Inception Of Project Research Articles

Empowering youths through citizen science to address health inequalities in adolescence

Abstract Citizen Science (CS) stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against inequalities in adolescent health, revolutionizing scientific research by involving individuals from diverse backgrounds. Unlike traditional methods, CS transcends academic boundaries, fostering inclusivity and collaboration irrespective of age, nationality, or social status. This approach has gained momentum in adolescent health research, empowering young people as co-researchers from project inception, thereby reducing disparities in health knowledge and access. Studies demonstrate its efficacy in enhancing empowerment and health literacy among participants. YouthChronic is an example of how CS can mitigate health inequalities among adolescents. The project ensures active participation in every research stage by engaging adolescents with chronic conditions as citizen scientists. Open-ended questions facilitate detailed responses, while participation in analysis and dissemination enhances their research involvement and sense of ownership. Through initiatives like YouthChronic, CS is reshaping the research landscape, making it more relevant and impactful to bridge the inequality gap. Young Citizen Scientists’ views on their participation: “As part of YouthChronic, we felt like our experiences with chronic conditions were finally being heard. The researchers were cool-they listened to us, let us be flexible with our participation, and even taught us some research skills. Learning from other peers’ experiences made us feel less alone and gave us new insights. But it’s frustrating that we’re limited by resources. We have big ideas, like running an advocacy campaign, but we need funding to make them happen”. In conclusion, by actively involving adolescents in the scientific process through CS initiatives like YouthChronic, we can reduce inequalities in adolescent health, empower marginalized voices, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in scientific exploration and discovery.

Enhancing Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Strategies for Navigating Innovative Technologies and Regulatory Approvals in the Cosmetic Industry

Abstract: The cosmetic industry, driven by innovation, constantly seeks safer, more effective, and sustainable products. However, regulatory hurdles often impede the introduction of innovative cosmetics. This paper explores the convergence of advanced technologies and regulatory conformity, emphasizing the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. Through an extensive review of literature and case studies, we reveal the multifaceted challenges within the industry. These encompass shifting consumer expectations, ingredient safety concerns, and intricate global regulations. Cross-functional collaborations, uniting researchers, regulators, industry experts, and consumers, are pivotal, driving innovation while ensuring product safety and compliance. Our research stresses the importance of a proactive, all-encompassing approach to product development. This approach should integrate cutting-edge technologies, rigorous safety assessments, and smart regulatory strategies from project inception. Additionally, it emphasizes engaging stakeholders, sharing knowledge, and practicing transparency to earn trust from consumers and regulators. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the balance between innovation and regulation in the cosmetic industry, advocating for a paradigm shift characterized by collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts. By aligning innovation with regulatory compliance, the industry can effectively navigate the complex landscape of modern cosmetics, fostering the creation of safer, more sustainable, and consumer-centric products.

Exploring Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Barriers to the Application of Cost-Reduction Techniques in Public Higher Educational Building Delivery

The assessment of barriers to the application of cost-reduction techniques in delivering educational buildings in Nigeria is essential in addressing the infrastructural shortage, building performance, delay, cost, time overrun, and abandonment in the delivery of higher educational buildings (HEBs). This study examines barriers to applying cost-reduction techniques in educational buildings in southwestern Nigeria. Using a survey design, the questionnaire was distributed to stakeholders who participated in delivering the government intervention, private donors, and internally generated revenue educational buildings in public tertiary institutions in southwestern Nigeria from 2012 to 2022. A total of 150 copies of the questionnaire were administered, while 133 responses were obtained and analyzed. To begin with, data reliability and validity were examined using Bartlett’s sphericity, Cronbach’s alpha, and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) tests, accordingly, followed by descriptive, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and exploratory factor analysis. The six components obtained from exploratory factor analysis for explaining the barriers to applying cost-reduction techniques in educational buildings were as follows: ambiguity in HEB contracts awards and project executions, lack of control from the HEIs management over HEB project delivery, perceived political influence in HEB procurement, unrealistic contract requirements and change orders, non-prioritization of automation integration in HEB delivery, and deficiencies in contract documents and costing. This study recommends establishing a project-monitoring team involving independent consultants from project inception to reduce excessive errors, practices of assigning contracts to the lowest bidder, and excessive claims for variation orders that escalate the project’s final sum.

Development of a methodological framework for the integration of human factors throughout the design engineering project

Design is a discipline concerned with the human-made products, services, and spaces, while ergonomics focuses on ensuring human well-being by considering human characteristics, limitations, and needs. Each discipline employs its own methodologies, tools, and techniques to achieve its objectives. This research suggests that methodology serves as a unifying element, facilitating the integration of both disciplines by structuring and organising project requirements. It is understood that any design process is associated with various research and evaluation moments, which are utilised for the ergonomic holistic approach and the prioritisation of human-needs and well-being. Furthermore, methodology can lay the groundwork for incorporating human factors into the project. By applying a design methodology across different phases and adopting the systemic approach from ergonomics, this research contributes to the development of a comprehensive methodological framework. This framework assists designers and engineers in seamlessly integrating human factors from project inception to completion. Ultimately, this integrated approach enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of designed environments, fostering improved usability and user satisfaction, while encouraging ergonomics to take a prospective view within the design project.

Public involvement in an aggregate and individual participant data meta-analysis of mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion

BackgroundInvolving the public in evidence synthesis research is challenging due to the highly analytic nature of the projects, so it is important that involvement processes are documented, reflected upon, and shared to devise best practices. There is a literature gap on the involvement of the public in individual participant data meta-analyses, particularly in public health projects. We aimed to document and reflect on our collective experiences of involving and being involved as public stakeholders at all stages of a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis project.MethodsWe formed a stakeholder group made of four members of the public at the beginning of our evidence synthesis project comprising a systematic review, an aggregate data meta-analysis, and an individual participant data meta-analysis of mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical adults. Following each group meeting, members and participating researchers completed written reflections; one group member collected and collated these. At the end of the project, a reflective writing workshop was held before all members completed their final reflections. Everyone completed an adapted, open-ended questionnaire which asked about what did and did not work well, the overall experience, what could be improved, and the felt impact the stakeholder group had on the research.ResultsOverall, the stakeholders and researchers reported a positive experience of working together. Positives from the stakeholders’ point of view included learning new skills, experiencing research, and making new friends. For the researchers, stakeholders helped them focus on what matters to the public and were reinvigorating research partners. The challenges stakeholders experienced included having long gaps between meetings and feeling overwhelmed. The researchers found it challenging to strike the balance between asking stakeholders to be involved and for them to learn research-related skills without overburdening them and making sure that the learning was engaging. When looking back at their experience, stakeholders described seeing their impact on the project in hindsight but that this was not felt while the project was being carried out.ConclusionSuccessfully involving the public in complex evidence synthesis projects is possible and valuable from the points of view of the researchers and the stakeholders. However, it requires a significant time, skill, and resource investment that needs to be factored in from project inception. Further guidance and stakeholder training materials would be helpful. Specific suggestions are provided.

Impact of monitoring and evaluation practices on the performance of Health IT projects coordinated from Nairobi, Kenya

This study investigated the impact of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices on the performance of Health IT projects coordinated from Nairobi, Kenya. The research problem focused on assessing how M&E planning processes, technical expertise, and stakeholder involvement influence project outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires and qualitative insights via semi-structured interviews with project beneficiaries, health IT staff, and key stakeholders. Results revealed that 82 per cent of respondents agreed that comprehensive M&E planning enhances project execution and outcomes. Additionally, 77 per cent emphasised the importance of technical expertise, while only 42 per cent confirmed adequate stakeholder analysis and 46 per cent agreed on the collection of stakeholder feedback. The findings highlighted the necessity of integrating detailed M&E plans into project designs for systematic tracking of progress and timely corrective actions. Technical expertise is crucial for effective M&E, underscoring the need for continuous training and the selection of competent personnel. Recommendations include developing comprehensive M&E plans at the project's inception, investing in continuous skill development through regular training programs, and enhancing stakeholder engagement strategies by conducting comprehensive stakeholder analyses, collecting regular feedback, and involving stakeholders in key decision-making processes.

An evaluation of outpatient service provision in the National Health Service in Great Britain: A freedom of information request.

The National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Plan was published in January 2019. One of its objectives was restructuring outpatient services, as part of an Outpatient Transformation initiative. Monitoring of trusts' adherence to the objectives of the Long Term Plan is therefore required to benchmark progress against national objectives. We aimed to explore whether outpatient transformation initiatives and phlebotomy services that are managed by outpatients are appropriately staffed and to evaluate trusts' adherence to the objectives outlined in the Long Term Plan. A freedom of information (FOI) request was sent in January 2023 to 153 trusts across Great Britain (time span: 1 January 2022-31 December 2022). Parameters requested included number of outpatients seen/discharged, phlebotomy episodes, number of sites/wards covered by phlebotomy, target/actual did not attend (DNA) rates, time since inception of the outpatient transformation project (OTP), advice and refer (A&R) and patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU), phlebotomy and outpatient managerial establishment and use of electronic notes and patient portals. A total of 117 trusts (76.5%) provided responses to the FOI request. The mean number of new outpatients seen face-to-face was 185,810. Of 73 trusts reporting both actual and target DNA rates, 62 (84.9%) did not meet their DNA targets. The actual DNA rate was significantly greater than the target DNA rate across trusts (p < 0.001, mean: 8.8% vs. 6.5%, respectively). A total of 58 different electronic systems and 29 patient portals were utilised across trusts. Thirty-six trusts (30.3%) did not have an outpatient transformation project manager and 16 trusts (13.7%) did not initiate an OTP. With phlebotomy provision, the mean number of outpatient phlebotomy episodes was lower than inpatient episodes (83,383 vs. 91,020, respectively). There are deficiencies in current outpatient establishments that may hinder the achievement of objectives set in the NHS Long Term Plan. Changes at all levels of healthcare are required, with increased reliance on technologies and investment in support for transformation management.

Revitalizing community empowerment: harnessing the synergy of faith-based NGOs and Laverack’s domain approach

Abstract This research investigated the community empowerment initiatives of Islamic Relief (IR) Bangladesh, a faith-based non-governmental organization (NGO), using Laverack’s domain approach. The study employed a quantitative approach, where data were collected from the beneficiaries of the Action for Peoples Rights and Livelihoods (APRIL) project of IRB in the Kalikagaon village in Thakurgaon District, Bangladesh. Findings revealed that IR Bangladesh primarily empowered women and shared similarities with conventional NGOs in the country. However, unique aspects included non-interest-based loans, revolving funds, and community-led group operations. The organization’s services were inclusive, irrespective of religious affiliation. The study confirmed that IR’s activities contribute to community empowerment across Laverack’s nine domains. Policy implications include establishing an Apex Body (Apex Body refers to the highest decision-making and coordinating authority within the community, often responsible for overseeing and managing the overall implementation of various development initiatives.) at project inception, forming a national alliance with IR, providing ongoing training for collective responsibility, and emphasizing publications and research to counter misconceptions. The study findings hold relevance beyond rural Bangladesh, offering insights for development interventions in similar socio-cultural contexts, and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals in various developing countries.

Voltaire’s Breadfruit

The British Government-facilitated introduction of breadfruit trees (Artocarpus altilis) from the Pacific to the Caribbean during the late eighteenth century was a notable feat of economic botany, but the identities of the earliest originators of the idea remain unclear. Previous historical scholarship has focused mainly upon the role of Joseph Banks as the prime mover behind the scheme, while more investigative scholarship has identified one of Banks’s correspondents, Valentine Morris, as having made an early suggestion of the idea in writing. This focus on Banks and Morris, however, may have overlooked or understudied even earlier origins of the idea. After discussing several key individuals involved in the inception of the breadfruit project, this article then considers a series of passages on breadfruit in the writings of Voltaire and presents a hypothetical pathway by which those involved in the actual transfer of breadfruit from the Pacific to the Caribbean, including Banks via Morris, may have been influenced by the French philosopher.

Infrastructure digital twin technology: A new paradigm for future construction industry

The construction industry has traditionally been slow to adopt digital technology, resulting in inefficient workflows, frequent cost overruns, and delays. Moreover, its fragmented structure, inherent to market dynamics, exacerbates these challenges. Embracing digitalization and transitioning to Industry 4.0 can substantially enhance efficiency and productivity in construction through increased innovation and improved collaboration, ultimately reducing information gaps and data discrepancies. This study aims to assess the potential integration of digital twin technology across various construction stages, spanning from initial design to project delivery. Existing literature emphasizes the transformative power of digital twin technology in advancing building innovation and environmental sustainability. These virtual replicas are crucial in optimizing industrial manufacturing by harmonizing production processes and societal interactions. A focused examination of digital twin technology applications in construction highlights its ability to streamline coordination and facilitate data sharing among stakeholders. Property owners increasingly recognise the value of digital twin technology in local contexts, driving the digitization of design and collaboration methods in construction. Integrating digital twin technology right from a project's inception and extending it across design phases optimizes project delivery, enhances asset quality, and contributes to societal sustainability. As the nexus between digitalization and sustainability goals strengthens, the construction industry stands at the cusp of a significant transformative journey.

Digital Transformation In Blood Banking: The Story Of E-Raktkosh

The E-raktkosh initiative, launched by the Government of India, is a pioneering effort in the field of healthcare and technology. This paper explores the inception, objectives, and recent advancements of the E-raktkosh project, shedding light on its impact on blood management in India. By harnessing the power of digitalization, E-raktkosh has revolutionized the way blood is collected, stored, and distributed across the nation, ensuring efficient and safe access to this life-saving resource. This paper delves into the significance of E-raktkosh in addressing blood shortage challenges, enhancing transparency, and saving countless lives.

NIHR Global Health Research Group on Vaccines for vulnerable people in Africa (VAnguard): Concept and Launch event report

Background Vaccination is an important public health intervention, but not everyone benefits equally. Biological, social and structural factors render some communities vulnerable and unable to secure optimal health benefits from vaccination programmes. This drives health inequity and undermines wider vaccine impact by allowing the persistence of non-immune communities as foci for recurrent disease outbreaks. The NIHR Global Health Research Group on Vaccines for vulnerable people in Africa (VAnguard) aims to understand how biological, social, and structural factors interact to impair vaccine impact in vulnerable African communities. Methods The VAnguard project will be implemented through three thematic work packages (1-3) and four cross-cutting work packages (4-7). Work package 1 will investigate the biological drivers and mechanisms of population differences in vaccine responses. Work package 2 will support the understanding of how structural, social and biological determinants of vaccine response interrelate to determine vaccine impact. Work package 3 will synthesise data and lead analyses to develop, model and test community-based integrated strategies to optimise vaccine access, uptake and effectiveness. Work package 4 will plan and implement field investigations (community survey and qualitative studies (with support of work package 2) to explore structural, social &amp; biological determinants impairing vaccine impact. Work package 5 will collaborate with work packages 1-4, to engage communities in designing interventions that aim to directly optimise vaccine impact through a process of co-learning and co-creation between them and the researchers. Work package 6 will build capacity for, and a culture of, consultative, collaborative multidisciplinary vaccine research in East Africa. Work package 7 will support the overall project management and governance. Following the project inception on the 1st of September 2022, project launch was held in November 2022. Conclusion Results from this project will contribute to the development of integrated strategies that will optimise vaccine benefits and drive health equity.

The impact of Global Englishes classroom-based innovation on school-aged language learners' perceptions of English: An exercise in practitioner and researcher partnership

This paper outlines a collaborative research project established via a research partnership within a Global Englishes (GE) theoretical framework. The aim of the quasi-experimental classroom-based study was to examine the effect of a GE curriculum intervention embedded within a general English course in a commercial language school. The study adopted a longitudinal mixed methods design, collecting data from 24 school-aged learners via the English as an International Language Perception Scale at four time points, and via dairies at five time points. Quantitative findings reveal that students' perceptions toward the diversity of English became significantly more positive after the GE intervention with qualitative findings providing further evidence of change in students' attitudes toward the legitimacy of non-standard Englishes. Evidence was not obtained for a significant effect of the intervention on students' perceptions toward the current status of English, strategies for multilingual and multicultural communication, or English speaker identity. In this paper we discuss how researcher and teacher partners collaborated from project inception to the dissemination of the findings, intertwining and leveraging important theoretical, methodological, and professional knowledge throughout the research process. We highlight the importance of partnership research for the bidirectional development of teacher-researcher holistic identities.

All for One and One for All: Dissecting PREMIERE’s Inclusive AKIS Stakeholder Engagement Strategy

Innovation is increasingly being considered a social process, more bottom-up and interactive, than top-down science to implementation. Projects funded at a European level under Cluster 6 of the Horizon Europe Work Programme, and EIP-AGRI Operational Groups at a national and regional level in each of the 27 EU Member States, reflect this by placing a greater focus on making the best use of different types of knowledge and complimentary expertise (practical, scientific, technical, organisational, etc.) through the Multi-actor Approach (MAA). A wealth of strategic management literature exists on good practice stakeholder engagement strategies which mobilise the necessary bidirectional and cross-sectoral knowledge exchange and idea generation required for successful co-innovation ecosystems. Its counterpart however, from an Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) perspective, is largely absent. This method article addresses this disparity and gap in literature by describing a 5-step AKIS Stakeholder Engagement Strategy developed by the PREMIERE Horizon Europe Project to help co-create an ‘enabling environment’ to foster and ‘speed up’ innovation, knowledge sharing and digitisation in agriculture, forestry and related sectors through mutually beneficial interactions between an extensive and diverse network of AKIS actors (e.g. researchers, advisors, agri-businesses, farmers) at EU, National and regional level. The inclusive nature of the multi-staged stakeholder engagement strategy outlined in this paper, inspired by strategic management literature, helps close the innovation gap between policy, research and practice through genuine multi-actor dialogue, holistic insights and feedback from project inception to completion, thereby helping to build trusting, meaningful and lasting relationships of mutual respect amongst relevant AKIS stakeholders, ranging from policy makers to harder to reach groups ‘on-the ground’, in place of mere, one-off consultations. The resultant knowledge exchange will significantly contribute to meeting objectives and targets set out in the European Green Deal, EU Climate Policy, Common Agricultural Policy and Farm to Fork Strategy.

Advancing patient-centered research practices in a pragmatic patient-level randomized clinical trial: A thematic analysis of stakeholder engagement in Emergency Medicine Palliative Care Access (EMPallA)

BackgroundInvolving patient and community stakeholders in clinical trials adds value by ensuring research prioritizes patient goals both in conduct of the study and application of the research. The use of stakeholder committees and their impact on the conduct of a multicenter clinical trial have been underreported clinically and academically. The aim of this study is to describe how Study Advisory Committee (SAC) recommendations were implemented throughout the Emergency Medicine Palliative Care Access (EMPallA) trial. EMPallA is a multi-center, pragmatic two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effectiveness of nurse-led telephonic case management and specialty, outpatient palliative care of older adults with advanced illness.MethodsA SAC consisting of 18 individuals, including patients with palliative care experience, members of healthcare organizations, and payers was convened for the EMPallA trial. The SAC engaged in community-based participatory research and assisted in all aspects from study design to dissemination. The SAC met with the research team quarterly and annually from project inception to dissemination. Using meeting notes and recordings we completed a qualitative thematic analysis using an iterative process to develop themes and subthemes to summarize SAC recommendations throughout the project’s duration.ResultsThe SAC convened 16 times between 2017 and 2020. Over the course of the project, the SAC provided 41 unique recommendations. Twenty-six of the 41 (63%) recommendations were adapted into formal Institutional Review Board (IRB) study modifications. Recommendations were coded into four major themes: Scientific, Pragmatic, Resource and Dissemination. A majority of the recommendations were related to either the Scientific (46%) or Pragmatic (29%) themes. Recommendations were not mutually exclusive across three study phases: Preparatory, execution and translational. A vast majority (94%) of the recommendations made were related to the execution phase. Major IRB study modifications were made based on their recommendations including data collection of novel dependent variables and expanding recruitment to Spanish-speaking patients.ConclusionsOur study provides an example of successful integration of a SAC in the conduct of a pragmatic, multi-center RCT. Future trials should engage with SACs in all study phases to ensure trials are relevant, inclusive, patient-focused, and attentive to gaps between health care and patient and family needs.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03325985, 10/30/2017.

What's in This For You? What's in This For Me?: A Win-Win Perspective of Involving Study Advisory Committee Members in Palliative Care Research.

Study advisory committees (SACs) provide critical value to clinical trials by providing unique perspectives that pull from personal and professional experiences related to the trial's healthcare topic. The Emergency Medicine Palliative Care Access (EMPallA) study had the privilege of convening a 16-person SAC from the project's inception to completion. The study team wanted to understand the impact this project had on the SAC members. In this narrative, we use reflective dialogue to share SAC members' lived experiences and the impact the EMPallA study has had on members both personally and professionally. We detail the (1) benefits SAC members, specifically patients, and caregivers, have had through working on this project. (2) The importance of recruiting diverse SAC members with different lived experiences and leveraging their feedback in clinical research. (3) Value of community capacity building to ensure the common vision of the clinical trial is promoted.

Development of digital health management systems in longitudinal study: The Malaysian cohort experience.

The management of extensive longitudinal data in cohort studies presents significant challenges, particularly in middle-income countries like Malaysia where technological resources may be limited. These challenges include ensuring data integrity, security, and scalability of storage solutions over extended periods. This article outlines innovative methods developed and implemented by The Malaysian Cohort project to effectively manage and maintain large-scale databases from project inception through the follow-up phase, ensuring robust data privacy and security. We describe the comprehensive strategies employed to develop and sustain the database infrastructure necessary for handling large volumes of data collected during the study. This includes the integration of advanced information management systems and adherence to stringent data security protocols. Key achievements include the establishment of a scalable database architecture and an effective data privacy framework that together support the dynamic requirements of longitudinal healthcare research. The solutions implemented serve as a model for similar cohort studies in resource-limited settings. The article also explores the broader implications of these methodologies for public health and personalized medicine, addressing both the challenges posed by big data in healthcare and the opportunities it offers for enhancing disease prevention and management strategies. By sharing these insights, we aim to contribute to the global discourse on improving data management practices in cohort studies and to assist other researchers in overcoming the complexities associated with longitudinal health data.

Assuring Sustainable Construction at Project Inception Stage: A Project Feasibility Evaluation Criteria

Sustainable construction (SC) practices are crucial for minimising environmental impacts and enabling the long-term viability of construction projects. However, sustainability considerations are often lacking during early project stages in developing countries like Sri Lanka. This research aims to mandate sustainability assessment at the critical project feasibility stage by proposing sustainable feasibility criteria. A qualitative Delphi study gathered experts' insights on incorporating sustainability factors into feasibility evaluations. The findings reveal 68 minimum sustainability requirements spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions which should be assessed during feasibility studies. Further analysis identified 35 non-legalised sustainability criteria along with measurable factors and relevant Sri Lankan authorities to mandate their evaluation. By requiring consideration of these criteria, project owners and developers can be compelled to integrate sustainability principles during initial decision-making. This research provides a vital first step towards mainstreaming sustainability practices through mandated feasibility assessments. The proposed sustainable feasibility evaluation framework with specific criteria ensures that all projects account for sustainability impacts before approval, driving improved triple-bottom-line performance.

Integrating building services in the early stages of Architectural design: A primer for Architects and Architectural students

This paper delves into the pivotal role of building services in the initial stages of architectural design, with a primary focus on architects and architecture students. Recognizing the critical interplay between architectural design and building services, this study aims to guide professionals and aspiring architects toward the development of functional and sustainable buildings. In the contemporary architectural landscape, the integration of building services is increasingly recognized as fundamental to the success of any construction project. As buildings become more complex and sustainability gains precedence, architects must adeptly incorporate building services considerations from the project's inception. The paper begins by highlighting the key building services involved in the early stages of design, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other essential systems. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between architectural aesthetics and the seamless integration of these services, promoting an interdisciplinary approach that optimizes both form and function. The educational dimension of this paper is tailored to architecture students, addressing the gap in curricula that often neglects the intricate relationship between architectural design and building services. By incorporating real-world examples and interactive learning exercises, the paper seeks to empower the next generation of architects with the knowledge and skills needed to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also functionally efficient and environmentally sustainable. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift in the architectural design process, where building services are not treated as mere appendages but as integral components shaping the very essence of architectural creations. Through a collaborative and informed approach, architects and students alike can contribute to the realization of buildings that stand as testaments to both visionary design and responsible, sustainable construction practices. Key Words: Building services, architectural design, HVAC, lighting, plumbing, fire safety.

Итоги 25-й сессии Северо- Евразийского климатического форума и стартового регионального семинара ЭСКАТО ООН по проекту: Расширение знаний и потенциала для повышения устойчивости к медленно наступающим стихийным бедствиям в Центральной Азии

The North Eurasian Climate Center held the 25th session of the North Eurasian Climate Outlook Forum (NEACOF-25) combined with the project inception regional workshop under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). In total, 143 participants from 12 countries were registered at the event, 60 of them took part in the forum in person. During NEACOF-25, a consensus forecast of air temperature and precipitation anomalies for the territory of Northern Eurasia for the winter of 2023/2024 was presented. The NEACOF-25 consensus forecast is in agreement with the outlook of the large-scale atmospheric circulation from other world forecasting centers. Based on the consensus forecast and using the ESCAP methodology, an experimental outlook of the impact on agriculture, water resources and emergency management was given for the first time. During the program, work was also done to identify and harmonize national climate risk profiles in the countries of Central Asia. Keywords: North Eurasian Climate Outlook Forum, ESCAP, climate model, climate risks, consensus outlook, air temperature and precipitation seasonal anomalies