Underground coal seam mining significantly reduces the stability of slopes, especially soil slopes, and an accurate evaluation of the stability of soil slopes under underground mining conditions is crucial for mining safety. In this study, the impact of coal seam mining is considered as the additional horizontal and vertical stresses acting on the slope, and an equation for calculating the safety factor of soil slopes under underground mining conditions is derived based on the rigorous Janbu method. Then, the Improved Radial Movement Optimization (IRMO) algorithm is introduced and combined with Lévy flight optimization to conduct global optimization searches, obtaining the critical sliding surface and corresponding safety factor of the soil slope under underground coal seam mining. Through comparisons with the numerical simulation results in three different case studies, the feasibility of applying the IRMO algorithm with Lévy flight to analyze the stability of soil slopes under underground mining is demonstrated. This ensures the accuracy and stability of the calculation results while maintaining a high convergence efficiency. Furthermore, the effects of the mining thickness and mining direction on slope stability are analyzed, and the results indicate that a smaller mining thickness and mining along the slope are advantageous for slope stability. The method proposed in this study provides valuable insights for preventing the slope instability hazards caused by underground coal seam mining. Full article

The field of archaeological excavation has seen enormous developments as a result of the quick development of digital technologies. It is critical to acknowledge the long-term benefits of new approaches. In this regard, this study intends to suggest a system that provides archaeologists with digital tools that allow them to fully and effectively document their excavations in real time while in the field, which is specifically designed for classical and Byzantine archaeology. The system not only facilitates traditional documentation practices but also integrates advanced geospatial technologies and augmented reality, enhancing the accuracy and depth of archaeological research and preservation. This dual functionality enables both the efficient recording of excavation data as experienced by excavators on-site and the detailed documentation processed by researchers post-excavation. The objective of the application is to generate a sophisticated system that will enable the excavation data and experience that the excavator gains on the site of work to be recorded in real time, as well as the documentation that is subsequently processed and accomplished by the researcher or by other researchers. The system saves detailed images and 3D models of artifacts and excavation sites. This ensures that every detail is recorded while preserving the data for future analysis and reference. Lastly, the application was tested in realistic use case scenarios and real-world settings, which increased the system’s credibility and demonstrated its capability to enhance the procedures involved in archaeological excavation and documentation. Full article

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with a low steel fiber volume fraction offers lower material costs than UHPC with typical steel fiber volume fractions, and has the potential to mitigate the ductility degradation of rebar-reinforced UHPC (R-UHPC). This study explores the reinforcement effect on the tensile behavior of UHPC with a low fiber volume fraction with the aim of facilitating more cost-efficient UHPC applications. The axial tensile behavior of 30 UHPC specimens with low fiber volume fractions at different reinforcement ratios was tested through direct tensile tests. The findings indicate that adopting UHPC with a low fiber volume fraction can significantly mitigate the ductility deterioration of rebar-reinforced UHPC (R-UHPC), and both increasing the reinforcement ratio and decreasing the fiber volume fraction contribute to the improvement in ductility. The failure modes of R-UHPC are determined by the ratio of reinforcement ratio and fiber volume fraction, rather than a single parameter, which also means that R-UHPC with different parameters may correspond to different methods to predict tensile load-bearing capacity. For UHPC with a fiber volume fraction low to 0.5%, incorporating steel rebars gives superior multi-crack cracking behavior and excellent capacity to restrict the maximum crack width. Increasing the fiber volume fraction from 0.5% to 1.0% at the same reinforcement ratio will yield little benefit other than an increase in tensile load-bearing capacity. Full article

With the increase in the world population and economic activity, the production of sewage sludge has grown, and its management has become an environmental problem. The most traditional method of managing sewage sludge is to dispose of it in landfills and on farmland. One way to valorize sewage sludge is to use thermochemical conversion processes to produce added-value products such as biochar, biofuels, and renewable gases. However, due to the high moisture content, thermochemical conversion using processes such as pyrolysis and traditional gasification involves multiple pre-treatment processes such as material drying. Hydrothermal thermochemical processes usually require high pressures, which pose many challenges to their application on a large scale. In this work, the advantages and disadvantages of the different existing thermochemical processes for the recovery of sewage sludge were analyzed, as well as the resulting industrial and environmental challenges. A SWOT analysis was carried out to assess the different thermochemical processes in terms of technical feasibility, economic viability, and broader market considerations. Full article

The aquatic environment encompasses a wide variety of pollutants, from plastics to drug residues, pesticides, food compounds, and other food by-products, and improper disposal of waste is the main cause of the accumulation of toxic substances in water. Monitoring, assessing, and attempting to control the effects of contaminants in the aquatic environment are necessary and essential to protect the environment and thus human and animal health, and the study of aquatic ecotoxicology has become topical. In this respect, zebrafish are used as model organisms to study the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and influence of environmental pollutants due to their structural, functional, and material advantages. There are many similarities between the metabolism and physiological structures of zebrafish and humans, and the nervous system structure, blood–brain barrier function, and social behavior of zebrafish are characteristics that make them an ideal animal model for studying neurotoxicity. The aim of the study was to highlight the neurotoxicity of nanoplastics, microplastics, fipronil, deltamethrin, and rotenone and to highlight the main behavioral, histological, and oxidative status changes produced in zebrafish exposed to them. Full article

There is a widespread concern about the negative impact of intensive livestock farming on climate change and biodiversity loss. We analyzed the trade-off between meat production and environmental variables related to global warming—energy consumption, use efficiency of energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, carbon footprint, and GHG balance—of two alternative intensification strategies of livestock farming in the Flooding Pampa: conventional intensification (CI) based on external inputs, and ecological intensification (EI) based on maintaining native grassland in good condition through adaptive multi-paddock grazing (AMPG). We also explored the relationship between meat production and the economic variables gross margin and its year-to-year variation. Energy consumption was positively correlated with meat production (ρ = 0.95, p= 0.0117), and EI farms consumed less fuel energy and showed higher energy use efficiency than CI farms (294 ± 152 vs. 2740 ± 442 MJ ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, 38.4 ± 28.8 vs. 1.23 ± 0.13 MJ kg LW⁻¹ y⁻¹, p < 0.05, respectively). GHG emissions and carbon footprint did not show significant differences between EI and CI strategies. As soil carbon sequestration was significantly higher in EI farms than in CI farms (1676 ± 304 vs. −433 ± 343 kg CO_2eq ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, p <0.05), GHG balance resulted almost neutral and higher under the EI strategy (−693 ± 732 vs. −3520 ± 774 kg CO_2eq ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, p < 0.05). CI strategy obtained higher meat production but a similar gross margin to the EI strategy and a more unstable economic return, as the coefficient of variation in the gross margin doubled that of the EI strategy (84 + 13.3 vs. 43 + 2.6, respectively, p < 0.05). Ecological intensification of cattle production in the Flooding Pampa demonstrates the potential for a positive relationship between individual cattle farmers’ profits and overall societal benefits, as reflected in improved environmental performance. Full article

This study investigates the differential expression of miRNA gene subtypes in tumoral versus benign nevi in individuals with melanoma, aiming to identify clinically significant correlations that could serve as reliable markers for assessing tumor stage and progression. Conducted between 2019 and 2022, this descriptive, quantitative observational research analyzed 90 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from the Pius Brinzeu County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Timisoara, including 45 samples of advanced-stage melanoma and 45 samples of pigmented nevi. miRNA purification and analysis were performed using the miRNeasy Kit and the Human Cancer PathwayFinder miScript miRNA PCR Array, with statistical analysis (including logistic regression) to determine associations with cancer staging, such as high Breslow index risk, number of mitoses, and vascular invasion. After the analysis and comparison of 180 miRNA gene subtypes, we selected 10 of the most upregulated and 10 most downregulated genes. The results revealed that hsa-miR-133b, hsa-miR-335-5p, hsa-miR-200a-3p, and hsa-miR-885-5p were significantly upregulated in melanoma samples, with fold changes ranging from 1.09 to 1.12. Conversely, hsa-miR-451a and hsa-miR-29b-3p showed notable downregulation in melanoma, with fold changes of 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. Additionally, logistic regression analysis identified hsa-miR-29b-3p (OR = 2.51) and hsa-miR-200a-3p (OR = 2.10) as significantly associated with an increased risk of a high Breslow index, while hsa-miR-127-3p and hsa-miR-451a were associated with a reduced risk. Conclusively, this study underscores the significant alterations in miRNA expression in melanoma compared to benign nevi and highlights the potential of specific miRNAs as biomarkers for melanoma progression. The identification of miRNAs with significant associations to melanoma characteristics suggests their utility in developing non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tools and in guiding therapeutic decisions, potentially improving patient outcomes in melanoma management. Full article

In Yaoundé, Cameroon, where walking dominates transport modes, pedestrian safety remains an issue as pedestrians account for a fair share of road traffic casualties, partly due to the lack of walking policies and pedestrian facilities safety data, hindering targeted intervention. This study used a pedestrian safety index (PSI) and the Global Walkability Index (GWI) to investigate 12 road segments frequented by diverse pedestrian groups. Indexes were graded from E—lowest to A—highest and analyzed using description and rank correlation. Main safety issues included lack of adequate and accessible sidewalks, bollards, pedestrian crossings, signage, shade, and street lighting. Only one segment (R7) achieved grade C, while the remainder scored D or E, indicating poor pedestrian safety conditions and an unpleasant walking experience. The correlation coefficient (0.69) between the PSI and GWI at a 99% significance level validated the safety assessment, providing confidence in the results. A seven-year (2024–2030) safety strategy is proposed to improve all roads to grade B. This strategy contains several interventions, including engineering improvement, which have been proven effective. This study offers evidence for city officials to improve pedestrian safety and informs walking policies and the implementation of upcoming projects. Future research should quantify the recommendations’ benefits and validate indexes with crash or conflict data. Full article

Desertification processes in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid conditions have been enhanced in recent decades. The geospatial database and associated satellite data can be effectively employed for regional planning to address desertification and land degradation. In this study, the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model has been used to map environmentally sensitive areas due to desertification in the Satara and Sangli districts of Maharashtra, India. This was achieved by combining Landsat-8 multispectral data, Census data, soil data, and climatic variables like temperature, rainfall, and evapotranspiration. The algorithm of MEDALUS is the geometric mean of four indicators, namely soil quality index (SQI), climate quality index (CQI), vegetation quality index (VQI), and socio-economic quality index (SEQI). The findings indicated that the majority of the study area comes under the potential category of desertification (60.32%) followed by fragile (27.87%) and critical (11.81%). Areas with a high propensity for desertification were found over the low to very low climatic quality and moderate to high soil quality including lower socio-economic quality. The lower socio-economic quality is mainly due to high to very high population density (>100 people/km²), low to moderate illiteracy rate (<16%), and low to moderate work participation rate (<50%) that incentivize unsustainable land use practices. The study provides a valuable tool for understanding and managing natural resources. It offers a detailed analysis of the environmental sensitivity of the study area, taking into account various factors like land use, vegetation cover, slope, and soil erosion potential. The developed comprehensive map of the area helps in identifying the most sensitive regions and developing appropriate conservation strategies. The information obtained from the study can be utilized to develop and implement successful measures to prevent or alleviate desertification, which is crucial for sustaining the health of ecosystems and the welfare of local residents. Full article

The Program for International Student Assessment highlights the persistent lack of commitment and motivation among students worldwide in their school activities, which are resulting in decreased proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, and science. The magnitude of this phenomenon, with its clear social implications, suggests that we are facing a concerning quest for immediate answers and results. This research focuses on the impact of the relationships between self-regulated learning processes and the planning of time management that is dedicated to school activities on student performance, specifically in the subjects of the Mother Tongue and Mathematics. The instruments used for analysis included the Inventory of Self-Regulated Learning Processes, the Inventory of Time Management Planning, a personal data sheet, and a school data sheet. The sample in this study consisted of 688 students from primary schools in northern Portugal. The results reveal that self-regulated learning has a positive influence on how students plan time management, both in the short and long term. Additionally, a positive and statistically significant relationship is observed between short-term and long-term time management planning and students’ academic performance. This study provides an in-depth perspective on the dynamics between these elements, shedding light on the crucial nuances that shape students’ academic journeys. Full article

We introduce a novel microscopic image dataset augmented with segmentation and detection labels specifically designed for microplastic analysis in sewage environments. Recognizing the increasing concern over microplastics—particles of synthetic polymers smaller than 5 mm—and their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and human health, our research focuses on enhancing detection and analytical methodologies through advanced computer vision and deep learning techniques. The dataset comprises high-resolution microscopic images of microplastics collected from sewage, meticulously labeled for both segmentation and detection tasks, aiming to facilitate accurate and efficient identification and quantification of microplastic pollution. In addition to dataset development, we present example deep learning models optimized for segmentation and detection of microplastics within complex sewage samples. The models demonstrate significant potential in automating the analysis of microplastic contamination, offering a scalable solution to environmental monitoring challenges. Furthermore, we ensure the accessibility and reproducibility 12 of our research by making the dataset and model codes publicly available, accompanied by detailed 13 documentation on GitHub and LabelBox. Full article

As nanoparticle syntheses on a large scale usually yield products with broad size and shape distributions, the properties of nanoparticle-based products need to be tuned after synthesis by narrowing the size and shape distributions or via the removal of undesired fractions. The development of property-selective classification processes requires a universal framework for the quantitative evaluation of multi-dimensional particle fractionation processes. This framework must be applicable to any property and any particle classification process. We extended the well-known one-dimensional methodology commonly used for describing particle size distributions and fractionation processes to the multi-dimensional case to account for the higher complexity of the property distribution and separation functions. In particular, multi-dimensional lognormal distributions are introduced and applied to diameter and length distributions of gold nanorods. The fractionation of nanorods via centrifugation and by orthogonal centrifugal and electric forces is modeled. Moreover, we demonstrate that analytical ultracentrifugation with a multi-wavelength detector (MWL-AUC) is a fast and very accurate method for the measurement of two-dimensional particle size distributions in suspension. The MWL-AUC method is widely applicable to any class of nanoparticles with size-, shape- or composition-dependent optical properties. In addition, we obtained distributions of the lateral diameter and the number of layers of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets via stepwise centrifugation and spectroscopic evaluation of the size fractions. Full article

Though the transition from disposable to reusable surgical gowns holds substantial promise, successful implementation faces challenges. This study investigated tactile and thermophysiological comfort in surgical reusable gowns, comparing them with their disposable counterparts. Parameters such as surface roughness, compression, heat flux, and material rigidity were tested using a Fabric Touch Tester. Additionally, the water vapour permeability and static charge of the gowns were assessed. Thermophysiological comfort of the gowns was evaluated by measuring the temperature and relative humidity (RH) on test subjects during wear trials where they were engaged in an activity that mimics a surgeon’s performance. Skin temperature was monitored using iButton sensors and a thermal camera, and the impact on heart rate during the task was analysed. Following each test, participants provided subjective feedback through a questionnaire. The results indicated that reusable gowns boasted a smoother texture, translating to reduced friction on the skin and better heat transfer compared to the disposable fabrics, as indicated using FTT. They also exhibited higher water vapour permeability compared to their disposable counterparts. The wear trials revealed minimal differences in comfort between disposable and reusable gowns. While performing the activity, an increase in body temperature led to decreased RH, yet this rise did not adversely affect subject comfort, as validated using heart rate and questionnaire survey data. From a comfort point of view, switching from disposable to reusable gowns would not have drawbacks, meaning hospitals should be able to switch provided logistics and costs can be managed. Full article

Microalgae have considerable potential as a renewable feedstock for biochemical and bioethanol production that can be employed in processes associated with carbon capture. Large-scale microalgae cultivations are often non-axenic and are often cohabited by bacteria. A better understanding of the influence of cohabiting bacteria on microalgae productivity is required to develop sustainable synthetic co-culture processes at scale. Nutrient limitation is a frequently employed strategy in algal cultivations to accumulate energy reserves, such as lipids and carbohydrates. Here, a non-axenic culture of an estuarine green microalga, Chlorella vulgaris CCAP 211/21A, was studied under nutrient replete and deplete conditions to assess how changes in nutrient supply influenced the cohabiting bacterial population and its association with intracellular carbohydrate accumulations in the alga. Nutrient limitation resulted in a maximum carbohydrate yield of 47%, which was 74% higher than that in nutrient replete conditions. However, the latter condition elicited a 2-fold higher carbohydrate productivity. Three cohabiting bacterial isolates were cultivable from the three culture conditions tested. These isolates were identified using the 16S rRNA gene sequence to belong to Halomonas sp. and Muricauda sp. The composition of the bacterial population varied significantly between the growth conditions and time points. In all cases and at all time points, the dominant species was Halomonas isolates. Nutrient depletion resulted in an apparent loss of Muricauda sp. This finding demonstrates that nutrient supply can be used to control cohabiting bacterial populations in algal cultures, which will enable the development of synthetic co-culture strategies for improving algae productivity. Full article

Scour around bridges present a severe threat to the stability of railroad and highway bridges. Scour needs to be monitored to prevent the bridges from becoming damaged. This research studies the feasibility of using green laser for monitoring the scour around candidate railroad and highway bridges. The laboratory experiments that provided the basis for using green laser for underwater mapping are also discussed. The results of the laboratory and field experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using green laser for underwater infrastructure monitoring with limitations on the turbidity of water that affects the penetrability of the laser. This method can be used for scour monitoring around offshore structures in shallow water as well as corrosion monitoring of bridges. Full article

Background and Objectives: Worldwide, preterm birth (PTB) stands as the primary cause of mortality among children under 5 years old. Socioeconomic factors significantly impact pregnancy outcomes, influencing both maternal well-being and newborn health. Understanding and addressing these socioeconomic factors is essential for developing effective public health interventions and policies aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to analyse the relationship between socioeconomic factors (education level, marital status, place of residence and nationality) and PTB in Latvia, considering mother’s health habits, health status, and pregnancy process. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Medical Birth Register (MBR) of Latvia about women with singleton pregnancies in 2022 (n = 15,431). Data analysis, involving crosstabs, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression, was performed. Adjusted Odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: Lower maternal education was statistically significantly associated with increased odds of PTB. Mothers with education levels below secondary education had over two times higher odds of PTB (aOR = 2.07, p < 0.001, CI 1.58–2.70) and those with secondary or vocational secondary education had one and a half times higher odds (aOR = 1.58, p < 0.001, CI 1.33–1.87) after adjusting for other risk factors. Study results also showed the cumulative effect of socioeconomic risk factors on PTB. Additionally, mothers facing two or three socioeconomic risk factors in Latvia exhibited one and a half times higher odds of PTB (aOR = 1.59, p = 0.021). Conclusions: The study highlights the cumulative impact of socioeconomic risk factors on PTB, with higher maternal education demonstrating the highest protective effect against it. This underscores the importance of education in promoting optimal foetal development. Since the influence of socioeconomic factors on PTB is not a widely studied issue in Latvia, further research is needed to improve understanding of this complex topic. Full article

Purpose: Food insecurity and colorectal cancer (CRC) are widely prevalent problems in the U.S. However, the long-term effects of food insecurity among people living with CRC are not well explored (e.g., risk of mortality). Methods: Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (years 1999–2010) were linked with mortality data from the National Death Index up to 31 December 2019. Results: A total of 30,752 adults comprised the analytic sample; 222 were living with CRC and more than a tenth were food-insecure (11.6%). In our adjusted analysis, individuals who were food insecure and had CRC were 4.13 times more likely to die of any cause and 9.57 times more likely to die of cardiovascular diseases (compared to those without CRC and food insecurity). Conclusions: Colorectal cancer is among the top cancers diagnosed in American adults and more than a tenth of adult Americans with CRC live with food insecurity. Given the higher risk of mortality with co-occurring CRC and food insecurity, collaborative healthcare models can help address food insecurity and other social needs of people with CRC, and surveillance measures for food insecurity should be widely implemented across health systems. Full article

Aroma is an important factor in the measurement of the quality and market value of oolong tea. However, it is hard to develop an oolong tea with good aroma quality using unsuitable tea varieties. To explore the key factors of tea varieties in the formation of oolong tea aromas, the fresh leaves of the Chungui variety (CG, suitable for oolong tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) and the Fuyun No. 6 variety (F6, unsuitable for oolong tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) were harvested and treated by withering and mechanical stress in order. Then, aroma, transcriptome, and jasmonate (JA) contents, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), of samples were investigated. The contents of characteristic oolong tea aromas, including indole, (E)-β-ocimene, (E)-nerolidol, α-farnesene, and jasmine lactone, were all accumulated in much higher quantities in the CG variety after withering and mechanical stress. Accordingly, the coding genes of aroma formation synthases TSB2, OCS, NES, AFS, and LOX1, and related genes in MVA, MEP, and ALA pathways, were all much more highly activated. These differential reactions are mainly caused by the higher accumulation of jasmonates, especially methyl jasmonate, a type of important plant signal chemical, in CG after mechanical stress. WGCNA analysis indicated 34 different transcription factors from different families are predicted to be involved in this jasmonate-responsive reaction. Full article

The Amazon region has the largest diversity of freshwater stingrays; however, there are still places where information about this group is scarce. The present work aims to record the occurrence of freshwater stingrays in the Uatumã river basin, Amazonas, Brazil. For this, collections were carried out in three municipalities bathed by the Uatumã River, Presidente Figueiredo, Itapiranga, and São Sebastião do Uatumã. The rays were collected through fishing using a hand net and, after capture, were identified through the pattern of the dorsal and ventral color of the disc, the absence or presence of the labial groove, and the organization of the row of spines on the tail, and were also measured, weighed, and sexed. In total, 69 specimens of Potamotrygonines were captured, 59 of which were from the genus Potamotrygon and ten individuals from the genus Paratrygon. The present study provides preliminary information on the characteristics of freshwater stingray species that may occur in the Uatumã River. Furthermore, new research is necessary to improve the identification of specimens to determine the diversity and elucidate aspects related to the biology of elasmobranchs in the Uatumã River Basin, Brazil. Full article

An evaluation of the impact of osteoporosis on loss of spinal stability, with or without intervertebral disc degeneration, using computational analysis is presented. The research also investigates the correlation between osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration. Three-dimensional finite element models of human lumbar spine segments were used to assess the influence of osteoporosis on spinal stability. Five different models of age-related degeneration were created using various material properties for trabecular bone and intervertebral discs. Calculation results indicate that in a spine with osteoporosis, the deformation of the intervertebral discs can increase by more than 30% when compared to a healthy spine. Thus, intervertebral disc deformation depends not only on the degree of degeneration of the discs themselves, but their deformation is also influenced by the degree of osteoporosis of the vertebrae. Additionally, the load-bearing capacity of the spine can decrease by up to 30% with osteoporosis, regardless of the degree of intervertebral disc deformation. In conclusion, osteoporosis can contribute to intervertebral disc degeneration. Full article

Cervical cancer continues to be a public health concern, as it remains the second most common cancer despite screening programs. It is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for women, and the majority of cases happen in developing nations. The standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer involves the use of external beam radiation therapy, along with concurrent chemotherapy, followed by an image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) boost. The five-year relative survival rate for European women diagnosed with cervical cancer was 62% between 2000 and 2007. Updated cervical cancer treatment guidelines based on IGABT have been developed by the Gynecological working group, which is composed of the Group Européen de Curiethérapie–European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. The therapeutic strategy makes use of three-dimensional imaging, which can be tailored to the target volume and at-risk organs through the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Under anaesthesia, the brachytherapy implantation is carried out. Ultrasonography is utilised to assess the depth of the uterine cavity and to facilitate the dilation of the uterine canal during the application insertion. In this study, we examine data from the international literature regarding the application of ultrasound in cervical cancer brachytherapy. Full article

Community partnerships, based on ‘the collaborative turn’ in academic research, are an increasingly common framework through which ‘bottom-up’ histories, particularly of diverse and/or more marginalised communities, are being told. This article is about the ‘doing’ of this type of work. It focuses on the question: what lessons can be made visible when attempted cooperation fails to deliver the outcomes initially hoped for? Firstly, this article outlines the events and activities undertaken by the authors in exploring the ways that ephemera and other objects can be used to understand and transmit the historical experiences of communities often on the periphery of mainstream war commemoration. It will discuss the ways in which connections with these communities were built, with the aim of undertaking several creative writing workshops, leading to a co-produced publication of the participants’ material. Secondly, as part of a broader acknowledgment of the possibility of failure and its benefits, it will explore why some of these creative workshop efforts failed to meet expectations and outline a series of recommendations for other historians and community-orientated projects to consider for future activities. Full article