The importance of education in driving change and impact is grounded in the reality of societies undergoing profound socio-economic and environmental transformations, which necessitate a radical re...

Thermal overload in internal combustion engines may progressively destabilize lubricant-film integrity and promote severe tribological deterioration within highly stressed contact interfaces. This study investigates the thermo-tribological degradation sequence of a high-mileage gasoline engine subjected to prolonged idle operation under impaired cooling conditions, ultimately resulting in engine seizure. The investigated engine had accumulated 356,724 km, while the lubricant had remained in service for approximately 26,724 km prior to the experiment. The post-failure investigation combined teardown inspection, geometrical camshaft assessment, reverse gravimetric reconstruction, hydraulic tappet surface profiling, XRF surface characterization, laboratory oil analysis, and SEM/EDS evaluation of wear debris. The results demonstrated strongly localized degradation concentrated primarily within the cam–tappet interfaces. Severe non-uniform camshaft wear was accompanied by pronounced hydraulic tappet surface damage and evidence of unstable boundary-lubrication conditions. Laboratory oil analysis revealed elevated wear-metal concentrations, depletion of the alkaline reserve, increased oxidation indicators, and a final Class D oil condition assessment. SEM/EDS characterization identified Fe-bearing wear debris associated with sustained material removal and debris recirculation during the final degradation stage. The combined evidence supports a coupled thermo-tribological degradation mechanism involving lubricant deterioration, boundary-lubrication instability, adhesive wear acceleration, oxidative surface degradation, and debris-assisted surface damage preceding final engine seizure. The present case study provides experimentally documented evidence of lubrication collapse under real-engine thermal runaway conditions and highlights the critical role of lubricant condition in maintaining tribological stability under severe thermal loading.

The geoeconomic and geopolitical landscape is closely connected to our educational systems, as education plays a critical role in helping us navigate the complexities of our global society. This chapter reflects on the need for an economic paradigm shift supported by technology and innovation. The global economy needs alternative thinking, proactive learning, and working methods to foster economic growth and development in alignment with countries’ diverse realities and cognisant of planetary boundaries and environmental degradation. We argue the need to allow new economic models to emerge in response to contemporary challenges. Rather than a radical and abrupt change, looking at economic adaptive resilience and how it can help countries and regions prepare for change and redirect from shocks and disruption is vital. The global economy requires mechanisms to promote and support a gradual and continuous transition to long-term sustainable growth, where the economy prospers in harmony with the environment and society’s well-being. This approach recognises the interconnectedness between economic, social, and environmental systems, seeking to create positive synergies that drive human progress while protecting essential natural resources for current and future generations while putting forward the progress and advance of human talent as a driver of change and sustainable progress. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->