Technological Quality Research Articles

Analyzing Test Performance of BSIT Students and Question Quality: A Study on Item Difficulty Index and Item Discrimination Index for Test Question Improvement

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the test performance of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students in the System Integration and Architecture (SIA) course, coupled with a meticulous examination of the quality of test questions, aiming to lay the groundwork for enhancing the assessment tool. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study involved 200 fourth-year students enrolled in the course. The results illuminated a significant discrepancy in scores between upper and lower student cohorts, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions, curriculum enhancements, and assessment refinements, particularly for those in the lower-performing group. Further examination of the item difficulty index of the assessment tool unveiled the need to fine-tune certain items to better suit a broader spectrum of students. Nevertheless, the majority of items were deemed adequately aligned with their respective difficulty levels. Additionally, an analysis of the item discrimination index identified 25 items suitable for retention, while 27 items warranted revision, and 3 items were suitable for removal, as per the analysis outcomes. These insights provide a valuable foundation for improving the assessment tool, thereby optimizing its capacity to evaluate students' acquired knowledge effectively. The study's novel contribution lies in its integration of both student performance assessment and evaluation of assessment tool quality within the BSIT program, offering actionable insights for improving educational outcomes. By identifying challenges faced by BSIT students and proposing targeted interventions, curriculum enhancements, and assessment refinements, the research advances our understanding of effective assessment practices. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of item difficulty and discrimination indices offers practical guidance for enhancing the reliability and validity of assessment tools in the BSIT program. Overall, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence and actionable recommendations tailored to the needs of BSIT students, promoting educational quality and student success in Information Technology.

The Impact of Entrepreneurship on Economic Growth: Exploring the Role of Technological Innovation and Institutional Quality in South Asia

The Impact of Entrepreneurship on Economic Growth: Exploring the Role of Technological Innovation and Institutional Quality in South Asia

CCW-YOLOv5: A forward-looking sonar target method based on coordinate convolution and modified boundary frame loss.

Multi beam forward looking sonar plays an important role in underwater detection. However, due to the complex underwater environment, unclear features, and susceptibility to noise interference, most forward looking sonar systems have poor recognition performance. The research on MFLS for underwater target detection faces some challenges. Therefore, this study proposes innovative improvements to the YOLOv5 algorithm to address the above issues. On the basis of maintaining the original YOLOv5 architecture, this improved model introduces transfer learning technology to overcome the limitation of scarce sonar image data. At the same time, by incorporating the concept of coordinate convolution, the improved model can extract features with rich positional information, significantly enhancing the model's detection ability for small underwater targets. Furthermore, in order to solve the problem of feature extraction in forward looking sonar images, this study integrates attention mechanisms. This mechanism expands the receptive field of the model and optimizes the feature learning process by highlighting key details while suppressing irrelevant information. These improvements not only enhance the recognition accuracy of the model for sonar images, but also enhance its applicability and generalization performance in different underwater environments. In response to the common problem of uneven training sample quality in forward looking sonar imaging technology, this study made a key improvement to the classic YOLOv5 algorithm. By adjusting the bounding box loss function of YOLOv5, the model's over sensitivity to low-quality samples was reduced, thereby reducing the punishment on these samples. After a series of comparative experiments, the newly proposed CCW-YOLOv5 algorithm has achieved detection accuracy in object detection mAP@0.5 Reached 85.3%, and the fastest inference speed tested on the local machine was 54 FPS, showing significant improvement and performance improvement compared to existing advanced algorithms.

Enhancing Consumer and Family Economic Well-Being in ASEAN: The Role of Technological Advancement and Institutional Quality in Navigating the Informal Economy

This study aims to assess the role of technological advancement and institutional quality in mitigating the formal economy and fostering more inclusive economic well-being for families and consumers in ASEAN countries. This study employed panel data analysis using yearly data for the ten countries in ASEAN, spanning from 2008 to 2018. Findings indicate significant and diverse impacts of technological advancement on the informal economy. The study found that the interaction between technological advancement and economic growth strengthens the relationship between the informal economy across models. The higher economic growth in a country is associated with reduced informal economic activities, as reflected in the principles of modernization theory. The finding further shows the significance of institutional quality in shaping the informal economy. Strong institutional quality helps to create a structured environment that reduces informal economic activities, aligning with neoliberal theory. Governance quality, including the absence of violence and terrorism and the control of corruption, plays a role in mitigating informalities. The study’s primary contribution is its specific focus on the informal economy and the intricacies of ASEAN nations. The study also provides empirical insights into the behavior and determinants of the informal economy in ASEAN nations. Even though the study acknowledges limitations related to data availability and the challenges of quantifying the gig economy, it holds valuable policy implications.

MECHANISM FOR ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF TEACHING IN A HYBRID LEARNING FORMAT

The article is devoted to the analysis of the theoretical provisions of pedagogical research on mechanisms for assessing the quality of teaching in a hybrid learning format. The purpose of this study is to describe the features of methodological approaches to assessing the quality of teaching in a hybrid learning format in relation to the educational process in higher education. Research methods: The assessment of the quality of teaching was determined by the assessment of the quality of educational technologies (content of lectures and practical classes). Through the structure of evaluation of educational results as the quality of learning of students in the curriculum. How to evaluate the quality of education: subjective self-evaluation of teachers and objective evaluation of students through surveys and questionnaires. The resulting research results made it possible to demonstrate the theoretical and methodological basis for modeling the university’s hybrid educational environment. It became clear that the main provisions of the analysis and determination of the quality of education are the constancy of the signs of the quality of education and the component composition of the professional activity of the teacher in the university. The level assessment of the expression of each quality attribute in the analysis of educational activity is determined. The structure of educational evaluation is represented regardless of the details of the subject and the content of the discipline. Indicators for assessing the quality of education in an organized, hybrid learning format include immutability, monitoring, intercommunication, polymorphism, self-deviation, personalization, feedback, etc.

Determinants of Consumers’ Adoption of Mobile Ticketing via Self-Service Technology

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of sport consumers’ mobile ticketing adoption by the technology readiness constructs and quality–satisfaction–behavioral intentions framework. A total of 295 participants were included in the analysis. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling and PROCESS macro. A content analysis was conducted to provide further insight into the proposed model using open-ended responses. The findings indicate that consumers’ technology readiness alone was not a positive driver of mobile ticketing but suggest a role for technology readiness in promoting mobile ticketing, combined with service quality, satisfaction, and online ticket purchasing. The importance and originality of this study are that it confirms the sport context as a unique and effective vehicle in advancing existing knowledge of consumers’ ticket consumption behavior via self-service technology across various disciplines. Also, the findings can be used to set out recommendations for policy or practice aimed at facilitating and sustaining mobile ticketing consumption.

Influence of Plantation in a Saline-Stressed Location on the Agronomical Characteristics and Technological Quality of Flour and Baladi Bread for Two Egyptian Wheat Varieties

Influence of Plantation in a Saline-Stressed Location on the Agronomical Characteristics and Technological Quality of Flour and Baladi Bread for Two Egyptian Wheat Varieties

Professional Scepticism, Independence, Information Technology, Auditor Competence, And Audit Quality

Purpose: This study aims to obtain empirical evidence regarding the effect of professional scepticism, independence, information technology, and auditor competence on audit quality. Methodology/approach: This study uses a quantitative approach with primary data in the form of questionnaires. Respondents of this study were 68 auditors of BPK RI Representative of Riau Province. Regression analysis using the PLS-SEM method. Findings: The results showed that professional scepticism and BPK auditor competence significantly positively affected BPK audit quality. Other results show that independence and information technology do not significantly affect BPK audit quality. Practical implications: These results provide a new understanding of independence and information technology in conducting audits in the public sector. Although BPK is an external auditor for all government agencies, the income of BPK employees or auditors comes from the government, so independence is not quite appropriate to be pinned on BPK auditors. Still, the objective attitude of each BPK auditor in carrying out audits at government agencies must be improved. Originality/value: These results contribute to the development of literature on the determinants of audit quality.

Comparative analysis of translation platforms: Accuracy, fluency, and unambiguity from a technological perspective

This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of leading translation platforms (Youdao, Google, Baidu, and ChatGPT) for translating news texts. The evaluation focuses on three key dimensions: accuracy, fluency, and unambiguity. Each platform was tested by translating a Chinese news article, and their outputs were analyzed for their handling of specialized terminology, linguistic fluency, and cultural adaptability. The findings reveal significant performance differences, reflecting varying levels of technological maturity, data quality, and cultural adaptability among the platforms. ChatGPT emerged as the top performer due to its high accuracy and fluency, while Youdao, Baidu, and Google exhibited varying strengths and limitations in handling complex news texts. Ultimately, the results highlight the importance of continuous technological innovation and theory-practice integration in improving translation quality, particularly for accurate and effective global news dissemination.

Effects of heat exposure from late sowing on agronomic traits and the technological quality of hexaploid wheat

Heat stress reduces wheat grain yield and affects quality traits relevant to trading and end use. In this study, 98 landraces and 152 elite hexaploid wheat varieties and breeding lines were trialled at two irrigated field sites in southern NSW to better understand heat stress responses and identify promising genotypes for heat tolerance breeding. Potential heat tolerance was defined using performance in heat-exposed late-sown (LS) plots relative to normal-sown (NS) plots, using a regression approach to calculate response indices uncorrelated with awn emergence time and performance per se in NS. The best individual responders for grain yield included genotypes from both Australia and Mexico. On average, lines selected in CIMMYT's High Temperature Wheat Yield Trials (HTWYT) performed well for yield per se in NS as well as for yield response to LS. CIMMYT lines previously selected for large grains under heat stress conditions performed well for grain size in NS and for LS responses of grain size and test weight. Dough peak resistance and time to peak resistance in a mixograph were increased by LS and these traits were positively correlated with grain protein and the occurrence of the Glu-D1d high molecular weight glutenin locus allele, respectively.

Impact of smart technology use on sleep quality in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a mixed-methods investigation

BackgroundSleep disturbances are common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have a negative impact on their daily functioning and core symptoms. As the use of smart technologies continues to rise, it is crucial to understand how these devices affect the sleep quality of individuals with ASD.AimThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of smart technology and sleep quality in individuals with ASD.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A sample of 83 individuals with ASD, aged between 8 and 25 years, assessed their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Additionally, information regarding patterns of smart technology use and relevant covariates was collected. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants and their caregivers.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between poorer sleep quality scores and total screen time (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), pre-bedtime technology use (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), gaming (r = 0.32, p = 0.003), and social media use (r = 0.29, p = 0.008). Pre-bedtime technology use was a significant predictor of poorer sleep quality (β = 0.32, p = 0.006), even after controlling for age, gender, and ASD severity.ConclusionThe findings of this study emphasize the significant associations between the use of smart technology, particularly before bedtime, and poorer sleep quality in individuals with ASD. These results underscore the importance of developing evidence-based interventions and guidelines to promote healthy sleep habits and mitigate the negative effects of technology exposure in this population.

Financial Technology and Service Quality for Purchasing Decisions Through Customer Trust in Indonesian State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN)

The rapid progress of the internet and technology continues to unfold, giving rise to innovations in various sectors dependent on these advancements. Financial technology is one such evolving technology in the current landscape. According to the theory, financial technology is defined as the application of technology aimed at enhancing the value of financial services and has the potential to increase customer trust through the development and provision of products. However, specific research on financial technology remains scarce. The focus of this research is to assess the influence of financial technology and service quality on purchasing decisions through customer trust. The research methodology employs a quantitative approach with the distribution of questionnaires. The sample for this study consists of 360 respondents, and the data analysis technique used is Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results of this study indicate that financial technology and customer trust significantly and positively impact purchasing decisions. Service quality also has a positive and significant effect on customer trust and purchasing decisions. However, financial technology and purchasing decisions do not exhibit a significant positive impact. The inclusion of the customer trust variable is considered crucial as it can mediate relationships with other variables.

Microencapsulation of Origanum heracleoticum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils – Novel strategy to combat multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Within the global rise of antimicrobial resistance enhanced by the COVID-19 pandemic, where Acinetobacter baumannii has been distinguished as an emerging multi-resistant pathogen, essential oils, become the focus of novel therapeutic approaches. Hypothesizing that encapsulated Origanum heracleoticum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils could express multi-target approach against A. baumannii, this study aimed to develop microencapsulated systems with optimal technological qualities using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as a carrier, and to evaluate their pharmacological potential against A. baumannii, and their morphological and physicochemical characteristics, safety and stability profiles. The highest yield and encapsulation efficiency were obtained with 1:10 essential oil to carrier, and 1.5:10 carrier to water w/w ratios. The formation of inclusion complexes was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Both microencapsulates achieved improved homogeneity, particle surface, and thermal stability compared with the pure carrier. Dominant bioactive compounds (carvacrol and p-cymene in O. heracleoticum essential oil, and thymol and p-cymene in T. vulgaris essential oil) remained the most abundant after encapsulation. While non-encapsulated essential oils revealed similar antimicrobial activity towards clinical A. baumannii isolates obtained from COVID-19 patients, encapsulated O. heracleoticum essential oil inhibited the bacterial growth at lower concentrations than T. vulgaris essential oil microencapsulate. All samples significantly reduced the formation of A. baumannii biofilm, for at least 53.90% towards the most infective isolate according to the Caenorhabditis elegans assay. Further, in silico molecular docking study revealed strong interaction pattern of carvacrol and thymol with the outer membrane protein A, which is the main factor for the A. baumannii biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity investigation on human lung A549 cells showed high survival rate in the presence of all tested concentrations, and the stability study revealed notable preservation of the bioactives’ content and pharmacological potential. Altogether, microencapsulated essential oils exhibited a multi-target approach towards A. baumannii, with satisfactory preserving capability during storage.

Mineral resource rents, fintech technological innovation, digital transformation, and environmental quality in BRI countries: An insight using panel NL-ARDL

The prime objective of the current study is to investigate the impact of mineral resource rents, fintech technological innovation, and digital transformation on the environmental quality of 50 BRI countries. The panel data from the twenty years from 2000 to 2019 of the sample countries are used in the analysis of this study. The study has employed the Panel NL-ARDL to achieve the research objectives. Meanwhile, the current study has employed conventional unit root tests based on Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root tests, such as the LLC and IPS tests. This study employs the method of heterogeneous dynamic panel analysis. The results obtained from the FMOLS regression analysis provide a detailed comprehension of the complex connections between Mineral Resource Rent, Fintech, Digital Transformation, and CO₂ emissions; these findings indicate that countries with advanced financial technology or heavy reliance on Mineral resources are more likely to observe the favorable impacts of digital transformation on the environment. The study results imply that policymakers should investigate all-encompassing policies that exploit these interactions, recognizing that a complete approach can produce substantial and enduring environmental advantages. The interaction variables (NRRDTT and FNTINDTT) demonstrate the negative coefficients that emphasize the combined impact of Mineral resource rent, Finetch, and digital transformation. Policymakers in resource-dependent economies should consider strategies incorporating digitalization and financial technology to optimize their potential impact on environmental sustainability.

Identification of grain quality genes among wintercommon wheat varieties

Currently, the agricultural market offers a wide range of winter wheat varieties of domestic breeding. However, due to climate warming and the increasing frequency of arid years, it is urgent to develop varieties with wide adaptability, large productivity potential and grain quality. The purpose of the current study was to identify new genetic sources of winter common wheat with a complex of favorable gene alleles that control grain quality traits. In 2022–2023 there was studied the collection of 26 winter common wheat varieties from breeding institutions of the Rostov region and Krasnodar region using generally accepted breeding techniques. There was carried out an analysis of technological quality traits and identification of loci associated with these traits using KASP-markers developed at the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (Kazakhstan). The varieties developed by the Federal Rostov ARC generated the largest productivity (341 g/m2) with less accumulation of protein and gluten (14.2 and 29.5 %), and, on the contrary, the varieties of the ARC “Donskoy” and the National Grain Center named after P. P. Lukyanenko were characterized by higher percentage of protein and gluten (15.5–15.7 and 33.2–34.4 %), but lower productivity (244–276 g/m2). The varieties ‘Donskoy Mayak’, ‘Konkurent’, ‘Nakhodka’, ‘Rostovchanka 7’, ‘Duplet’ and the line ‘K 18918’ were distinguished by the best technological traits of grain (protein >15 %, gluten > 30 %, gluten index > 85 % and sedimentation ≥ 53 %) and many favorable alleles of SNP loci associated with these features. The varieties ‘Donna’, ‘Zolushka’, ‘Donskaya Lira’ exceeded the standard ‘Omskaya 4’ (368–378 g/m2) in productivity, but their allelic variants of the identified markers were lower. There have been identified the varieties ‘Donna’, ‘Zolushka’, ‘Donskaya Lira’ (Federal Rostov ARC), ‘Donskoy Mayak’, ‘Konkurent’, ‘Nakhodka’, ‘Rostovchanka 7’ (ARC “Donskoy”), ‘Duplet’, ‘line K 18918’ (“National Grain Center named after P. P. Lukyanenko”) with the maximum number of favorable alleles (10–11), associated with technological quality traits, recommended for improving winter wheat varieties in terms of grain quality.

Technology-Based Forensic Auditing and Financial Crime Detection: An Empirical Analysis of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

The advent and rapid rate of technological development have prompted various fields of study to receive a new touch. One of those fields of study that has been revamped by the technological revolution is accounting. This study examined technology-based forensic auditing and financial crime detection: an empirical analysis of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The research design adopted in the study is the survey design. The survey design was adopted because the data for the study was extracted through the primary method of distributing questionnaires to the respective respondents. The population of the study is made up of the accounting staff of some selected deposit money banks in Abuja, Nigeria. The total population is made up of 58 persons. The method that was used in collecting data for the study was the questionnaire instrument. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents to extract specific information in line with the objectives of the study. The method of data analysis that was used in this study is multiple linear regression with the application of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique. The findings of the study reveal that technology-based forensic auditing contributes significantly to financial crime detection in selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. The implication of this finding is that deposit money banks have already embraced and started applying technologically based forensic auditing in their financial crime explorations. It is therefore the recommendation of the study that auditors should stay abreast of the updates of other technological forensic auditing tools and step up their financial intelligence skills by embedding textual analysis in audit engagement to sharpen their skepticism for proper audit evidence and also favorably influence the technological forensic audit quality.

Evaluation of the Possibilities of Using Oat Malt in Wheat Breadmaking

Malt is a natural additive to bread in amounts below 1%. However, there is a lack of research on supplementing bread with a larger dose of malt. The study aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of wheat flour with oat flour (10%) with/without the addition of malted oat flour (0.6%) and scalded malt flour (10%) on the technological and health-promoting quality of bread. At the dough preparation stage, the malted flour was scalded. The dough was prepared using the single-phase method, and laboratory baked goods were prepared using a standard baking test for pan bread. It was found that the preparation of the dough by the preliminary scalding of malt flour resulted in an improvement in the bread volume and a lower increase in crumb hardness during 2-day storage, i.e., delayed staling, compared to the control bread. Replacing wheat flour with 10% oat flour contributed to an increase in the dietary fiber content of bread and a decrease in its energy value. The measurable effect of adding 10% scalded oat malt flour to bread was a 1.5-fold increase in the total polyphenols content and an almost 2.5-fold increase in antioxidant activity compared to bread supplemented with oat flour.

Investigating Non-Newtonian Fluid Behavior in Hydrocyclones Via Computational Fluid Dynamics

Expert researchers examine complex patterns of pressure, viscosity, and velocity in a CFD study of viscoelastic food inside hydrocyclones to obtain a detailed grasp of particle behavior and fluid dynamics. Velocity profiles show how fluids and particles flow through the hydrocyclone in complex ways, while pressure distributions show where high and low pressure is found, regions that are critical for maximizing separation efficiency. Furthermore, the analysis of viscosity fluctuations clarifies the intricate relationship between fluid rheology and flow dynamics, providing information on how food's viscoelastic characteristics affect particle trajectories and separation efficiency. Utilizing this comprehensive examination, scientists hope to optimize the design and functioning parameters of the hydrocyclones, which will in turn improve the efficacy and efficiency of particle separation procedures in viscoelastic food solutions. This will ultimately lead to improvements in food processing technology and product quality. Researchers look into the impact of geometric elements on flow patterns and separation efficiency in addition to these characteristics, such as hydrocyclone size and inlet configurations. Additionally, they investigate how different operating parameters, such rotational speed and flow rate, affect how well the hydrocyclone handles viscoelastic food items. Through the integration of these complex analyses, researchers hope to create all encompassing models that can precisely forecast and optimize the behavior of viscoelastic food flows inside hydrocyclones, opening the door to improved process control and food sector product quality.

Attitudes and barriers toward video visits in surgical care: Insights from a nationwide survey among surgeons

BackgroundSurgeons rapidly adopted video visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, video visit use among surgeons has significantly declined, pointing to the need to better understand current attitudes and barriers to their use in surgical care. MethodsFrom August 2022 to March 2023, a nationwide survey was conducted among practicing surgeons in 6 specialties. The survey included multiple-choice and free-response questions based on an implementation determinants framework, covering demographics, provider, patient, and organizational factors. ResultsA total of 170 surgeons responded (24% response rate). Overall, 67% of surgeons said their practice lacked motivation for video visit implementation. Additionally, 69% disagreed with using video visits as the sole means for preoperative surgical consultation, even with relevant medical history, labs, and imaging. Nearly 43% cited the need for a physical examination, whereas 58% of surgeons said video visits carried a greater malpractice risk than in-person visits. Other barriers included technological limitations, billing, and care quality concerns. Nevertheless, 41% agreed that video visits could improve outcomes for some patients, and 60% expressed openness to using video visits exclusively for postoperative consultations in uncomplicated surgeries. ConclusionSurgeons recognize the potential benefits of video visits for certain patients. However, perceived barriers include the need for a physical examination, technological limitations, care quality concerns, and malpractice risks.

Alternaria in berry: Effects on its quality, pathogenic mechanisms and potential control strategies

AbstractIn recent years, the production and demand of berries in the world have gradually increased, but the infection of fungal pathogens has become one of the important factors restricting the production and sales of fresh berries. It has been found that Alternaria can cause a variety of plant diseases and fruit rot worldwide. This review introduces the effect of Alternaria infection on berry quality, including physical, chemical and physiological aspects, and discusses the possible infection mechanisms. In addition, Alternaria produces toxins during infections and seriously threatens the safety of berries and consumer health. Therefore, the prevention and control measures of Alternaria are systematically summarized. This review provides the basis for further optimization of postharvest preservation technology and fruit quality, to prolong the shelf life of berries. We can realistically expect to control plant diseases with increasing efficiency, which is conducive to improving the quality and safety of postharvest berry fruits.