Faculty Of Sciences Research Articles

“Thriving at the Margins”: Understanding Workplace Mistreatment and the Impostor Phenomenon Among Latina Faculty in STEM

ABSTRACT Impostor phenomenon among Latina faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is understudied. Latinas hold only 1.7% of all STEM-related jobs, experiencing both mistreatment (conscious and unconscious; physical, and mental forms of harassment and violence) and impostor phenomenon (feeling like a fraud and the inability to internalize success). Using Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, this exploratory study examined how Latina STEM faculty related their impostor phenomenon with interpersonal mistreatment. This qualitative study examined the intersectionality of multiple identities: professional, personal, and cultural, related to their impostor experiences, among 13 participants. One-on-one phone interviews were analyzed inductively. Thematic analysis revealed that interviewees experienced explicit or implicit messaging at work; mistreatment of colleagues and students; and the internalization of mistreatment. Multiple identities (cultural identity as Latina, gender identity, and professional identity as STEM faculty) intersected, contributing to feelings of being marginalized. This is the first study to examine how Latina faculty thrive at the margins, being told that they do not belong in STEM and their minority background got them the position. This study positions impostor phenomenon as more than an internal feeling and critically examines power structures that keep minorities at the periphery.

Potential for Science Laboratory Development: A SWOT Analysis

The laboratory is inseparable from the learning process at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Therefore, it is important to have quality standards that are a benchmark and reference in laboratory work. These quality standards include laboratory buildings/rooms, quality control, facilities and equipment, risk management, and waste disposal. Laboratories that comply with these standards have great potential to grow. This study aims to identify strategies to implement in the management and development of the Faculty of Science and Technology laboratories. This study uses a SWOT analysis method through a qualitative approach obtained from interviews with laboratory heads and workers. The SWOT analysis results show that the FST laboratory is in quadrant I, where strengths and opportunities can be utilized. The results of IFE internal factors and EFE external factors obtained a strength and opportunities (SO) value of 3.75, strength and threats (ST) of 3.55, weakness and opportunities (WO) of 3.64; and weakness and threats (WT) of 3.44 indicate a fairly good position. The data from this research can be used as a reference in designing the formulation of the right strategy for developing the Faculty of Science and Technology laboratory. The latest research significantly contributes to the potential development of science laboratories at the university level under the Ministry of Religion.

Anthropometric Studies of Schoolchildren During the First Decades of the 20th Century in Spain and Argentina.

The practice of anthropometry in schools at the beginning of the 20th century originated in Europe and Latin America in conjunction with the emergence of hygienism and epidemiological auxology. The aim of this work is to deepen the knowledge of these practices in Spain and Argentina and to compare the available growth data in order to identify possible differences between the populations. The anthropometric data of 1693 boys and girls aged 7-15 years (877 Spanish; 816 Argentinean) from the period between 1903 and 1913 were analyzed. The data were taken from the Reports and Memoirs of the School Colonies of the National Pedagogical Museum (Spain) and the Archives of Pedagogy and Related Sciences of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences of the National University of La Plata (UNLP) (Argentina). The most pronounced differences in weight and height were observed between the ages of 11 and 12. The weight growth of Spanish schoolchildren was 22% (boys) and 24% (girls) lower than that of their Argentine counterparts, while linear growth was about 7% lower for both sexes. In addition, the Spanish had a lower body mass index up to the age of 12 years. Argentine boys and girls of La Plata were taller and heavier than their Spanish counterparts of Madrid during the same period (between 1903 and 1913). These results can be attributed to the higher standard of living that characterized the Argentine population at that time.

Responding to Generative AI

There are few technologies which have such great a potential impact on the design and delivery of tertiary education, as found with Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI). Student’s deep learning and the integrity of student assessment in particular is impacted by this emerging technology. This presentation will report on a three-cycle action research project to redesign assessments for effective learning in an Australian university Health Science (HS) faculty. Cycle 1 reviewed assessments using an innovative appraisal tool for assessments which was designed by the presenting HS academics that aligned recent Gen-AI and academic integrity guidelines from Australian institutions (Lodge et al., 2023a; Monash University, 2023; Flinders University, 2023; TEQSA, 2022; Torrens University n.d.). The tool was reviewed and improved for use in Cycle 2, which involved reviewing the remaining 16 HS subjects and designing a team-based strategy for implementing assessment reform. Cycle 3 involves implementing identified strategies for redesigning assessments across all HS subjects. We will report on the action-research methods used, including the development and use of the assessment appraisal tool, as well as the Cycle 3 early findings from the HS subjects assessment review. Results from the subsequent strategic assessment design will be presented using example assessment improvements based on the study findings. The findings highlight the need for a unified approach to assessment reform, and the potential benefits of systematic, team-based approaches to address emerging technologies. Action-research methodologies such as this one, employed with subject coordinators' involvement and training in evaluation, encourages pro-active subject quality improvement as well as scholarly thinking among university academics. This approach may be relevant to all academics interested in actively creating assessment reform amid the transformative education environment precipitated by the use of Gen-AI.

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".

Effect of Optimization Use of Nutrient on Yield and Productivity of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of optimization use of nutrient on yield and productivity of mung bean, variety “SML-832‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of ten treatments. The data recorded maximum yield attributes such as number of pods per plant (13.35), number of seed per pod (8.52), grain yield (1170.55 kg/ha), stover yield (3260.47 kg/ha) and maximum net return (67329.45 Rs/ha) and B:C ratio (2.28) was recorded with T8-100% RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) + Vermicompost @ 1.0 t ha-1 + Rhizobium. The minimum yield and profitability obtained with control treatment. Therefore, conclude be application of 100% RDF + Vermicompost @ 1.0 t ha-1 + Rhizobium are indigenous sources of nutrient to enhance yield and productivity of mung bean.

Determining the Empathy Level of Coaching Education Students in the Sports Environment

The high level of empathy in the sports environment makes it clear that each individual in the sports factor displays a positive attitude in society and is positively influenced in terms of sporting success. This research was conducted to determine the level of empathic tendency of students in the Department of Coaching Education and to examine the effects of demographic differences on empathic tendency scores. The research group consisted of a total of 226 volunteers, 98 females and 128 males, studying in the Department of Coach Education, with a mean age of 21.66±2.26 years. The Empathy Scale in the Sports Environment was used in the study. Independent T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation test were used for the data collected in the study. According to the results of the study, there was a significant difference in the sub-dimension of emotional empathy in sports in relation to gender (p0.05). The significant difference was in favor of men. Although there was a significant difference between the groups when the total score of the scale was compared in the students' grade levels, no significant difference was found in multiple comparisons. A positive and significant relationship was found between sports age and emotional empathy in sports. These values show that emotional empathy in sport tends to increase with increasing sporting age. The findings demonstrate that the empathic tendencies of people who participate in sports are at a similar level regardless of gender, age and class variables, but as sports experience increases, so does the emotional empathy level. Applied training programs should be developed to improve empathy skills in sport science faculty and studies should be conducted to strengthen students' emotional and social skills in the sport environment.

Response of Nutrient Spray and Pruning on Growth, Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Agriculture (Horticulture), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during summer season of 2023-24 to response of nutrient spray and pruning on growth, yield and quality of bitter gourd variety “Arka Harit ‟ was used in this study. The result revealed that the both levels maximum vine length (192.29 and 187.26 cm), number of branches per plant (8.98 and 8.79), minimum appearance of first female flower (44.43 and 44.75 days) and yield parameter such as maximum number of fruit per plant (17.04 and 16.67), length of fruit (13.14 and 13.09 cm), girth of fruit (4.24 and 4.29 cm), average fruit weight (85.04 and 84.26 g), fruit yield (10.79 and 10.74 t/ha) and quality parameters such as leaf chlorophyll content (1.24 and 1.24 mg/g), TSS (2.67 and 2.65 0Brix), Vitamin C (69.20 and 68.93 mg/100 g) recorded with treatment combination of 3% spray and pruning at 9 nods. Therefore, it was concluded that the application of 3% spray and pruning at 9 nods found superior to all treatment.

Mastering the Art of Active Listening in Italian Language: Overcoming Challenges with Effective Solutions

The study investigates the development of listening skills in foreign language classrooms, emphasizing its importance as a core competency that naturally aligns with other language skills like comprehension and production. The motivation behind this research is the often overlooked focus on listening in teaching practices, where educators may mistakenly assume it will develop automatically through classroom activities such as lectures or reading exercises. This assumption can result in gaps in language acquisition due to the unique challenges posed by learning a foreign language. The research not only explores listening skills but also examines other key aspects of foreign language education, including student motivation, instructional materials, learning obstacles, and student interests. Conducted in Albanian schools as part of a project by the Faculty of Human Science at the University of Vlora and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana, the study gathered data through questionnaires. The findings were then analyzed to propose potential solutions to the issues identified. Received: 12 July 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Interdisciplinary Work for the Elaboration of Formative Research: Student-Teacher and Teacher-Teaching Staff

The article shows a solid proposal that aims to find out whether formative research is developed through interdisciplinary work between teacher-teachers. In order to guide the research process, the following scientific question is proposed: How does interdisciplinary work influence the elaboration of formative research among teachers of the different careers of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Humanities and Technologies? This work is descriptive in nature, the following analytical-synthetic and phenomenological research methods were used, working from a mixed approach (Sampieri, 2014). From the random online survey applied to the teachers, 88 responses were obtained, which allowed us to characterise the professional experiences with respect to the subject of formative research. The results have allowed a closer look at the development of the formative research project during the academic period April - August 2022, showing that this work is carried out on an individual basis. There is an interest on the part of the teacher in working in an interdisciplinary way, bringing together the various subjects of a semester to obtain a quality product. Meanwhile, the obstacles in the development of interdisciplinary formative research are due to factors of time, communication, lack of knowledge and limitations that have had a negative influence on its action, being a necessity. Received: 12 July 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Overseas Smart City Short Course of Airlangga and International Community Service: The Role of Science and Technology Towards Smart City

The smart city concept emerged as an alternative solution to overcome the negative impacts of urbanization in big cities, based on the concept of sustainable development. A smart city is a city that can utilize human resources, social capital, and modern telecommunications infrastructure to achieve sustainable economic growth and high quality of life through wise management of resources by the government based on community participation. Jombang has not been managed optimally due to a lack of digital exposure and promotion. Based on these problems, the Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University will organize an international community service program in Jombang to introduce culture and tourism in Jombang to the world through international students and transfer knowledge regarding the application of smart tourism to increase tourism promotion in Jombang. This community service program was carried out together with international students who will first be given an introduction and knowledge of the smart city concept and its application at Universitas Airlangga and the City of Surabaya through a short course. Then the students will be invited to visit the tourist and cultural village in Jombang to transfer knowledge to the local community regarding the application of the smart tourism concept to promote tourism potential in Jombang.

Nutrient Management for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Rajasthan, India

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of different nutrient management on growth and yield of mustard variety “NRCHB-506‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of ten treatments. The data recorded maximum growth parameters such as plant population (19.65 per m2), plant height (134.85 cm), number of branches per plant (11.95), dry matter accumulation (38.65 g), length of siliqua (4.72 cm), days required for maturity (130.45 days), leaf area index (2.48) and yield parameter such as number of siliqua per plant (265.08), number of seed per siliqua (11.95), seed yield (2120.44 kg/ha), straw yield (5125.12 kg/ha), biological yield (7245.56 kg/ha) recorded with treatment T6-100% RDF + Sulphur (40 kg/ha) + Zinc sulphate (25 kg/ha) + Boron (1 kg/ha) + Azotobacter. Therefore, conclude that application 100% RDF + Sulphur (40 kg/ha) + Zinc sulphate (25 kg/ha) + Boron (1 kg/ha) + Azotobacter superior among all treatments.

Evaluation of the Total Antioxidant Capacity of Three Selected Plants in Guyana

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the leaf extracts of three commonly used medicinal plants in Guyana, namely Brassica juncea (mustard), Struchium sparganophora (antsbush), and Psidium guajava (guava), for their total antioxidant capacity. Study Design: Experimental-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were performed at the chemistry laboratory in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the main laboratory in the College of Medical Sciences at the University of Guyana from September 2022 to August 2023. Methodology: The leaves of these plants were collected, washed, and air-dried at 280C for approximately one month, then pulverised in a sterilised food processor. Leaf extracts were then obtained by maceration with various solvents such as hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol; followed by filtration and rotary evaporation. The extracts obtained were then subjected to total antioxidant quantification via the phosphomolybdate method using a spectrophotometer. The total antioxidant capacity of the extracts was expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents. Results: Antioxidant activity was seen for all the extracts but in varying quantities. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed for the P. guajava extracts with a mean of 5.2 mg/mL. The least activity was observed for the S. sparganophora extracts, with a mean of 0.9 mg/mL. The ethanolic extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity (10.6 mg/mL for P. guajava; 2.5 mg/mL for B. juncea). The hexane extracts had the least (0.33 mg/mL for P. guajava; 0.24 mg/mL for B. juncea). Conclusion: The leaves of B. juncea, S. sparganophora, and P. guajava have antioxidant capacity but those of P. guajava have greater potential for use as complementary and alternative treatments for chronic diseases.

Educator's role in preventing ageism.

This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the educator's role in imparting knowledge to healthcare students regarding ageism in Slovenia. Educators in Slovenian secondary nursing schools and in medical and health science faculties were asked to evaluate their practical experience in working with older people, their knowledge of gerontology and working with older people, and their attitude toward working with older people using an online questionnaire. They were also asked to rate their opinion about ageism on a Likert scale, along with reasons for ageism, skills that would help reduce ageism, their opinion about trainees' attitudes toward older people, and their assessment of certain facts about planning training. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach's alpha. The Kruskal‒Wallis test, Mann‒Whitney U test, and independent samples t-test were used to determine differences between the groups. The participants fully agree that the knowledge imparted could contribute to reducing age discrimination among healthcare students. Those that responded that their gerontological knowledge is good had significantly higher ranked responses regarding the reasons for ageism. On average, they agreed with the statements about planning their teaching activities and facilitating the acquisition of knowledge. Ageism is a challenge for modern society that requires a comprehensive approach to prevent and combat this form of discrimination. Awareness-raising, education, and policy change can create a fairer and more respectful society for all generations. Educators are insufficiently aware of their role in preventing ageism. Practitioners recognize it when they work directly with students. There are opportunities to update curricula and teaching methods.

Analysing influential factors in e-learning technology acceptance for digital learning effectiveness enhancement

This study aims to discover the factors that influence the acceptance of electronic learning media and its effect on the effectiveness of digital instruction. The study involved a learning management system and online tutorials using management system (MS) teams from various faculties at the Universitas Terbuka. These include the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences. also conducted in three regional offices in Ambon, Gorontalo and Makassar, which were selected through purposive sampling. Primary data sources include participant questionnaires and interviews. Analytical methods include correlation and multiple regression analysis, with descriptive statistics used to summarize the dataset. Variable selection involves reliability and validity tests and classical assumption tests like multicollinearity. The F-test demonstrates a statistically significant and beneficial influence of utilizing e-learning media and individual ability, training, and intention to use it for digital learning success. The results of ttests and regression models provide empirical evidence supporting the significant effect of e-learning media and intention to use on the effectiveness of digital learning. However, variables related to training and ability do not show any significant influence.

Students’physical fitness test in the the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Laos

The purpose of this research was to select the physical fitness test and evaluatestudents’ physical fitness in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Laos. The sample group used in this research was 157 students of in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, 42 of whom were females, by purposive sampling method in total students in the academic year 2022-2023. The approval letter was granted by the Executive Committee of Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Laos The research tools used in the data collection process included questionnaires and statistical tests. The statistics used in the data analysis include: Mean, Standard Deviation. Findings of the study showed as follows 1). The selection results for students’ physical fitness test of students in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education reported a total of 10 male-female test items that were closely related with a value of R = 0.91 to 1. Therefore, all 10 test items were reliable and applicable. 2). From this study, it can be seen that the physical fitness of the male students of the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education compared to the total score of the test of 10 items with a total score of 100 points, which could be applied with a very good score of 3.6, equivalent to 26.6 percent at the good level, 55.06 percent at the middle level, 11.38 percent at the weak level and 3.4 percent at the very weak level. The physical fitness of female students in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education compared to the total score of the test of 10 items with a total score of 100 points, which could be applied with a very good score of 1.9, 6.33 percent at the good level, 26.8 percent at the middle level, 63.81 percent at the weak level and 1.13 percent at the very weak level.

Feasibility of Biopreneurship Project-Based Science Module for Students in the Bagek Kembar Ecotourism Area

The biopreneurship project-based science module is teaching material designed to combine biological concepts with entrepreneurship through project-based learning. This research aims to develop a biopreneurship-based science module valid for increasing students' scientific literacy, entrepreneurial motivation, and environmental literacy in the Bagek Kembar Ecotourism Area. This research is development research using the ADDIE model, namely Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The development and validation stages of the module were carried out at the University of Mataram and SMA Negeri 1 Sekotong. The research instrument was a validation questionnaire given to science experts and teachers. The validity of the Science Module is based on the Aiken V Index. The results of the biopreneurship project-based science module validity show that the Aiken V Index for the size and appearance of the module cover, module design, module content, and language used are 0.95, 0.95, 0.93, and 0.94, respectively. Included in the valid category. This research concludes that the biopreneurship project-based science module is suitable for use in schools to increase students' scientific literacy, entrepreneurial motivation, and environmental literacy in Bagek Kembar ecotourism.

Reinforcement of Core Foundational Science Concepts during Clinical Rotations: A Strategy to Enhance Medical Student Learning and Diagnostic Reasoning.

Cognitive science principles can facilitate integrating and retaining basic science concepts during the clinical years of undergraduate medical education. We hypothesized that reinforcing foundational science concepts during the core clerkship experiences fosters the development of clinical reasoning in medical students. A patient simulation session on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the pediatric clerkship was chosen to pilot the program. We introduced an intervention in which a team of clinical and foundational science faculty facilitates student discussions, helping them connect important physiological and pathophysiological concepts to the disorder's clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. The student survey reported that 87% strongly agreed that it helped them reinforce their understanding of foundational science concepts related to clinical cases. The NBME subject exam results of the pediatric clerkships from the corresponding years were subjected to a cognitive diagnostic assessment called the DINA model analysis. The student content mastery in acid-base disorders was improved following the intervention (student mastery of skills, 0.73 vs 0.80, P=0.035). Similarly, analysis of the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) skills from the NBME subject exam item analysis reports showed improvement in the skill "diagnosis" on the topic of diabetes (probability value- before and after the intervention, respectively, 0.73 and 0.85, p=0.04) following implementation. Our study shows the impact of foundational science reinforcement during clinical clerkships in developing undergraduate medical students' clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.

Evaluation and risk assessment of heavy metals in wetland soil in the University of Lagos

A study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals, and the physicochemical and microbiological properties of wetland soils at the University of Lagos. Soil samples were randomly collected from the Faculty of Science (FSC), Lagoon Front, and Distance Learning Institute areas at depths of 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm using a soil auger. The samples were stored in sterile nylon bags, appropriately labelled, and transported to the University of Lagos Central Research Laboratory for chemical analysis. The physicochemical characteristics measured included soil pH, determined using a pH meter, and moisture content, assessed through the oven-drying method. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Microbial population diversity was examined using the disc diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and mean values were evaluated using Tukey’s multiple comparison test at a probability level of P < 0.05. The results revealed that soil pH ranged from 7.20 to 8.81, with the highest value (8.81) recorded near the Faculty of Science (FSC-3). Eight heavy metals, including Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn, were analyzed. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.29 ppm, followed by nickel, which ranged from 0.01 to 0.13 ppm. Chromium ranged from 0.0 to 0.25 ppm, cadmium from 0.03 to 0.08 ppm, iron from 1.02 to 2.96 ppm, copper from 3.31 to 4.60 ppm, manganese from 3.31 to 5.16 ppm, and zinc from 1.67 to 9.17 ppm. Lead and zinc concentrations were found to be below the permissible limit at all locations, while chromium and cadmium were within permissible limits. However, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Ni exceeded the permissible limits. Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between Pb and Zn, likely due to effluents from human waste and seepage from nearby dumpsites into the lagoon, streams, or beaches. The isolated microbial flora included three bacterial genera, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus spp, and Enterobacter spp, as well as four fungal genera, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium. Bacterial counts were lower than fungal counts in polluted soils, likely due to the nutrient status of the soil. The isolates were found to be tolerant to slightly alkaline pH and heavy metal pollutants, with microbial variation attributed to the impact of pH and heavy metals on the microbial population.

Enhancing mathematical function understanding in university students: a comparative study of design thinking vs. traditional teaching methods

Mathematical education requires innovative didactic strategies to enhance the understanding and application of mathematical concepts, as traditional teaching methods often lack relevance. This methodology aims to develop a problem-solving scientific approach called design thinking as a strategy for learning mathematics functions. The study was applied to a sample of 138 students of biochemical, biological, and industrial engineering careers attending the first academic cycle at the Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences of the Particular Technical University of Loja-Ecuador. The methodology uses a quasi-experimental design with a convenience sampling method. All participants were divided into a control group (C, D, K) and an experimental group (P, Q, R). Knowledge, skills, perceptions, and engagement were measured through pretest, posttest, workshop, rubric, project, and survey instruments. The pretest results indicate that both groups had similar knowledge of mathematical functions (pretest mean experimental group: 1.42/2 and mean control group: 1.55/2). Moreover, after applying design thinking strategy to the experimental group, variables questionnaire, project, and workshop show statistical differences (p < 0.001) between groups related to the traditional learning strategy, increasing the experimental group’s score in the project (posttest mean experimental group: 1.62/2 points, and mean control group: 1.65/2). The survey opinion indicates that 53.5% of the experimental group highlighted the project’s development as positively impacting their academic training. In conclusion, problem-solving design thinking using scientific projects as a mathematical function learning strategy contributes to improving the comprehension of polynomial functions and developing mathematical competencies, abilities, and skills to generate tangible solutions for real problems.