Engineering Tools Research Articles

Designing a Hypothetical Learning Trajectory Using Prezi Presentation and GeoGebra Application on Flat-Shaped Triangle Geometry Materials

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of math learning. In addition to adapting to the rapid advancement of ICT, technology serves as a visualization aid for abstract mathematical concepts, facilitating understanding. Prezi presentations and GeoGebra application are technological tools that can be used as a medium for learning math. Prezi Presentation is used as a presentation medium, while GeoGebra functions as a dynamic tool to enhance the understanding of geometry. They both positively impact the development of mathematical thinking, facilitate meaningful learning experiences, and can be used as alternatives in designing a hypothetical learning trajectory for concepts related to triangle types. This study aims to design a Hypothetical Learning Trajectory (HLT) using Prezi presentation and GeoGebra for the material related to triangle types. The HLT tailored to suit the characteristics of students, making it easier to construct independent understanding related to triangle types through the use of dynamic technology such as Prezi and GeoGebra. This study uses a design research approach consisting of three phases: introduction, design experiments, and retrospective analysis. This was carried out solely in the preliminary phase to develop the initial prototype of the HLT focusing on the concept of triangle types. The HLT will be further examined in subsequent research and retrospectively analyzed to develop the Learning Instructional Theory (LIT) as the final product. Keywords: flat-shaped triangle geometry materials, geogebra application, hypothetical learning trajectory, prezi presentation

Using Quizlet and Brain Quiz in ESP virtual classroom at technical university (CEFR level B2/C1)

Importance. The use of game design features in educational activities, or gamification of learning, is a popular, albeit contentious, trend in the field of education right now. This research applies gamification as a strategy to enhance inner motivation and learner autonomy in acquiring L2 technical vocabulary of the second language by students at the B2/C1 level in a virtual classroom.Research Methods. The case study uses a two-cycle action research design to assess the difference between learning terminology with and without Quizlet support throughout a spring semester 2022, observes the development of learner autonomy through a survey, and demonstrates the growth of inner motivation reflected by Brain Quiz team scores.Results and Discussion. The paired-sample t-test findings showed a significant difference between the two vocabulary learning cycles. After utilising Quizlet, students’ vocabulary scores on Moodle quizzes increased by 10 to 15 % on average across all grade levels. As part of the evaluation process, the online formative assessment “Brain Quiz” demonstrates that students with higher performance on Moodle quizzes are able to establish more productive teams.Conclusion. The study can contribute to the English Language Teaching (ELT) literature regarding innovative and technological tools that can improve students’ language skills in the 21st century.

A GPU based accelerated solver for simulation of heat transfer during metal casting process

Abstract The metal casting process, which is one of the key drivers of the manufacturing industry, involves several physical phenomena occurring simultaneously like fluid flow, phase change, and heat transfer which affect the casting yield and quality. Casting process modeling involves numerical modeling of these phenomena on a computer. In recent decades, this has become an inevitable tool for foundry engineers to make defect-free castings. To expedite computational time Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are being increasingly used in the numerical modeling of heat transfer and fluid flow. Initially, in this work a CPU based implicit solver code is developed for solving the 3D unsteady energy equation including phase change numerically using Finite Volume Method (FVM) which predicts the thermal profile during solidification in the metal casting process in a completely filled mold. To address the computational bottleneck, which is identified as the linear algebraic solver based on the Bi-Conjugate Gradient Stabilized (BiCGSTAB) method, a GPU-based code is developed using CUDA toolkit and was implemented on the GPU. The CPU and GPU based codes are then validated against a commercial casting simulation code FLOW-3D CAST® for a simple casting part and against in-house experimental results for gravity die casting of a simple geometry. Parallel performance is analyzed for grid sizes ranging from 10x10x10 to 210x210x210 and for three time-step sizes. The performance of the GPU code based on occupancy and throughput is also investigated. The GPU code exhibits a maximum speedup of 308x compared to the CPU code for a grid size of 210x210x210 and a time-step size of 2s.

P1' specificity of the S219V/R203G mutant tobacco etch virus protease.

Proteases that recognize linear amino acid sequences with high specificity became indispensable tools of recombinant protein technology for the removal of various fusion tags. Due to its stringent sequence specificity, the catalytic domain of the nuclear inclusion cysteine protease of tobacco etch virus (TEV PR) is also a widely applied reagent for enzymatic removal of fusion tags. For this reason, efforts have been made to improve its stability and modify its specificity. For example, P1' autoproteolytic cleavage-resistant mutant (S219V) TEV PR was found not only to be nearly impervious to self-inactivation, but also exhibited greater stability and catalytic efficiency than the wild-type enzyme. An R203G substitution has been reported to further relax the P1' specificity of the enzyme, however, these results were obtained from crude intracellular assays. Until now, there has been no rigorous comparison of the P1' specificity of the S219V and S219V/R203G mutants in vitro, under carefully controlled conditions. Here, we compare the P1' amino acid preferences of these single and double TEV PR mutants. The in vitro analysis was performed by using recombinant protein substrates representing 20 P1' variants of the consensus TENLYFQ*SGT cleavage site, and synthetic oligopeptide substrates were also applied to study a limited set of the most preferred variants. In addition, the enzyme-substrate interactions were analyzed in silico. The results indicate highly similar P1' preferences for both enzymes, many side-chains can be accommodated by the S1' binding sites, but the kinetic assays revealed lower catalytic efficiency for the S219V/R203G than for the S219V mutant.

Implementation of Analytical Accounting Models and Management Indicators and Development of Business Intelligence and Business Analytics Tools in Urban and Metropolitan Collective Transport Operators: A Case Study

Purpose: The study aims to conceptualize and describe tools for improving the strategic definition of business models and facilitating decision-making in urban transport. It focuses on integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Intelligence (BI) tools to address sustainability concerns and enhance operational efficiency.   Method: The research explores the evolution of management tools in urban transport, and use the case study of Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife S.A.U. (TITSA) in order to illustrates practical application.   Result and Conclusion: The implementation of analytical accounting models and BI tools result in significant improvements in decision-making and operational efficiency. It allowed for better cost calculation, revenue analysis, and margin identification.

Numerical Analysis of the Plantar Pressure Points during the Stance Phases for the Design of a 3D-Printable Patient-Specific Insole

The study of the phenomena occurring in the plantar region is remarkably intriguing, especially when performing a normal gait cycle where the foot is under loading conditions. The effects presented in the foot while walking provide relevant indicators regarding clinical means for enhancing regular performance or rehabilitation therapies. Nevertheless, more than traditional methods are needed to biomechanically evaluate foot structural conditions, leading to an incomplete database for determining the patient’s needs so that advanced methodologies provide detailed medical assessment. Therefore, it is necessary to employ technological engineering tools to optimize biomechanical plantar pressure evaluations to reach suitable personalized treatments. This research initially evaluated numerically the pressure points in the foot sole region in each one of the five stance phases in a normal gait cycle. Medical imaging techniques were utilized to construct an anatomically accurate biomodel of the soft tissues of the right foot. The Finite Element Method was employed to predict peak plantar pressure in barefoot conditions for all stance phases; results from this case study presented a close alignment with gait experimental testing implemented to analyze the feasibility and validation of all mechanical considerations for the numerical analyses. Hence, having a solid foundation in the biomechanical behavior from the first case study close estimates, a 3D-printable patient-specific insole was designed and numerically analyzed to observe the mechanical response in the plantar critical zones utilizing a personalized orthotic device. Results from the second case study notably demonstrated a crucial decrement in excessive pressure values. Employing morphological customization orthopedics modeling combined with 3D-printable materials is revolutionizing assistive device design and fabrication techniques. The fundamental contribution of this research relies on deepening the knowledge of foot biomechanics from an interdisciplinary approach by numerically analyzing pressure distribution in critical regions for all five stances phases; thus, based on the methods employed, the results obtained contribute to the advances of patient-specific foot orthopedics.

Cardiac Coherence and the Effectiveness of Cardiovascular Biofeedback in the Nursing Team: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Through guided and conscious deep breathing, cardiovascular biofeedback, an innovative technological tool that enables improved cardiac coherence and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which are vital for recovering and maintaining homeostasis and psycho-emotional health. Objective: To verify the effect of cardiovascular biofeedback on heart rate variability parameters in nursing professionals. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial conducted in two groups — biofeedback and placebo — with 115 nursing professionals working in clinical and surgical inpatient units at a university hospital, who presented an overall stress level higher than 1, according to the Stress Symptom Scale. The groups participated in nine appointments over three weeks. The outcome was assessed by rMSSD parameters and cardiac coherence at the end of each appointment, which were measured using EmWave Pro Plus®, which uses photoplethysmography to quantify physiological data related to the heartbeat. The analysis was performed using generalized estimation equations, considering α = 5 %. Results: There was a significant time-group interaction in cardiac coherence parameters; the intervention group presented an increase in the mean cardiac coherence parameters at all measurement times, when compared to the control group (p < 0.001; r > 0.98). There was no significant time-group interaction in the rMSSD parameters at any of the measurement times (p = 0.432). As a mind-body therapy, cardiovascular biofeedback proved to be useful and promising. By promoting parasympathetic activation and relaxation, it is possible to prevent the deleterious effects associated with occupational stressors. Conclusion: The intervention with cardiovascular biofeedback proved to be superior to placebo in improving cardiac coherence, resulting in the recovery of the body’s homeostasis.

Energy Performance of Buildings for Incentivisation in Energy-Efficient Structures: An Analysis of Secondary Data in Malta

High-performance green buildings mitigate the adverse environmental effects of energy consumption and carbon emissions while simultaneously demonstrating that sustainability does not mean compromising utility, productivity, or comfort. We need to address the identified gap in the evolution of energy-efficient structures facilitated in building applications to enhance energy usage without mitigating comfort. The aim of this study was to provide a review of the current methods used to assess energy efficiency in buildings in Malta through secondary data and to supplement this with qualitative data from interviews. The study investigated the importance of certification, compulsory legislation, and regulations implemented by local authorities and the European Union to incentivise energy performance measures. The findings, supplemented with qualitative data from representatives of public entities, show that most participants agreed that the current method of assessing needs requires a complete overhaul in order to promote a proactive approach to sustainable development. Recent public awareness has highlighted the limited understanding of sustainable practices implemented in buildings to capture and conserve energy. However, it is widely recognised that the building industry has significant potential for energy savings, which applies to both new constructions and existing structures, but the current level falls short of what is necessary in Malta. The study findings emphasise the primary energy users and pinpoint the obstacles in the implementation process. In conclusion, the use of software EPRDM, which may be applied to raise the importance of energy performance in building standards, lacks a value-driven focus, resulting in its full utilisation and potential being unexplored. Future applications of this study include the categorisation of old buildings for a possible bid in energy retrofit; campaigns to promote responsiveness; and the utilisation of advanced technological tools, such as DESIGNBUILDER and related software, to enable the simulation of an optimal building envelope. While increased energy efficiency may result in elevated rental and sale prices for buildings, this knowledge, when disseminated to prospective purchasers via the energy performance certificate (EPC) system, can catalyse investments in structures that are more energy efficient for the end user.

An Analysis of Influencing Factors on Bilingual Reading of Second Language Learners

Proficiency in second-language (L2) reading is an important skill essential in an increasingly globalized world. Previous research has often addressed disparate elements influencing L2 reading proficiency without aggregating them into a comprehensive framework. This paper seeks to fill this gap by systematically collecting and examining the various factors that impact the ability to read in a second language. The primary objective of this research is to compile an exhaustive list of factors affecting L2 reading and to analyze their respective influences. By categorizing these factors into external and internal dimensions, this study aims to provide a holistic view of the ecosystem within which L2 reading comprehension develops and operates. Employing a qualitative literature review methodology, this research meticulously synthesizes existing studies and theoretical perspectives on L2 reading. The factors influencing L2 reading proficiency are divided into two broad categories: external and internal. External factors encompass educational contexts, socioeconomic influences, the role of technological tools and digital literacy, as well as cultural and contextual elements, and the characteristics of reading materials. Internal factors are identified as cognitive processes, the effects of language transfer and interference, and the roles of motivation and attitude in L2 reading. Each factor is analyzed for its unique contribution and interplay with other elements within the L2 reading process.

Wearable Sports Smart Glasses Real-time Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism in Physical Education

INTRODUCTION: With the continuous development of science and technology, wearable technology has been more and more widely used in various fields, including physical education. As an emerging technological tool with real-time monitoring and feedback capabilities, wearable sports smart glasses provide a new possibility for physical education teaching. This study aims to investigate the application of wearable sports smart glasses in real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms in physical education teaching.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable sports smart glasses in real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms in physical education teaching and to explore their potential to improve students' motor skills and teaching effectiveness. It enhances the quality of physical education teaching in China from the perspective of sports medicine equipment and solves the problems of poor quality of physical education teaching and easy injury of athletes in China.METHODS: First, many physical education teaching scenarios were selected, and many students were invited to participate in the experiment. Then, wearable sports smart glasses are applied to the teaching process, and students' movement status, posture, and skill performance are monitored in real-time through their built-in sensors and software, and the data are fed back to teachers and students. At the end of teaching, the data were collected and analyzed to assess the impact of wearable sports smart glasses on students' sports performance and teaching effectiveness.RESULTS: The experimental results showed that wearable sports smart glasses could accurately monitor students' motor posture and skill performance and provide timely feedback to teachers and students. Through real-time monitoring and personalized feedback, students' motor skills were effectively improved, and the teaching effect was significantly enhanced. Students also showed high acceptance and enthusiasm for this new teaching method.CONCLUSION: Wearable sports smart glasses have the advantages of real-time monitoring and personalized feedback in physical education teaching and can effectively improve students' motor skills and teaching effectiveness. Therefore, it is of great significance to apply them in physical education teaching, which is expected to promote the development of physical education teaching in the direction of digitalization and intellectualization. 

Exploring the Potential of ICT Tools in Replacing Vernacular Education for ELT Out-of-Classroom Students

This study looks at the possibility for information and communication technology (ICT) tools to take the role of native language instruction for English language teaching (ELT) outside of the classroom. The use of ICT tools in education is becoming more and more common as digital technologies develop. The question of whether these resources can completely replace conventional vernacular teaching strategies in the context of ELT for students learning outside of the classroom still needs to be answered. To offer a thorough understanding of the subject, this essay examines the benefits and drawbacks of ICT tools, the importance of human connection in language learning, and the cultural setting of language acquisition

Identifying Variables Influencing Traditional Food Solid-State Fermentation by Statistical Modeling.

Solid-state fermentation is widely used in traditional food production, but most of the complex processes involved were designed and are carried out without a scientific basis. Often, mathematical models can be established to describe mass and heat transfer with the assistance of chemical engineering tools. However, due to the complex nature of solid-state fermentation, mathematical models alone cannot explain the many dynamic changes that occur during these processes. For example, it is hard to identify the most important variables influencing product yield and quality fluctuations. Here, using solid-state fermentation of Chinese liquor as a case study, we established statistical models to correlate the final liquor yield with available industrial data, including the starting content of starch, water and acid; starting temperature; and substrate temperature profiles throughout the process. Models based on starting concentrations and temperature profiles gave unsatisfactory yield predictions. Although the most obvious factor is the starting month, ambient temperature is unlikely to be the direct driver of differences. A lactic-acid-inhibition model indicates that lactic acid from lactic acid bacteria is likely the reason for the reduction in yield between April and December. Further integrated study strategies are necessary to confirm the most crucial variables from both microbiological and engineering perspectives. Our findings can facilitate better understanding and improvement of complex solid-state fermentations.

Promoting Hospitals’ Reputation through Smart Branding Initiatives. A Quantitative Analysis of the Best Hospitals in the United States

Hospitals use different technological tools to implement corporate communication initiatives and, in this way, improve their relationships with stakeholders (employees, patients, media companies) and build a reputed brand. However, they face different barriers: limited budgets for corporate communication, strict legal frameworks, and stakeholders’ new needs regarding information and emotional support. This paper aims to analyze how the 100 best hospitals in the United States manage smart technologies to promote their brand. To do that, we conducted a literature review about smart hospitals, branding, and corporate communication; and then we defined 34 quantitative indicators to evaluate how the hospitals previously mentioned managed their websites, online newsrooms, about us sections, and artificial intelligence department web sites for reputation purposes. Our results proved that most hospitals respected indicators related to the homepage (8.67/11) but not those referring to online newsrooms (4.44/11) or about us sections (2.66/6). Besides, only 23 hospitals had implemented a department specialized in artificial intelligence that collaborated with external organizations. We concluded that most American hospitals focused their reputation efforts on patients rather than other targets (media companies, employees, suppliers, shareholders); and that these organizations did not integrate enough artificial intelligence projects into their smart branding initiatives.

Unearthing the latent assumptions inscribed into language tools: the cross-cultural benefits of applying a reflexive lens in co-design

ABSTRACT Language technology tools provide a promising way to teach, share, retain, and curate under-resourced language learning materials in community. The inclusion of language teachers working with communities increases the potential for designed tools to be adopted by those groups. However, there is little research concerning the adaptation of tools designed with one community to other languages. To identify the implications for such scalability, we ran workshops with the ‘Record and Write’ tool, developed as a versatile format for collection, curation, and use of under-resourced language learning materials in community. The process enabled teachers of languages with varying availability of teaching materials to reflect on some of the embedded complexities of adapting the tool to their context. This paper critically reflects on the design process of the tool and design lessons learned relating to language governance, the reflection of culture in database tools, conversational learning support, and differentiated needs for grammatical accuracy and annotation. Methodologically, the paper proposes a reflexive lens on co-design in cross-cultural contexts, identifying some of the latent assumptions embedded in technologies that emerge when tools are transposed to different language and learning contexts.

Linguistic dissection of nursing handoffs: Implications for patient safety in varied-acuity hospital settings.

This study examines the intricate language and communication patterns of nurse-to-nurse handoffs across three units with varying patient acuity levels and nurse-patient ratios, seeking to identify linguistic factors that may affect the quality of information transfer and patient outcomes. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design. This study used the Nurse-to-Nurse Transition of Care Communication Model to explore the content and meaning of language in nursing handoffs within a large academic medical centre. Data were collected on three units through digital audio recordings of 20 handoffs between June and September 2022, which were transcribed and analysed using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count programme. Trustworthiness was established by adhering to COREQ and STROBE guidelines for qualitative and quantitative research, respectively. Analysis revealed a preference for casual, narrative language across all units, with ICU nurses demonstrating a higher confidence and leadership in communication. Cognitive processes such as insight and causation were found to be underrepresented, indicating a potential area for miscommunication. Communication motives driven by affiliation were more pronounced in ICU settings, suggesting a strong collaborative nature. No significant differences were observed among the units post multiple testing adjustments. Speech dysfluencies were most pronounced in ICU handoffs, reflecting possible stress and cognitive overload. The study highlights the need for improved communication strategies such as interventions to enhance language clarity and incorporating technological tools into handoff processes to mitigate potential miscommunications and errors. The findings advance nursing science by highlighting the critical role of nuanced language in varied-acuity hospital settings and the necessity for structured nurse education in handoff communication and standardized handoff procedures. This study underscores the critical role of language in nurse-to-nurse handoffs. It calls for enhanced communication strategies, technology integration and training to reduce medical errors, improving patient outcomes in high-acuity hospital settings. Nurses only.

CRISPR-Cas9 System Mediated Genome Editing Technology: An Ultimate Tool to Enhance Abiotic Stress in Crop Plants

AbstractThe drastic rise in the human population globally might uplift the issue of food scarcity in the coming few decades. This problem could affect the agricultural sector entirely, and to set targets for uplift, major issues like climate change and environmental stresses should be fixed for possible high crop production. To develop highly productive and resistant varieties using old traditional methods is now a waste of time, and fast practices like the use of genome editing tools are required. Among all the technological tools, CRISPR-Cas9 is the most precise, productive, and quickest system, with extensive usage to resist biotic and abiotic stresses. This technique has direct or indirect influence over quantitative genes to withstand abiotic shocks. More than 20 crops have been modified using CRISPR-Cas tools to withstand stresses and improve yield. Researchers are using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing to improve staple crops for biotic and abiotic stress resistance and improved nutritional quality.Irrespective of rules regarding genetically modified organisms, CRISPR/Cas9 insert genes through agroinfiltration, viral infection, or preassembled Cas9 protein-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein transformation in crops without transgenic impression. Certain undesirable genes that result in starch degradation and maltose amassing were deleted by using CRISPR to reduce cold sensitivity. Precise noxious ion and metal removal from roots and their effective counterbalancing in protoplast notions to distant structures could also be managed through gene editing tools. Spindly gene knockout creates stress-tolerant (drought and salt) plants. Researchers can make cost-effective use of CRISPR technology in multiple sectors. The global population needs to be fed as climate change has severely affected food security, which could be overcome in the future through advancements in CRIPSR technology.

A Review of Pair programming (Gen-AI) tools in Data Engineering

A Review of Pair programming (Gen-AI) tools in Data Engineering

Analyzing the Possibilities of Implementation of AI and Social Networks in Teaching Foreign Language Students: Ukrainian Universities Case Study

The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and social networks into the educational landscape has raised questions about their impact on teaching and learning, particularly in foreign language instruction. This study explores the didactic properties of social networks and AI as information and communication technology (ICT) tools in the context of foreign language education at the university level. Through a comprehensive literature review, the researchers analyzed global studies on the integration of AI and social networks in language learning, as well as research specific to the Ukrainian higher education context. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the potential benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of these technologies in foreign language instruction. The findings indicate that using AI-driven language learning applications, and social media platforms can significantly enhance vocabulary retention, language proficiency, and student engagement. However, the study also highlights potential threats, such as risks to academic integrity, entrenchment of discrimination, and the democratization of plagiarism. The research further emphasizes the importance of addressing teachers’ skills in navigating the ethical implications of AI integration in educational settings. The study provides valuable insights for university administrators, language instructors, and educational technology researchers. It underscores the need for a nuanced and informed approach to incorporating AI and social networks into foreign language curricula, balancing the pedagogical benefits with appropriate safeguards to ensure the quality and integrity of the educational process. The findings contribute to the evolving discourse on the role of emerging technologies in transforming higher education and language teaching.

Telework and bipolar disorder

Telework developed considerably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems interesting to evaluate the consequences of the use of teleworking in the population of bipolar patients. Increasingly accessible thanks to new technological and digital tools, it is however losing notoriety, because it presents some disadvantages, both for employees and for their employers. Yet, one of the essential benefits for bipolar people seems to be working at times when bipolar people are most productive due to their sleep/wake cycle for example.

Применение экосистемного подхода в образовании

Educating young people in an educational environment is a process of formation and development of person-ality, which is influenced not only by the educational organization, but also by other participants: accelerators, business schools, collective cooperation platforms, the professional community (employers), and the state. In this regard, it is appropriate to consider the interaction of participants in youth education using an ecosystem approach. The inextricable connection between education and work, the interaction of many stakeholders in the process of youth development, the presence of an organizational culture (collective values and principles), self-organization of interaction participants (including youth interested in personal development), mutually benefi-cial cooperation, as well as the availability of an information technology tool, allowing to track the process of personal development of young people, are direct forms of interaction in ecosystems. Based on a generaliza-tion of scientific provisions on the application of the ecosystem approach in education, as well as the definition of the features of the modern ecosystem, the author’s structure of interaction between participants in the pro-cess of educating young people is proposed, corresponding to modern challenges of society.