Monitoring Project Research Articles

Mytilus galloprovincialis shell growth – Insights from shell geochemistry

Despite the wide geographic distribution of mussels and their importance in fisheries and aquaculture, understanding of temporal and spatial variations of their growth is still limited. This can be, at least partly, attributed to the lack of distinct growth lines in their shells. Our study uses geochemical properties of shells, particularly oxygen (δ18Oshell) and carbon (δ13Cshell) stable isotope values, to reconstruct mussel growth. Mytilus galloprovincialis specimens were collected from two of the most important bivalve aquaculture sites in the eastern Adriatic - Krka River estuary and Mali Ston Bay. The first site has variable environmental conditions, influenced mainly by the Krka River, resulting in a strong temperature and salinity gradient along the estuary. In contrast, Mali Ston Bay is a relatively shallow enclosed bay with more stable conditions. Samples for δ18Oshell and δ13Cshell analysis were acquired by manual microdrilling cross-sectioned shells from three similar sized shells from each site. In addition, analysis of elemental profiles (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca) in shells from the Krka River estuary was conducted using laser ablation ICPMS. Temperature and salinity values were obtained for each site through research and monitoring projects and used to calculate predicted δ18Oshell values. By aligning the measured δ18Oshell data along the predicted δ18Oshell curve, it was possible to reconstruct the timing and rate of seasonal shell growth. Results show that M. galloprovincialis shell deposition slows down and/or ceases during high temperature and low salinity periods. Specimens from the Krka River estuary had faster shell growth rates and were characterised by higher δ13Cshell values. Mg/Ca profiles of M. galloprovincialis specimens from the Krka River estuary, confirm growth periodicity data obtained by δ18O analysis. Ba/Ca peaks were also discussed by comparison with δ13C time-series and environmental data. Results have potential applications in fisheries studies as well as in palaeoecology and palaeoceanography research.

Fantastic wetlands and why to monitor them: Demonstrating the social and financial benefit potential of methane abatement through salt marsh restoration.

Salt marsh restoration has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions thereby providing an opportunity for blue carbon crediting, but implementation has been limited to date because of insufficient data and validation. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential scale of methane emissions that could be avoided if salinity-reducing impairments are mitigated by applying findings from six salt marsh restoration sites in Massachusetts combined with a previously demonstrated application of the salt marsh salinity-methane relationship. We used calculations of these avoided emissions to estimate the social benefit of salt marsh restoration by calculating avoided costs. Of the six sites selected, restorations at two sites were successful in improving salinity which we used as a methane proxy. Our approach and findings demonstrate the potential benefits in developing consistent accounting methodologies to better track, prioritize, and implement wetlands restoration strategies to mitigate methane emissions and contribute toward state-level emissions reduction targets across some of the 475 Massachusetts salt marches with an existing tidal restriction. We found the potential for $12 -$26M in added social benefit from 176 tons of avoided methane across 932 hectares of degraded salt marsh in Massachusetts. A significant limitation in estimating benefits, however, is the lack of coordinated, widespread monitoring strategies to infer methane and other GhGs at scale. While not insurmountable, these challenges will need to be addressed for GhG emissions reduction and/or sequestration through salt marsh restoration to be accepted as an effective strategy. We conclude that while carbon crediting may offer benefits to marsh restoration and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, there remain significant limitations because of a lack of project monitoring and data validation. In the worst case, this could result in the offsetting of actual greenhouse gas emissions with credits that are supported by indirect and less-than-rigorous monitoring data.

Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) based automated construction progress measurement of road using LSTM

PurposeCurrent solutions for monitoring the progress of pavement construction (such as collecting, processing and analysing data) are inefficient, labour-intensive, time-consuming, tedious and error-prone. In this study, an automated solution proposes sensors prototype mounted unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for data collection, an LSTM classifier for road layer detection, the integrated algorithm for as-built progress calculation and web-based as-built reporting.Design/methodology/approachThe crux of the proposed solution, the road layer detection model, is proposed to develop from the layer change detection model and rule-based reasoning. In the beginning, data were gathered using a UGV with a laser ToF (time-of-flight) distance sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and GPS sensor in a controlled environment. The long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm was utilised on acquired data to develop a classifier model for layer change detection, such as layer not changed, layer up and layer down.FindingsIn controlled environment experiments, the classification of road layer changes achieved 94.35% test accuracy with 14.05% loss. Subsequently, the proposed approach, including the layer detection model, as-built measurement algorithm and reporting, was successfully implemented with a real case study to test the robustness of the model and measure the as-built progress.Research limitations/implicationsThe implementation of the proposed framework can allow continuous, real-time monitoring of road construction projects, eliminating the need for manual, time-consuming methods. This study will potentially help the construction industry in the real time decision-making process of construction progress monitoring and controlling action.Originality/valueThis first novel approach marks the first utilization of sensors mounted UGV for monitoring road construction progress, filling a crucial research gap in incremental and segment-wise construction monitoring and offering a solution that addresses challenges faced by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and 3D reconstruction. Utilizing UGVs offers advantages like cost-effectiveness, safety and operational flexibility in no-fly zones.

Examining Quantiles in Structural Health Monitoring

A central task within structural health monitoring is to determine the condition of a given structure, such as bridges, by gathering and assessing data from integrated sensory systems. This data can be viewed as functional and subjected to corresponding statistical methodologies. Prompt detection of potential structural damage is crucial due to its potential impact on a structure's service life. One approach to address this challenge has been to use methods like (functional) principal component analysis ((F)PCA). FPCA identifies the primary directions of signal variability and monitors the evolution of corresponding scores over time. However, this conventional monitoring concept falls short in accounting for skewness or shifting effects, as it merely represents curves as deviations from the mean. A comprehensive analysis of the entire signals' distributions becomes imperative to tackle the multifaceted nature of structural damages and environmental influences adequately. In this innovative approach, we expand upon FPCA by incorporating a quantile perspective, where we model the significant variations in each sensor profile at various quantile levels. This empowers us to consider scores at different quantiles as vital monitoring metrics without imposing distributional assumptions on scores or error terms. Furthermore, our model takes into account confounding effects, particularly the temperature. We validate our method through simulation studies and real-data scenarios using strain and inclination data from long-term monitoring projects of German bridges. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy as both a visual inspection tool and a reasonably accurate damage identification technique.

Evaluation of the Improved Feeding Practices for the First 1000 Days Project in Ghana

BackgroundSub-optimal nutrition during the first 1000 days of life can impair the physical andcognitive development of children, as well as limit their health and wellbeing. Theimproved feeding practices for the first 1,000 days (IFP) project aimed to improve thedietary practices of women of reproductive age (pregnant and lactating) and children belowages two years in three selected districts (Kassena-Nankana West [KNW], Sekyere East[SE],and Kintampo South[KS]) in Ghana. This integrated project combined interventions onmicronutrient powder (MNP) distribution, social behaviour-change communication, andnutrition-sensitive agriculture to catalyse enhanced awareness and consumption ofnutrient-rich foods in selected communities.ObjectiveThis paper evaluates the IFP project based on measures associated with relevance,effectiveness, impact, and sustainability.MethodsUsing a mixed-methods design, data from in-depth interviews of project beneficiaries, andkey community-based actors involved in the project’s implementation were triangulatedwith routine project monitoring data, and documentation to answer the evaluationquestions. The evaluation questions and our analyses were guided by the DevelopmentAssistance Committee evaluation criteria. Interviews with key stakeholders wereconducted in June 2023. Key project data were compared between baseline and endlineassessments to ascertain the extent to which the project met its intended objectives andtargets.ResultsThe project demonstrated high relevance of the proposed project among the target groups;for example, nearly half the children were eating low quality, non-diverse diets (49% inKNW, 46% in KS and 35 in SE). The project enabled almost 14,000 children to be reachedwith MNP. While 96,000 eggs were produced, <10% was consumed at home. About 35,000kilograms of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) were produced, resulting in improvedaccess to the nutrient-rich foods produced. Nutrition messages were disseminated widelyand were reported to have contributed to improved awareness of nutrition amongcaregivers. Data-based and reported evidence both indicated there was improved childdietary diversity between baseline and endline of the project; in KNW, 90% of children metminimum dietary diversity at endline compared to 75% at baseline. In KS and SE, theendline estimates of dietary diversity were 71% and 70%, up from 65% in both districts atbaseline, respectively. Multiple strategies aiming to support project sustainability thatwere built into the project design were implemented. Additional sustainability strategiesevolved during the project’s lifetime, including crossbreeding of project chickens withhardier local breeds, continued multiplication of OFSP vines, and transfer of VillageSavings and Loans Association funds accumulated from MNP sale to Village-BasedEntrepreneurs to sustain MNP supply.ConclusionsIFP project delivered interventions successfully, leading to improved awareness andpractices related to diets of women in reproductive age and young children, in projectcommunities. These strategies can be extended to women and children living in similarsettings to improve the diet quality of women and children.

BUILDING SHOWCASE PLATFORM

Abstract : Formal project management is not widespread in SMEs. Most of the office work and normal business activities are looked by the staff in an informal manner and in most cases without any project management training. This is not to say that their projects are not successful. Many SMEs handle projects well and are successful. This could be due to their tactical knowledge and the individuals involved rather than a conscious effort. But these companies could be falling short of their potential and may perform better if they follow a proper formal system of project management practices. Management, produces a degree of predictability, focuses on systems, relays on control, organizes and staffs, accepts the status quo and motivates people to comply with standards. This project aims to study the approach of small and informal construction firms towards construction management and the various techniques adopted by them and thereby suggest systems and methods in project management to improve their performance. A startup construction firm that did not have formal project management systems and techniques in place was identified and upon discussion with their owners and employees regarding their practices, they were willing to let us assist them in their projects by setting up a project management function there by analyzing their work. During the course of the study, significant improvements were observed in the system adopted by the firm in various aspects like quality control, project monitoring & tracking and safety. It can thus be concluded that introduction of project management techniques even though on a small but systematic way can help bring improvement in the performance of the firm and contribute to the organization’s growth in the long run. IndexTerms – Web-Based Application, Modern structure.

Wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor 68 NPS/conventional drug use in Taipei metropolitan area in Taiwan during and after COVID-19 pandemic

Amidst far-reaching COVID-19 effects and social constraints, this study leveraged wastewater-based epidemiology to track 38 conventional drugs and 30 new psychoactive substances (NPS) in northern Taiwan. Analyzing daily samples from four Taipei wastewater plants between September 2021 and January 2024—encompassing club reopenings, holidays, Lunar New Year, an outbreak, and regular periods—thirty-one drugs were detected, including 5 NPS. Tramadol, zolpidem tartrate, CMA, and MDPV were newly detected in Taiwanese sewage with frequency of 1.4 %− 89.0 %. Conventional drug use typically increased post-pandemic, aside from benzodiazepines and methadone. Methamphetamine showed 100 % frequency, indicating ongoing daily consumption despite COVID-19 measures. Methamphetamine and morphine's consumption dipped then rose around club reopening, hinting at limited access. The consumption trend of methadone appeared to compensate for the use of morphine. Ketamine and NPS demonstrated similar patterns throughout the entire period. NPS as party drugs seemed influenced by an unstable supply chain and complexities in implementation. Benzodiazepines, commonly abused alongside synthetic cathinones in Taiwan exhibited an opposing trend to NPS while aligned with acetaminophen, suggesting elevated stress and anxiety levels during the pandemic. No significant differences were observed in drug consumption between weekdays and weekends, potentially indicating that COVID-19 measures blurred the traditional distinctions between these timeframes. Environmental ImplicationNew psychoactive substances refer to chemically modified variants of controlled drugs designed to mimic the effects of the original drugs while evading modern detection methods, categorizing them as hazardous materials. The study presents a sewage monitoring project conducted from 2021 to 2024, collecting samples from four WWTPs to analyze NPS and conventional drug trends during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings uncovered connections between drug consumption patterns and pandemic-related policies. In light of the persistent drug abuse and their environmental presence, the results bear critical importance for both environmental and public health. We provide a thorough assessment of these relationships and prioritize areas for future research.

Cervical Pap screening among women living with HIV in Puerto Rico and the United States – Medical Monitoring Project, 2018–2021

Our objective was to determine the prevalence of cervical Pap screening among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Puerto Rico (P.R.) and other selected United States (U.S.) jurisdictions. Additionally, we sought to compare selected characteristics of WLWH who underwent cervical Pap screening between P.R. and the other U.S. jurisdictions. We analyzed data from the 2018–2021 cycles of CDC’s Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a national surveillance system among adults with HIV residing in P.R. (n = 218) and 22 other MMP jurisdictions (n = 3,653). Weighted percentages and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for selected characteristics were estimated. Prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means were calculated. An estimated 91.6 % and 84.6 % of WLWH underwent cervical Pap screening in P.R. and the other 22 MMP jurisdictions, respectively (Prevalence Ratio = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03–1.13). Among WLWH who underwent cervical Pap screening, those in P.R. were more likely to be 50+ years of age, have a household annual income below $20,000, engage in binge drinking, never smoke, and have Medicaid/other public insurance than those in the other 22 MMP jurisdictions (p < 0.05). No differences were found between P.R. and the other 22 MMP jurisdictions in the percentage reporting higher than the median HIV-stigma score, experiencing HIV health care discrimination, and having ≥ 1 sexual partner in the past 12 months. Although cervical Pap screening rates among WLWH were higher in P.R. than in the other 22 MMP jurisdictions, both surpass the Healthy People 2030 target. Future research should assess adherence and compliance with updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Review Paper on Recent Advances of Biotechnology Application to Aquaculture Development

Recent advances in biotechnology have significantly impacted aquaculture production, revolutionizing the industry. which explores key developments in applying biotechnological tools to enhance various aspects of aquaculture. Molecular techniques, such as genetic manipulation, have enabled the selective breeding of fish for desirable traits, improving growth rates, disease resistance, and overall productivity. Furthermore, the application of advanced genomics and bioinformatics has facilitated the identification of specific genes associated with important traits, paving the way for precision breeding. Biotechnological interventions also extend to disease management in aquaculture. Novel diagnostic methods based on molecular biology enable early detection of pathogens, contributing to effective disease prevention and control. Vaccines developed through biotechnological approaches have shown promise in protecting aquatic species against various infections, reducing reliance on traditional antibiotics. Nutrition is another critical aspect benefiting from biotechnological advancements. Genetically engineered feed formulations, enriched with essential nutrients, enhance the overall health and growth of aquaculture species. Furthermore, by enhancing feed conversion efficiency and waste management, probiotics and prebiotics obtained from biotechnological processes aid in the development of sustainable and ecologically friendly practices. Aquaculture and biotechnology are integrated in environmental conservation and monitoring projects. Aquatic organisms are guaranteed ideal conditions through real-time water quality monitoring made possible by biosensors and molecular tools. Utilizing genetically engineered organisms, bioremediation techniques help to lessen the negative environmental effects of aquaculture operations. In conclusion, recent advances in biotechnology have propelled aquaculture towards a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally conscious industry. The integration of molecular techniques, genetic manipulation, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring has opened new avenues for addressing challenges and optimizing production in aquaculture. The continued exploration and application of biotechnological tools hold great promise for the future of this crucial food production sector.

Cross-sectional study on the health of workers exposed to occupational noise in China.

This study aimed to understand the health of workers exposed to occupational noise and explore the influencing factors related to workers' health, especially the impact of noise on workers' hearing. This work can provide a basis for formulating relevant measures for occupational noise prevention and control in the future. On the basis of the key occupational disease monitoring project in Chongqing, China, in 2021, the data of 1125 workers exposed to occupational noise were analyzed. Data included demographic information, occupational history, clinical physical examination information, and noise detection information of the working environment. Chi-square test and multifactorial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence rates of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were 21.9% (246/1125), 27.8% (313/1125), and 18.0% (202/1125), respectively. Male workers accounted for 78.8%. Compared with male workers, female workers had a lower prevalence of abnormal PTA (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16-0.50). Workers working in medium enterprises had a lower prevalence of abnormal BP than workers in micro enterprises (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19-0.66). The prevalence of abnormal BP and PTA of workers increased with age. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the prevalence of abnormal ECG of mining workers was higher than that of manufacturing workers (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07-2.24), and the prevalence of abnormal PTA had a rising trend with the increase in noise exposure value. Noise-exposed workers have a high prevalence of abnormal ECG, BP, and PTA, and factors such as age, enterprise size, and workplace noise exposure are correlated with the aberrant health of workers. Governments, enterprises, and individuals need to attach great importance to the possible adverse effects of noise. They must also actively adopt various effective measures to protect the occupational safety and health of workers.

The Brazilian Santos basin underwater soundscape monitoring project (PMPAS-BS)

This paper describes the Santos Basin Underwater Soundscape Monitoring Project (PMPAS-BS), a Brazilian ocean soundscape monitoring initiative. The main objective of the project is to quantify and assess hydroacoustic noise of anthropogenic origin in a large sedimentary basin extending from 23° S to 28° S on the southeastern Brazilian continental margin of the South Atlantic Ocean. Noise associated with oil and gas (O&amp;amp;G) exploration and production activities is the primary target, but this oceanic region also has busy shipping lanes for commercial, military, and fishing vessels. The two main hubs of Brazil’s export and import of goods by sea are located in this region: Santos and Rio de Janeiro ports. The project has three measurement components: mobile monitoring based on gliders and drifting acoustic profilers, fixed shallow-water monitoring based on acoustic measurements at coastal stations near shipping lanes associated with exploration and production activities in the Santos Basin, and fixed oceanic monitoring based on deep-water mooring lines equipped with passive autonomous acoustic recorders near production units, shipping lanes, and areas with lower intensity of O&amp;amp;G activities (pristine or reference sites). Numerical modeling of anthropogenic underwater acoustic noise has also been included as a fourth project component. The PMPAS-BS covers an area of more than 251,000 km2 and uses several instruments with different methods and sensors for acoustic measurements. Its results provide current sound levels over a very large region of the western South Atlantic, both in areas more and less affected by anthropogenic activities.

Residues of agrochemicals in beebread as an indicator of landscape management

The agricultural intensification represents a major threat to biodiversity, with negative effects on the ecosystem. In particular, habitat loss and degradation, along with pesticide use have been recognised as primary factors contributing to the actual global decline of pollinators. Here we investigated the quality of agroecosystems in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) within the national monitoring project BeeNet. We analysed pesticide residues in 100 samples of beebread collected in 25 BeeNet stations in March and June 2021 and 2022. We evaluated diversity and concentration of these chemicals, their risk (TWC) to honey bees, and their correlation with land use. Overall, in 84 % of the samples we found 63 out of 373 different pesticide residues, >90 % of them belonging to fungicides and insecticides. The TWC exceeded the risk threshold in seven samples (TWCmix), mostly due to only one or two compounds. We also found 15 compounds not approved in the EU as plant protection products (PPPs), raising concerns about illegal use or contamination through beeswax recycling. Samples collected in 2021 and in June presented a significantly higher number of active ingredients and TWC than those collected in 2022 and in March. The TWC calculated on single compounds (TWCcom) exceeded the risk threshold in case of four insecticides, namely carbaryl, fipronil, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam (although each detected in only one sample). Finally, both TWC and number of active ingredients were moderately or highly positively correlated with the percentage of area covered by orchards. Considering that we found on average more than five different molecules per sample, and that we ignored potential synergistic effects, the results of this work highlight the alarming situation regarding pesticide treatments and toxicity risk for bees linked to the current agricultural practices, and the need for implementing sustainable and pollinator-friendly strategies.

982-P: The Dexcom Community Glucose Monitoring Project for People with Type 2 Diabetes—One-Year Outcomes

Background &amp; Objective: Access to CGM for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains limited, especially for those treated in the primary care setting. The objective of this study, a collaboration between a primary care practice and the local public health department, was to evaluate the glycemic impact of CGM access on adults with T2D. Methods: CGM systems (Dexcom G6 and G7) were provided to eligible participants with T2D who were ≥18 years of age, CGM-naïve, and did not have health insurance coverage for CGM. Outcomes included changes in A1C and CGM metrics from baseline to one year. Results: Participants (n=177) were (mean ± SD) 59.1 ± 12.0 years, 41.2% female, BMI 35.5 ± 8.5, duration of diabetes 11.1 ± 9.3 years. After one year, A1C decreased from 9.4% ± 1.6 to 7.1% ± 1.3 (-2.3% ± 1.9, p&amp;lt;0.001). The proportion of participants meeting the ADA target of A1C &amp;lt;7.0% increased from n=1 (0.6%) at baseline to n=91 (51.4%) at one year. Those meeting the HEDIS target of A1C &amp;lt;8.0% increased from 19.2% at baseline to 85.9% at one year. CGM outcomes (n=109) after near-continuous use included an increase in TIR of 9.9% ± 29.4 (p&amp;lt;0.001) and a large increase in TITR (p&amp;lt;0.001, Table). Conclusion: Self-guided use of CGM by primary care patients with T2D for one year was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in A1C and TIR. Disclosure T. Grace: Speaker's Bureau; Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Company, Dexcom, Inc. Employee; Dexcom, Inc. J.E. Layne: Employee; Dexcom, Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Dexcom, Inc. Employee; Verily Life Sciences. C. Hicks: Employee; Dexcom, Inc. C.R. Green: Employee; Dexcom, Inc. T.C. Walker: Employee; Dexcom, Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Dexcom, Inc.

Underpinning risk dimensions of sponsored institutional R&amp;D projects through cutting-edge fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy DEMATEL approaches

PurposeThis study aims to enhance the success of Sponsored Institutional R&amp;D Projects (SIRPs) by investigating the influence of risk dimensions over four criteria Cost overrun, Time overrun, Schedule overrun, and Quality of projects. The study identifies risk dimensions and prioritizes and explores causal relationships to guide risk mitigation strategies during project execution.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted with qualitative data obtained through a systematic questionnaire from 10 domain experts associated with SIRPs. Through an extensive literature review, the study identifies the ten risk dimensions, Fuzzy TOPSIS was employed for prioritizing the explored risk dimensions and Fuzzy DEMATEL explored the qualitative causal relationships among these dimensions. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of findings by adjusting the weightage assigned to experts.FindingsThe findings reveal financial risk as the highest ranked and business risk as the least influential among identified dimensions. The study also highlights management risk as the most significant, followed by business risk and sensitivity analysis concludes that the findings are robust, lacking significant judgment bias.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to risk management strategies for SIRPs, to ensure timely completion within the allocated budget. The findings of the study can be implemented in other such SIRPs. The study also informs funding agencies' policies and project monitoring mechanisms and advancing project management practicesOriginality/valueIts originality lies in being the first to systematically identify and prioritize risk dimensions, adding significant value to SIRP management and academic discourse on project management and risk analysis.

Detection and characterization of defects in the Brancacci Chapel wall paintings via holographic interferometry and microwave reflectometry

This paper evaluates the improvements in wall paintings diagnostic achievable by the synergistic combination of DHSPI, SIRT and MWR techniques. These innovative portable and non-destructive techniques for in-situ diagnostic were tested in laboratory on mock-ups mimicking the real conditions of wall painting defects (such as detachments, cavities and cracks), and on the frescoes painted by Masolino, Masaccio and Filippino Lippi (between 1422 and 1475) in the Brancacci Chapel in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, Italy. This research activity was part of the Brancacci Chapel diagnostic and monitoring project, where the assessment of the state of conservation is a mandatory prerequisite for planning the subsequent restoration work. In common practice, restorers make the preliminary evaluation on the state of conservation of the wall paintings by visual and tactile inspection, without the use of any special scientific instrumentation. Cracks, cavities, lack of material, detachments, out-of-plumb and deformation of (non-)structural elements are reported in a condition report to document the state of conservation at a given point in time. In particular, the detachments are recognized by the tap test, but this is a discretionary and highly subjective method. Thus, there is a strong demand for the development of a portable and non-destructive approach that refines this preliminary survey with objective data. Here, we present the results produced by the combination of MWR (useful for the dimensional characterization of hidden defects in the wall) and DHSPI-SIRT to identify the extent of deformations induced by thermal stimulus, providing an objective confirmation of the preliminary investigation performed by restorers, in which the detachments were indicated as “stable”, “not very stable” and “unstable”, i.e., close to falling. The integrated use of these techniques in situ, supported by a laboratory study on ad-hoc prepared mock-ups, proved to be suitable for a quantitative evaluation of damage risk to guide restoration strategy accordingly.

A multicriteria protocol for the set-up and long-term monitoring of a pilot project for the restoration of alpine vegetation threatened by climate change

Climate change triggers changes of vegetation floristic composition, physiognomy and even the onset of new successional pathways, requiring adequate, robust and replicable methodological approaches to properly track these changes. In tundra ecosystems woody plants are encroaching into grasslands and snowbeds, inducing their gradual regression. “Back from the Future” is a pilot project performing selective shrub removal from grasslands and snowbeds in the Italian Central Alps to contrast climate-driven shrub encroachment and promote the recovery and active conservation of vegetation communities.Here we propose a multi-criteria research protocol providing a quantitative tool for: a) the set-up of the manipulation experiment; b) the assessment of the full comparability of manipulation and control areas; c) the long-term monitoring of the efficiency of the manipulation experiment. The experiment was carried out in three study sites (Braulio, Cedec, Sforzellina) across an elevation gradient from the subalpine to the nival belts in the Italian Central Alps. At each study site we identified a control and a manipulation zone to assess the efficiency of the manipulation experiment compared to the natural ecosystem dynamics.The multi-criteria research protocol integrates different sampling approaches: mapping and morphological characterization of trees and shrubs; phytosociological survey of permanent plots; grid-point intercept survey of permanent plots; line-intercept survey along transects; allometric shrub measurements along transects.Our data show that this protocol is applicable to different vegetation types, across different elevation belts, and is suitable to match different targets and/or bioindicators of change. Indeed, the limitations of each selected method when individually applied can be overcome by their combination. Our data demonstrate the full comparability of the control and manipulation zone at each of the three study sites in terms of species richness, floristic composition, species coverage, shrub characteristics and volume.Our results supported the feasibility of this protocol as tool for the set-up of the experiment, to assess the full comparability of control and manipulation zones, and perform a detailed monitoring of the effects and the feasibility of the restoration action and the success and efficiency of this pilot project. The protocol elaborated in the frame of this pilot project could be exported beyond the local context and applied to similar mountain regions, especially in the European Alps, for the planning, set up and monitoring of good land management practices aiming to climate change mitigation.

Interactive Voice Response Technology as a Data Collection Tool Compared to a Household Survey: What We Learned

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected all aspects of life, including the Canadian Red Cross’s (CRC) operations. To continue delivering projects and evaluations under restrictions, the CRC adapted its methods. This adaptation is exemplified by the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project in Mali, launched during global lockdowns. Typically, such projects use standardized monitoring frameworks with pre–post-intervention measurements and household surveys for data collection. However, the pandemic made household surveys impractical. The CRC employed interactive voice response (IVR) technology to gather data, a method commonly used by telecommunications companies for short surveys. This study explores how the CRC used IVR for a more extended 45-minute questionnaire on sensitive topics like adolescent girls’ reproductive health. The article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of IVR compared to traditional household surveys, detailing the challenges faced and solutions implemented. Ultimately, the authors compare the effectiveness of both methods, offering insights into ensuring data quality in constrained circumstances. The evaluators’ perspectives on the two methodologies underscore the adaptability required to maintain robust data collection and project monitoring during unprecedented times.

Analysis of Maintenance Methods and Process Improvement of Vacuum Laser Collimation System for Dams

The method and process of vacuum laser collimation system maintenance is one of the key technologies directly related to the accuracy of dam vacuum laser collimation system measurement value. Taking the maintenance methods and processes of vacuum laser collimation system in Lianlu and Xiacheng as the background, a new set of dam vacuum laser collimation system maintenance methods and processes are proposed, aiming to make up for the gaps in the maintenance of vacuum laser collimation system. It was found that the vacuum pipeline operates at vacuum values between 400 Pa and 900 Pa. The influence of light on the vacuum laser is avoided by correcting the system and shading the transmitting end as well as the connecting part of the receiving end and the vacuum pipeline with a rubber sheet. This new maintenance method and process also provides a useful reference for the safety monitoring of similar projects.

The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation and Project Implementation Management System for Non-Profit Project Performance in Developing Countries

Abstract This study examines the relationship between monitoring and evaluation (M&amp;E), project implementation management system (PIMS) for financial monitoring, and project performance within the framework of the resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities, and knowledge management theory. It focuses on non-profit projects in a developing context, particularly in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Developmental assistance and non-profit projects have an important role to play in the economic performance of developing countries. The research highlights the significance of understanding factors influencing project performance in non-profit projects in developing countries such as BiH. The findings indicate that both M&amp;E and PIMS for financial monitoring significantly influence three key knowledge management processes - knowledge internalization, knowledge accumulation, and knowledge transfer and integration, which in turn positively influence project performance. The study underscores the importance of synergy between M&amp;E, PIMS, and knowledge management for enhancing project performance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, donors, the international community, and academia.

Do HIV Care Outcomes Differ by Provider Type?

We compared HIV care outcomes by HIV provider type to inform efforts to strengthen the HIV provider workforce. United States. We analyzed data from Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Medical Monitoring Project collected during June, 2019-May, 2021 from 6323 adults receiving HIV medical care. Provider types include infectious disease physicians only (ID physicians), non-ID physicians only, nurse practitioners only, physician assistants only, and ID physicians plus nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants (mixed providers). We measured patient characteristics, social determinants of health, and clinical outcomes, including retention in care; antiretroviral therapy prescription; antiretroviral therapy adherence; viral suppression; gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis testing; satisfaction with HIV care; and HIV provider trust. Compared with patients of ID physicians, higher percentages of patients of other provider types had characteristics and social determinants of health associated with poor health outcomes and received HIV care at Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded facilities. After accounting for these differences, most outcomes were not meaningfully different; however, higher percentages of patients of non-ID physicians, nurse practitioners, and mixed providers were retained in care (6.5, 5.6, and 12.7 percentage points, respectively) and had sexually transmitted infection testing in the past 12 months, if sexually active (6.9, 7.4, and 13.5 percentage points, respectively). Most HIV outcomes were equivalent across provider types. However, patients of non-ID physicians, nurse practitioners, and mixed providers were more likely to be retained in care and have recommended sexually transmitted infection testing. Increasing delivery of comprehensive primary care by ID physicians and including primary care providers in ID practices could improve HIV primary care outcomes.