Foreword

Abstract

Dear readers, In the new issue of Polytechnica, we bring you interesting topics relating to technical (engineering) and IT education, as well as topics relating to sustainability and sustainable development, which are equally important for all of us. The first article gives an overview of the knowledge and regulations related to unpleasant odour pollution, about which very little is known and written, especially among the general public. The second article presents a survey on students' preferences for technical and technological content in relation to specific regions in Croatia. It is interesting to see the small, yet significant differences that exist between the children as an indicator of the influence of the local community on them. The third article shows the significance and importance of computer tools such as Logo, which still have something to offer for children's cognitive development. For example, this article scientifically substantiates the importance of Logo for the development of mathematical knowledge and mathematical logic. The fourth article presents an interesting experiment in which the YOLOv7 architecture was used to recognise ships and buoys in images from surveillance cameras in marinas. The models used were trained on a custom dataset with different maritime scenes created for this purpose. The final article provides a detailed overview of the theoretical foundations of project-based learning and teaching (PjBL) and an example of the implementation of project-based learning and teaching in the context of teaching technical culture. In this way, the authors aim to stimulate and encourage teachers to apply project-based learning in their own teaching and to make them aware of the importance of such learning and teaching for the overall development of students. Although more and more Croatian magazines are publishing their issues in English, Polytechnica will continue to appear mainly in Croatian, while respecting all those who wish to publish their articles in English. There are several reasons for this. The first reason is that we primarily address teachers and want to develop the education system in Croatia, because education is still primarily linked to the cultural, traditional and other characteristics of a country. Another reason is that, as a small nation, we are exposed to many more influences that can harm our culture, traditions and even our language in the long term. For this reason, we believe that as an academic community, we have an obligation to preserve our heritage and language. The third reason is that we are part of the European cultural area of diversity and also part of the European Union, so we consider our language as equal to all other languages within the European area. Therefore, we will try to preserve our diversity, our heritage and our language while respecting the differences of others. At the same time, I would like to thank all the good people who have supported and continue to support our journal and our study and who selflessly sacrifice their precious time for us. Indeed, the coming time shows that "the voice of reason is getting quieter" and that our vision of the development of technical education, although publicly supported, is facing great challenges that could mean its end or perhaps a new "phoenix". Therefore, I appeal to all those who have influence on education and university authorities to support our existence with their appeal or public statement. I wish you an enjoyable read! Damir Purković