Goal / Purpose: Universities are increasingly investing in makerspaces. These learning spaces are presented as a place where students can share their projects, can innovate using rapid prototyping equipment, use low and high technology that serves as a starting point for students to launch start-ups, get advice on how to place a product in the market, and relate to potential lenders. This paper aims to discuss whether companies can benefit from these projects and whether skills for engineers can be developed in this environment. The paper provides insightful perceptions of the actions developed by one emergent university to develop innovative methodologies to support industry and students, to provide potential partnerships that fund projects in order to better prepare professionals for the industry 4.0. Design / Methodology / Approach: A discussion of the subject was carried out based on the existing literature and an exploratory study in an existing makerspace in the Netherlands. It was one qualitative research based on a case study. Field observation and research questions were based on the technical skills of engineering described in theory. Results: This article presented the idea that the makerspaces can be a great source of innovation if they are appropriately designed. The connection between universities and companies, aligned to active methodologies for teaching and learning meets a global need within a corporate universe to get faster and simpler and make the team see the project in a more holistic and complete manner. However, the goal is to bridge the gap with professors, researchers, makers, start-ups, and companies who want to use business-to-business practices. It can be said that these are beneficial characteristics of a makerspace observed: (i) students' learning is more active, (ii) more interaction between students and professors, through different areas (iii) at an early stage, students get in contact with the professional reality of their field, as the projects are related to real Engineering problems, and (iv) students develop transversal skills. Practical implications: This paper identifies the potential that Makerspaces offer as a strategic approach to teaching and learning related to the fourth industrial era. This paper implies that universities and academics that wish to tailor their education to industry 4.0 need understand this model better, and where appropriate invest in educational infrastructures such as this in universities, companies or cities. This will ensure that universities are educating professionals with the most suitable skills for industry and society, generating innovation in creative teaching and learning spaces. Research Limitations: The study is limited to one empirical research, analysis, and observation of a case study that can serve as a basis for future studies in other locations.

Metalworking is an essential process for the manufacture of machinery and equipment components. The design of the die geometry is an essential aspect of metalworking, and directly affects the resultant product’s quality and cost. As a matter of fact, a comprehensive understanding of the die bearing geometry plays a vital role in the die design process. For the specific case of wire drawing, however, few efforts have been dedicated to the study of the geometry of the bearing zone. In this regard, the present paper involves an attempt to investigate the effects of different geometries of the die bearing. For different forms of reduction as well as bearing zones, measurements are carried out for the wire-drawing process. Subsequently, by extracting the friction coefficients from the electrolytic tough pitch copper wire in cold-drawn essays, the numerical simulations are also implemented. We present the results on both the superficial and center radial tensions obtained by finite element methods. It is observed that the reduction of the friction coefficient leads to an increase in radial stress, while for a given friction coefficient, the substitution of the C-type die by the R-type one results in a decrease in the superficial radial stress of up to 93.27%, but an increase at the center of the material. Moreover, the die angle is found to play a less significant role in the resultant center radial stress, but it significantly affects the superficial radial stress. Lastly, R-type dies result in smaller superficial radial stress, with a change of up to 34.48%, but a slightly larger center radial stress up to 6.55% for different die angles. The implications of the present findings are discussed.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the online sales industry experienced record-breaking growth. The number of businesses that decided to enter the e-commerce market for the first time was enormous. At the height of the quarantine, Brazil was registering a new virtual store every minute. This was an unanticipated and unplanned expansion. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify existing challenges in human interactions with e-commerce, such as the difficulties faced during the pandemic and improvements to ensure growth of, and confidence in, this type of business. METHODS: An exploratory study of e-commerce data and an online survey using the snowball non-probabilistic method were developed to research the growth of, and issues in, Brazilian users’ interaction with e-commerce, comparing findings before and after the pandemic restrictions. RESULTS: Some businesses were not prepared, and the lack of experience among workers contributed to businesses not delivering on their promises. The acceleration of e-commerce demonstrates the need to guarantee that Brazil can effectively use e-commerce to capitalize on digital supply chain opportunities and enhance their role in its economic expansion, while remaining human-centered. CONCLUSIONS: For users’ needs to be met, companies and online workers must understand people’s needs and behaviors in order to provide excellent service.