Technological University Research Articles

Animation and Manga on Improvement in Students’ Problem-Solving Capabilities: Comparison of Two Psychometric Models

To improve the problem-solving capabilities of students, this study explored using interactive digital teaching materials based on animation and manga. A classroom teaching system was developed based on teaching material using a manga format. Students from a national university and a science and technology university in southern Taiwan were recruited. A questionnaire survey was administered for data collection. A total of 104 valid samples were collected; the data were analysed using SPSS 17.0. Two statistically significant models could be used to predict learning outcomes, and the highest R2 value was 52.5%. The utilisation of interactive multimedia teaching materials based on animation and manga helped students apply knowledge to solve practical problems, cultivating their problem-solving capabilities. The findings differed from previous studies; models developed in this study could be used to determine the effects and relationships of multiple factors.

Unraveling the trends in business process management: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of management and business literature

PurposeThis study aims to analyze international scientific production from 1960 to 2023 on business process management (BPM), highlighting the latest trends in BPM in the field of management and business during the 21st century.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a bibliometric analysis of 729 BPM articles from management and business journals using the SCOPUS database and VOSviewer software to map the scholarly landscape.FindingsNearly 45% of the papers were published between 2018 and 2023, prominently featuring the Business Process Management Journal. The University of São Paulo and Queensland University of Technology were the most prolific institutions. Significant emerging trends identified include Strategic Management, Digital Transformation, and IoT. Author Röglinger was noted for the highest publication rate.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis was restricted to journal articles from one database, potentially overlooking insights from conferences, books, and other formats.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the significant benefits of integrating technologies like Artificial Intelligence and IoT in BPM, improving operational efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation in adaptability and service personalization.Social implicationsTechnological advancements in BPM could enhance employment, require new skills, support a sustainable economy, and improve organizational transparency and service accessibility, bolstering corporate social responsibility and inclusion.Originality/valueThis research offers a unique overview of the integration of emerging technologies in BPM, shedding light on their strategic and social implications, and providing critical insights for optimizing processes and fostering business innovation.

Physical Fitness and Body Composition of Engineering College Students

Physical Fitness and Body Composition of Engineering College Students

A framework for transformational leadership to enhance teacher's work performance.

In the new era of higher education focusing on "double first-class" development, private universities in China face significant opportunities and challenges. The success of these institutions is closely linked to effective leadership, particularly transformational leadership, which is known to inspire and motivate employees toward extraordinary achievements. This study explores the existence and impact of transformational leadership on teachers' work performance in Chinese private universities. It aims to fill a research gap regarding the role of transformational leadership in a resource-constrained environment and provide practical insights for enhancing teachers' work performance, thereby contributing to the rapid development of private universities and the realization of "double first-class" goals. This study employed an input-process-output approach, combining qualitative data from face-to-face interviews with 12 leaders at Guangdong University of Science and Technology and quantitative data from an electronic survey of 392 university teachers. Data were analyzed using SPSS26.0, AMOS24.0, and NVIVO14, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, common method bias assessment, and correlation analysis. Structural equation modeling with AMOS24.0 was used to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and teachers' work performance, evaluating the impact of each transformational leadership dimension. The study findings demonstrated that transformational leadership styles are being employed in Chinese private universities, albeit not extensively, with moderate effects on teachers' work performance. The research identified organizational vision, intellectual stimulation, and personal recognition as significant drivers of enhanced performance among faculty members. Nevertheless, the study did not confirm the impact of supportive leadership, inspiring communication, and moral modeling within the context of Chinese private universities. The results highlight areas for potential development in leadership practices, including improving teachers' competencies, motivating teachers, providing good work opportunities and environments, and building good teacher teams.

Phyto-extracts for Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot on Mung Bean

The present study was investigated to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of Alternaria leaf spot on mung bean caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of mung bean were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. The effect of neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic bulb extract, turmeric rhizome extract and Mancozeb were compared and tested the plant height (cm), pod length (cm), disease intensity (%) and B:C ratio recorded at 45, 60 and 75 DAS interval. The effect of foliar spray of T4–garlic bulb extract @ 10% was found the best for managing Alternaria leaf spot of mung bean under field conditions as minimum disease intensity (34.4%), maximum plant height (65.4cm), pod length significantly increased (8.4cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:2.05). Followed by minimum disease intensity (35.5%), plant height (60.9cm), pod length (7.8 cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:1.97) was recorded in T1–neem leaf extract @ 10% followed by T5–turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% when compared to (Treated check) T6–Mancozeb @ 0.2% and (Untreated check) T0–control. Overall results revealed that T4–garlic bulb extract @10% is significantly effective against A. alternata (Fr.) Kessler.

Productivity and Profitability of Indian Mustard as affected by Integrated Weed Management

Background: Weed infestation is a primary cause of reduced yields, with estimated losses ranging from 10-70% due to crop-weed competition in Indian mustard. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective weed control measures to optimize the crop¢s yield potential. A combination of herbicides with manual, culturaland mechanical approaches is desirable to achieve optimal weed control. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of integrated weed management on the productivity and profitability of Indian mustard. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Main Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. It consisted of eight treatments in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Result: Pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb straw mulch 5 t ha-1 controlled the mixed flora of weeds which resulted in the lowest weed density, weed dry weight, weed index and highest weed control efficiency which resulted in the highest grain yield and stover yield of mustard. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb straw mulch 5 t ha-1 registered the highest benefit-cost ratio.

J-TEXT achievements in turbulence and transport in support of future device/reactor

Abstract Following the reconstruction of the TEXT tokamak in China at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, renamed as J-TEXT, a plethora of experimental and theoretical investigations have been conducted to elucidate the intricacies of turbulent transport within the tokamak configuration. These endeavors encompass not only the J-TEXT device's experimental advancements but also delve into critical issues pertinent to the optimization of future fusion devices and reactors. The researches include the topics about the suppression of turbulence, flow drive and damping, density limit, nonlocal transport, intrinsic toroidal flow, turbulence and flow with magnetic island, turbulent transport in stochastic layer, turbulence and zonal flow with energetic particles or helium ash. Several important achievements have been got in the last few years, which will be further elaborated upon in this comprehensive review.

Implementation and insights from the MedXMentor structured mentorship program for undergraduate health science students at Mbarara University, Uganda

BackgroundMentorship is essential for education and career development in health-related fields, yet Sub-Saharan African universities often lack structured programs. To address this, the MedXMentor program was established at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) to provide structured mentorship to undergraduate health sciences students in Uganda. This paper outlines insights gained from implementing the MedXMentor hybrid mentorship program.MethodsUsing a mixed-methods approach, the study employed the Kirkpatrick Model of Evaluation to assess mentees’ reactions, learning, behavior, and goal achievement. Data were collected via Google Form surveys, feedback forms, mentoring logs, and session attendance records. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of the program’s impact.ResultsThe program served 80 mentees, with 48 participating in one-on-one mentorship and 32 in group sessions. It enlisted 24 mentors, mainly from the medical field. Between April and September 2022, eight online group sessions were held, with an average attendance rate of 52%. These sessions focused on project planning, grant writing, and soft skills development, resulting in improved mentee comprehension and skill acquisition. Mentees reported an enhanced understanding of project planning, grant writing, communication, leadership, and teamwork. Their experiences were categorized into four themes: Mentor Engagement, Goal-Oriented Study, Skills and Professional Development, and High-Yield Mentor–Mentee Engagements.Conclusion and recommendationsImplementing the MedXMentor program proved effective in providing crucial mentorship and equipping students with vital academic and professional skills. The program highlighted its potential to bridge the mentorship gap in low-resource settings. By empowering future healthcare professionals in Africa, MedXMentor exemplifies how mentorship initiatives can drive significant advancements in healthcare education and practice.

Education, innovation and research in wooden architecture and construction in the Alps

The essay explores the importance of teaching and research in the building cultures of specific territories, with a particular focus on the use of wood in construction. Through interviews with experts from research centres and universities, such as Andreja Kutnar from InnoRenew CoE in Slovenia, Frédéric Pichelin from the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, and Florian Court from the Haute École du Bois et de la Forêt association in France, the essay highlights how such institutions are promoting innovation and sustainable development in the wooden construction sector. Kutnar emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary and holistic research to develop renewable materials and improve the quality of the built environment. Pichelin discusses how innovation can emerge from the integration of new technologies and biobased materials, while Court addresses the challenge of industrialising wood production processes while preserving unique local characteristics. The essay also examines future challenges for wooden architecture in the Alps, such as climate change and the need for sustainable resources, highlighting projects like VETA/NOVA developed by the Bern University of Applied Sciences, which aims to develop guidelines for the restoration of historic wooden buildings. Finally, it discusses the possibility of translating global prerogatives into a local context, influencing the contemporary architectural identity of the Alps and its multidimensional impact on the territory.

Was kennzeichnet einen Holzbau?

The new online encyclopaedia www.holzbaukultur.ch from the Bern University of Applied Sciences presents Swiss timber buildings across six centuries and shows lineages of development. The wide range of examples initiates a debate about the characteristics of timber buildings. Switzerland is generally associated with craftsmanship and traditional timber buildings in the Alpine region. The attempt to develop timber architecture in the spirit of modernism in the 20th century was not very successful. The proportion of timber in total building volume decreased significantly. In recent decades, Swiss timber construction, which is now highly technologised, has repositioned itself, and architecture and structural planning have come closer together and realised remarkable, pioneering projects. Timber construction is now the subject of urban spaces and must find new forms accordingly. The approaches to these new forms have so far been very different. Answering the question “What characterises timber construction?” therefore appears to be a key to the visibility and success of a forward-looking Swiss timber construction culture.

English-Medium Instruction in Japan: experience and its implementation in internationalization of agricultural higher education in Uzbekistan

Abstract EMI has been described as the most significant trend in educational internationalization’ (Chapple, 2015) and as an ‘unstoppable train’, from which EMI educators must ensure students alight safely at their destination (Macaro et al., 2018). Many studies have been conducted to explain and find out what is the best experience to implement in internationalization of Higher Education (HE). However, while literature covers a wide variety of theories, this study focused on two non-Anglophone countries` experiences. Japan is one of the non-Anglophone countries where the internationalization of universities is growing rapidly due to the successful implementation of EMI programs. However, most universities in Asia face numerous challenges in realizing globalization of higher education, especially those in the early stages of transitioning to English teaching programs. Tashkent State Agrarian University (TSAU) in Uzbekistan is one of them. TSAU, established in 1930, prepares agriculture specialists not only for Uzbekistan but also for neighboring countries. In Uzbekistan, not many studies are done related to the internationalization of agricultural tertiary education. To reduce the challenges faced by students and content teachers on their EMI journeys, we must first understand the language-related challenges that many students and teachers experience in the process. This study attempts to investigate the early challenges faced by Japanese universities in transitioning to EMI courses and what aspects of the Japanese EMI experience would be suitable to apply in higher education in Uzbekistan. Moreover, the study will focus on how consensus should be obtained in collaboration between English language and content teachers. The role of English language teachers in the successful implementation of the EMI program is immense and irreplaceable. The findings are based on a literature review of Japanese universities` strategies in the implementation of the EMI program. To address the study questions, a questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data by asking content lecturers the identical 30 questions on 5-point Likert scales with choices ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". In the questionnaire, participated content lecturers from TSAU, Akita University and Tokyo University of Technology and Agriculture (TUAT), English language teachers from TSAU and some 1st-year and 2nd-year undergraduate students from all three universities who enrolled in the EMI program also showed interest in participation in research. Findings are expected to be introduced to the department of "Languages" and shared with content lecturers who are involved in the EMI program at TSAU and serve as a source for future research.

Context of Digital Transformation Integration of Digital Technology Development and Innovation Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education

In the process of education digitisation, novel and powerful digital technologies have been widely innovated, developed and applied, which have greatly changed the technological environment of innovation and entrepreneurship education in colleges and universities. As the main position of talent input, colleges and universities should take full advantage of the east wind of the rapid development of digital technology to inject strong vitality and impetus into innovation and entrepreneurship education, and keep exploring new paths of dual-creation education. This paper aims to provide theoretical and practical guidance for the continuous optimisation of the higher education system. It analyses the necessity of carrying out innovation and entrepreneurship education in colleges and universities in the context of the new era, explores the relationship and role of the development of digital technology in colleges and universities and innovation and entrepreneurship education, and finally puts forward the strategies and paths to promote the development of innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Student’s perception of sustainable univeristy – on the example of Bialystok University of Technology

Student’s perception of sustainable univeristy – on the example of Bialystok University of Technology

Determining the Effect of Rooting Media and Different Polythene Wrappers on Air Layering of Grape Fruit (Citrus paradisi)

The present study aims to investigate the “EFFECT OF ROOTING MEDIA AND DIFFERENT POLYTHENE WRAPPERS ON AIR LAYERING OF GRAPE FRUIT (Citrus paradisi’)”at The Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during the period 2023-24. The experiment was laid in completely randomized block design with three replications and ten treatment combinations. viz, T1 (BA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS) ,T2 (IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SAWDUST), T3 (IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL+ SPHAGNUM MOSS),T4 (IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS+ SAWDUST), T5(IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL+ SAWDUST), T6 (IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS), T7 (IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + SAWDUST),T8(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL + SPHAGNUMMOSS), T9(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL + SAWDUST),T10(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS + SAWDUST). On the basis of present experimental findings, it is concluded that treatmentT4(IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS+ SAWDUST) was found to be best in terms of Number of days to root formation (initial rooting), Root length(cm), Root thickness(mm), Number of roots per layer, Survival percentage, Number of new sprouts per layered plant, Number of new leaves per layered plant and length of new shoot(cm) in Grape fruit.Whereas T9(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL + SAWDUST) was found to be least in terms of Number of days to root formation (initial rooting), Root length(cm), Survival percentage, Number of new sprouts per layered plant, Number of new leaves per layered plant and Length of new shoots(cm) whereas in Root thickness(mm) and number of roots per layer in Grape fruit.

Environmental impact assessment of the manufacture and use of N- type and P-type photovoltaic modules in China

For a long time, solar power has been considered a clean and non-polluting energy source because it absorbs sunlight without consuming other energy or materials and does not emit pollutants. Nevertheless, the manufacturing and end-of-life stages of solar power systems leave an environmental footprint and produce pollutants. Hence, a global perspective on photovoltaic (PV) systems using life cycle assessment methodology is necessary. Here, we investigated the life cycle impacts of P- and N-type PV modules in terms of their energy consumption, carbon emissions, and human toxicity potential. In addition, the energy payback durations of P- and N-type PV modules were computed. In this study, we used the Life Cycle Assessment Basic Database from the National Engineering Laboratory of Industrial Big Data Application Technology at Beijing University of Technology to create a life cycle assessment model for N-type PV modules. Subsequently, we performed a life cycle assessment of Chinese silicon N-type- and P-type PV modules. The research system encompassed the production processes for metallic silicon materials, solar-grade silicon materials, silicon wafers, cells and modules, utilization, recycling, and other interrelated processes. We found that the production and processing of silicon-to-solar-grade polysilicon feedstock were crucial stages that significantly affected the energy consumption and environment of P- and N-type PV modules in China. The high electricity consumption of this process, combined with the dominance of coal power in China's electricity structure, contributed to the substantial energy consumption and environmental impacts of the PV modules. Therefore, this stage is critical for the low-carbon and environmentally sustainable manufacturing of N-type PV modules in China. Carbon emissions for both the P-type and N-type PV modules were lower only during the cell production phase but higher during the other stages when compared to the P-type and N-type PV modules. The n-type bifacial PV modules yielded the highest return on investment in terms of energy. Different regions and installation types have a substantial impact on the carbon emissions of P-type and N-type PV modules. Projections indicate that the potential to lower carbon emissions from n-type PV modules will increase by 2060.

The End(s) of The Tempest in Post-apartheid South Africa

ABSTRACT Following the sea change that led South Africa into the democratic era in 1994, theatre-makers have explored the resonances and limitations of The Tempest as an expression of local realities. In this article, I provide a partial performance history of the play in this period, tracing the ends (and endings) towards which it has been staged in five productions: two in 1994 at Maynardville Open Air Theatre and Rhodes University respectively, and three more at Durban University of Technology (2003), the University of the Witwatersrand (2004), and the Baxter Theatre (2009). These showed varying creative responses to the text, suggesting a double bind in performance: the network of associations attached to the play are both inescapable and frequently inadequate for articulating complex and variable post-apartheid experiences. Theatre-makers have thus, at times, moved beyond usual boundaries of the text, suggesting a need for something other than The Tempest to give voice to contemporary concerns. This was most fully evidenced by two further productions from the 2010s: Miranda’s Tale (2016), and Kunene and the King (2019). In relation to the preceding productions of The Tempest, these two plays demonstrate significant departures from the text and the politics it has come to represent.

Portfolios versus exams: a study to gauge the better student assessment tool

Portfolio assessment is a method used by teachers to evaluate their students’ academic performance by giving them several assignments and/or projects to work on during the semester. This is one alternative to exams which are an assessment tool seldom questioned for its validity and efficacy. This study seeks to scrutinize both of the mentioned methods of assessment and determine which is more accurate and viable to be adopted in tertiary education. A cohort of sixty 20–22-year-old university students in the College of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah participated in this study. They were required to complete a questionnaire comprising 12 questions concerning the academic, mental health, and professional benefits that students can enjoy as a result of being tested by means of portfolio assessment instead of exams. The research question is as follows: Is portfolio assessment a generally more viable method of evaluating university students’ academic performance than exams in terms of the potential academic, mental health, and professional benefits which such an assessment affords students? Overall, portfolio assessment was found to be a much more appropriate method of assessing university students than exams. The results of the study have implications for university professors, education experts, and examiners.

Complex University Extension Model. Case of the National University of Engineering (UNI)

Los complejos cambios de nuestras sociedades han generado exigencias y demandas a las universidades públicas de todos los continentes, sobre todo en el papel extramuros que estas juegan, siendo vistas desde las últimas décadas como territorios en disputa. Estas disputas y tensiones exigen repensar y recrear las dimensiones (docencia, investigación y extensión universitaria) que fundan el quehacer universitario, entendida esta última desde la Educación Superior como uno de sus procesos sustantivos.

Learning by Doing: The Industrial and Applied Mathematics Program at Eindhoven University of Technology

Learning by Doing: The Industrial and Applied Mathematics Program at Eindhoven University of Technology

Medical schools producing the most physical medicine and rehabilitation residents: An analysis of matriculating residents from 2017 to 2021.

Residency choice is often influenced by experiences in medical school. It is unclear what potential factors contribute to medical schools producing higher numbers of physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) residents. To identify the medical schools producing the most PM&R residents from 2017 to 2021 and potential influencing factors toward this production. Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited PM&R programs; allopathic/osteopathic/international medical schools. REDCap Survey. Representatives from medical schools producing the most PM&R residents. The medical schools that produced the most PM&R residents from 2017 to 2021 were identified using publicly available information on the internet. A subgroup of the highest producing schools were surveyed to determine potential factors that contributed to production of PM&R residents. Medical schools with the highest number of matriculated PM&R residents from 2017 to 2021; potential factors influencing matriculating PM&R residents. The medical school that produced the most PM&R residents from 2017 to 2021 was New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Nine of the 11 medical schools producing the most PM&R residents were osteopathic. Of osteopathic graduates applying to residency, 2.87% matriculated into PM&R residencies compared to 1.21% of allopathic graduates (p < .001), though a greater number of allopathic graduates overall were represented. Among survey respondents 93.3% (14/15) attributed exposure to PM&R faculty/residents and exposure to PM&R through medical school curriculum as perceived factors contributing to production of PM&R residents. Osteopathic medical schools accounted for most of the schools producing the highest number of PM&R residents. A statistically significant higher percentage of osteopathic graduates were found to pursue PM&R as a career compared to allopathic counterparts although the total number of students entering PM&R was greater from allopathic schools. Potential factors contributing to medical students pursuing PM&R included faculty/resident involvement with medical students, and PM&R exposure through curriculum or interest groups.