Technical University Research Articles

Empowering Navajo Nation's Water Quality Monitoring through State-of-the-Art Paper-Electrochemical Sensors

The NSF-PREM research collaborative effort between Navajo Technical University (NTU) and Harvard University aims to address the critical issue of water contamination within the Navajo Nation. Decades of uranium mining and mineral extraction have left a lasting mark on the Navajo land and groundwater resources, necessitating effective solutions. The Nano-electrochemical Analysis and Energy Storage Laboratory (NEST LAB) at NTU has developed flexible paper-based sensors integrated with advanced electrochemical techniques to detect heavy metal concentrations in water samples. These sensors are cost-effective, easy to fabricate, and highly reliable, offering real-time monitoring capabilities. The projects core goal is to expedite water quality analysis and empower the Navajo community to detect potential contamination promptly. By distributing these sensors to local chapter houses, residents can independently assess groundwater quality, fostering a sense of ownership and proactive environmental stewardship. This partnership exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions and trains Navajo students to get involved in scientific innovation to safeguard the environment for future generations in the Navajo Nation.

Fabrication of Low-Cost Flexible Paper-Based Alcohol Sensor

The development of alcohol sensors has been an active research area for years. Alcohol detection can be applied to medicine, agriculture, and law enforcement. On the Navajo Nation, we have limited access to centralized analytical laboratory techniques, for on-spot testing. Regarding healthcare, the collected lab sample is sent to nearby bigger cities for analysis, and results for lab work may take weeks and even months to receive a detailed report; also, law enforcement relies on state support for analytical techniques. Through the NSF-PREM research collaboration with Harvard University at the NanoElectrochemical Analysis and Energy Storage Laboratory (NEST LAB) at Navajo Technical University (NTU), we have fabricated a versatile paper-based sensor to detect several analytes. Our sensor utilizes electrochemical analytical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry to monitor the concentrations of our target analytes (alcohol). Our sensors' versatility and low-cost appeal make them suitable for alcohol detection. We can optimize our sensor to detect alcohol samples for on-spot analysis. We can also apply our sensors to detect and determine alcohols derived from the biomass. Contact Details: Justin Platero, Student Researcher, Email:justin.platero@student.navajotech.edu * Corresponding Author: Dr. Thiagarajan Soundappan, PI, NEST LAB, NTU. Email: tsoundappan@navajotech.edu Acknowledgment: NSF-PREM DMR-2122195 and USDA-NIFA-2021-38424-33455

Paper-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Cancer Biomarkers Detection

Cancer is currently the third leading cause of death among the people of the Navajo Nation and is the most common cause of death worldwide. American Indians are often diagnosed when cancer has reached the advanced stages compared to other communities. Major contributors for the cancer inside the Navajo Nation is the exposure to uranium, other heavy metals, and radon gas. In the Navajo Nation, uranium mining boomed from 1944 to 1986; decades later, uranium tailings and toxic waste from the milling process have caused an increased rate of cancer in the Navajo Nation.Further cancer detection and monitoring remain critical challenges in healthcare. This research explores the fabrication of paper-based electrochemical sensors modified with nanoparticles and antigens at the Nanoelectrochemical Analysis and Energy Storage Laboratory (NEST LAB) at Navajo Technical University (NTU) for the sensitive and selective detection of cancer biomarkers.These electrochemical sensors harness the unique qualities of paper, such as low cost and ease of fabrication, combined with the specific binding capabilities of nanoparticles and antigens. Modifying paper electrode surfaces enhances sensitivity and selectivity, making these sensors a cost-effective and portable option for early cancer detection. In contrast to traditional methods like imaging and biopsies, electrochemical sensors are low-cost, offer minimally invasive screening, high sensitivity, and affordability, making them valuable tools in the early diagnosis and management of cancer. These sensors'accessibility and potential to detect cancer at its earliest stages can significantly improve patient outcomes, particularly in resource-limited areas such as Native American reservations.Keywords: Cancer biomarkers, paper-based electrochemical sensors, nanoparticle modification, antigen modification, early detection, point-of-care diagnostics, cost-effective healthcare.

Pathways to building strong IR professional identities in Taiwanese higher education

ABSTRACT Institutional Research (IR) is an emerging profession in the context of Asian Higher Education. Consequently, understanding of the pathways leading to the development of IR professionals’ identities, crucial for IR capacity building, is limited. The study aims to investigate the contextual and psychological antecedents necessary to attain high levels of professional identity for institutional researchers in Taiwan’s higher education. Using the convenience-sampling, this study recruited IR professionals to participate in the online survey during the spring semester of 2022. A total of 84 participants responded with experience working in a university’s IR office, and multivariate analysis techniques adopted include descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability analysis, and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Results indicate that high levels of both structural and psychological empowerment (PE) are necessary conditions for cultivating strong professional identities. For IR professionals working in public comprehensive or technical universities, particularly in high levels of PE led to strong professional identities. Conversely, those working in private comprehensive or technical universities were able to attain high levels of professional identity despite low levels of structural and PE. Policy implications are also discussed.

Short‐term multivariate airworthiness forecasting based on decomposition and deep prediction models

AbstractThis study introduces a model for predicting airworthiness in terms of meteorology information within the viewpoint of not only formal regulations but also informal rules based on acquired indicators from flight training organization experience (AIs‐FTOE). The case study is carried out in the Hasan Polatkan Airport which is used by the Department of Flight Training of Eskişehir Technical University (ESTU‐P), which is also recognized as a flight training organization. Within the study, the constraints (derived from regulations and AIs‐FTOE) and the data set used in models are explained. Also, the models are introduced based on the gated recurrent unit (GRU) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) with the use of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and variational mode decomposition (VMD). Finally, a model‐selective mechanism (MSM) is proposed to use the models in common. The findings show that the models presented in the study produce successful results that can be used in flight training organization's (FTO) planning studies. The MSM uses GRU and LSTM together with decomposition techniques to provide more advanced prediction capabilities. When the literature is examined, it is observed that although meteorological conditions are of vital importance in the efficiency of FTOs, there are not enough studies on airworthiness based on meteorology. So, a model that will assist in scheduling plans is presented for FTOs. Airworthiness analysis of forecasting can provide a comprehensive reference to support planning efficiency in FTOs. To the authors' knowledge, this study will be the first in the literature on airworthiness that presents the MSM using a hybrid deep learning algorithm and decomposition of time series models in concurrent.

Use of animals for scientific and educational purposes by Mexican institutions.

In Mexico, it is not known which institutions use animals for scientific purposes. This work reports, based on data requested from the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI), the types of institutions that use animals for research and how many of these have an ethics committee. Research centres, colleges, hospitals, national institutes, technical colleges, and public universities are the types of institutions that report using animals for experimentation. Only 54% of institutions have ethics committees. Mexican institutions from 2015 to 2021 used a total of 2,112,786 animals. Mammals are the most widely used animal group. The scientific purposes for using animals depend on the type of institution that uses them. In Mexico, it is necessary to update the regulations in order to regulate the use, protection and the care of laboratory animals.

BANKS’ COMMITMENT TO THEIR PRINCIPLES AS A STRATEGY TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER LOYALTY: THE MODIFYING ROLE OF BANKING TALENT

The study seeks to realize the role that the presence of banking talent plays in enhancing the relationship between commitment to banking principles and customer loyalty. To achieve this goal, SPSS program (version 26) was used to analyze the data collected through a questionnaire, distributed to a sample of 160 customers, who were systematically selected from Dasnia Bank in Dohuk Governorate, represented by the human resources working in the presidency of Duhok Polytechnic University, Technical College of Engineering, and Technical Institute in Sinjar, where human resources deal with Dasnia Bank. Totally, 153 copies of the questionnaire were received to analyze the data statistically between banks’ commitment to their principles (independent variable) and customers’ loyalty to banks (dependent variable), as well as the modifying variable determined by the presence of banking talent. Based on the results of the analysis, a number of conclusions were reached. The findings indicated that Dasnia Bank follows good banking practices, which makes customers more loyal. It also helps if there are good bankers in the company. Therefore, it is important to have someone who has the skills, abilities, and experience needed to work in banking. This helps banks stay true and loyal to their principles. Finally, the study recommended the need for Dasnia Bank and other banks to rely on the default model, which succeeded in clarifying a relationship of influence of banks commitment to the principles on the loyalty of customers.

Navigating Brain Metastases: Unveiling the Potential of 3-Tesla Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) has witnessed significant growth in the field of neurosurgery, particularly in glioma surgery, enhancing image-guided neuronavigation and optimizing the extent of resection (EOR). Despite its extensive use in the treatment of gliomas, its utility in brain metastases (BMs) remains unexplored. This study examined the effect of iMRI on BM resection. This retrospective study was conducted at the neurosurgical center of the University Hospital of the Technical University of Munich and involved 25 patients with BM who underwent resection using 3-Tesla iMRI between 2018 and 2022. Volumetric measurements of the resected contrast-enhancing metastases were performed using preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative MRI images. The Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and neurological status of the patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Local recurrence and in-brain progression were reported in patients who underwent follow-up MRI at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. In this cohort (n = 25, mean age 63.6 years), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the most common origin (28%). The mean surgical duration was 219.9 min, and that of iMRI was 61.7 min. Indications for iMRI were primarily associated with preoperative imaging, suggesting an unclear entity that is often suspicious for glioma. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 21 patients (84%). Continued resection was pursued after iMRI in six cases (24%), resulting in an improved EOR of 100% in five cases and 97.6% in one case. Neurological status postoperatively remained stable in 60%, improved in 24%, and worsened in 16% of patients. No wound healing or postoperative complications were observed. Among the thirteen patients who underwent follow-up MRI 3 months postoperatively, one patient showed local recurrence at the site of resection, and seven patients showed in-brain progression. Of the eight patients who underwent a 6-month follow-up MRI, two showed local recurrence, while three exhibited in-brain progression. The observed favorable profiles of GTR, coupled with the notable absence of wound-healing problems and acute postoperative complications, affirm the safety and feasibility of incorporating iMRI into the neurosurgical workflow for resecting BM with specific indications. The real-time imaging capabilities of iMRI offer unparalleled precision, aiding meticulous tumor delineation and informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes. Although our experience suggests the potential benefits of iMRI as a safe tool for enhancing EOR, we acknowledge the need for larger prospective clinical trials. Comprehensive investigations on a broader scale are imperative to further elucidate the specific indications for iMRI in the context of BMs and to study its impact on survival. Rigorous prospective studies will refine our understanding of the clinical scenarios in which iMRI can maximize its impact, guiding neurosurgeons toward more informed and tailored decision-making.

University teachers’ self-reported emotions and electrodermal activity during teaching-related working events

ABSTRACT This intensive longitudinal study examined Finnish technical university teachers’ (N = 22) self-reported emotions and electrodermal activity during teaching-related events (teaching, tutoring, planning, assessing). Emotions were examined in the context of control-value theory (Pekrun, R. 2006. “The Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions: Assumptions, Corollaries and Implications for Educational Research and Practice.” Educational Psychology Review 18 (4): 315–41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-006-9029-9). An experience sampling method with event-contingent sampling was applied via a smartphone application for a measurement period of two weeks. Participants were also equipped with a smart ring biosensor that recorded their electrodermal activity (EDA, an indicator of physiological arousal). Results indicated that teaching-related events led to predominantly positive prospective and retrospective emotions. Interactive events, such as teaching and tutoring, were especially effective in generating positive outcomes and activating emotions. Results showed that that teaching-related events had higher EDA levels than typical work hours. In addition, higher within-teacher EDA levels during teaching-related events slightly increased the likelihood of reporting positive emotional valence after teaching. Further, results indicated that teacher-student interaction (teaching and tutoring events) and higher EDA during, and emotional activity before, teaching-related events increased the likelihood of activating emotions after teaching. The results can be generalized with reservations due to the small number of participants.

Применение конопляного урбеча и нутовой муки в составе комбинированных творожных десертов

Purpose. Determination of the functional and technological compatibility of whipped food systems of combined curd desserts with neoprotein ingredients. Materials and Мethods. Experimental research and development of samples were carried out in the conditions of the Department of Food Production Technologies of Volgograd State Technical University and Complex Analytical Laboratory of VRIMMP (Volgograd). The object of the study was combined curd desserts with neoprotein ingredients: urbech from peeled hemp seeds in the curd part and chickpea flour in the biscuit part. All studies within the framework of this work were carried out in accordance with regulatory documents of state standards of the Russian Federation: assessment of organoleptic indicators – according to GOST R ISO 22935-2-2011 and GOST 31986-2012; whipped of the curd part was determined according to GOST R 52175-2003, mass fraction of moisture – according to GOST 3626-73, titratable acidity – titrimetrically (GOST 3624-92), mass fraction of moisture in the biscuit – according to GOST 5900-2014. Results. Sample of curd part No. 2 with the addition of 6% urbech from purified hemp kernels and sample of biscuit No. 2 using chickpea flour after frying demonstrated the best organoleptic characteristics. The results of physicochemical and rheological tests showed that the addition of urbech increases whipped of the curd part by 2 times, reduces acidity by 11.1% and increases mass fraction of moisture by 5.5%, and frying chickpea flour helps to increase the mass fraction of moisture in the biscuit, which slows down staling. The use of neoprotein components enriches the combined whipped curd product with plant protein, dietary fiber, macro- and microelements. Conclusion. Production of combined whipped curd products using neoprotein components - hemp urbech and fried chickpea flour, is advisable due to the improvement of the organoleptic, physico-chemical and rheological properties of both the curd and biscuit parts of the product, as well as increasing their nutritional and biological value.

Evaluating the Impact of AI-Personalized Learning Systems in Higher Education; Examining how They Affect Academic Performance across Different Age Groups at Kumasi Technical University

Revolutionizing education by introducing innovative methods to enhance student experiences has birthed Artificial Intelligence (AI). This article provided an in-depth overview of AI's educative and transformative influence, particularly concentrating on learning outcomes for students of all ages at Kumasi Technical University. AI amalgamation in education has enabled modified learning experiences tailored towards each learner's unique needs. The purpose of this study sought to investigate the effects of AI-personalized learning systems on academic performance across different age groups in higher education institution. The researcher employed a quantitative research design, using a face-content verified structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents, with expert consultation. Forty-five students from Kumasi Technical University's engineering and procurement departments were selected using the convenience sampling technique. The findings provided valuable insights into the use of AI-driven personalized learning platforms in higher education. The data revealed higher adoption rates among undergraduates compared to postgraduates, and a greater likelihood of use among men than women, highlighting gender disparities and potential areas for targeted support. The predominant use of AI tools by younger students demonstrated their comfort with emerging technology, while the low participation of older students suggested potential adoption barriers. Statistical analyses (Pearson correlation; (r (43) = 0.166, p = 0.265) and linear regression; (R^2 of 0.03), (F (1, 45) = 1.25, p = 0.265) indicated that age did not significantly correlate with academic success in the context of AI use, despite extensive integration of AI learning systems in academic courses. Contrary to expectations that younger students' engagement with AI tailored learning systems would positively impact their academic performance compared to those over thirty, no significant correlation between age and academic achievement was found. These findings underscore the need for further research into other factors that may influence the effectiveness of AI learning systems.

Resilience in Technical Education Beyond COVID-19: A Case of Instructional Change and Innovation at a Midwestern Technical College

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed teaching and learning in higher education. Technical education programs were particularly challenged by shifts to remote instruction considering their emphasis on hands-on, real-life application and experiences. While there have been developments regarding online learning in technical education, there remains little empirical work on technical education in remote environments, including the unexpected wave of adaptions and new approaches resulting from the pandemic. This qualitative case study explores pandemic-spurred change and innovation among educators in technical education and related impacts. Guided by pedagogical resilience and a case study of a midwestern technical college, findings reveal three broader themes: a catalyst to accelerate innovation, reimagining the (online) classroom, and innovation as a core disciplinary feature. This study provides critical insight into ongoing challenges and promising solutions for teaching and learning across technical education course, program, and learning modalities.

Transforming Leadership: Evaluating the Impact of Leadership Styles on Technical Colleges in the National Capital Region, Philippines

Transforming Leadership: Evaluating the Impact of Leadership Styles on Technical Colleges in the National Capital Region, Philippines

INTEGRATED WRITING IN DIFFERENTIATED ESP COURSE AT TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of teaching integrated writing using differentiated tasks in an ESP university course. The mixed research method was used in the study. Eighty IT students of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute voluntarily took part in the study in the 2022-2023 academic year. The integrated writing involved reading-writing, listening-writing, and reading-listening-writing tasks. The differentiation according to the level of foreign language proficiency and the learning style of IT students was implemented. The results showed that the percentage of IT students who improved their integrated writing skills due to the differentiation of foreign language proficiency level and the learning style in the first group was bigger than in the second one. It was concluded that teaching integrated writing with a focus on learners’ differentiation is a means of simultaneous development of reading-writing, listening-writing, and reading-listening-writing skills in the professional context. It also helps to diversify ESP instruction at technical universities.

Преподавание философии для студентов поколения Z в современном техническом университете

The article, using the example of a seminar lesson in philosophy (section “Epistemology”), demonstrates the use of a methodology for teaching humanities in a modern technical university, tested at the Ural State University of Transport — a methodology that corresponds to the sociocultural realities of the information society, organically integrating key (onto)psychological features “digital generation”. The reasons for the limitations of the use of traditional methods in teaching humanities in technical universities to representatives of generation Z are outlined, as well as ways to solve this issue, reflecting, among other things, the problem of the “generation gap” fixed in the educational space, the socialization of which is divided into “before” and “after” the emergence of the realities of the information society.

Роль родителей в профессиональном самоопределении детей

The article analyzes the role of parents in children’s professional self-determination. The authors conducted a sociological survey among graduates of pedagogical, medical, and technical universities in Yaroslavl. The results showed that key factors in professional self-identification are family values and a reference person, rather than the opinions of friends or advertising in the media. Children from families with a service-oriented mission (e.g., teachers, military personnel, firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers) typically follow their parents’ life path. The majority of students surveyed acknowledged that their parents’ opinion plays an important role in their choice of future education and profession. However, only a small number of parents preferred to stay out of the way when it comes to choosing their children's educational and professional path. The study revealed that the professional goals of most children from doctor’s families coincided with those of their parents. On the other hand, students who entered university under parental coercion were found to have lower academic performance. These students are more likely to suffer from stress, apathy and alcohol dependence compared to those who independently and consciously chose their place of study. Students who, thanks to their parents’ support, actively developed through after-school activities (for example, dance or sports), quickly identified their strengths and weaknesses, and consciously chose their university and future profession. The author notes that medical education is an elite and inherited profession, as many students in medical universities have family members related to medicine. Obviously, in the context of social change, it's difficult to find a stable, well-respected, well-paying job that allows for social connections.

Developing motion profiles for the rotating coulisse within a complex mechanism used for harvesting cotton in a vertical spindle machine

Abstract This paper describes a multiloop of the coulisse mechanism (MCM) for a vertical spindle cotton harvester, designed by researchers at the Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU). The MCM aims to improve cotton harvesting efficiency by increasing the contact time between open bolls and the harvesting mechanism. The paper outlines the research objectives, which include: determining the kinematic parameters of the MCM using the graphic-analytical method; constructing acceleration plans for key points within the mechanism. The research methodology is based on kinematic analysis and computer-aided graphic-analytical studies. The paper highlights the challenges associated with using analytical formulas due to their complexity and computational demands. Therefore, the authors advocate for the graphic-analytical method, citing its effectiveness and compatibility with modern computer technology. The paper acknowledges previous research on the MCM, including the determination of speed parameters, and references relevant figures from earlier publications. Finally, the paper mentions the initial data for the analysis, which includes the mechanism plan at a specific coulisse angle. Overall, this abstract summarizes the development and analysis of a new cotton harvesting mechanism, emphasizing the chosen methodology and key findings.

Adaptation of logistics managers' competency models to industry 5.0 challenges

Radical geopolitical and geoeconomic transformations in the global economy are disrupting established economic ties and traditional routes of global commodity movement. Rapid technological changes, accelerated development of e-commerce, omnichannel strategies, and the sharing economy have contributed to increased demand for automation, robotization, and digitalization of logistics activities and supply chain management. These factors prompt the renewal and adaptation of the competencies set for logistics managers and, consequently, academic educational programs. The aim of the conducted research was to identify the impact of Industry 5.0 on the formation of the logistics personnel competency system, and to develop a new competency model considering rapid changes in technology, market conditions, consumer sentiments, and the regulatory environment. The research methodology combines theoretical analysis (theoretical generalization, analysis and synthesis, comparison, and grouping) with empirical research. As a result, existing and future trends in the logistics industry development were summarized, a comparative analysis of the competencies of logistics managers and engineers was conducted, and a tendency for their convergence under the influence of the transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0 was identified. The developed comprehensive competency model for logistics managers in the context of Industry 5.0 allowed for improving the content and structure of the "Logistics" educational program at the National Technical University of Ukraine, determining the ratio between general and professional skills, the set of necessary tools and technologies required for developing and implementing logistics solutions, stimulating students to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as orienting them towards effective professional activity in the future. Future research is reasonable to focus on evaluating new technological courses' effectiveness, developing interdisciplinary teaching methods, integrating practical experience, incorporating sustainability and social responsibility, and creating innovative assessment techniques to ensure curricula meet evolving labor market demands and prepare students for real-world challenges and new Industry 5.0 requirements.

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE AND HERITAGE ON ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Institute of Najaf Technical,Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al-Najaf 31001, IraqCultural and historical settings play a significant role in shaping architectural design. This article delves into the relationship between cultural heritage, architecture, and cultural narratives, looking at how physical environments reflect and shape social practices, historical traditions, and cultural practices. The study emphasizes how architects integrate indigenous materials, cultural symbols, and historical allusions into their designs by comparing and contrasting diverse architectural styles and movements across different areas and eras. A hybrid architectural language incorporating multiple cultural aspects is also addressed in the article, delving into the impact of globalization in this regard. Modern design approaches emphasize cultural sustainability and heritage protection, as seen in case studies from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, demonstrating the interconnected nature of culture, history, and architecture. To promote a more sophisticated and context-sensitive method of design that pays tribute to and breathes new life into cultural heritage, the results stress the significance of cultural literacy in architectural training and practice.

Talent Management Practices at the Cape Coast Technical University in Ghana

Talent Management Practices at the Cape Coast Technical University in Ghana