Technological University Research Articles

Self-leadership as the ability for self-management in relation to academic procrastination of engineering students

Introduction. In the modern educational environment, attention is increasingly focused on the development of students’ personalities. The ability to self-organize, self-discipline and self-motivation becomes a necessary skill both for achieving educational goals and for successful integration into the professional environment of a future specialist. The purpose of the study is to study the influence of self-leadership, self-management and self-esteem on the level of academic procrastination of engineering students. Materials and methods. The sample is represented by 138 students of the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the average age was 20 years. The following methods were used: «Questionnaire to determine the level of self-leadership», adapted by Kim E-sung, «Scale for assessing academic procrastination», adapted by M.V. Zverev, questionnaire «Ability to self-government» N.M. Peysakhova, test «Determination of the level of self-esteem» S.V. Kovaleva. Results. The self-leadership and self-management skills of engineering students are at the «above average» level, there is also an average level of procrastination, and a low level of self-esteem was found. Students' academic procrastination decreases with a high level of goal-setting ability (r=-0,19; p≤0,05), introspection (r=-0,19; p≤0,05), self-control (r=-0,20; p≤0,05). Procrastination increases when using the strategies of «self-reward» (r=0,18, p≤0,05) and «visualization of one’s own success» (r=0,19, p≤0,05), as well as with high self-esteem (r=0,23; p≤0,001). Girls are more likely to procrastinate, care about the quality of work, and reward themselves after achieving results than boys. The most significant contribution to the academic procrastination of engineering students is made by goal setting (B = -0,36) and «visualization of one’s own success» (B = 0,40). Conclusion. Academic procrastination is one of the common problems in education. Self-leadership as the ability for self-management has a significant impact on procrastination, reducing it. Further research into the phenomenon of self-leadership may contribute to the development of programs for developing selfmanagement skills, which will improve learning outcomes.

With the Professional Baccalaureate, the Ideal Route to University of Applied Sciences in Basel, Switzerland

With the Professional Baccalaureate, the Ideal Route to University of Applied Sciences in Basel, Switzerland

Exploring the use and impact of online digital resources in a mathematics module

This study examines the relationship between student engagement with digital resources and final module grade in a particular mathematics module delivered online in an Irish technological university. Measures of student engagement with the module are defined and calculated using data from virtual learning environment. These measures are analyzed to provide a description of students’ online study habits. We make an initial distinction between resources provided by the lecturer that are <i>lecture-based</i> or <i>exam-focused</i>. We further categorize student engagement with these resources as <i>active</i> or <i>passive</i> and consider these measures of student engagement in an online context. With these categories and measures in mind, we then examine the correlation between student engagement and final module grade using a multivariable linear regression model.

Research on Improving the English Listening and Speaking Ability Development of College Students Wearing Masks During the Pandemic

This study investigated the impact of wearing masks on students’ English listening and speaking performance in a classroom setting. The study was conducted with 30 first-year students of a practical English course at a southern Taiwan science and technology college. The class was designed using social-cognitive tools and profession-related podcasts to reduce interference from wearing masks. The study tested the impact of wearing a medical mask and a transparent mouth mask on students’ motivation, anxiety, and clarity of message communication. Students believed wearing a medical mask and a transparent mouth mask had a stronger motivation to learn, but their classroom anxiety was insignificant. The course used selective podcasts and online voice recording exercises to make students respond more positively. Students were more capable of changing the negative external factors of mask-wearing for their precision English communication. However, students generally did not agree that the use of transparent mouth masks affects the clarity of English communication. Based on this study, the practical English course design and teaching experiences for students’ learning needs in mask-wearing circumstances of English teaching environment can further benefit future research

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Biopesticides with Emamectin Benzoate against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in Cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. Capitata (L.)

A field trial was conducted during rabi season 2023-2024 at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using a variety Green Soccer (546). The treatments viz., Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP, Spinosad 02.50 % SC, Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC, Neem seed kernel extract 5%, Beauveria basssiana 1x 108CFU/ml, Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP and along with an untreated control against plutella xylostella in cabbage.The data on larval population of Diamond back moth over control on first and second spray overall mean revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over control.Amomg all the treatments minimum larval population was recorded in in T3 Spinosad 02.50 %SC (1.045) followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate5%SG (1.212), T2Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (1.345),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108 CFU/ml (1.512),T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0 % SC (1.667),T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5 % (1.934),T7 Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP (2.133).While, the highest yield (298q/ha) was obtained from the treatment T3 spinosad 02.50%SC as well as B:C ratio (1:5.76) was obtained high from this treatment. It followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (276q/ha) (1:5.53),T2 Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (269q/ha)(1:5.42),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108CFU/ml (259q/ha) (1:5.24), T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC(249q/ha)(1:5.04), T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5% (233q/ha) (1:4.65), T7 Azadirechtin 00.03% WSP(215q/ha)(1:4.42) and the lowest yield and B:C ratio is recorded in T0 Control (186q/ha) (1:4.05).

Applied optics research at Zhejiang University–College of Optical Science and Engineering: Introduction to the feature issue

This institutional focus issue provides a small glimpse into the depth and breadth of innovative optical engineering research taking place today at Zhejiang University–College of Optical Science and Engineering (ZJU-COSE).

Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and its Attributing Traits in Urdbean Genotypes and its Triple Test Cross F1 Hybrids

This research delves into the association and path coefficient analysis between yield and its attributing traits among 111 diverse lines of urdbean. 27 lines, three testers, and Eighty-one F1 hybrids were grown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during Kharif 2023 at the Crop Experimental Research Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.). The analysis of variance for parents (27 lines and three testers) and their 81 triple test cross hybrids indicated highly significant genotypic differences across all 12 quantitative traits under study viz., days to 50% flowering (DFF), days to 75% maturity (DM), plant height (cm) (PH), number of primary branches per plant (NPB), pods per plant (NPP), pod length (cm) (PL), seeds per pod (NSP), biological yield per plant (g) (BYPP), seed yield per plant (g) (SYPP), harvest index (%),(HI), 100-seed weight (HSW), and protein content (%) (PC). All the traits studied showed a significant positive correlation with seed yield, except for days to 50% flowering, and days to 75 % maturity at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that all the traits had high direct positive effects on seed yield except for days to 50% flowering and days to 75 % maturity at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Therefore, these traits should be the primary focus in black gram breeding programs aimed at yield improvement.

Effect of Zinc, Iron and Biofertilizer on Physical Property of Soil under Chickpea Cultivation

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, insightful information about the potential advantages of using micronutrients in cultivation of chickpea, particularly the “Sadabahar” variety. In the study, Bulk density Mg m-3); Particle density (Mg m-3); Pore Space (%); Water holding capacity (%) was calculated by methods suggested by Muthuvel et al. [1]. The details of nano mixed micronutrients treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).Zinc and Iron improve root development and microbial activity, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Rhizobium further promotes root nodulation and organic matter decomposition, increasing soil aggregation and moisture retention. This balanced nutrient and microbial application optimizes soil physical properties, leading to superior water holding capacity and pore space.

Naziemne skanowanie laserowe - wyzwania i możliwości w tworzeniu modeli 3D budynków

The technology of terrestrial laser scanning and its possibilities are subject of scientific research in the area of geodesy, construction, architecture and even more over the last decades. This method provides point clouds data, which contains full and accurate representation of the geometrical parameters of the examined subject. This publication discusses in short the principles and possibilities for creating a three-dimensional data model using the advantages of terrestrial laser scanning. The building of University of Architecture, civil engineering and geodesy, situated in Semkovo resort, Blagoevgrad district is selected for the purpose of the task. Classical land surveying measurements with a total station and terrestrial laser scanning are used for the creation of the three-dimensional models. A comparison and evaluation of the obtained model is made. The result of this evaluation indicates that the technology of terrestrial laser scanning is efficient for representation of high quality data with a wide scope of advantages such as high range, fast data processing, high precision and accurate details.

Building and Maintaining an Engineering Identity: How Engineering Students Navigate Community College Stigma Prior to Transfer

ABSTRACT This research brief outlines a phenomenological study which sought to understand how community college students made sense of their engineering identity as well as explore how outsider perceptions of community college attendance and transfer influenced their identities. The study used the Community College Stigmatization Model (CCSM) and elements of engineering identity theory to understand student experiences. Students shared how societal stigma and interactions with faculty, staff, and students at the high school and university levels complicated their ability to build strong engineering identities. However, they also described resistance against stigmatization and marginalization as community college engineering students and took actions to enhance their engineering identities. This study highlights the persistent nature of stigma and the need to create better partnerships and support systems as well as foster stigma resistance among community college engineering students.

Perceptions of Digital Academic Dishonesty in English Writing at Applied Colleges

Since the last decade, English instructors have often found digital academic English writing dishonesty (Tayan, 2017) among Saudi EFL graduating students due to the serious issues of adapting the online ghostwrites and tools, fabricating the English writing practices (Al-Khairy, 2013), plagiarism (Madkhali, 2017; Jenkins, 2018), neglecting proper citation and referencing, a lack of critical thinking and analysis, limited vocabulary and weak language proficiency (Fareed et al., 2016, Alsowat, 2017), and inadequate grammar and syntax, all of which affect their English writing skills ethically. However, such serious issues and digital factors devalue the hard work of honest students and negatively impact the integrity of the educational system. Therefore, this research attempt investigated critically the perceptions of digital academic dishonesty by Saudi EFL students in English writing at the Applied Colleges of King Khalid University. The objective of this study was to examine the awareness and understanding of digital academic dishonesty among diploma students enrolled in applied colleges. A descriptive quantitative analysis of 134 students' questionnaires was conducted, and data was gathered regarding their perceptions of academic dishonesty and such mediums by which students take part in academically dishonest activities. Also, the study explored the prevalent types of digital academic dishonesty that Saudi students engage in and the causes behind such behaviors. The investigation identified such common types of digital academic dishonesty as plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, utilizing essay mills, and falsification of sources, among others. By investigating the motivations behind such behaviors, the study, therefore, aimed to shed light on suggestions to reduce digital academic dishonesty in the context of English writing assignments.

Evaluation of flipped classroom teaching quality for civil engineering courses

The impact of civil engineering course education on civil engineers is profound and crucial. Due to the hierarchical and ambiguous nature of quality assessment for flipped classroom teaching, there is an urgent demand for a rational and effective approach to conduct such assessments. This would enable the targeted formulation of instructional improvement methods based on assessment outcomes, ultimately elevating the quality of pedagogy. This study combines the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy evaluation method. The fuzzy evaluation method is utilized to identify four primary evaluation factor sets, fourteen secondary judgment factor sets, and five evaluation outcome sets, with subsequent quantification of the assessment results. The analytic hierarchy process is employed to ascertain the weight coefficients of the evaluation factors. The comprehensive assessment model for flipped classroom teaching quality is established. The assessment results indicate that the overall quality of flipped classroom teaching in the civil engineering major at Anhui University of Science and Technology, conducted through the platform of Superstar Learning Hub, falls within the ‘Good’ category. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation score for extracurricular learning quality is the lowest, and the weight proportion attributed to flipped classroom infrastructure is the highest. Consequently, several targeted improvement measures are proposed to enhance the quality of flipped classroom teaching.

Computational Thinking Measurement of CS University Students

The measurement of computational thinking ability among computer science (CS) university students is of paramount importance. This study introduces UniCTCheck, a novel method designed to assess the main components of computational thinking in CS students. Utilising two key instruments, namely, the web application CTScore and the psychometric scale CTProg, this research aims to precisely evaluate seven core components of computational thinking and six programming concepts skills essential for CS students. The study, conducted at Rey Juan Carlos University and Atlantic Technological University Galway, involved a diverse sample of students from different year levels and programme specialisations. Through a rigorous research design, including sampling strategies and data collection tools, this study seeks to address critical research questions related to the measurement of variations in students’ computational thinking and programming skills by gender, university level, and location. By shedding light on the significance of computational thinking and programming in the educational realm, this research contributes to the existing literature and underscores the essential role of computational skills in the modern era.

Evaluation of Different Drying Methods and Leaf Age on the Retention of Phytochemical and Nutritional Attributes of Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa (Moringa oleifera), indigenous to India and Africa, is esteemed for its dual utility as a minor timber source and, more importantly, as a vegetable crop. The leaves of the moringa tree are exceptionally nutrient-dense, containing essential elements such as iron, calcium, proteins, vitamins A, C, and E, dietary fiber, phosphorus, and potassium, all vital for human health. Furthermore, these leaves are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolics, which endow them with significant medicinal properties. Despite its sporadic cultivation hindering global availability, the production of moringa leaf powder presents a viable strategy to bolster its international export potential. This study aims to assess the efficacy of various drying techniques in producing moringa leaf powder while preserving its nutritional integrity. Conducted at the Post-Harvest Technology Laboratory within the Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, and the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Technology and Agricultural Engineering at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, this research evaluates the nutritional quality of moringa leaf powder produced via different drying methods and from leaves of varying ages. Our findings indicate that the fluidized bed dryer excels in preserving the nutritional quality of the powder compared to tray and heat pump dryers. Additionally, the study concludes that heat pump dryers are unsuitable for producing high-quality moringa leaf powder.

An interactive online educational environment to reduce anxiety, improve emotional well-being, and critical thinking for college students

Interactive education can reduce anxiety among students by creating a supportive and supportive learning environment. This approach can also stimulate critical thinking, as it requires active student participation in debates, analysis, and discussions. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of interactive learning on Zoom on the anxiety, emotional well-being, and critical thinking of college students. The experiment involved 80 college students between 18 and 21 years of age. The research was performed by scientists from the [Zhengzhou University of Technology] University. To analyze the impact of the proposed strategy on emotional and cognitive well-being, the study used a set of questionnaires, namely Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, WAM (Well-being Assessment Measure), and Subjective Questionnaire for assessing critical thinking. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of the interactive learning methodology, which significantly reduced anxiety and increased the level of critical thinking among students. Anxiety decreased by 14 points, and critical thinking improved by 2.5 points, indicating positive dynamics of psychological and cognitive development. Despite the positive results, some contextual factors such as the level of the learning environment, cultural characteristics, and the personalities of students can influence the generalization of the findings. These findings can have practical application in the pedagogical practice of creating a favorable learning environment. Future research may focus on improving the methodology of interactive learning, studying its impact on other aspects of learning and development. It is also necessary to explore the use of interactive learning in various cultural and educational contexts.

The Role of Communication Skills in Improving the Job Performance of Teaching Staff at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah - Sultanate of Oman

The Role of Communication Skills in Improving the Job Performance of Teaching Staff at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah - Sultanate of Oman

Reform of College English Teaching Content in Engineering Colleges against the Background of New Engineering Education

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the development of new engineering education. College English, a compulsory course aimed at non-English majors in China’s universities, bears great responsibilities in training high-quality innovative engineering talent with an international perspective. After an examination of the current College English teaching content and an analysis of college students’ needs for English learning, the paper proposes three ways to reform the teaching content of College English in light of nurturing new engineering talent: integrating language and cultural knowledge with subject-specific knowledge, enhancing students’ ability of applying English in their professional domains, and emphasizing both humanistic education and professional competence in College English teaching.

Unemployed Biotechnology Graduates: Need of Modernization of Education and Training in Tunisia

Biotechnology is a priority higher education and economical sector for Tunisia. However, there is an ever-increasing unemployment rate of the biotechnology graduates in the country. Indeed, this huge problem warrants immediate attention and necessary actions from various stakeholders. This study presents the results of a benchmarking visit, which was arranged by Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) in Finland, as part of 'BiotechTunisia' Erasmus+ project entitled ‘Modernization of Biotechnology training for better employability of graduates in Tunisia’. There are four Tunisian and three European partners in this project that leads to modernization of skills of teachers, researchers, and students to improve employment and opportunities for entrepreneurship of young graduates in Tunisia. The project aims to modernize the education and the scientific research in the biotechnology field. During this benchmarking visit, Tunisian partners attended seminars, workshops, visited advanced learning facilities, participated to many group discussions, learned about teacher tutoring concept, and student counselling method. Delegation learned about new learning methodologies, pedagogy, and soft skills of students, which could be replicated in their home country education system. The benchmarking visit is seen as an opportunity for Tunisian partners to transfer the good practices from Finland to their home country. Tunisian delegates agree that the learnings could have a positive impact in their education system in coming years towards modernization of education and training of biotechnology students.

Chassis concept of the individually steerable five-link suspension: a novel approach to maximize the road wheel angle to improve vehicle agility

The Institute of Vehicle Systems Engineering at Ulm University of Applied Sciences is currently developing the autonomous concept vehicle Nimbulus-e in the strategic field “Intelligent Commercial Vehicles” with the aim of maneuvering as agilely as possible in confined spaces. To achieve high agility under the conditions mentioned, large road wheel steering angles are necessary. As part of the basic vehicle concept, the first step is to select a suitable chassis for this purpose. Conventional suspensions cannot be applied due to the mechanical connection of the tie rod to the steering knuckle limiting the road wheel angles. Therefore, the approaches published so far for individual chassis concepts with large steering angles are analyzed and evaluated for use. In this paper, the concept of a novel individually steerable five-link suspension is described. The concept includes a vehicle body mounted steering actuator connected to the chassis via a self-locking worm gear. Due to the body mounted connection of the steering actuator, it does not contribute to the unsprung mass. An analysis of the kinematic and elastokinematic properties and the achievable road wheel steering angle is presented. In the Nimbulus e concept vehicle, the individually steerable corner module is used on both the front and the rear axle. The system is driven by four wheel hub motors. This means that eight control variables are available for the vehicle.

A methodological approach for data standardization and management of Open Data portals for scientific research groups: a case study on mobile and ubiquitous ecosystems

IntroductionIn the scientific research domain, the Open Science movement stands as a fundamental pillar for advancing knowledge and innovation globally. This article presents the design and implementation of the GITCE Open Data Ecosystem (GITCE-ODE) Research Data Management System (RDMS), developed by the Research Group on Emerging Computational Technologies (GITCE) at the Technological University of Panama, as a platform for the long-term storage, publication, and dissemination of research products.MethodsThe architecture of the GITCE-ODE RDMS encompasses the entire data engineering lifecycle, facilitating information processing stages such as extraction, transformation, loading (ETL), as well as the management and analysis of diverse datasets and metadata.ResultsCompliance with the FAIR principles ensures that published data and products are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, promoting automation in the discovery and reuse of digital resources. Key considerations of the web portal include file format standardization, data categorization, treatment of semantic context, and organization of resources to ensure efficient management and administration of open research data.DiscussionThrough this platform, GITCE aims to foster collaboration, transparency, and accessibility in scientific research, contributing to the ongoing advancement of knowledge transfer and innovation.