Engineering Department Research Articles

Pengembangan Desain Wizer.Me Sebagai E-LKPD pada Mata Pelajaran Matematika Materi Bilangan Bulat Kelas VII SMP

The development of E-LKPD in Grade VII Mathematics Subject of SMPN 5 Linggo Sari Baganti is motivated by a teacher-oriented learning pattern, as well as limitations in the use of digital teaching materials such as E-LKPD. This research aims to produce valid and practical E-LKPD products so that they can be used in the learning process. The type of research used is Research and Development (R&D). The development model used in this study is a 4D model. The 4D model consists of 4 stages, namely define, design, develop and disseminate. The results of the development of E-LKPD were obtained through validity and practicality tests. The product validity test was validated by three validators consisting of one material validator, namely a teacher of Mathematics Class VII SMPN 5 Sari Baganti and two media validators, namely lecturers from the Department of Curriculum and Educational Technology, Padang State University. The product practicality test was carried out by conducting an E-LKPD trial for grade VIIB students of SMPN 5 Linggo Sari Baganti. The results of the validity test by a material expert and two media experts obtained an average score of 4.86, 4.86, and 4.8 respectively which was categorized as "very valid". The results of the practicality test obtained an average score of 4.6 with the category "very practical". Thus, it can be concluded that the E-LKPD developed is suitable for use as a teaching material in Mathematics Class VII Junior High School.

Assessment of water quality in the piped water supply system by using Water Quality index method

Background Drinking water of the right and approved quality is a basic requirement for the development of any civilization. According to SDG 6 it is crucial to provide every citizen with equitable water quality and quantity. Methods The study area is the smart city of Bhubaneswar with 67 wards and three zones: the north zone, south-west zone, and south-east zone with around 12.4 lakh population. To maintain the water quality in the supply pipeline in this city, which is always assumed to be safe, it needs to be examined within certain time intervals to check the contamination. In this context, studies on water quality parameters in the supply pipeline network from different anticipated vulnerable areas have been collected for testing. In this context, water samples were collected from areas near industries, market complexes, educational institutions, and construction sites of each ward of Bhubaneswar. Nearly 10 water quality parameters were tested and analyzed using the weighted arithmetic water quality index method. This method takes input of all the parameters and provides the overall water quality index value, which classifies the water in different grades like excellent, good, poor, and very poor quality. Results According to the WHO (2011) guidelines, the study found that there is a deviation in the parameters like 10.78% in pH, 19.48% in dissolved oxygen, 43.88% in conductivity, and 22.95% in hardness from the standard limit, but the overall water quality index indicates the water is not in the poor and very poor range. Also, water quality index values identify that the water in the south-east zone is excellent compared to the north and south-west zones. The reason for the slight deterioration is due to the underground cable works, road works and also some areas where the old pipeline system is still existing due to personal encroachment of people as per Public health Engineering department.

A New Approach to Measuring Institutional and Researcher Contributions to the SDGs: Combining Data from Elsevier SciVal and VOSviewer

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations in 2015, are a comprehensive global framework that addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges through sustainable development. This study examines the role of universities, specifically focusing on the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang (UNIMMA), in contributing to the SDGs. The study utilized data from Elsevier’s SciVal to analyze the department’s contribution to the SDGs through scientific publications in the Scopus database. A total of 97 out of 156 articles published by nine researchers from the department were found to contribute to various SDGs, with a significant focus on Goals 7 (affordable and clean energy), 17 (partnerships for the goals), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 12 (responsible consumption and production). The study highlights the department’s collaborative efforts and alignment with global sustainability goals. In addition, VOSviewer was used to map the research collaboration network within the department, revealing strong contributions to energy efficiency, sustainable technologies, and climate action. However, the department's research shows limited contribution to social SDGs such as poverty alleviation and gender equality. By mapping the university’s contributions to the SDGs, this study helps faculty members identify opportunities for targeted research collaborations, address gaps in SDG contributions, and enhance partnerships with researchers from other institutions, thus broadening the university’s impact on global sustainable development goals.

Effect of Green Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles on Seed Quality OF Maize

Nanotechnology is an emerging science and has wide applications in agriculture. Green synthesized nanoparticles are safer, cost effective and eco-friendly over chemical and physical synthesis. The laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of green-synthesized silver and zinc nanoparticles on seed quality of maize hybrid (GH-150125) during 2023-24 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Green synthesis of silver and zinc nanoparticles were mediated through neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is as reducing and capping agent. The standardization for effective concentration and priming duration for silver and zinc nanoparticles were standardized from different concentrations of (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm). For priming effective duration were standardized from six, eight and twelve hours inclusive of hydropriming and control (untreated). The effective concentrations of 250-750 ppm and duration of 8 h and 6 h from AgNPs and ZnNPs recorded higher respectively as compared to control and hydropriming. In laboratory, the seed treated with zinc nanoparticles at 750 ppm for 6 h recorded significantly higher germination percentage of (97 %), shoot length (21.53 cm), root length (20.17cm) and seedling vigour index I (4045) compared to control. Hence, the results conclude that ZnNPs at 750 ppm for 6 hours was superior as seed treatment in maize to enhance seed germination and seedling growth than other treatments.

Inter-retaliatory Student Projects as Part of Evaluating Practical Knowledge with the Assist of Novel Assessment Technique

This paper enlightens on the enrichment of students in practical aspects rather than by regular lecture sessions. We at RK University came up with a new initiative of introducing inter-disciplinary student projects for the Department of Computer engineering, Electrical engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering& Mechanical Engineering. The approach was that the students of diploma 5th semester of above-said branches will come together in a group of maximum six students to design & develop a prototype model with a specific application in compliance with domestic and industrial needs. The main objective was to make them aware of other disciplines that how things are managed irrespective of the hurdles in their way and to understand basic fundamentals of other branches. This paper showcases the course evaluation methodology, rubrics components and flow of progress of project work. Hence culmination of domestic/industrial needs with practical knowledge of the prototype models would meet their expectations. Keywords: Inter-disciplinary project work, Innovative assessment, Team-coordination

Exploring Students Awareness, Access and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Architectural Design

Artificial intelligence has become a trending topic in the last decade and has permeated all spheres of life and profession and Architecture is no exception. The use of artificial intelligence in architecture is still in its infancy as more research is still being carried out in the application of artificial intelligence in architecture to solve problems ranging from intelligent material design to architectural plan solutions. This study aimed to examine students’ levels of awareness, access, and use of artificial intelligence in architectural design at selected tertiary institutions in Southeast Nigeria. The three tertiary institutions selected are; The Department of Architectural Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, The Department of Architectural Technology Abia State Polytechnic, Aba and The Department of Architecture, Abia State University, Uturu. The main objective is to carry out a survey to investigate the awareness, access, and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in architectural design among students in selected tertiary institutions in Southeast Nigeria. This study adopted a descriptive research design of the survey method and employed a three-sectioned questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents. The sample size included a multistage sample of 300 undergraduates across three tertiary institutions in Ebonyi State and Abia State. The findings of the study were that the majority of the students are not aware of artificial intelligence and will use AI if they are aware of it and have access to it for their architectural design. Therefore, there is a need for integrating AI-related courses and workshops into the Architectural curriculum which can lead to better-prepared graduates who are proficient in using advanced design tools, potentially increasing their employability and innovation in the field. This study concluded that students' ability to explore digital resources such as AI for Architectural design is dependent on their awareness and access to digital technologies. A lack of these will result in a lack of use and lack of skill to use them.

Gambaran Prokrastinasi Akademik Mahasiswa dan Implikasinya dalam Pelayanan Konseling

This research is motivated by the existence of academic procrastination that occurs among students. Students carry out high academic procrastination because students do not have the ability to manage their time well and prefer to do more enjoyable tasks than completing tasks. This study aims to describe the academic procrastination of curriculum and educational technology students and its effectiveness in counseling services. This type of research is quantitative research with a descriptive method. The population in this study was 436 students with a research sample of 209 students of the Curriculum & Educational Technology Department who were active in lectures in the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 classes of the 2024/2025 academic year. The sampling technique for this study used the Proportional Stratified Random Sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through the use of instruments using a Likert scale, namely using academic procrastination instruments for students. The results of this study indicate that: (1) the level of academic procrastination of students majoring in curriculum and educational technology as a whole is in the moderate category. (2) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of being stuck in starting and completing tasks is in the moderate category. (3) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of being late in completing tasks is in the moderate category. (4) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of time discrepancies between plans and actual performance is in the moderate category. (5) the level of academic procrastination of students based on aspects of doing more enjoyable activities is in the moderate category. Based on the results of this research, counselors can provide assistance to students to reduce the level of academic procrastination of students in the form of: information services, individual counseling services, group guidance services and group counseling services.

Global radiotherapy demands and corresponding radiotherapy-professional workforce requirements in 2022 and predicted to 2050: a population-based study.

Addressing the challenge of cancer control requires a comprehensive, integrated, and global health-system response. We aimed to estimate global radiotherapy demands and requirements for radiotherapy professionals from 2022 to 2050. We conducted a population-based study using data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 and predicted global radiotherapy demands and workforce requirements in 2050. We obtained incidence figures for 29 types of cancer across 183 countries and derived the cancer-specific radiotherapy use rate using the 2013 Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation model. We delineated the proportion of people with cancer who require radiotherapy and can be accommodated within the existing installed capacity, assuming an optimal use rate of 50% or 64%, in both 2022 and 2050. A use rate of 50% corresponds to the global average and a use rate of 64% considers potential re-treatment scenarios, as indicated by the 2013 Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CCORE) radiotherapy use rate model. We established specified requirements for teletherapy units at a ratio of 1:450 patients, for radiation oncologists at a ratio of 1:250 patients, for medical physicists at a ratio of 1:450 patients, and for radiation therapists at a ratio of 1:150 patients in all countries and consistently using these ratios. We collected current country-level data on the radiotherapy-professional workforce from national health reports, oncology societies, or other authorities from 32 countries. In 2022, there were an estimated 20·0 million new cancer diagnoses, with approximately 10·0 million new patients needing radiotherapy at an estimated use rate of 50% and 12·8 million at an estimated use rate of 64%. In 2050, GLOBOCAN 2022 data indicated 33·1 million new cancer diagnoses, with 16·5 million new patients needing radiotherapy at an estimated use rate of 50% and 21·2 million at an estimated use rate of 64%. These findings indicate an absolute increase of 8·4 million individuals requiring radiotherapy from 2022 to 2050 at an estimated use rate of 64%; at an estimated use rate of 50%, the absolute increase would be 6·5 million individuals. Asia was estimated to have the highest radiotherapy demand in 2050 (11 119 478 [52·6%] of 21 161 603 people with cancer), followed by Europe (3 564 316 [16·8%]), North America (2 546 826 [12·0%]), Latin America and the Caribbean (1 837 608 [8·7%]), Africa (1 799 348 [8·5%]), and Oceania (294 026 [1·4%]). We estimated that the global radiotherapy workforce in 2022 needed 51 111 radiation oncologists, 28 395 medical physicists, and 85 184 radiation therapists and 84 646 radiation oncologists, 47 026 medical physicists, and 141 077 radiation therapists in 2050. We estimated that the largest proportion of the radiotherapy workforce in 2050 would be in upper-middle-income countries (101 912 [38·8%] of 262 624 global radiotherapy professionals). Urgent strategies are required to empower the global health-care workforce and facilitate the fundamental human right of access to suitable health care. A collective effort with innovative and cost-contained health-care strategies from all stakeholders is warranted to enhance global accessibility to radiotherapy and address challenges in cancer care. China Medical Board Global Health Leadership Development Program, Shanghai Science and Technology Committee Fund, China Ministry of Science and Technology Department of International Cooperation High Level Cooperation and Exchange Projects, and Fudan University Office of Global Partnerships Key Projects Development Fund. For the Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish translations of the summary see Supplementary Materials section.

A New NDSA (Normalized Differential Spectral Attenuation) Measurement Campaign for Estimating Water Vapor Along a Radio Link

The Normalized Differential Spectral Attenuation (NDSA) technique was proposed years ago as an active method for measuring integrated water vapor (IWV) along a Ku/K-band radio link immersed (totally or partially) in the troposphere. The approach is of the active kind, as it relies on the transmission of a couple of sinusoidal signals, whose power is measured at the receiver, thus providing the differential attenuation measurements from which IWV estimates can be in turn derived. In 2018, a prototype instrument providing such differential attenuation measurements was completed and set up for a first measurement campaign aimed at demonstrating the NDSA method. By the end of June 2022, the instrument was profoundly modified and upgraded so that a second measurement campaign could be carried out from 1 August to 30 November 2022. The transmitter was placed on the top of Monte Gomito (44.1277°lat, 10.6434°lon, 1892 m a.s.l.) and the receiver on the roof of the Department of Information Engineering of the University of Florence (43.7985°lat, 11.2528°lon, 50 m a.s.l.). The resulting radio link length was 61.15 km. Four ground weather stations of the regional weather service were selected among those available. In this paper, we describe the upgraded instrument and present the outcomes of the new measurement campaign, whose purpose was mainly to compare the IWV estimates provided by the instrument with the ground sensor measurements of air temperature, air humidity, barometric pressure, and rainfall. In particular, we show that the temporal trends of the two IWV estimates are qualitatively consistent, and that the instrument is able to provide IWV estimates also in the presence of fog and rainfall. Conversely, a quantitative evaluation through comparison with IWV data from point weather station measurements appears challenging due to the significant spatial variability in temperature and relative humidity, even between couples of stations that are quite close to each other.

Incorporating sex and gender into health research funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Health: lessons learned in 15 years and prospects for change

Incorporating sex and gender differences into health research demonstrates the inequalities in the health of women, men and intersex people. This study analyzed funding provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s Department of Science and Technology (Decit/MS) for research incorporating sex and gender in Brazil between 2004 and 2018, stratified by year, region, funding format, and type of research. This is a descriptive retrospective study based on public secondary data provided by Decit/MS. A total of 171 studies were funded, with a value of 30.5 million PPP$, most conducted in educational and research institutions in Southeast Brazil (78.4%). Stratified analysis revealed no significant difference in the amount of funding provided under different government administrations. The largest investment was for national research funding (57.9%). Ten institutions received most of the financial resources provided (82.8%). The most funded research was on population and public health (62%). The most studied topic was chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD) (29%). Investments in research were insufficient and unequally distributed among regions, receiving institutions, and types of research. Government and funding agencies need to implement specific action plans to encourage understanding of sex and gender disparities in the Brazilian health sector.

Do Video Games Enhance Competencies & Skills? Study Case: Civil Engineering Students

The following article is a text that shows the relevance of including video games as part of an academic technique that promotes coexistence, communication, teamwork, develop some skills, competencies, and creativity among members of the university community -professors and students-. The objective of this research is to show the results obtained in a dynamic organized by the Civil Engineering department of a private university in Puebla, Mexico. The idea is to hold a private session and play “Call of Duty: Warzone II”. It should be noted that with this activity the students can learn a specific content, in this case, the analysis of a hydraulic press, how it is built and how it works. In addition, the activity carried on, helped to create a better bond between teachers and students, but above all, showed the possibilities to generate greater interest in learning and to get the students actively involved in one topic. The theoretical framework on which this research lies in the following topics: Game-Based Learning -GBL-, innovative education focused on video games as community generators, and the importance of the development of certain skills among college students. The methodology that this study has, is quantitative. Particularly, a questionnaire -Likert scale-, is carried out to the students who participated in this dynamic. The main results show that the people who were in the virtual session are excited to interact under another type of scenarios that goes beyond the classroom, and that “breaking” the barrier between teacher and alumni becomes a differentiating and innovative element. In educational matters, they consider that the learning obtained from a video game is something that they had not contemplated; Added to this, the students ensure that working as a team, communicating their needs and doubts between peers, and getting involved in this kind of forums helps generate greater interest in engineering and acquire new knowledge. Finally, it can be concluded that video games nowadays are an indispensable tool not only to foster an online community but to take the teaching and learning process to another level.

DEVELOPMENT OF PLASMA RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGIES AT THE GAS INSTITUTE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE AND THE GLOBAL SITUATION

A multi-faceted analysis of the development of the subject of plasma research and technologies was performed, the center of which is the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing raw materials. The competitive selection of scientific and technical (experimental) developments under the state order, the implementation of which will begin in 2024 at the expense of the state budget, objectively proved the relevance of the subject matter of the department of plasma processes and technologies. Indeed, immediately two of the total number of 25 competitive works are directly based on plasma technologies in the field of competence of the department. The in-depth history of the initiation at the world level of plasma research or the “fourth state of matter”, as it was called in the 19th century, is analyzed; the outstanding role of the Ukrainian scientist Ivan Pulyuy is shown in it (in addition to his already well-known X-ray research, which is similar in terms of experimental technique). Peculiarities of the early formation of the problem of gasification of hydrocarbon-containing raw materials (as the basis of modern plasma technologies of hydrogen production) are also analyzed on the basis of a comparison of publications from the early period of the existence of the former USSR and Germany. In order to return to historical justice, the most prominent role of the former director of the Gas Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Academician V.F. Kopytov in the establishment of the institute as a powerful scientific organization and a scientist who also actively supported the development of research into high-temperature processes and plasma technologies. Individual scientific achievements of employees of the department of plasma processes and technologies at various stages of its formation and development are analyzed. The directions of development of plasma technologies are classified according to the physical state of the plasma and areas of application; the developments of the institute are briefly presented according to the directions where they are carried out. Bibl. 77, Fig. 6.

RC dapped-end beams with various reinforcement layouts: An experimental investigation

Reinforced Concrete (RC) discontinuity regions (D-regions), such as dapped ends, can represent vulnerable zones in existing RC structures since they can exhibit a brittle failure mechanism. In common design practice, the ultimate strength of D-regions is assessed through Strut and Tie (S&T) models. Current design codes recommend two resistant mechanisms for dapped ends but do not provide information about the identification of steel bars involved in the resistant mechanism when the reinforcement is formed by distributed bars. An experimental campaign on dapped-end beams with various reinforcement layouts, including configurations without diagonal bars or with one or multiple layers of diagonal bars, has been carried out at the Structures and Material Testing Laboratory of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Florence. Results allow for identifying the influence of different reinforcement layouts on the crack pattern at the Service Limit State (SLS) and on the post-peak response. Both the strain on bars and the crack opening displacements are investigated until failure. The work highlights that layouts with distributed diagonal bars reduce the crack widths at the SLS compared to other configurations, increase the ductility, and allow for the timely detection of damaged dapped ends during in situ inspections.

9227 Haptoglobin-related protein (HPR) new role as insulin secretion enhancer

Abstract Disclosure: Carlos Viesi, Ph.D.[1], Ian Tamburini, BS[1], Hosung Bae, Ph.D[1]., Erwin Ilegems, Ph.D.[2], Leandro Velez, Ph.D. [1], Mingqi Zhou, BS[1], Christy Nguyen, Ph.D.[1], Casey Johnson, Ph.D.[1], Cholsoon Jang, Ph.D[1]., Erika Nishimura[2] and Marcus Seldin, Ph.D.[1]. [1]Department of Biological Chemistry, Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA, [2]Departments of Diabetes Protein Engineering, Diabetes Biology & Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Engineering, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, DK-2760 Måløv, Denmark. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) affects over 530 million people around the globe. Insulin resistance, encompassing tissues such as muscle, adipose, and liver, is the initial step hallmarked by hyperinsulinemia. Coupled with β-cell failure, these coordinated responses progress to T2D, becoming irreversible and medically challenging. Despite the well-established requirement for communication between pancreas and peripheral tissues in T2D progression, this area remains almost entirely unexplored. Here, we performed a human population genetic screening across 310 individuals to search for new endocrine regulators of pancreas function. Specifically, global gene expression from 18 peripheral tissues was analyzed to identify potential endocrine regulators of insulin secretion. This analysis prioritized liver-specific Haptoglobin-related protein (HPR) as genetically-enriched with islet insulin responses. Mouse models using AAV technology and acute protein administration of HPR showed that this newly secreted protein is sufficient to prevent diet-induced insulin resistance through enhanced beta-cell respiration. When mice were administered soluble HPR, then pancreatic tissue subjected to global RNA-sequencing, enhanced respiration pathways were observed. Next, we generated hepatocyte-specific overexpression models using AAV, which were sufficient to rescue whole-body glucose disposal profiles and weight gain in diet-induced insulin-resistant mice. Altogether, these findings highlight HPR as a novel soluble protein which signals from liver to pancreatic islets. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Retaining Talent in Digital, Technology and Innovation Department: Key Factors Influencing Retention at a GLC in Malaysia

Employee retention is crucial for organizational success, especially in dynamic fields like Digital, Technology, and Innovation. This correlational study investigated factors influencing employee retention within the DTI department of a Malaysian GLC, guided by Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory. The study examined the relationship between employee retention (dependent variable) and compensation & benefits, work-life balance, career growth opportunities, and training & development (independent variables). Data was collected from a diverse sample of DTI employees using a comprehensive survey and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The findings revealed no significant relationship between compensation & benefits, work-life balance, or career growth opportunities and employee retention. However, a significant positive relationship was found between training & development and employee retention. This study provides insights into the unique factors affecting retention in DTI departments and offers practical recommendations for creating a supportive work environment that enhances employee retention. Specifically, the study highlights the importance of robust training and development programs in fostering employee satisfaction, skills development, and ultimately, higher retention rates.

Factors influencing educators’ implementation of quality teaching practices in Australian engineering education

ABSTRACT Improving teaching quality within engineering education is a long-standing challenge, made more difficult by the complex economic, political, and social environment in which educators operate. Understanding the enablers and barriers to implementing quality educational practices from a holistic perspective is thus critical for developing evidence-based actions for improving practice. This study addresses the research question: ‘what key factors influence engineering educators’ implementation of quality educational practices, and how?’. Using Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice as the theoretical lens, interviews were conducted with 21 engineering educators from 11 distinct Australian universities. Conceptualising the field as the engineering departments of Australian universities, data were thematically analysed to identify key themes relating to capital (what is valued within the field) and habitus (characteristics influencing individuals’ perceptions). Five factors emerged relating to capital: knowledge of engineering subject matter, knowledge of quality educational practices, recognition of teaching quality, resource allocation for teaching, and collegial network. These interacted with four factors relating to educators’ habitus: role context, personal motivation towards teaching, subject and student characteristics, and institutional context. Recommendations for educational leaders include increasing the value of educational and industry acquired engineering knowledge, developing enhanced impact evaluation approaches aligned to recognition processes, and supporting engagement between educators.

The Relationship Between Work Position Risk and the Level of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Private Limited Company Personnel

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are abnormalities that affect the musculoskeletalsystem, triggered by various risk factors in the work environment. Commonly, MSDs occur due to non-ergonomic working conditions. It arises from chronic exposure to risk factors that can cause injury to the musculoskeletalsystem, this condition will impact on the social and economic aspects of employees. This research was conducted to determine the characteristics of employees, description of the region and the level of musculoskeletal complaints experienced, risk of work positions based on RULA assessment, and the relationship between risk of work positions and the level of musculoskeletal complaints with an analytic cross-sectional design. The study sample was 33 employees of the Engineering Section of private limited company personnel. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. The results show that the majority of the Engineering Department employees at private limited company personnel were 23 years old (36.4%) and had worked for two to three years (33.3%). As many as 48.5% of employees experienced moderate levels of musculoskeletal complaints. Of the 33 respondents, the majority of employees (63.6%) had a low-risk position, nine people (27.3%) had moderate risk, and three (9.1%) had high risk. There is a significant relationship between the risk of work position and the level of musculoskeletal complaints (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between the risk of working position and the level of musculoskeletal complaints in personnel of limited liability companies. Keywords: employee health, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), level of occupational risk

Unlocking Customer Happiness and Enhancing Quality of Life: The Potential of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise ICT Initiatives in Stress-Inducing Environments

Customers in resource-poor communities still grapple with many information and communication technology (ICT) failures as they strive to access goods and services in small and medium enterprises near them. From a customer perspective, these challenges often lead to stress-related issues such as frustrations and anxiety, which can even result in transaction abandonment. Extended ICT failures result in SMEs failing to achieve sustainable e-commerce. This study delves into the impact of ICT initiatives by SMEs in stress-inducing environments on customers’ quality of life. The study further examines whether customer stress and happiness play a role in this association. Quantitative data were acquired using the mall intercept method, while the developed hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SMART-PLS 4. The results shed light on how customers navigate daily ICT-related failures experienced by SMEs operating in poor resource communities as they strive for happiness and stress-free lives, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The study recommends that the government, through its agencies, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Department of Science and Technology, among others, not only create an environment supporting SME ICT initiatives but also find strategies for sustaining SME ICT adoption for improved human well-being and socio-economic development within resource-constrained communities.

E-Textbooks as a Teaching Aid at a University of Technology in South Africa: A Cultural-Historical Activity Theory Analysis

The past two years saw a rapid proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in higher education. Digital technologies and environments offer many affordances. New digital literacy practices in universities have implications for teaching and learning. E-textbooks, in particular, act as mediating tools that can facilitate teaching and learning through developing students’ understandings of scientific concepts. This paper positions e-textbooks as mediators of learning, rather than merely objects of learning. There is thus a need to understand the mediating role of e-textbooks that lecturers draw on in their teaching. While much research was conducted on students’ use of e-textbooks, relatively little was conducted on lecturers’ use of e-textbooks in engineering education. The current study aimed to answer the following research question: What are lecturers’ perspectives on the use of e-textbooks to facilitate learning in engineering? To address this question, data were collected through five individual interviews conducted with engineering lecturers working in the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) of first-year students from three engineering departments (chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and nautical science) at a university of technology in South Africa. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis with the help of ATLAS.ti. Data analysis was guided by a theoretical framework that drew on the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT). In this study, the focus was on e-textbooks as pedagogical tools within engineering teaching and learning. The findings provide insight into how lecturers incorporate e-textbooks into their teaching, but also reveal the extent to which new digital literacy reading practices remain unfamiliar to engineering lecturers. CHAT enabled the identification of a critical insight, namely, the tension between mediation and division of labour. This highlights important aspects of the discourse surrounding seamless technology integration in higher education. The discussion points to the need for an expansive transformation regarding the use of e-textbooks as important mediating tools for teaching and learning.

Effective Communication Strategies for Business Analysts to Bridge the Gap between IT and Finance

As organizations depend more on technology to stay ahead of the competition, their information technology (IT) and business departments must work together closely. However, cultural differences and understanding between the specialized fields often make it hard for them to work together effectively. If these issues are fixed, they could make it easier to finish projects, stick to budgets, and agree on the company's goals. Many companies use business analysts to help people talk to each other by acting as liaisons knowledgeable in technology and finances. However, there is limited information in the literature about how analysts can connect the tasks. This study fills that gap by looking into the problems when IT and finance work together and suggesting specific steps analysts can take to improve strategic alignment. Looking at past studies shows that common differences make it hard for people to work together. IT and finance use different vocabularies for technical terms and project-based versus financial terms, leading to misunderstandings. They also set other priorities. It emphasizes speed of innovation and technical practicality, while finance emphasizes reducing risk, accuracy, and returns. There are also differences in the amount of knowledge and skill that people in IT and finance have regarding technical solution details and financial effects. They also use different ways to make decisions. IT bases judgments on technological factors, while finance assesses business impact. Besides, cultural norms diverge between the flexible and creative IT culture and the rigorous and methodical finance culture. Business analysts should utilize several focused communication strategies to close these gaps. Creating a shared vocabulary helps terms from diverse fields fit. Regular mapping and stakeholder conversations help you grasp other perspectives. Actively listening, repeating, asking questions, and summarizing shows you comprehend. Educating on decision-making variables and expertise broadens perspectives. Discussing cultural meanings and making sure individuals understand questions improves discussion. Using shared goals like increasing sales or lowering costs is another way to unite people around similar goals. By using these specific methods, business experts can help IT and finance work together despite cultural differences. Mapping and teaching regularly help keep relationships strong even as needs and staff change. By focusing on active listening, aligning vocabulary, and highlighting shared interests, you can build good working relationships necessary to get strategic benefits from technology investments.