Collecting and analysing large amounts of data in the Cloud-to-Edge computing continuum raises novel challenges. Processing all this data centrally in cloud data centres is not feasible anymore as transferring large amounts of data to the cloud is time-consuming, expensive, degrade performance and may raise security concerns. Therefore, novel distributed computing paradigms, such as edge and fog computing emerged to support processing data closer to its origin. However, such hyper-distributed systems require fundamentally new methods. To overcome the limitation of current centralised application management approaches, Swarmhestrate will develop a completely novel decentralised application-level orchestrator, based on the notion of self-organised interdependent Swarms. Application microservices are managed in a dynamic Orchestration Space by decentralised Orchestration Agents, governed by distributed intelligence that provides matchmaking between application requirements and resources, and supports the dynamic self-organisation of Swarms. Knowledge and trust, essential for the operation of the Orchestration Space, will be managed through blockchain-based trusted solutions using methods of Self-Sovereign Identities (SSI) and Distributed Identifiers (DID). End-to-end security of the overall system will be assured by utilising state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms and privacy preserving data analytics. Due to the imminent complexity of the decentralised system, novel simulation approaches will be developed to test and optimise system behaviour (e.g., energy efficiency) in the early stages of development. Additionally, the simulator will be further extended into a digital twin running in parallel to the physical system and improving its behaviour with predictive feedback. The Swarmchestrate concept will be prototyped on four real-life demonstrators from the areas of flood prevention, parking space management, video analytics and a digital twin of natural habitat.

Reusing salvaged timber in new applications can make an important contribution to circular economy. However, currently the reuse of such materials is limited, especially in structural applications. One reason is the lack of demands from the wood sector due to the absence of standard grading procedures and other issues related to e.g., shape irregularities, service damages, dimensions limitation, and degraded properties, which will require costly, significant processing that makes salvaged timber less profitable. This project will demonstrate how a fit-for-purpose approach can be implemented in a practical manner to reuse salvaged timber in structural applications. The target application is in dowel-laminated timber (here: EcoDLT) floor panels. In EcoDLT, salvaged timber will be reused in combination with new (raw) timber using a new fabrication method that will not require significant processing or gluing. This can reduce the processing costs, which can make salvaged timber more profitable and more attractive for the wood sector. The project will first evaluate the current state of salvaged timber resources in Slovenia using resource inventory. A resource classification method will be then established using which the reusability and profitability of reusing each resource can be determined (objective 1). In the next stage, the concept and fabrication method of EcoDLT will be developed experimentally and its structural properties will be examined (objective 2). Analytical models will then be developed for predicting the structural properties of EcoDLT using a new ‘well-known weak points’ concept, which will consider certain strength-reducing features of salvaged timber that are not represented in the existing models (objective 3). The project will contribute substantially to the EU’s circular economy goals and will lead to breakthrough innovation in wood cascading and analytical analysis of mass laminated timber elements with complex configurations.

Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource with potential for biochemicals and green materials to replace petroleum-based materials. Lignin is the second most abundant aromatic biopolymer and an underutilized component produced as a by-product in the pulp and paper industry and burned for energy. Lignin can also be used to synthesize bio-based composites by incorporating it into different polymers. For example, PLA is a biodegradable polymer used in food packaging applications. Lignin has been used as a filler with PLA to enhance thermal stability, UV properties and tensile strength. However, poor compatibility and aggregation are the main shortcomings for lignin-PLA composites due to the hydroxyl groups present in lignin. Although modification of lignin’s hydroxyl groups has been investigated, current methods are still problematic. To address these issues, the PACK-NIN project will focus on incorporating lignin nanoparticle (LNP) from kraft, organosolv and soda processes into the PLA matrix to enhance compatibility and bonding interaction. Due to their higher dispersibility, lower agglomeration and higher surface areas, LNPs are key to improving polymeric composites. Prior to synthesis of LNPs, novel modifications (oxypropylation and esterification:4-hydroxybenzoic acid) will be employed to enhance lignin’s hydrophobicity. The modified LNP (MLNP) will be incorporated into a PLA matrix at different weight percentages to investigate mechanical and thermal properties. Copper nanoparticle will then be introduced into the MLNP/PLA material to evaluate antibacterial activity within the composite. The PACK-NIN project proposes to develop a sustainable bio-nanocomposite that provides breakthroughs for advancing lignin use in food packaging and other composite applications. The ER will gain professional maturity and independence through the MSCA program activities, particularly mentoring young researchers, organizing events and managing projects.

<< Background >>For the last ten years, the timber and wood commerce in the European Union has a value of 1.57 thousand millions and 922.69 thousand million euros on average, thus impacting forestry and those industries related to the primary and secondary transformation of wood, like woodworking and furniture sectors, in terms of employment and GDP of EU countries.Europeans are consuming resources at twice the speed that is planned to renew them. In spite of this, 30% of the wood used in the EU comes from countries where illegal logging and partial deforestation are usual. In such a situation, certified forests, wood and products, ecodesign and circular economy can be considered as the most proper tools to deal with these problems.In today's market, environmentally-friendly products have a competitive advantage due to the emergence of consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their activities and goods they purchase. There is a trend in the market to buy certified products instead of non-certified products because some companies just deal with certified products. The trend started with the biggest actors, and the rest are following this path. At the end of 2019, approximately 97% of the wood used by IKEA was from sustainable sources.Over the recent years, the sensitivity of world public opinion on the issues of sustainable forest management in light of climate change and the resulting impacts has increased. Forests provide several ecosystem services from timber and non-wood forest products to carbon sequestration and recreation for human well-being (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). Globally, the annual growth in area of certified forests has been quite constant. Well-managed forests have tremendous potential to contribute to sustainable development and to a greener economy. [Forest certification map of Europe, Mauro Maesano 2018]Under this context, different certifications have been created to manage forest-based products, like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). Such schemes are normally integrated into environmental management systems, based on standards like ISO 14001 or EMAS, that, along with other tools and schemes like life cycle assessment and Ecolabels, help companies in the processes and procedures related to the use of certified wood in construction or furniture manufacturing.On the other hand, the tremendous rise of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) leads to the discussion of how forestry can benefit from this development. Several publications are discussing the potential of I4.0 for the forestry sector and give examples for practical applications. The economic potential of I 4.0 in forestry has an estimated increase in added gross value of 15%. Some articles identify general trends towards a smart wood supply chain and concrete I4.0 application examples, which are already in practical use or still in the stage of research and development. On a process level, the I4.0 application examples range from computerized decision support aids to electronic control, machine vision and post-harvest management. The value of I4.0 mainly lies in the interconnection of process steps along the value chain, with close to unlimited information flow and allocation in an internet of trees and services. This can lead to significant changes and value-adds in harvest planning, harvest organization and control, operations, transport and logistics as well as timber sales. Furthermore, developments of simulation modelling based on remote sensing data in forestry have appeared. This turns out to be the basis for the concept of a virtual forest as a digital copy of the reality. We can argue that data within an internet of trees and services should be interesting for manufacturing enterprises of the sector. We will address technical challenges of I4.0 in wood supply that could be applied to those enterprises in order to digitally transform them. [Digitization in wood supply, Fabian Müllera 2019]<< Objectives >>INTRuST will address experts from furniture-related companies, forest operators, companies’ employees and managers dealing with wood certifications and/or buildings certifications interested in increasing their skills and competences, VET providers, training organisations and educators providing training programmes related to wood and forest certifications. Related to the different certification schemes, professionals and enterprises only can find the procedures and rules to fulfill by the certification bodies. We have detected a lack of training about how to pass and fulfill those requirements and finally achieve the certifications. The experience of our partnership in training and consultancy services about how to deal with those certifications is impossible to find in the training market. For that reason, there is a huge lack of skilled technicians who only can learn through the experience. Moreover, the consortium will address a skills needs study, together with the training development, about innovations done in forestry and wood companies regarding Industry 4.0 solutions for the wood supply chain. The wood supply chain describes the process steps starting with harvest planning and ending with logistics and sales. Proper training in this topic can support competitiveness and innovation in those enterprises as a starting point.INTRuST partnership brings together experts in technology, wood certification, forestry and energy consumption, forest certification and environmental marketing from VET institutions, research entities and industry representatives that will work together to reach the INTRuST objectives and delivery of the outputs indicated above. All partners have a strong focus on the sustainability of wood-related products and woodworking sectors. To achieve the main goals INTRUST has defined the following specific objectives: SO1 Increase the knowledge, skills and attitudes on climate change and sustainable development in VET through the design of a new curricula on environment-related strategies and certifications that will adapt VET provisions according to the skills needs of the addressing sectors and will contribute to the validation of non-formal learning. SO2: Improve digital readiness of wood and furniture manufacturers through the development of specific training of industry 4.0 in the forest and wood value chain which could support a “twin green and digital transitions”. SO3 To develop and test a digital guidance tool that will allow industries to know what certifications schemes are the most suitable and then suggest the appropriate training content to study in each case, contributing to the promotion of flexible and permeable pathways.SO4 To deliver the training through e-learning platform (MOOC) in different EU languages, providing interactive learning materials and promoting the use of open and online learning, as well as multidisciplinary learning approachesSO5 To raise awareness about the importance of the different certification schemes that can support the enterprises to improve their performance and sells.<< Implementation >>The partnership has identified the following methodology to assure that the project will successfully deliver all projected outputs and outcomes. Following an agreement among partners, based on their experiences and know-how that enables partners to increase their contributions about roles and tasks, the project work plan is organized within 24 months and ensures that all project objectives will be achieved with a high-quality standard. The project is organized into four work packages, strongly interconnected. We identified a simultaneous and rational set of activities:-Analyse the situation and evolution of VET offer focused on certifications and I4.0 in the value chain of furniture, forestry and timber to include current knowledge, skills and qualifications needs; -Prepare the joint curriculum to satisfy the previously identified skills and knowledge needs and detail the related learning outcomes and contents, taking into account EU VET policies, principles and tools for quality, transparency and mobility (ECVET, EQF, EQAVET), with differences between different NQF analysed and harmonized and curriculum training path and modules authenticated by relevant wood-related sector actors and stakeholders;.-Develop the needed training material taking into account the appropriate training methodologies identified for each of the different modules. The materials will be interactive and will include more than 60% of those in the form of videoclips. -Design, create and test an e-learning platform according to the course needs;-Integrate the training materials into the platform and test its proper performance;-Deliver the INTRuST+ Coaching Tool to support learners and facilitate all interested companies to manage and implement their own certification for their products and integrate I4.0 solutions; -Implement a Pilot Course in each of the project’s countries to test and validate the content and methodological and assessment systems;-Implement a proper dissemination strategy from the project start and make it stronger when key project outcomes and results are available; and-Ensure free access to the training contents for end users and establish the proper intellectual property rights (IPR) for other users.-Each partner will support project results, dissemination and exploitation by organizing a local/national Multiplier Event involving at least 30 actors/stakeholders by each event.<< Results >>The project will develop four main results, including: R1- Analysis and Report on the situation of Forestry and Furniture certifications and I4.0 solutions and Joint Curriculum.R2-INTRuST+ Coaching Tool. A coaching and auto-diagnosis tool where learners will have the chance to work on their certifications through editing specific sections (processes, procedures, indicators and other documents), adapting it to the characteristics of their organizations. The tool will suggest I4.0 technologies to be used in enterprises that aim to implement a digital transformation according to their profiles. R3-INTRuST Training Modules Development. R3 aims to deliver novel training content and support professionals from the furniture, forestry and timber sectors in their acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences needed to successfully implement certifications within their company. It will be based on the content of the analysis developed in R1. In the training course composed of such content, every task will be identified as relevant for the successful implementation of certificates. It will be described in detail in the training units, which will contain all relevant information for implementation. The course will be organized in 3 main modules:-Normative, certification and regulation for Timber and Wood, Furniture and Forestry-Industry 4.0 solutions in the F&W value chain-Environmental marketing and circular economy approachR4- INTRuST Collaborative Platform and Pilot Action. The INTRuST Collaborative Platform will be built based on the joint curriculum previously identified (R1), and it will cover all learning outcomes that learners will need to complete certificates implementation and I4.0 training, previously developed during R3. The INTRuST Collaborative Platform will allow personalized training paths to be built by verifying existing capacities and interest of participants about green certificates, I4.0 and implementation processes.Besides other sharing activities, 5 Multiplier Events will be arranged. They will include in total 150 participants with different profiles such as Professionals of certifications, ICT experts, Circular Economy experts, VET trainers, Different workers of the sector including managers and production managers.Our RESULTS will impact on those target groups producing the following outcomes:-Professionals, students and unemployed persons interested in green certifications related to the wood and furniture sectors will be provided with innovative e-learning instruments that are able to deliver customized training paths, materials and facilities to implement certifications.-Enhance digital skills and competences for the digital transformation of the sector by developing innovative training materials of I4.0 applied to the wood value chain. -Companies interested in implementing certifications will acquire detailed process knowledge, innovative instruments to increase knowledge and instruments to make the implementation process cheaper, easier and faster. Moreover, they will increase their digital readiness specially for a digital and fair wood value chain. They will be able to strengthen their competitiveness in a sustainable way. Proper skills in I4.0 technologies will eliminate the major barrier to business investment. It will prevent labour market mismatches and will plant the seed for R&D and innovation.-VET providers (public or private, initial or continuous) and higher education institutions (specialized in forestry and wood-related products) will be provided with a better knowledge of certificates implementation, new materials and innovative instruments for their training courses.

-CONTEXT/BACKGROUND-Europe is ageing. Eurostat population projections foresee that the number of people over 65 is expected to grow up to 28.50% by 2050. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the physical and social environment are key determinants of whether people can remain healthy, independent and autonomous long into their old age. Therefore, housing is an important determinant for active and healthy ageing. However, a large part of the housing stock in the EU has not been designed to accommodate the needs of older people. That said, a great opportunity for the building and home furnishings sectors remains open. What is needed is to enforce innovative actions at training level to overcome skills mismatches and promote new design guidelines focused on older adults' needs. This disruptive change will require a rethinking approach at VET level, as well as a revolution in the minds of professionals and consumers due to lack of awareness and information. D4All has been recognised as a tool to ensure accessibility, wellbeing, physical and mental health for older adults and enable a conscious use of the analysis of the needs as requires the involvement of end-users (Human-Centred Design). In addition, DESIRE will be based on a restorative and ergonomic environmental design in order to detect the interactions between humans and the built environment. This will ensure that, firstly, older adults and, secondly, future generations can remain longer at home while ageing with equal opportunities without facing physical and social barriers in age-friendly housing. -OBJECTIVES-DESIRE aims to provide professionals in the building industry and home furnishings sector with the tools and skills to apply D4All methods as an integral part of the design process to create or adapt age-friendly housing as a solution for the well-being, comfort and autonomy of the older adults or dependents at home.Several specific objectives stem from this main one:SO1. Define the conceptual framework of the DESIRE training course and overcome skills mismatches on D4All at VET and labour market level.SO2. Develop an innovative training course on D4All to meet the emotional, cognitive and social needs of older adults while driving new opportunities in the habitat sector.SO3. Raise awareness about D4All and age-friendly housing in habitat professionals and general society as a key determinant of active and healthy ageing.SO4. Foster interactions and knowledge exchange in the design process between cross-cutting links such as Science (Architecture, Ergonomics), Social Sciences (Anthropology, Physiology) and Arts (Design, Habitat) to develop competitive and innovative products and services.-Nº & PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS-To achieve this, the project has a strong, multidisciplinary and geographically balanced partnership of five partners from Slovakia, Spain, Portugal and Slovenia representing different fields: architects (STU), ethnologists and social anthropologists (IESA), Habitat VET providers (CETEM), ageing (SHINE) and human and mental health consultants in the built environment (IR).The main TARGET GROUPS are: I-VET and C-VET students; VET providers; older adults along with their families or caregivers; industry, SMEs, clusters, development agencies, sector experts’ associations or chambers of commerce; stakeholders, policy formulators and decision-makers; and society in general.-DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES & MAIN RESULTS-Under the framework of DESIRE, the following results will be expected: IO1. A comprehensive guide of the training and employment skill gaps in D4All and the needs of older adults that must be addressed. IO2. The creation of an innovative curriculum and the development of the DESIRE training content focused on D4All methods and tools. IO3. The setting up of the DESIRE Content Repository Platform based on Opigno. -METHODOLOGY-The partners will implement a methodology for adequate time and budget control, risk management, effective communication and coordination. Different analyses will be used together with training methodology and networking tools for the design and implementation of project activities. An exhaustive monitoring and evaluation methodology will ensure the quality and achievement of objectives.-RESULTS & IMPACT-To boost the creation or adaptation of age-friendly housing in human-centred design projects that apply D4All methods to respond to older adults' needs at home. By doing so, the project will foster active and healthy ageing, drive new market opportunities for the habitat sector, and promote sustainable development to face the European demographic change with competitive and innovative solutions.-LONGER-TERM BENEFITS-The innovative curriculum and developed training content will drive age-friendly initiatives and policies at different levels. Moreover, DESIRE will promote cost savings in health, care, design processes, which will affect the clients as well.