Transdisciplinary Journal of Engineering & Science

Deriving Manageable Transdisciplinary Research Models for Complicated Problematics Associated with Next-Generation Cyber-Physical Systems:

Imre Horvath -- Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands — 2025-01-01

As a continuation of the work previously published in two papers in this journal, this paper addresses the problem of systematically constructing sharable transdisciplinary research models (TRMs) for definitive research problematics (DRPs). The paper discusses the underpinning fundamentals and proposes a practical methodics that is underpinned by intuitive reasoning rather than by proven theories but relies on a lucid procedural framework. The main activities are discussed through a demonstrative example designated as ‘avoidance of frequent vehicle accidents at suburban road crossings'. First, a concise overview of the literature related to research models is provided and the work reported in this paper is placed in this context. Then, the operational aspects of the transdisciplinary research model development methodics are discussed. As a starting point, the proposed methodics assumes the availability of a comprehensive specification of the DRP. The conversion process includes six steps: (i) exploring research concepts by content analysis of the DRP, (ii) finding pertinent research concepts and combining them into a semantic map, (iii) selecting the most influential concepts and relations for parameterization, (iv) choosing multi-view research concept descriptor constructs and parameters (indicators, variables, and constants) for study, (v) creating sharable multi-modal representations of the research model, and (vi) external validation of the content by researchers and stakeholders. An adapted version of the validation square approach is used in then last assessment. The approved TRM is the starting point of the development of supradisciplinary research designs – this is however not addressed here due to page limitations.

Transdisciplinary Approaches in Robotics for Social Innovation: Addressing Climate Change, Workforce Displacement, and Resilience in the Age of Disruption

Parankush Koul -- Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA — 2025-01-01

In this review paper, we consider transdisciplinary approaches to robotics and how they can be applied to promote social innovation to solve pressing problems such as climate change, workforce displacement, and resilience in times of disruption. It demands the establishment of cooperative models to bridge the technological gap between social realities and fairer, sustainable futures. Businesses such as SkyGrow, which makes automated tree-planting robots for targeted reforestation, show the promise of such technologies. The paper highlights the need for assessments to understand community needs and engage the community and industries involved to find possible use cases for robotics. It encourages participatory designs rooted in end-user insights, which will make the technologies being created reflect local demand. After all, it takes a collective for effectively navigating the complexities of today’s problems in robotics and social innovation.

Transdisciplinary Approach to Risk Analysis in Building Automation and Control System Projects: A Case Study

Mohammad Reza Namjoo -- Shahid Bahonar University, Iran; — 2025-01-09

Building automation and control systems are kinds of complex systems that face a variety of risks during implementation. The negative consequences of such risks can impact the project execution and success. The origins of the risks associated with BACS implementation in the context of construction projects are diverse and include technical, economic, political, social, and cultural domains. Identifying the risk factors of BACS projects and analyzing causal relationships among them can enable project key stakeholders to define and execute timely response–to-risks strategies. With regard to complex and multifaceted context of risks in BACS projects, this paper uses a transdisciplinary risk analysis approach to identify and rank BACS Projects risk factors along with a causal analysis in a case study. The results of this paper provide comprehensive insights into BACS project risk factors and can be used in real-world projects to design actionable risk mitigation plans.

Future-Proofing Education: Developing Transdiscipllinary STEAM Models to Prepare Learners for a Workforce in the Forthcoming Era of Automation

Momi Bhattacharjya -- Dibrugarh University, India — 2025-01-11

This research examines the future of education, focusing on the need to adapt current transdisciplinary educational models to the demands of the automation-driven workforce. The study explores the shift from STEM to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), analyzing how the integration of the arts impacts student outcomes, attitudes, and creativity. It delves into the potential transformations in the job market and the vulnerabilities posed by automation in the 22nd century. Using an inductive approach, a systematic literature review was conducted, synthesizing insights from 75 relevant studies on transdisciplinary STEAM education. The research proposes innovative, transdisciplinary STEAM models aimed at cultivating resilience, innovation, and sustainable skillsets among students. The goal is to inform policymakers and educators on how to future-proof education, ensuring learners are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of an automated workforce.

Towards a General Theory of Perspective Taking: A Transdisciplinary Endeavor

Kristian Stålne, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden — 2025-01-12

Perspective taking is emphasized by several developmental theorists as a basic aspect of human development, although it hasn’t been properly defined beyond the conventional stages and 3rd person perspective. The aim of this analysis is to present a general theory of perspective taking, introduce six orders of perspective taking and apply them to the psychological, relational and physical aspects of reality. The analysis is formulated from principles of adult development and compared with stage descriptions of social perspective taking according to Selman, children’s understanding of space according to Piaget and Inhelder and stage descriptions from Ego development theory by Cook-Greuter. This theoretical formulation of perspective taking allows for generalization into an understanding of physical reality according to 4th and 5th person perspectives with examples in Einstein’s theory of special and general relativity and quantum mechanics, according to Bohr.