainstreaming. Recently, feminist cooperation and aid policies have emerged in different countries, calling for a change in approach. In Spain, universities are important actors in international development, not only by ratifying their commitment to the 2030 Agenda, but also by leading projects and educational actions towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, the gender perspective has sometimes been neglected or poorly implemented in higher education cooperation activities. This article analyses the experiences of cooperation projects in different Spanish universities, identifying their potential and limitations. The results show existing barriers to the integration of a gender perspective. Several opportunities and strategies for overcoming these barriers are addressed in order to move towards Spain’s ambitious commitments of feminist cooperation.

Integrating Real-World Data into Actuarial Science Teaching: Examples and Challenges

With the increasing availability of data and advancements in statistical tools, the insurance industry is eagerly seeking students capable of performing data analysis and developing business solutions. To meet this growing demand, many universities and institutions are innovating their actuarial science programs. This trend has led us to develop two types of experiential learning courses that integrate real-world data: a case study with actuarial professionals and an actuarial science senior capstone. In this paper, we provide two specific examples and methodologies. Then we discuss the challenges faced along with recommendations derived from these project experiences.

Enhancing mathematical function understanding in university students: a comparative study of design thinking vs. traditional teaching methods

Mathematical education requires innovative didactic strategies to enhance the understanding and application of mathematical concepts, as traditional teaching methods often lack relevance. This methodology aims to develop a problem-solving scientific approach called design thinking as a strategy for learning mathematics functions. The study was applied to a sample of 138 students of biochemical, biological, and industrial engineering careers attending the first academic cycle at the Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences of the Particular Technical University of Loja-Ecuador. The methodology uses a quasi-experimental design with a convenience sampling method. All participants were divided into a control group (C, D, K) and an experimental group (P, Q, R). Knowledge, skills, perceptions, and engagement were measured through pretest, posttest, workshop, rubric, project, and survey instruments. The pretest results indicate that both groups had similar knowledge of mathematical functions (pretest mean experimental group: 1.42/2 and mean control group: 1.55/2). Moreover, after applying design thinking strategy to the experimental group, variables questionnaire, project, and workshop show statistical differences (p < 0.001) between groups related to the traditional learning strategy, increasing the experimental group’s score in the project (posttest mean experimental group: 1.62/2 points, and mean control group: 1.65/2). The survey opinion indicates that 53.5% of the experimental group highlighted the project’s development as positively impacting their academic training. In conclusion, problem-solving design thinking using scientific projects as a mathematical function learning strategy contributes to improving the comprehension of polynomial functions and developing mathematical competencies, abilities, and skills to generate tangible solutions for real problems.

Alternative forms of housing for longevity based on case studies of multigenerational houses in Poland

The subject of the article is a case study analysis of three experimental projects of multigenerational houses that emerged after 2019 in Polish cities. The author hypothesizes that multigenerational houses represent an alternative form of housing to nursing homes, creating an environment that supports the health and independence of residents of different ages for as long as possible. The purpose of the research conducted is to answer the question of what components of the support system for the elderly are important in the choice and intentional transition to alternative living arrangements and how this relates to multigenerational homes in the cases studied. The research in this article consists of four phases. The first phase examined the institutional and informal approach to organizing care for the elderly in Poland and outlined the components of the support system for the elderly that are necessary for the choice and conscious transition to alternative forms of housing in the aging process. In the second phase, the experience with the governmental program "Multigenerational House" in Germany was analyzed and a multigenerational house was defined. In the third phase, the case study method was used to examine the experience of multigenerational houses built and functioning in Polish cities in recent years: Multigenerational House in Łódź (2019), Multigenerational Housing in Warsaw (2019-2021), Multigenerational House in Wrocław (2020). In the fourth phase, based on the literature review and the analysis of functioning multigenerational houses, a comparative analysis was made and conclusions for further research were drawn.

A Simulation and Experimental Platform for Communication Courses Based on Digital Signal Processor

In this paper, a simulation and experimental platform is designed and implemented to overcome the shortcomings of the existing experimental platform for communication related courses. Firstly, the overall scheme of the simulation and experimental platform are introduced, including the specific hardware composition and supporting software. Secondly, the implement details are described in the following order: system composition, peripherals, hardware accelerator, and interface to the host computer. The main system is based on an independently developed digital signal processor, which may relieve the bottleneck problem of imported chips. Using FPGA to implement peripherals enhances the flexibility of the entire system and provides the ability for further development. The feasibility of reducing the cost is then discussed. Thirdly, the design and implementation of the simulator, compiler and assembler, debugger and other tools are introduced respectively. The simulator can operate under normal mode and debugging mode. The former can be used for ordinary experiments for teaching purpose, while the latter is for further development of graduated students. Finally, the prepared experimental projects are shown, including 6 basic experiments and 6 communication algorithm experiments. With the help of these experiments, students can better understand the principles and implementation of corresponding communication algorithms, and experience how different parameters may impact on the communication results, by modifying the configuration of the experimental system. The demonstrations of prototype prove that the simulation and experimental platform can meet the needs of communication related courses. The future work includes developing more experimental projects, raising integration to reduce the costs, and improving the entire system based on student feedback.

Regenerative and innovative processes in the urban and peri-urban area of the city of Rome

Rome stands out for a fragility that stems from the disordered interpenetration of its rural soul with its urban agglomeration. The relationship between city and suburbs still appears complicated today and reverberates on the degree of social cohesion of its inhabitants. Bottom-up experimentation projects are being grafted into the extended area of the capital, reviving disused public property, abandoned land, to eliminate degradation especially in fragile contexts, developing regenerative processes of active citizenship. The purpose of the paper is to underline innovative experiences, in the urban and peri-urban area of Rome, pointing out their actions aimed at sharing common values, developing territorial welfare and protecting the environment.

7.O. Skills building seminar: Initiating change: Mainstreaming equity and diversity in public health

Abstract Background Consideration of the increasing population cultural and ethnic diversity and the widening of social gaps is essential for narrowing health inequities. While tailored and targeted measures for populations at risk of social disadvantage are needed, mainstreaming and integration of diversity and inclusion perspectives in all public health measures are required. To our knowledge, the EU Joint Action for Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes (JACARDI) is the first large-scale program to apply a systematic and harmonized approach for integrating equity and diversity perspectives. Objectives The main objective of the workshop is skills building in integration of equity and diversity perspectives in practice through: 1) Introducing the key requirements for achieving EU-wide programme change, drawing from several decades of experience in projects conducted in over 30 countries, including those partnered with the World Health Organization, governments and industry. 2) Outlining a practical tool in the format of an equity and diversity matrix designed for integrating equity and diversity perspectives developed within the JACARDI project to support implementation of 142 sub-projects in 21 partner countries. 3) A practical participatory group work based on the JACARDI equity and diversity maturity matrix, followed by a moderated discussion. The workshop acts as a valuable platform for sharing and building collaborative knowledge across European countries and empowering participants as initiators for sustainable, more equitable, and diversity inclusive public health actions. It provides practical and concrete skills on equity and diversity that participants can apply in their work and disseminate within their organizations. The presentations will build knowledge, while group work and the moderated discussion will build skills among participants on the workshop topic. Format of the workshop Two presentations followed by participatory group work and a moderated discussion among workshop participants and presenters. Key messages • Population diversity should be systematically mainstreamed in public health to effectively and sustainably narrow persisting health inequities. • An equity and diversity maturity matrix can be used as a practical tool for systematic integration and monitoring of diversity perspectives in practice.

One to one: 2 project experiences and analysis of 3 codesign tools

ABSTRACT In the field of architecture, codesign has been explored through various methodologies and tools, with the latter still in their nascent stages regarding their ability to effectively communicate with users, potentially leading to less inclusive processes. In this context, the use of full-scale models emerges as an alternative codesign tool due to its capacity to provide information, engage users, and encourage mutual learning. This research delves into this topic, contrasting full-scale models with two traditional participatory tools, namely architectural visualisations and small-scale models. Two design processes were experimented with, applying action research as a methodology with a primarily qualitative focus. Through maps, photographic documentation, and surveys, the interactions experienced by users with the three tools were graphically represented. This information was then compared using an evaluation table, which demonstrated the advantages of each tool that mitigate their respective limitations. For example, architectural visualisations excel in rapid information transmission, small-scale models offer flexibility, and full-scale models enhance inclusivity. This table can serve as a guide for planning other codesign processes.

A Critical Assessment of the Process and Logic Behind Fish Production in Marine Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

A recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) represents a forward-looking form of aquaculture. A RAS consists of fish tanks and water treatment processes in a closed loop to sustain the environmental conditions for fish production. However, the rapid industrialization of the technology is fraught with transfer problems. This review justifies a RAS process chain based on fish biology. The underlying concept has been evaluated by the author in experimental and commercial RAS projects. The core idea is that the fish must be considered as a technical subcomponent in a RAS, determining the technology. Fish, when considered as small biological machines, are still a black box in many ways. However, their basic biology and physiology provide all the knowledge to implement them in a technical setting. The information required to understand this concept is presented and discussed based on current scientific knowledge. The conclusion is that the technology is available but needs to be rigorously implemented. If this were carried out, fish production in RASs would be ecologically sustainable, which is already claimed for RASs but is not always the reality in commercial applications.

Formation and Preservation conditions of ultra-deep (>6000 m) hydrocarbon systems

For 40 years, the concept of petroleum systems has been well developed and a considerable amount of actual data has been accumulated. However, with the beginning of the development of ultra-large depths (more than 6000 m, although nowadays this boundary has been lowered to 8000 m) it became clear that many processes proceed somewhat differently, and some a priori assumptions cease to be relevant. The article deals with the peculiarities of formation and conditions of preservation of petroleum systems when diving to ultra-large depths. Special attention is paid to numerous examples of HC detection in the liquid phase accumulated over the last decades, when the upper ‘classical’ threshold of formation temperatures, at which, as it was supposed, the transformation of liquid HC into gaseous should occur. Examples of studies of ultra-deep sections, first, well data, considered in the article, allow us to constantly revise upward the maximum temperatures in the pools, leading to oil destruction, previously estimated rather conservatively. This, in turn, causes reassessment of HC potential of many basins. At the same time, the volume of reserves of both oil and gas in ultra-deep sections is constantly increasing, especially in China, where vast experience of direct continental projects has been accumulated. At the same time, there are limited opportunities to prepare any practical recommendations directly, and the development of methods for forecasting such accumulations requires further significant efforts. It can be confidently assumed that the upper limit of the so-called ultra-deep will fall significantly below 8000 m, as the data show that geological constraints are significantly decreasing, technological solutions are continuously emerging, and their costs are steadily decreasing. The development of ultra-deep projects as an alternative to the so-called ‘shale’ projects will inevitably lead to an increase in their efficiency in developing oil and gas deposits, which are not perceived as such today. The article considers examples of ultra-deep hydrocarbon systems in the basins of continental China (Tarim, Dzungarian and Sichuan) and the Gulf of Mexico (Perdido folded zone).

An overview of the development of termite baits in the past 3 decades.

Since the commercialization in 1995, termite baits have been introduced in 32 countries, protecting over 3.7 million homes and reducing pesticide use by more than 11,100 metric tons. Over the past 3 decades, advancements have been made to address the limitations of bait systems, including improvements in bait toxicants, bait matrices, and the frequency of required site visits. Termite baits have been applied in both commercial and experimental area-wide projects. This article discusses the factors contributing to the success of these projects and the key elements driving the progress and advancements in termite bait technology.

Sustainable ecosystem of business models: experience and lessons of the development project

Sustainable ecosystem of business models: experience and lessons of the development project

Evaluating basic motor competence in Italian children post-COVID-19 pandemic

Motor competence assessment represents one of the most important topics in the field of motor development and physical education. The present cross-sectional study aims to assess basic motor competence, self-perception and enjoyment during PA in a sample of normal weight and overweight-obese children post covid-19 pandemic. The sample (N= 107, age= 8-9 years old) was recruited from an experimental project in Lecce (Apulia). Motor competence assessment was conducted with MOBAK 3-4 protocol, and self-perception and enjoyment were evaluated with two validates questionnaires. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) has been performed to assess effect of gender and BMI on considered variables. Results from MANOVA showed significant main effect for gender [F(10,93) = 2.353, p= .013, η²= 0,218] and BMI cutoff [F(10,93) = 2.351, p= .013, η²= 0,218]. However, interaction effect was no significant. Moreover, independent t-test highlighted significant differences in catching, dribbling, balancing and object movement according to gender (p< .05), and in balancing, rolling and self-movement according to BMI cutoff (p< .05). Self-efficacy differed significantly between male and female. No effect was found for enjoyment. Further studies should investigate the effect of BMI and factors related to physical activity on motor competence development.

Development and Experimental Study of Supercritical Flow Payload for Extravehicular Mounting on TZ-6.

This paper provides a detailed description of the development and experimental results of the supercritical flow experiment payload carried on the TZ-6 cargo spacecraft, as well as a systematic verification of the out-of-cabin deployment experiment. The technical and engineering indicators of the payload deployment experiment are analyzed, and the functional modules of the payload are shown. The paper provides a detailed description of the design, installation location, size, weight, temperature, illumination, pressure, radiation, control, command reception, telemetry data, downlink data, and experimental procedures for the out-of-cabin payload in the extreme conditions of space. The paper presents the annular liquid surface state and temperature oscillation signals obtained from the space experiment and conducts ground matching experiments to verify the results, providing scientific references for the design and condition setting of space experiments and comparisons for the experimental results to obtain the flow field structure under supercritical conditions. The paper provides a specific summary and discussion of the space fluid science experiment project, providing useful references for future long-term in-orbit scientific research using cargo spacecraft.

Assumptions and simplifications in discrete-event simulation modelling

ABSTRACT All discrete-event simulation models are approximations of the real system that they represent. It is through making assumptions and incorporating simplifications into such models that they become an approximation. However, despite their importance, the 4definition, role and management of assumptions and simplifications is not well understood. In this paper we explore assumptions and simplifications in discrete-event simulation modelling in detail. Our approach is firstly to explore the existing literature on this topic, and then to draw this together with our extensive experience of real projects to recommend an approach to managing assumptions and simplifications in a simulation study. In doing so, we locate the role of assumptions and simplifications in a simulation study against knowledge acquisition and model abstraction respectively. We define the terms “assumptions” and “simplifications”, also identifying the role of “simplifying assumptions”. An approach to documenting, assessing and treating assumptions and simplifications which has been implemented in real projects is then described; and it is illustrated through application to a Ford Motor Company case study. This paper provides much needed clarity on the topic of assumptions and simplifications in simulation modelling, and it sets out a means for managing assumptions and simplifications during a simulation study.

Compliance to building thermal envelope insulation requirements based on theory of planned behavior (TPB) and procedural justice theory (PJT)

The construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development, particularly in the context of energy conservation. addressing the building's optimized energy efficiency is essential, as it accounts for a significant portion of global energy consumption. While many countries have implemented policies related to building energy conservation, the lack of compliance with relevant regulations remains a challenge. However, voluntary self-regulated compliance can be encouraged through flexible approaches that leverage normative influence and equitable governance attributes within the regulatory system. This study evaluates the building contractors' intention to comply with the Building Thermal Envelope Insulation Requirements (BTE-IR), a critical energy conservation measure for buildings. An integrative model combining the Procedural Justice Theory (PJT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was developed to quantitatively investigate individual and social factors influencing compliance with BTE-IR. The study analyzed a sample of 214 Iranian building contractors using Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM). The core findings revealed that subjective norms (β = 0.330, p < 0.01) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.337, p < 0.01) significantly influence intention to comply with BTE-IR. Additionally, the study explored the moderating effects of job satisfaction, job commitment, years of experience, project experience and marital status on the relationships between variables in the research model. These findings can inform construction industry policymakers in developing optimized strategies for self-regulated compliance with BTE-IR and legitimizing the regulatory system for enforcing sustainable practices.