Projection Approach Research Articles

Communicative potential of stop-motion animation in the practice of modern design

The relevance of the research is determined by the need to substantiate and implement effective visualnarrative media formats for creating effective visual communications capable of clearly conveying messages and ideas to the viewer. The purpose of the work is to reveal and evaluate the communicative potential of stop-motion animation in the context of audiovisual practices of modern design. Research methodology is formed by general scientific and special methods, in particular, comparative and historical analysis, scientific analysis and synthesis, methods of visual observation, modeling, art history and content analysis. The research substantiates the technical techniques, formal and artistic approaches of stop-motion and reveals their influence on the communicative potential of animation in the context of various project tasks. The effectiveness of the tools of stop-motion animation in modern audiovisual design practices for increasing the emotional involvement of the audience and improving the perception of content due to attractiveness and experimentation has been proven. The ability of stop-motion animation for detail, visual saturation, expressiveness and emotional expressiveness can play a key role in solving design problems where a deep narrative impact needs to be achieved. The paper substantiates the expediency of using the main technical techniques of stop-motion animation in the implementation of specific conceptual project tasks, in particular in short animated films of various genres, in advertising videos, in art projects, where the goal can be achieved due to the high artistic characteristics of the visual series, interactivity and emotional interaction with the viewer. The practical value of the work is determined by the possibility of implementing the research results into practical recommendations for the implementation of specific projects. The results of the research can be useful in the academic community for the further development of the theoretical foundations of stop-motion animation and the expansion of project approaches in educational courses related to audiovisual art and visual communication

Improved Hybrid K-Nearest Neighbours Techniques in Segmentation of Low-Grade Tumor and Cerebrospinal Fluid

In image segmentation, identifying information or object detection in medical im-ages is crucial, particularly information that is harder to spot in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of low-grade tumors or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To address the aforementioned problems associated with missing data in MRI images and the low quality of MRI images that required longer processing times, this research is to seg-ment brain tumors or detect CSF in four-dimensional MRI images. A new hybrid k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) framework is also proposed, which consists of three tech-niques: correlation matrices of discrete Fourier transform (CM-DFT), Laplace Eigen maps of locally preserving projection (LELPP), and a hybrid GrabCut hidden Markov model of k-mean clustering (GCHMkC). The combination of the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and the k-mean clustering technique is known as the Hidden Markov Model of the k-mean clustering method (HMMkC). To begin with, the Graph Cut and Support Vector Machine (GCSVM) and the GCHMkC approach are combined. The method increased the quality of the images suggested by the methodology, achieving an accuracy of 99.83%, a sensitivity of 99.99%, a specificity of 99.8%, and a computa-tional execution time of 14.9 seconds. Second, a technique called CM-DFT is sug-gested to improve MRI images while resolving the issue of missing imputation data. The accuracy of the MRI image datasets was improved to 99.84%, the time-lag in the hybrid k-NN algorithm was reduced to 99%, the missing data ratio was reduced to 0.9%, 10%, and 12%, and the correctness of the imputed data was improved to 1.533 seconds with computational execution. Thirdly, the nonlinear data is reduced and unnecessary features are eliminated using the Laplace Eigen maps of locally pre-serving projection (LELPP) approach. The hybrid k-NN algorithm used by the tech-nique yields results with 99% accuracy and an execution duration of 2.42 seconds.

English-medium instruction for sale: The multimodal discourse of self-perception on Japanese liberal arts faculty websites

This study both contributes to and updates the growing body of literature into the framing of English-medium instruction on institutional websites. A three-dimensional discourse analysis model is used to investigate the self-perception of three well-established liberal arts faculties in Japan. The analysis reveals distinct features in the self-perception of these universities and teases out the ingrained ideological standpoints. Firstly, the neoliberal ideological hegemony found in other university studies exists, but Japanese universities frame it differently: the explicit focus is on profit for society rather than individual gain. Secondly, there is consensus among the institutions regarding the production of ‘globalised’ individuals, but the universities are less than definitive on what the key competencies entail, or how they are applied and measured. Finally, the study underscores the explicit alignment of institutional goals with national policy objectives, reflecting the values advocated by the Japanese education ministry. As the government’s Top Global University Project approaches its conclusion, this research provides valuable insights for Japanese universities to reassess the aims and objectives of their English-language programs. By offering a nuanced understanding of institutional discourse, this study furthermore contributes to the broader literature on EMI practices and policies, guiding future developments in Japanese higher education.

Project management: hybrid approach for construction projects

This research aims to innovate in project management by demonstrating the benefits of implementing the Hybrid Project Management Methodology in construction projects. The construction industry operates in complex environments with high levels of change, making it essential to adapt management approaches accordingly. This study reveals that integrating Agile with Traditional Project Management Methodology enhances project execution by fostering flexibility, adaptation, continuous value delivery, motivation, effective Methods communications, and constant feedback throughout the project life cycle. Consequently, this integration leads to improved project outcomes and goal achievement. Furthermore, the research highlights the growing recognition among construction professionals of the importance of adopting methodologies that enhance their project management skills, demonstrating a pressing need for such approaches in the industry. Statistical validation confirms the appropriateness of applying the Hybrid Project Management Methodology in the construction sector, with a significant result of 3.903, indicating a high level of appropriateness.

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy remains a critical goal under the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, especially in remote areas of developing countries. Based on traditional engineering approaches, many energy solution planning tools have been developed to identify the optimal solution in these areas to assess the competition across different technological options. Nevertheless, these approaches, based on an economic optimum, do not necessarily grant long-term sustainability of the solution in specific local contexts, since they are not able to capture the social implications within the Energy-Development nexus. Moreover, also in light of the 2030 Agenda, scientific and grey literature on energy access highlights how energy solutions planning methodologies developed in the last decades need to be complemented by a more comprehensive view, able to integrate evidence from various disciplines, especially engineering and social sciences. Based on the above considerations, this paper introduces a novel framework under the name of CESP, where three social sciences-based phases complement three engineering phases, each one characterized by specific tools, to offer an informed decision framework for the local planner. CESP encompasses a set of techno-economic and socio-technical actions to prevent potential failure as evidenced by a counterfactual analysis used to identify the reasons behind past project failures. The CESP framework presents a sequential and iterative structure that underlines the cyclic perspective of a holistic decision process where social sciences feed the engineering analysis and vice versa. Finally, CESP emerges as a practical and applicable framework for supporting energy access planning in critical areas.

Hydroclimatic scenario generation using two-stage stochastic simulation framework

Climate change poses significant challenges for decision-making processes across a range of sectors. From the water resources planning and management perspective, the interest is often in evaluating the performance of a water supply system in a future state considering the potential changes in rainfall and streamflow characteristics. With observed climate change signals, scenario-based projections of rainfall and streamflow simulations are crucial for evaluating the potential impacts of climate change on water resource systems. Given the complexity of the existing approaches, their applications for generating scenario-based projections of streamflow and rainfall are limited. We developed a non-parametric bootstrapping approach, NPScnGen, for future scenario generation of any hydroclimatic variable. The developed approach is flexible and can be used with any physical hydrological or data-driven stochastic model that provides simulations of hydroclimatic variables of interest for the historical climate condition. In NPScnGen, samples of any set of time-series characteristics, such as mean and standard deviation, are generated from a multivariate Gaussian process for the considered scenario, and then bootstrapping is performed to select the closest sample from the historical simulation of that hydroclimatic variable. We have also proposed a modified wavelet-based model, Wavelet-HMM, and used that model to synthetically generate historical climate time-series as a baseline. We present the application of the developed framework consisting of historical climate simulation and future climate projection approaches on rainfall and streamflow datasets for the Tampa Bay region in Florida.Plain Language Summary: Water resources managers require a wide range of hypothetical but potential changes in hydroclimatic variables such as streamflow and rainfall to evaluate the sustenance of water supply systems in future. Existing scenario generation approaches are limited by either the complexity of statistical models or dependency on climate models which have their own limitations. In such a scenario, the developed non-parametric scenario generation framework in this study, NPScnGen, can be very useful. The developed framework can be applied with any sophisticated time-series generation model that can generate synthetic hydroclimatic traces for baseline climate condition, and it is also flexible in generating a wide range of potential climate change scenarios. We show the application of the framework on both streamflow and rainfall datasets.

An Assessment of Accessibility from a Socially Sustainable Urban Mobility Approach in Mass Transit Projects: Contributions from the Northern Central American Triangle

This article aims to address the lack of research on the social dimension of sustainability, also known as social sustainability, in urban mobility projects, primarily in cities of the Global South. It proposes a strategy to partially assess social sustainability, focusing on accessibility, which is one of the key dimensions for conducting such an evaluation. To this end, a comparative analysis of three study cases is conducted in the capital cities of the Northern Central American Triangle (NCAT) before and after the construction of bus rapid transit (BRT) projects between 2000 and 2020. Accessibility is evaluated through equity and spatial efficiency indicators obtained through geographical information system (GIS) modeling, including layers representing transportation networks, populated areas, and locations of basic urban facilities. The result is an unprecedented assessment of accessibility in the NCAT capitals, which shows how the Guatemala City BRT project has improved the city’s social sustainability by reducing access times to basic urban facilities, mainly public health clinics and educational facilities, and narrowing the inequality gap as compared to projects in San Salvador and Tegucigalpa, the other capital cities in the NCAT. Additionally, it is emphasized that this methodology can be replicated in the Global South while considering the scarcity of information and the use of open-source software in the process.

Analysis of Cultural and Political Geography Learning Concept Design Based on Case Method and Team-Based Project

This study investigates the implementation of the Case Method and Team-Based Project learning approaches within the context of the Geography Education Department's cultural and political geography courses at Universitas Negeri Medan. These methods, relevant to the Merdeka Belajar - Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, aim to enhance student skills through active, applied learning. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research gathered data via questionnaires distributed through Google Forms to a sample of 67 students out of a total population of 454 from the 2019-2022 academic cohorts. Findings indicate that the duration required for the Case Method varies with the complexity of the cases, ranging from 15-30 minutes for simpler issues to over 60 minutes for more intricate problems. The Team-Based Project approach necessitates 7 to 8 meetings, including initial planning and subsequent implementation phases, monitored by lecturers through direct communication or digital platforms like LMS forums or Zoom channels. However, the study reveals inefficiencies in applying these learning methods within the department, attributed to the substantial workload imposed by the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) and a lack of student engagement in assignments. It suggests a comprehensive revision of IQF assignments towards more discussion-oriented and field-practical approaches to address these challenges.

Community Engagement in Health Promotion: Results from a Realist Multiple Case Study

Community engagement (CE) has long been endorsed by policy makers and health practitioners. However, uncertainties remain about the workings and outcomes of CE. This study aims to provide in-depth insights into them. In a multiple case study, we investigated three participatory health promotion projects for families in vulnerable situations in the Netherlands. We adopted a realist approach combined with a theory of change (ToC) model. We then analysed the qualitative data for context–mechanism–outcome (CMO) configurations to refine this ToC. Results show that CE can strengthen social networks, empower families, and increase perceived health. However, specific contexts in combination with CE project approaches may or may not trigger positive responses. Participants may feel that they matter when asked to actively contribute to a project, which in turn can enhance their self-confidence. In another context, we found that families were overwhelmed by the responsibilities given to them in the project, leading to feelings of stress and withdrawal from the project. We present a list of CMO configurations and refine the ToC accordingly. Our main conclusion is that flexibility is key when CE is implemented in health promotion. Also, our findings question physical health outcomes as a realistic ambition for CE projects with groups in vulnerable situations.

A PROJECT-BASED APPROACH TO MANAGING THE INTERACTION OF DIGITAL UNIVERSITY STAKEHOLDERS

The article is devoted to the issues of managing the interaction of university stakeholders in the modern digital space. Higher education institutions of this day are unique entities, in many ways with dissimilar business processes and management priorities. Therefore, along with the existing general principles of the development, implementation and operation of single window services, the problem of developing a single window with unique services that take into account the specifics of the business processes of an individual university is relevant. To solve it, a comprehensive study was carried out on the phenomenon of groups and features of stakeholders' requirements, as well as issues of the formation of adapted single window university services. This made it possible to create a model that systematizes the interaction of stakeholders within a digital university based on a project approach. The paper reflects the main aspect of the model, which is related to distance learning and the control of learning outcomes.

A novel algorithm to the shell model study of heavy deformed nuclei using the variation after projection approach

We introduce an extension to the conventional variation after projection (VAP) method, in which wave functions of different spin states projected from a shared intrinsic wave function are first varied simultaneously. Then a second variation is carried out for each individual state starting from the obtained intrinsic wave function. This novel algorithm enables the efficient extraction of a rotational band from chaotic non-rotational states by adopting only one Slater determinant, which can not be reached by the conventional VAP method. Some examples including the heavy deformed nuclei in the jj56 model space have been calculated. The calculated results show that this new method could be a useful tool to systematically study the collective rotational states in heavy deformed nuclei. Furthermore, the present method holds potential for probing significant correlations, such as octupole correlations, within nuclear structures.

Water populism and the Iranians' collective adipsia

AbstractThis article examines Iran as an example, where the water crisis is dealt with through denial, projection, and securitization approaches, described as “water populism.” The Iranian polity systematically adopts denial and projection approaches to obscure an underlying causal chain whose first ring is ideology, and then, it resorts to the securitization of water to safeguard these approaches against public criticism. Ideology prescribes an intensive hydraulic mission to facilitate “strategic industries clustered together in the central desert” and “self‐sufficiency in food production,” in the wake of its antagonism toward the world's powers and the ensuing international sanctions. This hydraulic mission depletes the country's water resources and results in “water bankruptcy” that is reflected in ecological degradation and socio‐economic disintegration. Ideology not only obstructs the genuine process of problem solving but also gives rise to water populism that serves as a political sedative by either disavowing the water crisis or attributing the crisis to a wide range of technical‐managerial factors or stifling dissenting voices. Any solution to Iran's water crisis seems infeasible in the absence of an ideological reform.

Optimization of Character Education in The Independent Curriculum Through the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project Approach

Education with Pancasila values, the Merdeka Curriculum aims to create students who are not only academically skilled but also have a solid moral foundation. The method used in this research is library research. This research describes understanding in descriptive research that is scientific and inductive. The need for a curriculum that is responsive to student needs and the global environment is becoming increasingly important. The existence of Pancasila values ​​in the face of the social crisis currently hitting Indonesian society, where the teaching and implementation of these values ​​has been proven to have a positive impact on student behavior. In developing character education, Pancasila values ​​have a central role as a moral and ethical foundation that is rooted in Indonesian culture and history.

MEDINA Catalogue of Cloud Security controls and metrics: Towards Continuous Cloud Security compliance.

In order to address current challenges on security certification of European ICT products, processes and services, the European Comission, through ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity), has developed the European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS). This paper presents the overview of the H2020 MEDINA project approach and tools to support the adoption of EUCS and offers a detailed description of one of the core components of the framework, the MEDINA Catalogue of Controls and Metrics. The main objective of the MEDINA Catalogue is to provide automated functionalities for CSPs' compliance managers and auditors to ease the certification process towards EUCS, through the provision of all information and guidance related to the scheme, namely categories, controls, security requirements, assurance levels, etc. The tool has been enhanced with all the research and implementation works performed in MEDINA, such as definition of compliance metrics, suggestion of related implementation guidelines, alignment of similar controls in other schemes, and a set of self-assessment questionnaires, which are presented and discussed in this paper.

Nonparametric estimation of conditional incremental effects

Abstract Conditional effect estimation has great scientific and policy importance because interventions may impact subjects differently depending on their characteristics. Most research has focused on estimating the conditional average treatment effect (CATE). However, identification of the CATE requires that all subjects have a non-zero probability of receiving treatment, or positivity, which may be unrealistic in practice. Instead, we propose conditional effects based on incremental propensity score interventions, which are stochastic interventions where the odds of treatment are multiplied by some factor. These effects do not require positivity for identification and can be better suited for modeling scenarios in which people cannot be forced into treatment. We develop a projection approach and a flexible nonparametric estimator that can each estimate all the conditional effects we propose and derive model-agnostic error guarantees showing that both estimators satisfy a form of double robustness. Further, we propose a summary of treatment effect heterogeneity and a test for any effect heterogeneity based on the variance of a conditional derivative effect and derive a nonparametric estimator that also satisfies a form of double robustness. Finally, we demonstrate our estimators by analyzing the effect of intensive care unit admission on mortality using a dataset from the (SPOT)light study.

The Supply of Digital Authoritarianism to Africa: an Empirical Study

Abstract Over the last two decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the practice of digital authoritarianism in Africa. Yet researchers remain divided as to the drivers of this trend, especially as it relates to its international origins. Some scholars have portrayed China as a foreign supply-side driver of the technologies and the practice of digital authoritarianism in Africa. However, others argue that such origins are overstated, contending that little evidence exists for a direct role of China in Africa’s increasing turn towards digital authoritarianism. In this paper, I use a norm diffusion and order project approach to propose and test an innovative theory of China’s strategic supply of its model of digital authoritarianism to Africa. China, I argue, supplies such technologies and expertise to Africa to shape international norms in a manner that favors its geopolitical goals. Consequently, I hypothesize that the more likely an African country is a regional norm diffuser, the more likely it will be that China supplies it with its model of digital authoritarianism. To test this theory, I conduct a statistical panel analysis of African countries for the years 2000–2020. My results confirm my hypothesis and present novel findings that have implications for technology governance, African politics, China’s rise, and China’s strategic contestation of international norms.

Exploring Agile Methodology in Developing a Web-Based Result Computation and Transcript System: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Ukana

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, there is a great demand for efficient, adaptable, and responsive software development methodologies. This article examines how agile methodology was used in practice to create a web-based transcript and result computation system for Polytechnic Ukana. Agile methodology, which is renowned for its incremental and iterative approach, was used to increase flexibility, foster better teamwork, and produce a workable product on schedule. The article describes the goals and requirements of the project, including how Scrum was chosen as the agile framework and what stages it went through in implementation. Along with the roles and responsibilities of the development team, the planning, execution, and review processes for sprints are highlighted. The team demonstrated flexibility in responding to evolving needs, effective problem-solving, and sustained stakeholder engagement through a sequence of sprint cycles. The system was deployed on schedule, fulfilling all requirements and substantially boosting the accuracy and efficiency of the institution's transcript generation and result computation. This is proof that the project was successful. This case study provides a useful manual for implementing agile approaches for comparable educational software development projects.

Floating people, changing climate: a migrant-sensitive approach to climate adaptation and mobilities in the Bengal Delta

Climate adaptation efforts in the Bengal Delta do not fully integrate migrants, who have moved between rural and urban spaces for decades for diverse reasons that now include the impacts of climate change. Despite the reality of mobile lives in the region, organisations implementing adaptation projects approach circular mobilities as undesirable, against ideals for development. These organisations play a crucial role in shaping how migrants as floating people are considered in such a climate-vulnerable context. Drawing upon a combined 16 months of fieldwork in the Bengal Delta region of India and Bangladesh and using data from in-depth interviews with diverse organisational actors, we find that adaptation projects in this region are mainly designed to keep people in place, as stationary populations in either urban destinations or rural areas of origin. They fail to address the multiplicity of mobilities in the region and neglect compounded vulnerabilities of migrants in the face of intersecting crises such as climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, we conceptualise and call for a migrant-sensitive approach to adaptation that embraces local complexities of climate-related (im)mobilities and development.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROJECT METHOD IN TEACHING HUMANITARIAN DISCIPLINES

Cutting-edge methodologies within higher education necessitate the cultivation of a proficient and competitive specialist capable of innovative thinking and can perform professionally amidst contemporary volatile circumstances. The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of the project method as an innovative tool for the teaching of humanitarian subjects. The research used such methods as follows: questionnaire, observation, experiment, as well as statistical methods for data processing. In the course of the research, it was determined that the students who were engaged in the project activity, during the project, autonomously researched scientific, reference, educational, and methodological literature. A group of experts found that students’ participation in project activities influenced the development of creative activity and creative systemic thinking, contributed to their self-organization. During the survey, it was determined that students' independent work on creating projects ensures the development of personal and functional components of self-organization.The research's scientific novelty lies in its exclusive focus on students studying humanitarian disciplines. The restricted scope of the experiment facilitated the identifying the project approach as such that can be integrated into the academic system to enhance students' personal and practical proficiencies, thereby promoting their overall growth. Further research can be aimed at determining the effectiveness of using game methods in the course of teaching of humanitarian disciplines.

Action Research in Agricultural Development Projects: Case Study of a Dairy Project in Ethiopia

AbstractFor development projects, an action research approach is often encouraged to enhance participation of end-users or beneficiaries at various stages of the project to realize the desired social transformation in the target communities. The project under consideration in this study adopted action research for some of its activities. A review of the project action research activities was conducted as part of the strategic reflection for lesson learning and to inform modification where necessary. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the relevance of action research approach to implementation of project activities and, (ii) to draw lessons for agricultural development projects applying participatory approaches. Fifty-one participants involved in the project action research activities were interviewed on their understanding of action research, its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and level of participation in action research activities. The perception of the participants interviewed regarding action research approach was that it is relevant and important for the project, and that it has provided a good platform for learning by all participants. Some key lessons from this study for development projects when applying action research approach include the need to focus on a limited number of issues or activities that can produce social transformation in the target communities, and the necessity of adequate planning for monitoring and documentation of learning by participants. From our study, action research is a pertinent approach in community development projects, but it should be well-planned to achieve the desired objective of social transformation in the target communities.