Search Results (3,132)

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) has profoundly transformed industries worldwide through the integration of advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, building information modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) sectors are increasingly adopting these innovations to meet the evolving demands of the global market. Within this dynamic context, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a front-runner and significant investor in this sector, as evidenced by the launch of ambitious mega-projects such as NEOM and The Line. These developments prompt valuable discussions about the readiness of graduates to adapt to rapid technological advancements and meet the current demands of the Saudi market. Although numerous studies have explored this issue, the Saudi context presents unique challenges and opportunities due to the accelerated pace of change within the ACE sectors, driven by the goals of Vision 2030. For this reason, this paper aims to address this gap by exploring the readiness of architectural programs in the context of Saudi Arabia to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, developing an analytical framework. Subsequently, a multiple-cases approach was employed, with an overall top-level discussion on the undergraduate architecture program subjects available in the five regions in Saudi Arabia. A combination of field observations, domain expertise, and evidence-based coding methods was employed to develop the SWOT analysis. The SWOT framework was utilized to identify key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the current academic programs. The findings were then analyzed in a comprehensive discussion, highlighting necessary transformations in existing programs. The methodology employed in our study involves prolonged engagement and persistent observation to enhance the quality and credibility of the discussion. This paper serves as a roadmap for guiding future educational reforms and aligning architectural education with emerging industry demands and technological advancements in the field. Four key themes are essential for aligning architectural education with Industry 4.0: sustainability in the built environment, innovation and creativity, digital applications in the built environment, and entrepreneurship and leadership in venture engineering. It also strongly emphasized sustainability courses and noted notable deficiencies in preparing students for a digitally driven professional landscape. For example, the average program comprises 162 credit hours and 58 courses, with only six related to Industry 4.0. The top five institutions offering Industry 4.0 courses ranked from highest to lowest are ARCH-U11, ARCH-U8, ARCH-U3, ARCH-U4, and ARCH-U15. ARCH-U11 offers the most Industry 4.0 courses, totaling 15, which account for 26.8% of its courses and 15% of its credit hours, in contrast to ARCH-U20, which offers no courses. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of the readiness of architecture program curricula from 20 Saudi universities to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0. Importantly, these findings support previous studies that established guidelines that mandate the inclusion of sustainability, innovation, and digital skills in architectural education programs. Contribution to the knowledge and findings is valuable for educational institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders, offering insights into evolving architectural education to meet future industry demands and foster technological innovation and sustainable development. Moreover, it provides actionable recommendations for curriculum development in alignment with Vision 2030. Contrary to expectations, findings show that lower-ranked universities offer more Industry 4.0-related courses than higher-ranked ones, emphasizing the need to align university evaluation standards with labor market demands. Full article

Voluntary blood donation plays a crucial role in public health by ensuring a stable supply of blood and its components, essential for medical treatments including surgeries, trauma care, and chronic disease management. Voluntary donors, often healthier individuals, enhance the safety of the blood supply and play a vital role in emergency preparedness. Beyond its societal benefits, regular blood donation may offer health advantages for donors, including improved cardiovascular health due to reduced iron levels and psychological benefits stemming from altruism and a sense of social responsibility. Public health initiatives are instrumental in fostering blood donation through education, awareness campaigns, and targeted donor recruitment strategies. These efforts encourage a culture of social responsibility, inspiring community participation and improving overall healthcare system sustainability. Despite these efforts, challenges such as fluctuating donation rates, aging populations, and shifting demographics underscore the need for ongoing initiatives to ensure a sufficient blood supply. As a public health priority, voluntary blood donation demands continuous promotion and innovation to meet the growing demand for blood products and maintain healthcare system resilience. This review highlights the public health significance of voluntary blood donation, with particular focus on its benefits for donors and its role in supporting healthcare systems. Full article

The transition of cities towards a smarter approach significantly benefits from citizen participation in the development and implementation of innovative information and communication technology (ICT) products and services. Despite the emergence of various initiatives in recent years aimed at guiding the development of smart cities, there is still a lack of effective strategies to actively engage citizens, businesses, and educational institutions during the creation of these products and services. This study describes a set of practices that includes four co-creation techniques to facilitate the effort of software system development in collaboration with citizens and other stakeholders. The SEMAT standard is used to create and represent a method in which these practices are distributed across four stages: focus, definition, development, and validation. In each stage, a practice is proposed that incorporates a co-creation technique and complementary activities from various software engineering disciplines to promote active citizen participation; stimulate idea generation; and facilitate the creation of necessary documents and components for the development of the desired software system, including design systems, code files, conceptual representations, and technical diagrams, among others. Finally, the applicability and completeness of the method are validated through expert consultation in the fields of software engineering and smart cities. Recognized procedures are followed to obtain qualitative and quantitative results, such as improvement actions (addition or removal of elements), levels of consensus or acceptance, and opportunities for future work. Full article

In the post-COVID-19 era, education requires teachers to engage learners across diverse learning environments (at school or other formal institutions, at home, outdoors, or in virtual environments) using innovative learning strategies. To meet these challenges, teachers must upskill their creativity and strengthen their pedagogical digital competencies and knowledge management skills. This study introduces the innovative teacher training and support (TTS-IPCD) model to enhance teachers’ creativity and pedagogical digital competencies. This research involved a sample of 350 teachers from 75 primary and secondary schools over a four-year period. Teachers’ creativity was measured using the Kirton Adaption–Innovation Inventory (KAI), assessing key metrics such as problem-solving flexibility, openness to change, and inclination toward novel approaches. Quantitative analysis was conducted using an independent samples t-test to evaluate teacher creativity changes. The results indicated that the TTS-IPCD model enhanced teacher creativity in the direction of a stronger propensity toward innovative behaviors, including embracing diversity and change in their work, solving problems through novel approaches, and adopting a holistic perspective rather than strictly adhering to established routines. Furthermore, the TTS-IPCD model improved teamwork and collaboration, contributing to the development of more adaptive and innovative learning environments. These findings highlight the importance of continuous professional development of teachers focused on creative pedagogy and digital competencies to equip teachers for the evolving educational landscape. Full article

The development of renewable energy resources significantly impacts economic growth, various aspects of which can be assessed. First, the sector contributes to job creation, as new technologies and projects require specialists in various fields, from engineering to installation. Second, investments in renewable energy drive economic growth as the private and public sectors increasingly invest in innovation and infrastructure. In addition, developing renewable energy sources can lower energy prices for consumers, increase market competition, and reduce dependence on imported resources. However, there are also challenges related to initial investment costs, technological barriers and required political support. To ensure the successful development of renewable energy sources, it is necessary to create a favorable legal and regulatory environment, as well as to promote education and training in this area. In conclusion, the development of renewable energy resources can become an important driver of economic growth but requires a balanced approach and strategic planning. This work aims to evaluate the impact of the use of renewable resources on the economy after examining theories of economic growth. The following methods are used: analysis of theoretical and practical statements, comparative analysis, and panel data analysis. The research rejects hypotheses which suggest that transitioning to renewable energy sources slows economic growth. The development and adoption of renewable energy resources are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and ensuring sustainable development in the European Union. Despite initial costs and the hypothesis that transitioning to renewable energy slows economic growth, research shows that renewable energy sources (RES) do not hinder growth in the long term. Instead, they drive economic growth through technological advancements, job creation, and attracting significant investments, ultimately contributing to environmental protection and energy stability. Full article

This survey paper examines the applications, methodologies, and future prospects of multimodal large language models (MLLMs) within the educational landscape. MLLMs, which integrate multiple data modalities such as text, images, and audio, offer innovative solutions that enhance learning experiences across various educational domains, including language acquisition, STEM education, interactive content creation, and medical training. The paper highlights how MLLMs contribute to improved engagement, personalized learning paths, and enhanced comprehension by leveraging their ability to process and generate contextually relevant content. The key findings underscore the transformative potential of MLLMs in modern education, suggesting significant improvements in both learner outcomes and pedagogical strategies. The paper also explores emerging trends and technological advancements that could shape the future of education, advocating for continued research and collaboration among stakeholders to fully harness the capabilities of MLLMs. As the integration of MLLMs into educational settings progresses, addressing ethical considerations and ensuring equitable access remain critical to maximizing their benefits. Full article

The renewable energy market, particularly the photovoltaic sector, has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Higher education institutions must play a vital role in the training of professionals, which the sector is currently demanding and will continue to require in the future. A pivotal resource for understanding the performance of PV modules is the experimental extraction of the characteristic I-V curve in laboratory practices. This paper presents an innovative and low-cost I-V curve tracer which can be used in indoor laboratories for teaching purposes. The described measurement system presents the novelty of helping form an energy-harvesting IC to force a sweep of the voltage from values close to zero to the open voltage circuit ($V_{oc}$). An Arduino Micro board interfaces the implemented electronics and a LabVIEW-based monitoring and control program. The system proved its reliability and accuracy when it was compared to a calibrated commercial I-V tracer. The experimental results show that for a low-power PV module illuminated by a lamp, the proposed I-V tracer only deviated 1.3% from the commercial one in measurements of the maximum power. Full article

Since its inception, the theory of urban image cognition has become one of the most important theoretical frameworks in the field of urban planning and design. It emphasizes people’s subjective perception and cognition of the urban environment, and states that the city is not only a collection of material space but also a place with a specific meaning and image in people’s minds. This study explored the history and current situation of the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA) campus and analyzed six aspects based on urban image theory: road imagery characteristics, boundary imagery characteristics, node imagery characteristics, the imagery characteristics of landmarks, the imagery characteristics of buildings, and the imagery characteristics of regions. We then summarized its existing spatial layout, architectural features, and cultural elements. The researchers employed three methodologies—the investigation of historical archives, the field survey method, and a technique that combines cognitive mapping with questionnaire surveys—to assess the strengths and shortcomings of existing campuses regarding the urban image theory. These findings resulted in the concept for an extensive renewal design plan that integrates the cognitive principles of urban imagery. The strategies included the following: (1) optimizing the spatial structure to enhance the connectivity and visibility of the campus; (2) renovating and upgrading existing buildings to reflect the artistic characteristics of the HIFA; and (3) designing unique landscapes and public spaces to create a rich and vibrant campus atmosphere. At the same time, researchers and design teams carried out design practice projects for four sub-projects on the HIFA campus: Aesthetic Education Avenue, Long Scroll by the Lake, Nine-Curved Corridor Bridge, and Open Campus–Urban Life Plaza. Through a case study of the HIFA, this research aims to provide a valuable reference for the campus renewal of other art universities, and to promote the application and innovation of urban image theory in the field of campus planning and design. It ultimately emphasizes the importance of creating a campus environment that not only meets the functional needs of education and research, but also enriches urban cultural imagery and enhances the sense of identity and belonging in the campus community. Full article

Hackathons have become essential in the software industry, fostering innovation and skill development for both organizations and students. These events facilitate rapid prototyping for companies while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that bridge theory and practice. Over time, hackathons have evolved from competitive arenas into dynamic educational platforms, promoting collaboration between academia and industry. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is transforming hackathons, enhancing learning experiences, and introducing ethical considerations. This study examines the impact of generative AI tools on technological decision-making during the 2023 University of Iowa Hackathon. It analyzes how AI influences project efficiency, learning outcomes, and collaboration, while addressing the ethical challenges posed by its use. The findings offer actionable insights and strategies for effectively integrating AI into future hackathons, balancing innovation, ethics, and educational value. Full article

Digital tools exhibit the potential to support the sustainability of traditional crafts through training and presentation applications. This work presents an integrated approach, combining state-of-the-art simulation and visualisation techniques to model mechanical actions characteristic of traditional crafts. This integration promotes a deeper understanding of the material behaviours and processes that are fundamental to traditional crafts, providing a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and conservators. Developed from an analysis of crafting activities regarding elementary actions, these tools support the safeguarding and education of craft techniques. The ability to realistically simulate and visualise crafting actions enhances applications in training and offers new avenues for the commercial presentation of craft products. The results demonstrate that this integrated approach yields detailed and realistic representations, providing a robust foundation for validating the traditional methods, comparing diverse techniques, and exploring innovative applications. Full article

In recent years, extended reality (XR) technologies have emerged as transformative tools within the architectural design industry, offering immersive and interactive environments that enhance visualisation and collaboration. However, a significant gap remains between adopting these technologies in professional practises and integrating them into architectural design education. This study aims to bridge this gap by systematically reviewing XR applications in architectural design practises and exploring their potential integration into design studios. It specifically focuses on undergraduate graduation projects from the School of Architecture at Southeast University in China. Findings indicate that XR can transform traditional design approaches by refining design methods, extending design scopes, and encouraging the inclusion of diverse stakeholders. The paper also offers insights into optimising XR applications in architectural design education, providing strategic recommendations for technical advancements and academic curricula innovation, ultimately preparing students for technology-driven changes in professional practises. Full article

This study evaluates the economic, social, environmental, and institutional impacts of the Geographical Indication (GI) of the Indication of Origin (IO) type in the Abaíra Microregion, Bahia, Brazil, and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. The research focuses on assessing the long-term sustainability effects of the Abaíra GI on local communities and territories after its recognition in 2014. Using an exploratory, qualitative approach, this study applies the Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology for GIs developed by EMBRAPA, along with semi-structured interviews and field visits with local producers and cooperative members. The analysis highlights the importance of post-GI sustainability assessment and identifies significant impacts on local economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental management. The research reveals improvements in product visibility and commercial value, as well as the adoption of sustainable and innovative practices by local cooperatives and producers. Among the key findings are the strengthening of local traditions, enhanced product quality, and increased market access despite challenges such as rural exodus. When compared with Embrapa Grape and Wine’s methodology, this study proposes a comprehensive framework for evaluating other GIs. Additionally, the results show that support from SEBRAE and educational institutions through training and technical assistance has positively impacted territorial conditions, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development. Full article

Background/objectives: Among the developmental sciences, discovery in neuroscience has underpinned research innovations and made a significant contribution to knowledge translation. With the growth of neuroscience discovery, policymakers and practitioner workforces have adopted ‘neuro-informed’ in decisions targeting the delivery of human, social, and economic wellbeing. Methods: In this scoping review, we examined the use and conceptualization of neuro-informed policy and practice (NPP) over the last two decades. We aim to establish a working definition of NPP and identify the key knowledge bases underpinning the application of NPP, with a specific focus on children and young people. Results: A total of 116 publications related to NPP were identified across academic and policy sources. Publications derived from diverse fields (e.g., psychology, social policy, medicine, urban planning). Health and Education were the most common target areas for NPP; however, applications of NPP to social services, law, and physical environments were also identified. Despite the growth in NPP, concept definitions of NPP were limited and primarily tautological. A four-stage process of concept definition was used to develop a working definition of NPP applicable to different systems, workforces, and contexts. By applying content analysis, 12 distinct knowledge bases underpinning NPP were identified. Conclusion: Our scoping review highlights the importance of defining the concept of neuro-informed policy and practice, extending beyond the brain or individual in isolation to include consideration of the brain in context. Full article

This study examined the influence of cognitive biases on financial literacy test outcomes across four generational groups: Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. Using the National Financial Capability Test and an online in silico experiment, we analyzed how cognitive biases influence the likely responses of each generation. The results indicate that the current test format aligns more closely with Baby Boomers, who are less affected by certain biases but tend to exhibit resistance to new financial strategies. A key contribution of this research is the identification of generational bias profiles and actionable recommendations for tailoring financial literacy assessments to reflect these differences. Our approach not only advances behavioral finance literature but also introduces innovative methodology through AI-driven simulations, providing a replicable framework for exploring cognitive influences in decision-making. The findings underscore the need for tailored financial education programs that consider these cognitive biases, aiming to foster unbiased financial decision-making across age groups. Full article

The mastery of STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) language literacy is essential for both engineering students and professionals as it enables effective communication using technical terminology and facilitates problem-solving, research, and innovation within the field. However, STEM language proficiency remains an area of improvement within Kazakhstan’s engineering education system. Our research focused on enhancing STEM language literacy learning for Bachelor of Engineering students in Kazakhstan, with a specific emphasis on leveraging digital technologies to support their learning. Our paper outlines the outcomes of the research project titled ‘Enhancing Scientific and Professional Language Learning for Engineering Students in Kazakhstan through Digital Technologies’, conducted at the Saginov Technical University (STU) in Kazakhstan and supported by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19678460). This project holds significant promise for advancing engineering education in the country. Throughout this project, our team examined best practices for STEM literacy learning in engineering education globally. We also utilised a comprehensive SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to identify effective approaches for STEM literacy learning and the successful integration of digital technologies. Ultimately, we developed a framework for enhancing STEM language literacy in engineering education at universities in Kazakhstan. Full article