Faculty Of Engineering Research Articles

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.

On the relationship between students’ overall satisfaction with higher education STEM courses, and university teachers’ didactical practice. An empirical analysis

In this article, we discuss the relationship between students' overall satisfaction with higher education STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and the teachers' didactical practice. We analyzed student feedback from 4,683 digital course evaluations which spanned the period from fall 2020 to fall 2021 at the Faculty of Science and Technology (TN-faculty), University of Stavanger (UiS). Additionally, we collected 1854 open-ended written responses in spring and fall 2022, and conducted two focus group interviews in spring 2023 with eight students from the same population. We raise the research questions: What is the connection between students´ overall satisfaction with STEM courses, found in an institutional student evaluation procedure at UiS, and the university teachers’ didactical practice? And what can we learn from students´ evaluations and feedback that is relevant to how we perceive and strive for teaching and educational quality enhancement in higher education? Our analysis shows that there are strong correlations between students´ overall satisfaction, the evaluation questions, and how they understand what being prepared for teaching means.

Resistance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in a Controlled Environment

The research was conducted within the controlled environment of the net house at the Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna (M.P.), during the Rabi season of 2023-24. Eight diverse chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, viz. JG-63, JG-130, L-2, JG-14, RAJ-128, Narendran-2, Annagiri and RVG-202, were systematically screened to evaluate their resistance to the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) under protected conditions. The study was meticulously designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications to ensure robust statistical analysis. Throughout the critical vegetative, flowering and maturity stages, the larval population density of H. armigera was rigorously monitored across all genotypes at regular intervals. The comprehensive data analysis revealed that genotypes RAJ-128 and RVG-202 demonstrated superior resistance, exhibiting the lowest mean larval density of 0.25 and 0.29 larvae per 0.5 m², respectively, indicating their potential for integrated pest management in chickpea cultivation.

Comparison of perception indicators of the gaming chatbot with puzzles tasks for teaching programming with perception indicators of other educational tools

Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) can be very effective. However, not all digital educational tools are equally effective in different learning situations, for learners of various backgrounds and various disciplines.The aim of the article is to compare the attractiveness, complexity and perceived usefulness of a gaming chatbot with puzzle tasks designed to teach programming with the same indicators of other educational tools.To conduct the study, a gaming chatbot with puzzle tasks, working in individual and team modes, a computer game, as well as a non-gaming chatbot for preparing for seminars and testing were developed and used in the process of teaching programming. The 1st year bachelor’s students of the educational program “Information Security” of the Faculty of Information Technology and Big Data Analysis at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation used these digital educational tools and then evaluated their attractiveness, complexity, and usefulness.Several conclusions were drawn from the study. First, the use of game mechanics and the gaming chatbot with puzzles tasks significantly increases interest in the educational tool, so gaming chatbot has advantages over games and non-gaming chatbots. Second, the attractiveness evaluation of the gaming chatbot exceeded the corresponding evaluation of workshops. Both individual and team modes of gaming chatbot proved to be equally interesting, useful, and challenging for students. Consequently, the gaming chatbot can be used outside the classroom as well as in classroom activities. Third, if different types of gaming chatbot tasks, including those related to writing program code, are incorporated into the gaming chatbot, it will increase the usefulness of the chatbot.The results of the study contribute to the development of digital game-based learning using chatbots, particularly in teaching informatics and programming, and can help to increase the attractiveness of workshops and student engagement in general. The findings may be of practical interest to informatics and programming teachers.

Cooperative Learning Model on Learning Outcomes in Basic Concrete Structure Subjects, Building Engineering Education Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Makassar State University

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cooperative learning models in improving student learning outcomes in the Basic Concrete Structures course. This course, which is known to have a high level of difficulty, showed low learning achievements in the previous period. The results showed that the application of the cooperative learning model significantly improved student achievement, especially characterized by the percentage of A grades that increased dramatically in the 2024/2025 academic year. This finding indicates a positive correlation between the use of cooperative learning models and the improvement of student learning outcomes in the course.

Implementation of Role-Playing Strategies in Increasing Maharah Kalam in State Universities

Maharah Kalam learning in PKPBA at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Arabic learning activities for five consecutive days, from Monday to Friday, make students bored and tired. So, to minimize these problems, variations, and innovations applied by teachers are needed to encourage students to be more communicative in using Arabic. The goal of this study is to understand how the implementation of role-playing strategies (Role Play) improves Maharah Kalam. This study is descriptive qualitative research which is to illustrate, describe, interpret, explain also answer in more detail the problems to be studied by studying as much as possible an individual, a group, or an event. The data collection method in this study is observation. The population in this study were all PKPBA students of Faculty of Science and Technology 2 and the sample in this research were all PKPBA students of Faculty of Science and Technology 2 totaling 40 people. Data analysis techniques used in this study include conclusion drawing, namely concluding also verification. The results of the implementation of the application are designed through 3 stages, namely: (1) Introduction which includes greetings then asking how are you to explain the learning scenario with role-playing strategies, (2) Core which includes the implementation of learning using role-playing strategies per group, and (3) closing which includes learning evaluation. Keywords: Maharah Kalam, Arabic Language Learning, Role-Playing Strategies

Exploring mental health experiences and supports among international engineering undergraduate students – insights to inform university support

ABSTRACT This study explores the mental health perceptions, expectations for mental healthcare, and use of existing mental health services among international engineering students at a Western Canadian university. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 international undergraduate engineering students to understand their mental health challenges and service usage. The thematic analysis revealed three significant themes: students’ understanding of mental health; their experiences within the engineering programme, and recommendations to enhance and facilitate a positive mental health experience at the university. Findings suggest that mental healthcare for international engineering students should be responsive to the students’ unique needs, providing support and accessible services during their transition from their home countries and recognising the impact of the environmental and cultural factors on their experiences as members of the Faculty of Engineering and the broader university community.

Active travel in the university setting: Assessing the effects of social behavior, socioeconomics, and spatial location

University campuses are pooling efforts to promote active mobility to reduce their negative impacts on the urban environment, which is significantly influenced by the overreliance on motorized modes of transport. Providing sufficient and safe accessibility conditions for active travel has been highlighted as a crucial strategy for transforming campuses into more livable and sustainable areas in cities. To further explore the likelihood of active mobility uptake at university campuses, this study explored university students’ mobility patterns over time, examining the role of social behavior, socioeconomics, and spatial location factors. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto, Greater Oporto, Portugal, provided the empirical focus for this research. The data analyzed were acquired through surveys of representative samples and spatial analysis over the academic years of 2012, 2017, and 2023. The statistical analysis explained the tendencies and multifactorial influences on travel behavior among university students. Results indicated that travel distance is associated with housing options and travel costs, whereas access to a metro station was associated with walking or cycling. Hence, this study contributed to a deeper understanding of active travel behavior. It provided insights to guide planning practitioners and decision makers in creating integrated transport policy packages that address the barriers and needs of the university community and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Challenges and opportunities: Implementing diversity and inclusion in software engineering university level education in Finland

Considerable efforts have been made at the high school level to encourage girls to pursue software engineering careers and raise awareness about diversity within the field. Similarly, software companies have become more active in diversity and inclusion (D&I) topics, aiming to create more inclusive work environments. However, the way diversity and inclusion are approached inside software engineering university education remains less clear. This study investigates the current state of D&I in software engineering education and faculties in Finland. An online survey (N = 30) was conducted among Finnish software engineering university teachers to investigate which approaches and case examples of D&I are most commonly used by software engineering teachers in Finland. In addition, it was researched how software engineering teachers perceive the importance of D&I in their courses. As a result of the quantitative and thematic analysis, a framework to identify attitudes, approaches, challenges and pedagogical strategies when implementing D&I themes in software engineering education is presented. This framework also offers a process for integrating D&I themes for the curriculum or at the faculty level. The findings of this study emphasize that there is a continuing need for diverse-aware education and training. The results underline the responsibility of universities to ensure that future professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to promote D&I in the field of software engineering.

A Sustainable Educational Tool for Engineering Education Based on Learning Styles, AI, and Neural Networks Aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This study addresses the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 10, and 12 by developing a resource-efficient tool that promotes equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, supports decent work and economic growth, reduces inequalities, and ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns. This study contributes to sustainable education by providing a tool that is designed to be easy to use, easy to modify, and resource-efficient, making it accessible to institutions with limited technological resources. The tool uses artificial intelligence and a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to provide personalized teaching, adapting to the unique learning styles of its users. A custom survey adapted from the Felder–Silverman model was used to track weekly learning style transitions among 72 engineering students at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Los Llanos. These data were used to build the LSTM model to predict learning style transitions over a 16-week semester. Two interfaces were created: one for instructors, integrating the LSTM model, and one for students, incorporating a custom survey. An OpenAI API-powered chat was also built into both interfaces to provide study advice to students according to their styles and enable professors to personalize their teaching methodologies in engineering education.

Application of the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) Method in the Decision Support System for the Selection of Study Programs at the University of Papua

To help prospective students choose a study program that suits their abilities and interests, it is necessary to design a decision support system. This system aims to facilitate the selection process of study programs for prospective students. This research aims to develop a decision support system that can help prospective students in choosing a study program at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Papua in an objective and structured manner. This study applies the Simple Additive Weighting method to facilitate the decision-making process by considering a number of relevant criteria. The evaluation is based on the following criteria: tuition fees, accreditation status, number of teaching staff and staff, and job prospects. The findings of the study revealed that the Informatics Engineering and Civil Engineering Study Programs, both at the S1 level, obtained the highest identical preference value, namely 1, outperforming other study programs. However, the best alternative is the S1 Informatics Engineering Study Program.

Mental load in University Teachers: Case study

Mental load among university teachers has gained importance in recent decades due to its impact on workers' health and well-being. This study focuses on the mental load of teachers from the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Chimborazo, analyzing factors like the cognitive and emotional demands they face in their daily work. The aim is to determine mental load levels and their relationship with sociodemographic variables, identifying the need for preventive interventions. The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) was applied to a sample of 97 teachers who voluntarily completed the survey. Results showed that 80.4% of teachers exhibit medium mental load levels, while 18.6% report high levels. Significant correlations were identified between mental load and variables like age and gender. Stress and mental effort dimensions were particularly high, indicating a potential risk to teachers' health. It is concluded that implementing preventive measures and intervention programs is necessary to improve working conditions and teacher self-efficacy.

Editorial of the 2nd issue of Engineering Manufacturing Letters

This is the second issue of the Engineering Manufacturing Letters (EML). The journal is published by the University of Porto and invites submissions from a diverse array of industries, including transportation (automotive, rail, aeronautical, and marine), packaging, electronics, sports, and more. Additionally, academic institutions and research institutions are encouraged to contribute their research findings in this field. Accepted topics encompass additive manufacturing, vacuum-assisted high-pressure die casting, semi-solid metal casting, compressive and tensile forming processes, micro and nano machining, nanocomposite manufacturing, adhesive bonding, laser cutting and joining, and related areas. Specific subtopics include process modelling and optimization, design for manufacturing strategies, development of novel manufacturing technologies and equipment, comparative case studies, cost-benefit analyses, ecological considerations, and destructive and non-destructive testing of manufactured components. Technological advances in manufacturing often outpace traditional scientific publication methods. To bridge this gap, our journal focuses on concise reports and letters highlighting innovative manufacturing processes. The journal is open access, but no fees will be charged to the authors until the journal is indexed in the major databases. This journal is associated to the international conference on Engineering Manufacture that takes place every even years in May at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (www.fe.up.pt/em2024). The editorial board of this journal includes experienced researchers from all disciplines of engineering manufacture. The papers presented in this first issue are varied. They include papers on health monitoring (Vilela et al.), mechanical characterization (Oliveira et al.) and short papers, two papers on metal forming (Peixoto et al., and Winiarski et al.) and additive manufacturing (Nogueira et al., and Sardinha et al.) which is one very dynamic field at the moment. We extend our sincere thanks to the authors for their gently participation in this second issue. The submitted papers offer valuable insights into the recent advancements in engineering technological processes. These contributions serve as a good foundation for what promises to be a dynamic forum of the last developments in engineering manufacturing.

E-MANAGEMENT AS A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY TO IMPROVE PERCEIVED EDUCATION QUALITY AND STUDENT SATISFACTION, EVIDENCE FROM ALGERIA

The wider recognition of the importance of digital transformation and its various applications in institutions has led to its adoption by higher education institutions seeking to improve their education quality and retain their customers. Accordingly, through this study, the researcher aims to investigate the effect of e-management in improving perceived education quality and student satisfaction in Algerian higher education. To achieve this objective, the researcher distributed an online survey to a random sample of 218 international students enrolled in the faculty of sciences and technology at Oran University in Western Algeria. Based on structural equation modelling analysis using Amos Program (v24.0.0), the results showed that e-management positively and significantly affects perceived education quality. Likewise, e-management also has a positive and significant effect on student satisfaction. Moreover, the results revealed that perceived education quality has a positive and significant effect on student satisfaction in Algeria HEIs.

Sistema facilitador de escritura de Trabajo de Graduación

This graduation work shows a solution to a problem observed in each graduation process carried out at the University in the graduation work modality, which are the reation of the final document of the graduation work and the non-compliance with the guidelines stipulated by the Dean for present said document. That is why a web application capable of creating documents with the sections that it must have has been designed, complying with the respective guidelines shown in the Instructions for graduate students- Graduation process of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (2019). ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 41-45.

Вычислительный эксперимент в преподавании высшей математики. Комбинаторика и её приложения

<p>The article continues the cycle ([1] – [12]) of methodological developments of the authors. It discusses some problems related to ways to improve the culture of mathematical thinking of mathematics students. The authors rely on the experience of working at the Faculty of Information Technology of MSUPE.</p>

Comparative Study of Energy Consumption Intensity: A Case Study of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (FEI) Versus the Faculty of Chemical Technology (FChT) in the City of Pardubice

Abstract The study’s comparative aspect between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (FEI) and the Faculty of Chemical Technology (FChT) buildings is pivotal for elucidating nuanced differences in energy consumption practices within academic institutions, facilitating targeted energy efficiency measures. The research methodology adopts a comparative case study approach to examine two focal research buildings. Analysis entails computing energy consumption intensity per unit area for both buildings and comparing energy consumption data to identify disparities. The need for understanding energy consumption patterns and improving energy efficiency in academic infrastructure is directly addressed through variables studied in the comparative analysis, including energy consumption comparison, annual and monthly variations, ratio, and intensity. The data indicates that the average heating intensity in the FChT building surpasses that of the FEI building by a factor of 2.3, signifying significant disparities in heating energy consumption trends between the two structures and suggesting potential areas for targeted energy efficiency interventions. Moreover, the average electrical intensity in the FChT building is over 1.7 times higher than in the FEI building. Interestingly, despite the FChT building being 2.6 times larger than the FEI, its intensity does not always correspond with the increase in building area, indicating additional factors influencing energy consumption.

Self-Perceived Reasons to Dropout from Higher Education - a Case Study in a Portuguese Faculty of Engineering

Abstract : Dropout from Higher Education (HE), that is, the number of students that totally leave a given HE institution is concerningly high, especially in times of crisis. Institutions struggle to minimize dropout, but limited data is available likely because gathering data from learners who dropped out is sensitive, likely involving private information. This paper presents a case study research on student dropout from a very large Portuguese engineering faculty. The main objectives of this research include to gain a better understanding about the reasons for dropout, from the former student’s point of view, and to build a profile for the dropout-at-risk student. The collected data was retrieved from institutional records and from 134 telephonic interviews with former students. The resulting data is analysed in both quantitative and qualitative ways. Results of all gathered dropout data are clustered into three profiles of students who dropout: those that “pull out”, those who were “pushed out” and those who “fall out”. Findings include that students do not decide to dropout by a simple single reason but rather a set of reasons. This research article includes 5 concrete improvement suggestions that are likely to reduce dropout. The two main suggestions are to better prepare the transition to HE and to make policies more flexible in times of crisis, example more flexible schedule. Keywords: dropout; Higher Education; reasons to dropout.

Multi-strategy improved runge kutta optimizer and its promise to estimate the model parameters of solar photovoltaic modules

Harnessing the potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology relies heavily on accurately estimating the model parameters of PV cells/modules using real current-voltage (I-V) data. Achieving optimal parameter values is essential for the performance and efficiency of PV systems, necessitating the use of advanced optimization techniques. In our endeavor, we introduce a multi-strategy improvement approach for the Runge Kutta (RUN) optimizer, a cutting-edge tool used for tackling this critical task in both single-diode and double-diode PV unit models. By aligning experimental and model-based estimated data, our approach seeks to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of PV system performance. We conduct meticulous analyses of two compelling case studies and the CEC 2020 test suite to showcase the versatility and effectiveness of our improved RUN (IRUN) algorithm. The first case study involves a standard dataset derived from the well-known R.T.C. France silicon solar cell, where IRUN performs favorably compared to competing methods, demonstrating its effectiveness. IRUN effectively manages the complex task of defining model parameters for an industrial PV module situated at the Engineering Faculty of Düzce University in Turkey. The real-world I-V data, obtained under optimal conditions with a temperature of 30°C and solar radiance of 1000W/m2, provide strong evidence of the practical applicability and real-world benefits of our innovative method. Additional analyses through three-diode and PV module models further confirm the efficacy of the IRUN. A mean absolute error of down to 6.5E-04 and root mean square error of down to 7.3668E-04 are achieved. Our approach provides a practical and efficient tool for improving the accuracy of PV systems, enhancing their performance when compared to existing methods.

Words That Resonate: Synthesizing Insights From Engineering Faculty Collaboration on Entrepreneurial Mindset

Words That Resonate: Synthesizing Insights From Engineering Faculty Collaboration on Entrepreneurial Mindset