Technological University Research Articles

Challenges and Teaching Reform Strategies in Vocational College Engineering Training Courses

With the rapid development of vocational education, engineering training has become a crucial course for cultivating highly skilled technical professionals, highlighting its importance. However, vocational college engineering training courses still face numerous challenges during the actual teaching process, which affect the effectiveness of course teaching and the enhancement of students’ engineering competence. This article thoroughly analyzes the main problems existing in current engineering training course teaching, focusing on four aspects: students’ cognitive differences, inadequate course development, poor course adaptability, and limited teaching resources. Based on this analysis and previous research findings, targeted strategies are proposed, including enhancing students’ course cognition, clarifying course positioning, improving course adaptability, and optimizing the allocation of teaching resources. Furthermore, this article preliminarily verifies the effectiveness of some reform strategies through a small-scale teaching experiment. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical reference for enhancing the teaching quality of vocational college engineering training courses.

Impact of Generative AI in Academic Integrity and Learning Outcomes: A Case Study in the Upper East Region

With the increasing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Bard, universities face challenges in maintaining academic integrity. This research investigates the impact of these tools on learning outcomes (factual knowledge, comprehension, critical thinking) in selected universities of Ghana's Upper East Region during the 2023-2024 academic year. The study specifically analyzes changes in student comprehension and academic integrity concerns when using Generative AI for content generation, research assistance, and summarizing complex topics. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative data from interviews and open-ended questions with quantitative analysis of survey data and academic records. The research focuses on three institutions: C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Bolgatanga Technical University, and Regentropfen University College. A purposive sampling technique recruited 150 participants (50 from each university) who had used Generative AI tools. Key findings show that 72% of students reported improved understanding of course material through Generative AI use, yet 75% cited academic integrity as a primary concern. Quantitative analysis revealed a weak to moderate positive correlation (r = 0.45) between AI tool usage and improved grades, with variations depending on the specific AI tasks performed. Qualitative data highlighted concerns about overreliance on AI and its impact on critical thinking skills. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on AI's role in education by providing valuable insights for educators and policymakers worldwide. The findings suggest that while AI tools can enhance comprehension, ethical considerations and potential drawbacks related to critical thinking require careful attention. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating AI literacy programs, developing ethical guidelines, and implementing advanced plagiarism detection systems to harness the benefits of Generative AI while mitigating risks to academic integrity. Although specific to the Upper East Region of Ghana, these insights may be applicable to other educational systems with similar characteristics.

Integrating a PABX Telephone System Learning Tool into Telecommunications Technology Curricula

This study aims to develop an operational Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) telephone system to be used as a laboratory tool for students in the Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Technology (BSECT) program at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). The PABX trainer is expected to enhance students' occupational preparation for potential employment in the telecommunications and networking industries. Through the operational platform, students' cognitive, manipulative, and programming skills related to PABX can be assessed. A telecommunications course is a core component of the BSECT curriculum, familiarizing students with corporate communications platforms like PABX. The presence of physical PABX equipment is crucial for quality instruction aligned with the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) standards and the university's accreditation requirements. While PABX has been widely used in industry, incorporating its technology into the BSECT curriculum remains necessary. This study aims to innovate pedagogical tools that establish students' PABX-related skill sets and potentially lead to further investigations and system integrations with other ICT technologies. The study yielded positive affirmation of the content, technical, and instructional qualities, and its overall acceptability relative to the learning tool. There are also significant improvements in the student’s cognitive skills, manipulative skills, and programming skills set out of using the PABX learning tool in laboratory activities.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Zinc Sulphate on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during February-May, 2023 on cucumber. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations and was replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor H: Hybrids (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112 and Saira-934) and Factor T: Different concentrations of GA₃+ZnSO₄ (T0 - Control (water spray), T1 -GA₃ @100ppm+ZnSO₄ @0.25%, T2 - GA₃ @200ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.50%, T3 - GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% and T4 - GA₃ @400ppm+ZnSO₄ @1%). TMCU-1125 recorded significantly higher yield attributes of cucumber over other hybrids in parameters like vine length at 80 DAS (102.6 cm), days to 50% flowering (40), days to 1st harvest (46), number of fruits per plant (11), fruit length (18.4 cm), average fruit weight (237.5 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.6 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.8 mg/100g). Among different treatments, GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% resulted in significantly longer vine at 80 DAS (98.4 cm), Days to 50% flowering (43), days to 1st harvest (50), number of fruits per plant (9), fruit length (16.6 cm), average fruit weight (232.0 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.0 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.5 mg/100g). The interaction effect of T8 (TMCU-1125 + GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% is best suited for getting higher growth, yield, quality of cucumber.

Effect of Nano-Urea Based Nitrogen Application on the Growth, Phenology and Yield of Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

As large quantum of urea is used in the rice crop, there is a need to reduce atleast some portion of prilled urea to minimize the nitrogen losses besides improving the growth and yield of rice. With this rationale, a field experiment was carried out in the Kharif season of 2022 at the Agronomy Research Farm in Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology- Kashmir, India to study the efficiency of Nano-urea over prilled urea in direct-seeded rice. The experimental study comprised of nine treatments viz.,T0 (Control), T1 (recommended dose of prilled urea), T2 (NU 2 sprays at 6 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage), T3 (NU 2 sprays at 8 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage), T4 (50 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 2 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage), T5 (50 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 4 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage), T6 (25 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 2 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage), T7 (25 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 4 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage), T8 (25 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 6 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage) and T9 (25 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 8 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage) which were arranged in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. These treatments included the application of Nano-urea in addition to conventional nitrogen dosages of 120 kg ha-1 and control treatments (no application). T5 (50 % RDPU as basal + NU 2 sprays at 4 ml L-1 at AT and PI stage) was the treatment that most significantly improved growth characteristics out of all of them, with a notable achievement of a Leaf Area Index (LAI) of 4.51. In addition, T5 performed superior to other treatments in yield-related parameters like panicle weight (2.69 g), yield (66.57 q ha-1). These findings demonstrate the significant potential of Nano-urea to maximize nitrogen use and increase yield in direct-seeded rice farming systems.

Effect of Different Zinc Sources and Application Methods on Content and Uptake of Micronutrients of Basmati Rice

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for plants, animals and human’s health. Zn deficiency is widely spread in paddy soils of India and has negative impact on national rice production. Field experiment on rice crop was conducted in sandy loam soil at crop research center Chirodi of SVBP University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut., during Kharif season of 2011 and 2012 toevaluate the “Effect of different sources and application methods of zinc on content and uptake of micronutrients in basmati rice crop in sandy loam soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of twelve treatments viz.; T1 (control), T2 (recommended NPK @120:60:60 kg ha-1) T3 (5 kg Zn through ZnSO4.7H2O+RDF), T4(5 kg Zn through mono ZnSO4.7H2O),T5 (0.1% Zn spray through ZnSO4.7H2O+RDF ),T6 (0.1% Zn spray through ZnSO4.7H2O + RDF),T7 (0.012% Zn spray through chelated Zn at tillering + RDF),T8 (0.05% Zn spray through ZnSO4.7H2O at tillering +0.05% at panicle initiation+ RDF), T9 (0.05% Zn spray through mono ZnSO4.7H2O at tillering + 0.05% at panicle initiation +RDF),T10 (0.006% Zn spray through chelated Zn at tillering + 0.006% at panicle initiation+ RDF ), T11 (micronutrient mixture@ 25kg ha-1 + RDF), T12 (vermicompost @ 3tha-1+ RDF).The experimental soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and higher in potassium with slightly alkaline in pH. The status of DTPA extractable Zn 1.23 mg Kg-1,Fe 14.85 mg Kg-1 Cu 2.43 mg Kg-1 Mn 10.91 mg Kg-1 in the surface soil. Nutrient assimilation at different stages by the rice crop varied significantly due to application of different treatments in the study. Maximum zinc content 85.78 and 93.57 ppm and uptake 288.60 and 341.85 g/ha at 30 DAT during 2011 and 2012 found in T12 which was significantly higher than the rest of the treatments while minimum zinc content recorded in T1 was significantly lower than the rest of the treatments during both the years. Similar trends were also recorded at 60 DAT, grain and straw growth stages of rice plant. The zinc content of plant sample in T11 and T3 was also higher and statistically at par to the level of zinc content recorded in T12. The Cu, Fe, and Mn content and uptake at different growth stages of rice plant sample in T11 and T3 was also higher and like the level in T12. Among the method of Zn application, soil application resulted in higher biomass, micronutrient content and uptake in the grain and straw. Foliar application caused greater effect on zinc content and uptake and as well as content and uptake of Cu, Fe and Mn in rice plant at different growth stages during both the years. Among the sources of Zinc, ZnSO4.7H2O proved to be the most efficient source of Zn for rice production.

Global research trends in skiing from 1974 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

This study analyzes 1643 documents related to skiing from 1974 to 2023 using the Web of Science Core Collection database, employing CiteSpace and VOSviewer for quantitative analysis. Findings reveal a growing literature output, with the past five years contributing to 36.2 % of publications. Norway leads in total publications and collaboration intensity, with the University of Salzburg and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology as prominent institutions. The research spans a wide range of disciplines such as Sport Sciences, Physiology, etc., and interdisciplinary intersections with engineering, computer science, etc. have become a future research trend. The research focuses on the analysis of skiers' sports performance, the analysis of skiing-induced sports injuries, the biomechanical analysis of skiers' postures, and the analysis of skiing-induced respiratory diseases. The study highlights the evolution of research focus from skiing injuries to injury prevention and sports performance enhancement. This comprehensive overview aids scholars in understanding skiing research hotspots and future trends efficiently.

Symposium 5: How can Networked Learning promote student-directed learning at AUT?

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a young university in Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on the student experience. This paper looks at the learning environment in that context and questions where networked learning principles could contribute to the strategic goal of student-directed learning. The paper explores central notions in networked learning as strengths and weaknesses, and redefines student-directed learning for the context of AUT.

Symposium 5: Applications of networked learning to the support of learning and teaching in higher education

This symposium is the result of a broad effort by the authors to consider the applicability of networked learning to our work to support learning and teaching across our institution. We, the authors, work in a central learning and teaching support unit within Auckland University of Technology (AUT), in Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. We are concerned with how networked learning is applicable to our efforts to support learning and teaching at AUT-specifically- to operationalise the institution’s strategic commitments to learner success. Our focus on supporting learning and teaching operates at various levels, from the ‘local’ level of individual courses to the intermediate level of supporting degree programmes to the more ‘global’ level associated with developing institutional policy that supports effective academic teaching practices and the ongoing evolution of a technology infrastructure that enables and supports productive learning and teaching activity. Moreover, our work deals with questions and challenges which range from specific, situated practical challenges to broad, philosophical questions which affect learning and teaching across the institution. This symposium represents our efforts to synthesise our understandings of networked learning and connect general ideas about networked learning with specific, situated aspects of our work to support learning and teaching across the institution.

Оценка различных форм груши кавказской (P. caucasica Fed.) для селекции на декоративность

Abstract. The article describes the results of studying the morphological features of 93 forms of P. caucasica Fed. collected in various regions of the Caucasus. The research was carried out in the collection gardens score, and samples with lower scores, but having one or more attractive decorative features. The studied samples of the Caucasian pear had valuable decorative qualities to varying degrees: narrow pyramidal crown (index 2.16) – Kasp-69-59; rounded crown (index 0.88) – 67-Chr-249, 67-B-208, Ard-69-18; large flowers – Ter-69-77, 67-Ku-139, 67-BZ-37, B-69-111, 67-BZ-67, B-69-87, Kasp-69-59; abundant flowering – P. caucasica Fed. № 2, P. caucasica Fed. №3, P. caucasica Fed. №6, B-69-88, L-69-98, L-69-101, Shali-69-36; attractive appearance of leaves, absence of fungal diseases – Arg-69-34, 67-B-190, Ur-69-1, 67-Chr-250, B-69- 78; anthocyanin integumentary coloration of fruits – P. caucasica Fed. №4 and №5, B-69-108, Kasp-69-59. Frost resistance of plants was an important feature for the use in ornamental gardening. This property was noted in the samples of P. caucasica Fed. №4, B-69-78, Ard-69-18. Samples B-69-90, B-69-78 had edible sweet fruits. Selected forms of the Caucasian pear retained their decorative properties during the growing season. The forms B69-88, B-69-78, Kasp-69-59, L-69-96, 67-Ku-127 can have the greatest value for breeding in terms of the sum of points and the presence of valuable features. Keywords: the Caucasus, the Caucasian pear, decorativeness, morphology, diversity of features, selection, breeding Financing source: The research was carried out at the expense of a grant from the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution «Maikop State Technological University» «Assessment of various forms of Caucasian pear (P. caucasica Fed.) for breeding for decorative purposes», registration number of the scientific project: NP 8-2024 of the Maikop Experimental Station – a branch of All-Union Research Institute of Plant Breeding (VIR) in 2021-2023s in accordance with modern methods of studying and assessing the decorative properties of research objects. Twenty-two samples were identified, including those with the highest total decorative

Research on Empowering High-Quality Development of International Chinese Education through Digital Transformation

The development of digital technology has driven the transformation of the era environment and presented a trend of digitalization. The application of digital technology in the education industry has driven a change in the way knowledge is disseminated. International Chinese education has played an important role in universities and under the influence of digital transformation, the high-quality development of education can be guaranteed. The flexible application of digital technology in universities helps to build a good international Chinese education environment and accelerate the digitization of teaching resources. In the context of digital transformation, universities need to use technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence to support teaching reform implementation. This article discusses the significance of digital transformation for international Chinese education and proposes specific application strategies to accumulate experience for optimizing international Chinese education.

Effect of Selected Insecticides against Earias vittella (Fabricius) on Okra Abelmoschus esculentus L.

At the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, a field experiment took place out at the Central Research Farm (CRF). Using a variant of Kasturi, the experiment was set up using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments that were each replicated three times. The treatments viz., Lambdacyhalothrin 2.5% EC@0.5-1ml/lit, Spinosad 45%SC @0.3-0.4ml/lit Flubendiamide 480SC @0.3ml/lit, Chlorantraniliprole18.5%SC 0.5ml/lit, Imidacloprid17.8%SL@ 1ml 2.5l, Emamectin benzoate 5%SG@5 g/land Neem oil@ 20 ml/l and along with untreated control were used against fruit and shoot borer (Earias vittella) infesting okra. All treatments have been shown to be significantly superior to control when analyzing the data on the larval population of the fruit and shoot borer of okra after the first and second spray. Among all the treatments Chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC showed lowest larval population 10.21 and 9.98 by Spinosad 45% SC(11.45,12.29%), Emamectinbenzoate 5% SG(13.86,14.11%), Imidacloprid 17.8% SL(16.94,15.87%) Lambdacyhalothrin 2.5% EC(17.83,16.03%) Flubendamide 480SC (19.25and19.40%) Neemoil 20ml/l (20.35 and18.75%) Control 5% (24.84 and 25.98%). The highest yield and cost benefit ratio was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC(153q/ha,1:6.54) followed by Spinosad 45% SC(150q/ha,1;6.01) Emamectinbenzoate 5% SG(125q/1;5.54), Imidacloprid 17.8% SL(117q/ha,1:5.28) Lambdacyhalothrin 2.5% EC(105q/ha1:4.83), Flubendamide 480 SC(79q/ha, 1:3.56 and Neemoil 20ml/l (7 0 q / h a ,1:3.03).

Challenges and Barriers to Commercialization of Health Sciences Research Results: A Qualitative Study

Background: In today's world, due to intense competition and the rapid pace of production, exploiting knowledge and converting it into economic returns has become a critical management issue for academics and capital owners. Commercialization activities can impact the educational and research programs of universities, potentially leading to resistance against them. Objectives: The current study was conducted to identify the challenges of the commercialization process in health science research. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between June and December 2022 in Tehran province, Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 22 key individuals, including university management and technology experts, as well as CEOs and experts from knowledge-based companies, selected through purposive sampling. The interview guide was designed based on four in-depth interviews, theoretical foundations, and comparative study findings. The obtained data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method in MAXQDA 10 software. Results: The challenges of the commercialization process for health sciences research results were categorized into six main themes and 16 sub-themes. The main themes identified in this study were rules and regulations, societal culture, university management and infrastructure, human resources, financial systems, and organizational cooperation with industry. Conclusions: Policymakers, especially senior health managers, can create a suitable platform for the optimal use of resources and the expansion of targeted relationships between universities and industries by incorporating economic insight into academic services. By compiling relevant laws and guidelines, optimizing resource management, achieving financial independence for universities, and increasing the productivity of health research, the high costs associated with the commercialization of academic research projects can be reduced.

Special MCP-N thermoluminescent detectors (TLD) with better angular dependence

One of the basic parameters in the use of thermoluminescent detectors is the angular characteristics, i.e. receiving different signals depending on the angle of radiation exposure. The TLD detector is typically installed in a slide/badge and here the angular characteristics may have an influence, adding non-uniform coverage of the detectors with filters for the correct determination of the dose as a function of energy, because the energy characteristics are usually not flat.As part of the work, special MCP-N (LiF:Mg, Cu, P) detectors of various shapes were prepared to improve the angular characteristics. The detectors were round pellets with the same circular shape with a diameter of 4.5 mm, and a modified form inside (large and small drilled holes) or a modified surface (cavity or hemisphere). For comparison, standard MCP-N type detectors were used. Detectors in special boxes were exposed to X-rays with an energy of 80 keV. The radiation beam was formed by a medical X-ray apparatus adapted for experiments at the Warsaw University of Technology in Warsaw. Exposures were made for angles of 0, 30, 45, 50, and 90° for a dose of 1.5 mGy.Results show that it is possible to improve the angular characteristics for detectors with modified shapes. Better angular characteristics will allow for more accurate measurements, in particular in comparison tests, for accreditation and other calibrations. Especially improved angular dependence detectors could be useful for H*(10) environmental measurements.

Reactive Carbon Capture: Cooperative and Bifunctional Adsorbent-Catalyst Materials and Process Integration for a New Carbon Economy.

ConspectusTo say the least, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere is reaping undue environmental consequences given the ever-present increase in severe global weather events over the past five years. However, it can be argued that-at least in the confines of current technological capabilities-the atmospheric release of CO2 is somewhat unavoidable given that even shifting toward clean energy sources-such as solar, nuclear, wind, battery, or H2 power-incurs an initial carbon requirement by way of manufacturing the very production abilities through which "clean" energy is generated. Even years from now, experts agree that energy production will be diversified and-as the global population continues to drive the growth of global energy consumption-thermal power derived from carbon combustion is likely to remain one intrinsic energetic source, of which CO2 will always be a byproduct. In this context, it is the responsibility of the scientific community to devise improved pathways of carbon management such that (i) the consequences of combustion on the global environment are reduced and (ii) carbon fuels can be leveraged in a sustainable fashion.In this Account, we discuss a pivotal perspective shift on CO2 emissions derived from a considerable breakthrough in material science from our work at Missouri University of Science and Technology. This account details the development of materials which no longer vilify CO2 emissions as a valueless combustion byproduct, instead providing a path for them to become a potential feedstock. In more specific terms, this work details the development of structured, cooperative "bifunctional" materials (BFMs) comprised of (i) a high-temperature adsorbent and (ii) a heterogeneous catalyst that enable single-bed CO2 capture and utilization in oxidative ethane dehydrogenation (ODHE), oxidative propane dehydrogenation (ODHP), and dry methane reforming (DMR) processes. This Account begins with the conceptual development of the BFMs in the powdered state, followed by detailing the first-ever reports of structuring the materials into facile honeycomb contactors by 3D printing. The Account then summarizes the impressive performance of the 3D-printed BFMs, specifically focusing on how their catalysts (metal oxides and perovskites) influence their reactive CO2 capture performances in ODHE, ODHP, and DMR processes. Such promise of CO2-as-fuel offers a glimpse into the future of a diversified energy economy, in which CO2/fuel looping can play an important role. A major factor in achieving this future is, of course, developing an appropriately active catalyst; an account of whose first breakthroughs in material science are detailed herein.

Investigating the Impact of Music Education Integration on the Development of Essential Qualities of Integrity and Self-Control among Science Students at Xuzhou University of Technology, China: A Case Study

Investigating the Impact of Music Education Integration on the Development of Essential Qualities of Integrity and Self-Control among Science Students at Xuzhou University of Technology, China: A Case Study

Unraveling the advantages of site-specific nutrient management in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancing the growth and productivity under varied plant populations in the hot and moist sub-humid region of Odisha

In developing countries like India, a cereal-based cropping system is one of the important practices, having a significant role in food security and the country’s economy. Among the cereal crops cultivated in India, maize is one among them having a huge market demand, and yield potential and can perform under various agroclimatic conditions. In the cultivation of cereal crops like maize, input optimization and intensification of farming by altering plant population are highly essential for agricultural sustainability as well as crop productivity. Nutrients can be efficiently applied through site site-specific approach by using a decision support system, namely, Nutrient Expert (NE) rather application of a recommended dose for an agroclimatic region. Considering the above fact, the research was carried out in the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Post Graduate Research Farm ofCenturion University of Technology and Management (23?38' N latitude and 87?42' E longitude) in Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with different spacings and NE-based nutrient recommendations. The main factor consisted of 3 different spacings and 4 different nutrient recommendations were considered in sub-plots. The recommended dose of fertilizer for maize was 120-60-60 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5:K2O respectively. The results of the experiment revealed that the highest plant height (249 cm), dry matter accumulation (1556 g m-2), leaf area (5674 cm2 plant-1), grain yield (6362 kg ha-1), and stover yield (9334 kg ha-1) were obtained in 60 cm × 15 cm spacing. The NE-based nutrient management for a target yield for 10 t ha-1 recorded the highest values in terms of growth attributes, yield attributes, and yield of maize. The experiment concluded that providing fertilizers through NE-based nutrient recommendation for a target yield of 10 t ha-1 with a spacing of 60 cm × 15cm can be considered for obtaining better growth, yield attributes, and yield of maize.

A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF CYBER SOCIALISING INTERACTIONS IN ENGLISH AMONG STUDENTS

The influence of modern technology and engagement in cyber socialising have become a prominent part of modern communication. A new learning pedagogy with proper guidelines is needed to assist users to engage with social networking platforms efficiently. The researcher investigated discourse analysis involving participants to answer questions about both the contextual application of the language, and the functions and results of aspects pertaining to discourse such as diction, cohesion, and metaphors. The researcher employed a quantitative approach in this study. The study randomly sampled 80 students from a University of Technology (UoT) in Gauteng to participate in quantitative discourse analysis of communication using Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter texts. The methods of data elicitation embraced extracts from Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter texts provided by 80 participants. Statistics were used to present the findings of the quantitative data which included mainly frequency of certain aspects pertaining to discourse. Data were collected via email and texts were numbered according to the participants. These texts remain anonymous and the identities of the participants were concealed. The study found that the language used on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter was characterised by the use of emoji, low register words, code-switching few spelling errors and the modern tendency to shorten words by using clipping and number homophones which are not seen as errors but a unique style of writing. Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter remain three popular communication sites and discourse surfaces since it is important for users to communicate meaningfully even when using excessive punctuation to indicate excitement and emoji to communicate emotions.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for World Journal of English Language, Vol. 14, No. 5

World Journal of English Language wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.World Journal of English Language is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: wjel@sciedupress.comReviewers for Volume 14, Number 5Abderrazak Zaafour, Almería University, SpainAbdul Syahid, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palangka Raya, IndonesiaAbdulfattah Omar, The Australian National University, AustraliaAby John, RUDN University, IndiaAcep Unang Rahayu, Poltekpar NHI Bandung, IndonesiaAli Hussein Hazem, University of Patras, GreeceAna Maria Costa Lopes, Higher School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, PortugalAnna Maria Kuzio, University of Zielona Gora, PolandAntonio Piga, University of Cagliari, ItalyAravind B R, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, IndiaAshraf Mansour, Jerash Private University, JordanAtyaf Hasan Ibrahim, Al Iraqia University, IraqAyman Khafaga, Suez Canal University, EgyptBadri Abdulhakim Mudhsh, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, OmanBeibei Ren, University of South Florida, USABerhane Gerencheal, Aksum University, EthiopiaChristian Jay Olandria Syting, University of Mindanao, PhilippinesDon Anton Balida, International College of Engineering and Management, OmanElsadig Hussein Fadlalla Ali, King Khalid University, Saudi ArabiaGhazwan Mohammed Saeed Mohammed, University of Bisha, Saudi ArabiaHerman, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, IndonesiaHiyam Al-Badareen, Al al-Bayt University , JordanHossein Salarian, University of Tehran, IranHouaria Chaal, Hassiba Ben Bouali University of Chlef, AlgeriaHussain Hamid Ali Ghazzaly, Al-Azhar University, EgyptInayatullah Kakepoto, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering Science & Technology, Nawabshah, PakistanJânderson Coswosk, Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, BrazilJergen Jel A. Cinco- Labaria, Western Philippines University, PhilippinesKristiawan Indriyanto, Universitas Prima Indonesia, IndonesiaL. Santhosh Kumar, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), IndiaLeila Lomashvili, Shawnee State University, USALihong Ding, Lanzhou University of Arts and Sciences, ChinaMaroua Benhamlaoui, University of Fréres Mentouri- Constantine 1 , AlgeriaMelania Terrazas Gallego, University of La Rioja, SpainMohamad Amin Shirkhani, University of sistan and baluchestan, IranMohamad Fadhili bin Yahaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara Perlis Branch, MalaysiaMounir Jilani Ben Zid, Sultan Qaboos University, OmanMozhgan Ghassemiazghandi, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MalaysiaMuhammed Ibrahim Hamood, University of Mosul, IraqNitin Malhotra, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, IndiaNuriadi Nuriadi, University of Mataram, IndonesiaOlena Andrushenko, Universität Augsburg, GermanyOmsalma Ahmed, University of Hail, Saudi ArabiaÖzkanal, Ümit, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TurkeyP. Jayakumar, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, IndiaPatsawut Sukserm, Chulalongkorn University Language Institute (CULI), ThailandPrincess H. Policarpio, Angeles University Foundation , PhilippinesRamesh Manickkam, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, IndiaS. Priya, Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science, IndiaS. Sakthivel, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, IndiaS. V. Dhanawade, Vivekanand College(Autonomous) Kolhapur, IndiaSafi Eldeen Alzi’abi, Jerash University, JordanSaif Ali Abbas Jumaah, University of Mosul, IraqSantri Djahimo, Nusa Cendana University, IndonesiaSara Mansouri, Islamic Azad University-Najafabad branch, IranŞenel, Müfit, 19 Mayıs University, TurkeyServais Dieu-Donné Yédia DADJO, University of Abomey-Calavi, BeninShalini Yadav, Compucom Institute of Technology and Management, IndiaShangrela Genon-Sieras, Mindanao State University, Main Campus, PhilippinesSohaib Alam, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi ArabiaSonthaya Rattanasak, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, ThailandTelal Mirghani Khalid, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, QatarWahaj Unnisa Warda, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaZijun SHEN, Sichuan University of Media and Communications, China

Animation and Manga on Improvement in Students’ Problem-Solving Capabilities: Comparison of Two Psychometric Models

To improve the problem-solving capabilities of students, this study explored using interactive digital teaching materials based on animation and manga. A classroom teaching system was developed based on teaching material using a manga format. Students from a national university and a science and technology university in southern Taiwan were recruited. A questionnaire survey was administered for data collection. A total of 104 valid samples were collected; the data were analysed using SPSS 17.0. Two statistically significant models could be used to predict learning outcomes, and the highest R2 value was 52.5%. The utilisation of interactive multimedia teaching materials based on animation and manga helped students apply knowledge to solve practical problems, cultivating their problem-solving capabilities. The findings differed from previous studies; models developed in this study could be used to determine the effects and relationships of multiple factors.