Evaluation Process Research Articles

Leveraging Xenobiotic-Responsive Cancer Stemness in Cell Line-Based Tumoroids for Evaluating Chemoresistance: A Proof-of-Concept Study on Environmental Susceptibility

Emerging evidence suggests that cancer stemness plays a crucial role in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Upon exposure to internal or external stress, ribosomes stand sentinel and facilitate diverse biological processes, including oncological responses. In the present study, ribosome-inactivating stress (RIS) was evaluated for its modulation of cancer cell stemness as a pivotal factor of tumor cell reprogramming. Based on the concept of stress-responsive cancer cell stemness, we addressed human intestinal cancer cell line-based off-the-shelf spheroid cultures. Intestinal cancer cell line-based spheroids exhibited heightened levels of CD44+CD133+ cancer stemness, which was improved by chemical-induced RIS. Further evaluations revealed the potential of these stress-imprinted spheroids as a platform for chemoresistance screening. Compared to adherent cells, stemness-improved spheroid cultures displayed reduced apoptosis in response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a frontline chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal cancer. Moreover, serial subcultures with repeated RIS exposure maintained and even enhanced cancer stemness and chemoresistance patterns. In particular, isolated CD44+CD133+ cancer stem cells exhibited higher chemoresistance compared to unsorted cells. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying RIS-induced stemness, RNA-seq analysis identified Wnt signaling pathways and stemness-associated signals as notable features in spheroids exposed to RIS. Loss-of-function studies targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, revealed that CTGF-deficient spheroids exhibited improved cancer stemness and resistance to 5-FU, with RIS further enhancing these effects. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging stress-responsive cancer stemness for the development of spheroid-based platforms for chemoresistance evaluation and elucidation of pathophysiological processes of colorectal tumorigenesis under environmental stress.

Evaluation of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) for the Stabilization of Prickly Pear Puree through the Assessment of Its Microbiological, Enzymatic, and Nutritional Features

Evaluation of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) for the Stabilization of Prickly Pear Puree through the Assessment of Its Microbiological, Enzymatic, and Nutritional Features

Measurement of development level of digital transformation of banks in Northwest China

Abstract. In the current era, the digital economy has become an important opportunity for commercial banks. In order to keep up with the pace of The Times, build a solid foundation of science and technology finance, and promote the economic development of the Northwest region, this paper adopts the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to explore the influential factors of the digital transformation of banks in the Northwest region. The analysis shows that net capital, operating income and loan-to-deposit ratio have the greatest impact on the digital transformation of banks. In terms of digital transformation of banks in Northwest China, Shaanxi Province and Gansu Province have a better development level, Qinghai Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region are relatively average, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Province is relatively backward. Based on this, the paper puts forward suggestions to improve the level of capital management, optimize the structure of deposits and loans, and promote income diversification.

Exploring the Practical Teaching Mode of Language Laboratory based on Artificial Intelligence

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in the field of education is becoming more and more extensive, especially in the teaching mode of language laboratory, AI technology shows great potential and innovation space. The purpose of this paper is to explore the practical teaching mode of language lab based on artificial intelligence, and to reveal its advantages and challenges in language learning by analysing the current status of the application of AI technology in teaching. This study aims to explore the in-depth analysis of the research on the practical teaching mode of language labs based on artificial intelligence. Firstly, it introduces the problems of language labs and analyses the limitations and problems of traditional labs. Secondly, the language laboratory solution measures are elaborated in detail to construct the practical teaching mode of language laboratory based on artificial intelligence. Then, the practical teaching mode of language laboratory based on artificial intelligence is explored. Finally, the application value of the language laboratory of artificial intelligence in the aspects of linguistic research and teaching practicability is discussed. As an innovative application of educational technology, the language laboratory of artificial intelligence has a positive role in promoting the transformation of the modern language teaching mode, and provides new perspectives and methods for foreign language teaching. This paper focuses on the design and construction of the practical language teaching mode of artificial intelligence. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, its application in the field of education has become increasingly widespread. In language teaching, the construction of an AI-based practical teaching model can help to improve teaching efficiency and quality and stimulate students’ interest in learning. This paper elaborates the design principles, construction elements, implementation process and effect evaluation of this teaching mode from various aspects.

Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) for a case study and scenario assessment of flood risk in the White Volta Basin of the Upper East Region, Ghana

In recent years, Ghana, particularly the inhabitants of the Upper East Region, has experienced profound impact of flooding, largely attributable to the complex interplay of climatic factors. This research embarks on a comprehensive assessment of flood risk zones nestled within the White Volta Basin, situated in the Upper East Region. The study employs advanced cartographic methodologies and uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically categorize areas susceptible to inundation. Leveraging geospatial datasets acquired from satellites such as Landsat and Sentinel. Topographic, slope, and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps have been constructed. The empirical findings underscore the susceptibility of specific regions, including the Talensi District, territories within Bawku West, and some segments of the Bolgatanga Municipal area, to escalated flood risk. Additionally, the research underscores the high vulnerability of communities such as Nunku, Tolla, Zaare, Pwalugu, Balungu, Winkongo, Biung, and Tongo to the negative impact of inundation. Significantly, the study unveils a pivotal factor in the perpetuation of flood devastation—namely, the role of water discharge. This intrinsic linkage between discharge rates and flood occurrences underscores the pressing need to address this critical component in mitigation strategies to reduce adverse impacts on the basin’s resident communities. The insights derived from the study offer some level of hope for residents, providing essential knowledge concerning flood-prone areas and optimal timing for agricultural activities to safeguard their cherished livelihoods.

The impact of pilot policies for low carbon city construction on the development of urban circular economy multiple time-point difference-in-differences model

IntroductionAs a means of environmental regulation, the low-carbon city pilot policy aims to address climate change and alleviate environmental resource pressures in economic development. The development of low-carbon cities often requires changes to the existing industrial and energy structures, which will have a significant impact on the regional economy.MethodsThe study is based on panel data from 273 prefecture level cities in China from 2012 to 2022, and uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Comprehensive Evaluation Method to construct an evaluation index system for urban circular benefits. Finally, the multiple time point differences model and mediation effect model were used to evaluate the impact and influencing factors of policies on urban economy.ResultsThe results indicate that at the 1% level, the explanatory variable coefficient significantly improves the level of urban circular economy development after adding control variables. The construction of low-carbon pilot cities has improved the performance of circular economy development by about 6.42%. The mediating effect of industrial structure rationalization is significantly positive at the 1% significance level, indicating that the construction of low-carbon pilot cities has greatly promoted the coordinated development of industrial relations within China’s low-carbon development regions.DiscussionIt can be seen that the low-carbon city pilot policy has a significant promoting effect on China’s economic development and the development of urban circular economy. Therefore, it is recommended to further expand the pilot scope of low-carbon cities and fully leverage their promoting role.

Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) in Empowering Vocational English Teaching Evaluation Systems

The integration of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) into vocational English teaching has the potential to revolutionize the evaluation process, making it more efficient, personalized, and insightful. This paper explores the current landscape of AIGC in education, with a focus on its application in vocational English teaching evaluation systems. Through a systematic literature review, we analyze how AIGC can enhance existing evaluation frameworks, the challenges it poses, and the future direction of its integration into educational practices.

CascAGS: Comparative Analysis of SNP Calling Methods for Human Genome Data in the Absence of Gold Standard.

The development of third-generation sequencing has accelerated the boom of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling methods, but evaluating accuracy remains challenging owing to the absence of the SNP gold standard. The definitions for without-gold-standard and performance metrics and their estimation are urgently needed. Additionally, the possible correlations between different SNP loci should also be further explored. To address these challenges, we first introduced the concept of a gold standard and imperfect gold standard under the consistency framework and gave the corresponding definitions of sensitivity and specificity. A latent class model (LCM) was established to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of callers. Furthermore, we incorporated different dependency structures into LCM to investigate their impact on sensitivity and specificity. The performance of LCM was illustrated by comparing the accuracy of BCFtools, DeepVariant, FreeBayes, and GATK on various datasets. Through estimations across multiple datasets, the results indicate that LCM is well-suitable for evaluating callers without the SNP gold standard, and accurate inclusion of the dependency between variations is crucial for better performance ranking. DeepVariant has a higher sum of sensitivity and specificity than other callers, followed by GATK and BCFtools. FreeBayes has low sensitivity but high specificity. Notably, appropriate sequencing coverage is another important factor for precise callers' evaluation. Most importantly, a web interface for assessing and comparing different callers was developed to simplify the evaluation process.

A digital health-supported and community pharmacy-based lifestyle intervention program for adults with pre-diabetes: a study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPre-diabetes indicates an elevated risk of developing type-2 diabetes and presents a window for preventive actions. The Pre-diabetes Intervention, Management and Evaluation (PRIME) programme is a community pharmacy-based pre-diabetes management...

Bridging the gap: a qualitative process evaluation from the perspectives of healthcare professionals of an audit-and-feedback-based intervention to improve transition to adult care for young people living with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundThe transition from pediatric to adult care is a vulnerable time for young people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Bridging the Gap (BTG) is an audit-and-feedback (AF) intervention aimed at improving both transitions-in-care processes and diabetes management in the year following transition. As part of BTG, we conducted a qualitative process evaluation to understand: (a) what was implemented and how; and (b) the contextual factors (micro-, meso- and macro-) that affected implementation, outcomes and study processes.MethodsUsing qualitative descriptive methodology, interviews were conducted with 13 healthcare professionals (HCPs) delivering diabetes care to transitioning youth. Participants were asked about their experiences of BTG study processes and feedback tools, the quality improvement (QI) initiatives implemented at their site, and potential spread and scale. Interviews also explored the impacts of COVID-19 on transition care and study processes and results.ResultsFive key themes were identified. Participants’ reflections on the BTG study design indicated they appreciated its flexible, site-specific approach to QI, which they saw as crucial to the success of their initiatives. Engagement with feedback reports and other study resources provided comparative, site-specific data. Participants described the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on patients, care provision and study implementation. Their site-specific QI initiatives resulted in changes to their transition practices. Finally, participants commented on how BTG and its processes fostered a community of practice (CoP) between sites, resulting in new opportunities to collaborate and share experiences.ConclusionsBTG resulted in a CoP among practitioners delivering transition care to youth with T1D, which could be scaled up to promote a learning health system in pediatric diabetes care. Qualitative process evaluation is a useful tool for understanding how contextual factors affect the implementation and outcomes of complex QI interventions.

A Person-Based Web-Based Sleep Intervention Aimed at Adolescents (SleepWise): Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study.

Adolescents are advised to sleep 8-10 hours per night; however, most do not sleep for this recommended amount. Poor adolescent sleep is associated with detrimental health outcomes, including reduced physical activity, risk-taking behaviors, and increased depression and anxiety levels, making this an important public health concern. Existing interventions targeting adolescent sleep are often unsuccessful or their effectiveness unclear, as they are frequently noninteractive, time-consuming, and lack a strong theoretical foundation; highlighting an urgent need for innovative interventions deemed acceptable by adolescents. The main objective of this study was to determine the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary impact of a web-based person-based sleep intervention (SleepWise) on adolescent sleep quality. Participant incentivization was also explored to understand its impact on engagement, acceptability, and sleep quality. A feasibility trial was conducted to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of SleepWise on adolescent sleep quality, developed based on the person-based approach to intervention development. In total, 90 participants (aged 13-17 years) from further education institutions and secondary schools were recruited for two 2-arm randomized controlled trials. One trial (trial 1) was incentivized to understand the impact of incentivization. Acceptability and sleep quality were assessed via questionnaires, and a mixed methods process evaluation was undertaken to assess participant engagement and experience with SleepWise. Engagement was automatically tracked by SleepWise, which collected data on the date and time, pages viewed, and the number of goals and sleep logs completed per participant. Semistructured interviews were carried out to gain participant feedback. Participants in both trials reported high levels of acceptability (trial 1: mean 21.00, SD 2.74; trial 2: mean 20.82, SD 2.48) and demonstrated similar levels of engagement with SleepWise. Participants in trial 1 viewed slightly more pages of the intervention, and those in trial 2 achieved their set goals more frequently. Improvements in sleep quality were found in both trials 1 and 2, with medium (trial 1) and large (trial 2) effect sizes. A larger effect size for improvement in sleep quality was found in the nonincentivized trial (d=0.87), suggesting that incentivization may not impact engagement or sleep quality. Both trials achieved acceptable recruitment (trial 1, N=48; trial 2, N=42), and retention at 5 weeks (trial 1: N=30; trial 2: N=30). Qualitative findings showed that adolescents lead busy lifestyles, which may hinder engagement; however, participants deemed SleepWise acceptable in length and content, and made attempts at behavior change. SleepWise is an acceptable and potentially efficacious web-based sleep intervention aimed at adolescents. Findings from this study showed that incentivization did not greatly impact engagement, acceptability, or sleep quality. Subject to a full trial, SleepWise has the potential to address the urgent need for innovative, personalized, and acceptable sleep interventions for adolescents. OSF Registries osf.io/yanb2; https://osf.io/yanb2.

Sustainability assessment of additive manufacturing end-of-life material management

Additive manufacturing (AM) methods enable complex, customized, and on-demand production of many products from different material types across various industries. The growing demand for flexible and more sustainable manufacturing solutions places AM in the mix of processes considered for non-commodities. However, AM processes also present unintentional environmental releases in end-of-life (EoL) material management, compromising overall sustainability. Data availability to assess the sustainability of individual EoL material management from individual AM processes is limited. Even so, EoL materials generated across AM practices frequently overlap, supporting high-level assessment as an alternative approach. Therefore, a holistic AM EoL material management sustainability analysis was completed using a customized list of efficiency, environmental, energy, and economic indicators from the Gauging Reaction Effectiveness for the Environmental Sustainability of Chemistries with a multi-Objective Process Evaluator (GREENSCOPE) methodology. Subsequently, this assessment identified low material recycling rates and high energy costs in some EoL material management processes, such as incineration and recovery. Subsequently, a trade-off analysis was performed to determine process modification opportunities, including implementing recycling to reduce the amount of hazardous waste at the expense of additional energy and cost investment. The AM EoL-specific sustainability analysis serves as a resource to offer insights and empower policymakers and stakeholders to enhance pollution prevention strategies and optimize the existing EoL material management processes.

Measurement-Based Care in a Remote Intensive Outpatient Program: Pilot Implementation Initiative.

The ongoing mental health crisis, especially among youth, has led to a greater demand for intensive treatment at the intermediate level, such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Defining best practices in remote IOPs more broadly is critical to understanding the impact of these offerings for individuals with high-acuity mental health service needs in the outpatient setting. Measurement-based care (MBC), or the routine and systematic collection of patient-reported data throughout the course of care to make meaningful changes to treatment, is one such practice that has been shown to improve patient outcomes in mental health treatment. Despite the literature linking MBC to beneficial clinical outcomes, the adoption of MBC in clinical practice has been slow and inconsistent, and more research is needed around MBC in youth-serving settings. The aim of this paper is to help bridge these gaps, illustrating the implementation of MBC within an organization that provides remote-first, youth-oriented IOP for individuals with high-acuity psychiatric needs. A series of 2 quality improvement pilot studies were conducted with select clinicians and their clients at Charlie Health, a remote IOP program that treats high-acuity teenagers and young adults who present with a range of mental health disorders. Both studies were carefully designed, including thorough preparation and planning, clinician training, feedback collection, and data analysis. Using process evaluation data, MBC deployment was repeatedly refined to enhance the clinical workflow and clinician experience. The survey completion rate was 80.08% (3216/4016) and 86.01% (4218/4904) for study 1 and study 2, respectively. Quantitative clinician feedback showed marked improvement from study 1 to study 2. Rates of successful treatment completion were 22% and 29% higher for MBC pilot clients in study 1 and study 2, respectively. Depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being symptom reduction were statistically significantly greater for MBC pilot clients (P<.05). Our findings support the feasibility and clinician acceptability of a rigorous MBC process in a real-world, youth-serving, remote-first, intermediate care setting. High survey completion data across both studies and improved clinician feedback over time suggest strong clinician buy-in. Client outcomes data suggest MBC is positively correlated with increased treatment completion and symptom reduction. This paper provides practical guidance for MBC implementation in IOPs and can extend to other mental health care settings.

Simplified calculation models for evaluating the post-earthquake axial load-carrying capacity of RC bridge piers

This study aims to develop simplified calculation models of the post-earthquake axial load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete columns to determine the post-earthquake traffic flow capacity of the bridges for the evaluation and design process. To this end, the maximum and residual drift ratios are first determined as the engineering demand parameters for the simplified calculation model for the evaluation and design process, respectively. Then, the optimal models describing the relationships between the maximum/residual drift ratio and the post-earthquake axial load-carrying capacity are selected. The analysis results show the normal cumulative model in the coordinate system of ln(x)-y is the optimal relationship model. On this basis, the effects of high-sensitivity parameters (i.e. the axial compressive ratio and shear span ratio) on the post-earthquake axial load-carrying capacity are investigated. Results indicate that the axial compressive ratio negatively affects, while the shear span ratio positively affects the post-earthquake axial load-carrying capacity. Finally, the simplified calculation models of the post-earthquake axial load-carrying capacity are developed from the optimal model and the effects of the high-sensitivity parameters, and with validated high accuracy. The simplified calculation models provide engineers and policymakers with a tool to predict the post-earthquake traffic flow capacity of bridges.

Administration of Vocational Education Bilateral System of Educational Institutions under the Office of the Commission Rayong Province Vocational Education

Background and Aims: The study of bilateral vocational education administration in educational institutions under the Rayong Vocational Education Institute aims to: (1) assess the level of vocational education administration within the bilateral system of vocational institutes in Rayong Province, based on the standards set by the Vocational Education Commission; (2) compare the levels of vocational education administration between different vocational education institutes in Rayong Province; and (3) explore guidelines for promoting or developing the administration of vocational education under the bilateral system within institutions under the Rayong Vocational Education Institute. Methodology: The study involved 201 participants in the sample group. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires with a 5-point rating scale and structured interviews, yielding Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) values between 0.80 and 1.00, and a reliability coefficient of 0.97. Statistical analysis included t-tests, F-tests, as well as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation to effectively interpret the data. Results: (1) The Rayong Vocational Education Institute oversees a bilateral system of educational institutions, and the vocational education administration demonstrates a high level of proficiency in four main areas: curriculum, measurement and evaluation, collaboration between establishments and educational institutions, and graduate quality. (2) Using a t-test, vocational education administration in the bilateral system was analyzed based on categories such as position, educational level, individual items, and overall assessment. An F-test was also conducted to assess differences according to the size of the educational institutions. While administrators and teachers from different positions, educational backgrounds, and institution sizes had varied opinions on vocational education administration, there were no significant overall differences in perception. (3) Comprehensive guidelines for enhancing the administration of vocational education in the bilateral system should focus on four key areas: 1) improving graduate quality, 2) enhancing the curriculum, 3) fostering collaboration between businesses and educational institutions, and 4) refining measurement and evaluation processes.

Process evaluation findings from Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0: a cardiovascular disease prevention intervention for rural women

BackgroundStrong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0 (SHHC-2.0) was a 24-week cardiovascular disease prevention program that was effective in improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors and clinical outcomes among women in 11 rural New York, USA towns. This study evaluated the delivery of SHHC-2.0 to prepare the intervention for further dissemination.MethodsThis process evaluation was guided by the Medical Research Council recommendations and engaged program leaders and participants (i.e., women over age 40) using quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative evaluation included examination of enrollment and retention data, a participant survey, and a fidelity checklist completed after classes. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to assess implementation measures: program reach, participant attendance, dose delivered, program length, perceived effectiveness, fidelity, and participant satisfaction. The qualitative evaluation included focus groups (n = 13) and interviews (n = 4) using semi-structured guides; audio was recorded and transcripts were deductively coded and analyzed using directed content analysis and iterative categorization approaches. Comparisons across towns and between intervention and waitlist control groups were explored.ResultsAverage reach within towns was 7.5% of the eligible population (range 0.7-15.7%). Average attendance was 59.8% of sessions (range 42.0-77.4%). Average dose delivered by leaders was 86.4% of curriculum components (range 73.5-95.2%). Average session length was 51.8 ± 4.8 min across 48 sessions. Leaders’ perceived effectiveness rating averaged 4.1 ± 0.3 out of 5. Fidelity to curricular components was 81.8% (range 67.4-93.2%). Participants reported being “more than satisfied” with the overall program (88.8%) and the health benefits they obtained (72.9%). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants: (1) gained new knowledge and enjoyable experiences; (2) perceived improvements in their physical activity, nutrition, and/or health; (3) continued to face some barriers to physical activity and healthy eating, with those relating to social support being reduced; and (4) rated leaders and the group structure highly, with mixed opinions on the research elements.ConclusionsSHHC-2.0 had broad reach, was largely delivered as intended, and participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the program and its health benefits. Our findings expand on best practices for implementing cardiovascular disease prevention programs in rural communities.Clinical trials Registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03059472.

Giant Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: A Case Series Demonstrating the Surgical Management and Functional Outcomes

Abstract Objective Giant olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) present technical challenges in their management, especially when their size and location complicate the evaluation and planning process, making complete removal difficult. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the surgical approaches and outcomes encountered in the management of giant OGMs at a single institution. Materials and Methods This retrospective study evaluated surgical and functional outcomes in 71 patients diagnosed with giant OGMs larger than 6 cm. Tumors were excised using microsurgical resection via the bifrontal, pterional, or combined pterional and unifrontal approaches. Results The study comprised 48 females (67.6%) and 23 males (32.4%), with a mean age of 54.1 years. The most common pathological type was meningothelial meningioma (45%). The bifrontal approach was the most frequently used (n = 47, 66.2%) and resulted in Simpson grade I or II resection in 41 patients (87.2%). The combined pterional and unifrontal approaches were used in 16 patients (22.5%), achieving Simpson grade I or II resection in 12 (75%). The pterional approach was the least commonly used (n = 8), with Simpson grade I or II resection achieved in 50% of these patients. Postoperatively, visual acuity and cognitive function improved during follow-up. Postoperative complications were frequently observed after the bifrontal approach. Three patients (4.2%) died. Conclusion The bifrontal approach resulted in better resection of giant OGMs than other approaches but was associated with more complications. The combined pterional and unifrontal approach was superior to the pterional approach in terms of OGM resection, with no differences in complication rates. Significant postoperative improvements in functional outcomes, including visual acuity and cognitive function, were observed.

A multi-label text classifier: application on an Italian public tender procedure, project ISCOL@

The main means of communication during the pre-design phase is natural language. Effective communication during the pre-design phase through text documents and reports is essential to the success of a design and construction project. The study develops and evaluates a Natural Language Processing (NLP) tool called ArchiBERTo to process textual data related to design tender documents in the Italian public procurement process. Documenti di Indirizzo alla Progettazione (DIPs) are key documents, as they outline the demands, needs, and objectives of the public appointing party. ArchiBERTo is developed to process and convert DIP quality objective sentences into a hierarchy of objectives and criteria. The performances are evaluated by comparing the tool’s rankings with those provided by a group of domain experts. The results demonstrate ArchiBERTo's capability to reflect the collective ability of a panel of experts and to properly reflect the different contents of the DIP in the objectives hierarchy. The proposed system aims to address the issue of information asymmetry and potential misunderstandings, or varying interpretations, among the key actors of the Italian tendering procedure, namely the public appointing party, the design teams, and the external committee, regarding the relative importance of quality objectives and evaluation criteria. The utilization of the NLP systems ArchiBERTo to establish a shared hierarchy of objectives is expected to enhance communication and promote consensus during the pre-design phase. The minimization of the consensus issue among the actors can have a positive impact on the overall quality of the design proposals and facilitate the evaluation process conducted by the external committee, bridging the gap between expected and actual quality, ensuring that design proposals align with the quality objectives and demands of the public actor.

A methodology for prioritizing sustainable development goals targets at the local level: The case of Barcelona City Council

AbstractThe implementation of the 2030 Agenda relies heavily on the active involvement of local governments. The concept of “Localization”—the process of adapting and customizing the SDGs and translating them into local development plans and strategies—has gained prominence as governments address emerging challenges, necessitating innovative approaches. Practical insights from local governments are essential for guiding others in this process. A key debate focuses on “prioritization,” emphasizing the need to focus on a specific set of SDG targets based on available resources, the local government's experience with sustainable policies or the normative framework in which it operates. Prioritization is crucial to prevent fragmentation of efforts that could hinder the local government's contribution to the 2030 Agenda. This paper aims to introduce a methodology for prioritizing SDG targets within local governments. Using a multicriteria analysis tool, the paper shows the process undertaken by the Barcelona City Council to cluster the SDG targets around four priority groups based on four criteria: (i) distance to the goal, (ii) strategic coverage, (iii) normative competence, and (iv) budgetary effort. The prioritization approach contributes to a better monitoring and evaluation process to assess progress towards the SDGs and enhance collaborative efforts across municipal policy and management levels. The findings provide valuable insights and serve as a reference for other local governments aiming at contributing to the 2030 Agenda. The approach is adaptable and can be applied to different subnational governments by tailoring to their specific scope and requirements of the context of application.

Comparative Study of Evaluation Indicators for Learning Cities and the Implications

With the development of society, more and more cities are participating in the initiative to build learning cities. Constructing an evaluation indicator system for learning cities to monitor the progress and promote their growth has become increasingly important. This paper analyzes the preliminary framework of the UNESCO Global Learning City Index and R3L+ Quality Framework. The comparison is made from the aspects of design philosophy, criteria of indicator, and the cycle of evaluation process. The findings suggest that the construction of an evaluation indicator system should be focused more on the diversity of learning city development, the construction of an evaluation process cycle, and the significance of building cooperative networks.