Project Life Research Articles

A review on flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with prestressed carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates

In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s economy, reinforced concrete structure as an economical and good mechanical properties material, is widely used in buildings. In bridge engineering, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer materials is mostly used as externally bonded reinforcement for flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. However, this method makes the strength of CFRP plates cannot be fully utilized, while the prestressed technology can significantly improve the efficiency of CFRP materials and the flexural strength of the RC beams. This paper compares different methods of prestressed CFRP plates strengthening RC beams and discuss the development of the technology. The results shows that RC beams strengthened with prestressed CFRP plates have better flexural performance. The cracking, yield and ultimate loads increase significantly compared with ordinary beams or non-prestressed strengthened beams. The effectiveness of strengthening process are related to many factors ranging from anchorage methods, prestress levels, ratio of corrosion to bond length. Future research suggestions are also given. At present, most of the experiments are operated in ordinary environment, which is different from the project in real life. More testing environment like chlorine corrosion must be considered. The trials about prestress loss during strengthening process are not enough. There also need more comparative trials in prestressed CFRP plates strengthening concerning prestress loss and non-prestressed CFRP plates.

Innovative behaviors and eudaimonic well-being: The contribution of human capital sustainability leadership to sustainable career, decent work, decent lives, and healthy lives

To cope with the challenges of 21st-century careers, the research on psychology of sustainability and sustainable development complements the psychology of work perspective with an emphasis on factors that foster the workers’ well-being, decent work, and decent lives in healthy organizations. In this framework, individual eudaimonic well-being (EWB) is among the most relevant factors that may enhance decent and sustainable life projects and careers. Human capital sustainability leadership (HCSL) constitutes a resource for positive relatedness in organizations being linked to EWB. Innovative behaviors (IBs) are crucial for the sustainable development of organizations. This study investigated the relationships between IBs and EWB, testing the mediating role of HCSL in 353 Italian workers, controlling for participants’ age and gender. HCSL fully mediated these relationships and emerged as a promising resource in linking IBs and EWB, supporting workers to achieve sustainable careers, decent work, and decent and healthy lives.

PERANCANGAN PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA SURYA ATAP DI HOTEL MEGA DANA

The utilization of renewable energy is one of the solutions to overcome the increasing electricity demand. One of these solutions is to install Solar Power systems on the roofs of offices, industries, or households. This study targets to meet electricity demand by utilizing the roof of the Mega Dana Hotel as a place for the installation of solar panels, the solar panel will later produce electrical energy to meet the electricity needs of the hotel bars. The simulation results of the production of electric energy at Hotel Mega Dana's solar panel system using an application called Helioscope. This study analyzes the economics of designing a rooftop solar power system at Hotel Mega Dana. The feasibility of this research investment is assessed from the value of NPV, PI, and DPP. According to the data obtained, the Hotel Mega Dana building has a roof area of 655.92 m 2. The study used 39 solar panel modules, 1 20kW inverter, and 5 48V 100 Ah TLO batteries, the system can produce 17,6 kWp of power, with a total annual energy production of 21.83 MWh to supply electricity for the bar at Hotel Mega Dana. This research was planned with an initial capital of IDR 254,578,500, a PI value of 1.09, and a DPP value of 21.9 years. The results of this research analysis can be considered feasible because the design has a positive NPV value and is expected to return investment at 21.9 years out of 25-years project life.

A Prospective Sociocentric Study of 2 Entire Traditional Korean Villages: The Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP).

The Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP) was a multidisciplinary prospective study conducted in South Korea that measured various health biomarkers from blood, hair, and brain magnetic resonance imaging, and we examined their associations with sociocentric (global) social network data of older adults in 2 entire villages (or cohorts). Cohort K included participants aged 60 years or older, and cohort L included participants aged 65 years or older. We performed a baseline survey involving 814 of the 860 individuals (94.7% response rate) in cohort K in 2012 and 947 of the 1,043 individuals (90.8% response rate) in cohort L in 2017. We gathered longitudinal data for 5 waves in cohort K from 2011 to 2019 and 2 waves in cohort L from 2017 to 2022. Here, we describe for the first time the follow-up design of the KSHAP, the changes in social networks, and various biomarkers over a number of years. The data for cohort K are publicly available via the Korean Social Science Data Archive as well as the project website, and the data for cohort L will be shared soon.

Optimization-based probabilistic decision support for assessing building information modelling (BIM) maturity considering multiple objectives

The phase of operation and maintenance (O&M) is the most time-consuming and cost-intensive stage in the project life cycle. However, the potential benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in this phase have not been fully explored, unlike in the design and construction phases. This is particularly evident in the absence of a comprehensive assessment of its application capabilities. In light of this setting, we develop a BIM maturity assessment model (BIM MAM) for the project’s O&M phase. The proposed model comprises of an assessment indicator system that facilitates experts in providing individual assessment results, and a collective opinion aggregation method in a probabilistic context based on a multi-objective optimization model that is employed to generate the ultimate collective assessment results. The established multi-objective optimization model for BIM MAM incorporates the influence of human behavior factors on the final results by introducing the fairness concern utility level as an objective. Finally, we take Wuhan Jiangxia Sewage Treatment Plant as a practical case to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed BIM MAM.

A machine learning study to improve the reliability of project cost estimates

Project managers need reliable predictive analytics tools to make effective project intervention decisions throughout the project life cycle. This study uses Machine learning (ML) to enhance the reliability in project cost forecasting. A XGBoost forecasting model is developed and computational experiments are conducted using real data of 110 projects representing 1268 cost data points. The developed model performs better than some Earned value management (EVM), ML (Random forest, Support vector regression, LightGBM, and CatBoost), and non-linear growth (Gompertz and Logistic) models. The model produces more accurate estimates at the early, middle, and late stages of the project execution, allowing for early warning signals for more effective cost control. In addition, it shows more accurate estimates in most projects tested, suggesting consistency when repeatedly used in practice. Project forecasting studies mainly used ML to estimate the project duration; a few ML studies estimated the project cost at the project’s conceptual stage. This study uses real data and EVM metrics, proposing an effective XGBoost model for forecasting the cost throughout the project life cycle.

Olfactory decline develops in parallel with frailty in older US adults with obstructive lung diseases.

Frailty is prevalent among older adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (obstructive lung diseases [OLDs]). Frailty and OLD's co-occurrence is associated with increased hospitalization/mortality. Chemosensory dysfunction is closely connected to both OLD and frailty. We evaluated the utility of olfactory decline as a biomarker of frailty in the setting of OLD. We performed a prospective, longitudinal, nationally representative study of community-dwelling older US adults in the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, an omnibus in-home survey. Respondents reported a physician's diagnosis of OLD. Decline in odor identification and sensitivity over 5 years and frailty (adapted fried frailty phenotype criteria) were measured using standard tools. Multivariate logistic regressions evaluated the association between OLD status, olfactory decline, and frailty. We compared individuals with OLD (n=98; mean age 71.2 years, 59.2% women) and those without OLD (n=1036; mean age 69.5 years, 58.9% women). Olfactory identification decline was associated with developing frailty over the 5-year follow-up period in individuals with OLD (odds ratio [OR]=9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.1-38.6, p=0.003). Olfactory decline predicted incidence of frailty in individuals with OLD (identification: OR=4.8, 95% CI=1.3-17.5, P=0.018; sensitivity: OR=6.1, 95%CI=1.2-31.0, p=0.030) but not in those without OLD adjusting for demographics, heavy alcohol use, current smoking, and comorbidity. Results were robust to different thresholds for olfactory decline and frailty development. Older adults with OLD who experience olfactory decline face higher odds of developing frailty. Use of olfactory decline as a biomarker to identify frailty could allow earlier intervention and decrease adverse outcomes for high-risk older adults with OLD.

A comprehensive data analytics framework for risk management in photovoltaic system design projects

Risk management is an essential step of any project, which leads to a reduction in the cost of sudden losses. In the meantime, given the limited time available to make risk management decisions and the large volume of risks that cannot be considered, they should be prioritized with a comprehensive approach. In this paper, in addition to identifying the risks of the project life cycle, the aim is to use a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method under fuzzy uncertainty for risk management in any photovoltaic system design (PSD) project. First, by reviewing the background, the risk factors of PSD projects are identified according to the stages of the project life cycle and introduced in the form of 2 factors in 4 categories. Next, these factors have been prioritized with a hybrid MCDM approach. These risk factors are prioritized with the cloud model (CM) and fuzzy TOPSIS method (CM-FTOPISIS). The results obtained from fuzzy TOPSIS integrate CM evaluation, which can reduce the uncertainty of the results. The research results show that incorrect project design, human resources risks, negotiation and contract signing risks, previous data risks, consumption audit risks, and equipment risks are the most critical risks in any PSD project.

From the ‘Musical Agora’ to an ‘Extreme Sport’: Negotiating Live Music’s Values in a Context of Urban Informality, Corruption and Violence in Mexico City

Mexico City’s live music industry is well integrated into transnational economic flows, sharing certain features of the Global North, while simultaneously maintaining an informal organization and conflicting dynamics typical of the Global South. Since the late 1990s, both the government and the entertainment industry in Mexico City have increasingly invested in live music, reflecting a strong emphasis on economic and political capitalization. In contrast, a notable segment of live music professionals has developed a distinctive yet contentious set of values, in which live music constitutes an essential component of urban life. This article investigates independent promoters and venue managers through 21 detailed interviews. Beginning in the informal economy of the city, interviewees started live music projects for creative purposes and brought people together to form emotional connections. The concept of ‘musical agora’ embodies their unique combination of values, emphasizing their potential contribution to local cultural democracy. However, factors such as the market structure, bureaucracy, corruption and violence turn most independent live music activity into an ‘extreme sport’, reflecting the complex nature of professionalization processes within cultural sectors in Mexico City.

Revisiting energy transition projects future with "coal-to-gas" energy projects: assessing through life-cycle project cost method.

This research aims to evaluate the life-cycle project costs associated with "coal-to-gas" energy transition projects in the context of the present energy environment. Determining the possible role of such initiatives in attaining a sustainable and economical energy future is at the heart of the problem statement. Four major coal seam gas (CSG) projects have affected the local population in China. The study applied structural equation modeling (SEM) and quantile process estimation (QPE) techniques. In this piece, we analyze the methods used to calculate the societal costs of such populations. The people of impacted regions are concerned about increasing economic disparity, have poor trust in the future, and are experiencing a falling standard of living, according to a cross-sectional survey (n = 428) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Most people are worried about the future of their town (reported by 77.3% of respondents), the long-term effects on groundwater (reported by 77.4% of respondents), and the growing cost of living (reported by 83.4% of respondents). The study encompasses the project's life cycle, from conception and construction to decommissioning and site restoration. The findings indicate that although coal-to-gas projects may provide short-term benefits, they may not be economically sustainable in the long term. Factors such as rising natural gas prices, prospective carbon taxes, and decommissioning and site restoration costs can significantly influence the overall project expense. Hence, policymakers and energy companies must carefully evaluate the life-cycle cost of such projects before investing in them as an interim solution.

Pre-scaling up of ground nut varieties in selected districts of West and Kellem Wollega zones, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Dale sadi, Dale wabera and Sayo districts of Kellem wollega Zone and Gimbi districts of west Wollega zone for two consecutive years of production(2016/17 and 2017/18 G.C ) on farmers’ field. The objective of the study was to pre-scale up and popularize the best-performing and preferred groundnut variety in the study area. The study addressed a total of 90 farmers in the two years of the project span. From a total of 90 farmers, male represents 73 and female 17. During farmers’ selection process, both female and male farmers were incorporated so as to avoid gender bias. Training was given to the selected farmers, development agents and district experts about improved groundnut technologies production and management. Full packages of the technologies were provided. Variety Manipinter was planted on plot area of 0.25ha on respective farmers’ field in the study area. The recommended rate of NPS 100kg/ha and Row planting method with the spacing of 60cm between rows and 10cm between plants were used respectively. To enhance farmer’s knowledge on Groundnut training was given for target community on agronomic practice of Groundnut. During training a total of 117 target communities were participated on training out of which 84 were male and 33 were male. An average production of 14.935 qt/ha and a total of 336 quintal of groundnut yield was harvested during project life span. Finally, farmers feedback concerning technology was collected and incorporated, accordingly the farmers feel as the Manipinter have relatively high yield, good seed quality (Grain size, color), disease tolerant than previously used varieties. Generally, since it is impossible to address all farmers only by the effort of the research center, district agriculture and natural resource bureau in collaboration with zonal agricultural and natural resource office and input supplying NGO’s should hold the turn to scale up the technology in wider scale. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 10, No. 2, August 2023: 147-153

Embedding extreme events to mine project planning: Implications on cost, time, and disclosure standards

Extreme events, characterized as infrequent and catastrophic occurrences, can present significant challenges in various industries. These events can be associated with earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, floods, rainfalls, and wildfires. The mining industry is also highly vulnerable to extreme events because it threats operation sustainability, employees' safety, and environmental compliance. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of earthquakes in a mining area and evaluates their impacts on a mining operation through a case study based on a mine construction project. To this end, Extreme Value Theory (EVT) using both the Block Maxima (BM) and Peaks Over Threshold (POT) methods was employed to analyze the historical earthquake data and estimate the return levels corresponding to the planned mine project completion time. Furthermore, a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model was developed to perform a comprehensive risk assessment, allowing for a detailed examination of the potential consequences that a specified magnitude earthquake could have on the project's cost and duration. 1000 earthquake scenarios for the period covering the project life were generated for a thorough risk assessment. The case study focused on a hypothetical open pit mine construction project located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Historical earthquake data specific to the selected region were analyzed, and the potential consequences of earthquakes on the project were evaluated. According to the results, the return level of 4.7 ML earthquake was obtained corresponding to the return period defined as the planned project completion time. In the event of an earthquake with this specified magnitude, simulation results revealed that there is a 95% probability that the project will experience a delay of at least 6.28% of the project completion time, ultimately leading to project costs exceeding the normal project cost by a minimum of 4.85%. The study highlights the importance of considering extreme natural events, such as earthquakes, in mining project planning and risk mitigation. The results provide valuable insights into the likelihood and potential consequences of earthquakes, contributing to better risk assessment, strategic planning, informed decision-making, and improved project management practices in the mining industry.

Two-stage stochastic programming for the design optimization of district cooling networks under demand and cost uncertainty

The major limitations of district cooling systems are the high capital costs, which make design optimization tools necessary to maximize the potential benefits. Decision makers when designing district cooling have to handle cost and demand uncertainties that further increase the investment risks. On the other hand, the possible evolution of cooling demand during the years, shall be taken into account in the first design stages, in order to allow network expansion in the future. In this paper, a novel two-stage stochastic programming model is therefore proposed for the optimal design of district cooling networks under demand and cost uncertainty. The model was also applied to a case study and the results showed that it is more convenient to build smaller district cooling networks (and eventually enhance them in the future if the cooling demand and electricity costs will increase) rather than building larger systems from the beginning. In addition, it was found that the uncertainties in electricity cost and cooling demand are the ones that most influence the optimal solution. The impact of the stochastic model was evaluated with respect to deterministic approaches, resulting up to 5% less expensive in terms of expected cost and with a three years lower payback time. A second model formulation was also implemented, with more rigid constraints, which limit the amount of pipes that can be installed in a single branch. With this formulation, the model tends to connect more buildings and to install larger pipes from the beginning, but the solution in terms of expected cost is only 0.4% more expensive than the more flexible one. Lastly, it was analysed the impact of asset residual value at the end of project life, revealing that neglecting it would lead to connecting more buildings initially, but in most scenarios the network would not be expanded in the future.

Neurorehabilitation in brain tumours: evidences and suggestions for spreading of knowledge and research implementation.

The last few decades have seen an increase in life expectancy in brain tumour patients; however, many patients report sensory-motor and cognitive disabilities due to the tumour itself, but also to the effect of anticancer treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy), supportive treatments, as well as individual patient factors. This review outlines the principles on which to base neurorehabilitation treatments, with the aim of stimulating an early rehabilitative management, in order to reduce disability and functional limitation and improve the quality of life of the persons affected by brain tumour. Although not definitive, evidences suggest that an early neurorehabilitative evaluation, performed with a multidisciplinary approach, may identify the different functional impairments that can affect people with brain tumour. Furthermore, identifying and classifying the person's level of functioning is useful for designing achievable recovery goals, through the implementation of tailored multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs. The involvement of different professional figures allows to treat all the components (physical, cognitive, psychological and participation) of the person, and to redesign one's life project, lastly improving the quality of life. Overall, the evidences suggest a critical need for the development of this clinical area by spreading the concept of rehabilitation among neuro-oncologists and producing high quality research.

Relating depression, anxiety, stress and loneliness to 5-year decline in physical function and frailty

ObjectivesWhile depression has been associated with physical function decline and worsening frailty in older adults, the impact of other mental health symptoms on physical function and frailty is unknown. The study objective was to determine whether depression, perceived stress, loneliness, and anxiety symptoms affect 5-year physical function and frailty trajectories of older adults. MethodsThe National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) is a nationally-representative study of adults born between 1920 and 1947. The analysis included data collected in 2010–11 and 2015–16. Mental health symptoms were quantified using NSHAP's measures of anxiety (range:0–21), perceived stress (0–8), depression (0–22), and loneliness (0–6); higher scores indicated worse symptoms. We regressed 2015–16 3 m usual walk time, five-repeated chair stand time or an adapted frailty phenotype scale (0–4) separately on each 2010–11 mental health scale, adjusting for baseline physical function or frailty, demographics, and comorbidities. ResultsIn separate models, every one-point increase on the depression or perceived stress scales was associated with, respectively, a 0.06 s slower (95 % CI: 0.03, 0.10) or 0.09 s slower (95 % CI: 0.01, 0.16) 5-year walk time. Every one-point increase on the depression or perceived stress scales was associated with a 0.15 s slower (95 % CI: 0.06, 0.23) or 0.16 s slower (95 % CI: 0.02, 0.29) 5-year chair stand time. Every one-point increase on the depression scale predicted 0.06 higher log odds of having a worse frailty score 5 years later. Only depression's association with 3 m walk time and chair stands remained significant in models including all four mental health scales. DiscussionOlder adults with more depression and to a lesser extent stress symptoms may experience faster physical function decline and worsening frailty. Future work exploring and addressing the mechanisms underlying these relationships are warranted.

Theoretical statements on life projects: A scoping review

This scoping review identified and synthesized the theoretical statements on life projects contained in articles indexed in databases of psychology and related fields. Six online databases were searched for articles using the term life project in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. Only articles that contained theoretical statements on life projects were included, yielding 93 manuscripts. A total of 15 theoretical approaches from diverse fields were identified. A thematic analysis with the articles’ theoretical statements resulted in six themes describing different properties and correlates of life projects. Another thematic analysis, based on the articles’ explicit life project definitions, resulted in four defining features. The findings reveal that the theoretical approaches and life project definitions conflict with each other. However, the theoretical dimensions and defining features enabled the identification of commonalities across the theories. Future studies need to integrate these distinct theoretical dimensions and defining features to form a comprehensive theory of the life project.

Mentoring impact on the transversal competence’s development. An experience of educational accompaniment in the integral formation of the university student

IntroductionThe adaptation of universities to the new guidelines set by the European Higher Education Area implies relevant changes. Among them, a teaching model more focused on the student and his or her learning than on the teacher and the subject, new active teaching-learning methodologies and the development of competences through the acquisition of learning outcomes; all with the aim of contributing to the integral formation of the university student. The integral formation, enabling each student to discover and realize their own life project, is nourished by educational accompaniment and the development of competences. A concrete form of educational accompaniment is mentoring. The objective of this study is to evaluate the formative effectiveness of an innovative mentoring program in the development of transversal competences as a means to achieve the ultimate mission of the university: to provide a comprehensive education to students.MethodsThe design of this research is quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest). The sample consists of more than 300 first-year students of the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria who participated in the mentoring program. A questionnaire on transversal competences and group interviews were used as measurement instruments.ResultsThe results showed significant differences in the level of acquisition of intrapersonal competences between the pre-treatment and post-treatment periods, in favor of the latter. This fact suggests that students improved their level of intrapersonal competences thanks to the mentoring program. These results are subsequently supported by the analysis of the group interviews.DiscussionTherefore, it can be concluded that this type of mentoring program is a valid example for the development of intrapersonal competences, which in turn contributes to the integral formation of the student.

Youth participation processes in longitudinal out of home care research

AbstractWhile there is growing recognition of the importance of meaningful youth participation in activities and decisions which impact their lives, facilitating such engagement within different forums requires varied approaches. A programme of youth research at one Western Australian university has sought to embed pathways for ongoing youth participation in longitudinal research. In particular, we discuss Navigating Through Life, a large‐scale WA research project comprising three sub‐studies exploring young people's transitions from out of home care (OOHC) to independence. We established a youth advisory group to run alongside the project and employed peer researchers to conduct research tasks. In this paper, we seek to explicate the development and various iterations of youth participation in the project. We utilise our reflections, interview data and documentation from YAG meetings and feedback sessions with the peer researchers to illustrate the processes of transformation and flexibility required to develop and maintain youth participation in various ways across the project's life. Drawing on our findings and current literature, we highlight how funding bodies and researchers must consider the additional needs, unique and changeable life circumstances of young people to best facilitate their involvement in research.

Decision Making Toward Sustainable Material during Planning Stage at Construction in Seberang Perai Tengah Pulau Pinang

The efficiency of using sustainable materials has been an important issue in ensuring the success of sustainable construction in Pulau Pinang. Unfortunately, the construction sector is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, contributing to global climate change and environmental issues. Thus, this study aims to identify the factor of sustainable materials selection in focusing on Seberang Perai Tengah and to determine the relationship between the decision-making factor and elements in the planning stage toward sustainable construction. The quantitative method was conducted by survey, and the instrument used was an online questionnaire survey. About 54 samples of the questionnaire were collected from those involved in the construction sector in Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang. The result shows the factors of decision-making that have the most influence on sustainable material selection are technology and training. Meanwhile, the planning stage element that has the most significant influence on the criteria of sustainable material is the project life cycle. This study could be valuable for all parties in the construction industry, especially to the decision-maker, engineers, clients, employers and staff, academicians, policymakers, researchers, and organizations.

Droits de la personne humaine et chirurgie de la transidentité

René Sève recalls that Contemporary Law in the Western World is based on autonomy of equal subjects, mutually recognizing the right to each carry out their own life project. The LGBTQIA+ person therefore exercises their ability to be their own species, according to Kirkegaard's word. It remains that "life project" also implies a constraint of stability and rationality. The author then shows, using Canadian and French statistical data, the difficulties of achieving this ideal for minors and, for adults, the other medical, paramedical and social conditions required. The rights of LGBT people cannot be considered independently of the physical and financial limits of the health system and therefore of the public debate on its priorities.