Faculty Of Engineering Research Articles

WOUND MANAGEMENT, HEALING, AND EARLY PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION: PART 1 - A SCOPING REVIEW OF HEALING AND NON-HEALING DEFINITIONS

BACKGROUND: Following lower limb amputation, timely prosthetic fitting enhances mobility and quality of life. However, inconsistent definitions of surgical site healing complicate prosthesis readiness assessment and highlight the need for objective wound management measures. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to compile definitions of healing and non-healing provided in the literature investigating biomarkers of healing of the tissues and structures found in the residual limbs of adults with amputation. METHODOLOGY: A scoping review was conducted following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidance. Searches using “biomarkers,” “wound healing,” and “amputation” were performed on May 6, 2023, on Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria were: 1) References to biomarkers and healing; 2) Residuum tissue healing; 3) Clear methodology with ethical approval; 4) Published from 2017 onwards. Articles were assessed for quality (QualSyst tool) and evidence level (JBI system). FINDINGS: Of 3,306 articles screened, 219 met the inclusion criteria and are reviewed in this article, with 77% rated strong quality. 43% of all included sources did not define healing, while the remainder used specific criteria including epithelialization (14%), wound size reduction (28%), gradings scales (3%), scarring (1%), absence of wound complications (2%), hydroxyproline levels (0.5%), no amputation (0.5%), or neovascularization (0.5%). 84% of included sources did not provide definitions of non-healing. Studies defining non-healing used criteria like wound complications (4%), the need for operative interventions (4%), or lack of wound size reduction (1%). For 10% of included sources, healing and non-healing definitions were considered not applicable given the research content. Total percentages exceed 100% for both healing and non-healing definitions because some sources used two definition classifications, such as epithelialization and wound size reduction. The findings indicate a lack of standardized definitions irrespective of study type. CONCLUSION: This review reveals significant gaps in current definitions of healing and non-healing, often based on superficial assessments that overlook deeper tissue healing and mechanical properties essential for prosthesis use. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive definitions incorporating biomarkers and psychosocial factors to improve wound management and post-amputation recovery. Layman's Abstract After a lower limb amputation, early prosthetic fitting can significantly improve quality of life. However, different definitions of surgical site healing make deciding when a prosthetic can be used difficult. This scoping review collected and compared definitions of healing and non-healing found in research about biological markers (biomarkers) that are used for tracking residual limb healing. On May 6, 2023, searches were conducted using terms like “biomarkers,” “wound healing,” and “amputation” across several databases. Studies were included if they discussed biomarkers, focused on residual limb healing, had clear methods and ethical approval, and were published during or after 2017. Of 3,306 articles screened, 219 met the criteria, with 77% rated as high quality. 43% of the included sources did not define healing. Definitions provided included new skin growth (14%), reduction in wound size (28%), grading scales (3%), scarring (1%), no complications (2%), hydroxyproline levels (0.5%), no need for amputation (0.5%), or new blood vessel formation (0.5%). 84% of sources did not define non-healing, with the remainder based on healing complications (4%), the need for more surgery (4%), or no reduction in wound size (1%). In 10% of included sources healing and non-healing definitions were considered not relevant to their research. Total percentages for healing and non-healing definitions exceeds 100% because some sources used two definitions, for example, new skin growth and reduction in wound size. Overall, the review shows gaps in definitions, many of which are too basic and ignore deeper tissue healing and factors needed for prosthetic use. More thorough definitions that include the physical, mental, and social sides of healing are needed to improve recovery. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/43715/33312 How To Cite: Williams-Reid H, Johannesson A, Buis A. Wound management, healing, and early prosthetic rehabilitation: Part 1 - A scoping review of healing and non-healing definitions. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2024; Volume 7, Issue 2, No.1. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v7i2.43715 Corresponding Author: Professor Arjan Buis, PhDDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.E-Mail: arjan.buis@strath.ac.ukORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3947-293X

“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.

CREATION, MANAGEMENT, AND USE OF A DATABASE FOR THE MAINTENANCE PROCESS OF PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT IN AN INDUSTRIAL COMPANY

The paper presents the creation of a database of motion norms to support the maintenance management system in an industrial production company, implemented by a team from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava. This database is intended for filling and optimal use of maintenance modules of ERP systems and for use in the processes of preparation of maintenance and service orders. The article focuses on the methodology of creation, characteristics, use and availability of this database and its application in industrial practice.

Factors influencing communication of virtual teams in times of pandemic: a case study in engineering education

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has forced most universities to shift from traditional face-to-face teaching to remote learning. This sudden transition has presented numerous challenges for institutions that were unaccustomed to remote work, particularly in the context of senior design projects in engineering. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the influencing factors and their relative importance in affecting team communication in senior design projects during remote work. The study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach to measure the level of importance of each factor using pairwise comparison in a structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed among group leaders of senior engineering design projects and faculty members who supervised these projects. The study identified five influencing factors: interaction and relations, trust, technology, time, and working environment. The pairwise comparison revealed that interaction and relations were the most important factor in influencing the communication process during remote work. Based on the identified influencing factors, strategies to improve the effectiveness and collaboration of remote meetings were established, providing a roadmap for universities to better prepare for future disruptions and maintain effective communication within student teams during remote work. Furthermore, these findings could have implications for other areas of higher education and the broader workplace.

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.

Novel application of metabolic imaging of early embryos using a light-sheet on-a-chip device: a proof-of-concept study.

Is it feasible to safely determine metabolic imaging signatures of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide [NAD(P)H] associated auto-fluorescence in early embryos using a light-sheet on-a-chip approach? We developed an optofluidic device capable of obtaining high-resolution 3D images of the NAD(P)H autofluorescence of live mouse embryos using a light-sheet on-a-chip device as a proof-of-concept. Selecting the most suitable embryos for implantation and subsequent healthy live birth is crucial to the success rate of assisted reproduction and offspring health. Besides morphological evaluation using optical microscopy, a promising alternative is the non-invasive imaging of live embryos to establish metabolic activity performance. Indeed, in recent years, metabolic imaging has been investigated using highly advanced microscopy technologies such as fluorescence-lifetime imaging and hyperspectral microscopy. The potential safety of the system was investigated by assessing the development and viability of live embryos after embryo culture for 67 h post metabolic imaging at the two-cell embryo stage (n = 115), including a control for culture conditions and sham controls (system non-illuminated). Embryo quality of developed blastocysts was assessed by immunocytochemistry to quantify trophectoderm and inner mass cells (n = 75). Furthermore, inhibition of metabolic activity (FK866 inhibitor) during embryo culture was also assessed (n = 18). The microstructures were fabricated following a standard UV-photolithography process integrating light-sheet fluorescence microscopy into a microfluidic system, including on-chip micro-lenses to generate a light-sheet at the centre of a microchannel. Super-ovulated F1 (CBA/C57Bl6) mice were used to produce two-cell embryos and embryo culture experiments. Blastocyst formation rates and embryo quality (immunocytochemistry) were compared between the study groups. A convolutional neural network (ResNet 34) model using metabolic images was also trained. The optofluidic device was capable of obtaining high-resolution 3D images of live mouse embryos that can be linked to their metabolic activity. The system's design allowed continuous tracking of the embryo location, including high control displacement through the light-sheet and fast imaging of the embryos (<2 s), while keeping a low dose of light exposure (16 J · cm-2 and 8 J · cm-2). Optimum settings for keeping sample viability showed that a modest light dosage was capable of obtaining 30 times higher signal-noise-ratio images than images obtained with a confocal system (P < 0.00001; t-test). The results showed no significant differences between the control, illuminated and non-illuminated embryos (sham control) for embryo development as well as embryo quality at the blastocyst stage (P > 0.05; Yate's chi-squared test). Additionally, embryos with inhibited metabolic activity showed a decreased blastocyst formation rate of 22.2% compared to controls, as well as a 47% reduction in metabolic activity measured by metabolic imaging (P < 0.0001; t-test). This indicates that the optofluidic device was capable of producing metabolic images of live embryos by measuring NAD(P)H autofluorescence, allowing a novel and affordable approach. The obtained metabolic images of two-cell embryos predicted blastocyst formation with an AUC of 0.974. N/A. The study was conducted using a mouse model focused on early embryo development assessing illumination at the two-cell stage. Further safety studies are required to assess the safety and use of 405 nm light at the blastocyst stage by investigating any potential negative impact on live birth rates, offspring health, aneuploidy rates, mutational load, changes in gene expression, and/or effects on epigenome stability in newborns. This light-sheet on-a-chip approach is novel and after rigorous safety studies and a roadmap for technology development, potential future applications could be developed for ART. The overall cost-efficient fabrication of the device will facilitate scalability and integration into future devices if full-safety application is demonstrated. This work was partially supported by an Ideas Grant (no 2004126) from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), by the Education Program in Reproduction and Development (EPRD), Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, and by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University. The authors E.V-O, R.N., V.J.C., A.N., and F.H. have applied for a patent on the topic of this technology (PCT/AU2023/051132). The remaining authors have nothing to disclose.

AVIGNETTE ON THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGYAND THE DEAN'S ADDRESS TO THE 2024/2025FRESHMANCLASS

The Faculty of Technology in Tuzla is the oldest higher education institution in the Tuzla Canton and one of the oldest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was established in 1959 and was the cornerstone for the founding of the University of Tuzla.This year, the Faculty of Technology celebrates 65 years of existence and work, marked by continuous development and success. The faculty has played a significant role in the education of students in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond, as well as in the founding of other higher education and scientific institutions in Tuzla, which eventually led to the establishment of the University of Tuzla. The Faculty of Technology in Tuzla was the first higher education institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina to initiate postgraduate studies in 1963. The first two master's theses were defended in 1965, and the first doctoral dissertation was defended in 1962.Today, the Faculty has a total area of 7,878 square meters, comprising modernly equipped amphitheaters, classrooms, laboratories, a library, and faculty offices. Long-standing practice and constant collaboration with the industry have led to the development of curricula that provide the opportunity for training and educating engineers who have sufficiently broad knowledge to quickly adapt to the demands of the industry.

ACTIVE, ACTUATED, AND ASSISTIVE: A SCOPING REVIEW OF EXOSKELETONS FOR THE HANDS AND WRISTS

BACKGROUND: Assistive technology is often incorporated into rehabilitation and support for those impacted by upper limb impairments. When powered, these devices provide additional force to the joints of users with muscle weakness. Actuated devices allow dynamic movement compared to splints, therefore improving the ability to complete activities of daily living. However, these devices are not often prescribed and are underrepresented in research and clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This review examines the current body of literature concerning devices designed to aid the hands and wrists in daily activities. Focusing on active, powered, and actuated devices, to gain a clearer understanding of the current limitations in their design and prescription. METHODOLOGY: The scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was done on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and NHS the Knowledge Network from inception to May 2023. Articles were included if the device was portable; supported the hands and wrist actively using an actuator; and could be used for assistive living during or post-rehabilitation period. FINDINGS: A total of 135 studies were included in the analysis of which 34 were clinical trials. The design and control methods of 121 devices were analyzed. Electrical stimulation and direct mechanical transmission were popular actuation methods. Electromyography (EMG) and joint movement detection were highly used control methods to translate user intentions to device actuation. A total of 226 validation methods were reported, of which 44% were clinically validated. Studies were often not conducted in operational environments with 69% at technology readiness levels ≤ 6, indicating that further development and testing is required. CONCLUSION: The existing literature on hand and wrist exoskeletons presents large variations in validation methods and technical requirements for user-specific characteristics. This suggests a need for well-defined testing protocols and refined reporting of device designs. This would improve the significance of clinical outcomes and new assistive technology. Layman's Abstract Assistive devices are often incorporated into rehabilitation and support for those impacted by upper limb impairments. When powered, these devices provide additional force for users with muscle weakness. Unlike splints, these devices do not constrict movement, therefore improving the ability to complete activities of daily living. However, these devices are rarely prescribed or presented in research and clinical settings. This review examines the current literature concerning powered devices that aid the hands and wrists to investigate who uses them, how they are designed and how they are validated. The scoping review was conducted using a validated guideline. A systematic search was done on 5 databases up to May 2023. Articles were included if the device was portable; supported the hands and wrist using motors; and could be used for everyday tasks. A total of 135 studies were included in the analysis, of which 34 were clinical trials. The design and method of device function of 121 devices were analysed. Muscle and joint movement detection were highly used to control device movement. A total of 226 validation methods were reported, of which 44% were clinically validated. Studies were often conducted in research and clinical environments (69%) rather than at home settings. In conclusion, existing literature on hand and wrist exoskeletons presents large variations in design, control methods and validation practices. This suggests a need for well-defined testing protocols. This would improve the significance of clinical outcomes of new assistive technology. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/43827/33279 How To Cite: Galbert A, Buis A. Active, actuated, and assistive: A scoping review of exoskeletons for the hands and wrists. Canadian Prosthetics &amp; Orthotics Journal. 2024; Volume 7, Issue 1, No.9. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v7i1.43827 Corresponding Author: Professor Arjan Buis, PhDDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.E-Mail: arjan.buis@strath.ac.ukORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3947-293X

Design Thinking in Online Spaces: How Students Develop Their Engineering Identities

Engineering identity plays a key role in the educational experiences of undergraduates majoring in engineering fields. Design thinking pedagogy can enhance engineering identity. However, little is known about how design-thinking pedagogy influences engineering identity development within an online environment, and specifically how this looked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how a design thinking-oriented engineering course delivered online supports undergraduate students’ engineering identity development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers collected 63 observations, totaling approximately 79 hours of observation of an embedded systems engineering course. Findings revealed the importance of language and framing in shaping engineering identity in online learning spaces. In addition, online student-faculty interactions were seen as an area of growth. Finally, the study found that online spaces can complicate opportunities for engineering identity performance. This study has implications regarding intentionality and online learning. To enhance engineering identity, faculty and administrators should consider how they use language to frame their courses and create meaningful student-faculty interactions.

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.

Students and Lecturers of Kaunas Polytechnic Institute in the KGB Spotlight (1951–1989)

The KGB branch at the Council of Ministers of the Lithuanian SSR paid particular attention to schools of higher education in Kaunas who were supposed to train intelligentsia loyal to the Soviet government. During the interwar period Kaunas was the temporary capital of Lithuania and the majority of schools of higher education in Kaunas stemmed from the Lithuanian University (Vytautas Magnus University) founded in 1922. Therefore, there were a number of representatives of the national intelligentsia in Kaunas who exerted a significant influence on the younger generation. During the Soviet period, the KGB monitored political sentiments, research and foreign relations of lecturers and students of all schools of higher education, including Kaunas Polytechnic Institute (KPI). The KGB carried out the surveillance using a network of trusted people and agents and was assisted in this by functionaries of the Communist Party and the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol). In 1951–1973, the KGB in Lithuania disclosed the underground organisations in which KPI students and teachers were involved. In order to identify anti-Soviet organisations, the KGB agents used provocateurs and later – listening devices. Seeking to “re-educate” KPI students and teachers who were involved in anti-Soviet organisations, the KGB applied typical methods: arrest, courts, detention and forced labour in Soviet labour camps. “Less serious crimes” of students, such as singing of anti-Soviet songs, belonging to a religious group or asking inappropriate questions at ideological sciences lectures, were punished with preventive conversations, public discussions of their behaviour, reprimands, removal from the Komsomol, and expulsion from the Institute. Although the functionaries of the KGB and the Communist Party applied measures aimed at suppressing national consciousness and statehood aspirations and ideological censorship, there were frequent manifestations of dissatisfaction with the Soviet occupation at KPI and some students and lecturers continued to participate in the anti-Soviet resistance. In order to protect young people from the negative influence, the KGB sought to prevent the former deportees or prisoners from studying and working at the schools of higher education. Prof. Kazimieras Baršauskas, Rector of KPI, disobeyed prohibitions by KGB leaders, and the Institute had a number of students who were former deportees and political prisoners. The KGB sought to expand its network of agents at KPI, but their reports indicate that there were too few agents. The KGB tried to use some KPI lecturers who travelled abroad for their sabbatical as their agents at the institute and for technical espionage abroad. In order to control research work related to military orders and trips abroad, the 1st Unit and the Foreign Relations Unit were set up at the institute; these were actually led by KGB officers. The KGB monitored whether the enemies from the capitalist countries were interested in what was developed at KPI laboratories or in researchers who wrote dissertations on the so-called classified topics. In the 1980s, the KGB mainly focused on the KPI Scientific Centre Vibrotechnika, the Ultrasound Laboratory, and faculties of Automation, Radio Electronics, Computer Technology and Mechanical Engineering, the Nemunas song and dance ensemble, tourist society and the society for regional studies.

Winnowing Algorithm Implementation In Determining Thesis Title (Case Study: Faculty of Information Technology, UMBY)

Determining the title of the thesis is an important first step in the process of writing the thesis. However, students often experience difficulties in finding titles that are relevant and in accordance with their field of study. Therefore, this study aims to implement the winnowing algorithm as a new approach to determine the appropriate thesis title. The winnowing algorithm is a method used in text analysis to identify important parts or "fingerprints" of a document. This method has proven effective in reducing complexity and increasing efficiency in text processing. In the context of determining thesis title, the winnowing algorithm can be used to analyze a collection of literature that is relevant to student research topics. The results of this study are expected to assist students in determining the thesis titles that are appropriate to their research topics. The implementation of the winnowing algorithm will provide a new efficient approach in literature analysis and thesis title selection. In addition, this research can also contribute to the development of other techniques that use the winnowing algorithm in the context of determining titles or other research topics.

Strengthening the critical thinking skill through the six-hat thinking model in pancasila education

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of Pancasila learning with the goal of improving critical thinking skills through the application of the six thinking hats model. The research adopts a descriptive approach utilizing qualitative methods. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. The participants were selected using purposive techniques based on specific criteria and considerations to ensure the collection of targeted information. Specifically, the research focused on students enrolled in the Manufacturing Engineering Class D. Data collection for this study involved the use of observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. To ensure data validity, triangulation techniques were employed by the researchers. Data analysis followed an interactive model based on the framework developed by Miles and Huberman, encompassing data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The six thinking hats learning model significantly improved students' critical thinking skills and character values. This approach enables students to approach problems from multiple perspectives, becoming more responsive to social issues and navigating real-world challenges. These fosters heightened awareness of societal matters, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to social progress.

Tanaka Laboratory, Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hiroshima Institute of Technology

Tanaka Laboratory, Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hiroshima Institute of Technology

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