Critical Themes Research Articles

Applications of artificial intelligence in the AEC industry: a review and future outlook

ABSTRACT In the context of “Industry 4.0,” the construction industry is undergoing a continuous process of digital transformation. In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI has been successfully applied across various domains within the construction sector. This paper conducts a comprehensive review based on scientific bibliometric analysis and systematic evaluation to provide an overview of AI applications and developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, as well as to discuss future research trends. Firstly, a bibliometric analysis was carried out on 3,410 journal articles published between 2003 and 2022. This analysis examined characteristics such as annual publication trends, key researchers and their affiliations, countries of origin, collaborative relationships, prominent journals, and keyword clustering. Subsequently, through systematic review, three critical themes in the field were identified and analyzed: performance prediction, intelligent optimization, and engineering safety and risk. To gain a deeper understanding of cutting-edge AI technologies and their potential applications in the AEC sector, potential future research directions were discussed, including digital twins, blockchain, augmented reality, and virtual reality, all aimed at driving the intelligent and digital transformation of the AEC industry.

The politics of authenticity: a lens for justice in design studios abroad?

Training students to detect and address spatial inequities is a priority for many educators of urban design. Yet cultivating an ethos of care in the studio is particularly challenging when focusing on foreign cities, a trend that internationalisation pressures in higher education continue to encourage. Is there a theoretical framework that can support teachers in instructing justice-centred studios abroad? This paper examines authenticity as one such possible framework. Interpreting authenticity as a socially constructed lens that forges people's ideas of what is real and what is fake, the AuthentiCITY studio was held at the Liverpool School of Architecture and focused on Venice. Students were encouraged to explore how constructions of ‘the authentic’ contribute to the oppression of marginalised people and to propose urbanisms that could assist those people in removing barriers to their self-empowerment. Interviews with students and analyses of their projects reveal that authenticity can facilitate three progressive steps of inquiry: theoretical (increasing students’ awareness of spatial injustices), programmatic (pointing to critical themes and sites of intervention), and practice-oriented (forming students’ willingness to deploy design as a force for social change in the future). At the same time, however, methodological shortcomings, employability pressures, and aestheticising trends have estranged some students, reproducing privileges in the classroom. The paper concludes by suggesting authenticity as a valid ally for theoretically framing studios abroad, especially in cities suffering from over-tourism. At the same time, recommendations are made for instructors to always interrogate their methods, share vulnerability with students, and counter hidden curricula of exclusion.

Establishing Citizen Democratic Networks to Promote Political Participation in Schools under the Provincial Administrative Organization in Mahasarakham

This research focused on the mechanism of establishing citizen democratic networks to promote political participation in schools under the provincial administrative organization in Mahasarakham. This research aimed to 1) analyze the model of creating a civil-democratic network between universities and schools, and 2) study the process of promoting students’ political participation in schools under the provincial administrative organization in Mahasarakham. The qualitative research methods were conducted by document study and then in-depth interviews with the participant observation method. Research instruments were 1) the related documents and research in a reliable database, and 2) four interview questions for each group and the participant observations form. Collected data were analyzed and categorized into critical issues and themes based on the literature. The participants comprised sixty-two interviewees and were divided into four groups: 1) Two representatives of the Office of Education, Religion and Culture of the provincial administrative organization; 2) Twenty school administrators under the provincial administrative organization; 3) Twenty teachers responsible for the civics course, and 4) Twenty high school students. The findings revealed: 1) The model for creating a civic network between universities and schools. There must be a central person in the management position with the authority to command leadership and technical communication between the school and the university. The creation of a network of citizens of democracy will be successful. 2) The process of creating the political participation of students in schools arose from the process of building democratic citizenship through school education and extra-curricular activities. Students can then apply that knowledge in daily life.

After the Jump: An SLSA Exchange on Platforming Games

ABSTRACT: In this collaborative discussion, the three authors interrogate their investments in platforming games, a long-standing genre of video games. Connecting personal and biographical reflections on childhood play to their academic trajectories, the authors reflect on the wider meanings of the genre to players. Several critical themes emerge around the genre’s pleasures, spatial structure, cartoonish style, experiential immediacy, nostalgia, and social functions.

Global Trends on Electronic Learning and Entrepreneurship: Bibliometric Analysis (2001 – 2022)

The use of electronic learning in entrepreneurship education will increase entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors in university students. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze electronic learning in entrepreneurship globally. The research method used is VOSviewer-assisted bibliometric analysis. The review showed that there were 398 academic documents published in the Scopus database between 2001 and 2022. The results showed that the most publications occurred in 2021, and keyword identification formed 7 clusters that grouped research themes in recent years. Based on the studies conducted, this study presents a roadmap for prospective researchers as well as critical themes that are very likely for future research success.

Navigating the Global Landscape: A Comprehensive Review of Bower and Sulez's Strategic Insights in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Bower and Sulez's work on global pharmaceutical strategy stands as a comprehensive analysis of the intricate landscape within this highly regulated and fiercely competitive industry. This article delve into critical themes, including regulatory compliance, market access strategies, and the role of innovation, acknowledging the industry's complexity marked by stringent regulations and intense competition. Emphasizing a holistic approach, the study explores nuanced strategies for navigating diverse regulatory frameworks globally, effective market entry, pricing considerations, and adapting to regional healthcare needs. Furthermore, the article highlight the significance of research and development, providing insights into fostering innovation, safeguarding intellectual property, and strategic collaborations. The work offers a balanced framework, addressing challenges and opportunities, making it a valuable resource for industry practitioners and future research in the dynamic global pharmaceutical sector.

Translating climate risk assessments into more effective adaptation decision-making: The importance of social and political aspects of place-based climate risk

Climate risk continues to be framed ostensibly in terms of physical, socio-economic and/or ecological risks, as evidenced in the 2012 and 2017 UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) evidence reports. This article argues that framing climate risk in this way remains problematic for the science-policy process, particularly in ensuring adequate climate risk assessment information translates into more effective adaptation decision-making. We argue how climate risk assessments need to further consider the social and political aspects of place-based climate risk to ensure more effective adaptation policy outcomes. Using a discourse analysis of the CCRA3 Technical Report methods chapter published in June 2021, we discuss three critical themes around how climate risk is currently framed within the Technical Report methods chapter. These are (i) the over-reliance on reductive methodological framing of assessing climate risk through ‘urgency scores’; (ii) the idea of what constitutes ‘opportunity’; and (iii) the framing of transformational adaptation discourses through the lens of climate risk. To conclude, we suggest that to move beyond assessing risk solely in terms of biophysical and socio-economic risk, a greater emphasis on the social and political contexts of ‘place-based’ risk needs to be central to climate change risk assessments.

Navigating queer spaces in Australian tertiary STEM Education: a retrospective autoethnopoetic exploration

ABSTRACT This article presents a retrospective autoethnopoetic study exploring a queer student's journey in Australian tertiary STEM education, employing queer research methodologies to illuminate the challenges encountered. Through personal narrative and poetic expression, we identify critical themes: microaggressions, discrimination, identity formation, cisheteronormative navigation, and resilience strategies. Although rooted in the first author's experiences, these insights reflect broader issues prevalent among queer students in STEM, such as the impact of discrimination and microaggressions on academic performance and well-being. This study underscores the significance of queer theory and autoethnopoetic methods in challenging normative assumptions in STEM education research, contributing to a deeper understanding of the queer academic experience. It advocates for the development of inclusive and supportive educational policies aimed at enhancing the learning environment for queer students, emphasising the need for visibility, representation, and support systems within STEM disciplines.

Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Networks: Application, Challenges and Future Opportunities

Cloud computing has become essential in this digital world as it provides opportunities and challenges for organizations. This research explores the implementation and effectiveness of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in addressing security challenges within cloud networks. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including a systematic literature review from 2020 to 2024, the study investigates insights from diverse sources such as journal articles, academic literature, and case studies. Thematic analysis organizes findings into critical themes, revealing ZTA's impact on mitigating lateral movement, reducing insider threat probability, enhancing network micro-segmentation, and improving identity and access management. The comparative analysis demonstrates significant improvements in security incidents post-ZTA implementation. Moreover, the study highlights best practices for ZTA adoption and outlines future advancements, including integration with emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. This research underscores ZTA's pivotal role in fortifying cloud network security and offers valuable insights for practitioners and researchers.

How Information Technology (IT) Is Shaping Consumer Behavior in the Digital Age: A Systematic Review and Future Research Directions

The success of modern businesses hinges on their capability to recognize and explore emerging patterns in consumer behavior within the context of information technology (IT). While the study of consumer behavior has made notable progress, there remains a need to study the convergence between IT and consumer behavior to discover new prospects and insights that can improve business performance. Therefore, conducting a thorough study to evaluate the current state of research in this area is imperative. This endeavor can accumulate and map current research, extending knowledge and good practices for businesses and stakeholders. This study studied the intersection of IT and consumer behavior using the systematic literature review (SLR) approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The primary objective was to review the comprehensiveness of systematic review reports and meta-analysis studies in journals indexed with the SSCI and SCIE categories of the Web of Science. After applying the PRISMA approach, a sample of 40 eligible articles was finalized for further review. It identified four critical themes related to research: technological diffusion, disruptive consumer behavior, IT and consumer behavior, and the impact of IT on consumer behavior. The study’s results deliver practical implications for businesses and stakeholders and contribute to progressing knowledge in this domain.

Exploring Care and Recovery for Individuals With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Scoping Review.

Most people experience trauma at some point in their lives. The sources of trauma can include accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, combat, torture, or the death of a loved one. Experiencing or witnessing any of these, or other terrifying events, may make one susceptible to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a trauma- and stressor-related mental health condition. The common symptoms and consequences of PTSD include intrusive and distressing thoughts, memories, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event; avoidance of situations, people, or activities that remind one of the traumatic event; irritability, sleep difficulties, or hypervigilance; feelings of guilt, shame, or fear; substance use; strains on relationships; and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These consequences can have devastating effects on the individual and their family members, friends, co-workers, peers, and communities. Effectively treating PTSD, therefore, is critical not only for the individual but also for the well-being of families, communities, and society at large. However, while treatments for PTSD exist, effectively treating patients with PTSD remains elusive. Further, despite the recognition that people's experiences are essential in understanding PTSD and provide valuable insights into what interventions are effective and how they impact recovery, patient perspectives and experiences of care and recovery have not been well-explored. We conducted a scoping review to address the following question: what is known about the experiences and perspectives of care and recovery for individuals with PTSD? We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Embase, American Psychological Association's (APA) PsycInfo, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PTSDPubs, and Google Scholarfor peer-reviewed and grey literature that used qualitative methods to report on the recovery or care experiences of adults with lived experiences of PTSD. We extracted information about study objectives, study characteristics, and key findings; reported summary statistics; and performed content and thematic analyses. We identified 14 relevant studies that provide insight into the participants' lived experiences and perspectives of PTSD care and recovery. Though limited, the body of literature sheds light on critical themes and processes in the journey of care of PTSD, which we organized into four overarching categories: pre-treatment understanding and experiences of PTSD, the experience of care or treatment, the importance of relationships and social support, and expanding the understandings of recovery. Living with and healing from PTSD are a unique and individualized human experience of developing and redeveloping relationships with oneself, with others, and with society. The recommendations for practice include educating and establishing well-informed support networks for individuals with PTSD, training healthcare practitioners in all aspects of formal and informal PTSD treatment and care needs, ensuring a continuum of care, and understanding the human experience of PTSD.

Developing a New Capital City (IKN) In Indonesia: A Thematic Analysis

The urgency of this research was identified from the ambitious new capital city (IKN) development project. This research aims to respond to this issue by studying the development plan. The method chosen is qualitative with a thematic analysis approach. The research data source comes from the official government website by searching official documents. The analysis tool that is maximized in data coding is Nvivo 12 Plus. This study mapped three critical themes in the IKN development plan, including the principles of development of the new capital city (IKN), the position and specificities of the new capital city (IKN), and the government's strategic efforts. In general, the IKN development theme focuses on an Indonesia-centric development orientation, development, and adaptation to the use of renewable technology and the clean technology industry for more environmentally friendly mobility and utilities, as well as accelerating the transformation of the Indonesian economy. This idea requires a government response by developing supporting infrastructure, including budget, governance, bureaucracy, and resources, and maintaining the social situation in development areas. This study is of academic interest because it provides insight into the principles and strategies underlying the development of Indonesia's new capital city (IKN), contributing to scientific discourse on sustainable development and government initiatives.

“We have our own cultural ways of being in nature”: New perspectives on African Americans’ relationships to U.S. National Parks

Explanations for why African Americans are under-represented in U.S. national parks tend to focus on socioeconomic barriers, cultural norms, socialization practices, and discrimination. There exist, however, counternarratives that challenge prevailing notions that African Americans lack strong connections to national parks focusing on their environmentalism and offers new directions for further research. Using focus groups and qualitative methods, this study explored how African Americans perceive national parks. Our findings revealed nuanced and critical Black-centered themes. One encapsulates resurgent fear of racial oppression in nature driven by the current political climate. We also found a desire to reclaim and recreate a Black-centric environmental narrative. We conclude that applying a historical and cultural lens and recognizing environmental values among African Americans provide a basis for the National Park Service and other agencies to build stronger relationships with African Americans.

The Transformative Impact of Cloud Computing on Tertiary Education

This systematic literature review investigates the transformative impact of cloud computing on tertiary education by synthesizing findings from 30 scholarly journals and publications across diverse databases. Higher education is beginning to be significantly shaped by cloud computing because education is becoming increasingly electronically integrated. The study uses a thorough and exacting methodology to locate pertinent publications in databases including IEEE Xplore, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using methodical search techniques. The analysis spans a range of publication years to capture the evolution of cloud computing in tertiary education, examining the dynamic interplay between technological advancements and pedagogical practices. The review explores critical themes, including the scalability of cloud solutions, enhanced collaboration and communication tools, and the impact on student learning outcomes. Additionally, the methodology includes a qualitative assessment of the identified literature, critically evaluating the methods employed in the primary studies. This synthesis provides valuable insights into the multifaceted ways in which cloud computing is transforming tertiary education. By delving into the methodologies of the selected studies, the review offers a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge and contributes to the methodological discourse in the field. Ultimately, this research enhances our understanding of the transformative potential of cloud computing in shaping the future of higher education.

Evaluating emergency service response to COVID-19: A scoping review.

The issue of how emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, local authorities) respond to pandemics has received greater research focus recently in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak, which saw agencies going beyond usual roles to support communities for prolonged periods. A critical appraisal is needed of this published evidence to take stock of what is known about the effectiveness of emergency service response to Covid-19. A scoping review of scientific and grey literature identified 17 qualitative (N=9), quantitative (N=6), or mixed methods (N=2) studies from across the UK and internationally that focus on the effectiveness of emergency service response to the Covid-19 outbreak. A narrative review was conducted using an interpretive approach. Papers were read, summarised, and then sorted into inductive themes that addressed some aspect of the review question. Eight critical themes emerged from the narrative review. Across countries, emergency services were required to quickly adapt working practices to reduce spread of infection, support partner agencies facing unprecedented demands, and make effective use of limited resources. Use of technology, access to timely, accurate and relevant information, strong leadership, prior experience, and emergency training were critical to this. However, most research is descriptive rather than evaluative. Overall, findings highlight the need for further research that examines what mechanisms facilitate and hinder emergency response to pandemics. This scoping review provides a knowledge framework for informing future research that can support emergency services in preparing for events of national and international significance.

Online social support exchange among medical travelers in South Asia: a content analysis of Facebook posts

ABSTRACT In recent years, more than half of the total medical travelers visiting India each year belong to Bangladesh. This study explores social support exchange in an online health community comprising participants who intend to travel/have traveled/are traveling from Bangladesh to India for medical reasons. We used thematic content analysis to classify social support into informational, emotional, and instrumental types. We found that informational support was the most commonly exchanged, indicating the high informational needs of medical travelers. Contrary to the existing literature, instrumental support, often related to urgent treatment needs, was exchanged more frequently than emotional support. This could be due to the resource constraints medical travelers face and the possibility of group members’ geographical connectivity. This study underscores the role of online platforms in facilitating the exchange of social support. It illuminates critical themes related to medical travel, enriching our understanding of this demographic's unique challenges and needs.

Environmental Resilience: Transition to regenerative supply chain management

<abstract> <p>Global supply chains face mounting pressures for sustainability, necessitating a shift from Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) towards Regenerative Supply Chain Management (RSCM) to address environmental concerns and enhance Resilience. This transition addresses environmental concerns while improving and supporting Resilience within supply networks. My aims were twofold: (1) To assess the resilience-enhancing mechanisms during the transition to RSCM through a comprehensive review process, and (2) to uncover critical factors and themes of the RSCM. The study employed qualitative interviews as the primary method to collect data using a structured questionnaire. The study adopted snowball sampling based on the referral and recommendation of the respondents. The study investigated vital strategies and challenges for adopting RSCM, explicitly focusing on environmental sustainability. The results indicated that the transition emphasizes a shift from harm reduction to ecosystem restoration, highlighting the importance of environmental restoration in RSCM. Additionally, RSCM places a pronounced emphasis on resilience-building strategies compared to GSCM, underscoring the need for more comprehensive integration of Resilience within supply chains during this transition, particularly in an environmental context. I also developed a framework illustrating the transition from GSCM to RSCM, emphasizing environmental considerations. Additionally, this study contributes novel insights into the dynamic landscape of sustainable supply chain management, emphasizing the importance of resilience-building strategies, particularly in an environmental context, during the shift to RSCM.</p> </abstract>

“One Day . . . It Won’t Be a Big Story”: Analyzing the Media Response to Female National Football League Coaches

In 2015, Dr. Jen Welter became the first woman to coach in the National Football League (NFL). Other female coaches followed. Yet, sports-studies scholars know little about the media’s response to these football pioneers. This paper presents critical themes on how popular media discussed female coaches by analyzing the hiring announcements of four women who coach or have coached in the NFL. Utilizing a critical feminist lens, this paper demonstrates that media outlets reproduced conventional media tropes by reassuring readers that women have the requisite knowledge, trivializing women’s achievements, underscoring the need for male player support, emphasizing appearance, and permitting sexist comments. However, it is evident that online publishers are simultaneously making progress. In most cases, the articles represented the coaches in ways that differ from how female athletes have been historically depicted. This research reveals nonlinear and incremental progress toward gender equality in football.

A Qualitative Analysis of Knowledge Levels, Perceived Susceptibility, and Perceived Severity Surrounding Anal Cancer and Human Papillomavirus.

When examining health literacy and disease specific knowledge levels across ethnicities and communities, ethnic minority groups are known to be at a higher risk of being below the average health literacy threshold which is a factor linked to poor health status and higher mortality rates. This study examined disease specific knowledge levels, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility surrounding anal cancer and HPV-related screening behaviors. The following research questions were explored: (1) "What are the common themes and/or beliefs when asked about anal cancer, HPV, and preventive screening?" and (2) "What are the common themes and beliefs surrounding the severity and susceptibility of contracting anal cancer?". This study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey 26 individuals regarding their knowledge level and perspectives regarding anal cancer and HPV. An 8-question survey was developed de novo based on an application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) elements. This study employed thematic analysis to explore critical themes to construct a model to understand knowledge levels, attitudes, and risk perceptions regarding anal cancer and intention to participate in preventive screenings. The fundamental attitudes and themes related to anal cancer risk and intention to participate in preventative screenings were elicited using a qualitative descriptive technique. Coded data was utilized to analyze themes based on (1) knowledge and (2) perceived risk, both severity and susceptibility. Overall, the findings indicate very low levels of knowledge regarding screening, anal cancer, and HPV across all genders. The low levels of anal cancer and HPV knowledge were seen in 13 coded segments (50% of surveys) which showed no familiarity with or comprehension of HPV, and 4 coded segments indicated no familiarity with anal cancer. In addition, 15 respondents (57%) had low or no preventive or screening-related knowledge. While some respondents (46%) illustrated high perceived severity for anal cancer, only 23% indicated high perceived susceptibility for anal cancer. The results from this study may be used to inform practitioners, providers, and policymakers in developing interventions addressing low levels of understanding and disease specific knowledge surrounding anal cancer in support of creating a standardized health screening procedure.

Adapting a Remotely Delivered Patient Navigation Program for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care: Important Considerations for Rural Contexts.

Colonoscopy is a critical component of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and patient navigation (PN) improves colonoscopy completion. A lay navigator remotely providing navigation across rural primary care organizations (PCOs) could increase PN access. In preparation for the Colonoscopy Outreach for Rural Communities (CORC) study, we examined partners' perspectives on contextual factors that could influence CORC program implementation, and adaptations to mitigate potential barriers. We interviewed 29 individuals from 6 partner PCOs and the community-based organization (CBO) delivering the PN program. An analysis approach informed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana identified critical themes. Results are reported using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME). Potential barriers included that rural patients are hard to reach remotely and might mistrust the navigator, and the CBO is unfamiliar with the patient communities and does not have patient care experience or pre-existing communication pathways with the PCOs. Program content and navigator training was adapted to mitigate these challenges. Our study highlights contextual factors to account for before implementing a remote, centralized patient navigation program serving rural communities. Gathering partner perspectives led to intervention adaptations intended to address potential barriers while leaving the core components of the evidence-based intervention intact.