Technological University Research Articles

Omani Student’s Awareness and Application of Reading Strategies in the IELTS-Based Reading Exams

Students who know the exam format and the reading strategies of the IELTS or IELTS-based reading exams are at an advantage. They can quickly locate answers that are not explicitly stated in complex texts. Consequently, they get good scores, which help students secure a place in higher education. According to the British Council report, Omani students score below Band 5 in IELTS reading exams. Similarly, not many Omani students score high in the IELTS-based reading exams at the branches of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman. Hence, this study seeks to answer the research questions of whether Omani students studying at level four are aware of the reading exam format and apply general and task-based reading strategies in the IELTS-based reading exams. The study adopted a quantitative research method, and data was collected from students (N=78) studying at level four in the preparatory studies center of UTAS-Ibra. This study is significant because it has implications for students, teachers, and policy-makers. The study findings confirm that students are aware of the exam format and apply general and task-based reading strategies in the IELTS-based reading exams.

Effect of Fruit Bagging on the Yield and Quality of Rainy Season Guava (Psidium guajava) cv Allahabad Safeda

The present experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the session 2022 - 2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design, and the study consists of eight treatments with three replications including control. From the present investigation, it was concluded that bagging had significant effect on fruit characters in guava. The best treatment was T3 (Yellow Polythene) which shows highest values in all the parameters viz fruit characters (fruit weight-192.09g, fruit girth- 6.39 cm, fruit diameter-6.53cm, pulp weight-74.91g, pulp percentage-89.06%, seed weight-6.22g, seed percentage-5.71% & specific gravity-1.23), quality attributes (TSS -15.32 0Brix, acidity- 0.40%, vitamin C- 161.99 mg/100g, TSS/acid ratio-37.64). Increased fruit yield and quality might be due to the increased absorption of sunlight & favorable microclimate created due to bagging.

Effects of triaxial deformation on the fission barrier in the Z = 118 − 120 nuclei* *Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12205076 and 12047504), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2020M670012), and the Launching Fund of Henan University of Technology (Grant No. 2021BS047).

By using potential energy surface (PES) calculations in the three-dimensional space (β 2, γ, β 4) within the framework of the macroscopic-microscopic model, the fission trajectory and fission barrier for Z = 118(Og), 119, 120 nuclei has been systematically investigated. The calculated PES includes macroscopic liquid-drop energy, microscopic shell correction and pairing correction. Taking the 294Og176 nucleus as an example, we discuss the next closed shell after Z = 82 and N = 126 with the calculated Woods–Saxon single-particle levels. Then, the results of PES in 294Og is illustrated from the (X, Y) scale to the (β 2, γ) scale. The γ degree of freedom reveals the shape evolution clearly during the fission process. The structure near the minimum and saddle point of the PES in the Z = 118, 119, 120 nuclei is demonstrated simultaneously. Based on the potential energy curves, general trends of the evolution of the fission barrier heights and widths are also studied. The triaxial deformation in these superheavy mass regions plays a vital role in the first fission barrier, showing a significant reduction in both triaxial paths. In addition, the model-dependent fission barriers of proton-rich nuclei 295Og, 296119, and 297120 are analyzed briefly. Our studies could be valuable for synthesizing the superheavy new elements in the forthcoming HIAF and other facilities.

Use of measurement results from a mobile laboratory in the diagnostics of anthropogenic environment - linear ordering of objects using the TOPSIS method

The measurements of the concentrations of gaseous and dust pollutants in the anthropogenic environment are an important element of environmental monitoring and for determining directions of preventive activities in the field of health protection. The article presents the results involving the concentrations of suspended dust and gaseous pollutants in the outdoor air, which were recorded at three measuring stations of air quality in the Silesian and Opole voivodeships (Wodzisław Śląski, Zabrze, Kędzierzyn-Koźle). The results were supplemented with the values recorded by the mobile laboratory located at the Center for Continuing Education - Branch of the Silesian University of Technology in Rybnik. The research results were used for a synthetic assessment of the threat level to the anthropogenic environment. In the computational layer, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed, which is included in the group of methods for solving multi-criteria decision-making problems (Multi Attribute Decision Making).

Influence of plant growth regulators on qualitative attributes of acid lime Kuliana local in Odisha

Kuliana lime is an outstanding Odisha cultivar with significant potential to be included in future crop improvement operations due to its flavor and juice content. This research was conducted at the Horticultural Research Station, Department of Fruit Science and Horticultural Technology, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 to determine the optimal growth regulator in terms of quality metrics. certain growth regulators 2,4-D (2,4-D @ 10 ppm and 20 ppm) and GA3 (GA3 @ 50 ppm and 100 ppm) and NAA (NAA @ 100 ppm and 200 ppm) and SA (SA @ 100 ppm and 200 ppm) and SPMD (SPMD @ 0.01 ppm and 0.5 ppm) and PUT (PUT @ 0.01 ppm and 0.5 ppm) and BR (BR @ 0.1 ppm and 0.5 ppm) quality of Acid Lime kuliana local. The biometrical observations on various quality features were recorded in the same seasons over 2 years. The best was for fruit quality, which has been determined on the basis of growth regulators performances, as growth regulator variation has a significant effect on the quality of fruit. Brassinosteroids showed the best effects for TSS (7.17 oBrix), acidity (6.05 %), total sugar content (0.61 %), reducing sugar content (0.41 %), ascorbic acid (36.35 mg per 100 mL of juice), chlorophyll content (33.03 mg/100 g), flavonoid content (119.91 mg/100 g), protein (0.82 mg/100 g) and carbohydrate content (10.29 mg/100g) with the other treatments, including the untreated fruits in both years of the study. Our results revealed that the BR gave superior results in quality attributes for Kuliana lime in the East and Southeast Coastal Plain Zones of Odisha.

Exploring Service Accessibility and Quality for Differently-Abled Students: A Qualitative Analysis at a South African University of Technology

This qualitative study investigates the service experiences of differently-abled students within the Financial Aid Department of a prominent South African University of Technology. Employing a semi-structured interview schedule aligned with the Service Quality model (SERVQUAL), five dimensions—tangibles, assurance, empathy, reliability, and responsiveness—are explored. The study unveils the significant challenges students face, including issues related to the location and accessibility of the department, staff approachability, and the reliability of communication systems. The discussion section draws on relevant literature to synthesise the findings, providing comprehensive insights into the intricacies of service delivery for differently-abled students. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for enhancing service quality and inclusivity, addressing the unique needs of this student demographic in the evolving landscape of South African higher education.

Integrating Cognitive Competency, Social Competency and Risk Propensity with the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Attain Sustainable-Development-Goal-8-Driven Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions

This paper empirically examines whether integrating entrepreneurial abilities with the theory of perceived behaviour positively influences Sustainable-Development-Goal-8-driven sustainable entrepreneurial intentions (SDG-8 SEIs). The data used in this study were gathered from 540 students from top-ranked Indian engineering colleges that offer entrepreneurship courses and have access to company incubators. According to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial drive are the three elements of perceived entrepreneurial behaviour. The TPB’s dimensions in this study have entrepreneurial competencies as their antecedents. Cognitive competency, risk propensity, and social competency and resilience are antecedents of the TPB’s dimensions. One entrepreneurial viewpoint uses sustainable UNDP-SDG-8 as a metric for assessing intentions; its objectives are the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). According to the findings, engineering students in India are more likely to have entrepreneurial-focused intentions based on sustainability if they adhere to the TPB’s dimensions along with additional constructs. Using an expanded TPB model, we show that the TPB has learnable and stimulating antecedents, with these having a positive effect on SDG-8 SEIs, thus extending entrepreneurial activity in India. Policymakers, universities, and students will find these results very intriguing. The TPB’s dimensions and three additional dimensions are proposed as antecedents in a new conceptual model aimed at sustainable entrepreneurship in this study.

Assessment of solar-biomass hybrid power system for decarbonizing and sustainable energy transition for academic building

Solar-biomass hybrid power system is a feasible approach for decarbonizing and achieving a sustainable energy transition in an academic building. This cutting-edge technology generates clean, sustainable power by fusing the advantages of biomass and solar energy. The present research analyses and optimises a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) for the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delhi Technological University (located at 28°44' N and 77°06' E). Hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) software is employed for simulation, and analysis primarily focuses on the techno-environomic assessment of the system. HRES is designed to fulfil daily energy consumption of 588 kWh at a peak load of 65 kW. System generates 3,76,780 kWh of power every year. The cost of energy (COE) is ₹16.96 (US$ 0.207)/kWh and the gross net present cost (NPC) is ₹41,603,969.8 (US$ 5,07,737). Throughout lifetime (25 years), biomass gasifier and solar PV contribute 23.4 % and 76.6 % of the total energy production. Around 161 metric tons of CO2 is prevented from entering the atmosphere. Therefore, proposed HRES is technically consistent, dependable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable.

Identifying beliefs about the gender gap in engineering professions among university students using community detection algorithms and statistical analysis

AbstractDigital societies require professionals in the Technology and Engineering sectors, but their lack, particularly of women, requires a thorough understanding of this gender gap. This research analyzes the beliefs and opinions of university engineering students about the gender gap in their professional fields by means of a community detection algorithm to identify groups of students with similar belief patterns. This study leverages a community detection algorithm to analyze the beliefs of 590 engineering students regarding the gender gap in their field, together with a correlational and explanatory design using a quantitative paradigm. A validated questionnaire focusing on the professional dimension was used. The algorithm identified three student communities, two gender‐sensitive and one gender‐insensitive. The study uncovered a concerning lack of awareness regarding the gender gap among engineering students. Many participants did not recognize the importance of increasing the representation of professional women, maintained the belief that the gender gap affects only women, and assumed that men and women are equally paid. However, women show a higher level of awareness, while men perceive the gender gap as a passing trend, which is worrying. Students recognize the importance of integrating a gender perspective into university and engineering curricula. It is worrying that many students doubt the existence of the gender gap and that both genders lack knowledge about gender gap issues. Finally, community detection algorithms could efficiently and automatically analyze gender gap issues or other unrelated topics.

Интеграция мультимедийных образовательных технологий в учреждениях среднего звена: практический опыт

The article presents an analysis of the use of multimedia technologies in the educational environment of secondary vocational education. The use of multimedia technologies is considered as an opportunity to increase the efficiency of the educational process, improve the assimilation of educational material and develop the skills of technical students. They get the opportunity to create interactive lessons tailored to the individual needs and interests of students. The organization of collective work becomes more effective and convenient for all participants in the educational process. Using digital tools, teachers can create a variety of assignments, educational materials, check and evaluate student work online. This allows students to receive feedback on their achievements and progress in real time. The article draws attention to the importance of training in multimedia technologies for future professionals who are ready to use multimedia technologies, which expands the range of professional competencies and be more competitive in the labor market. The author pays special attention to the readiness of the pedagogical cluster of a technological college to use digital platforms and tools that can significantly change the level of teaching. In the digital educational environment, students can interact with each other and with the teacher through various communication channels and educational platforms, discuss modern trends and technologies, share ideas, ask questions and work together on current projects.

Growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays) as influenced by sequential and combined application of tank mix herbicides

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to evaluate the impact of sequential and tank mix application of pre- and post-emergence herbicide on weed dynamics and maize productivity. The study was comprised of 9 treatments viz. Weedy (T1 ); Weed free (T2 ); Pre-emergence (PE) application of Atrazine -1 kg a.i./ha fb hand weeding (T3 ); PE application of Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha fb Post Emergence (Post E) application of Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha (T4 ); PE application of Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha fb Post E application of Tembotrione - 120 g a.i./ha (T5 ); PE application of Atrazine - 1.0 kg a.i./ha fb Post E application of Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha (T6 ); PE application of Atrazine - 1.0 kg a.i./ha fb Post E application of Tembotrione - 120 g a.i./ha (T7 ); Early Post E application of Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha + Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha (T8 ) and Early Post E application of Tembotrione - 120 g a.i./ha + Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha (T9 ). Eleusine indica, Echinochloa colona, Digitaria sanguinalis and Eragrostis japonica were dominant among grassy weeds whereas broad leaf weeds included Cucumis melo, Phyllanthus niruri, Cleome viscosa and Commelina benghalensis. Cyperus rotundus was dominant among sedges. Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha + Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha Early Post E resulted significantly lower total weed density and was similar to other herbicidal treatments. The highest grain yield (7.2 t/ha) was recorded in a weed-free crop that was similar to all herbicidetreated crops and significantly higher than the weedy crop. Tank mix application of atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha with tembotrione 120 g a.i./ha or topramezone 25.2 g a.i./ha at 15 DAS can be suggested owing to higher grain yield and profits for farmers while lowering the dose and expenses involved in manual weeding and spraying atrazine separately.

Productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa) influenced by customized fertilizers under rice-wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on silty loam soil during 2016–17 and 2017–18 to study the productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) influenced by customized fertilizers in rice-wheat cropping system. The experiment comprised of 6 nutrient management practices, viz. T1, control; T2, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); T3, Soil test-based recommendation (STR); T4, Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer; T5, TCL customized fertilizer and T6, Farmer’s practice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 4 replications. Results revealed that soil test-based recommendation showed significantly higher grain yield (4.88 t/ha), straw yield (7.53 t/ha) of rice, maximum number of effective tillers (438.6/m2), higher length of panicle (25.05 cm), maximum number of grains/panicles (135.10) and test weight (23.81g) over farmer’s practice and RDF, while it was at par with TCL customized fertilizer and Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer. The higher buildup of organic soil carbon (0.43%) and available N (174.11 kg/ha), P (18.98 kg/ha), S (14.88 ppm), DTPA-Zn (0.65 ppm) and B (0.55 ppm) in was maintained or slightly increased in soil test-based recommendation and customized fertilizers applied plots. While higher availability of K (259.80 kg/ha) was found in RDF. The higher net returns (32.58 × 103 `/ha) per rupee investment and B:C ratio (0.82) was also recorded in Soil test-based recommendation followed by Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer and TCL customized fertilizer.

Use of waste plastic oil as a fuel in reactivity-controlled compression ignition engines: a bibliometric investigation from 2017–23

Abstract Waste plastic oil, generated through the pyrolysis of plastic without oxygen, known as plastic-to-fuel conversion, stands as a promising alternative fuel. This research employs bibliometric analysis, a quantitative method, to comprehensively assess publications in the domain of waste plastic oil integration within reactivity-controlled compression ignition engines. Utilizing Scopus as the primary repository post-2017, the study categorizes information into pivotal aspects, including influential journals, countries, authors, affiliations, document types, thematic areas, sponsors and keywords. The analysis reveals significant contributions from diverse nations, prominently India, China, Turkey and Malaysia. Noteworthy is the prevalence of Energy, Engineering and Chemical Engineering as thematic focal points, with the journal Fuel leading the count followed by the journal Energy emerging as a prominent conduit. Institutional contributions are prolific, led by Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management University and Vellore Institute of Technology. Renowned authors ‘Gugulothu S.K’ and ‘He Z’ play a pivotal role in shaping the discourse. The National Natural Science Foundation of China stands out as a primary patron. This bibliometric analysis provides a structured understanding of waste plastic oil integration in reactivity-controlled compression ignition engines, laying the groundwork for future research avenues. The study identifies potential research platforms beyond Scopus, including Web of Science, CrossRef, Science Direct and Google Scholar, as valuable repositories for further exploration. Moreover, after careful observation of the research articles published by the top 10 authors as found in the study, it was found that the authors share a few common characteristics that helped them in advancing the understanding and application of waste plastic oil in reactivity-controlled compression ignition engines. These are also summarized in the present study with supporting data.

Discriminating factors of body composition characteristics for academic performance in nursing college students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPoor body composition may affect health status, and better body composition is often associated with better academic performance. Nursing students face heavy academic and practical pressures, and the relationship between body composition and academic performance in this group is not fully understood.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study used de-identified student data from a university of technology in southern Taiwan to analyze the correlation between body composition characteristics and academic performance using regression models.ResultsA total of 275 nursing college students were divided into four groups according to academic performance. The group with the lowest academic performance had a lower percentage of body fat (P < 0.05) but a higher percentage of muscle mass (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Academic performance was positively correlated with percentage of body fat (R = 0.16, P < 0.01) and body age (R = 0.41, P < 0.01), but was negatively correlated with percentage of muscle mass (R = − 0.16, P < 0.01). Percentage of body fat, visceral fat area, and body age were significant discriminators of academic performance (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe relationship between academic performance and body composition among nursing college students is not straightforward. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, students with higher academic performance tended to have a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of muscle mass. Percentage of body fat, visceral fat area, and body age were significant discriminators of academic performance, indicating that body composition should be considered an important factor in nursing education and practice.

Museum of Extinction

This artistic research project combines an exploration of natural history conservation at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and museology at Museene i Sør-Trøndelag. The exposition is structured around Field Notes: qualitative records of my observations. Taking an ethnographic and interpretive phenomenological approach, I argue my hypothesis through the subjective experiences of the living, as well as the living dead. Drawing a correlation between the utilitarian subjugation of the animal-other and loss of biodiversity, I posit that the re-presentation of animal materialities in art and artefacts has the potential to re-form culture in the time of the sixth extinction.

Determining the effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The experiment was carried out entitled “effect of interaction between nitrogen and sulphur on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)” at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), India, during Rabi (winter) season of 2021-22. The experiments were conducted in Factorial randomized block design which comprised of 25 treatment combinations in which five levels of Nitrogen (0,40,80,120 and 160 kg N ha-1) and five levels of sulphur (0,25,35,45 and 55 kg S ha-1). The experiments were laid out in the two factors RCBD with three replications, The plant height, number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, seed and stover yield increased with increasing N level of 160 kg N ha-1 which was at par with 120 kg N ha-1 and while significantly superior over rest of the levels of nitrogen. On the other hand, with increasing S levels plant height, increased significantly up to 55 kg S ha-1. However, the number of branches plant-1 and seed yield and shoot yield increased up to the highest dose of S (55 kg S ha-1). Considering the combined effect of N and S, the treatment combination (120 kg n ha-1 and 45 kg S ha-1) produced the maximum seed yield (21.32 q ha-1).

Influence of Sulphur and Micronutrients on growth and yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2023-2024 at Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences SHUATS, Prayagraj on effect of sulphur and micronutrient on growth and yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) with ten treatments combination such as Sulphur 10ppm + Mg 30 kg/ha, Sulphur 10ppm + B 5 kg/ha, Sulphur 10ppm + Ca 5 kg/ha, Sulphur 15ppm + Mg 30 kg/ha, Sulphur 15ppm + B 5 kg/ha, Sulphur 15ppm + Ca 5 kg/ha, Sulphur 20ppm + Mg 30 kg/ha, Sulphur 20ppm + B 5 kg/ha, Sulphur 20ppm + Ca 5 kg/ha and Control (RDF) 80:40:40 kg/ha (NPK)in randomized block design with three replications. Application of Sulphur 20ppm + B 5 kg/ha (Treatment 8) recorded maximum plant height (214.20), dry weight (g) per plant (31.61), Seed yield (t/ ha) (2.69) and stover yield (t/ha) (4.33).

Phenotypic characterization and analysis of genetic diversity between commercial crossbred and indigenous chickens from three different agro-ecological zones using DArT-Seq technology.

Indigenous and were used to study genetic diversity and population structure analyses. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0 to 0.5, with 21,285 SNP markers (35%) being in the lowest PIC value range (0 to 0.15) while 13,511 (commercial chickens have developed unique adaptations to their environments, which may include nutrition, pathogens, and thermal stress. Besides, environmental pressures and artificial selection have generated significant genome-wide divergence in chickens, as those selection pressures contribute a considerable evolutionary force to phenotypic and genotypic differentiation. Herein, we determined genomic diversity of indigenous chickens from semi-deciduous rainforest (SDR), coastal savannah (CS) and Guinea savannah (GS) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana and commercial crossbreds (CC) reared at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). We generated SNP markers from 82 chickens (62 indigenous chicken ecotypes and 26 commercial crossbred ecotype) using DArT-Seq technology. A total of 85,396 SNP markers were generated and after filtering the data, 58,353 markers 21%) were in the highest PIC value range (0.45 to 0.50). The CC were more genetically diverse than the indigenous birds, with the highest expected heterozygosity value of 0.220. Between the commercial crossbreds population and the indigenous ecotypes, pairwise FST values were estimated to be 0.105 between CS, 0.096 between SDF, and 0.133 between GS. Furthermore, PCA analysis showed that the CC, SDF and GS chickens clustered together and are genetically distant from the commercial crossbred. We herein show that chickens from the AEZs studied can be considered as one population. However, due the abundance of agro-byproducts in the SDR compared to the CS and GS, chickens from the SDR AEZ had better growth compared to their counterparts. It is suggested that the genetic diversity within the local ecotypes could form the basis for genetic improvement.

A Study of E-Resources Management &amp; Management Challenges Faced In Engineering College Libraries

A Study of E-Resources Management &amp; Management Challenges Faced In Engineering College Libraries

Applications of Photovoice-Based Entrepreneurial-Minded Pedagogical Interventions in the Engineering Classroom

The recent emergence of generative AI technologies is beginning to shape workforce hiring practices. The shift towards skills-based hiring over degree-based hiring has sparked concerns over the ability of college graduates to be prepared for their career roles. One approach to equip students to work with technology and adapt to rapidly changing environments is the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. One way to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking is through the participatory action research methodology, photovoice. This study explores how photovoice promotes discovery, evaluation, and exploitation of opportunities in university engineering classrooms. For this study, a literature review was conducted to identify, evaluate, and interpret available research. For the review, a five-step process was used. This process included defining a search criterion, constructing a Boolean logic search query, inserting the query into multiple academic search engines/databases, screening and selecting articles, and categorizing and mapping the literature. The review’s findings were organized based on the type of study, participants, duration of study and photovoice interventions used, study outcomes, and entrepreneurial mindset development. The results discussed in this paper offer insights, guidance, recommendations, and future directions for engineering education research.