Past Projects Research Articles

Decadal Morphological Evolution and Governance Measures of the South Branch, Changjiang Estuary

Estuaries and deltas hold significant socioeconomic importance and immense ecological value due to their dynamic geomorphic processes and unique geographical advantages. However, in recent decades, delta recession and the instability of river regimes have become global challenges, driven by intensive human interventions in upstream river basins and local regions. This study examines the South Branch of the Changjiang Estuary as a typical case to investigate its morphological evolution over the past decades and project future trends, offering suitable solutions to enhance the river regime stability. Analysis of bathymetric data reveals substantial channel–shoal adjustments in the South Branch from 1958 to 2016, characterized by significant erosion and deposition on a decadal scale. After 1997, reduced fluvial sediment supply has led to widespread erosion in the South Branch. Further disturbances at the Baimao Shoal and Biandan Shoal have exacerbated the instability of the river regime. Numerical predictions indicate continued erosion in the South Branch over the next 20 years, accompanied by further channel–shoal pattern adjustments. Hydrodynamic modeling of proposed measures demonstrates an improved flow ratio for the North Baimao Shoal Channel, contributing to enhanced channel–shoal system stability. These integrated governance measures have been incorporated into the latest renovation plan for the Changjiang Estuary. The findings provide valuable scientific guidance for the comprehensive management of the Changjiang Estuary and offer insights applicable to other large estuaries facing similar challenges.

Natural and Engineered Ocean Inflow Projects to Improve Water Quality Through Increased Exchange

Globally, the health of coastal water bodies continues to be threatened by climate change and mounting anthropogenic pressures related to population increase and associated development. Land use changes have increased the direct runoff of freshwater, nutrients, and other contaminants from watersheds into coastal systems. Exacerbated by increased temperatures, these changes have contributed to a worldwide decline in seagrass coverage and losses of critical habitat and ecosystem functions. For restricted estuaries and lagoons, the influx of nutrients is particularly damaging due to high water residence times and impaired flushing. The result is eutrophication and associated declines in water quality and ecosystem function. To mitigate degraded water quality, engineered ocean–estuary exchanges have been carried out and studied with examples in Australia, New Zealand, India, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United States of America. Based on successes including decreased nutrient concentrations, turbidity, and chlorophyll and increased faunal abundance in some past studies, this option is considered as a management tool for combatting worsening water quality in other estuaries including the Indian River Lagoon, a subtropical, lagoon-type estuary on the central east coast of Florida, USA. Decreased residence times, lower nutrients, higher dissolved oxygen (DO), higher salinity, lower temperature, and lower turbidity all combine for improved ecosystem health. In this review, the successes and failures of past projects intended to increase ocean–estuary exchanges, including biological and geochemical processes that contributed to observed outcomes, are evaluated. The primary indicators of water quality considered in this review include nutrient contents (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) and dissolved oxygen levels. Secondary indicators include changes in temperature and salinity pre- and post- engineering as well as turbidity, which can also impact seagrass growth and overall ecosystem health. Each of the sites investigated recorded improvements in water quality, though some were more pronounced and occurred over shorter time scales. Overall, enhanced ocean exchange in restricted, impaired water bodies resulted in system-specific response trajectories, with many experiencing a net positive outcome with respect to water quality and ecosystem health.

Species distribution modeling of North American beavers from the late Pliocene into the future

Abstract Beavers have occurred in North America since at least 7 Ma, but relatively little is known about their distribution across the continent. We modeled distributions of beavers in the late Pliocene (3.3 Ma), Pleistocene (130 ka and 21 ka), and recent Holocene (1970 to 2000) to understand their dispersal across North America, predict future distributions and predict their possible response to future climate and habitat changes. Occurrence data for Castor canadensis were derived from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Those data were used with both modern (1970 to 2000) and modeled future (EC-Earth-Veg 2081 to 2100) bioclimatic variables from WorldClim as well as past (Pliocene Marine Isotope Stage M2, Pleistocene Last Interglacial, and Pleistocene Last Glacial Maximum) bioclimatic variables from PaleoClim to model beaver distributions through time. Fossil locality points for Castor extracted from the New and Old Worlds Database of Fossil Mammals (NOW), NEOTOMA Paleoecology Database, and Paleobiology Database were overlain on past projection models to use as validation points. Models were run using MaxEnt with post-processing in ArcGIS. Accuracy for the 5 models ranged between 59.6% and 60.2%. Results for the present model (1970 to 2000) showed habitat suitability in areas beavers inhabit today. During the Pliocene MIS M2 cooling event (3.3 Ma) and Pleistocene Last Glacial Maximum (21 ka), habitat suitability shifted further south into Mexico and peninsular Florida and away from more periglacial northern regions. During the Last Interglacial period (130 ka) and modeled future (2081 to 2100) EC-Earth-Veg 2081 to 2100, habitat suitability was higher in coastal and central regions in North America and lower in southern regions compared to their present distribution. Distributions were most affected by precipitation seasonality, isothermality, and mean annual temperature. High variability in seasonal precipitation and temperatures is likely to influence surface water availability, vegetation type, and riparian vegetation composition, which consequently may reduce available food resources and habitat for beavers. Observed shifts during warmer periods may indicate areas in the late Miocene that facilitated dispersal into North America. Future models using other predicted climatic scenarios and shared socioeconomic pathways may provide better resolution of potential future shifts in beaver distribution with best- and worst-case climate scenarios, thereby permitting at-risk areas to be prioritized for conservation in the face of climate change.

Hear Me Out: Supporting Citizens to Create Comprehensible Contributions on Urban Participation Platforms

Urbanization has increased societal tensions and led to the growth of citizen participation in urban planning, which is often conducted in computer-supported environments and progressively online to include a high number of citizens. Past projects have shown that digital participation creates new challenges and that collaborative online discussions do not achieve the quality of on-site scenarios, as the interactions, in-depth exchange of opinions, and quality of contributions vary. Within a design science research project, we examine how to support citizens in creating comprehensible contributions on urban participation platforms. We identify issues, formulate meta-requirements, and derive design principles to implement feasible prototypes that we evaluated in focus groups. Our findings extend the existing research about urban participation platforms in civic tech, urban informatics, and planning, with validated design principles that specify AI-based feedback and further features to increase interactions and support citizens in producing more specific contributions.

Corrosion resistance in LNG plant design: Engineering lessons for future energy projects

Corrosion resistance is a critical consideration in the design and operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, where harsh environmental conditions and aggressive chemicals can significantly impact asset integrity and safety. This paper explores engineering lessons learned from past LNG projects, emphasizing the importance of corrosion management strategies to enhance the longevity and reliability of energy infrastructure. The study highlights key factors contributing to corrosion in LNG facilities, including materials selection, environmental exposure, and operational practices. By employing advanced materials such as corrosion-resistant alloys and coatings, engineers can mitigate corrosion risks, leading to reduced maintenance costs and extended equipment lifespan. The paper examines successful case studies where proactive corrosion management has been implemented, showcasing innovative engineering solutions such as cathodic protection, corrosion monitoring systems, and design modifications that enhance resistance to corrosion-related failures. Furthermore, it addresses the role of regular inspections, predictive maintenance, and risk-based approaches in identifying potential corrosion issues before they escalate into significant problems. As LNG plants continue to proliferate globally, the integration of corrosion resistance into design and operational frameworks becomes increasingly vital. This paper also discusses emerging technologies and materials that hold promise for improving corrosion resistance, including nanotechnology and smart coatings that provide real-time monitoring capabilities. By learning from past projects and embracing a proactive approach to corrosion management, future energy projects can enhance safety, reduce operational risks, and achieve greater sustainability in their operations. Ultimately, the lessons derived from this research will contribute to developing best practices for designing and operating LNG plants and other energy facilities, ensuring that they meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The Pyrenean Platform for Observation of the Atmosphere: site, long-term dataset, and science

Abstract. The Pyrenean Platform for Observation of the Atmosphere (P2OA) is a coupled plain–mountain instrumented platform in southwestern France. It is composed of two physical sites: the “Pic du Midi” mountaintop observatory (2877 m a.s.l.) and the “Centre de Recherches Atmosphériques” (600 m a.s.l). Both sites are complementarily instrumented for the monitoring of climate-relevant variables and the study of meteorological processes in a mountainous region. The scientific topics covered by P2OA include surface–atmosphere interactions in heterogeneous landscapes and complex terrain, the physics and chemistry of atmospheric trace species at a large scale, the influence of local- and regional-scale emissions and transport on the atmospheric composition, and transient luminous events above thunderstorms. With a large number of instruments and a high hosting capacity, P2OA contributes to atmospheric sciences through (i) building long-term series of atmospheric observations, (ii) hosting experimental field campaigns and instrumental tests, and (iii) educational training in atmospheric observation techniques. In this context, P2OA is part of the French component of the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS-Fr) and also contributes to the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) research infrastructure and to several European or international networks. Here, we present the complete instrumentation of P2OA and the associated datasets, give a meteorological characterization of the platform, and illustrate the potential of P2OA and its dataset with past or ongoing studies and projects.

Water quality–fisheries tradeoffs in a changing climate underscore the need for adaptive ecosystem–based management

Changes driven by both unanticipated human activities and management actions are creating wicked management landscapes in freshwater and marine ecosystems that require new approaches to support decision-making. By linking a predictive model of nutrient- and temperature-driven bottom hypoxia with observed commercial fishery harvest data from Lake Erie (United States-Canada) over the past century (1928-2022) and climate projections (2030-2099), we show how simple, yet robust models and routine monitoring data can be used to identify tradeoffs associated with nutrient management and guide decision-making in even the largest of aquatic ecosystems now and in the future. Our approach enabled us to assess planned nutrient load reduction targets designed to mitigate nutrient-driven hypoxia and show why they appear overly restrictive based on current fishery needs, indicating tradeoffs between water quality and fisheries management goals. At the same time, our temperature results show that projected climate change impacts on hypoxic extent will require more stringent nutrient regulations in the future. Beyond providing a rare example of bottom hypoxia driving changes in fishery harvests at an ecosystem scale, our study illustrates the need for adaptive ecosystem-based management, which can be informed by simple predictive models that can be readily applied over long time periods, account for tradeoffs across multiple management sectors (e.g., water quality, fisheries), and address ecosystem nonstationarity (e.g., climate change impacts on management targets). Such approaches will be critical for maintaining valued ecosystem services in the many aquatic systems worldwide that are vulnerable to multiple drivers of environmental change.

Key themes of community-oriented primary care projects from a longitudinal, rural interprofessional health professions curriculum (1997–2023)

BackgroundThe Community Oriented Primary Care Project Model (COPC) has been well studied globally as well as in the United States as a way to provide both community-centered primary care and to engage in community based research. Rural trainees through the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Rural Medical Education Program (RMED) and Rural Pharmacy Education Program (RPHARM) students through the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy have participated in a COPC project as a capstone to a four month longitudinal, immersive community-based experience in a rural primary care setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the type of projects implemented through a rural health professions curriculum over a 30 year project period. .MethodsA research team reviewed projects on 30 elements; including topic and demographics. Patterns in COPC topics and rurality of the location in which the COPC project were also examined by using 2021 U.S. Census Bureau population data and Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) Code.ResultsCOPC projects were categorized into 31 main topic areas with mental health being the most prevalent topic area covered by projects (n = 67, 15.7%) followed by 43 (10.1%) projects that focused on nutrition/exercise, and 41 (9.6%) focused on substance use (presented as a separate category from mental health in this analysis).ConclusionsFor three decades, COPC themes reflect priority health issues in rural communities while providing a scholarly activity for health profession student trainees Past projects have also been implemented in highly rural areas where research is not often conducted. The COPC research process can be easily replicated in other trainee models such as to fulfill ACGME requirements of scholarly activity and can provide a template for trainees of this model to implement community-engaged research in the future.

A Enhanced Process for Examining Resumes and Organizing Candidates Through Statistical Methods

Selecting suitable applicants is an important part of the screening process in a recruitment consulting firm. In general, traditional recruiting practices are used by the majority of businesses and consulting organizations. The primary strategy is employing resume-based screening techniques to attract exceptionally skilled researchers and developers for high-tech enterprises. Typically, the organization evaluates the individual's qualifications, professional history, employment experience, motivations, specialist abilities, and past creative projects as shown in their résumé in order to select the most suited candidate. The study sought to examine and mechanize efficient screening techniques utilized by consulting firms, emphasizing the need of ongoing research in comprehending evolving customer requirements and enhancing the screening process. Various techniques typically employ automated image analysis and heuristic methods to extract tabular bioinformatics data from resumes, with the aim of gathering pertinent information. This research employs optical character recognition (OCR) as it circumvents the inherent automotive engineering of the document and has been demonstrated to be a viable approach. Resumes in PDF format were gathered via convenience sampling and systematic random sampling, and data was then extracted from the resume documents by OCR. The pertinent data is subsequently analyzed using statistical techniques such as the Chi-square test, percentage studies, and the weighted average approach based on factors such as experience, technical/non-technical skills, employability, career advancement, salary expectations, and role/designation expectations. The proposed approach empowered the selection of the appropriate resumes for the subsequent recruitment progression.. sections. Such references are made by indicating the section number, for example, “In Sec. 2 we showed...” or “Section 2.1 contained a description....” If the word Section, Reference, Equation, or Figure starts a sentence, it is spelled out. When occurring in the middle of a sentence, these words are abbreviated Sec., Ref., Eq., and Fig. At the first occurrence of an acronym, spell it out followed by the acronym in parentheses, e.g., charge-coupled diode (CCD). Key Words: Resume screening process; Optical character recognition; Recruitment; Chi-square test, subsequently analyzed pertinent data; efficient screening technique; appropriate resume; PDF;

APPLICATIONS OF NON-TRADITIONAL EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT MODELS IN PROJECT ANALYTICS

Effective management of financial resources in projects is crucial for project success. Often, difficulties with financial resources, such as budget overruns, lead to unfavorable consequences that directly impact the successful completion of the project, the quality of the outcome, and stakeholder satisfaction. Therefore, identifying and developing tools for the effective management of financial resources, is of paramount importance. The purpose of this study is to apply non-traditional earned value management (EVM) models based on machine learning to predict project costs. To achieve the research objectives, previous literature on the topic was analyzed, a dataset of past projects was prepared, and a machine learning model was applied. The study found that non-traditional models, such as the regression algorithm AdaBoost, produced results close to the actual costs. The research indicates that the developed model could become an indispensable tool for project management and business decision-making, as it demonstrates the ability to adapt to various conditions and make accurate forecasts.

EDT demonstration for keeping low altitude orbit using carbon nanotube tether

This paper describes an electrodynamic tether system (EDT). Conductive tethers are used to overcome atmospheric resistance in low orbit and extend orbit life using EDT propulsion. First, based on the conceptual design, the feasibility of the EDT system has been evaluated through simulation. Especially, the induced electromotive force of the conductive tether has been clarified, the amount of current required to keep the orbital altitude, and the requirements for each device. Then, feasibilities of the key mission devices have been evaluated experimentally. Those are the conductive tether, the electron emission device, and the tether extension control mechanism. The conductive tether is planned to be made of carbon nanotubes, which are attracting attention as a new material, and its properties are evaluated. The electron-emitting device has been evaluated as a device that can be mounted on a micro/nano satellite. Tether extension mechanism was developed in our past project, then it should be evaluated with the purpose of adapting to conductive tether systems. Based on the evaluation, the orbital demonstration mission plan using a micro/nano satellite has been introduced. The mission is as follows. The conductive tether is extended and stabilized by the gravity gradient. By emitting electrons from an electron emitter mounted on a high-altitude satellite and collecting electrons on bare tether at low-altitude end, a current is generated from the high-altitude side to the low-altitude side. According to Fleming's law, the Lorentz force is generated in the direction of the orbiting accelerated, so it can be propelled in the upward direction of the orbit.

Public History: The Infrastructural Utopia of Metropa.

Metropa, an "art and peace project" by artist and musician Stefan Frankenberger, envisions a future European railroad network through the visual metaphor of an urban subway map, offering both an infrastructural and a political proposal for the future of the European continent. This essay explores Frankenberger's vision from a historical perspective, tracing the origins of the its visual language, its relationship with past trans-European railway projects, and its political implications. The article concludes that, although metropa's technical and political ambitions are deeply connected to the present, its visual appeal and references to historical precedents enhance its affective and political impact.

Evaluation of Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Neurological Health Conditions Using a Machine Learning Approach.

Background: Over one billion people worldwide suffer from neurological conditions that cause mobility impairments, often persisting despite rehabilitation. Chronic neurological disease (CND) patients who lack access to continuous rehabilitation face gradual functional decline. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a comprehensive framework for assessing these patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of a non-hospitalized neuromotor rehabilitation project for CND patients in Italy using the Barthel Index (BI) as the primary outcome measure. The rehabilitation was administered through an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), tailored by a multidisciplinary team and coordinated by a physiatrist. The IRP involved an initial comprehensive assessment, individualized therapy administered five days a week, and continuous adjustments based on patient progress. The secondary objectives include assessing mental status and sensory and communication functions, and identifying predictive factors for BI improvement using an artificial neural network (ANN). Methods: A retrospective observational study of 128 CND patients undergoing a rehabilitation program between 2018 and 2023 was conducted. Variables included demographic data, clinical assessments (BI, SPMSQ, and SVaMAsc), and ICF codes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regressions, and ANN to identify predictors of BI improvement. Results: Significant improvements in the mean BI score were observed from admission (40.28 ± 29.08) to discharge (42.53 ± 30.02, p < 0.001). Patients with severe mobility issues showed the most difficulty in transfers and walking, as indicated by the ICF E codes. Females, especially older women, experienced more cognitive decline, affecting rehabilitation outcomes. ANN achieved 86.4% accuracy in predicting BI improvement, with key factors including ICF mobility codes and the number of past rehabilitation projects. Conclusions: The ICF mobility codes are strong predictors of BI improvement in CND patients. More rehabilitation sessions and targeted support, especially for elderly women and patients with lower initial BI scores, can enhance outcomes and reduce complications. Continuous rehabilitation is essential for maintaining progress in CND patients.

Conservation of Native American Indigenous collections: views from both sides of the Atlantic

ABSTRACT Originating communities have long contested the ownership, conservation, and care of cultural heritage in museums. From cultural sensitivity to repatriation, human remains to sacred belongings and everyday items to regalia, caring for these collections involves varying levels of controversy. This article focuses on the conservation frameworks in the United States and France, whose legal and administrative aspects differ tremendously. This has a major influence on the application of preservation procedures. The existing literature and some notable projects aimed at resolving such tensions between museums and so-called source communities will be briefly reviewed, directing the reader to previously published sources. The final section presents past and present conservation projects that deal with Native American collections in US and French museums, and assesses commonalities and variations in approaching these issues on either side of the Atlantic.

Temporal and social distances of the estimated duration of R&D projects in the biopharma industry

Biopharmaceutical firms' opportunities depend on the accurate estimation of highly acclaimed clinical trial projects duration. To understand how forecasts of the duration differ from the actual duration, this study uses Construal Level Theory (CLT), which places the future estimates on the different levels of distance in estimation errors. This article explores (a) whether the estimated project duration is indeed longer than the actual duration of the project, and (b) how it differs when considering foreign versus domestic projects. A dataset of 24,953 technology projects in two locations make two discoveries. First, the actual duration of completed projects (past) is likely to be 0.26 times longer than the estimated duration of future projects, implying that project sponsors tend to underestimate the project duration. Second, the foreign versus domestic projects likely to be 0.26 times longer than the domestic sponsors projects. Third, foreign and past project further increases the duration by 0.40 times compared to the domestic and past project. The study resolves the duration issue, contributes to the CLT framework by supporting the psychic distance principle and construal levels. It reveals potential errors in the estimation of the unknown future based on the known past.

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic experiences moderate to high seismic hazard mostly caused by oblique convergence at the Caribbean/North American plate boundary that manifests as subduction zones, less-pronounced subduction-like trenches with thrust faulting, long strike-slip faults parallel to the plate boundary, and onshore deformation. Historical earthquakes have damaged the Dominican Republic’s large cities and those in neighboring Haiti, once requiring relocation. Given this, the Dominican Republic joined the “Training and Communication for Earthquake Risk Assessment” (TREQ) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development, which aimed to increase earthquake risk assessment capacity in Latin American cities. The TREQ project was the basis for developing an openly available probabilistic seismic hazard model for the Dominican Republic. The input model was developed from two main datasets: a homogenized earthquake catalog and an active faults database that combines results of recent local projects with a global database. The seismic source characterization used these to constrain source geometries and occurrence rates for active shallow crustal earthquakes, subduction interfaces and subduction-like thrusts, and intraslab earthquakes. Shallow crustal earthquakes, including those on subduction-like thrusts, are modeled by smoothed seismicity and fault sources, the latter using pre-defined geometries that permit multi-fault ruptures. Seismicity on the Puerto Rico Trench subduction interface is modeled as a fault source, while intraslab sources use pre-defined gridded ruptures inside the intraslab volume. The source characterization applies epistemic uncertainties to modeling assumptions affecting occurrence rates and maximum magnitudes. The ground motion characterization used residual analyses from past regional projects as a basis, updating some components with more recent ground motion models. Computed hazard results reinforce those from recent studies in terms of geographical hazard patterns and levels. For 475-year return periods, peak ground acceleration (PGA) in Santiago de los Caballeros reaches 0.50 g, controlled by the Septentrional Fault, while all tectonic region types contribute to the PGA 0.31 g computed for Santo Domingo.

Parameterization of H2SO4 and organic contributions to volatile PM in aircraft plumes at ground idle

ABSTRACT Volatile Particulate Matter (vPM) emissions are challenging to measure and quantify, since they are not present in the condensed form at the engine exit plane and they evolve to first form in the aircraft plume and then continue to grow and change as they mix and dilute in the ambient atmosphere. To better understand the issues associated with the initial formation and growth of vPM, a modeling study has been undertaken to examine several key parameters that affect the formation and properties of the vPM that is created in the initial cooling and dilution of the aircraft exhaust. A modeling tool (Aerosol Dynamic Simulation Code, ADSC) that was developed and enhanced over a series of past research projects supported by NASA, DoD’s SERDP/ESTCP, and FAA was used to perform a parametric analysis of vPM. The parameters of fuel sulfur content (FSC), emitted condensable hydrocarbon (HC) concentrations, and the species profile of the HCs were used to construct a computational matrix that framed a wide range of expected parameter values. This computational matrix was executed for two representative commercial aircraft engines at ground idle and results were obtained for distances of 250 m and 1000 m downstream. From prior results, the most significant vPM emissions occur at the lowest power settings, so an engine power condition of 7% rated thrust was used. A primary goal of the parametric study is to develop an updated vPM modeling methodology and also to help interpret data collected in experimental campaigns. The parameterization proposed here allows the vPM emission composition and particle numbers to be estimated in greater detail than current methods. The aim is to provide additional understanding on how the vPM properties vary with fuel and engine parameters to increase the utility of vPM predictions. Implications: Volatile Particulate Matter (vPM) is an important contribution to the total PM emitted by aviation engines. While vPM is not currently a part of engine emissions certification regulations, vPM is used in aviation environmental impact assessments and for air quality modeling in and around airports. Current methods in use, such as FOA, were developed before many recent advances in experimental data acquisition and in understanding of vPM processes. The parameterization proposed here allows the vPM emission composition and particle numbers to be estimated in greater detail than current methods. These estimates can be used to develop inventories and provide a better estimate of total emission for most aviation engines. Its use in international regulatory tools can inform possible future regulatory actions regarding vPM.

Ranking of factors affecting pricing in construction projects by intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process with ordered pairs

The construction industry faces various challenges related to uncertainties in project bids and unstable pricing. These challenges include situations where uncertainties in bid documents can affect project pricing and performance. In order to resolve these uncertainties and clarify project requirements, risks and uncertainties within the document need to be identified early in the project life cycle. This study aims to rank the factors affecting project pricing. For this purpose, firstly, the parameters that have an impact on pricing are defined and then these factors are weighted by using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process with Ordered Pairs. The analysis of factors affecting construction pricing reveals some important insights. Environmental uncertainties and uncertainties in prices and labor costs are the most important factors influencing pricing, while past project experience is the least important factor. Overall, these findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of construction pricing, which is shaped by the complex interaction of environmental, economic and market factors.

"Exploring the Process and Perceptions of Noise Conflicts Related to a Geothermal Project. A Case Study of Szeged, Hungary "

The use of renewable energy, including geothermal energy, is essential. Hungary stands out for its remarkable geothermal potential. However, these investments often lead to noise pollution, causing social conflicts between the local population and developers. This research presents a case study of a geothermal district heating renovation project in Szeged, Hungary. The study explores public perceptions and social conflicts related to the geothermal heating renovation, focusing on noise impacts. Local media articles reflect public perspectives, while opinions of key stakeholders (politicians, service providers) offer a broader view of geothermal drilling and its noise impacts. The study examines Szeged residents’ knowledge about the ongoing drilling, its benefits, and the conflicts it entails, particularly noise pollution. The empirical survey employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a questionnaire survey and online media analysis. Results show that the public lacks sufficient information about geothermal drilling and its noise impact, whilst online media coverage is unclear. Residents often confuse it with other developments, which neither media experts nor the project owner adequately clarify. Survey respondents provided a complex interpretation of noise impacts, mostly accepting the project but questioning why it was in their immediate neighbourhood and why drilling occurred at night. Inconsistent information emerged as a main problem, revealed through content analysis and compared with questionnaire results, highlighting a general issue of unawareness. Media analysis showed opportunities for public comment and consultation, but communication was often unsuccessful due to local residents’ lack of interest. Project organizers attempted to provide information through various platforms, but local media often lacked clear information, causing confusion between past and current geothermal projects and a lack of understanding of the development’s reasons and site selection criteria. Overall, there was a willingness to understand the problems associated with drilling, but this was only partially achieved due to inadequate communication.

ОЦЕНКА СОИСКАТЕЛЯ С ПОМОЩьЮ ПРОФАЙЛИНГА СТРАНИЦы В СОЦИАЛьНОЙ СЕТИ

At the moment, many companies are considering candidates without work experience. There is no objective information to evaluate the applicant, but at the same time almost everyone finds their first job. In the absence of basic characteristics when hiring, HR services need to approach the evaluation of the candidate from other sides. One of the ways to make a portrait of a candidate is to analyze his page on social networks. Social networks can serve as a good source of information about hobbies, interests, and past projects of the applicant. Profiling technology is used for qualitative assessment of social networks. The theoretical analysis presented in the study showed that there is a variety of methods of profiling people used in various fields, including personnel services. The most promising technology is the evaluation of the applicant using digital profiling. In the course of the study, the problem of compiling a complete portrait of a candidate was identified, provided that there are no basic characteristics for evaluation in the resume (such as work experience, seniority, acquired skills and achievements). The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the technology of social media profiling is not widely used among HR services. The practical significance of the use of social media profiling lies in the fact that it is on the basis of this technology that a recruiter can make a primary conclusion about an applicant who has no work experience.