scholarly journals Sustainable development and the role of African scientific research centres

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anour Dafaalla ◽  
Mohammed Khalil Saeed ◽  
Suad Badri ◽  
Mohamed Alhaj
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Engineering Technology ◽  
Engineering And Technology ◽  
Research Centres ◽  
African Journal

Scientific research in the engineering and technology domains plays a centric role in realizing sustainable development in Africa. In particular, a multidisciplinary research (and sometimes even cross-disciplinary) approach is required when tackling Africas complex challenges such as poverty, climate change, energy access, water resources management, energy-water-food nexus, sustainable urban environment, cybersecurity, and others. To advance this research, African researchers should be empowered to conduct high-quality research and communicate their findings and recommendations to all stakeholders in open-access platforms. Building on the above, the Sudanese Researchers Foundation (SRF) is proud to announce the launch of the African Journal of Engineering & Technology (AJET); our inaugural open-access peer-reviewed journal focusing on engineering, technology, and sustainable development.

scholarly journals From STEM to STEAM: Strategies for Enhancing Engineering & Technology Education

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy M. Connor ◽  
Sangeeta Karmokar ◽  
Chris Whittington
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Engineering Technology ◽  
Inquiry Based Learning ◽  
Engineering And Technology ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Engineering Pedagogy

This paper sets out to challenge the common pedagogies found in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education with a particular focus on engineering. The dominant engineering pedagogy remains “chalk and talk”; despite research evidence that demonstrates its ineffectiveness. Such pedagogical approaches do not embrace the possibilities provided by more student-centric approaches and more active learning. The paper argues that there is a potential confusion in engineering education around the role of active learning approaches, and that the adoption of these approaches may be limited as a result of this confusion, combined with a degree of disciplinary egocentrism. The paper presents examples of design, engineering and technology projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of adopting pedagogies and delivery methods more usually attributed to the liberal arts such as studio based learning. The paper concludes with some suggestions about how best to create a fertile environment from which inquiry based learning can emerge as well as a reflection on whether the only real limitation on cultivating such approaches is the disciplinary egocentrism of traditional engineering educators.

scholarly journals A Retrospective Analysis of Energy Access with a Focus on the Role of Mini-Grids

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandros Korkovelos ◽  
Hisham Zerriffi ◽  
Mark Howells ◽  
Morgan Bazilian ◽  
H-Holger Rogner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

Achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 is a key part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development, and has its own Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 7.1. This is because electricity services are required for almost all aspects of a modern economy, from the cooling of vaccines to irrigation pumping, to manufacturing and running a business. The achievement of SDG 7.1 will require a thoughtful mix of policy, finance, and technology to be designed and implemented at scale. Yet, the pressing need for an electrification ramp-up is not unprecedented. Many countries (now considered “industrialized”) faced similar challenges about a century ago. Although the existing literature covers a great deal of power systems evolution, there is a gap around the specific role and impact of small, isolated power systems in the early stages of electricity uptake. In this paper, we provide insights based on the review of the historical electrification efforts in four (now middle and high-income) countries. The drivers and context of electrification efforts in early stages are described. Those focus particularly on the role of dispersed, small-scale generation systems (mini-grids). Our analysis shows that electrification follows four loosely defined phases, namely: pilot projects, technological roll-out, economic expansion, and social scale-up. We report a selection of historical mistakes and advances that offer lessons of striking importance for today´s energy access efforts, particularly in regards to the development of mini-grids. We find that today, as historically, multi-stakeholder (e.g., planners, regulators, developers, investors, third party actors) collaboration is key and can help build locally adaptable, economically sustainable and community compatible mini-grids that can accelerate—and lower the societal costs of—universal access to electricity.

Specialized topographic maps of Russia and foreign countries. Their features and role in ensuring sustainable development of the territory

2020 ◽  
Vol 964 (10) ◽  
pp. 28-39
Author(s):  
T.V. Vereschaka
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Topographic Maps ◽  
Topographic Map ◽  
International Trends ◽  
Intended Purpose ◽  
Foreign Countries

The research on creating specialized topographic maps of land and water areas considering international trends in mapping was carried out. Dividing topographic maps of land and water areas into basic universal and specialized ones was substantiated. The theoretical aspects of creating specialized maps are revealed. The concept of a specialized topographic map is proposed, the categories and limits of the maps’ contents specialization and the ways of their implementation are considered. The fields of using domestic specialized maps and the requirements for their contents in the view of economics, scientific research, as well as the role of maps in information supporting environmental safety and sustainable development of territories are studied. The scientifically based types of specialized maps for their intended purpose were identified and highlighted. Foreign specialized topographic maps and their features in different countries are characterized. International trends in mapping and the importance of specialized maps for improving the main ones are shown. Compiled summaries’ fragments of the fields of using specialized maps in Russia and abroad, as well as maps’ fragments are presented in this study.

Open Access as a Platform for Sustainable Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Priti Jain
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Open Access Publishing ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Efficient Access ◽  
The Status ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Scientific Results ◽  
Access To Knowledge

Open access publishing is a cross-cutting issue that has the potential to contribute to most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are reliant on improved access to information and knowledge. Open access publishing makes scientific results available for everyone, and thus facilitates new discoveries and empowers researchers through rapid and efficient access to knowledge. Open access is a platform of knowledge management. There is a clear link between open access and access to information, and therefore between open access and sustainable development. International organizations such as WIPO and UNESCO have already recognized this connection and have changed their own internal policies and officially recognize open access as a driver for achievement of the SDGs and sustainable social, political, and economic development. In the above context, this chapter discusses how sustainable development can be realized through open access platforms. The chapter is based on in-depth literature review. The chapter commences with a brief review of the literature on the major concepts, which is followed by a description of the role of open access in attaining sustainable development. Thereafter, the status, prospects, and challenges of open access publishing in Africa are discussed. Finally, the chapter provides recommendations for attaining sustainable developments goals through open access publishing in Africa.

Journalists and Open Access

2021 ◽  
pp. 47-63
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Frank Elia
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Climate Change Information ◽  
Access Information ◽  
The Impact

This chapter explores the role of open access in promoting climate change adaptation and sustainable development. It reviews global trends of journalists' access to information and specifically discusses Tanzania journalists' access to and use of climate change information. The chapter further assesses the impact of journalists' access to open information resources in adapting to climate change and promote sustainable development. The chapter also discusses the challenges journalists encounter in accessing and using open access information resources. It further recommends solutions to the raised challenges and suggests areas for further research. The chapter concludes by giving insights on major issues of concern on open access.

Journalists and Open Access

2022 ◽  
pp. 799-816
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Frank Elia
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Climate Change Information ◽  
Access Information ◽  
The Impact

This chapter explores the role of open access in promoting climate change adaptation and sustainable development. It reviews global trends of journalists' access to information and specifically discusses Tanzania journalists' access to and use of climate change information. The chapter further assesses the impact of journalists' access to open information resources in adapting to climate change and promote sustainable development. The chapter also discusses the challenges journalists encounter in accessing and using open access information resources. It further recommends solutions to the raised challenges and suggests areas for further research. The chapter concludes by giving insights on major issues of concern on open access.

scholarly journals Consumer Financial Knowledge and Cashless Payment Behavior for Sustainable Development in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6401
Author(s):  
Beata Świecka ◽  
Paweł Terefenko ◽  
Tomasz Wiśniewski ◽  
Jingjian Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Financial Knowledge ◽  
Financial Behavior ◽  
Main Element ◽  
Personal Traits ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Complex Concept

Financial knowledge is the main element of financial literacy, which is important for the sustainable development of individuals and society. Sustainability is a complex concept that spans many fields, including financial knowledge for all ages. Financial knowledge requires significant scientific research showing its impact on individuals and the economy, including non-cash payments. Consumer payment knowledge and its association with consumer financial behavior have long been a matter of widespread interest by researchers, but no in-depth, empirically based scientific research has been completed for Poland. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with cashless payment behavior with an emphasis on the role of consumer financial knowledge. A total of 1100 interviews were carried out with Polish nationals aged 15 and above. The collected data were analyzed with the use of statistical methods, including analysis of variances (ANOVA), in order to examine consumers’ financial knowledge by basic economic and non-economic factors. Additionally, a data-mining method known as Random Forests was implemented for finding the variable importance in correlations between consumer financial knowledge and preferred methods of payment. The results revealed the diversity of factors influencing consumer behavior. Among the consumers’ personal traits, financial knowledge was one of the most important determinants of their payment choices. The results have implications for the design of payment processes. The results can be used by central banks to determine the directions of financial inclusion, as well as for stakeholders in the payments market.

scholarly journals Experiences of Teaching Basic Design as Foundation Course to Beginners with no Background in Drawing Skills: A Case of Architecture Department at NED University of Engineering & Technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-21
Author(s):  
Saadia Bano ◽  
Safia Asif
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Fine Arts ◽  
Design Studio ◽  
Basic Design ◽  
Engineering Technology ◽  
Secondary School Education ◽  
Engineering And Technology ◽  
Exercise Design ◽  
Sizable Number

Primary and secondary school education in Pakistan has virtually no component, module or dedicated course to enable students to learn and practice drawing as a skill. However, many aspiring young people join architectural studies and are exposed to challenges that are common in this discipline. The major obstacle is the lack of sufficient background to help in creative thinking and design process. Despite the struggle, a sizable number of students perform well in the Basic Design Studio and later phases of work. This paper deals with the concepts and methods used in training the fresh minds towards architectural realm and explores the commonly found factors responsible for adequate performance and later stages of work in design studios. The methodology of this research is based on observation and experience gained after conducting basic design studio for couple of years at the Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan. In the later part of the research, a survey was conducted to evaluate the course via student feedback in the form of questionnaires, in order to understand the role of Basic Design course in helping students’ creative thinking and approach towards design solutions. Lastly, interviews were conducted of various basic design instructors in order to analyse their experience and pedagogy of teaching students who have no background in fine arts studies. Key Words: Basic design, non-art background, design exercise, design pedagogy

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