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Purpose: In line with business goals of customer satisfaction, higher education institutions of learning consider excellent student experience a priority. Teaching and learning are important aspects of satisfaction that are monitored annually by universities using tools such as the National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS results are useful for educational planning and informing consumer choices. This research measured undergraduate student experiences on an interdisciplinary project using the NSS framework. Hinged on diversity, the purpose was to investigate whether full-time (FT), part-time (PT) and degree apprenticeship students with varied work experience enhance their learning studying together on an interdisciplinary project. Design/methodology/approach: This research has measured, using the NSS criteria, student experiences on an interdisciplinary project on a civil engineering programme. It benchmarks the quality of learning and student understanding and perceptions of learning. The method is based upon a literature review and questionnaire survey of students. Findings: Results indicate good amounts of peer influence on learning in a simulated interdisciplinary team setting supported by a mix of diverse work experience in students' background. Originality/value: Sections of the NSS are extended with additional questions to capture the impact that FT, PT and degree apprenticeship study modes, closely associated with students' background of job experience, have on teaching and learning.

Although the presence and practice of school psychology around the world has expanded considerably over the last 10 years, in Italy the profession is still in the process of development. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence and practice of school psychologists in an Italian district, using a mixed-methods research design including a questionnaire survey of all schools in the district (N = 83), and seven semistructured interviews to school stakeholders and key informants (i.e., principals, parents, teachers, school psychologists and a representative of the local education authority). The results showed that school psychologists are present in the majority of schools, that the greatest proportion of their work involves consultation with students and intervention in classes, and that teachers appreciate the services they provide. However, there are significant barriers that limit the impact of their work in supporting students, teachers, and families. In the light of the findings, the future development of school psychology in Italy is discussed, and global implications for school psychology are considered.

The befalling of natural disasters has been experienced at an alarming level in the last decade due to discharging excessive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. The world needs to decarbonise itself sooner than later. To combat environmental impact and the climate change, several key initiatives were taken by countries like the UK, Japan, Europe, and Canada. That includes decarbonising the power sector entirely by bringing in renewable energy in place of fossil fuel on an agreed timeline. Many countries have committed to zero emission by 2050. However, it will not be easy to depend on 100% of renewable energy grid without renewable energy storage capability to assure grid stability. Therefore, this publication's key fundamental objective is to discuss the most suitable energy storage for energy generated by wind. A review of the available storage methods for renewable energy and specifically for possible storage for wind energy is accomplished. Factors that are needed to be considered for storage selection and the requirements are discussed. Wind farm capacity is one of the essential parameters that could affect selection procedures. It is recommended that detailed calculations be made of available energy and the excess power amount to be stored. However, the article discusses the most viable storage options such as liquid metal batteries grid embedded storage for frequency and voltage stability and produces green Hydrogen from surplus wind energy, especially in Sri Lanka.

The pandemic of COVID-19 crisis suddenly appeared worldwide, and there were no proper crisis management procedures taken in advance to contain such a problem. Moreover, it has had harmful and unmeasured consequences on most life sectors, including construction, which has been severely impacted during the pandemic. This paper aims to review factors with a high-risk impact on hospitals' construction projects during the outbreak of COVID-19 in developing countries by considering the case of Iraq's construction sector. A mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative research approaches was used. The qualitative method involved (1) a literature review and (2) semi-structured interviews to identify high-risk factors that affect construction projects during the outbreak of COVID-19. The quantitative method involved (1) collecting survey data from 205 industry professionals and experts to determine each risk factor's importance and influence. Cronbach's alpha test to check the reliability of the collected data set, and (3) a fuzzy inference system method was used to assess the impact of each factor on construction projects during the pandemic. The findings of this study indicate that the construction industry has been hit severely during the COVID-19 in Iraq. Moreover, 17 high-risk sub-factors under six main construction factors involve health and safety, risk management, management deficiency, financial, supply chain management and contractual impact hospital construction projects. Furthermore, the most significant risk factors had impacted hospital construction projects by calculating their means were (1) commitment to safety and health recommendations with a level of impact equal to 4.81; (2) risk management procedures with a level of impact equal to 4.63; (3) equipment delivery delays with a level of impact equal to 4.54; (4) worker acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination with a level of impact equal to 4.36; (5) increase of price material with a level of impact equal to 4.18; (6) lack of use of the latest technology with a level of impact equal to 4.09; (7) delay in payments with a level of impact equal to 3.90; and (8) lack of training to deal with the pandemic with a level of impact equal to 3.81. As such, this paper contributes by providing effective policies and measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on hospital construction projects in Iraq.

This study investigates the significance of leveraging the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to Achieve smart sustainable cities. Understanding their applications for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) projects. The study encompasses three key dimensions: Design Optimization and Performance Simulation, Material and Life Cycle Sustainability, and Operational Efficiency and Environmental Impact. By leveraging BIM and AI, the research explores the integration of renewable energy, sustainable material selection, and smart building controls. BIM and AI experts were given a structured questionnaire, which was then analysed using SPSS. Descriptive and correlation analyses reveal significant positive correlations between energy efficiency and design visualization, construction sustainability visualization, as well as adaptability and education through visualization. The proposed framework deepens the capabilities of the combination of different technologies towards Smart Sustainable Cities. This work not only contributes theoretical insights to the field but also provides practical implications for industry professionals striving to enhance sustainable practices in AEC projects. Further studies to encourage a combination of other recent technologies to improve smart sustainable cities' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the quality of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ report for 2020, and devises a new data quality assessment framework based on analysing many data quality frameworks. Data in this paper is collected from the official UN SDG official website, and the national statistics offices of the UN countries. A weighted-score sum module is also being utilized to find the best data quality dimension. These dimensions are then used to create a new data quality framework. It is found that the UN SDGs used a data quality framework that is based on statistical output factors and ignores other quality factors and therefore the score for assessing this report is 56%. The perceived identified gaps include: countries are using different quality and assessment frameworks which cause inconsistency in data quality; data is outdated and incomplete; data is not available for many indicators and countries; cost and efficiency are not part of the UN SDG data quality framework; therefore weak data management is found. Areas for improvement include creating one comprehensive data quality framework for all countries will ensure the highest data quality.