Project Methodology Research Articles

Enhancing Virtual Reality Experiences in Architectural Visualization of an Academic Environment

Virtual Reality (VR) technology possesses the capability to transport users into immersive, alternative environments, providing them with a convincing sense of presence within a simulated world. This project leverages VR to develop an interactive, educational system centered around the De Montfort University (DMU) Queens Building, simulating key facilities and infrastructure through the integration of 360-degree imagery and Adobe Captivate software. Designed in response to contemporary challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the need for flexible and innovative learning methodologies, the VR system offers an immersive educational platform enriched with essential information to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. A comprehensive literature review explored the expanding applications of VR across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, robotics, and manufacturing. The findings of this review underscored VR's transformative potential in enhancing educational engagement and facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts. The project methodology involved meticulously mapping the physical layout of the Queens Building, capturing targeted 360-degree scenarios using a Ricoh Theta V camera, and subsequently transforming these into immersive VR scenarios enriched with interactive hotspots, meticulously synchronized with the building's design layout. The VR system successfully achieved the project's objectives by simulating key educational and informational use cases. It provides students with an alternative learning medium, offering interactive insights into the functionalities of equipment and facilities within the building. Furthermore, the system enables a virtual tour of the DMU campus, facilitating familiarization with the university environment. Findings from the VR application highlight its potential as a dynamic educational tool, positioning it as a valuable complement to traditional learning methods. This innovative approach demonstrates the capacity of VR to enhance student understanding, support academic and research pursuits, and ultimately enrich the overall student experience.

Analysis of The Energy Impact of Electric Vehicle Integration in Uruguay

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the integration of EVs in Uruguay between 2025 and 2040, based on data from the National Energy Balance (BEN) and the 2005–2030 Energy Policies (PE0530) document, aiming to analyze the impacts of the increasing adoption of EVs on the country's electrical system.. Theoretical Framework: The methodology of this research is based on the development of scenarios derived from indicators of the electric sector, transport sector, population, and vehicle fleet. It is structured around new indicators that allow the comparison of energy demand increases under three EV adoption rates in Uruguay: natural (1%), moderate (3%), and accelerated (10%). Python programming was used to evaluate the extrapolations of these indicators through Simple Linear Regression (RLS) and Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), determining the most appropriate methodology using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) metrics. Data were collected from governmental websites in Uruguay and other publicly accessible domains. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises [concisely describe the study design, including approach, participants, instruments, procedures, etc.]. Data collection was carried out through [explain the specific methods used, such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, among others]. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that EV adoption generates increasing impacts on electrical demand, with 1% and 3% scenarios showing controlled impacts, while the 10% scenario demonstrates a significant increase, requiring strategic adaptations to avoid overloading the electrical system. Despite the usefulness of RLS and SES projection methodologies, their limitations lie in their sensitivity to extreme variations and reliance on historical data, which may hinder accuracy in contexts of rapid changes or unforeseen factors, such as future policies or technological advancements. Research Implications: This study presents practical and theoretical implications, highlighting Uruguay's need to invest in the expansion of the SIN and renewable sources to meet potential future EV demand, as well as to implement integrated policies for electric mobility. Theoretically, it reinforces the use of methodologies like RLS and SES for robust projections, influencing sectors such as the automotive industry, adapting to electrification, and the environmental sector, through emissions reductions, showcasing the impact of interdisciplinary approaches. Originality/Value: This study adds value by highlighting how different scenarios affect the SIN infrastructure of a country, especially one powered by 97% renewable energy sources. The approach can guide the formulation of future energy policies, assisting in infrastructure planning, setting renewable generation targets, and promoting electric mobility. By quantifying demands and benefits, this study provides input for strategic decisions, supporting sustainable energy transition and aligning public policies.

An innovative multistakeholder approach to rural entrepreneurship education

Rural areas across the European Union face common structural challenges, exacerbated by recent global events. The OREN (Opportunities for Rural Entrepreneurship Networks) Erasmus+ project addresses these challenges by focusing on four key areas: forestry, agrifood, tourism, and renewable energy. The primary objective is to equip rural entrepreneurs with advanced managerial and business skills through an innovative educational platform. The project methodology combines multi-stakeholder interaction, development of impact evaluation capabilities, and promotion of continuing education in strategic business management. A multi-level approach was utilized, including literature review, collection of case studies, development of simulation models, and creation of educational modules. The project resulted in a comprehensive training course and a multistakeholder platform featuring a Process Models Repository, Model Authoring Environment, Simulation Interactive Learning Environment, and Data Acquisition Component. This holistic approach, grounded into the Systems Thinking approach and System Dynamics methodology, aims to catalyze a new paradigm of sustainable rural entrepreneurship. Hence, building on this, the OREN platform addresses critical challenges in Bulgaria's agricultural sector and offers a promising mechanism to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of rural economies across Europe, by bridging the innovation gap and supporting emerging sectors. Keywords: rural economy, entrepreneurship education, interactive learning environments, business models, impact evaluation, systems thinking, system dynamics

“My Dragon”: What Does the Projective Technique Diagnose?

In the article discussed problem creation and modification of projective diagnostic methods. Emphasis, that many modern projective techniques are often developed, are modified and applied without proper methodological basis and outside the context of a well-defined psychodiagnostic paradigm. The results of the substantive analysis are presented projective posts tagged “My Dragon”, widely presented on the internet, which makes it accessible to a wide category of users with different levels of professional training, recommended for use in educational institutions. Detected its methodologicalay insolvency and diagnosticsay unsuitability. It is noted, what incompetent utilization projective methodology, including: not in line with methodological requirements and methodological quality, significantly increases risk formulation wrong psychological conclusions.

Co-creation in a safe space: Listening to the international student voice

ABSTRACT This article discusses the methodology of a partnership-based collaborative project between investigators comprising two academics and one educational developer and a diverse group of international students studying at a UK University. The students were recruited to co-design a survey instrument to better understand the lived experiences of their peers across the institution, but prior to doing so engaged in a structured process of weekly engagement to create a safe space where they could feel comfortable to explore their own experiences. This produced a rich characterisation of key elements of being an international student, challenging common narratives of deficit and passivity, as well as a successful ‘students-as-partners’ approach that transcends assessment or curriculum design settings. Thereby, the paper offers a case study for empowering co-creation partnerships with overlooked or marginalised student groups by embracing principles of safe spaces and belonging for participants, thus contributing to an understudied element of co-creation scholarship.

Restoring and Rehabilitating Watercourses in the Ria Formosa Nature Park (Algarve): Intervention Principles, Processes and Techniques

The core objective of this article is to contribute towards defining a project methodology for rehabilitating fluvial ecosystems in strongly humanized Mediterranean landscapes. To achieve this objective, interrelated with the management and maintenance of these landscapes, we took into consideration the theory and the praxis that frame interventions in watercourses experiencing situations of risk. This article spans these two core, interwoven facets, approaching both the theoretical research and the applied research undertaken within the scope of proposals for rehabilitating five watercourses in Eastern Algarve. The project approach to the restoration of the ecological corridors associated with the downstream sections of the Cacela, Canada, Tronco, Bela-Mandil streams, and the Seco River thus accounted for the shortage and irregularity in the distribution of precipitation and the torrential regime characterizing the region in conjunction with the high level of artificialism displayed by these fluvial systems. Under the auspices of the project process, the aforementioned watercourses were perceived as dynamic, complex, open, and multi-functional socio-ecological systems with a role and importance in ensuring the biological balance and physical stability of the coastal plain and the Ria Formosa lagoon system. The project concept was rooted in a strategy based on intervention flexibility, taking into account a balance between the rehabilitation of natural values and resources and the presence of human activities. Hence, in the rehabilitation proposals developed, the materials applied were entirely natural (plants, wood, and stone), with recourse to technical-scientific concepts and procedures drawn from the fields of Landscape Architecture and Biophysical Engineering.

Inovasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Jepang: Implementasi Proyek Penyusunan Buku Penunjang Tata Bahasa Tingkat Menengah Atas di Prodi Bahasa Jepang Universitas Darma Persada

This research discusses the implementation of a community service project that aims to develop a supporting book for the Grammar course for Japan language proficiency at the Senior High School Level in the Japan Language and Culture Study Program, Darma Persada University. This project was carried out from September 2023 to August 2024, involving a team consisting of four lecturers and three students. The main goal of the project is to overcome students' difficulties in understanding advanced Japan grammar by developing innovative and customized learning support books. The project methodology includes the preparation of a work plan, the collection of reference materials and the preparation of a book. The main result achieved is the preparation of supporting book modules for students in semesters 5 and 6. Despite facing time constraints, the team managed to complete the project's main target. The conclusion shows that this project has succeeded in producing learning resources that have the potential to improve the quality of advanced Japan grammar learning. The follow-up plan includes further trials and evaluations to ensure the effectiveness and usefulness of the supporting books. This project is not only beneficial to students and institutions, but also has the potential to make a positive contribution to the wider community of Japan language learners.

Study case: educational-cognitive impact of university responsibility social

Education currently requires a transversal approach, so determining the impact that cognitive and educational approaches have on university students, as part of university social responsibility, is of utmost importance to reinforce professional training. As part of the research methodology, a mixed approach is used on a case study; while the project's methodology handles the 2030 agenda and the guide on the types of university impacts. Thus, an appreciation of Reliability Statistics in Cronbach's Alpha Scale is achieved with a 0.845, focused on the educational-cognitive impact, which becomes relevant through significant learning, this through the social-labor contribution, which emerges from university social responsibility

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Construction Projects: Leveraging Lean Techniques

To increase productivity and avoid waste, the construction industry has started implementing Lean ideas and methodologies in construction projects. Due to a lack of awareness of lean practices in the preparation, design, and execution of building and infrastructure projects, lean practices are not very familiar among construction projects, which are most commonly used in the manufacturing industry. Hence, an effort has been made in this paper to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and case studies to analyze the suitability of lean practice in sustainable waste management, increased productivity, and on-time project delivery. It aims to explore the effect of improving communication and fostering collaboration among stakeholders on time, costs, and resource management. The review identified the most commonly applied lean practices, Just in Time (JIT) and Last Planner System (LPS), and linked the adoption of lean techniques within the construction sector to a total of sixteen distinct benefits for the economy, society, and the environment. According to this study, lean techniques have a strong chance of boosting productivity in the construction industry and developing a sustainable built environment, but they also need to be used widely and continuously to achieve these goals.

Simulation of Fluid Flow through Orifice Meter

The modeling of fluid flow using an orifice meter is an engineering endeavor aimed at thoroughly investigating and optimizing fluid flow measurement in various industrial applications. Orifice meters are highly regarded for their accurate measurement of fluid flow rates as they pass through a specifically designed orifice plate, utilizing the principles of fluid dynamics. The primary objective of this project is to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model capable of simulating the intricate fluid flow through an orifice meter. The simulation encompasses detailed geometric features of the orifice meter, including the precise dimensions of the orifice plate, pipe diameter, and any relevant taper angles. Additionally, the model takes into account various fluid parameters, boundary conditions, and factors such as velocity and pressure at different points within the system. The comprehensive study visualizes and quantifies key fluid properties, such as velocity profiles, pressure differentials, and flow velocities, across the entire length of the orifice meter using CFD analysis. This in-depth analysis provides crucial insights into the dynamic performance of the orifice meter. The obtained information holds significant potential to revolutionize flow rate measurement accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in diverse industries, including water management, chemical processing, and oil and gas. The project's methodology for simulating fluid flow through orifice meters can bring about substantial improvements in the understanding and optimization of fluid flow in industrial processes.

Developing Diverse Leaders for Diverse Churches (Part 2): Desired Outcomes for Effective Leadership in Diverse Churches

Part 2 of 2. This study explores the essential traits for effective leadership in multiethnic evangelical churches in the United States using Krispin's leader development outcomes framework. Part 2 of the series examines the desired outcomes of leadership development programs among these churches. A questionnaire derived from Krispin's framework was distributed to multiethnic churches with successful leadership development programs. The findings offer insights into the knowledge, skills, and character qualities these churches consider crucial for future multiethnic church leadership. This article details the project's methodology, research findings, and discusses their implications.

Enhancing Government Capacity for Air Quality Management in the Philippines through Geospatial Technologies: A Case of Project AiRMoVE

Abstract. Air quality management is crucial in the Philippines due to its profound implications for public health, ecosystems, and sustainable development. Project AiRMoVE, short for the Ambient Air Remote Sensing, Modeling, and Visualization Environment project, aims to enhance air quality management through engineering solutions and geospatial technologies such as remote sensing (RS), geographic information systems (GIS) and numerical modeling. Implemented by the University of the Philippines Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (UP TCAGP), Project AiRMoVE collaborates with key stakeholders to identify attainment and non-attainment areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) for air quality monitoring. This paper provides an overview of Project AiRMoVE's objectives, methodologies, and outcomes, emphasizing the significance of RS and GIS in revolutionizing air quality monitoring and management. It underscores a systematic approach adopted in enhancing government capacity for air quality management -- a combination of workshops, technical trainings, and stakeholders' forums.

Leveraging Gamification in Science Learning for Secondary Students

This project aims to study the usefulness of incorporating gamification for science learning, for secondary school students. Ever since, the Science subject has been a hassle to the students, as well as the teachers. Therefore, a web-based system with gamification has been proposed. The waterfall model was chosen as the project's methodology, which consists of planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation phases. Firebase was used as the cloud database to ease data storage and analysis. The selection was made to ensure the data from interactive activities such as watching films and doing exercises was securely gathered and used. Students earned points, badges, and were ranked as they performed assignments, adding a competitive element to the learning experience. A usability test was carried out to assess the success of the gamified learning platform using PSSUQ (Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire). The survey participants were chosen randomly from a group of high school students and teachers. After using the gamified website, they were asked to submit feedback by answering 16 constructed questions. Positive feedback was gathered from the survey, as most of the questions recorded mean values between 4.0 and 4.5. Hopefully, this study will provide further information regarding the effectiveness of gamification in learning, particularly in science learning for secondary students.

Methods for projecting health workforce planning in Ireland: a collaborative approach

Abstract Background Health workforce planning (HWFP) is the process of analysing, forecasting, and planning workforce supply and demand, assessing gaps, and determining target workforce to ensure that health systems are prepared for future demand. HWFP elicits recommendations that are ideally utilised by the health system to support medical workforce over a defined time. Methods The objective of this project is to inform intake for medical and surgical specialties in Ireland to reach the necessary consultant workforce by 2038. A literature search was conducted to help inform the methodology for this project. The most common approach was a needs-based model, and additional reviews discussed the integration of medical engagement into the modelling approach. Results This project will employ a collaborative approach, combining mathematical modelling and a combination of quantitative and qualitative inputs, including the following phases: 1. The research phase will estimate baseline supply and demand data across medical and surgical specialties in Ireland using statistical models; 2. The presentation phase will include input from clinical leads to allow for more accurate assumptions in the baseline of each model; 3. Review of projections will include feedback from the clinical leads to help clarify and improve the initial model; 4. Presentation of the revised projection will include further collaboration with clinical leads to finalise the model. Conclusions The robust methodology for this HWFP project will ideally inform medical and surgical specialities in Ireland through 2038. Specific and extensive predictions of health workforce supply and demand will enhance strategic preparation, which is a key priority for the Health Service Executive in Ireland. Key messages • A collaborative approach to HWFP is essential for health service preparation and improvement. • The project will be finalised by the end of 2024, and the methodology for conducting similar HWFP projects can be adapted by other EU states.

A geometry projection method for designing and optimizing additively manufactured variable-stiffness composite laminates

A method for designing laminates is presented using geometry projection to optimize the layout of additively manufactured variable-stiffness composite laminates. By considering fiberreinforced bars as geometric primitives, the geometry projection methodology is extended to include optimizing regions with intersecting load paths. This is achieved by utilizing a dual representation of bars, which considers the geometric parameters and the element-wise density field representation. The dual representation enables the combining and overlapping of bars, resulting in a localized orthotropic material response at overlapping regions that mitigates the transverse compliant response of fiberreinforced components. The proposed method’s effectiveness is demonstrated through minimizing the compliance of the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm beam problem, a well-known benchmark problem in topology optimization.

Monitoring equity in the delivery of health services: a Delphi process to select healthcare equity indicators.

Health equity is a key component of quality of care and an objective for a growing number of quality improvement projects for deontological, ethical, public health and economic reasons. To monitor equity in the delivery of health services in Switzerland, there is a need to implement valid, measurable and actionable equity indicators, along with vulnerability stratifiers such as migrant status, which could lead to differences in quality of care. The aim of this study was to develop a set of healthcare equity indicators and stratifiers targeting inpatient and outpatient populations and to test their feasibility. A scoping literature review and inputs from a national interprofessional expert taskforce provided a set of indicators and vulnerability stratifiers. The most valid and measurable indicators and stratifiers were retained using a Delphi process. They were then operationalised, and their implementation tested in three Swiss hospitals from the three language regions. A taskforce of 18 experts, including a patient representative, selected 11 indicators that evaluate structures, processes and outcomes, and five vulnerability stratifiers. Although most indicators and stratifiers could be implemented in all three hospitals, data availability was limited for some variables, including patient satisfaction and access to interpreters for foreign-language patients. The equity indicators and stratifiers identified by this two-stage process have content validity, wide patient coverage and are focused on inequities in the healthcare system that are actionable through improvement projects. Both the indicators and the project methodology could be replicated in institutions aiming for more equitable care.

Intertwining Narrative and Technology: Reinterpreting European Cultural Heritage through the Voices of Latin American Women Writers

Travel literature not only provides relevant information about cultural heritage, such as authorship, chronology or location, but also reveals the impressions evoked by its reception. This article describes the methodology of the ongoing REWIND project, which explores European cultural heritage through the perspectives of Latin American women writers who travelled to Europe in the early twentieth century. The project seeks to amplify the voices of non-European women committed to feminism and sociocultural diversity to foster decolonial, inclusive and pluralistic historical narratives. On the one hand, we address the configuration of the project corpus, the semantic annotation process, and the design of the ontological modelling according to the deep data concept. On the other hand, we explain the analysis of the relationships between cultural heritage, time, space and emotion. The project uses travel literature in digital format to retrieve, study and interpret data on cultural heritage, creating a workflow that integrates information from various historical sources to raise further questions and provide new insights. The proposed methodology follows the FAIR principles and prioritizes using open-source software to ensure reproducibility and facilitate the use of deliverables in other studies.

A Note on Neutrosophic Soft Set over Hyperalgebras

This research aims to introduce and explore the theory of neutrosophic soft hyperalgebras (NSHAs), focusing on their core principles and potential applications in decision-making under uncertainty. By defining key operations such as intersection and union, we clarify the foundational characteristics of NSHAs and their relationship to soft hyperalgebras. The concepts of ξβ-identity NSHA and ξ-absolute NSHA are also examined to better understand their properties. The practical relevance of NSHA is demonstrated through applications in various fields, highlighting its adaptability in addressing complex decision-making scenarios. This approach offers a novel, more precise method for navigating uncertainty in areas such as project methodology selection, sensitivity analysis, and AI chatbot selection.

Kaizen-led utilization improvement at medical oncology daycare unit.

293 Background: Optimizing utilization of oncology day care units is key in throughput, patient experience and minimizing errors. At our oncology center, the medical oncology day care (MODC) unit was at a infusion chair/bed utilization rate of 92% with a turnaround time for multiagent or long-infusion chemotherapeutic regimens of 275 minutes. This resulted in prolonged wait times for patients and delayed treatment initiations appointments. Therefore, we set out to improve the utilization of the treatment chairs and chemotherapy turnaround time at the MODC. Methods: The goal of this project was to increase MODC chair/bed utilization up to 150% and decrease chemotherapy infusion time by 30% by the end of 4/2024. The interventions integrated Agile Project Methodology to ensure adaptability and responsiveness, with DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) serving as the guiding quality improvement tool for the improvement plan. Interventions began with project charter approval involving stakeholders from all relevant departments, followed by a comprehensive assessment and gap analysis using DMAIC to identify and address wasted steps in the process. This involved process mapping to streamline operations and eliminate unnecessary tasks. Key interventions included pre-chemotherapy blood work 48 hour prior to treatment, patient segmentation based on treatment session-length, proactive communication with patients regarding treatment session times, and coordination with the chemotherapy pharmacy for medication readiness. Furthermore, strict adherence to defined timelines for patient assessment and chemotherapy order placement was enforced. A sensitive Key Performance Indicator (KPI) structure was developed to measure the outcomes of the interventions, aligning with Agile principles for continuous improvement. Sustainability was ensured through the creation of a sustainability plan aligned with a dashboard to maintain success thresholds. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements; MODC median bed utilization increasing to 168%, single-agent infusion turnaround time reduced to 150 minutes (33% decrease), and long-agent infusion turnaround time decreased to 210 minutes (30% decrease). Sustainability studies are now underway. Conclusions: These findings underscore the effectiveness of interventions in not only increasing chemotherapy infusion center capacity but also decreasing chemotherapy turnaround time utilizing a Kaizen-led approach.Results of these interventions are expected to enhance efficiency and improve patient care within the MODC unit.

Development of Risk-Based Methodologies for Highway Pavement Construction Inspection

Construction inspection plays a critical role in Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) and hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement projects. To ensure the quality of pavement projects, state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the U.S. typically conduct construction material tests and inspect workmanship processes using quality assurance (QA) programs. Given today’s reality of reduced QA inspection resources such as funding, staff ability, and availability, several state DOTs have used a risk-based inspection (RBI) approach to optimize their QA processes. A thorough review of existing literature revealed limited studies examining RBI methodologies in highway pavement construction projects. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of RBI for pavement construction projects. It employed a triangulation research methodology, including an extensive literature review, a survey questionnaire of 50 state DOTs, focus groups, and a vetting workshop. A list of 16 core items in field inspection for both PCCP and HMA pavement projects was developed and verified. A generic risk rating of these critical inspection activities was determined. Additionally, inspection frequency, documentation effort, and inspector experience associated with these critical inspection activities identified through focus groups and the vetting workshop served as a reference point when conducting RBI for PCCP and HMA pavement projects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge and the highway construction industry by identifying and prioritizing 16 core inspection items for PCCP and HMA pavement construction. Construction project managers and inspectors may benefit from this study by analyzing the risks of core inspection items and implementing appropriate risk mitigation plans.