|
This issue of the RECENT journal was edited with the support of: ContentsSmart and Sustainable Cities with the Use of Digital Twin Platforms for Enhanced Community Disaster Resilience
RECENT J. (2025), 78:367-372 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.367 Abstract The increasing complexity and interconnectivity of urban systems necessitate new approaches to managing disasters, promoting sustainability, and enhancing resilience. This paper explores how Smart and Sustainable Cities can leverage Digital Twin (DT) platforms to enhance community disaster resilience through data-driven decision-making, multi-level coordination, and citizen participation. The study integrates engineering design and the European Union’s policy perspectives, building upon research outcomes from key Horizon Europe research and innovation projects such as PANTHEON, RESCUER, and STRATEGY. A multi-city framework is proposed to demonstrate how Digital Twin technologies can be deployed across different urban contexts, enabling cross-city cooperation, predictive analytics, and sustainable recovery planning. The paper concludes with recommendations for standardisation, governance, and implementation pathways aligned with European resilience objectives. Keywords smart cities, sustainability, disaster resilience, digital twin, EU policy, Horizon Europe, standardisation The Standardization of Learning Objectives and Competences as a Tool for Improving Teaching Quality
RECENT J. (2025), 78:373-378 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.373 Abstract The standardization of learning objectives and competences is a key factor in enhancing teaching quality and learning effectiveness. The clear definition and categorization of learning outcomes promote alignment between objectives, teaching practices, and assessment, thus fostering coherence and transparency in education (Biggs & Tang, 2011). This paper theoretically and bibliographically explores the contribution of standardization to education through international and European frameworks such as Bloom’s Taxonomy, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), and the Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (European Commission, 2017, 2019). Findings suggest that these frameworks strengthen the comparability of learning outcomes, foster teacher collaboration, and support professional growth. At the same time, excessive or rigid implementation may constrain creativity and pedagogical freedom (Hargreaves, 2003). The study concludes that, when applied critically and flexibly, standardization can serve as a driver of pedagogical innovation and European convergence, contributing to a coherent, democratic, and quality-oriented education space. Keywords standardization of learning objectives, competences, teaching quality, pedagogical coherence, European qualifications framework (EQF), key competences, educational policy, teachers’ professional development, European education, quality assurance The Peculiarities of the Balkans from BCC Perspective
RECENT J. (2025), 78:379-387 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.379 Abstract The peculiarity of the wider Balkan region to be located at the crossroads of all points of the horizon, gives its peoples the opportunity to shape the models of human behaviour by standardizing its quality with the customs and traditions of their ethnicities. This peculiarity gave humanity important civilizations, as the unique Ancient-Greek-one which is a common heritage of the Balkan peoples. The Ancient Greek Civilization has the peculiarity that after its destruction in antiquity, it was reborn by the “Enlighteners” of the 17th century. That “Enlightenment”, with central doctrine “liberty-equality-fraternity”, reversed the course of history by its own interpretation to Ancient Greek Civilization, and created its own socio-economic system that it called “Democracy”. They took this name from the socio-economic system of Athens, which they considered to be the source of Ancient Greek Civilization. Under the banner of this Democracy, the Enlightenment overthrew both the absolute monarchy and the immutable doctrines of the “Roman Catholic” Church. But the Enlighteners did not have the scientific knowledge that the socio-economic system of Athens arose from the evolution of traditional Ancient Greek models and, like any differentiation of tradition, it declined and it was destroyed. Scientific knowledge, however, shows that the unaltered preservation of traditional patterns allows socio-economic systems to survive in the depths of the centuries. As the case of the Spartan variant of it, which Lycurgus called “Great Rytra”, “Great Tradition” in the Laconian dialect. The knowledge of Democracy can therefore be acquired if the Balkans study scientifically the Ancient Greek models, as they are hidden in their common traditions. If the Balkans record the, according to Aristotle, “Certain Knowledge” of “True History”, the Balkans will donate Enlightenment to the peoples of the world, as the goal of BCC in this perspective is. Keywords tradition, true history, quality, culture, post-industrial age A Simple, Fair, and Fast Service for Every School: Standards, Processes, Accountability
RECENT J. (2025), 78:388-391 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.388 Abstract This paper analyses the work of the Secondary Education School Committee of the Municipality of Thessaloniki. It outlines challenges commonly encountered by School Committees - multiple requests, fragmented responsibilities, and delays - and presents the approaches, solutions, and innovations implemented. Through a concise international review, it also describes typologies in management and accountability systems (participatory, board-based, and mixed schemes) and organizational models of technical support (intra‑municipal, trust/board‑based, shared governance) that operate via standardized request-servicing procedures with clear prioritization criteria based on risk assessment and the preservation of critical functions. In the case of Thessaloniki, the paper presents the full request lifecycle (from submission to completion and payment) and the operation of a digital tool designed to establish a standard sequence of actions and alignment with ISO 9001-explicitly noting that full compliance is in progress. The proposed improvement is grounded in ISO 9000/9001 principles and the PDCA cycle. The steps toward standardization include mapping existing procedures to ISO 9001 (8.2, 8.4, 8.5/8.5.6, 8.6-8.7, 9, 10) and subsequent actions concerning maximum service times, institutionalized controls, linkage with accounting, an asset register/preventive maintenance, and an annual internal audit program. Overall, each school’s request is transformed into measurable value for a safe and high-quality learning environment, while transparency and accountability are strengthened through standardization and documentation. Keywords Municipality of Thessaloniki School Committee, ISO 9000, accountability systems Examination of the Effects of Hot-Humid Climate Data on Structure and Settlement: Antakya Example
RECENT J. (2025), 78:392-403 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.392 Abstract Cities, which have hosted diverse civilizations throughout history and are characterized by a multilayered structure, have also played significant roles in shaping today's urbanization policies. Geographic, demographic, economic, and social factors, as well as climatic factors, influence the urbanization process. In this context, Antakya stands out for its historically layered development, as well as the decisive influence of climatic conditions. The hot and humid climate, in particular, has significantly influenced the city's building designs. However, technological advancements and rapid population growth have overtaken traditional construction techniques and brought modern construction techniques, utilizing materials such as concrete and steel, to the forefront. While these production techniques offer structural advantages in producing strong and earthquake-resistant forms, they can weaken the climate-compatible design elements compared to traditional buildings. This can negatively impact the climatic adaptation and environmental sustainability provided by traditional buildings. Innovative designs are being developed to adapt to climatic conditions in the urban development before and after the February 6, 2023, earthquake with elements such as thermal insulation and natural ventilation being prominent. Traditional buildings are shaped by planning, construction, and facade use to withstand climatic factors. Antakya's traditional buildings are designed to adapt to hot and humid climates and focus on heat protection and moisture dissipation. While the region's earthquake risk necessitates the predominant use of modern techniques in building construction, climatic factors still play a significant role in the design of Antakya's houses. In this context, the study examines the changes in the pre- and post-earthquake settlements of traditional buildings in the city under the influence of climatic data. By evaluating the building life cycles of Antakya houses before and after the earthquake, along with climatic (humidity, sun, wind) and topographic data, the study emphasizes the importance of sustainability and climatic adaptation in urbanization processes. Keywords Antakya, urbanization, climatic factors Competency Frameworks for Sustainable Facility Management: Advancing Skills for Energy Efficiency and Circular Economy in the Built Environment
RECENT J. (2025), 78:404-408 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.404 Abstract Achieving sustainability in the built environment is essential for reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and operational costs, particularly in public and commercial buildings. Facility managers play an important role in this transition, requiring a combination of technical, managerial, financial, ecological, and social competencies to implement energy efficiency, circular economy practices, and climate-action strategies effectively. This paper reviews established competency frameworks and guidelines to identify the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for sustainable facility management. Findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary, holistic approaches that integrate technical expertise with non-technical skills such as communication, governance, stakeholder engagement, and systems thinking. Aligning education, professional development, and continuous training programs is crucial to equip current and future professionals with the competencies needed to plan, implement, and sustainably innovate across public and private building portfolios. Keywords sustainability, facility management competency framework Mathematical Modelling in Manufacturing Planning and Optimization
RECENT J. (2025), 78:410-415 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.410 Abstract The company's production planning involves determining the quantity of products that could be produced in a certain period under specified technical and organizational conditions. In the conditions of demand fluctuations, the problem of establishing an optimal production schedule arises. Usually, optimization involves evaluating the different possible variants using an efficiency criterion and choosing the variant that corresponds to the convenient value in terms of the type of criterion (maximum or minimum). The evaluation can be done in two ways: 1) creating production scheduling variants, checking them in terms of their consistency with the available capacity, evaluating them in terms of the costs involved or 2) mathematical modelling - a faster and more efficient way to solve the planning. The paper presents aspects regarding the hierarchical nature of the planning process, the content of the annual production plan, as well as a case study detailing the method of establishing an optimal manufacturing schedule using mathematical modelling through linear programming. Keywords manufacturing planning, optimization, linear programming, efficiency Integration Process of Welding Engineers Within Labour Market
RECENT J. (2025), 78:416-423 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.416 Abstract Nowadays when AI topic is everywhere and technology is evolving faster than a teenager mind, this paper is launching the challenge to take a pause and analyse the role of the human in this evolution. More precisely the integration of the welding engineer graduate among tech progress and increasing demands of the labour market. This paper is analysing main standards which can guide the junior engineer after graduation through the organisational systems and demands until he reaches the maturity in order to be capable to choose and supervise processes autonomously. The roles and responsibilities of the young engineer are briefly presented and corelated with the organisation need in order to evolve together human and organisation in a time of tech and digital transformation. Within industrial field the standards have a defining role in establishing the best practice or benchmark regarding processes and products. Following this idea and specifically for welded products this paper is referring to EN ISO 14731, EN ISO 3834, EN1090 and EN ISO 9001. The focus of this paper is on the role of the welding engineer newly graduated and his development within the manufacturing organization. Keywords welding engineer, EQ, standard, organisation, development Thermobaric Weapons: Development, Deployment, and Global Perspectives
RECENT J. (2025), 77:253-259 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.77.253 Abstract Thermobaric weapons, that started as fuel-air explosives (FAEs), are specialized munitions that produce high-temperature and high-pressure explosions. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of their historical evolution, operational use, psychological impact, and ethical implications. It reviews key developments by global military powers such as Russia and the United States and places special focus on Romania’s emerging role in thermobaric weapons development. A central contribution of this research is the documentation and contextualization of Romania’s readiness to produce a thermobaric PG-9 warhead - a recent advancement not previously detailed in international literature. By integrating national data with comparative international analysis, the paper fills a gap in current research and provides a new perspective on regional innovation in modern warfare technologies. Keywords thermobaric weapons, fuel-air explosives, urban warfare, military technology, psychological impact 3D Printing Filament Manufactured by PET Material Recycling Part A: Literature Review in Plastic Recycling Field
RECENT J. (2025), 78:432-439 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.432 Abstract The paper is part of a series of papers regarding the implementation of a simple plastics recycling method at a local environment, meaning a higher education institution at the Transilvania University of Brașov, the Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management. This first paper presents a brief current state of the art in the field of plastic recycling. It presents a brief introduction regarding the main methods used for recycling plastic materials and which are the most recycled plastic materials nearby the sources of those plastic wastes. Furthermore, the paper present some of the most well-known applications for these recycled plastic materials, applications from automotive field, constructions field or even for individual uses. Following the study presented in this paper, a decision was made regarding which recycling method is the most suitable to be used at the mentioned level, which are the easiest plastic materials to collect and recycle and for which application can be used further for those plastic recycled materials. Keywords plastics recycling, PET filament, filament extrusion, 3D printer Applying Experiential Learning Theory in Teaching Parts Representation
RECENT J. (2025), 78:440-444 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.440 Abstract The present paper aims to present aspects on applying the experiential learning theory in engineering education, in teaching technical drawing. The experiential learning theory describes the process of learning from the experience gained previously, in a cyclical way, involving four stages - experience, reflection, abstract conceptualization and experimentation, each stage being related to a certain learning style. The paper presents applications which explain the issues involved with applying the experiential learning theory in teaching technical drawing. It is presented a laboratory application designed for teaching the representation of parts – views and sections or sectional views. Keywords technical drawing, experiential learning, view, section The Project Method Applied in Teaching Technical Drawing
RECENT J. (2025), 78:445-449 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.445 Abstract This paper presents an effective pedagogical approach in teaching technical drawing using the project method. This active-participatory teaching-learning-evaluation method is based on the active involvement of students in the learning process, by carrying out concrete projects that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context. The use of the project method in teaching technical drawing can bring multiple benefits to both teachers and students, activating their involvement, while also developing practical skills. Keywords technical drawing, project method, active involvement Analysis of the Correlations Between Chemical Composition and the Impact Behaviour of Heat-Treated Stainless Steels
RECENT J. (2025), 78:450-454 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.450 Abstract The paper analyses the influence of the chemical composition on the resilience of stainless steels subjected to primary heat treatment. Starting from the premises that alloying elements control both corrosion behaviour and microstructural evolution during heat treatments, the study aims to correlate the content of chromium, carbon, molybdenum and manganese with subsequent changes in resilience. The research highlights the mechanisms of formation of the predominant phases - such as austenite, martensite or ferrite - and how they affect shock energy absorption. The results show that compositional variations lead to significant differences in the mechanical behaviour of materials after primary heat treatments, with some combinations of elements favouring an increase in resilience, and others causing its decrease. The conclusions of the study provide clear directions for optimizing the selection of materials and technological parameters in industrial applications where impact resistance is essential. Keywords stainless steels, heat treatment, properties 3D Printing Filament Manufactured by PET Material Recycling Part B: Designing and Prototyping a Device for 3D Printing Filament Extrusion from PET Recycled Material
RECENT J. (2025), 78:455-460 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.455 Abstract The paper is the second one of a series of papers regarding a simple method of PET plastic recycling that is desired to be implemented locally at an institution, meaning at Transilvania University of Brasov, the Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management. This paper presents a simple extrusion device for PET filament manufacturing, as low volume production for internal uses within the faculty. A brief study was made in order to find several constructive structures as a starting phase for the device design. The design stage started with a simplified 2D concept based on which the final 3D model of the filament extruder assembly was performed. The design stage generates the assembly components and their shapes and dimensions. The prototyping started with component manufacturing using cutting processes and also additive manufacturing. The final assembly was partially completed using those manufactured components and using standard parts for montage. The result is one of the simplest and cheapest to implement device in terms of attempts to manufacture PET recycled filament. Keywords plastics recycling, PET filament, filament extrusion, extrusion device Development and Characterization of Innovative Composite Materials for Construction
RECENT J. (2025), 78:461-468 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2025.78.461 Abstract The paper aims to develop and characterize innovative composite materials for use in construction, with a focus on sustainability and improving mechanical properties. The study investigates the integration of recycled plastic waste, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP), into a clay and bentonite based ceramic matrix, with a view to obtaining environmentally friendly and efficient materials for structural applications. The composites were sintered at 1100 °C to ensure structural stability and the formation of ceramic phases, a process that significantly influences the final properties of the materials. The surfaces of the sintered materials were examined by microscopy to investigate the microstructure and the distribution and interaction between the polymer and ceramic phases. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to identify the crystalline phases formed after sintering and their influence on the properties of the material. Motivated by the need to reduce the environmental impact of conventional building materials and to recycle plastic waste, the research contributes to the development of sustainable solutions, promoting the circular economy and reducing the consumption of natural resources. The results obtained offer valuable insights into the compatibility between recycled polymer components and the ceramic matrix, as well as the potential of these composites for use in modern construction applications. Keywords ceramic particles, polymeric composites, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
