Project Methodology Research Articles

An integrated precision medicine approach in major depressive disorder: a study protocol to create a new algorithm for the prediction of treatment response.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric disease worldwide with a huge socio-economic impact. Pharmacotherapy represents the most common option among the first-line treatment choice; however, only about one third of patients respond to the first trial and about 30% are classified as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is associated with specific clinical features and genetic/gene expression signatures. To date, single sets of markers have shown limited power in response prediction. Here we describe the methodology of the PROMPT project that aims at the development of a precision medicine algorithm that would help early detection of non-responder patients, who might be more prone to later develop TRD. To address this, the project will be organized in 2 phases. Phase 1 will involve 300 patients with MDD already recruited, comprising 150 TRD and 150 responders, considered as extremes phenotypes of response. A deep clinical stratification will be performed for all patients; moreover, a genomic, transcriptomic and miRNomic profiling will be conducted. The data generated will be exploited to develop an innovative algorithm integrating clinical, omics and sex-related data, in order to predict treatment response and TRD development. In phase 2, a new naturalistic cohort of 300 MDD patients will be recruited to assess, under real-world conditions, the capability of the algorithm to correctly predict the treatment outcomes. Moreover, in this phase we will investigate shared decision making (SDM) in the context of pharmacogenetic testing and evaluate various needs and perspectives of different stakeholders toward the use of predictive tools for MDD treatment to foster active participation and patients' empowerment. This project represents a proof-of-concept study. The obtained results will provide information about the feasibility and usefulness of the proposed approach, with the perspective of designing future clinical trials in which algorithms could be tested as a predictive tool to drive decision making by clinicians, enabling a better prevention and management of MDD resistance.

Diabetes Prediction using Data Mining Techniques

This project delves into the realm of data mining for diabetes prediction, with a focus on enriching the well- known Pima Indian Diabetes dataset by incorporating vital health metrics, particularly heart rate, derived from fitness trackers. The initiative encompasses three integral components: firstly, the exploration and enhancement of the dataset through the integration of heart rate; secondly, the application of diverse data mining techniques, ranging from logistic regression and random forest to support vector machines and naive Bayes, along with advanced machine learning algorithms and neural networks, for a comprehensive comparative analysis of their efficacy in diabetes prediction; and finally, the development of a user-friendly web application disseminating diabetes-related information, detailing project methodologies, and offering users the ability to assess their diabetes risk through instant feedback based on inputted health details. This multi-faceted approach not only contributes to the field of healthcare data analytics by evaluating diverse prediction methods but also aligns with contemporary trends in wearable technology integration for health monitoring, bridging the gap between data analytics and public health awareness. The findings offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers striving for robust methods in diabetes prediction and prevention.

Direct diabetes-related healthcare expenditures in Slovenia: recent evolution and future projections based on population-level data

ABSTRACT Objective The burden of diabetes on individuals, healthcare systems, and society must be explored to improve and sustain diabetes care. With this aim, we estimated both past and future diabetes-related direct health expenditures in Slovenia. Methods Analysis of expenditures from the healthcare payer perspective during the 2019–2022 period was based on individual patient data on expenditures for seven groups of diabetes-related medical conditions from the population-level database of the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia. Expenditure projections were prepared using the European Commission’s methodology for budgetary projections. Results In the 2019–2022 period, average annual diabetes-related expenditures equaled €174.1 million (€1,108 per patient), with their average annual growth rate reaching 12.5%. Expenditures due to inpatient care (33%) and drugs used in diabetes (24%) had the highest shares. More than half of the expenditures were due to complications of diabetes. The diabetes-related expenditures as a share of GDP are projected to increase by 19.2% from 2019 to 2030, with slower yet continued growth up to 2050. Conclusions Diabetes-related expenditures in Slovenia continue to rise. By focusing on the prevention and optimal management of diabetes, its impact on the healthcare system could be reduced significantly, given the magnitude of expenditures attributed to complications.

Reclaiming Energy Flows: Energy GeoHumanities and the Socio-Ecologies of Rivers in Latin American Hydro-Modernities

This article explores fluvial forms of art and activism to reclaim new meanings of energy at a time when questions about the energy transition are central in geography studies and global environmental discourses. Departing from Serpent River Book by Carolina Caycedo, we propose affective, embodied, and creative entanglements to understand energy flows in river ecologies in Latin America for an exploration of energy geohumanities. We then discuss the methodology of this energy geohumanities project in our engagements with Caycedo’s art, reflecting on our sedimentary writing and thinking process enacted throughout the article. By centering this article on what energies art conjures and releases in affective and political terms, we explore the meanings of doing energy geohumanities in the deployment of a poetics of embodied tensions between flow and containment and between aerial and immersive views that challenge the dichotomies of subject/object, nature/culture and geo/human. Through unfolding a “sedimentary blog writing” method based on geo-mimicry, we hope to make a case for how entangled thinking and writing offer a novel approach to examining the multiple meanings of energy beyond electricity in the extractive zones of hydro-modernity.

Training an AI-based Writing Assistant for Spanish Learners: The Usefulness of Chatbots and the Indispensability of Human-assisted Intelligence

This article deals with the relationship between human and artificial intelligence in the context of an ongoing Spanish Writing Assistant project, where ChatGPT is used to assist in four key tasks related to either training the underlying language model or preparing future user communication. The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between lexicographers with experience in language teaching and IT experts from a high-tech company. The article first describes the methodology of the overall project and the specific role of the lexicographers. It then discusses the three tasks in which the latter are directly involved: the construction of a set of two parallel Spanish corpora, one correct and the other with induced errors, the generation of validation material, and the writing of extended grammatical explanations for Spanish learners. Based on a large amount of empirical data, including 35,000 carefully reviewed sentences, the article details the different steps of the interaction between human and chatbot, as well as the experiences and reflections drawn from this process. It concludes that the two parts engage in very different types of relationships depending on the concrete task, and that human knowledge, culture, skills and language intuition are crucial for the chatbot to work properly. Keywords: Spanish writing assistants, language learning, chatbots, human-assisted intelligence, training of language model, corpus building

ПРОЕКТНИЙ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ В ЕНЕРГЕТИЦІ ПІД ЧАС ВІЙНИ: ПРАКТИКА І КЛЮЧОВІ АСПЕКТИ

In times of war, risk management becomes a critical part of project management and includes such aspects as risk assessment and management. Risk assessment begins with their identification. Risk assessment ends with an analysis of the probability of their occurrence and impact on the project. Risk management involves the development of response plans. During a full-scale war, rational resource management is key to the successful implementation of a project, including logistics, human resources, and financial aspects. In the presence of military threats, it is necessary to adapt traditional project management methodologies for energy projects to specific conditions. The first way to adapt the methodology is to divide the project into short cycles, which allows for a quick response to new conditions. The second is to divide each cycle into control points. The third is to incorporate key project constraints and principles into the methodology. Safety aspects are implemented through a number of measures, including the creation of evacuation plans, including the identification of safe routes, gathering places, and the allocation and arrangement of shelters. Communication and coordination are important management aspects. Communication includes the development of a communication plan that defines the main and backup communication channels, frequency and format of reporting, and the responsible persons. Effective coordination is manifested in the form of regular meetings to discuss progress, identify problems and make decisions. Innovative technologies and approaches are implemented through the use of automated control systems or artificial intelligence; optimization of operations in time and space; and the introduction of alternative energy solutions into projects. In the public or municipal energy sector, projects rely on foreign financial support, so the key aspect is to find partners among international financial organizations, funds, and governments. In the private energy sector, a mechanism of military risk insurance may be useful for attracting financing for projects.

Developing a Horizontal Risk Assessment Instrument for incidents of domestic violence victims in Greece: Understanding the landscape and risk factors as identified by the Hellenic Police

ABSTRACT This article describes the process of developing the Hellenic Risk Assessment Instrument reaching the pilot phase, with particular application to the police. The Risk Assessment tool is designed to assess incidents of domestic violence for recidivism and lethality. In particular, the Hellenic Risk Assessment tool is designed to be applied horizontally, across all frontline national agencies that receive reports of domestic violence and abuse (health, police, social services, specialised network of structures for victim support). First, the legal underpinnings nationally and internationally will be described, and the theoretical background and methodology for the overall project will be discussed. During the first stage of the development, data were collected from the specialised department for domestic violence in the Hellenic Police force for the period from January 2019 until July 2021. The data pertained to six overall parameters, which were selected to identify potential risk markers that might be potentially present in the Greek domestic violence incidents. These include perpetrator variables (age, gender, ethnicity), victim variables (age, gender, ethnicity), incident variables (type of violence, and prevalence). In addition, the number of cases reported before and after a domestic homicide, the number of cases at the times of major sporting events and at during the major holidays were investigated. The results were then analysed and will be presented and cross-referenced with other international findings and were used to create the preliminary version of the risk assessment tool. During the second phase of the development of the tool, focus groups were conducted with police officers who covered various departments (Anti-Racism division, Homicide division, Minors, Domestic Violence), that came into direct or indirect contact with victims of abuse, and could offer significant insight into risk factors and parameters that could potentially lead to recidivism and to lethal violence and be usefully incorporated within the tool as well as give their expert opinion as to its efficacy.

Artificial Intelligence Based Store Management

The project proposes innovative ideas such as personalized customer interactions through a mobile application and optimizing queues through the sliding checkout model. It also leverages existing kiosks for digital customer connections. The project's methodology is based on comprehensive needs analysis, consultations with industry experts, and the identification of processes suitable for automation. It also prioritizes Research and Development (R&D) in retail merchandising by securing R&D licenses from industry giants. The project's technological infrastructure is designed for the Azure cloud environment, ensuring operational efficiency and seamless integration with various systems. A robust logging infrastructure is in place to maintain an uninterrupted connection between artificial intelligence support and the backend architecture. The project also develops a mobile application with user-friendly interfaces and cross-platform functionality using Flutter. The anticipated benefits of the project include time savings for store managers, data-driven decision-making, and experimental positioning for testing and implementing novel methods in store operation. Overall, the "Artificial Intelligence Based Store Management" project aims to set new industry standards by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into retail merchandising.

Analyzing the Spatial Composition via Datascape Design Methodology in MVRDV's Projects

MVRDV describes its design method as ‘Datascape.’ All information that affects buildings, such as building codes, economic feasibility, and environmental requirements, is converted into data, and the results are built into a project. This paper aims to clarify and objectify the characteristics of the architectural space composition method in MVRDV architecture and to make it an alternative to contemporary architecture. A literature review of the concept of datascape and continuity, the theoretical background of MVRDV, was used as a methodology. Based on this, the specific space composition methods are extracted from common denominators in MVRDV’s projects. The result showed that the space composition method by void is a method of creating a void space by deleting stacked programs, and it is a concept that appeared in response to the urban density described by MVRDV. Constructing space by program creates a continuous space by internalizing the architectural program within the space and blurs the boundaries between inside and outside through transparency. The method of constructing space by diagrams creates the space and form of a building through the reinterpretation and rearrangement of a given program. The diagram referred to here appears in various spaces and forms in architecture, such as maps, statistical tables, and diagrams. The space composition method by the internal continuity plane refers to a space in which the city and the space are continuous. It is a space where mutual communication occurs where the distinction between inside and outside is ambiguous due to this continuous space. This can be said to establish a mutually ongoing relationship between the site and the interior space.

Jungle Math: An Educational Mobile Games for Preschoolers Learning Mathematics

This project is about developing an educational game for kindergarten children. Educational games for kids are designed to teach important concepts such as numbers, letters, colours, shapes, and more in a fun and engaging way. They can also help develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Mathematics is a challenging subject for most children at an early age, especially preschoolers. This is due to the lack of understanding, interest, and successful ways to help them learn. Typically, mathematical games are presented with an emphasis on entertainment or education. Games can be an effective way to teach children mathematics. They can also help foster a positive attitude towards the subject, which can lead to better learning outcomes. Thus, creating an educational mobile game would be an excellent solution to this problem. This project aims to create a mobile game that can be installed on mobile phones or tablets to teach children mathematics. The RAD (Rapid Application Development) model will be used as the project methodology to conduct this project. First, the functional requirements were determined. Then, the prototype was developed and named Jungle Math. A field usability test was conducted with the targeted users to evaluate the application's ease of use. The findingssuggest that the application is ready to be used in a learning and fun environment for kindergarten children upon the success of the trial run, as the targeted users found the application easy to use and enjoyed playing and learning with the application.

Re-bordering UK Feminist Video in the 1980s. Cross-border Exchanges and Reflexivity in a Digital and Archive-based Project

This article discusses the benefits and limitations of the use of digital humanities tools in the context of transnational research in women’s film and television history, with a particular attention to issues of positionality, cross-border circulation, and exchange. To do so, it details on the methodology and results of a research project reconstructing the transnational impact of the collaborations between women producers and practitioners and UK broadcasters in the context of the UN Decade of Women (1975-1985). The investigation, funded by FIAT/IFTA (International Federation of Television Archives), analyses a group of programmes from the BFI archives by producing data-visualisations such as maps and network analysis generated through the collection of geographical, biographical, and chronological information. The goal of the study is offering a deeper understanding of transnationalism in the context of local television productions, while avoiding risks of fragmentation and methodological nationalism. However, while digital tools and data visualisations helped the identification of recurring tropes and transnational collaborations, the process of data collection and the visual aids themselves made evident the persistence of problematic geographies of knowledge and representation, that would require a broader assessment through collaborative, cross-national investigations.

Application of project technology in teaching Russian as a foreign language: the case of topic «Day of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)»

The article describes the practical application of the project method in teaching Russian as a foreign language, which allows to activate the educational and cognitive activity of students, to develop their communication and teamwork skills. The author considers the organization of project technology when studying the course of «Country Studies» in a group of Chinese bachelors, namely the topic «The Sakha Republic (Yakutia)». At the pre-text stage, lexical work is carried out with new words, the translation into Chinese of words that are not included in the lexical minimum of students of the basic level of proficiency in Russian is proposed. An educational text about the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) with emphasis was developed. At the post-text stage, work is carried out on questions on comprehending what has been read and performing grammatical tasks on the use and formation of full forms of participles and declension of quantitative and ordinal numerals. The creative projects developed by students on the topic «Sights of the city of Yakutsk», including an illustrated Russian-Chinese terminological dictionary, information about cultural objects, student reviews, are presented. The final creative task was the implementation of the case – the creation of a mock-up of a holiday card for the Day of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Presenting their work, students developed the skills of oral monological coherent speech. To sum up, the author comes to the conclusion about the expediency and effectiveness of the implementation of the project methodology in teaching Russian as a foreign language, contributing to the creative activity of students and improving their communication skills.

Methods of methodologies hybridization in the management system of development projects of self-managed organizations

The article proposed methods of hybridization in the implementation of syncretic methodology in projects of self-managed organizations. Challenges facing modern projects, in particular infrastructure restoration projects, are analyzed. Among such challenges, war, the urgent need for restoration projects, the multicultural environment of restoration projects, the need to create a new methodology for managing such projects are highlighted. Analyzed studies that analyzed the mixing of methodologies for managing individual projects or portfolios, in particular in the form of hybridization of management methodologies. Formulated research goal. An analysis of the applicability to hybridization and syncretism and to the use in self-managed organizations and in infrastructure restoration projects of the following mix of methodologies was carried out – a PMBOK-like mix; a mix of PRINCE2-like methodologies, a mix of P2M-like methodologies; mix of methodologies of IT companies; a mix of separate Agile methodology frameworks; a mix of customized hybrids of Agile methodology frameworks; a mix of hybrids, in each of which the classic methodology is combined with the Agile framework. It was determined that a mix of hybrids, in each of which the classical methodology is combined with the Agile framework, or a mix of hybrids, in each of which the classical methodology is combined with the Agile framework, will be the most adequate for the tasks of the researched project. The concept of "syncretic hybridization" is defined. Four methods of syncretic hybridization of project management methodologies are proposed - the method of simple reactive syncretic hybridization, the method of integral reactive syncretic hybridization, the method of simple proactive syncretic hybridization, the method of integral proactive syncretic hybridization. A description of the methods and a methods implementation schemes are given. A SWOT analysis was conducted, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities arising from the application of the specified family of hybridization methods within the syncretic project management methodology, and threats that may arise were highlighted. Formulated fields of further research in the chosen direction: formalization of interface models of syncretic project management methodology at the level of corporate methodology of a self-managed project-oriented organization; formalization of syncretic methodology hybridization methods, expedient expansion of the family of methods; formalization of the criteria for choosing one or another method of syncretic hybridization under different conditions of the internal and external project environment; the use of elements of artificial intelligence in the methods of syncretic hybridization and syncretic methodology in general; practical approbation of models and methods of syncretic hybridization within the syncretic methodology of project management in the implementation by self-managed organizations of projects and portfolios of infrastructure restoration projects of Ukraine. Conclusions from the conducted research are formulated.

Сценарии за развитие на сектор „Биологично земеделие“ в светлината на ОСП 2023 – 2027 година

The research aims to make a scenario analysis that will show what changes, perspectives and trends would be expected in the development of organic farming (OF) in our country, related to the change of main factors, mechanisms and means of support in the policy and with the objectives of the EU Green Deal. The study of the scenarios in the organic farming sector, their evaluation and the measurement of the probability that each of the options will happen is indicative of the future development of this sector, of the opportunities and prospects for it. It follows a quantitative approach to measure the possible changes in the organic farming sector. It is based on and is part of the work on the research project “Perspectives for Bulgarian agriculture and rural areas in the context of the CAP 2021 – 2027 and the EU Recovery Plan”, developed by a team led by associate professor Dr. B. Ivanov, IAI, Agricultural Academy – Sofia in 2021 – 2022. The research is based on the methodology developed for the purposes of the above-mentioned project, using the relevant algorithm, and the main applied methods are comparative assessment, probabilistic study with covariances, descriptive analysis, indicator method, expert assessment and statistical methods for determining trends (Ivanov et al., 2023). When developing the forecast scenarios, to track the possible consequences and effects of assuming different options for the development of OF in our country, two groups of indicators have been used – result and derivative ones. The average scenario score was used as an indicator of how likely the different scenarios were to occur. The specific scenarios and the average scores are determined within limits, according to the standard error and confidence interval according to the methodology of the above-mentioned project. Although the overall probability of the proposed three scenarios (pessimistic, normal and optimistic), measured by the probability coefficient, is unsatisfactory – 0.43, as well as the average scores for the pessimistic and moderate scenarios, the average score for the optimistic scenario is considered satisfactory. From the presented assumptions, estimates and probability scenarios, it can be concluded that the assumed changes in the indicators for the development of organic agriculture lead to relatively close probabilities for the occurrence of the optimistic and moderate scenarios. However, the optimistic scenario has the highest percentage – 18%, followed by the moderate scenario – 16%. I.e. the probability that organic agriculture will develop by 2027 according to the optimistic scenario is the highest. The realization of such a scenario by 2027 would be positive for Bulgarian agriculture in general and for OF in particular. This coincides with the trends that have been noticed recently – there is an increased interest of society in consuming organic products; at the same time, a number of EC- documents set goals for increasing the areas managed by organic farming methods. The increased public interest and concern for the protection of the environment and the health of people and animals has provoked a number of measures in both EU and national policy related to the support of the sector of OF.

IMPACT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS IN THE SRI LANKAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of project management methodology (PMM) on project management success (PMS) of the construction industry in Sri Lanka by developing a new model to the existing body of knowledge and to contribute some practical aspects to the project management practitioners. Accordingly, the conceptual framework was developed with the theoretical support of the Contingency theory. The researcher-administrated questionnaires were distributed under a one-time survey strategy and 381 respondents were used for analysis. According to the nature of the study, the widely used Structural Equation Modelling technique (SEM) was used to analyze the data, and SmartPLS Version 3 was used as the tool found that all three project methodologies are impacting significantly on Project Management Success with Standard Project Management Methodology (SPMM) being the strongest followed by Customized Project Management Methodology (CPMM) and Inhouse Developed Project Management Methodologies (IPMM). The findings of this study show that 39% of the variation in project management success is explained by the project management methodologies.

Design, Validation, and Examination on the Performance Improvement of Dewatering System Implemented for Biogas Slurry

The project addresses the pressing need for organic fertilizers in Nepal and explores an eco- friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. By dewatering biogas residue, this research contributes to sustainable agriculture practices. The project's methodology involved a combination of research, literature recommendations, and guidance from experienced supervisors. SolidWorks was utilized for the design phase, while ANSYS facilitated simulation works. Subsequently, the testing of the dewatering machine was conducted. The biogas slurry used for testing and sun-drying was sourced from a prototype 1m3 capacity biogas plant. The machine's performance was evaluated at various operating speeds, with 8 rpm identified as the most efficient. Notable outcomes included a liquid yield of 52.51%, an extraction efficiency of 79.11%, and extraction losses amounting to 22.80%. To enhance the quality of the organic fertilizer, the slurry sample underwent sun-drying for different durations: 24, 48, and 72 hours. Nutrient concentrations (TS, N, P, K) were analyzed, that came with the 48-hour sun-drying period proving to be the most effective in reducing Total Solid contents. Comparatively, pre-treating the slurry sample for 24 and 48 hours prior to testing in the dewatering machine allowed for an assessment of the machine's efficiency, offering valuable insights to be contrasted with the sun-drying process. This research paves the way for a greener, more efficient method of dewatering biogas slurry, aligning with Nepal's agricultural and environmental sustainability goals.

The reliability of the standard deviation bid method for awarding construction contracts

This study examines the complex test of observing to time, cost, and quality factors when executing construction projects in developing countries, which frequently becomes more difficult by awarding projects based on low bids. By compared to collusion implications and e-bidding benefits using the standard deviation bid and average bid methods, the study provides light on critical aspects. An examination of contracts in Nepal’s Gandaki province between 2018 and 2022 yields interesting results. When there is no collusion, both bidding methods produce similar results. The average bid method, on the other hand, is subject to collusion, whereas the standard deviation bid method is not. To address the constraints associated with low bids, a cautious recommendation for the average bid method is made, along with vigilance against collusion. The standard deviation bid method, on the other hand, emerges as an effective obstacle to collusive behavior. To enhance the bid procedures, the study encourages for additional qualification criteria such as financial weighting and enhanced performance bonds. These amendments to Nepal’s Public Procurement Act (PPA) and Public Procurement Regulation (PPR) of 2007 are intended to address issues raised by low bids. The importance of e-bidding practices is highlighted for digital transformation and corruption prevention. The study emphasizes the importance of putting in place mechanisms to detect collusion across bid selection methods. The research concludes with an invitation for experimental exploration of the Standard Deviation Bidding Method (SDBM), with an evaluation of its efficiency across time, cost, and quality domains. This investigation has the potential to reveal the best bid selection methodology for construction projects.

MODELS OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-MANAGED ORGANIZATIONS IN THE PORTFOLIOS OF INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL PROJECTS OF UKRAINE

Introduction. The recovery of Ukraine from the consequences of the full-scale aggression of the russian federation requires the implementation of a whole set of projects, programs and project portfolios. At the same time, the task of choosing a management methodology for such projects is urgent. The analysis of methodological trends shows that the fourth stage of the development of methodological structures is currently underway - from the use of one methodology, through the development of the Agile methodology and the use of management of project collections (programs, portfolios) – project-oriented organizations began to use methodological mixes. As an expedient, it is proposed to investigate the syncretic principle and the corresponding methodology of managing projects, programs and portfolios of projects. This methodology is aimed at solving the urgent problems of creating and developing the methodology of management of restoration projects and is not sufficiently researched. Problem statement. Projects and portfolios of infrastructure restoration projects of Ukraine are implemented by a large number of participants representing different countries, different management cultures and different project management methodologies. One of the prerequisites for the success and efficiency of restoration projects is the creation of a new methodology that would ensure efficiency in such conditions, to which is added the trend of using by organizations the principles of self-management.

Review of agile project management research through systematic literature network analysis approach

In the present digital era, the concepts of Agile project methodology or Agile methods have transformed technology as perceived in learning organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agile methods domain has gained considerable attention from practitioners and researchers. While past review studies have provided valuable insights into Agile methods research, none have addressed the trends, structure, and opportunities in this domain. Therefore, this research aims to conduct a systematic review of Agile project management or Agile methods using a novel research methodology called Systematic Literature Network Analysis (SLNA). A corpus of fifty research articles from 2006 to 2023 is extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The bibliometric technique has been applied to systematically collected documents. The research findings highlight that the Agile project method domain gained considerable attention during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with most research conducted in developed countries. The outcomes suggest that future studies should focus on people and technical factors and explore different frameworks and variables to strengthen the field of Agile project methodology. These findings are valuable for future researchers, practitioners, and industry personnel. Emphasize people and technical factors while implementing Agile methods, fostering effective collaboration, and utilizing appropriate technical resources. Investigate emerging trends in Agile project management, including the impact of remote work, and conduct cross-country studies to understand the applicability of Agile methods across different contexts. The impact of Agile project management methods on society includes fostering adaptability and resilience in organizations, promoting efficient collaboration and innovation, and facilitating the successful delivery of projects that meet the evolving needs of society. A broader set of keywords, a longer time frame, and additional online databases could have resulted in a greater number of articles being analysed.

Design and Improvement of Dewatering System Implemented for Biogas Slurry

The project addresses the pressing need for organic fertilizers in Nepal and explores an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. By dewatering biogas residue, this research contributes to sustainable agriculture practices. The project's methodology involved a combination of research, literature recommendations, and guidance from experienced supervisors. SolidWorks was utilized for the design phase, while ANSYS facilitated simulation works. Subsequently, the testing of the dewatering machine was conducted. The biogas slurry used for testing and sun-drying was sourced from a prototype 1m3 capacity biogas plant. The machine's performance was evaluated at various operating speeds, with 8 rpm identified as the most efficient. Notable outcomes included a liquid yield of 52.51%, an extraction efficiency of 79.11%, and extraction losses amounting to 22.80%. To enhance the quality of the organic fertilizer, the slurry sample underwent sun-drying for different durations: 24, 48, and 72 hours. Nutrient concentrations (TS, N, P, K) were analyzed, that came with the 48-hour sun-drying period proving to be the most effective in reducing Total Solid contents. Comparatively, pre-treating the slurry sample for 24 and 48 hours prior to testing in the dewatering machine allowed for an assessment of the machine's efficiency, offering valuable insights to be contrasted with the sun-drying process. This research paves the way for a greener, more efficient method of dewatering biogas slurry, aligning with Nepal's agricultural and environmental sustainability goals.