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The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of Industry 4.0 between the academicians and industry players in construction engineering, further suggesting a mechanism to narrow the gap between the distinct parties.

This study was conducted through structured online and face-to-face interviews, using KAP survey, and semi-structured interviews. This constructive research was conducted among Malaysian construction industry players and academicians from the construction engineering department in public universities.

The findings exhibit the similarities and differences of KAP between academics and industry on Industry 4.0 in construction engineering. In general, both categories of respondents have displayed more similarities than differences in all aspects, except for knowledge. The better knowledge profile of Industry 4.0 among the academicians reflects the nature of the academic works that constantly seek new knowledge, thus suggesting the establishment of an industry-academic (I-A) knowledge equilibrium framework to leverage the knowledge profile between both parties.

This exploratory study that showcases the perspective of the academia and industry practitioners on Industry 4.0 acts as a cornerstone for bridging the gap between the two distinct sectors within the same field.

The gap between the academic and industry was highlighted, further establishing the I-A knowledge equilibrium framework that could also be applied to other fields of study.

The originality of this paper was the profiling of the KAP of Industry 4.0 for the academicians and industry players in construction engineering, further distinguishing the gap between both parties.

Action research by three teaching teams to build the capacity of teachers, in preparation for the transition from a traditional heritage building to a new innovative learning facility, forms the basis of this chapter. The new building consisting of four storeys with seven innovative learning environments that support a wide range of teaching and learning opportunities challenged the teams to rethink their pedagogy and embark on a new and exciting journey. The story notes the challenges faced and the successes achieved as well as further action research once established within the new learning environments.

This study aims to assess the digital literacy competencies among students in higher learning institutions in Kazakhstan.

A survey design was used. Simple random sampling was used to draw sample. Primary data were collected using Web/online questionnaires (Google Form). A total of 370 online questionnaires were disseminated to the respondents to their email addresses. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using MS Excel 2010. Thus, descriptive statistics were computed and the results were further presented in tables, charts and figures.

Results reveal that students are very competent in using digital technologies to communicate and share their educational digital contents, whereas they indicate moderate competence and incompetence in other essential digital literacy skills crucial for their academic pursuits. Furthermore, this study revealed that students frequently use digital technologies for educational purposes, with statistical analysis [t(381) = 4.562, p < 0.00001, two-tailed] indicating a significant difference between the extent and purpose of their digital usage. Moreover, findings identified health issues, technical issues and the constantly changing of hardware and software as primary challenges faced students when engaging with digital technologies.

This study is new in the context of Kazakhstan analyzing the digital literacy competencies among students, with a particular focus on elucidating the five fundamental facets of such competencies. This study therefore, recommends the implementation of comprehensive and consistent training programs aimed at imparting necessary digital literacy skills to students.

Drawing on the personalization–privacy paradox and guided by means–end analysis, this study explores how consumers balance their concerns for privacy and the benefits of smart home device personalization and the role that trust plays in the process. More specifically, this study aims to investigate how perceptions of smart device personalization and privacy concerns are shaped by consumers’ experiences and the role of trust in the deliberation process.

In-depth interviews were conducted across diverse demographic groups of smart device users to shed light on the balancing act between personalization and privacy.

The study found that product experience, ownership type, perceived value of convenience and control and quality of life via “smart things” are key motivators for product usage. The benefits of tailored recommendations and high relevance are balanced against the risks of echo chamber effects and loss of control. The results also show the role of active involvement in the privacy calculus and trust level. The study points to the significance of an ecosystem-based service/business model in gaining consumer confidence when they balance between personalization and privacy.

Although many studies have explored trust, privacy concerns and personalization in an artificial intelligence (AI)-related context, few have addressed trust in the context of both smart devices and the personalization–privacy paradox. As such, this study adds to the existing literature by incorporating the concept of trust and addressing both privacy concerns and personalization in the AI context.

In France, telemedicine was integrated into the Code of Public Health in 2009, but adoption and use were slow until the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis, when telemedicine arguably became the only way to ensure continuity of care for non-COVID patients, reduce viral transmission and streamline strained medical resources. Despite growing enthusiasm, criticism persists.

User satisfaction will be essential for the sustainability and development of telemedicine, yet this remains an under-researched area. Framed by the first lockdown in France (March–May 2020), this two-step mixed-methods study uses secondary quantitative data (n users = 2,511; n doctors = 254; n nurses = 248) and primary qualitative interviews (n = 5) among healthcare professionals and patients in France to analyse satisfaction levels among telemedicine users. Implementing an inductive approach, it identifies key themes in the adoption and use of telemedicine, the impact on user satisfaction and evolution in perceptions over time.

The findings contribute to the literature by identifying and explaining the shift in telemedicine practices and offering recommendations for addressing ongoing obstacles through pragmatic strategies.

This research addresses a gap in knowledge to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the uptake, perception and satisfaction of telemedicine experienced by users. Recognising telemedicine as a complex innovation in conceptual and practical terms, this paper investigates the degree of acceptance among users and the process of assimilation in the system.

Previous studies have identified concerns and anxiety in individuals who are without their mobile phones, which is known as nomophobia, an acronym for “no mobile phone phobia.” However, there is currently limited evidence of qualitative research that explores nomophobia. The purpose of this study is to explore personal experiences and individual meanings associated with mobile phone use and nomophobia.

To address this gap, the present study employed a Heideggerian phenomenological approach to investigate the issue. Ten college students, who have medium to high nomophobia were selected as respondents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, which were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

A deep understanding of the psychological dynamics, experiences, meanings, perceptions and beliefs of individuals regarding smartphone use can only be explored through a qualitative approach that presents personal statements of individuals through in-depth semi-structured interviews. This study contributes to a deep understanding of the psychological dynamic of nomophobia.

This study has limitations that must be carefully considered. First, the respondents came from a university with a sample size of 10 people, which may not fully represent the phenomenon of nomophobia among students due to differences in cultural and academic backgrounds. However, we addressed this limitation by selecting only students who scored moderate to high levels of nomophobia. Second, the researchers acknowledge that the sample used in the study may not be fully representative of the broader target population or a larger group, as previously mentioned. Therefore, generalizing the findings of this research must be done carefully, being cautious and thoughtful to avoid hasty conclusions.

In the functional context, it is recommended for individuals to be more mindful of their smartphone usage and strive to strike a balance between utilizing their device's capabilities for productive purposes and avoiding excessive dependency that may lead to distractions or information overload. This includes limiting excessive smartphone usage for entertainment purposes, restricting aimless and irrelevant Internet browsing and implementing effective time management when using smartphones. For smartphone users from the ontological context, the advice is to critically evaluate their digital presence and ensure that their online activities align with their true values and self-perception, promoting responsible and ethical smartphone use. Engaging in fasting or break sessions by completely turning off the smartphone at specific times and utilizing that time for activities such as reading books, writing and engaging in spiritual practices, or exercising is also advisable. In the anthropomorphic context, individuals are advised to reflect on the potential emotional dependence on their smartphones and consider establishing healthy boundaries to avoid excessive reliance on these devices to fulfill emotional needs. One practical recommendation is to engage in self-reflection, where individuals take some time to ponder their smartphone usage patterns and emotional attachment to the device. They should ask themselves why they feel the need to constantly check their phone and how it impacts their emotions and overall well-being.

This study contributes to a deep understanding of the psychological dynamics of nomophobia by exploring the experiences, meanings, perceptions, and beliefs of individuals regarding smartphone use.