FROM URBAN LIVING LAB TO URBAN TRANSFORMATION

openQuesta ricerca approfondisce la crescente rilevanza globale del passaggio verso la sostenibilità nelle città, sottolineando le sfide con cui le amministrazioni locali si confrontano. Prendendo spunto dall'esperienza dell'autore in progetti finanziati dall'UE, lo studio si concentra sul Comune di Maia, con l'obiettivo di chiarire gli ostacoli e le strategie essenziali per raggiungere la sostenibilità urbana. Esamina l'iniziativa BaZe-Maia Living Lab, volta alla decarbonizzazione, mettendo in evidenza le complessità nell'attuare soluzioni ispirate ai living lab, soprattutto in considerazione di sfide come l'epidemia di COVID-19. Inoltre, l'alleanza di Maia con il consorzio SPARCS e la creazione del Piano d'Azione per l'Energia Sostenibile (SEAP) evidenziano i loro passi collettivi per modificare le abitudini urbane, aumentare l'efficienza energetica e ridurre al minimo gli sprechi. Questa esplorazione cerca di identificare gli elementi centrali che guidano tali sforzi, mettendo in luce gli ostacoli e suggerendo soluzioni. L'obiettivo principale è rafforzare la diffusione della conoscenza e integrare pratiche sostenibili innovative nel percorso di pianificazione urbana di Maia. La metodologia dello studio si basa su tecniche qualitative come interviste, analisi documentale e l'utilizzo del modello Morgenstadt per valutare le iniziative verdi di Maia, confrontandole con Lipsia. Un'analisi tematica dei documenti del progetto e delle opinioni degli stakeholder indica l'approccio proattivo di Maia alla co-progettazione, al coinvolgimento degli stakeholder, agli esperimenti e all'integrazione degli aspetti legati alla sostenibilità. Tuttavia, emergono difficoltà nell'avviare attività di co-progettazione e nel raggiungere gli obiettivi verdi strutturali. Un'analisi comparativa con Lipsia offre spunti illuminanti riguardo alla cooperazione completa, alla flessibilità, alle strategie finanziarie e alle visioni lungimiranti benefiche per Maia. Le principali raccomandazioni includono l'adozione di regolamenti completi, l'ampliamento dell'interazione degli stakeholder, il potenziamento delle capacità organizzative, il sfruttamento di collaborazioni esterne e risorse, l'istituzione di solide infrastrutture dati e la promozione delle innovazioni tecnologiche. Tuttavia, le difficoltà persistenti derivano dalla compartimentazione dei dipartimenti, dal coinvolgimento limitato e dalla visione della sostenibilità limitata all'ambito digitale. Questa indagine offre una comprensione più approfondita degli elementi diversificati che guidano i cambiamenti urbani verdi e fornisce una guida per superare gli ostacoli nella diffusione dei living lab. Ulteriori studi mirati potrebbero colmare le lacune osservate riguardo alle realizzazioni della co-progettazione e alle ristrutturazioni edilizie. La ricerca chiarisce l'intricato intreccio negli sforzi urbani verdi, sottolineando l'importanza di approcci unificati, coinvolgimento inclusivo degli stakeholder e rafforzamento delle capacità per indurre cambiamenti su vasta scala.This research delves into the escalating global relevance of transitioning towards sustainability in cities, underscoring the hurdles local administrations grapple with. Drawing from the author's involvement in projects funded by the EU, the study centers on the Municipality of Maia, aiming to clarify the obstacles and essential strategies for achieving urban sustainability. It examines the BaZe-Maia Living Lab initiative, which aims for decarbonization, highlighting the intricacies of enacting living lab-inspired solutions, especially given challenges like the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, Maia's alliance with the SPARCS consortium and the crafting of the Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) underscore their collective steps to modify urban habits, boost energy thriftiness, and minimize waste. This exploration seeks to identify the central elements guiding such endeavors, spotlighting impediments and suggesting solutions. The overarching goal is to fortify the dissemination of knowledge and weave groundbreaking sustainable practices into Maia's urban planning path. The methodology of the study hinges on qualitative techniques such as interviews, scrutinizing documents, and using the Morgenstadt blueprint to evaluate Maia's green undertakings, contrasting them with Leipzig. A thematic breakdown of project paperwork and the views of stakeholders indicates Maia's proactive approach to co-design, stakeholder involvement, trials, and integrating sustainability aspects. However, hitches emerge when initiating co-design activities and meeting structural green targets. A side-by-side analysis with Leipzig offers enlightening takeaways about all-encompassing cooperation, flexibility, financial strategies, and forward-thinking visions beneficial for Maia. Principal suggestions encompass the rollout of all-inclusive regulations, amplifying stakeholder interaction, fortifying organizational capabilities, capitalizing on outside collaborations and resources, instituting sturdy data infrastructures, and championing tech advancements. Yet, enduring difficulties arise from departmental silos, limited involvement, and viewing sustainability solely through a digital lens. This investigation offers a deeper understanding of the diverse elements steering green urban shifts and furnishes a blueprint to navigate roadblocks in living lab rollouts. More pinpointed studies might bridge observed voids concerning co-design realizations and building overhauls. The research clarifies the intricate interplay in urban green endeavors, emphasizing the value of unified approaches, inclusive stakeholder involvement, and strengthening capabilities to induce broad-based alterations

Infallibility (Poka-Yoke) Fundamentals for Improving Production Processes, Case Study: An Automotive Parts Manufacturing Company

In production processes, quality is defined in terms of defects and sigma level wastes. In order to achieve zero level wastes, it is required that production processes’ sigma levels be increased through improvements in the processes. Utilizing Infallibility Strategy (Poka-Yoke) increases the sigma level of production processes and thus leads the process towards producing parts without fault and with zero defects. In the present study, the researcher has implemented the Infallibility Strategy (Poka-Yoke) in an automotive parts manufacturing company. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher, using a map, first determined the areas in which defects occurred in the production process, then the significance of defects with regard to their frequency of occurrence and their scope were determined, and the proper anti-error system was chosen. Given the number of defects and the annual production capacity, the PPM and the manufacturing process sigma level were calculated. Obtained results demonstrated the significant increase in the manufacturing process sigma level, which in turn implied the successful implementation of the Infallibility Strategy (Poka-Yoke) in the studied company

Infallibility (Poka-Yoke) Fundamentals for Improving Production Processes, Case Study: An Automotive Parts Manufacturing Company

In production processes, quality is defined in terms of defects and sigma level wastes. In order to achieve zero level wastes, it is required that production processes’ sigma levels be increased through improvements in the processes. Utilizing Infallibility Strategy (Poka-Yoke) increases the sigma level of production processes and thus leads the process towards producing parts without fault and with zero defects. In the present study, the researcher has implemented the Infallibility Strategy (Poka-Yoke) in an automotive parts manufacturing company. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher, using a map, first determined the areas in which defects occurred in the production process, then the significance of defects with regard to their frequency of occurrence and their scope were determined, and the proper anti-error system was chosen. Given the number of defects and the annual production capacity, the PPM and the manufacturing process sigma level were calculated. Obtained results demonstrated the significant increase in the manufacturing process sigma level, which in turn implied the successful implementation of the Infallibility Strategy (Poka-Yoke) in the studied company

Comparing four laboratory three-parent techniques to construct human aged non-surrounded nucleolus germinal vesicle oocytes: A case-control study

Background: The three-parent assisted reproductive technique may increase oocyte competence. Objective: In this case-control study, the suitability of germinal vesicle transfer (GVT), synchronous ooplasmic transfer (sOT), asynchronous ooplasmic transfer using cryopreserved MII oocyte (caOT), and asynchronous ooplasmic transfer using waste MII oocyte (waOT) for maturation of the human-aged non-surrounded nucleolus germinal vesicle-stage (NSN-GV) oocyte were investigated. Materials and Methods: NSN-GV oocytes were subjected to four methods: group A (GVT), B (sOT), C (caOT) D (waOT), and E (Control). The fusion rates, MI, MII, ICSI observations and cleavage at 2-cell, 4-cell, and 8-cell stages were compared in the groups. Results: In GVT, none of the oocytes fused. In sOT, all oocytes fused, 20 achieved the MI, 14 progressed to MII, 8 fertilized, 6 cleaved and 5, 4, and 3 achieved the 2- cells, 4-cells and 8-cells, respectively. In caOT, all oocytes fused and achieved the MI, 8 progressed to MII and fertilized, 6 cleaved and 6, 5, and 5 achieved the 2-cells, 4- cells, and 8-cells respectively. In waOT, all oocytes fused, 5 and 3 progressed to MI and MII, respectively, but only one fertilized, cleaved and reached a 4-cells stage. In group E, 6 and 2 oocytes progressed to MI and MII, respectively, and only one fertilized but arrested at the zygote stage. caOT had the highest survival rate when compared to sOT (p = 0.04), waOT (p = 0.002), and control (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The caOT method was beneficial over sOT, waOT, and GVT in supplementing the developmental capacity of human-aged NSN-GV oocytes. Key words: Assisted reproductive techniques, In vitro oocyte maturation techniques, Nuclear transfer techniques, Oocytes, Oocyte donation

Analyzing the Role of Religion and Religious Institutions in Policymaking on AIDS in Iran

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objective: HIV is a social phenomenon whose investigating needs to take culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of the society into account. Given that, the aim of this study is examining the role of religion in policies made to control AIDS in Iran.Method: This qualitative study adopted the content analysis technique with inductive approach in which 30 policymakers, key informants, stakeholders and AIDS patients were given semi-structured interviews and also 21 documents on related policies were analyzed considering factors influencing AIDS policymaking. Then, the data were analyzed using framework method and MAXQDA. In this study, the ethical issues were all considered and the authors declared no conflict of interest.Results: After coding, approximately 300 primary codes were extracted. These codes were checked again and then categorized into three areas: the functions of religion and its preventive and encouraging factors in the related policies; different roles of the clergy as religious authorities, politicians and advisors; and the way religious institutes and organizations play their roles in AIDS policymaking process.Conclusion: Religion and its corresponding ideology have critical encouraging and preventive functions in implementing plans for control and prevention of AIDS. Neglecting religious aspects of the Iranian society in policymaking has led to less effectiveness of policies and failure in controlling AIDS.For downloading the full-text of this article please click here

The survey and identification source of white spot disease in shrimp Farm in Abadan area

In the summer of 2002 high mortality occurred in farm shrimp in Abadan area due to white spot disease. The main objective of this study was detection and identification the source of white spot syndrome virus. For this reason from 2004/11/4 until 2005/120/6 about 190 samples consisted of wild shrimp, crab, fish, and plankton collected and preserved in alcohol 90-75% for polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The samples transferred to the South Iranian Aquaculture Center in Ahwaz. The samples examined by commercial WSSV detection kit (Fast Target) and new kit design by Iranian Fisheries Research Organization (IFRO) and Biotechnology Research Center from Iran. The result from PCR showed the samples of Penaeus indicus brood stock and postlarvea, Parapenaeopsis stylifrus and Metapenaeus affinis was positive. The rest of samples did not show any sign of virus and they was negative by PCR. Because the disease outbreak occurred in 2002 and the samples collected in 2004, the situation of environmental in the area was changed and may be the virus disappears in the samples and died

Neonatal encephalopathy: Case definition & guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of maternal immunisation safety data.

To improve comparability of vaccine safety data, the acute neonatal encephalopathy working group has developed a case definition and guidelines neonatal encephalopathy applicable in study settings with different availability of resources, in healthcare settings that differ by availability of and access to health care, and in different geographic regions

Prospective assessment of inter-rater reliability of a neonatal adverse event severity scale

Introduction: To ensure the quality of clinical trial safety data, universal data standards are required. In 2019 the International Neonatal Consortium (INC) published a neonatal adverse event severity scale (NAESS) to standardize the reporting of adverse event (AE) severity. In this study the reliability of AE severity grading with INC NAESS was prospectively assessed in a real-world setting. Methods: Severity of AEs was assessed by two independent observers at each of four centers across the world. In each center two series of 30 neonatal adverse events were assessed by both observers: in a first phase with a generic (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, CTCAE) severity scale not specific to neonates, and in a second phase with INC NAESS (after a structured training). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to express inter-rater agreement in both phases, and bootstrap sampling was used to compare them. Results: 120 AEs were included in each of both phases. The ICC with the use of INC NAESS in phase 2 was 0.69. This represents a significant but modest improvement in comparison to the initial ICC of 0.66 in phase 1 (confidence interval of ratio of ICC in phase 2 to phase 1 = 1.005–1.146; excludes 1). The ICC was higher for those AEs for which a diagnosis specific AE severity table was available in INC NAESS (ICC 0.80). Discussion: Good inter-rater reliability of the INC NAESS was demonstrated in four neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the globe. The ICC is comparable to what is reported for scales with similar purposes in different populations. There is a modest, but significant, improvement in inter-rater agreement in comparison to the naïve phase without INC NAESS. The better performance when reviewers use AE-specific NAESS tables highlights the need to expand the number of AEs that are covered by specific criteria in the current version of INC NAESS.</p

Evaluation and Variability of Flood-Oriented Health of Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed from Watershed Management Structures

IntroductionCurrently, many disasters threaten the health of ecosystems. The pressures caused by extensive human interventions and the unprincipled exploitation of natural resources have led to the degradation of natural resources and the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Hence, evaluating the consequences of human intervention in nature and meeting the growing need of humans to receive diverse services has made it necessary to evaluate the performance of watershed ecosystems in providing different services. Healthy watersheds play an important role in providing a wide variety of ecosystem services. Therefore, watershed health monitoring and evaluation is vital for the conservation of ecosystems and achieving the optimal level of services. In such a way a suitable collaborative and executive approach is established between research and watershed management. In this connection, watershed health analysis can provide valuable help in achieving the goals of integrated management of watersheds and, of course, the balance between the needs of human societies and ecosystems. However, the assessment of the health and sustainability of the watershed affected by human activities has not been sufficiently documented yet.Materials and MethodsThe current pilot research has evaluated the health of the Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed in Fars Province, Iran, and the effect of existing watershed management structures in the region on the health of the watershed with a focus on floods. For this purpose, 36 key criteria from a set of climatic, anthropogenic, and hydrologic factors were identified based on the conditions of the region and the analysis of the flood occurrence process in the watershed. The selected criteria were then categorized into the three indices of pressure (P), state (S), and response (R). After screening the selected criteria in exploring the conceptual approach of pressure, state, and response (PSR), the health status was evaluated in two cases with and without watershed management structures.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the health condition without considering the watershed management structures was at average conditions with health index of 0.55. In addition, the results of the watershed health assessment verified the non-significant effects of stone and mortar structures on improving watershed health. So that, the health conditions was remained at average status with health index of 0.53. Therefore, it can be acknowledged that the existing watershed management structures, due to the limited both number and spatial coverage, have not been able to noticeably affect the improvement of the general conditions of the watershed, despite the effect on the factors affecting the health of the sub-watersheds where the structures have been constructed. The spatial changes of the calculated variables showed that the abandoned lands, time of concentration, area under military activities, surface of sensitive formations to erosion, high density of the drainage network, density of the roads, areas of regions with high potential in producing runoff and sediment, and size of the residential areas were the most important factors affecting the health situation of the Darwazeh Quran Watershed.ConclusionAccording to the results of the analysis of the indicators and criteria considered in evaluation of the health of the Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed based on the PSR approach, it was found that the watershed had an average health status. Therefore, it can be acknowledged that the existing watershed management structures have not been able to impose a noticeable effect on the prosperity and improvement of watershed health conditions. In general, it can be said that abandoned lands, short concentration time, military activities, the presence of formations sensitive to erosion, high density of drainage network and road, and the potential of high runoff and sediment production, and the size of residential areas are among the most important factors affecting the declining the health of Darwazeh Quran Watershed. Therefore, it is necessary to pay further attention to the aforesaid factors by conducting periodical monitoring with more comprehensive data, in time and also analyzing the trend of relative changes of the indicators in order to explain the adaptive and intelligent management of the watershed. The necessary measures should also be taken into account simultaneously. Therefore, it is suggested to turn the weak points of the region into strong points by applying bioengineering measures and use the opportunities in the region such as the potential of tourism and ecological features in order to improve the health status of the watershed

Neuroprotective therapies in the NICU in preterm infants:present and future (Neonatal Neurocritical Care Series)

The survival of preterm infants has steadily improved thanks to advances in perinatal and neonatal intensive clinical care. The focus is now on finding ways to improve morbidities, especially neurological outcomes. Although antenatal steroids and magnesium for preterm infants have become routine therapies, studies have mainly demonstrated short-term benefits for antenatal steroid therapy but limited evidence for impact on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further advances in neuroprotective and neurorestorative therapies, improved neuromonitoring modalities to optimize recruitment in trials, and improved biomarkers to assess the response to treatment are essential. Among the most promising agents, multipotential stem cells, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory therapies can improve neural outcomes in preclinical studies and are the subject of considerable ongoing research. In the meantime, bundles of care protecting and nurturing the brain in the neonatal intensive care unit and beyond should be widely implemented in an effort to limit injury and promote neuroplasticity. IMPACT: With improved survival of preterm infants due to improved antenatal and neonatal care, our focus must now be to improve long-term neurological and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This review details the multifactorial pathogenesis of preterm brain injury and neuroprotective strategies in use at present, including antenatal care, seizure management and non-pharmacological NICU care. We discuss treatment strategies that are being evaluated as potential interventions to improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born prematurely.</p