Value Of Project Research Articles

Cultural Preservation and Identity: Exploring Strategies for Preserving Cultural Identity among Refugees, Migrants and Minority Communities While Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion

Abstract: The preservation of cultural identity among refugees, migrants and minority communities poses a serious challenge in the context of increasing global travel. This essay examines several tactics meant to support social cohesiveness and integration within host nations while still protecting cultural identity. This research identifies critical elements that support the effective preservation of cultural heritage by an extensive analysis of the body of existing literature. The study highlights the value of inclusive policies, community-driven projects, and educational programs in promoting a sense of respect and belonging across various communities. It also emphasizes how important intercultural communication and cooperation are to reducing cultural differences and promoting social harmony. This study offers a sound understanding of how cultural integration and preservation can coexist, ultimately leading to more inclusive and cohesive societies, by looking at successful models and potential roadblocks. Policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders who are dedicated to promoting social integration and cultural variety in a global community that is becoming more interconnected will find great value in these findings.

Supported bridge position in one-stop coronary and craniocervical CT angiography: A randomized clinical trial.

The routine patient arm position differs between coronary CT angiography (CTA) and craniocervical CTA protocols. To investigate the clinical feasibility of supported bridge position (SBP) in combined coronary and craniocervical CTA. Prospective enrollment included patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) or craniocervical artery disease (CCAD) from February 2022 to November 2022. Patients were divided into three groups: coronary or craniocervical CTA according to CAD or CCAD using standard position (group 1), combined CTA with naturally arm-down position (group 2) and SBP (group 3). Statistical analysis of objective image quality, such as noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), subjective image quality, patient position and radiation dose was performed among the three groups. Two hundred and one patients (median age, 67 years; 138 men) were included. In terms of CNR for cardiac segment, group 1 and group 3 had no statistical difference, both significantly higher than group 2 (group 1, 12.56±2.05; group 2, 10.4±2.43; group 3, 11.94±2.22; P<0.05). Subjective image evaluation revealed no statistically significant differences among the three groups of coronary arteries (P>0.05). Additionally, the lateral project value of scout images at the heart level indicated a significant difference (119.48±12.19, 182.34±25.09, and 140.58±19.68 of patients, for group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively, P<0.05). No statistical differences were observed in between group 1 and group 3 (cardiac scan, 15.77 [15.07-16.37] mGy vs. 14.88 [12.19-18.81] mGy; craniocervical scan, 7.85 [7.69-8.01] mGy vs. 7.88 [7.88-7.89] mGy; all P>0.05). However, group 2 had a higher dose (19.54 [16.86-22.85] mGy and 10.87 [10.86-10.87] mGy, for cardiac and craniocervical scans, respectively). In comparison with a naturally arm-down position, SBP, which aligns the humerus bones with the spinal column, can provide diagnostic image quality at routine dose level of standard position CTA.

New crater-pattern matching using a projective invariant for lost-in-space scenario

This paper addresses the challenge of crater matching in lost-in-space scenarios. An innovative algorithm is designed for robust and efficient crater matching by utilizing projective invariant values. Unlike other existing approaches, the proposed algorithm generates grid-shape patterns as a distinctive feature, thereby significantly enhancing recognition accuracy. Notably, the algorithm employs a stepwise matching process involving filtering, matching, and verification to ensure fast and reliable matching. Extensive numerical simulations have been conducted to assess the algorithm’s performance across various scenarios, including variations in crater center positions, shape distortions, and the presence of false craters. The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly surpasses previous crater matching techniques, delivering superior stability and consistent accuracy even under challenging lost-in-space conditions.

Contradictions and possibilities for change: Exploring stakeholder perspectives of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) and their connection to a future for global health.

Increasing global inequities have led to ongoing critiques of both the historical roots and current practices in global health. From this literature, questions have emerged about the future of global health and Canada's role in this future. However, there is little research exploring the role of Canadian policy for global health funding and the experience of stakeholders that currently implement projects with Canadian funding. This study explores stakeholder perspectives of how Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) influences adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) projects and how these perspectives align with calls for change in global health as proposed by Chidwick et al. in the conceptual framework for an imagined future for global health. This study was conducted from February to May 2023 through eight interviews with key informants who were working on ASRH projects, funded through Global Affairs Canada. The study approach included stakeholder analysis and qualitative description. Results highlight the role of Canadian organizations in ASRH projects, importance of partnerships, influence of the FIAP, operational and contextual tensions that arise from implementing FIAP values in ASRH projects outside of Canada, along with stakeholder views on moving forward in global health policy and practice. Findings indicate that the language of the FIAP is aligned with calls for change in global health although there is opportunity for further action towards operationalizing this change. Specifically, findings highlight opportunity to create more flexible funding processes, expand monitoring and evaluation approaches to better include feminist approaches, promote rights-based and dignity-based practices in ASRH, and increase timelines to facilitate greater consultation and partnership building with communities. In conclusion, the FIAP creates an impactful foundation for change towards equity and justice in ASRH projects, although Canadian funding structures and processes need to continue to re-imagine how they support organizations to action these changes.

Implications of The Increase In The Government's Project Budget Ceiling For Construction Managerial In Small Qualified Contractors

The government has issued LKPP regulation No. 11 of 2021 which states that small qualification contractors may handle projects up to 15 billion, which before this regulation came out small contractors could only handle projects with a maximum value of 2,5 billion. The government hopes positively for this restriction, because the gap between large and small construction companies is quite high. In order to compete for large project values, small contractors must be able to reorganize the four managerial stages of construction project implementation, namely Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controlling (POAC). For this reason, a study was conducted that aims to analyze the implications of increasing the budget ceiling of government projects on the construction managerial of small qualification contractors. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method by analyzing changes in construction project managerial at each stage of construction project managerial through an in-depth interview process directly with small contractors who handle construction projects worth 5 to 15 billion in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 in the Padang City government. The result of this research is that there are changes in the managerial constructors at the planning stage. At the planning stage the contractor organizes the implementation of the project so that the project can be completed within the agreed time, through the use of Man, Money, Material, Market, Machine, and Method (6M) resources. The resources that change during project implementation at the planning stage are human resources (man). With an increase in the project budget ceiling, small qualification contractors increase the number of team personnel, labor, and team competence in mastering certain competencies to support the implementation of construction projects. While the management of 5M (man, money, material, machine, and method) at the organizing, actuating, and controlling stages, small qualification contractors are able to adjust their construction managerial implementation when the project is still worth under 2,5 billion with a project whose value increases to 15 billion.

Impact of compliance with project requirements on projects value outcomes: Evaluation from TASAF-III beneficiaries’ perspectives in Tanzania

The study sought to evaluate the impact of compliance with projects requirements on projects value outcomes from Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF)-III beneficiaries’ perspectives in Tanzania. Specifically, the study evaluated the impact of compliance with project requirements on households’ relief from transitional income poverty (as a measure of projects value outcomes) in Tanzania. The study was a cross sectional design with multiple cases approach undertaken in twelve TASAF-III supported community economic development (CED) projects. Under multistage sampling procedure, the said CED projects, their six hosting districts and regions (Kilosa–Morogoro; Handeni–Tanga; Misungwi–Mwanza; Uyui–Tabora; Kibondo–Kigoma; and, Rungwe–Mbeya) were identified using stratified sampling. Simple random sampling enhanced to determine a sample of 480 households. Data were collected using research schedules and were descriptively and inferentially analyzed using STATA software. Propensity score matching (PSM), coupled with logistic model was considered the apt test statistic. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) observation results shown that, the mean differences in incomes [TZS. 7 794.30; t=0.61(t&lt;2.00)] and spending [TZS 11 388.50; t=0.96 (t&lt;2.00)] between the treated and control households’ are non-significant at t&lt;2.00. This implied that, compliance with TASAF-III project requirements has no significant impact on households’ income poverty relief in Tanzania. Moreover, compliance with requirements does not necessarily lead to desired projects value outcomes—if requirements are not well defined. The study stresses on the selection of right projects’ requirements with positive outcomes rather than having a set of requirements which are non-predictive to the desired targets’ felt needs—when in compliance with.

Engineering Value in Projects Building Construction: Case Research Sofifi 3-Story ASN Official House - North Maluku Province

The sustainability of construction projects often hinges on managing costs effectively, as illustrated by the case study of an ASN housing building project in Sofifi, North Maluku. This research aims to achieve significant cost savings by optimizing the selection of construction materials and methods, utilizing the Value Engineering Method. This method systematically assesses the value of each component relative to its function, promoting an innovative approach to minimizing unnecessary expenditures. The research followed several structured stages: information gathering, creative ideation, analysis, evaluation, and development, each focusing on identifying feasible alternatives to reduce costs. The analysis identified two key solutions: replacing conventional flooring with precast materials for floor work and substituting lightweight brick walls with red brick walls. Implementing these changes reduced the total project cost from IDR 2,295,005,206 to IDR 1,698,939,324, achieving savings of IDR 596,115,883 (35%). The findings of this study provide practical implications for construction project management, offering a structured approach to material and method selection that can be adapted to broader-scale projects for enhanced cost-efficiency.

Low-Carbon Rural Areas: How Are Polish Municipalities Financing the Green Future?

The main aim of the research was to assess Polish rural municipalities’ investment activity connected with the development of a low-carbon economy, supported with EU funds in the 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 financial frameworks. The empirical study was based on data from Poland’s Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, Ministry of Finance, and Statistics Poland, analysed through basic descriptive statistics and a logistic model to identify key factors influencing investment activity. The study showed that the greatest number of agreements on funding were, in fact, signed by rural municipalities in the period under analysis. The predominant measures undertaken during this time were the promotion of renewable energy sources and the improvement in energy efficiency. In the earlier financial framework, low-carbon economy projects in rural areas were more often implemented by municipalities with developing demographic potential, including those characterised by a higher level of enterprise development. In the subsequent financial framework, human capital turned out to be of key importance for the investment activity of rural municipalities. Experience gained from 2007–2013 positively influenced fund absorption in 2014–2020, improving project value, number, and support. The study confirmed that rural municipalities play a vital role in advancing a low-carbon economy, as local actions are key to achieving sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic Value Creation and Management Strategies in the Lifecycle of Geological Research Projects

Geological research projects play a crucial role in resource exploration, development, and environmental protection. Maximizing economic value at each stage of the project lifecycle has become a key issue in research management. This paper explores the definition and phase division of the geological research project lifecycle, analyzes the economic value potential at each stage, and identifies key drivers of economic value creation, such as technological innovation, resource utilization efficiency, financial management, and risk management. Furthermore, this paper proposes lifecycle management strategies, resource optimization methods, and approaches for outcome transformation (outcome transformation refers to the transformation of research results into practical applications), aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of geological research projects. Through a systematic analysis of management strategies, this paper provides theoretical guidance and practical references for creating economic value in geological research projects.

Projection segmentation-based image recognition technology for automatic reading of gas meter

In view of the shortcomings of the existing gas meter reading methods, this paper introduces an automatic reading method and calibration device based on the projection segmentation method, which uses the color difference between the character part and the rest part of the last code wheel of the gas meter counter to realize image recognition of the turned characters, and then calculates the cumulative volume indication of gas meter based on the number of turned characters. The pixel projection value scanned by the camera device at the horizontal centerline of the last code wheel changes alternately when the code wheel rotates. The proposed projection segmentation method does not require recognition of specific characters, simplifying the algorithm and making it suitable for most calibration devices. Experiments show that the accuracy rate of the proposed method is 100% even under low-light conditions, which is a great improvement compared with the traditional character recognition method. Additionally, the reading resolution of the proposed method is improved by 10 times compared with the existing photoelectric sampling method and template matching method, and the total calibration time can be reduced by 6.7%–58.7%, which significantly enhances the calibration efficiency.

Application of preoperative advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating the postoperative recurrence of lower grade gliomas

BackgroundRecurrence of lower grade glioma (LrGG) appeared to be unavoidable despite considerable research performed in last decades. Thus, we evaluated the postoperative recurrence within two years after the surgery in patients with LrGG by preoperative advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI).Materials and methods48 patients with lower-grade gliomas (23 recurrence, 25 nonrecurrence) were recruited into this study. Different models of dMRI were reconstructed, including apparent fiber density (AFD), white matter tract integrity (WMTI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), Bingham NODDI and standard model imaging (SMI). Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to construct a multiparametric prediction model for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence.ResultsThe parameters derived from each dMRI model, including AFD, axon water fraction (AWF), mean diffusivity (MD), mean kurtosis (MK), fractional anisotropy (FA), intracellular volume fraction (ICVF), extra-axonal perpendicular diffusivity (De⊥), extra-axonal parallel diffusivity (De∥) and free water fraction (fw), showed significant differences between nonrecurrence group and recurrence group. The extra-axonal perpendicular diffusivity (De⊥) had the highest area under curve (AUC = 0.885), which was significantly higher than others. The variable importance for the projection (VIP) value of De⊥ was also the highest. The AUC value of the multiparametric prediction model merging AFD, WMTI, DTI, DKI, NODDI, Bingham NODDI and SMI was up to 0.96.ConclusionPreoperative advanced dMRI showed great efficacy in evaluating postoperative recurrence of LrGG and De⊥ of SMI might be a valuable marker.

Method of Maximizing F-Synergistic Value in IT Development Projects for Self-Managed Organizations

The article is devoted to the formulation of the method of maximizing the F-synergistic value of IT development projects of a project-oriented organization, which was developed within the syncretic methodology of project management. The application of the proposed method is considered in the field of IT development projects of organizations involved in infrastructure restoration projects of Ukraine. The directions of scientific research in the field of value-oriented project management are analyzed. The previously unsolved part of the scientific problem is highlighted. Objects of value analysis in a project-oriented organization carrying out IT development were identified, among which stellarator projects were highlighted. A model for determining the value of a separate component of the system is presented. The concept of F-synergistic value is defined. Such a value is proposed to be calculated through the aggregate value of three clusters that create synergistic effects both within themselves (first-order value) and among themselves (second-order value). The clusters included: "IT + people" cluster, "projects + operational activity" cluster, "methodology + environment" cluster. Models for determining the value of a separate cluster and the aggregate F-synergistic value are proposed. Variations in the selection of weighting factors for evaluating value criteria are considered. Within the syncretic methodology, a method of maximizing the F-synergistic value of IT development of a project-oriented company is proposed. The model of 27 scenarios of the dynamics of the change of the multipliers of synergy of three clusters is presented. In the corresponding tables for each scenario, a hypothesis is put forward regarding the reasons for such dynamics for each scenario, as well as a model of further IT development of a project-oriented company in response to such reasons. According to the results of the development of the method of maximizing the F-synergistic value of IT development projects of a project-oriented organization guided by syncretic methodology, directions for improving the activities of such organizations were determined. An extended SWOT analysis of the proposed method was conducted. Conclusions based on the research are formulated, prospects for further research in the chosen direction are outlined.

Comparison of Flavor Differences between the Juices and Wines of Four Strawberry Cultivars Using Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry and Sensory Evaluation

Fruit wine production is a practical approach for extending the shelf life and enhancing the value of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). Fruit cultivars and juices are important sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that determine fruit wine sensory quality. In this study, VOCs in the juices and wines of four strawberry cultivars were identified using two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and a sensory analysis of the wines was performed. A total of 1028 VOCs were detected. PCA and OPLS-DA distinguished the four cultivars from which the juices and wines were made. Six VOCs with variable importance in projection values greater than one were the main aroma and flavor components of strawberry wines. ZJ wine had the highest sensory scores for coordination (9.0) and overall evaluation (8.9) among the 18 descriptors of strawberry wine evaluated. Overall, the ZJ wine had the highest alcohol content (13.25 ± 0.59%, v/v) and sensory evaluation score, indicating that the ZJ cultivar is more suitable for fermentation. This study reflects the differences between wines made from four strawberry cultivars and provides a reference for brewing fruit wines.

Robust dynamic contracts with multiple agents

We develop a continuous-time dynamic multi-agent contracting model in which the principal is unsure about the distributions of the project's terminal payoffs and worries about model misspecification. With model uncertainty, workers' wages depend on the outputs of other unrelated projects and the optimal contracts exhibit overdetermination. We demonstrate an inverse U-shaped relationship between the extent of overdetermination and group size. Moreover, model uncertainty induces wage compression, especially in small firms as the empirical evidence demonstrates. Finally, expanding the group size increases the average project value by mitigating the negative impacts of ambiguity.

Hybrid offshore wind projects. Social desirability vs. incentives to invest

To unlock the full potential of offshore wind requires investment in a more integrated offshore grid infrastructure combining generation and interconnection between countries in so-called hybrid projects. Taking the perspective of a social planner, these projects may result in more efficient allocation of scarce resources. Alas, the distribution of this welfare gain may result in disagreement on what grid design is the most attractive, what markets should be connected and whether and when to invest. To examine these dilemmas, we apply real options theory to investments projects with different grid design and market characteristics. We compare the incentives to invest in a) only the wind farm and b) both the wind farm and the grid infrastructure, assuming the project value of the last alternative can serve as a proxy for social welfare. Solutions are derived using a simulation approach called least squares Monte Carlo method. We find: 1) Non-stationary stochastic prices and/or decreasing costs may make it socially optimal as well as commercially beneficial to postpone even profitable investments. 2) Connecting markets is socially desirable but may reduce the offshore wind investor's project value. 3) Connecting markets with different characteristics is socially desirable but reduce the offshore wind investors' project value.

Implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project in Developing Creativity of Elementary School Students

Creativity is a new idea or imagination in creating something. This creativity is a person's ability to create new things that are developed from existing ideas or ideas that arise from their own minds. Creativity must be developed from an early age, especially during school so that there is always a renewal that is created. Increasing this creativity can be done in strengthening the values of Pancasila and entrepreneurship projects. This study examines the role of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project in fostering creativity among elementary school students through entrepreneurship initiatives. Conducted at SD Muhammadiyah Noyokerten, students engaged in various activities such as plasticine making, waste management, and healthy sandwich preparation, integrating practical skills with conceptual learning. This holistic approach aims to empower students to be creative, innovative, and environmentally conscious, contributing positively to their communities. The learning method used is descriptive qualitative which describes projects using a variety of materials and techniques to support practical and conceptual learning. The activities cover a range of topics, including flour plasticine making, plastic waste management, healthy sandwich making, and fruit ice and fruit satay making. Through these activities, students are not only introduced to practical skills, but also encouraged to understand important issues such as environmental sustainability and healthy eating. The overall conclusion is that this learning empowers students to become creative, innovative and environmentally conscious individuals, with a positive impact on their daily lives and the community around them.

Volatile Flavor Analysis in Yak Meat: Effects of Different Breeds, Feeding Methods, and Parts Using GC-IMS and Multivariate Analyses.

This study investigates the effects of breeds, feeding methods, and parts on the volatile flavor of yak meat. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the volatile organic components (VOCs) in yak meat from various sources. A total of 71 volatile compounds were identified, 53 of which were annotated based on the GC-IMS database. These include 20 alcohols, 16 ketones, 10 aldehydes, four alkenes, one ester, one acid, and one furan. Using VOC fingerprinting and multivariate analysis, yak meats from different sources were distinctly categorized. Breed had the most significant impact on yak meat VOCs, followed by feeding method and then part. Six volatiles with a variable importance in projection value greater than one were identified as potential markers for distinguishing yak meat. This study offers insights into the flavor profile of yak meat from different sources and demonstrates the efficacy of GC-IMS and multivariate analysis in characterizing and discriminating meats.

A Robust Human–Machine Framework for Project Portfolio Selection

Based on the project portfolio selection and scheduling problem (PPSS), the development of a systematic and scientific project scheduling plan necessitates comprehensive consideration of individual preferences and multiple realistic constraints, rendering it an NP-hard problem. Simultaneously, accurately and swiftly evaluating the value of projects as a complex entity poses a challenging issue that requires urgent attention. This paper introduces a novel qualitative evaluation-based project value assessment process that significantly reduces the cost and complexity of project value assessment, upon which a preference-based deep reinforcement learning method is presented for computing and solving project subsets and time scheduling plans. This paper first determines the key parameter values of the algorithm through specific examples. Then, using the method of controlling variables, it explores the sensitivity of the algorithm to changes in problem size and dimensionality. Finally, the proposed algorithm is compared with two classical algorithms and two heuristic algorithms across different instances. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits higher effectiveness and accuracy.

Identification of novel natural anti-browning agents based on phenotypic and metabolites differences in potato cultivars

This study aimed to elucidate the changes of browning-related metabolite in fresh-cut potato and to identify anti-browning agents. Metabolomics and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify metabolites and correlate them with potato browning traits. A total of 79 browning trait-positive-related metabolites and 19 browning trait-negative-related metabolites were obtained from four key modules via WGCNA. The accumulation of metabolites with rich reducing groups and acidic groups were found to enhance anti-browning activity in potatoes. Among these metabolites, only L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PA) and ascorbic acid had variable importance for the projection (VIP) values greater than 1.5. In addition, it was found that L-PA inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity by lowering pH and interacting with amino acid residues of PPO. L-PA also inhibited the growth of microorganisms in fresh-cut potato. Our results show that L-AP is an effective novel anti-browning agent with antibacterial activity.

Characterization of volatile profiles and markers prediction of eleven popular edible boletes using SDE-GC–MS and FT-NIR combined with chemometric analysis

Wild edible boletes mushrooms are regarded as a delicacy in many countries and regions due to their rich nutritional contents and strong aromatic compounds. This study aimed to identify 445 samples of 11 boletes species collected from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces through molecular analysis. Using simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), 97 volatile compounds were identified. Chemometric methods were then applied to analyze the heterogeneity of these volatile compounds among the different species. The results showed that, 22 and 21 volatile compounds were selected using variable importance in projection (VIP > 1) and relative odor activity values (ROAV > 0.1), respectively. Partial least squares discrimnatint analysis (PLS-DA) was then employed to develop pattern recognition models for 11 species, which demonstrated strong identification performance. Furthermore, correlation heat maps, volcano plots, and Fisher linear discriminant analysis identified five volatile organic compounds, including methyl (9E)-9-octadecenoate, 2, 6-dimethylpyrazine, 1-decen-3-one, furfural, and methional as markers for distinguishing 11 boletes species. Ultimately, the rapid content prediction models of partial least squares regression (PLSR) were established by combining Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-NIR) with the concentrations of these five marker compounds. These findings provide a methodological strategy for the effective species identification of wild edible mushrooms and the rapid prediction of their characteristic aroma compounds.