Aims Of Project Research Articles

The Steelmaking Transformation Process and Its Consequences for Slag Utilization

The main challenge of the European steel industry for the next decade is the steel production transformation process. Many steel producers aim to avoid their CO2 emissions by substituting the CO2‐intensive blast furnace/basic oxygen furnace route by a gas‐based direct reduced iron (DRI) process combined with an electric smelting process. Thus, the well‐known latent hydraulic granulated blast furnace slag (GBS) will vanish step by step. For more than 140 years, this slag has been used as a supplementary cementitious material due to its clinker reduction potential and from there its CO2 reduction potential for the cement and concrete production. Moreover, slag cements offer some special technical advantages. Whereas the solid‐state DRI process itself does not generate any slag, the different electric smelting processes will produce liquid steel or “electric” pig iron, respectively, together with very different types of slags. However, specific slag/metal ratios, resulting slag volumes, chemical and mineralogical composition, and physical properties of the new slags are yet unknown. Therefore, their cementitious and environmental properties are also still unknown. Different current and scheduled projects aim mainly to enable the different types of new slags to substitute GBS to continue the successful cross‐industrial cooperation between steel and cement industry.

Innovative Prozessketten in der Produktion

Abstract The hybrid process chain, consisting of wire arc additive manufacturing and post-processing, is a promising alternative to many established process chains but brings new challenges to the product development process. In several research projects at the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management (iwb) at the Technical University of Munich, existing competencies in hybrid manufacturing are further developed. These research projects aim to enable hybrid manufacturing for new applications and to facilitate stable processes.

Exercise and nutrition to improve cancer Treatment-Related outcomes (ENICTO).

Chemotherapy treatment-related side-effects are common and increase the risk of suboptimal outcomes. Exercise interventions during cancer treatment improve self-reported physical functioning, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, but it is unclear whether these interventions improve important clinical outcomes, such as chemotherapy relative dose intensity (RDI). The National Cancer Institute funded the Exercise and Nutrition to Improve Cancer Treatment-Related Outcomes (ENICTO) Consortium, to address this knowledge gap. This paper describes the mechanisms hypothesized to underpin intervention effects on clinically-relevant treatment outcomes, briefly outlines each project's distinct research aims, summarizes the scope and organizational structure of ENICTO, and provides an overview of the integrated common data elements used to pursue research questions collectively. In addition, the paper includes a description of consortium-wide activities and broader research community opportunities for collaborative research. Findings from the ENICTO Consortium have the potential to accelerate a paradigm shift in oncology care such that cancer patients could receive exercise and nutrition programming as the standard of care in tandem with chemotherapy to improve RDI for a curative outcome.

Advocate-BREAST: advocates and patients’ advice to enhance breast cancer care delivery, patient experience and patient centered research by 2025

PurposeThe aims of the Advocate-BREAST project are to study and improve the breast cancer (BC) patient experience through education and patient-centered research.MethodsIn December 2021, an electronic REDCap survey was circulated to 6,918 BC survivors (stage 0–4) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry. The questionnaire asked about satisfaction with BC care delivery, and education and support receive(d) regarding BC linked concerns. Patients also ranked Quality Improvement (QI) proposals.ResultsThe survey received 2,437 responses. 18% had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, 81% had early breast cancer (EBC), i.e. stage 1–3, and 2% had metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Mean age was 64 (SD 11.8), and mean time since diagnosis was 93 months (SD 70.2). 69.3% of patients received all care at Mayo Clinic. The overall experience of care was good (> 90%). The main severe symptoms recalled in year 1 were alopecia, eyebrow/eyelash thinning, hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive issues. The main concerns recalled were fear of BC recurrence/spread; loved ones coping; fear of dying, and emotional health. Patients were most dissatisfied with information regarding sexual dysfunction, eyebrow/eyelash thinning, peripheral neuropathy, and on side effects of immunotherapy/targeted therapies. Top ranking QI projects were: i) Lifetime access to concise educational resources; ii) Holistic support programs for MBC and iii) Wellness Programs for EBC and MBC.ConclusionsPatients with early and advanced BC desire psychological support, concise educational resources, and holistic care.ImplicationsFocused research and QI initiatives in these areas will improve the BC patient experience.

Development Of Smart Greenhouse Farming Based On Internet Of Things

This project aim is to develop smart greenhouse farming based on IoT system for monitoring the quality for the plant which use sensor and Node-RED as a website for monitoring. The monitoring system using microcontroller such as humidity sensor,soil moisture to control the condition of soil moisture level. The phenomenon of greenhouse plants is particularly significant since it has the potential to help improve the economy and cut manufacturing costs. Given the agricultural industry's lack of human resources, one of the cultivation techniques that have to be improved is hydroponic plants, also known as greenhouse plants. Hydroponic plant technology can be used in conjunction with hydroponic plants. Tropical greenhouses have various advantages in plant cultivation as well as practical manufacturing potential.This technology can be utilized to apply according to plant demands to maximize yield in agriculture. The project employed is a tool for monitoring soil moisture that is based on a prototype using an online platform for monitoring humidity and plant quality, and it can assist farmers in decreasing the budget for production.

Reducing Noise in the NICU.

In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), elevated noise negatively impacts the neurodevelopmental environment, interrupts sleep, and can affect brain development in neonates. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that noise levels in the NICU should not exceed 45dB. The project aims were to: (1) decrease average noise level by 10% from baseline and (2) decrease exposure to severe noise (>65dB) to <5% of the time. This quality improvement project was conducted during 2021-2022 as a pre/post observational design in a Level IV NICU in New York City. We monitored sound levels for 20-24h, 5d/wk. Quality improvement interventions included: novel approaches to staff education, visual cues for when noise thresholds were exceeded, parent education, including access to personal decibel meters, technical improvements to vital sign monitors and entry doors, and defined quiet times (HUSH) for 2h each 12-hour shift. Education efforts and technical improvements successfully reduced median noise levels within the stepdown unit ( P <.001), though not in the acute care NICU. In contrast, the implementation of 2-hour periods of enforced "quiet time" every 12h effectively reduced both median noise levels and the incidence of severe noise (>65dB) in both locations. The HUSH strategy may be a sustainable way to decrease noise in the NICU. Future projects should prioritize education and dedicated quiet times to align with recommended standards, while research should explore the long-term developmental impacts of excessive noise levels on neonatal growth.

Comparing 5D BIM costs: stilt housing against conventional housing for flood management

Purpose Sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects aim to reduce flooding impacts and improve community adaptability. For instance, flood-resistant stilts elevate structures, mitigating flood damage. Comprehensive consideration is crucial when adding elements to housing projects, incurring costs for all involved parties. This study aims to assess the viability of concrete stilts for cost-effective flood mitigation in Malaysian terrace housing. Design/methodology/approach The study evaluates cost implications through a comparative 5D building information modeling (BIM) cost analysis of stilted and conventional (standard) housing models. This assesses the percentage increase in total cost. Furthermore, a survey of construction professionals was undertaken. The study used online convenience and stratified sampling techniques. Out of the 222 emails that were sent, 27 construction professionals located in Johor, Sabah and Selangor within Malaysia participated in the research survey. Their perspectives on stilt housing prospects and factors for costing such structures were analyzed through a descriptive analysis using SPSS. Findings The case study models revealed that the incorporation of stilts could lead to a 21.64% increase in the overall cost per unit. This cost increase was primarily attributed to the additional reinforcement required. However, the survey findings highlighted that a majority of construction professionals perceived the cost increment to fall within the range of 10%–20%. Consequently, it becomes imperative to meticulously consider cost factors such as foundational requirements, staircases, and the extended construction duration to effectively curtail expenditures. The prospect of heightened costs potentially posing a threat to profit margins and discouraging developers necessitates careful financial management. Notwithstanding these challenges, the survey's insights underscored that professionals in the construction industry indeed recognize the potential of stilt technology in the realm of flood mitigation and management, particularly within housing projects. Practical implications This research has significant practical implications. It provides a precise financial contrast between housing categories using 5D BIM and incorporates construction experts’ viewpoints on raised housing. Enhanced design considerations for raised housing can make it economically viable, offering a cost-effective, nature-based approach to flood mitigation. This approach can bring substantial benefits to residents by reducing flood-related damages and enhancing community resilience. Originality/value One of the notable aspects of this research is its originality. It uses a dual quantitative methodology involving modeling and survey techniques to address its objectives effectively. This approach contributes significantly to the relatively limited body of research focused on stilt housing and the application of 5D BIM. By combining these methodologies, the study explores a relatively uncharted area, making a valuable contribution to the field.

Enhancing Mental Health With PHILOI: A Comprehensive Analysis of Mood Music and Chatbot Module

The project aim was to develop an app that would enable the recording and monitoring of behaviour related to specific aspects of wellness, as well as support those aspects of wellness that are entertainment-related. Our main goal was to envision and develop an app with the well-being of users in mind. People’s moods can be improved upon or changed by music, with music and mental health tightly intertwined. Music is frequently used to complement or change an individual’s mood. While there are advantages to mood-appropriate music, it may cause us to remain in a depressed, angry, or nervous state. A survey was conducted to examine these aspects. After performing a lot of research and interviews in this area, we found 68% of those surveyed listen to music according to their mood or to change their mood. This inspired us to build an application that not only plays music but also recommends songs to users, eliminating the daily nuisance of selecting the right music, which can waste valuable time. As mental balance is an essential component of healthy existence in today's hectic world, to enhance the practicality of our app, as icing on the cake, we included an AI chatbot that not only converses with the user but also provides them with suitable advice on their concerns.

The tortoise in the urban development network: How social relations affect decision-making speed in a road expansion project in Kristiansand, Norway

ABSTRACT Why do urban development projects take a long time to complete? This question is of paramount importance, both practically and academically. Practically, understanding the reasons for delays in these projects can help improve project efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction. Academically, the study contributes to the field of urbanization by applying social network analysis (SNA) to explore the interactions and relationships among decision-makers in urban development projects. This study draws upon original data from a road extension project in Kristiansand to illustrate and explain why the implementation of large development projects suffers from convoluted and slow decision-making processes after an overall agreement on project aims and goals has been established. This study draws on a sample of 33 actors who participated in the decisions concerning the project. I collected the data through a combination of interviews and document reviews and subsequently analyzed them using social network structural metrics and visualization techniques. The results show that the actors are connected in less dense, more centralized, and clustered networks with subgroups and low reciprocity which have hampered efficient communication, resulting in delays. The findings imply that the pattern of relationships among decision-making actors can affect the amount of time taken to reach conclusions in urban development initiatives.

A Nanobody/Monoclonal Antibody "hybrid" sandwich technology offers an improved immunoassay strategy for detection of African trypanosome infections.

The scarcity of reliable devices for diagnosis of Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) presents a limitation to control of the disease. Existing high-sensitivity technologies such as PCR are costly, laborious, time-consuming, complex, and require skilled personnel. Hence, utilisation of most diagnostics for AAT is impracticable in rural areas, where the disease occurs. A more accessible point-of-care test (POCT) capable of detecting cryptic active infection, without relying on expensive equipment, would facilitate AAT detection. In turn, early management, would reduce disease incidence and severity. Today, several ongoing research projects aim at modifying complex immunoassays into POCTs. In this context, we report the development of an antigen (Ag) detection sandwich ELISA prototype for diagnosis of T. congolense infections, which is comprised of nanobody (Nb) and monoclonal antibody (mAb) reagents. The Nb474H used here, originated from a past study. Briefly, the Nb was engineered starting from mRNA of peripheral blood lymphocytes of an alpaca immunized with soluble lysate of Trypanosoma congolense (TC13). T. congolense glycosomal fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TcoALD) was discovered as the cognate Ag of Nb474H. In this study, splenocytes were harvested from a mouse immunized with recombinant TcoALD and fused with NS01 cells to generate a hybridoma library. Random screening of the library on TcoALD retrieved a lone binder, designated IgM8A2. Using Nb474H as Ag-capture reagent in combination with the IgM8A2 monoclonal antibody Ag-detection reagent resulted in a tool that effectively detects native TcoALD released during infection by T. congolense parasites. Hitherto, development of POCT for detection of active trypanosome infection is elusive. The Nanobody/Monoclonal Antibody (Nb/mAb) "hybrid" sandwich technology offers prospects for exploration, using the unique specificity of Nb as a key determinant in Ag capturing, while using the versatility of monoclonal Ab to adapt to various detection conditions.

Using turbulence to guide salmon and eels away from turbines

Hydropower is an important source of renewable energy, yet dams and other facilities can represent a real threat to migrating fish like salmon and eels, with millions killed in turbines every year. Researchers in the FishPath project aim to exploit the innate response of fish to turbulence to develop an innovative system to guide fish away from turbines, as Dr Ana T. Silva and Dr Torbjørn Forseth explain.

Connectivity conservation through linear infrastructure mitigation: Taking small steps for a giant conservation effort

Social and economic growth imperatives have been the driving force behind the large-scale and rapid spurt in linear infrastructure (LI) projects in India, particularly roads and railway lines. However, while these projects aim to improve the transportation connectivity of the country, their ecological impacts on the natural ecosystems of the country are becoming increasingly evident. We delve into the prerogatives of both infrastructure development and conservation scenarios in India as they relate to one another. We also trace the country’s journey in the realm of mitigating the impacts that these vital infrastructure projects exert on natural systems. We also outline future research directions for ecologists, and the course of action for LI development agencies and other stakeholders to harmonise the conflict between development and conservation. In conclusion, we aim to provide a blueprint for concerted efforts from both conservation and development proponents to ensure that the path to India’s economic growth is sustainable.

Development and usability testing of an online support tool to identify models and frameworks to inform implementation

BackgroundTheories, models and frameworks (TMFs) are useful when implementing, evaluating and sustaining healthcare evidence-based interventions. Yet it can be challenging to identify an appropriate TMF for an implementation project. We developed and tested the usability of an online tool to help individuals who are doing or supporting implementation practice activities to identify appropriate models and/or frameworks to inform their work.MethodsWe used methods guided by models and evidence on implementation science and user-centered design. Phases of tool development included applying findings from a scoping review of TMFs and interviews with 24 researchers/implementers on barriers and facilitators to identifying and selecting TMFs. Based on interview findings, we categorized the TMFs by aim, stage of implementation, and target level of change to inform the tool’s algorithm. We then conducted interviews with 10 end-users to test the usability of the prototype tool and administered the System Usability Scale (SUS). Usability issues were addressed and incorporated into the tool.ResultsWe developed Find TMF, an online tool consisting of 3–4 questions about the user’s implementation project. The tool’s algorithm matches key characteristics of the user’s project (aim, stage, target change level) with characteristics of different TMFs and presents a list of candidate models/frameworks. Ten individuals from Canada or Australia participated in usability testing (mean SUS score 84.5, standard deviation 11.4). Overall, participants found the tool to be simple, easy to use and visually appealing with a useful output of candidate models/frameworks to consider for an implementation project. Users wanted additional instruction and guidance on what to expect from the tool and how to use the information in the output table. Tool improvements included incorporating an overview figure outlining the tool steps and output, displaying the tool questions on a single page, and clarifying the available functions of the results page, including adding direct links to the glossary and to complementary tools.ConclusionsFind TMF is an easy-to-use online tool that may benefit individuals who support implementation practice activities by making the vast number of models and frameworks more accessible, while also supporting a consistent approach to identifying and selecting relevant TMFs.

Measuring community disaster resilience for sustainable climate change adaptation: Lessons from time-series findings in rural Cambodia.

Donor-funded climate and disaster resilience programmes and projects aim to help build the capacities and resilience of communities. Measuring resilience is critical, therefore, in providing feedback, evidence, and accountability. This paper presents recent two-year time-series findings from an ongoing multi-partner academic and practical collaboration pertaining to a climate change adaption project with rural communities in Cambodia. To measure community resilience, the study used the Flood Resilience Measurement for Communities, which measures, using mixed methods, disaster resilience capacities across five key dimensions of resilience: human, social, physical, natural, and financial capitals. The study analysed and reported changes in these areas of resilience in the selected villages, generating insights into the strengths and weaknesses of flood resilience capacities in the region. This paper provides valuable guidance as to where investment can be most effective in different communities, confirming the usefulness of the tool in measuring resilience and assessing the effectiveness of the project concerned.

Minimally destructive hDNA extraction method for retrospective genetics of pinned historical Lepidoptera specimens

The millions of specimens stored in entomological collections provide a unique opportunity to study historical insect diversity. Current technologies allow to sequence entire genomes of historical specimens and estimate past genetic diversity of present-day endangered species, advancing our understanding of anthropogenic impact on genetic diversity and enabling the implementation of conservation strategies. A limiting challenge is the extraction of historical DNA (hDNA) of adequate quality for sequencing platforms. We tested four hDNA extraction protocols on five body parts of pinned false heath fritillary butterflies, Melitaea diamina, aiming to minimise specimen damage, preserve their scientific value to the collections, and maximise DNA quality and yield for whole-genome re-sequencing. We developed a very effective approach that successfully recovers hDNA appropriate for short-read sequencing from a single leg of pinned specimens using silica-based DNA extraction columns and an extraction buffer that includes SDS, Tris, Proteinase K, EDTA, NaCl, PTB, and DTT. We observed substantial variation in the ratio of nuclear to mitochondrial DNA in extractions from different tissues, indicating that optimal tissue choice depends on project aims and anticipated downstream analyses. We found that sufficient DNA for whole genome re-sequencing can reliably be extracted from a single leg, opening the possibility to monitor changes in genetic diversity maintaining the scientific value of specimens while supporting current and future conservation strategies.

Neighbourhood North: maximum gain, minimum pain – transformational office redevelopment

This article explores the project aims, challenges, solutions and lessons learned in redeveloping an existing 1980s quayside office block in southwest England. A full-height side extension introduced a double-height atrium entrance and unlocked the full potential of the office floorplates. New, larger windows were added in the existing facades, which improved the building's environmental performance, including more daylight and reduced heat loss. The client has a strong sustainability ethic and cross-laminated timber floor slabs were included in the design, which aspires to achieve BREEAM Outstanding accreditation. The project achieved an overall SCORS rating of A+, bordering on A++, at 53kg/CO2e/m2, despite the extension itself having a SCORS rating of F.

Assessing clinician familiarity with integrative oncology and uptake of an electronic medical record–based education resource.

e21001 Background: Integrative oncology is the practice of incorporating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into the conventional care of cancer. CAM encompasses a broad realm of treatment modalities, ranging from nutrition and exercise to acupuncture, supplements, and behavioral therapy. Few oncologists discuss CAM with their patients while patients under-report their usage of these treatments to their oncologists. Our project aim was to assess clinician familiarity with integrative oncology and to improve education on the topic using a clinician-facing tool accessible through the electronic medical record (EMR). Methods: We distributed a survey from May through July 2023 to assess attitudes towards CAM and practice patterns at an academic oncology department. Respondents used a five-point Likert scale to rate their understanding of CAM, role in counseling patients on CAM, and factors affecting their discussion of such topics. We created EMR-accessible clinician guides which reviewed the evidence base for common complementary treatments in breast, colon, and lung cancer. Results: Fifteen of 64 (23%) affiliated oncologists completed the survey. Eleven (73%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it is their responsibility to learn about CAM. Fourteen (93%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it is their responsibility to ask patients about CAM usage, although two-thirds of respondents initiated conversations about CAM “sometimes” or less. Six (40%) felt comfortable providing resources on CAM to their patients. Respondents reported greatest awareness of the evidence for exercise and psychotherapy (average rating 3.8 out of 5; higher is more familiar) and least awareness for supplements (average 3.2). The factors most strongly affecting respondents’ practices of discussing CAM with patients were a lack of credible resources and fear that supplements might replace conventional cancer treatment. Ten (67%) respondents reported that patients undergoing active treatment often or always ask about CAM and nine (60%) reported that survivors often or always ask about CAM. Three practicing oncologists and two fellows had added our clinical guides to their EMR shortcuts six months after their introduction. Conclusions: Certain forms of CAM remain controversial within oncology practice. Although oncologists in our department reported a sense of responsibility to understand and counsel patients on CAM, multiple barriers impeded physician comfort with the topic and uptake of a novel educational resource was limited. Patients undergoing active treatment and survivors alike asked clinicians about CAM, which suggests it is an important area of competence for oncologists regardless of treatment phase.

Involvement of children and young people in the conduct of health research: A rapid umbrella review.

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) have long been considered important to good research practice. There is growing, yet diverse, evidence in support of PPIE with children and young people (CYP). We must now understand the various approaches to involvement of CYP in research. This rapid umbrella review aimed to provide an overview of when, how and to what extent CYP are involved in the conduct of health research, as well as the reported benefits, challenges, and facilitators of involvement. We searched OVID Medline, Embase and PubMed. Published reviews were included if they reported meaningful involvement of CYP in the conduct of health research. Extracted data were synthesised using thematic analysis. The 26 reviews included were predominately systematic and scoping reviews, published within the last decade, and originating from North America and the United Kingdom. CYPs were involved in all stages of research across the literature, most commonly during research design and data collection, and rarely during research funding or data sharing and access. Researchers mostly engaged CYP using focus groups, interviews, advisory panels, questionnaires, and to a lesser extent arts-based approaches such as photovoice and drawing. Visual and active creative methods were more commonly used with children ≤12 years. The evidence showed a shared understanding of the benefits, challenges, and facilitators for involvement of CYP, such as time and resource commitment and building partnership. Overall, the review identified consistency in the range of methods and approaches used, and stages of research with which CYP are commonly involved. There is a need for more consistent reporting of PPIE in the literature, both in terminology and detail used. Furthermore, the impact of approaches to CYP involvement on research and community outcomes must be better evaluated. This review forms part of broader research initiatives being led by the authors. Together, these projects aim to support embedding of child voices in research practice and to explore the desirability and suitability of Young Persons Advisory Groups within birth cohort studies. The findings from this review, alongside public and stakeholder consultation, will inform development of resources such as practice recommendations to guide future involvement of CYP in health research undertaken at the author's respective institutions.

Doing History at the Edge of the Map: The “Digital Thrace” Research Project

Abstract “Digital Thrace: Mapping the History and Culture to Enhance the Tourist Economy” is a three-year (2021–2023) research project conducted by the Democritus University of Thrace. “Thrace,” a geographical rather than a regional or political designation, is divided into three nation-states (Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey). Despite historical nationalist conflicts and ethnic stereotypes, Thrace maintains its multicultural character. This article shows that the Digital Thrace Project not only generates research but also transforms it into knowledge and cultural experiences for visitors. It bridges the gap between academic historiography and cultural studies on one side and the public space on the other. This multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary project employs cutting-edge technologies to provide two main components to its users: a digital platform primarily aimed at researchers and educators, and a digital tour application for the general public. Special attention is devoted to the project’s pedagogical section. Based on the principles and methodologies of intercultural and democratic education, over 30 educational projects have been designed for primary and secondary school classes. These projects aim to engage students in exploring not only the history and culture of their own communities but also those of the others.

Training On Cervical Cancer And HPV Vaccine For 9-13 Years’ Adolescent Girls, A Community Service

The aims of this community service project was to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccine for 9-13 years old girls and their parents. The training was designed to address the knowledge gap regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among 9-13 years old girls and their parents, we can empower them to make informed decisions about vaccination. Before implementation of training, community survey was conducted. The findings of the survey were help us to identify gaps in knowledge and attitudes and inform the development of training as an intervention. Through training &amp; distributed training materials the outcome of the community service was achieved. The knowledge of school adolescent’s girls was evaluated and improved. The uptake HPV vaccination were increased and all unvaccinated school girls were vaccinated after training. Training participants were empowered to correct any misconceptions with in the community.