Development Projects Research Articles

Effect of adding some macro- and microelements and spraying with the growth regulator Brassinolide on the chemical content of date palm leaves, Barhi Cultivar

A field experiment was carried out on February15, 2023 in the Orchard Development Project / Kerbala Agriculture Directorate, located in the Um Gharagher area / Al-Husseiniyah district / Kerbala governorate during the 2023 growing season, with the aim of studying the effect of some micronutrients and spraying with the growth regulator Brassinolide on the chemical content of the Barhi date palm, at the age of 16 years, the experiment was implemented according to a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) in the order of factorial experiments and with three replications. The study included two factors, the first factor was adding some macro- and micro-nutrients at three levels (0, 1000, and 1500 g palm-1), while the second factor included four concentrations of spraying with a regulator. Growth Brassinolide (0.0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.8 mg L-1). The results showed that treatment with chemical compound fertilizer at the level of 1500 g palm-1, significantly affected the chemical content of the leaves by giving them the highest average content of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron (0.893 mg g-1, 12.129%, 1.001%, 0.464%, 1.303% and 168.720 mg kg-1 respectively), while the spraying treatment with brassinolide at a concentration of 0.8 mg L-1 recorded the highest average leaf content of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron (0.943 mg L-1, 12.420%, 1.066%, 0.497%, 1.366% and 171.880 mg kg-1, respectively). As for the interaction between the two factors, it was noted that the treatment (1500 g palm-1 + 0.8 mg L-1) was superior by giving it the highest average for all the traits under study.

Impacting elementary STEM teacher leadership identities

AbstractLearning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects starting at a young age helps prepare students for a variety of careers both inside and outside of the sciences. Yet, addressing integrated STEM in an elementary school setting can be challenging. Teacher leadership is one way to address this challenge. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive case study is to understand how participation in the NebraskaSTEM Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship project impacted elementary STEM teacher leadership identities. Our findings suggest participation in the project contributed to different layers of teacher leadership identity (as a STEM learner, as a STEM teacher, and as a STEM teacher leader). These findings suggest professional development should be tailored to address empowering specific layers of STEM teacher leaders' professional identity. Other teacher leadership development projects may want to consider how to structure their projects to empower teachers based on the identities and experiences of those teachers.

Public’s Visual Preferences Survey Facilitates Community-Based Design and Color Standards Creation

According to research, there is a disparity in the aesthetic design preferences of the public and architects. This is especially noticeable in urban areas environments, where there is a wide range of demographic variables and a lack of active public involvement in decision-making. The study included a visual preference survey to evaluate the perception and ranking of two dominant color schemes in local development projects in Stockholm across different age, ethnicity, and gender groups from Sweden. Over 400 people participated in the survey, which used photo-elicitation and a literature review. The objective was to determine the extent of divergence and disparities in the ranking of color schemes. The first dominant color schemes are a group of four analogous colors related to the Natural Color System’s (NSC’s) basic colors. The second is a group of four neutral colors that are related to grayscale colors. The study demonstrates that one could also measure building color schemes using visual preference ranking. Moreover, the research introduced a unique method for city planners to understand diverse ethnic, gender, and age group perceptions of color schemes in current projects, promoting active participation in decision-making and providing valuable insights. These insights can enhance people’s sense of belonging, a prerequisite for social sustainability, and improve the quality and profitability of future projects.

Method of automated knowledge base construction for вusiness process management information systems

The object of research is the process of automated construction and enrichment of a knowledge base. An approach has been defined to address the problem of automated knowledge base construction in information system development projects. Research has been conducted on models and methods for the automatic construction of a knowledge base for process management information systems. It has been determined that finite predicates, as well as predicate models describing IT project artifacts, are suitable as the mathematical apparatus. The method for automated construction and enrichment of a knowledge base for process management information systems has been improved based on modified predicate models. The modification involves adding new predicates and aligning event logs with classes of artifacts and their properties. The feasibility of applying the proposed method in decision support tasks under intrusion detection conditions for processes in computer systems has been verified. The architecture and description of the main characteristics of the automated knowledge base construction system for decision-making tasks in IT enterprises, are provided. The proposed solutions have been tested during the automated construction of a knowledge base in an IT project. Advantages and disadvantages of the method were identified during the automated construction of a production knowledge base. Further development of the modified method may involve analyzing the success of predictions made using the knowledge base and adjusting the initial set of predicates based on the results of this analysis.

Farmers' Insights on the Migration from Rural to Urban Areas in Bangladesh

This research uses a qualitative methodology to investigate the complex dynamics of rural-urban migration among Bangladeshi farmers via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The main objectives are to determine the main causes of migration, comprehend the difficulties farmers have when migrating, and evaluate the effects of migration on their communities and means of subsistence. According to the research, three main factors influence migration: social goals, environmental concerns, and economic incentives. Numerous obstacles, such as unstable work, skill gaps, excessive living expenses, and subpar housing, negatively impact the well-being of migrant farmers. Notwithstanding these obstacles, migration offers chances for greater access to services, skill development, and economic progress. The results underline the need for all-encompassing policy interventions, stressing the significance of job assistance, training programs, and sustainable rural development projects to help migrant farmers. To improve the resilience and well-being of migrant farmers and their communities, this study offers policymakers practical suggestions for creating more inclusive and prosperous migration policies.

Swapping Level of Service for Vehicle Miles Traveled in Project-Level Environmental Impact Analysis: Trends and Challenges in California

Automobile level of service (LOS) is the longest-standing and most commonly used performance metric in transportation impact analysis in the U.S. However, Senate Bill (SB) 743 upended that status quo for environmental impact review of land development projects in California, requiring that local governments analyze vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rather than LOS. In this study, we investigated how California’s local governments have responded to the mandated LOS-to-VMT switch. We obtained and analyzed information for 274 of the state’s 539 cities and counties, using expert interviews, documentary reviews, website searches, and communications with local government staff. We found that most jurisdictions had either adopted or were in the process of adopting their own VMT impact standards, though difficulties in implementing VMT-based standards were common and were more pronounced for smaller and more rural jurisdictions. In their standards, most jurisdictions hewed closely to the recommendations of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. Despite switching to VMT analysis for environmental review purposes, all respondent jurisdictions continued to use LOS outside the environmental review process. Overall, we found a consensus amongst our interviewees that swapping LOS for VMT could streamline development in urban areas but not in more suburban or rural jurisdictions. Our findings are specific to California, but they can provide useful guidance to other states or local governments outside of California that are considering adopting a VMT-based metric for transportation impact analyses.

Developing a Sustainability Assessment System for an Educational Building in the Iraqi Environment

Sustainability principles are considered one of the vital challenges facing developing countries (including Iraq), which are trying vigorously to implement sustainable development in most of their development projects. The projects of constructing educational buildings, such as schools and universities, are among the most important development projects to be established in Iraq. This study aims to develop standards to help improve the understanding of the sustainability requirements of educational buildings in Iraq. Through a series of studies, this study has developed a system that can be used to measure the sustainability of these buildings. First, information about sustainability assessment systems was gathered from the literature and references. Second, personal interviews with specialists, field questionnaires, and the software Analytical Hierarchal Process (AHP) to identify the weights of the main categories and factors for sustainable educational buildings. The results showed that the criteria of Energy Efficiency received the greatest weight (29.6%). On the other hand, less weight was obtained from the Precious Water and Waste (3.6%). Finally, the study developed a rating system model, "Educational Building Sustainability Rate (EBSR)," under Iraqi environmental conditions.

A summary framework for effective engagement of IPLCs and rangers

In this paper we focus on the pressing need to effectively engage with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and the need to strengthen the capacity of rangers originating from these communities. Opportunities for full participation and leadership by IPLCs are improved by enhancing the role of Indigenous and local rangers in fostering relationships while integrating cultural knowledge into the work on the ground. This also strengthens local benefits. We emphasize the invaluable contribution of IPLCs to conservation, often honed over generations, and explore current models of partnership and engagement. Particularly, we spotlight the vital role of IPLC rangers, who leverage unique skills, local knowledge, and cultural practices in their conservation work. The roles of both IPLCs and local Indigenous rangers are essential if we are to meet our goals for conserving 30% of the earth’s lands and waters by 2030 as promoted at the COP15 meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), achieve the objectives for development of IPLC rangers as stated of Chitwan Declaration of 2019 (CD), or meet the related targets set by the Universal Ranger Support Alliance (URSA). We advocate for a partnership model with IPLCs that applies the principles of Collective Impact to improve outcomes and secure enduring benefits at all levels. To aid stakeholders in conservation projects involving IPLCs (including governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations), we propose a straightforward summary framework that outlines stages for the development of relationships and projects. It integrates the work of others, including foundation principles, management systems for partnerships, and good practices, and stresses the need for pre-project training, learning and other forms of preparation. Altogether, these principles and accompanying recommendations help lay the groundwork for effective intergenerational projects involving IPLCs with long-term benefits.

CROWDFUNDING AND FUNDRAISING AS INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL TOOLS IN PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Objectives. Search and substantiation of directions for investing investment resources in alternative energy sources using crowdfunding and fundraising mechanisms. Method. Research methods in this scientific article are statistical, logical, historical, graphic, as well as general methods of scientific thinking: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction. The results. The existence of the problem of insufficient financial instruments for building a system of alternative regenerative energy sources is substantiated. The necessity of an in-depth study and analysis of the financial tools of crowdfunding and fundraising for more effective provision of financial resources for the production of alternative renewable energy sources has been proven. Scientific novelty. The need for innovative financial instruments for "green" projects of renewable sources of energy resources has been identified. It is proposed and justified to use fundraising and crowdfunding start-up projects for the most optimal financing of social, so-called "green" investments in renewable energy sources at the current stage of the military crisis. Practical significance. The practical implementation of the proposed measures for the development of innovative projects based on fundraising and crowdfunding in the system of alternative renewable energy sources in the conditions of a crisis state of the economy will save financial resources and increase the profitability of domestic enterprises in the energy sector, which will have a positive effect on the general macroeconomic situation in the state.

Improving State policy in the field of alternative energy

Subject. This article discusses the features of the development of alternative energy in Russia. Objectives. The article aims to summarize the foreign practices of implementing government policy in the field of alternative energy. Methods. For the study, we used systematization and generalization. Results. The article shows that in Russia, programmes of government support for alternative energy are aimed at attracting private investment and improving the efficiency of resource use. The main problems are related to the legal regulation and assessment of the efficiency of alternative energy sources. Conclusions. Programmes aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of alternative energy for the end consumer, as well as projects for the development of single large projects that can be scaled up over time, are the most relevant for Russia.

On the transition of liquid dispersion states and their physical-thermodynamic nature in the development of gas-condensate reservoirs in depletion mode

While the depletion regime for gas-condensate fields may be more cost-effective, it often results in the loss of hydrocarbon condensate, which is economically more valuable than gas, and leads to the inefficient exploitation of the field in terms of condensate production. Therefore, the development of effective exploitation systems for such fields is essential. Effective exploitation of gas-condensate fields involves achieving maximum hydrocarbon condensate production in addition to maximum gas production. From this aspect, managing the condensate factor of reservoir system during the depletion regime is a critical issue. The article experimentally and theoretically investigates the phase transitions or mutual dispersion occurrences between hydrocarbon liquid and gas mixtures that occur with a decrease in pressure at reservoir temperature during the natural depletion of gas-condensate fields. During the exploitation of gas-condensate fields, it has been observed that even at pressures higher than retrograde condensation pressure, the hydrocarbon system undergoes complex phase transitions, resulting in distinct transition points due to the mutual dispersion of hydrocarbon liquid and gas. Additionally, pVT studies conducted in the laboratory have made it possible to determine the transition points of the reservoir fluid in the “liquid in gas” and vice versa dispersion states. The research has demonstrated that dependance of gas condensate factor on pressure under given isothermal natural conditions more clearly reflects the retrograde and maximum condensation, also dispersion points of the liquid components. It was found that proportionality coefficient between condensate ratio and pressure of gas-condensate system is unique for each production facility under isothermal conditions and characterizes the stability of fluid’s dispersion state. The importance of considering such transition points when designing gas-condensate field development projects has been highlighted.

Implicit ecological considerations on Paris Agreement

The object of this study is the structure of the Paris Agreement on the attribution of transparency, the Nationally Determined Contributions, support for the economy and reduction of the emission of polluting gases with consequences of environmental constitutionalism in the Risk Society. The method used to approach is the inductive, through the investigation of bibliographies, rules and laws. The Paris Agreement has not favored mitigation by the international cooperation, although it does offer financing strategies for development projects. Sophisticating documents is not showing the ecological sustainability of human rights as a relationship between all forms of life. Everyone involved in this process needs to have a true and cohesive democratic participation, favoring a new conscience, access to information, popular participation in legislative processes, in decision making and access to environmental justice strengthen the environmental preservation in all its levels.

Analysis of the Spatial Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Large-Scale Land Acquisition Projects in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an essential region for companies carrying out large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs). Exploring the distribution patterns and influencing factors of LSLA projects in this region is of great practical significance for summarizing the characteristics of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia, for gaining a thorough understanding of LSLA project development rules, and for formulating reasonable policies to guide local LSLA projects. This study explores the spatial distribution and influencing factors of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia using the mean center method, the kernel density estimation method, and the grey correlation method. The findings indicate the following: Firstly, the majority of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia are located in the Indo-China Peninsula, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and other countries, which represent significant regions of interest for LSLA projects in this region. Secondly, the spatial distribution of LSLA intention projects and LSLA contract projects in Southeast Asia is similar, whereas LSLA production projects differ from the former two. Thirdly, the scale of LSLA projects in Southeast Asia is closely related to the host country’s natural resources, socio-economic conditions, governance, and market environment. The total GDP, per capita arable land area, net foreign direct investment inflow, and political stability have been identified as exerting a significant influence on investment corporations’ selection of LSLA host countries.

Community Participation in Ecotourism Project Development: In Wof-Washa National Priority Forest Area

The study focused on investigations of community participation in ecotourism development in Wof-Washa National Priority Forest Areas, using a descriptive design with mixed approach through cross-sectional survey. The study utilized systematic, stratified, and purposeful sampling methods. It also used thematic analysis for qualitative data collected through interviews, and descriptive statistics for quantitative data gathered via questionnaires. Document reviews were used to triangulated this study result with previous findings. The study findings reveal that the current status of community involvement in ecotourism development lean toward degree of tokenism (moderate level), with limited roles, as Arnstein's model, at all stages. Generally, without the participation of community, the development of ecotourism project couldn’t be possible. The researcher suggests that collaborative efforts among all relevant stakeholders are crucial to fostering community participation in the successful implementation of the ecotourism project in Wof-Washa National Priority Forest Area.

The general budget and its impact on the investment efficiency of the Iraqi economy for the period 2004-2022

In order to provide a stable and supportive environment for investment through public budget tools and variables, it is necessary to research methods that lead to stimulating investment operations and providing the necessary financing for economic activity. Total public revenues, total public expenditures, and the budget surplus or deficit have a significant impact on this. Total public revenues and public expenditures have a significant impact on the budget surplus or deficit, which in turn affects investment in the Iraqi economy. In the event of an increase in public revenues, such as an increase in oil or tax revenues, this will lead to an increase in the budget surplus. A higher budget surplus will provide the government with more financial resources to finance public investments and development projects. Achieving the appropriate environment accelerates economic growth and pushes investors to activate their activities, thus expanding their proceeds to form a development horizon and space that creates a broad developmental investment environment to demonstrate the investment opportunities available to investors. If public expenditures rise, such as increased spending on salaries and wages or government purchases, this will lead to an increase in the budget deficit. A high budget deficit will restrict the government's ability to allocate financial resources to finance public investments and development projects. This may negatively affect the investment climate and encourage investors to invest in the Iraqi economy.Therefore, it can be said that managing public revenues and expenditures in a balanced and effective manner has a significant impact on the budget surplus or deficit, which in turn directly affects investment levels in the Iraqi economy.The results of the standard model were obtained using the distributed slowdown autoregressive model (ARDL), which is considered one of the advanced standard methods, which relies on testing the stability of time series. This model gives results about the nature of the relationship in the short term (error correction model) as well as results for the long term. The research reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is after testing the soundness and... Stability of the estimated model for the variables. The first step after testing the stability of the variables is to estimate the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model for the function of total investments (Y) with lag periods (2) for the dependent variable (Y), the variable (X1) total public revenues as an independent variable, and the variable (X2) total Public expenditures are an independent variable, and the variable (X3) budget surplus is an independent variable. After conducting the model estimation process, we obtained the results for estimating the ARDL model, as the explanatory power of the estimated model was (R2 = 0.817), meaning that the independent variables included in the estimated model explain 81% of the changes in the variable. Follower. The estimated model also turned out to be significant, so the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. Also testing the existence of a cointegration relationship between the variables of the model, i.e. the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship, by testing the limits.

Низкоуглеродное развитие севера Западной Сибири: климатические проекты на основе природных решений

Active anthropogenic activity is one of the main causes of serious environmental problems that hinder the development of the Arctic zone of Western Siberia — the most important resource potential of the country. The implementation of climate projects based on natural solutions is one of the areas of envi-ronmentally oriented economic growth. The formation and development of sequestration business is possible if there are conditions ensuring its economic efficiency. The article estimates the costs of absorbing of 1 ton of greenhouse gases during the implementation of climate projects in the northern taiga of Western Siberia. To achieve the goal, the predicted values of carbon sequestered from the atmosphere were calculated for different project scenarios. The CO2 effect was measured and the costs of carbon sequestration by tree and shrub communities of willow, alder and pine were analyzed. Alder monocultures showed the largest volumes of CO2 uptake and the lowest costs per carbon unit according to the carbon discounting model. CO2 duration analysis shows the sensitivity of the cost per carbon unit of a climate project based on alder monocultures to changes in the discount rate. The break-even price of a carbon unit is substantiated, which allows comparing it with the market price and drawing conclusions about the economic efficiency of the climate project on carbon sequestration. The study results provide practical recommendations for making decisions about investing in nature-based climate projects for low-carbon development in northern Western Siberia. The methodological approaches disclosed in the article can be used in other regions of Russia.

13 Awardee Talk: Goals, methods, and philosophy of graduate mentoring in reproductive physiology

Abstract Successful graduate and postdoctoral training programs in reproductive physiology are reciprocal relationships that, by default, benefit both trainee and mentor. Ideally, goals are for the mentor to facilitate and guide the long-term educational and professional aspirations of the trainee, while simultaneously creating an important member of the research team capable of meaningful contributions to the scientific enterprise. When this partnership fails to develop and flourish in a transparent and collaborative manner, the resulting disequilibrium leads to negative and costly impacts. Over the last 50 yr, I have observed the importance of several principles that, in my opinion, have a major influence on this process. The first of these begins at student recruitment and during the early part of a program after acceptance. Here, a clear understanding of any academic deficiencies and a commitment to rectify these deficiencies is essential. Academic programs of promising M.S. level candidates are sometimes heavily encumbered by this task. In contrast, Ph.D. programs are usually the final opportunity to take advantage of cutting-edge courses related to or supportive of reproductive biology and should be encouraged. Second, early development of a functional advisory committee is important and contributes broad experience and wisdom to the unique strengths and weaknesses of every student. Third, the trainee must learn early on the value of a mature attitude, a strong work ethic, and personal accountability. As an animal scientist, I want every student to be well-versed with hands on training/experience in basic animal physiology, nutrition, reproduction, experimental (surgical) techniques, and husbandry. Concurrently, they must learn to ensure that the well-being and ethical treatment of research animals always comes first. The foregoing is accomplished through personal example and never asking a student to do something you cannot or will not do yourself. Fourth, pursuing modern, cutting-edge techniques in the laboratory, regardless of long-term personal goals, should be an educational and experiential requirement. Fifth, development of meaningful and sound research projects requires hours of reading, thought and discussion. Students, particularly at the M.S. level, are often completely lost relative to the path forward. Allowing trainees to adopt pre-planned experiments within existing projects in the lab, with the mandate of developing new hypotheses and expanding beyond initial objectives, is a common theme. Pragmatically, this is also essential for maintaining laboratory focus and to service federal, state, and industry-funded projects effectively. Nonetheless, learning to develop and test new and sound hypotheses using appropriate experimental designs remains essential. Finally, no other factor has a greater impact on trainee success than the ability to communicate effectively using the English language. Unfortunately, this topic and problems associated with it usually form the caboose of most graduate training programs when it should have formed the engine.

Ramanov Contractors: Adoption of Project Risk Management Framework

The case deals with the concept of project risk management and its adoption in a small-sized contracting firm. It demonstrates the dilemma faced by a typical small-sized contracting firm vis-à-vis setting project objectives, defining key elements for structuring the risk management process, number of data points, choice of techniques of different steps involved in project risk management and development of a team to practice the process flawlessly. The case would be suitable for postgraduate students of the management programme as well as participants of management development programmes on project management.

FMCF: A fusing multiple code features approach based on Transformer for Solidity smart contracts source code summarization

A smart contract is a software program executed on a blockchain, designed to facilitate functionalities such as contract execution, asset administration, and identity validation within a secure and decentralized ecosystem. Summarizing the code of Solidity smart contracts aids developers in promptly grasping essential functionalities, thereby enhancing the security posture of Ethereum-based projects. Existing smart contract code summarization works mainly use traditional information retrieval and single code features, resulting in suboptimal performance. In this study, we propose a fusing multiple code features (FMCF) approach based on Transformer for Solidity summarization. First, FMCF created contract integrity modeling and state immutability modeling in the data preprocessing stage to process and filter data that meets security conditions. At the same time, FMCF retains the self-attention mechanism to construct the Graph Attention Network (GAT) encoder and CodeBERT encoder, which respectively extract multiple feature vectors of the code to ensure the integrity of the source code information. Furthermore, the FMCF uses a weighted summation method to input these two types of feature vectors into the feature fusion module for fusion and inputs the fused feature vectors into the Transformer decoder to obtain the final smart contract code summarization. The experimental results show that FMCF outperforms the standard baseline methods by 12.45% in the BLEU score and maximally preserves the semantic information and syntax structures of the source code. The results demonstrate that the FMCF can provide a good direction for future research on smart contract code summarization, thereby helping developers enhance the security of development projects.

Aeroacoustics research in Europe: The CEAS-ASC report on 2023 highlights

The Council of European Aerospace Societies (CEAS) Aeroacoustics Specialists Committee (ASC) supports and promotes the interests of the scientific and industrial aeroacoustics community on a European scale and European aeronautics activities internationally. In this context, “aeroacoustics” encompasses all aerospace acoustics and related areas. Each year the committee highlights some of the research and development projects in Europe.This paper is a report on highlights of aeroacoustics research in Europe in 2023, compiled from information provided to the ASC of the CEAS. In addition, during 2023, a number of research programmes involving aeroacoustics were funded by the European Commission. Some of the highlights from these programmes are also summarized in this article, as well as highlights from other projects funded by national governments and industry.Contributions are gathered in sections by topic, and a section covering relevant European scientific events in 2023 is also included. Enquiries concerning all contributions should be addressed to the authors who are given at the end of each subsection.