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EMPOWERING ENGINEERING STUDENTS THROUGH OPEN-SOURCE 3D PRINTING
Get PDFThis paper explores how open-source 3-D printing enhances engineering skills, education, and professional development. Originally dominated by proprietary systems, 3-D printing has been democratized by open-source platforms like the RepRap project and Prusa i3, which allow engineers to rapidly prototype, experiment with materials, and collaborate. These platforms advance innovation by providing access to affordable tools, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. The paper examines how universities have integrated 3-D printing into their curricula, offering students practical, hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and interdisciplinary projects. This shift bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing students for careers in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive. Professionally, open-source 3-D printing offers engineers ongoing opportunities to update their skills and remain competitive. Despite challenges like quality control and scalability, technology continues to evolve, driven by collaborative innovation. Open-source 3-D printing is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing engineering by enabling complex designs, cost-effective manufacturing, and novel applications across various industries
EMPATHY THROUGH EXPERIENCE: AN INTERACTIVE PEDAGOGICAL MODEL FOR PREPARING FUTURE TEACHERS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
Get PDFThis article presents an innovative experiential learning model developed for prospective teachers as part of a university course on supporting children with chronic illnesses and their families. The model incorporates rhythmic group synchronisation exercises, emotionally resonant storytelling, real-life video testimonies, student-devised theatrical performances, and a guided closed-eye visualisation—one of the most impactful elements. These practices are designed to cultivate empathy, emotional literacy, and inclusive pedagogical competencies. During the course, students metaphorically represent illness through original stories, intentionally avoiding diagnostic labels in order to reduce stigma. These narratives are then transformed into short theatrical performances that enable participants to embody both physically and emotionally in the lived experiences of children with chronic conditions. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted. A structured observation protocol captured students’ engagement, emotional reactions, initiative, and collaboration during practical sessions. A post-course Likert-scale questionnaire measured their self-perceived development of empathy and preparedness for inclusive teaching. The results demonstrated a strong alignment between observed behaviour and students’ self-assessments, confirming both the emotional impact and the practical relevance of the model. Grounded in the theories of experiential learning (Dewey, Kolb), social constructivism (Vygotsky), narrative pedagogy (Freire), multiple intelligences (Gardner), and socio-emotional learning (CASEL), the model offers a replicable and emotionally engaging approach to preparing future teachers to work in inclusive educational contexts
MULTIMODAL LEARNING AS A NUDGE, AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF JAPANESE TASK-BASED LESSONS USING STEAM TOYS
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of a task-based lesson using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) toy assembly with Japanese instructions, compared to a conventional (lecture-based) Japanese lesson, on learners’ affective responses, comprehension, perceived expression gains and collaboration. Because STEAM toys involve manual operation, visual information, trial and error, and collaboration, they can be understood as embodying multiple elements of ‘nudges’ from behavioural science (EAST/MINDSPACE) and may naturally guide learning behaviour. The participants included 49 third- and fourth-year students majoring in Business Japanese at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Thailand. An interim and final questionnaire were administered using a pseudo-randomized crossover design to control for lesson-order effects. The results showed that the STEAM toy lesson received higher ratings than the conventional lesson in ‘enjoyment’, ‘interest’ and ‘collaboration’, confirming its function as a ‘nudge’ that enhances learners’ motivation. In contrast, ‘perceived expression gains’ were higher in the conventional lesson. This suggests that the limited vocabulary range of the instruction manual and the cognitive load associated with task execution may have made it difficult for learners to consciously notice their use of Japanese. Furthermore, there was no difference between the two lesson formats in perceived ‘ease of comprehension’, yielding the unexpected finding that multimodal elements (language × visuals × bodily manipulation) can alleviate cognitive load and that task-based learning does not necessarily make comprehension more difficult. In the final questionnaire, the differences between the two formats disappeared, suggesting that the task-based and conventional formats may function complementarily. This study is significant in that it integrates the frameworks of nudge theory, task-based language teaching and multimodal learning and provides the first empirical evidence that task-based lessons using STEAM toys can be effective in language education. Future tasks will include measuring objective learning outcomes, optimizing materials, examining long-term effects and conducting cross-cultural comparative studies, with the aim of further developing hands-on models for Japanese language education
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS’ ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT, EFFECTIVE TEACHING PRACTICES, AND STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, PAKISTAN
Get PDFTeacher commitment and instructional quality are established predictive factors of student achievement; however, empirical investigations of their interplay within resource-constrained environments, such as Pakistan, remain sparse. This research explores the interplay of teachers’ organizational commitment, effective pedagogical practices, and instructional outcomes within secondary schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Employing a quantitative survey framework, data was collected from a purposive sample of 320 teachers. A previously validated instrument operationalized three latent constructs: organizational commitment (affective, normative, continuance), effective teaching practices (clarity, metacognitive strategies, feedback, formative assessment), and student outcomes (cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to evaluate the data. The analysis revealed moderate indices of teacher commitment and teaching effectiveness, juxtaposed against low student outcomes, especially in non-cognitive areas. Positive and statistically significant correlations appeared between commitment and practices, and between practices and outcomes. The mediational analysis revealed that teaching practices wholly mediated the linkage between commitment and outcomes, rendering the direct effect of commitment on outcomes statistically non-significant. These findings underscore the mediating influence of pedagogical practices in converting teacher commitment into measurable student success. Within resource-limited contexts, strategic investment in commitment—via professional recognition, structured mentoring, and participatory leadership—coupled with continuous pedagogical training, is recommended to amplify student engagement and achievement
SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: WHAT DO THE STUDIES REVEAL ABOUT PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN PHYSICS EDUCATION?
Get PDFTwenty-first century education demands the development of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) such as critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving. However, physics education often faces challenges due to its abstract nature and lack of visualization, which are worsened by the continued dominance of conventional teaching methods. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) emerges as a potential solution, especially when integrated with technology. This study is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 57 selected articles from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, aiming to analyze trends, effectiveness, challenges, and recommendations for the implementation of PBL in physics education. The findings reveal that PBL consistently enhances students’ HOTS, with technological support such as Augmented Reality (AR), digital simulations, and e-scaffolding strengthening the understanding of abstract concepts. However, the implementation of PBL faces pedagogical challenges (lack of teacher training), technological challenges (limited infrastructure), and institutional challenges (rigid curricula). Practical recommendations include the development of interactive digital teaching materials, teacher training, the combination of PBL with STEM or blended learning approaches, and the use of performance-based authentic assessments. These findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to optimizing technology-enhanced PBL in preparing students for 21st-century challenges
AI AND CIVIL ENGINEERING: BRIDGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTELLIGENT
Get PDFThis work explores the relationship between civil engineering methodologies and the adoption of artificial intelligence within traditional infrastructure and construction environments. Drawing on professional experience with large-scale bridge rehabilitation, pavement preservation programs, and complex structural inspections at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the study highlights how established engineering practices—project management, inspection protocols, and quality assurance—can guide the structured integration of AI. Insights from research on real-time embodied carbon tracking are used to demonstrate how intelligent systems can enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and advance sustainability goals. Case studies from engineering and business applications illustrate practical pathways for AI adoption for professionals without technical backgrounds. The aim is to show how engineering discipline supports the effective use of emerging technologies and to outline opportunities for integrating AI into fields beyond software-development.
Key Takeaways:
Applying engineering methodologies to AI adoption through project management and quality assurance frameworks.
Practical pathways for AI integration without technical expertise using real-world case studies to enhance decision-making and streamline workflows.
Actionable strategies for traditional industries with clear opportunities for beginning AI implementation.
 
COMPOSITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF BRICK FOR CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION MATERIALS OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS AS AN INSPIRATION FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Get PDFTo realize sustainable Cultural Heritage buildings and preserve cultural heritage, an appropriate concept of cultural heritage restoration and material appropriate to their function are needed. One of which is brick material for heritage buildings. Current bricks are different from heritage/old bricks, visually evident through their shape and colour. Heritage bricks must be studied to find their characteristics and composition so they can be used as cultural heritage restoration materials in the world. The composition and characteristics of heritage bricks have been studied and the results show that the physical and mechanical properties of heritage bricks vary. Therefore, research is needed on the development of renewable/repair heritage bricks as materials in the restoration of cultural heritage buildings, by identifying the characteristics and composition of renewable bricks. The methods applied include experiments and testing in the field and laboratory. The characteristics of renewable bricks in terms of physical strength have been designed with a size of 5.5x14x25.5 without shrinkage because they come from selected clay, have flat surfaces, sharp corners, and colours similar to heritage bricks. Tests were also conducted on the mechanical properties, such as water absorption, apparent density, and compressive strength, of all heritage bricks, and the best values for use as renewable materials were obtained
DIGITALIZATION WITH CITIZEN VERIFICATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM
Get PDFPoverty remains an undeniable social issue that is deeply rooted in the social fabric. The state welfare card policy under the leadership of General Prayut Chan-o-cha was created as guidelines for improving life quality and ending poverty by helping with living expenses, finding opportunities to access public services, and developing vocational training.The state relies on specific identity representations in the neoliberal world in the absence of authentic empirical evidence. Perceptive ambiguities lead to an attempt to create a field of meaning that is static and numerable until it becomes a characteristic that the state can control and predict. The more it is combined with the proof mechanism, the more it is conducive to the growth of capital groups and political networks aggravating international poverty despite repeated suppression. Those uncounted or overlooked by the system are challenged for survival and activities that they are allowed to do. Results are that the state welfare card represents a set of governmental ideas with clear control and determination goals. Poverty and politics remain intertwined, as the card helps societal denizens learn to prove their own poverty and be aware of new rules by which poverty is reduced according to the state perception framework. As a result, the state welfare card is a basis for creating more poverty under the neoliberal drive
IN THE ERA OF GIG ECONOMY: ARE UBER DRIVERS CONTACTORS OR EMPLOYEES?
Get PDFThe evolving dynamics of the employment relationship highlight inherent power imbalances between employers and employees, often leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. This paper explores the intersection of technological advancements and workers’ rights, focusing on app-based gig economy platforms like Uber. By classifying drivers as independent contractors, Uber denies them essential employee benefits such as minimum wages, sick leave, and redundancy protections. The paper evaluates the implications of this classification through a comparative analysis of international legal initiatives, including the reclassification of Uber drivers as workers in the UK, legislative measures in U.S. states like California and New York, and a collective bargaining agreement in Denmark. These cases demonstrate varying approaches to safeguarding gig workers’ rights amidst modern technological challenges. The paper further examines the potential applicability of these legal frameworks to Australia, addressing local legislative contexts and the gig economy's impact on fair employment standards. Drawing lessons from global precedents, this research proposes effective strategies to ensure equitable treatment of Uber drivers in Australia
ENHANCING E-COMMERCE SECURITY: A NOVEL APPROACH TO CREDIT CARD FRAUD DETECTION
Get PDFCredit card fraud presents a risk to businesses and their clients. To combat security breaches, organizations implement different administrative and technical security controls to protect their data. With the increasing use of online transactions, organizations implement fraud detection systems. In this paper, we propose a novel credit card fraud detection system that integrates K-Nearest Neighbors and Naive Bayes machine learning algorithms. It educates employees on adherence to company guidelines and enhances their ability to handle cyber threats. The proposed system examines online transactions and notifies administrators of suspicious transactions to act. The system is trained and tested on a dataset of 188 transactions. It achieved 94.3% accuracy, 94.4% sensitivity, and 94.1% specificity. The research findings demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed system in improving e-commerce security and safeguarding businesses and customers from this risk