Search Results (169)

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are increasingly financed in urban, regional, and national contexts due to their proven capacity to reduce climate risks and deliver multiple co-benefits. Several challenges affect the successful implementation and long-term maintenance of NBSs, especially in climate-sensitive and fragile urban territories (e.g., the Mediterranean basin), characterized by intense urbanization, environmental vulnerability, socio-economic disparities, and fragmented governance. Key barriers include difficulties in economically evaluating NBS benefits, uncertainty about their effectiveness under changing climate conditions, and implementing multi-functional projects with an interdisciplinary perspective. To address these challenges, a participatory process was conducted involving three thematic working tables focused on the following: (1) economic evaluation, (2) co-design for climate resilience, and (3) multi-functionality and disciplinary integration. All groups applied a shared SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) methodology structured in four phases: (i) individual reflection and collective brainstorming; (ii) collaborative SWOT matrix development; (iii) roadmaps formulation; and (iv) narrative synthesis and submission. Grounded in their knowledge and practical experiences, stakeholders identified operational barriers and strategic advantages to identify research gaps and designing adaptive, inclusive, and context-sensitive NBS roadmaps. Although the stakeholders were primarily based in Northern Italy, they also brought national and international experience, making the findings relevant and transferable to other urban areas in the Mediterranean and Europe, facing similar socio-environmental challenges and governance issues. Thus, the study supports more effective planning and governance in comparable contexts, emphasizing integrated and flexible approaches to address urban fragility and optimize projects governance and management. Full article

Power engineering construction serves as the cornerstone of modern social development. Against the backdrop of new power system development, this study employs field investigations, case analysis, and expert discussions to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current status, existing problems, and characteristics of safety risk control in China’s power engineering construction during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Through systematic analysis of 59 accident cases, 66 distinct causes are identified across 14 categories. Chi-squared testing quantitatively determines the top three risk factors: hollowing out of construction units’ own workforce (χ² = 10.22), deficiencies in risk classification and hierarchical implementation (χ² = 9.0), and inadequate hazard identification (χ² = 6.25). Through brainstorming and expert discussions, 11 critical risks in China’s power engineering construction have been identified, and a set of countermeasures has been formulated. These include nine enterprise-level initiatives such as deepening engineering procurement construction management, improving training systems, optimizing bidding methods, and implementing management principles, along with four regulatory measures targeting the National Energy Administration of China and its regulatory agencies. This study innovates by combining quantitative chi-squared analysis with expert-derived countermeasures, offering a model for transitioning economies. While the sample size imposes limitations on generalizability, this research can significantly improve the intrinsic safety management level of power construction enterprises in China and provides valuable reference experience for similar transitioning countries developing energy infrastructure. Full article

This paper describes the ScratchJr Bots project aimed at helping young children develop maker literacies, which is the ability to design, program, and build technology-rich projects with developmentally appropriate tools to express themselves. Maker literacies can involve hands-on learning, collaborative experimentation, critical thinking, and problem-solving, as well as the development of socio-emotional skills. By engaging with the design process, children become active creators rather than passive consumers—brainstorming ideas, prototyping, testing, and making improvements toward sharing a final project. Maker literacies engage children in Positive Technological Development in the form of six behaviors—content creation, creativity, choices of conduct, communication, collaboration, and community building. Additionally, children develop character strengths, or virtues, such as patience, generosity, and forgiveness while making. This paper will first introduce the concept of maker literacies as it applies to early childhood and the theoretical background supporting this work. Then, it will introduce the ScratchJr Bots project developed by the DevTech Research Group, a new technology and curriculum that affords the development of maker literacies. Finally, by using design-based research as the methodological approach, two pilot projects are described, including children’s learning experiences, to illustrate the positive behaviors and character strengths that children can exhibit while engaging with ScratchJr Bots. Full article

The slowdown in global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlights the need to develop systems thinking, sustainability literacy, and ethical responsibility among higher-education students. The article presents an innovative educational approach, applicable in various university contexts, which involves the analysis of interdependencies between SDG 2: Zero Hunger and the other SDGs. The methodology included teamwork, brainstorming, a bidirectional analysis of the links between SDG 2 and the other SDGs, and the production of visual materials, and public presentations were followed by interactive debates and collective feedback. The case study presents an innovative educational approach and includes a component for assessing student perceptions through the application of an anonymous questionnaire. The results showed that this method significantly contributed to the development of critical thinking, the capacity for systemic analysis, and a deep awareness of global issues related to food security. The students’ perception was predominantly positive; they appreciated the practical usefulness and personal impact of the educational activity. The conclusions support the transferability of this educational method in various academic contexts, demonstrating that the analysis of interdependencies between SDGs represents a valuable tool for developing transversal skills and a sustainable ethic necessary for future professionals involved in addressing the complexity of global challenges. Full article

Background: Sustainability in supply chain management (SCM) practices is becoming increasingly important as environmental responsibility and social concerns, as well as enterprises’ competitiveness in terms of innovation, risk, and economic performance, become increasingly urgent. This paper aims to identify and prioritize concepts for implementing sustainable supply chains, drawing on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and green supply chain management (GSCM) techniques. Corporate supply chain managers across various industries, markets, and supply chain segments brainstormed management practices to enhance the sustainability of their supply chains. Four industry sectors were surveyed across five different value chain segments. Methods: A group concept mapping (GCM) approach incorporating multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used. A hierarchy of practices is proposed, and hypotheses are developed about achievability and impact. Results: A decision-making matrix prioritizes eight solution concepts based on two axes: impact (I) and ease of implementation (EoI). Conclusions: Eight concepts are prioritized based on the optimal effectiveness of implementing the solutions. Pattern matching reveals differences between emerging and developed markets, as well as supply chain segments, that decision-makers should be aware of. By analyzing supply chains from a multi-part perspective, this research goes beyond empirical studies based on a single industry, geographic region, or example case. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gamma oscillations (30–100 Hz), which are essential for memory, attention, and cortical synchronization, remain underexplored in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. While resting-state EEG studies have predominantly examined lower frequency bands (delta to beta), gamma activity may more accurately reflect early synaptic dysfunction and other mechanisms relevant to AD pathophysiology. AD is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder frequently associated with altered resting-state EEG (rEEG) patterns. This study analyzed gamma power spectral density (PSD) during eyes-open (EOR) and eyes-closed (ECR) resting-state EEG in AD patients compared to cognitively normal (CN) individuals. Methods: rEEG data from 534 participants (269 CN, 265 AD) aged 40–90 were analyzed. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) analysis focused on the gamma band (30–100 Hz) using PSD estimation with the Welch method, coherence matrices, and coherence-based functional connectivity. Data preprocessing and analysis were performed using EEGLAB and Brainstorm in MATLAB R2024b. Group comparisons were conducted using ANOVA for unadjusted models and linear regression with age adjustment using log₁₀-transformed PSD values in Python (version 3.13.2, 2025). Results: AD patients exhibited significantly elevated gamma PSD in frontal and temporal regions during EOR and ECR states compared to CN. During ECR, gamma PSD was markedly higher in the AD group (Mean = 0.0860 ± 0.0590) than CN (Mean = 0.0042 ± 0.0010), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.960, p < 0.001). Conversely, after adjusting for age, the group difference was no longer statistically significant (β = −0.0047, SE = 0.0054, p = 0.391), while age remained a significant predictor of gamma power (β = −0.0008, p = 0.019). Pairwise coherence matrix and coherence-based functional connectivity were increased in AD during ECR but decreased in EOR relative to CN. Conclusions: Gamma oscillatory activity in the 30–100 Hz range differed significantly between AD and CN individuals during resting-state EEG, particularly under ECR conditions. However, age-adjusted analyses revealed that these differences are not AD-specific, suggesting that gamma band changes may reflect aging-related processes more than disease effects. These findings contribute to the evolving understanding of gamma dynamics in dementia and support further investigation of gamma PSD as a potential, age-sensitive biomarker. Full article

The living lab methodology is widely used in innovation projects to drive user-centered development. While its benefits, such as co-creation and real-world validation, are well known, its implementation presents challenges that remain underexplored. This study examines these challenges by using the Horizon 2020 Möbius project as a case study. While the Möbius project itself aimed to modernize European book publishing through an immersive reading application and a data visualization tool, this study reflects on the implementation process of the living lab approach within that context, using an action research approach. After project completion, a structured brainstorming session reviewed identified challenges and mitigation strategies. Findings highlight three key challenges. First, misalignment between assumed and actual stakeholder needs hindered industry engagement. Second, recruitment was complicated by the ambiguous use of “prosumer”, causing confusion among participants. Third, communication gaps and personnel changes disrupted the integration of user feedback into development cycles. These challenges underscore the need for early and continuous stakeholder alignment, adaptive communication, and structured knowledge management. Based on these findings, the study proposes strategies to improve engagement and integrate user insights more effectively, ultimately enhancing the impact of living lab-based innovation projects. Full article

This study seeks to advance group decision-making in project management by introducing a hybrid intuitionistic fuzzy brainstorming (IFBS) method tailored for identifying and assessing earthquake risks in worn-out urban fabrics in Iran. By integrating the collaborative ideation of brainstorming with intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs), the IFBS method effectively addresses uncertainties inherent in expert judgments, providing a robust and systematic framework for risk prioritization. Expert opinions, captured as linguistic variables, were transformed into triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers using a 5-point Likert scale measurement, enabling precise numerical analysis of 11 identified earthquake risks. Compared to the PMBOK-based qualitative analysis, the IFBS method demonstrates superior accuracy and granularity in risk assessment, as evidenced by its ability to model complex uncertainties and prioritize risks effectively. This study contributes a novel, scalable decision-making tool that enhances precision in urban risk management, offering practical implications for project managers and researchers tackling natural disaster risks. Its primary novelty lies in the innovative combination of IFSs with brainstorming, creating a scientific guide for managing earthquake vulnerabilities in worn-out urban fabrics. This approach not only improves decision-making outcomes but also sets a foundation for future research in hybrid fuzzy methodologies for disaster resilience. Full article

This study investigates the perceptions of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, among students and academics at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) within the context of higher education in Oman. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), it explores five key dimensions: actual use (AU), ease of use (EU), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived challenges (PC), and intention to use (IU). Data collected from 555 students and 168 academics provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of GenAI tools, based on the results of a t-test. The findings reveal notable differences between students and academics regarding their perceptions of GenAI tools across all TAM variables. Students report frequent use of GenAI for academic support, including personalized learning, brainstorming, and completing assignments, while academics highlight its role in developing learning materials, assessments, lesson plans, and customizing learning content. Both groups recognize its potential to enhance efficiency and innovation in academic practices. However, concerns arise regarding over-reliance on GenAI, diminished critical thinking and creativity, and academic integrity risks. Academics consistently express greater concerns about these challenges than students, particularly regarding plagiarism, academic misconduct, and the potential for over-reliance on GenAI. Despite these challenges, the majority of students and academics indicate a willingness to continue using GenAI tools. This contrast underscores the need for tailored interventions to address the distinct concerns of students and academics. These findings highlight the need for regulatory frameworks, comprehensive institutional guidelines, and targeted training programs to ensure the ethical and responsible use of GenAI technologies. By addressing these critical areas, higher education institutions in Oman can leverage the potential of GenAI while safeguarding academic integrity and fostering essential skills such as critical thinking and creativity. Full article

No-code (NC) platforms empower individuals without IT experience to create tailored applications and websites. While these platforms are accessible to a broader audience, their usability for people with disabilities remains underexplored. This study investigated whether, with targeted training, people with disabilities could effectively use NC platforms to develop customized tools for their workplace, and whether these tools would be adopted by their peers. Conducted in collaboration with a sheltered workshop in Germany, the study had three phases. Phase I involved a brainstorming session with employees, which shaped the study design and product development. In Phase II, six participants with disabilities received a one-week training to develop chatbots. Phase III implemented the chatbots in the workshop. In Phase II, each participant successfully developed four chatbots, which increased the participants’ skills and motivation. Based on the phase III results, users rated the developed chatbots highly (the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was delivered in the form of a chatbot), indicating their user-friendliness (M = 88.9, SD = 11.2). This study suggests that with appropriate training, individuals with disabilities can use NC platforms to create impactful, customized tools that are user-friendly and accessible to their peers. Full article

Realistically modeling interactions between road users—like those between drivers or between drivers and pedestrians—within experimental settings come with pragmatic challenges. Due to practical constraints, research typically focuses on a limited subset of potential scenarios, raising questions about the scalability and generalizability of findings about interactions to untested scenarios. Here, we aim to tackle this by laying the methodological groundwork for defining representative scenarios for dyadic (two-actor) interactions that can be analyzed individually. This paper introduces a conceptual guide for operationalizing controlled dyadic traffic interaction studies, developed through extensive interdisciplinary brainstorming to bridge theoretical models and practical experimental design. It elucidates critical trade-offs in scenario selection, interaction approaches, measurement strategies, and timing coordination, thereby enhancing reproducibility and clarity for future traffic interaction research and streamlining the design process. The methodologies and insights we provide aim to enhance the accessibility and quality of traffic interaction research, offering a guide that aids researchers in setting up studies and ensures clarity and reproducibility in reporting, bridging the gap between theoretical traffic interaction models and practical applications in controlled experiments, thereby contributing to advancements in human factors research on traffic management and safety. Full article

The act of performing music may induce a specific state of mind, musicians potentially becoming immersed and detached from the rest of the world. May this be measured? Does this state of mind change based on repetition? In collaboration with Stavanger Symphony Orchestra (SSO), we developed protocols to investigate ongoing changes in the brain activation of a first violinist and a second violinist in real time during seven sequential, public concerts using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Using wireless fNIRS systems (Brite MKII) from Artinis, we measured ongoing hemodynamic changes and projected the brain activation to the audience through the software OxySoft 3.5.15.2. We subsequently developed protocols for further analyses through the Matlab toolboxes Brainstorm and Homer2/Homer3. Our developed protocols demonstrate how one may use “functional dissection” to imply how the state of mind of musicians may alter while performing their art. We focused on a subset of cortical regions in the right hemisphere, but the current study demonstrates how fNIRS may be used to shed light on brain dynamics related to producing art in ecological and natural contexts on a general level, neither restricted to the use of musical instrument nor art form. Full article

In the field of aging design, obtaining elderly advantage data is a challenge. In this study, we developed a visualization tool using knowledge graph technology to assist designers in studying elderly advantages, promoting their application in design practice. First, brainstorming sessions and workshops were held to analyze the challenges of applying elderly advantages in design. Based on these challenges, the concept and functional design of an elderly advantages knowledge graph were proposed. Next, the elderly advantages knowledge graph was constructed by following these steps: (1) The KJ-AHP method was used to process raw data, making them structured and quantitative. (2) The ontology of the knowledge graph was reverse-engineered based on the functional requirements of the graph, allowing the construction of the knowledge graph model layer. (3) The processed data were applied to the knowledge graph ontology through AHP-ontology mapping rules, allowing the knowledge content construction. (4) The programming language Cypher was used for the functional verification of the elderly advantages knowledge graph, and a satisfaction survey was conducted through questionnaires to assess the verification process. The elderly advantages knowledge graph constructed in this study initially fulfilled the expected functions and was met with high satisfaction. The application of knowledge graph technology provides a new reference for advantage mining in the design field. Based on the innovative combination of KJ-AHP and knowledge graph technology, this study enhances the structuring and quantification of graph data, significantly facilitating designers’ understanding of data structures, clarifying data relationships, and expanding design thinking. Full article

Reporting guidelines are created with the intention to enhance the quality and transparency of reporting different research methods. Trochim’s concept mapping (often referred to as group concept mapping) is a six-phase, participatory mixed-method approach to understanding complex constructs. Currently, there is no reporting guideline for concept mapping. Developing a reporting guideline typically follows a three-step process: 1. a systematic review to establish the need for a reporting guideline, 2. a Delphi study to identify candidate items, and 3. consolidation process to inform a draft guideline. We have previously reported our step 1, a systematic review of health-related concept mapping studies. In this paper, we report on steps 2 and 3, guideline development. In developing our reporting guideline, we opted to use concept mapping rather than the Delphi method. Stakeholders including researchers and experts in concept mapping were identified from papers included in our systematic review and invited to participate. Thirty-two stakeholders participated in the brainstorming phase of the concept mapping generating 96 discrete statements. The prioritisation and clustering phase involved 24 stakeholders. The final concept map included 11 clusters that represented key concepts for inclusion in the reporting guideline. The clusters were relatively small and positioned in a circle around the edge of the map, suggesting each was of equal importance and conceptually discreet. In phase 3, a guideline was drafted using the findings from both the phase 1 systematic review and phase 2 concept mapping study. The draft was reviewed by eight stakeholders (who had participated in our phase 2 concept mapping study) to check the completeness and clarity of expression of the items included in the guideline. The final reporting guideline (called the ConMapT) has 27-items organised under 14 headings. The guideline will be made freely available via the EQUATOR network. Registration: The study protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) before recruiting the first study participant. The EQUATOR network has listed the study as a guideline under development. Full article

Background: Most of the communication training programs developed over the past two decades were monodisciplinary, relied on traditional teaching methods, and targeted the hospital context. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a short, interdisciplinary, experiential-based communication program (Teach-to-Communicate program) targeted at nursing home (NH) personnel with regard to short-term, staff-related outcomes. Methods: This study is part of a larger quality improvement project based on a pre–post single-arm intervention design. We focused on a 6 h residential program involving 30 participants with different scopes of practice working in an NH. Traditional and experiential learning methods were used, including lectures, small group discussions, brainstorming sessions, videos on successful and failed communication, role play, and storytelling based on real cases. The primary outcome was the acquired knowledge of communication strategies and protocols (pre- and post-test quiz). Secondary outcomes were self-reported knowledge, preparedness, confidence, and satisfaction with training (5-point Likert questions). Results: A statistically significant improvement in acquired knowledge with a large size effect (0.7, p < 0.001) was observed. Self-reported preparedness and confidence ameliorated for all measured communication skills and topics, with the highest effect size registered for self-reported preparedness and confidence in engaging in difficult communication (both 0.7, p < 0.001). Participants were highly satisfied with the training, and particularly with the use of video cases (mean 4.6, SD 0.6) and the relevance to clinical practice (mean 4.7, SD 0.5). Conclusions: The Teach-to-Communicate program holds promise for improving knowledge and self-confidence regarding difficult communication among NH staff, and highlights the utility of video cases in communication skills training. Full article