Technological University Research Articles

Localized Internationalization Framework in Higher Education for Undergraduate Institutions in the Context of Emerging Engineering Disciplines

This study explores the integration of global perspectives within engineering literacy education through localized internationalization efforts at Guilin University of Electronic Science and Technology (GUET). Focusing on the experiences of faculty members and administrative staff, the research investigates how GUET applies its localized internationalization model to emerging engineering disciplines. Utilizing a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with participants directly involved in curriculum development and international collaboration projects. The Concept-Construct-Theme (CCT) method was employed for data analysis, allowing for the identification of key themes related to the implementation, challenges, and effectiveness of the internationalization initiatives at GUET. The findings highlight the critical role of tailored educational strategies in enhancing global competencies while maintaining regional relevance. The study also underscores the importance of addressing resource limitations, institutional support, and faculty development to strengthen internationalization efforts. The insights gained from this research offer valuable recommendations for improving practices and policies in higher education institutions aiming to balance global engagement with local context.

University Technological Entrepreneurship Projects: Factors of Success

The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of the success factors in university technological entrepreneurial projects, based on a unique empirical dataset created with the support of the project office and the office for promoting the federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform». The dataset includes a ranking of over 1,000 university projects from 2023, each of which contains information on approximately 35 characteristics, both financial and non-financial. The success indicators selected for analysis are the «final ranking position» and «investment attractiveness of the project». Statistical methods, implemented through Python libraries, were used to examine the relationships between different forms of project support and the aforementioned characteristics. The results highlight the critical role of the university environment in supporting entrepreneurial projects, while also revealing that specific support measures can exhibit varying degrees of association with project success. Two key findings are noteworthy. First, there is no positive correlation between the project’s strong embeddedness in the university environment (e.g., a team assembled within the university or a project initially started as an academic exercise) and the project’s success. Second, among the support measures implemented within the current federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform», the strongest association with the success of entrepreneurial initiatives is found in participation in startup studios. Considering contemporary discussions on the need to seek new solutions to enhance the educational and life experiences of modern students, bringing them closer to the realities of a dynamically changing labor market, the university startup studio model may serve as a source for developing new models of university organization.

Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Biofertilizers on Soil Characteristics and Potato Tuber Yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

This study evaluates the impact of organic, inorganic, and biofertilizers on soil characteristics and potato tuber yield in the variety Kufri Ashoka. The experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, using treatments involving different combinations of fertilizers, including recommended doses of inorganic nutrients (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, Azotobacter, and Phosphobacteria. Key findings demonstrated that RDF treatment (150:100:120 kg N:P2O5 ha⁻¹) produced the highest tuber yield (249.2 q ha⁻¹), significantly outperforming all other treatments. However, the organic treatment T4, which included compost, crop residue, biofertilizers, and FYM, also yielded a substantial 237.1 q ha⁻¹, with improvements in soil health attributes like increased organic carbon (3.6 g kg⁻¹) and reduced pH (7.92) and electrical conductivity (0.22 dSm⁻¹). Results indicated that the integration of organic and biofertilizers led to moderate yield gains compared to RDF but significantly enhanced soil properties, contributing to long-term soil health. Organic treatments promoted improved microbial activity and soil structure, essential for sustainable agriculture. This study highlights the effectiveness of integrated nutrient management, where combining organic and biofertilizers with inorganic nutrients can enhance crop yields while maintaining soil fertility and reducing the negative environmental impact associated with exclusive inorganic fertilizer use.

Health-preserving physical culture and wellness competences as an important condition for ensuring and spreading a high level of public health (methodological aspects)

WHO indicates that the purpose of actions aimed at strengthening public health protection is to ensure conditions under which people can remain healthy, able to strengthen health and well-being, and prevent deterioration of health. However, in the basic documents, there is no place for health-preserving physical culture and health-improving competencies of a person in the system of general efforts. The aim of the work is to reveal the need and place of health-preserving physical culture and wellness competencies of a person as a condition for ensuring and spreading a high level of public health in Ukraine. Material and methods. The study was organized at the Dnipro State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports, the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, the National Technical University “Dnipro Polytechnic” (all in Dnipro) and the Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The used methods of theoretical research were: study and generalization of data from domestic and foreign official and literary sources, as well as abstraction, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction. Results. Conceptual principles and didactic technology of physical education of a non-professional physical education (NpPhE), with an emphasis on strengthening the general cultural component of the educational component “Physical education” in higher education, aimed at eliminating existing shortcomings. Provided with pedagogical technology, NpPhE contributes to the formation of the building blocks of one’s own health. And the system of effective pedagogical mechanisms of NpPhE is significantly different from the provision of information about health, which is the subject of modern valeology. In this context, the development of conceptual directions of creative valeology is relevant, as a means of supporting a person’s creativity in a safe effect on health. Namely, the formation in institutions of higher education of the builders of their own health. Conclusions. A system of pedagogical mechanisms is proposed, which is significantly different from just providing information about human health as a benefit/harm of influences and actions, which is what valeology is focused on. This is a prerequisite for the formation and development of creative concepts of modern valeology based on the improvement of cultural and practical components of the educational component “Physical education” in the conditions of a higher education institution for specialists who take care of building their own health from specialties related to civilians. In conditions where the majority of their graduates are engaged not in physical, but intellectual work, the further implementation of approaches related to professional-applied physical training for professional activities is something that it is time to abandon.

Effects of Various Packaging Materials on Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Vacuum Fried Carrot Chips during Storage

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of type of packaging materials and time of storage on the physicochemical characteristics of vacuum fried carrot chips. Place and Duration of Study: The research work was carried out at the Dept. of Processing and Food Engineering (P&FE), Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Kerala during the year of 2019-20. Methodology: The vacuum fried carrot chips were packed into three different packaging materials namely low-density polyethylene stand pouch (LDPE), laminated aluminum flexible pouch and polypropylene. All three packaging materials were tested with and without N2 gas filling. The storage studies were conducted for the vacuum fried carrot chips which was fried under optimized processing conditions: Frying Temperature-100⁰C; Frying Pressure-13 kPa; and Frying Time- 20 min. The experimental study was conducted for 4 months period and data was recorded for every 30 days interval. The packed samples were stored at the ambient temperature (25±5ºC) and relative humidity (70±10%) for storage studies. The quality attributes such as moisture content, water activity, oil content, hardness and colour values of the chips were determined during the storage studies. Results: Based on the research study, the results shown that the oil content remained constant throughout 120 days of storage period in all packaging materials. The water activity, moisture content, hardness and colour values got increased with increase in storage time. The moisture content, water activity and hardness values were less in laminated aluminium pouches with N2 gas filling compared to polypropylene and LDPE.

The contributions of Enactus to South Africa’s Social and Solidarity Economy: A case study of a University

Background: Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable rise in worldwide acknowledgement of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and its substantial socioeconomic and environmental benefits. In response, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on 18 April 2023 advocating for government and institutional support to the SSE towards accelerating the achievement of sustainable development Goals (SDGs). However, there is a lack of understanding of how higher education institutions contribute to this agenda.Aim: The study examines the contributions of Entrepreneurial Action Us (Enactus) to South Africa’s SSE.Setting: The case study was conducted at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State in South Africa, to examine how higher education and the SSE interact through Enactus initiatives.Methods: The study utilised a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 11 students and alumni and an analysis of Enactus’ annual impact reports. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding Enactus’ impact on the SSE.Results: Enactus enhances student entrepreneurship and innovation, promoting economic growth, job creation and community sustainability. Initiatives like the student-led Vermi Village Enterprise have empowered youth and women and created employment opportunities. Collaboration with local corporations and educational institutions has fostered sustainable changes, improving regenerative agriculture and urban food production, thus addressing multiple poverty facets.Conclusion: This study highlights the crucial role of initiatives like Enactus in promoting a more inclusive and sustainable economy, advancing the broader objectives of the SDGs, and supporting a brighter future for South Africa.Contribution: Despite resource limitations and the need for greater stakeholder engagement, Enactus projects and enterprises hold significant potential for driving sustainable development and socioeconomic equality, ultimately strengthening South Africa’s SSE.

Validity and reliability of the short-form adolescent health promotion scale among adolescents and young adults in Ghana: methodological study

Background and aimAssessing health promotion among adolescents and young adults is vital to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours as well as to evaluate health promotion interventions. However, there is no valid and reliable scale to assess health promotion among Ghanaians. For the first time, this study determined the validity and reliability of the original version of the Short‐Form Adolescent Health Promotion (AHP) scale among adolescents and young adults in Ghana.MethodThis cross-sectional methodological study included 617 adolescents and young adults within Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data from study participants. The AHP-Scale was also used to collect data on participants health promoting behaviors. The scale’s validity was evaluated using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett’s test of sphericity and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), whilst the reliability was assessed using the Cronbach’s ɑ coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26.ResultsThe KMO and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity were reported to be 0.899 and χ2 (276) = 6682.338 respectively, allowing for EFA with orthogonal rotation. The EFA revealed five factors covering 54.62% of the total variance. The factor loading order of the items did not exactly correspond to the order obtained in the original version of the scale’s validity analysis as the original scale had six factors. This six-factor loading scale was valid in regards to construct validity. The obtained factors included: life appreciation, exercise, stress management, nutrition, and social support. In this current study, Cronbach’s ɑ was calculated at 0.87 for the whole scale and between 0.71 and 0.92 for its subscales. Thus, indicating the current scale reliable.ConclusionThe six-factor loading scale of the Adolescent Health Promotion scale developed in the present study is acceptable for the validity and reliability assessment. However, the construct validity of this scale should be checked in other samples as it did not cover a large variance of the population. Large population wide studies are also needed to augment the current study findings with additional modifications for the adopted AHP scale.

The Influence of Curriculum of English Major on Oral Communicative Competence: A Case Study of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology

The Influence of Curriculum of English Major on Oral Communicative Competence: A Case Study of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology

Abnormally low serum albumin levels are associated with abnormal bone mineral density and osteoporotic fractures: a retrospective studies

BackgroundMany studies have indicated that abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) is related to abnormal liver and kidney function, but the effect of serum albumin level on abnormal BMD and osteoporotic fracture is still controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effects of serum albumin levels on abnormal BMD and osteoporotic fractures.MethodsThe study included 538 patients through the electronic medical records of inpatients and outpatients stored at Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to test the relationship between serum albumin levels and abnormal BMD, and the effect of serum albumin levels on osteoporotic fractures was verified through the U test. Correlation between age, sex, kidney stones, coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver disease, haemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), lymphocytes (LYMP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), uric acid (UA), total bilirubin (TBIL), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and abnormal BMD were analysed by logistic regression modelling after excluding confounding factors.ResultsThe ALB level in osteoporotic patients was 41.70 (36.40–45.00) g/L, which was significantly lower than those in the normal BMD and reduced BMD groups. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) between the osteoporosis and normal BMD groups was 0.445 (0.394–0.502); the OR (95% CI) between the osteoporosis and reduced BMD groups was 0.395 (0.341–0.459). In the subgroup analysis by whether or not a fracture was present, the OR (95% CI) was 0.073 (0.045–0.119).ConclusionsALB is a protective factor against osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, suggesting that it may have the potential to predict osteoporosis onset and fractures.

An Integrated Approach for Structural Crack Monitoring: Combining Plastic Tell Tales and Image Analysis for Enhanced Structural Health Evaluation

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) calls for the development of the ideas of safety and main ability of civil structures. The most critical of the aspects explored in the paper is the safety monitoring of the structural configuration of any civil engineering work. Supervision of any sign of an odd shift from the usual state of structure enables one to prevent and or counter severe loss. It also depends on other environmental parameters such as load, nature of a seasonal parameter and the type of soil. Within this research project the Al-Beruni Academic Block of Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology is taken to monitor the cracks using Glass Tell-Tales, to collect data on cracks of buildings and during seismic activity, observe, study the cracks that are present.

Introduction to the LINK PRAXIS V.2 I.1 second section

This collection of 13 manuscripts presents the exegetical writing produced by final-year undergraduate students completing their Bachelor of Visual Design, with a major in Communication Design, at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). These manuscripts are a key component of the students’ Level 7 capstone projects, where creative practice is critically contextualised through academic reflection. Following the connective exegesis model proposed by Hamilton and Jaaniste (2010), the project integrates 15 credits from Design Research, which focuses on research methodologies, and 45 credits from the Design Studio, which adopts a practice-led, research-driven approach. This framework encourages students to develop creative responses to complex global and cultural issues, connecting personal practice with broader social contexts. The capstone project’s thematic focus on Design Citizenship encourages students to engage in transdisciplinary work that addresses contemporary cultural, environmental, and social challenges. This approach fosters innovation and authenticity, allowing students to explore how design can offer both personal and socially relevant responses to critical questions. The programme has notably generated increased interest in postgraduate study, with many students continuing their research in the Master’s programme. These manuscripts offer a platform for students to engage in scholarly publishing, providing a space for them to reflect on how practice-oriented research can yield meaningful, contextually informed design outcomes. This collection contributes to broader discussions about the role of creative practice in higher education and its potential to generate new insights and knowledge through design research.

Examining the interface factors affecting research output of accounting academics in African universities of technology

Examining the interface factors affecting research output of accounting academics in African universities of technology

О практике развития некоторых элементов конвергентного образования в технологическом вузе

The article examines the experience of the Faculty of Humanities and its Center for Cognitive Psychology at the University of Technology in involving students in research and applied scientific projects through cooperation and integration of the humanities and technology departments of the University. The ideas of the transformation of the country's educational system and the change of its methodological, pedagogical and technological guidelines in response to modern challenges and risks are analyzed, primarily for the younger generation in need of social adaptation and deeper natural science and humanitarian training for professional and personal growth. The attempts to substantiate the definition of "convergent education" are analyzed. All of them are based on an understanding, to one degree or another, of an interdisciplinary methodological approach to the formation of educational programs, in order to overcome the highly professional training of specialists and avoid formalizing the content of educational material, taking into account the productive interaction of the fundamental component of humanitarian and professional knowledge, the use of modern methods of automation of various types of information activities using information and computer technologies (algorithmization of learning, information modeling). In general, the convergence of education is defined as a process of learning and upbringing, which is a consequence of the implementation of the modern educational paradigm aimed at understanding, rather than memorizing, education for change, the ability to withstand stress, live in a digital world, preserving humanity, sociability and collectivism, ensuring teamwork, preservation and development of the humanitarian and intellectual component "in the context of the interpenetration of sciences and technologies in the implementation of the convergence of real and virtual communications. The scientific and methodological basis for the development of convergent education at the first stage was the development of scientific and pedagogical practices. This can include the management of students' research activities (R&D), involving them in the development and implementation of various projects of scientific laboratories and centers of departments and faculties. The article summarizes some of the experience of the Center for Cognitive Psychology of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities - SGT (until 2022 – ISGT– Institute) of the Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Education "K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State Technical University (PKU)", which was actively involved in the process of cluster formation in the conditions of the university's transformation into an innovative expert–analytical platform, the formation of an expert-educational cluster of excellence "NBICS-technologies of the food industry".

Nursing practice of guidelines for prevention and control of vascular Catheter-Related bloodstream infections.

To apply the Ottawa Model of Research Use to translate the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Vascular Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections. The Ottawa model of research use is used to provide a framework and guidance. This study was organized by the Nursing Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, and the Intravenous Therapy Group was responsible for the implementation of the study. The hospital's intravenous therapy administrators, members of the sedation team, and specialist nurses will be organized to evaluate the importance, exactness, and clinical practicability of 34 entries. Twelve clinical departments and IV therapy clinics with a high number of central venous catheters were used as sites for translating evidence from this project. The evidence-based team assessed the practice environment, potential practitioners, and clinical status of clinical translation of evidence through symposia, review of relevant systems, operational procedures, on-site inspections, and questionnaires. They compare evidence with existing processes and decide on change strategies. Before and after the application of the evidence, there was a significant increase in the knowledge, belief, and behavior of healthcare workers on CLABSI prevention and control, especially in the acquisition of related knowledge (χ2 = 26.648 p < 0.001). The associated implementation rate was also significantly improved, with a significant decrease in CLABSI incidence from 0.29 per 1000 to 0.11 per 1000 (χ2 = 8.625 p = 0.004). The assessment of the integration of issues showed that 8 aspects, including workflow, knowledge mastery, monitoring reports, and aseptic operations, do not meet the qualified standards. Through this clinical change, a perfect prevention and control system has been established, and the level of knowledge, belief, and behavior of medical staff in preventing CLABSI has been improved, while the incidence of CLABSI has been reduced.

Updates on the feasibility of utilizing e-learning to sustain medical radiation technology education in light of the escalating conflict in Sudan.

The purpose of the following paper is to offer an update on the feasibility of using e-learning to sustain medical radiation technology education in light of Sudan's ongoing crisis. The Sudanese acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued a resolution on October 7, 2023, to reopen higher education and scientific research institutes, as well as resume all academic activities at both governmental and private higher education institutions, effective October 15, 2023. Unfortunately, due to infrastructure deficiencies and a lack of appropriate capabilities to resume face-to-face teaching of medical radiation technology in Sudan's safe states, the majority of universities, including several medical radiation technology colleges, have decided to continue the educational process via e-learning. However, Sudan's e-learning system, currently the sole means of maintaining medical radiation technology education, suffers from significant flaws. If these challenges persist, students may graduate with a limited theoretical and practical grasp. Furthermore, the implementation of this style of education deprives eligible students, particularly those living in conflict zones, of the educational opportunities they require in light of the increased threat of war continuation.

Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Uropathogens Isolated from Refugees with Urinary Tract Infections in Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, Southwestern Uganda

The World Health Organization estimates one in four individuals has had at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) episode requiring treatment with an antimicrobial agent. At Nakivale refugee camp, the overwhelming number of refugees often associated with poor living conditions predispose the refugees to urinary tract infections. This study determined the prevalence of UTIs, the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolated bacterial pathogens, the prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) bacteria, and the molecular characterization of genes encoding ESBLs among refugees in the Nakivale refugee settlement. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 216 outpatients who visited Nakivale Health Centre III between July and September 2020. The urine samples were received and examined at the microbiology laboratory of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The urine samples were cultured and identified. Antibiotic susceptibility was carried out following CLSI recommended guidelines while the presence of genes encoding ESBL was detected using conventional PCR amplification. The prevalence of UTI was 24.1% (52/216). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent causative agent, accounting for 22/52 (42.31%) of total isolates, followed by Escherichia coli 21/52(40.38%). Multidrug-resistant isolates accounted for 71.15% (37/52). A total of twenty-one isolates (70.0%) were extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria. The most prevalent genes were TEM beta-lactamase (blaTEM) and CTX-M beta-lactamase (blaCTX-M). The prevalence of UTI among refugees in the Nakivale settlement was high which calls for continuous epidemiological surveys to determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistance uropathogens including ESBL-producing organisms across refugee camps in Uganda.

Complete Dynamics From Ignition to Stabilization of a Lean Hydrogen Flame With Thickened Flame Model

Abstract In recent years, attention has been paid to hydrogen thanks to its carbon-free nature and its interesting characteristics as an energy vector. Despite the large number of numerical analyses regarding hydrocarbon combustion in all the steady and unsteady processes, few papers that cover all those aspects are available in the literature for hydrogen flames. Therefore, a numerical methodology to explore the complete ignition sequence from the spark release to the flame stabilization is validated on a single-sector hydrogen burner. In this context, a preliminary direct numerical simulation (DNS) investigation of laminar spherical expanding flames is performed using different diffusive transport models to isolate their impact. The present work, carried out within the European project HESTIA, investigates the atmospheric test rig installed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology operating with a lean, perfectly premixed, hydrogen–air flame stabilized on a conical bluff body. Four simulations are performed adopting the thickened flame model with an energy deposition (ED) strategy to assess the impact of preferential and thermal diffusion, as well as grid resolution, on flame dynamics. Three-dimensional (3D) flame structure visualization coupled with detailed particle image velocimetry (PIV)/OH-planar laser induced fluorescence (OH-PLIF) measurements allows the investigation of the key mechanisms involved during the ignition. The dynamic response of the flame through axial fluctuations once the ignition transient is concluded is reconstructed by the numerical strategy employed. Although the overall behavior is almost unchanged by including or not thermal diffusion effects, their local impact on the flame is evident leading to a better agreement with experimental data.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 13 No. 2

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from May 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Dilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyElham Mohamed, National Research Centre, EgyptFarahdilah Ghazali, University of Malaysia Terengganu, MalaysiaFarhaoui Mohamed, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, MoroccoGandhi Escajadillo Toledo, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, PeruGiacomo Chiesa, Politecnico di Torino, ItalyHengky Halim, Universiti Utara Malaysia, MalaysiaManuel Mendoza-Carranza, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), MexicoMohammad Aghababaei, Washington State University, USAMona M. Amin Abdel-Fatah, National Research Center in Egypt, EgyptOylum Gokkurt Baki, Sinop University, TurkeyXiu Wu, Texas State University, USA

The impact of COVID-19 on Health Science undergraduate students’ academic experience and mental health: A pilot study

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in teaching and learning at universities, predisposing university students to develop mental health issues which may impact their academic experience. This study evaluated the academic experience and mental health status of students enrolled in Health Science courses at Swinburne University of Technology via a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey conducted on 36 students (18+ years). Out of these students, 10 attended in-depth interviews. Results obtained from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses found high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, with more than 50% experiencing levels above the clinical thresholds. About 39% of the participants reported feeling able to concentrate on their learning when materials were delivered via an online mode. Students’ engagement through online learning was significantly disrupted, 97.2% of the respondents found it difficult to perform group work and 75% reported not being able to engage with their peers. Higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with a compromised learning experience. Spearman’s Rank Correlation showed a significant negative association between stress and students’ engagement with online learning (Spearman’s rho=-0.49, p=0.003). Supporting the learning experiences along with monitoring the mental health of all university students should be of high priority for university authorities.

Trait Interactions and Yield Enhancement in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): Insights from Correlation and Path Analysis

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a self-pollinated (2n = 30) annual Rabi season crop mainly cultivated for flax fiber and oil due to its commercial use. The present investigation was carried out to study an association analysis among the yield and yield attributes using 75 linseed genotypes including 10 checks in a randomized block design with three replications at Oilseeds Research Farm, Kalyanpur, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, (India) during Rabi season of 2019-20. The correlation analysis revealed that the traits number of secondary branches per plant followed the number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results of the path coefficient analysis revealed that traits such as the number of secondary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and plant height exhibited a strong and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The seed yield can be improved by selecting traits such as number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches, number of capsules per plant, and plant height. It is recommended that the breeder focus on these traits in linseed to enhance its commercial value for the farming community.