Experimental Project Research Articles

A Basecamp for Student Group Projects: Analysis of the Use of Project Management Software in the Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Classroom

Integration of project management collaboration software has been suggested for group experiential project courses in advertising, public relations (PR), marketing, and strategic communications. But little research has been conducted on using these tools. This study sought to gauge student perceptions toward the use of project management collaboration software Basecamp on improved experience in group projects, team collaboration, and learning outcomes. A survey of 177 students in seven course sections across two semesters at two universities reveals that most students agree project management and collaboration software is a valuable learning tool. Suggestions for course and program implementation and the self-directed learning model are considered.

Trends in climate adaptation solutions for mountain regions

This study addresses the critical need for documented adaptation progress in mountain regions by reviewing recently implemented or ongoing adaptation solutions collected from the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal (A@A Solution Portal). Using a data driven approach, the research explores the characteristics, feasibility, and transformative potential of these solutions. Findings reveal a predominant focus on addressing droughts and floods, aligning with the IPCC’s emphasis on water-related impacts in mountains. Notably, watershed management practices emerge as popular solutions, showcasing their capacity to address multiple concerns beyond climate impacts. Education and awareness, along with land use practices, dominate the types of solutions, reflecting their positive impact on project acceptability and low associated risk of maladaptation. Agricultural land and forests are the main ecosystems where solutions are reported, with an evident association with education and awareness and land use change solutions. Most SDGs and Sendai targets are found to be addressed by the solutions emphasising the importance of documenting project experiences as way to bridge previously reported gaps between policy frameworks and on-the-ground implementation. Despite community involvement being high in many of the solutions, challenges such as gender inequality persists. While solutions often demonstrate local relevance and depth of change, upscaling remains challenging, with limited evidence of mainstreaming and replication. Sustainability criteria are moderately met, incorporating inclusive decision-making but with uncertainty regarding long-term plans. Furthermore, findings underscore the significance of co-developing and maintaining adaptation solution portals, illustrating how this approach enriches our understanding of adaptation progress in mountains. Moreover, this research contributes to broadening the scope of systematic adaptation assessments by providing a nuanced perspective that integrates local needs and diverse knowledge systems. In essence, this study makes a valuable contribution to the evolving landscape of adaptation research, emphasizing the importance of practical insights and collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges posed by climate-related impacts and corresponding adaptation efforts.

Experience of Being Fall-Prone and Participating in Research: Fallers' Perspectives.

The importance of giving a voice to groups considered hard-to-reach for research purposes is becoming increasingly apparent, with insights into their experience having the potential to improve research participation. Fall-prone older adults are a cohort underrepresented in research, often excluded in large-scale research and considered difficult to recruit. This study aims to explore older fallers' experiences of being fall-prone and participating in research. Seven older fallers (4 males, aged 69-88) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews following participation in an experimental research project. Interviews explored participants' personal experience of being fall-prone and participating in research. The resulting data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Three primary themes emerged: "Research through the eyes of older fallers", "Living with falls", and "It's all in the mind is it?". Our study gives voice to older fallers who have recently participated in experimental research to learn of their personal views on research participation.

Statistics Evolution and Revolution to Meet Data Science Challenges

AbstractThe advent of the Big Data era has necessitated a transformational shift in statistical research, responding to the novel demands of data science. Despite extensive discourse within statistical communities on confronting these emerging challenges, we offer our unique perspectives, underscoring the extended responsibilities of statisticians in pre-analysis and post-analysis tasks. Moreover, we propose a new definition and classification of Big Data based on data sources: Type I Big Data, which is the result of aggregating a large number of small datasets via data sharing and curation, and Type II Big Data, which is the Real-World Data (RWD) amassed from business operations and practices. Each category necessitates distinct data preprocessing and preparation (DPP) methods, and the objectives of analysis as well as the interpretation of results can significantly diverge between these two types of Big Data. We further suggest that the statistical communities should consider adopting and rapidly incorporating new paradigms and cultures by learning from other disciplines. Particularly, beyond Breiman’s (Stat Sci 16(3):199–231, 2021) two modeling cultures, statisticians may need to pay more attention to a newly emerging third culture: the integration of algorithmic modeling with multi-scale dynamic modeling based on fundamental physics laws or mechanisms that generate the data. We draw from our experience in numerous related research projects to elucidate these novel concepts and perspectives.

The pedestrian and bicycle bridge “Sprung über die Emscher” in Castrop Rauxel

AbstractThe new pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Castrop Rauxel is part of the “Emscherland” project, a nature and water experience park. “Emscherland” is a joint project of the Emschergenossenschaft with the adjacent municipalities of Castrop‐Rauxel, Recklinghausen, Herne and Herten.The total length of the bridge is 412 meters, and the usable width of the pedestrian and bike path is 2.50 meters. The weight of the steel structure is 900 tons. A highlight of the assembly work is the floating‐in of the bridge section (70 meters long and weighing 105 tons) over the Rhein‐Herne‐Canal.

Low/no-code and traditional code integration in digital banking

This paper seeks to combine the merits of low/no-code programming (LNCP) with traditional programming (TP) systems for increased agility in digital banking software development. While it is easy to fall prey to shiny object syndrome in today’s dynamic banking technology landscape, it is not easy to select the right technology to suit the current and future needs of the financial industry. Instead, LNCP makes it possible to lower the technical entry barriers to technology development. Integrating TP with LNCP, when needed, compensates for the shortcomings related to LNCP and provides digital banks with a more comprehensive software development approach. The adoption of this approach improves time-to-market of new innovative financial solutions. There has been little progress in this direction, academically or in practice. This paper includes an empirical study, interviews with banking professionals, on the merits of LNCP and TP, as well as an experimental project implementation that integrates LNCP and TP in the development of a retail Internet banking application. In the context of digital banking solution development, the result of the experiment reveals the merits of LNCP/TP hybrid systems in terms of agility, scalability, change management and cost-effectiveness.

Integrating Multiple Theories: A Holistic Approach to Knowledge Acquisition for Senior Citizen Teachers

The article explores key theories such as Piaget's Cognitive Development, Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, Bruner's Constructivist Theory, Information Processing Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Schema Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Connectivism. Each theory's core concepts are analysed in the context of senior citizen teachers, highlighting their unique contributions to knowledge acquisition. The value of integrating multiple theories is discussed aiming to develop comprehensive framework. This integration explores the diverse learning needs of senior citizen teachers emphasizing social and cultural contexts, cognitive development stages, active learning strategies and technology integration. Through holistic approach, senior citizen teachers can enhance their teaching practices, boost student engagement and promote lifelong learning. Practical strategies for incorporating these theories include collaborative learning activities, experiential projects, reflective practices and digital resource utilization. Ultimately, the article advocates for a broad understanding of knowledge acquisition theories and their application in senior citizen education. By embracing this approach, senior citizen teachers can create enriching learning environments fostering personal and professional growth.

Integrating Multiple Theories: A Holistic Approach to Knowledge Acquisition for Senior Citizen Teachers

The article explores key theories such as Piaget's Cognitive Development, Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, Bruner's Constructivist Theory, Information Processing Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Schema Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Connectivism. Each theory's core concepts are analysed in the context of senior citizen teachers, highlighting their unique contributions to knowledge acquisition. The value of integrating multiple theories is discussed aiming to develop comprehensive framework. This integration explores the diverse learning needs of senior citizen teachers emphasizing social and cultural contexts, cognitive development stages, active learning strategies and technology integration. Through holistic approach, senior citizen teachers can enhance their teaching practices, boost student engagement and promote lifelong learning. Practical strategies for incorporating these theories include collaborative learning activities, experiential projects, reflective practices and digital resource utilization. Ultimately, the article advocates for a broad understanding of knowledge acquisition theories and their application in senior citizen education. By embracing this approach, senior citizen teachers can create enriching learning environments fostering personal and professional growth.

Teaching Design for Practical Courses Based on Virtual Simulation Technology

The National Virtual Simulation Experimental Teaching Project (NVSETP) is one of the five "Golden Courses" launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) of the People's Republic of China. These courses need to adhere to the Golden Course standards, which include offering a curriculum that is innovative, challenging, and designed to develop higher-order thinking skills through rich content and novel teaching methods. Students receive opportunities for both practical and theoretical learning that guide them in engaging in innovative thinking and practice. This article discusses the teaching design for practical courses based on Virtual Simulation Technology, grounded in the Outcome Based Education, and drawing from the construction of the first batch of NVSETP Teaching Centers and Projects. It primarily addresses four aspects of teaching: objectives, curriculum content, methods, and assessment. Taking the lack of real experimental engineering conditions and high-risk, high-cost practical operations as the starting point, this paper designs the teaching content and methods; Revising the traditional experimental teaching process, this paper adopt blended learning methods. Evaluates the learning effect of students through the real-time feedback of virtual simulation software, further reforms the teaching and improves the teaching effect. The paper provides a reference for constructing Virtual Simulation Experimental Teaching Projects and reforming practical course teaching.

A Multiweek Experimental Project Bringing Real-World Lithium Batteries into a Third-Year Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

A Multiweek Experimental Project Bringing Real-World Lithium Batteries into a Third-Year Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

Why Are Social Work Professionals Relevant in Corporate Social Responsibility? A Case of CSR and Non-CSR Projects in India

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is legally mandated in India for corporates to engage in community development. This requires specific skills to design and implement socially impactful development projects. This article discusses (a) the differences between CSR and non-CSR projects and (b) the relevance of social work professionals (SWPs) in CSR in India. Using a qualitative research method, 13 participants from non-governmental organisations and scholars from social science universities with experience in CSR and non-CSR projects were interviewed. The comparative analysis of views relating to CSR and non-CSR projects showed significant differences in the focus of the projects, financial support, processes of due diligence and monitoring and reporting. Non-CSR projects were found to have a better focus on processes of community development; one of the significant reasons being the engagement of professionally trained social workers and domain experts. The article recommends the application of developmental social work through the inclusion of SWPs in making CSR projects people-centric and impactful.

An Indicator-Based Approach to Comparative Policy Analysis: Measuring Regional Governance of Migrant Integration

This article focuses on the development and use of indicators for subnational comparative policy analysis. Taking migrant integration as an exemplary case, it offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the research process involved in creating and implementing indicators to compare policies at the subnational level. At the intersection of subnational comparative policy analysis and migration research, this article discusses the main methodological and empirical challenges to this process based on the experience of a comparative research project on measuring regional governance of migrant integration in 25 regions across 7 European countries.

Research on Teaching Reform of Chemistry Experimental Course under New Engineering Background

With the proposal of new engineering education concept, new challenges are posed to the teaching reform of chemical experiment course. This study aims to explore the teaching reform path of chemistry experiment course under the new engineering background, so as to improve the students' practical ability and innovation ability. As an important part of engineering education, the teaching objectives of chemistry experiment should be consistent with the new engineering education concept, and pay attention to cultivating students' ability to solve practical problems and teamwork spirit. At present, there are some problems in chemistry experiment teaching, such as outdated curriculum system, too theoretical experiment content, lack of combination with engineering practice, and low participation of students. These problems restrict the improvement of teaching quality, and can not meet the needs of new engineering education for talent training. Therefore, the primary task of the reform is to update the experimental curriculum system and integrate more experimental projects with engineering background and cutting-edge technology, in order to improve the practicality and challenge of the experiment. In terms of reform strategies, it is suggested to implement the "student-centered" teaching mode, and encourage students to take the initiative to explore and innovate through project-driven and problem-oriented teaching methods. At the same time, strengthen the integration of experimental teaching and theoretical teaching, so that students can deepen the understanding of theoretical knowledge in the experiment, and use theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. In addition, the information level of experimental teaching should be improved, and virtual simulation and other technologies should be used to expand the space-time dimension of experimental teaching and improve the teaching effect. The change of the role of teachers is also the key. Teachers should change from the teacher of knowledge to the guide and collaborator of students' learning. By building an open and interactive classroom environment, stimulate students' interest in learning and innovative thinking. At the same time, the establishment of a diversified evaluation system, in addition to the investigation of students' experimental skills, but also should pay attention to the evaluation of their innovative thinking, teamwork and solving practical problems. To sum up, the teaching reform of chemistry experimental curriculum under the background of new engineering should focus on the update of curriculum content, the transformation of teaching mode, the integration of teaching resources and the reform of evaluation system. Through the implementation of these strategies, it aims to build an experimental teaching system that can not only meet the needs of new engineering education, but also cultivate high-quality chemical engineering talents. Such reform is of great significance to enhance the competitiveness of chemical engineering education in China.

Exploring community-based participatory research for household and ambient air pollution projects: insights from key informants

BackgroundDespite the extensive use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) in health-related projects, there is limited work on how CBPR processes result in outcomes, especially in household and ambient air pollution (HAAP) research. This study explores the reflections of key informants on factors that shape the implementation and outcomes of CBPR in HAAP projects.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 key stakeholders, including academic researchers, non-governmental organisation administrators, a policymaker, and community members. All interviewees have experience in CBPR projects. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis, and findings were mapped to Wallerstein et al.’s CBPR conceptual model, which consists of four constructs: context, partnership processes, intervention and research, and outcomes.ResultsThe findings are described under two main categories: ‘barriers to participation’ and ‘good practices for effective CBPR design and implementation’. Relevant sub-categories were barriers at the structural, research, community, and individual levels. Suggestions for good practices included respect, cultural humility, trust, effective communication, suitable and affordable interventions such as improved cookstoves, appropriate participatory research tools, and gratuity for the community’s time.ConclusionKey informants’ perspectives identified factors supported by the CBPR model to inform the design and implementation of the CBPR approach. The add-ons to some of the model’s factors, such as intra-community dynamics, give value to the informants’ knowledge to support community-research partnerships and improve outcomes in HAAP intervention projects. Addressing these factors at the design stage and reporting CBPR evaluation could deepen the understanding of community-research partnerships.

Safety considerations for cryogenic hydrogen circulation system in China spallation neutron source phase II project

Cryogenic hydrogen circulation system is a critical infrastructure of the China Spallation Neutron Source phase II project. Safety considerations related to hydrogen are paramount for the stable operation of the system. This study focuses on the cryogenic hydrogen circulation system within the context of the China Spallation Neutron Source phase II project and conducts a detailed investigation of hydrogen safety issues throughout the process. The operational modes and fault occurrence mitigation strategies of the cryogenic hydrogen circulation system are analyzed and discussed. Additionally, employing centralized layout, zoning management, and multiple barrier layers as guiding concepts for hydrogen safety design, the study addresses physical and interlocking control designs concerning hydrogen distribution, hydrogen venting, vacuum, hydrogen circulation pressure control, and hydrogen leakage. Drawing upon the successful experiences of the first-phase project, the hydrogen safety design of the cryogenic hydrogen circulation system in the China Spallation Neutron Source phase II project provides valuable insights for the development and optimization of hydrogen safety designs across various industrial domains.

The Experience of PA-MAP Project: an information path in primary schools to raise community awareness about air pollution

The Experience of PA-MAP Project: an information path in primary schools to raise community awareness about air pollution

Engaged and Being Inspired: How Science Volunteering Project Experience Drives Women’s Intention to Engage in Citizen Science?

Engaged and Being Inspired: How Science Volunteering Project Experience Drives Women’s Intention to Engage in Citizen Science?

Medical students’ experience and learning outcomes of overseas community involvement project: a qualitative study

BackgroundMedical students in Singapore engage in short term medical missions, locally known as Overseas Community Involvement Projects (OCIPs). Little is known about the learning outcomes of an OCIP and how this complements their medical education back home. Understanding this can help the medical educators structure the OCIP to optimise its learning value.ObjectivesThis study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and learning outcomes of the medical students who participated in the OCIP.MethodsThis was a qualitative study involving Singaporean students from one medical school travelling to Nepal. Data was collected from reflective journals, overall group reflections and two focus group discussions. The data was thematically analysed using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical (ACGME) core competencies for medical professionals.ResultsThe data could be classified under various themes within the six domains of the ACGME framework. The study revealed themes of: humanism, socioeconomic and cultural determinants of health under the domain of patient care, application of medical knowledge, investigating and evaluating the needs of a population and feedback to drive improvement under the domain of practice-based learning and improvement, use of non-verbal cues and communicating across language barriers under the domain of interpersonal and communication skills, healthcare systems and delivery, resourcefulness and adaptability, health equity and accessibility under the domain of systems-based practice, ethics, role-modelling, teamwork and leadership skills, interprofessional skills and resilience under the domain of professionalism. Understanding the students’ motivations, utilising reflections, and following the patients’ journey facilitated attainment of these outcomes.ConclusionsThis OCIP experience translated to learning outcomes aligned with the ACGME framework. There is great potential for the experiential learning from a well-structured OCIP to help with personal and professional development and global health education.

The Application of Online and Offline Hybrid Mode in Pharmacology Laboratory Teaching: A Case Study of the "Insulin Overdose Response and Rescue Experiment"

Pharmacology, as a core course for Pharmaceutical Engineering students, is a basic medical course, which is usually composed of "theoretical courses" and "experimental courses". Pharmacology experiments are a visual validation of the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom. Through practical operation and observation of experimental results, we can have a deeper understanding of the concepts of drug mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. In order to meet diversified learning needs, optimize the utilization of teaching resources, and promote independent learning and collaboration ability, online and offline blended teaching is the mainstream teaching mode in the "Internet+" era, which provides a suitable environment and starting point for the ideological and political construction of the curriculum and the practice of the goal of cultivating people with virtue. It is especially necessary to conduct online and offline teaching methods for pharmacology experiments. This article uses the example of "insulin overdose reaction and rescue experiment" to demonstrate the blended teaching mode of online and offline teaching. It attempts to start with the necessity of strengthening students' innovative practical ability cultivation in pharmacology experiment teaching, analyze the problems exposed in current pharmacology experiment teaching in detail, and propose optimization measures such as effectively integrating teaching resources, designing different experimental projects, innovating experiment teaching mode, and emphasizing students' innovative practice based on the mastered situation, in order to provide reference for the blended teaching mode of pharmacology experiment online and offline.

Project Failure and Exploration: The Role of Operating and Project Experiences in the Context of PBF

Project Failure and Exploration: The Role of Operating and Project Experiences in the Context of PBF