Technological University Research Articles

Clinicopathological features of metastatic melanoma in effusion cytology of serosal cavity

Objective: To investigate the clinical, cytomorphology, immunocytochemical and molecular features of metastatic melanoma in serosal cavity effusion. Methods: Cytological specimens of 14 patients with melanoma in the chest and abdomen were collected from 2017 to 2023, at the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. SOX10, S-100 protein, PRAME, BRAF V600E, HMB45, and Melan A were detected by immunocytochemical methods. Fourteen cases were tested for routine antibody combinations, including Claudin4, HEG1, Calretinin, CD68, etc. Four of the patients had biopsy or surgical samples of metastatic solid lesions of primary sites, and further next-generation sequencing (NGS) or amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR molecular test was performed. In addition, 30 cases of serosal effusion samples were collected as control groups (10 cases of benign mesothelial cell reactive hyperplasia, 10 cases of mesothelioma, and 10 cases of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma). Results: Among the 14 cases of melanoma, there were 7 males and 7 females, with ages ranging from 35 to 86 years, and an average age of 57 years, there 10 cases aged ≥50 years. The tumor cells in the serosal effusion varied in morphology and degree of atypia. SOX10 was positive in all 14 cases (14/14), S-100 protein was positive in 10 cases (10/14), PRAME was positive in 12 cases (12/14), BRAF V600E was positive in 10 cases (10/14), HMB45 was positive in 12 cases (12/14), and Melan A was positive in 13 cases (13/14). In 4 patients with histological correlation, the cytological and histological expression of SOX10, BRAF V600E, and PRAME was positive in all 4 cases (4/4); S-100 protein was positive in 2 cases (2/4); and HMB45 and Melan A were positive in 3 cases (3/4). Using NGS or ARMS-PCR, missense mutations of BRAF V600E were detected in all 4 patients; TERT promoter mutations was detected in 1 case; and CDKN2A terminating mutations and MSI1 deletion mutations were detected in the other case. SOX10, S-100, HMB45, Melan A, PRAME and BRAF V600E were all negative in 30 control samples of serosal cavity effusion. Conclusion: By observing the morphology of tumor cells, immunocytochemical test of several combination markers, especially the expression of SOX10, BRAF V600E and PRAME, can help to improve the positive diagnosis rate of melanoma in serous cavity effusion.

PetroSahand International Group: the dilemma of outsourcing for EPC activities

Learning outcomes After reading the case and answering the case assignments, students will be able to understand and explain the challenges and opportunities for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors and their subcontractors; understand and critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of insourcing and outsourcing of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; determine which situations merit insourcing or outsourcing within each of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; understand and identify the competencies and qualifications that a subcontractor must possess if any EPC activity is outsourced to them; and develop a decision-making framework to determine which EPC activities must be kept in-house or outsourced in EPC projects. Case overview/synopsis In mid-March 2021, PetroSahand International Group, a leading EPC contractor specializing in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industries in Iran, encountered significant challenges with its subcontractors in engineering and construction. These issues resulted in widespread repercussions for the company, including project delays and mounting debts. At the peak of these crises, PetroSahand’s senior management embarked on a thorough examination of whether to insource or outsource various aspects of their operations, such as engineering, procurement and construction. Their objective was twofold: to prevent similar setbacks in future projects and to navigate existing projects with minimal disruption to the company’s reputation. To address this critical dilemma, PetroSahand enlisted the expertise of a consulting team from Sharif University of Technology. Comprising esteemed professors, graduates and students from one of Iran’s most respected institutions, this team undertook an exhaustive analysis of the insourcing versus outsourcing debate across EPC domains. Subsequently, they presented their comprehensive findings, thereby confronting PetroSahand’s senior management with a pivotal choice regarding the optimal approach for each activity. Complexity academic level The audience of this work is undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in project management courses, both fundamentals and advanced. In addition, this case helps senior managers of EPC contractors gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of insourcing or outsourcing different project activities. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management science.

Study of Metroglyph Analysis in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Different Quantitative Characters

The study conducted at the Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences during the rabi/winter season of 2022-23 aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and morphological variations among 20 Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes using Anderson’s metroglyph analysis for different quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the characters studied indicating the presence of considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. The genotypes viz, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB 19-11, ABSPS-2-1, AVT I HB16-15, IVT HB18-15, VIKRANT (CHECK), ABSPS-1-5, ABSPS-1-2 recorded significantly superior seed yield and yield contributing traits respectively. Six distinct morphological complexes were identified as a result of the analysis, which showed significant variation among the genotypes for the majority of traits. Complex I included eight genotypes with high seed yield and a high number of seeds per plant, while Complex II comprised five genotypes with low seed yield and a low number of seeds per plant. Complex III: High seed yield with a lower number of seeds per plant including three genotypes. Complex IV: Moderate seed yield with a higher number of seeds per plant, represented by two genotypes, Complex V: Very low seed yield and a very low number of seeds per plant, represented by one genotype and Complex VI: Low plant height with a very low number of spikelet’s per panicle, represented by one genotype. The genotypes IVT HB18-15, IVT HB19-13, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB19-11, ABSPS-1-1, ABSPS-1-2, ABSPS-1-4, and VIKRANT were identified as superior due to their high index scores and were suggested for use in breeding programs to enhance yield and other desirable traits. The study concluded that metroglyph analysis is an effective method for assessing genetic diversity and morphologicalvariations, providing valuable insights for breeders to improve Faba bean yield and adaptability through targeted cross-breeding of superior genotypes.

Influence of Colored Shade Nets and Media Types on the Development of Rhoeo discolor (Boat Lily)

Study was carried out Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2018-19. The experiment was designed to determine the optimal conditions for enhancing plant growth, focusing on the effects of different colored shade nets (green, white, red and black) with open light and various media mixture combinations (soil, coco peat, and FYM). Key growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and number of suckers were measured over a specified growth period. Results indicated that boat lily grown under red shade net and pots filled with soil, FYM and cocopeat media mixture in 1:1:1 (v/v) proportion performed best in all the characters. It has significantly enhanced plant height (22.11 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.89) and leaf area (110.42 cm2), plant spread in E-W direction (28.78 cm), plant spread in N-S direction (28.78 cm) and leaf thickness (1.32 mm).

Lie Detection Based on Acoustic Analysis

Acoustic lie detection, prized for its covert nature and capability for remote processing, has spurred growing interest in acoustic features that can reliably aid in lie detection. In this study, the aim was to construct an acoustic polygraph based on a variety of phonetic and acoustic features rather than on electrodermal, cardiovascular, and respiratory values. Sixty-two participants from the University of Science and Technology of China, aged 18-30 years old, were involved in the mock crime experiment and were randomly assigned to the innocent and guilty groups. We collected 31 deceptive and truthful audios to analyze the performance of voice onset time (VOT) in lie detection. Our findings revealed that VOT performed well in lie detection. Both the average sensitivity and specificity of the area under the curve are 0.888, and its lower and upper confidence limit are up to 0.803 and 0.973 respectively at the 95% confidence level. Although the other acoustic features had a lower reference value, they also provided a general trend in the judgment of lie detection. Our results suggested that some acoustic features can be effectively used as aids to lie detection. Through a similar approach, we will explore more acoustic and phonetic features that contribute to detecting lies in the future.

Research on the influencing factors and upgrading paths for innovation and entrepreneurship education in universities under the background of sustainable development goals: a QCA empirical study on new engineering of Chinese and foreign universities

Purpose The global COVID-19 epidemic has posed significant challenges to the development of innovation and entrepreneurship education in Chinese and foreign universities, and the application of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) technology has presented both opportunities and challenges to its development. The purpose of this study is to summarize advanced experiences and models of new engineering innovation and entrepreneurship education development in Chinese and foreign universities, as well as to analyze the influencing factors. Taking the sustainable development goals (SDGs) into account, this study qualitatively proposes enhancement paths and improvement suggestions based on the application of AIGC technology, providing a reference for promoting the sustainable development (SD) of innovation and entrepreneurship education in Chinese universities. Design/methodology/approach By using the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), this paper studies the interaction mechanism between the influencing factors of innovation and entrepreneurship in universities under the background of SDGs. This paper selects 12 representative universities with different cultures and strengths. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes the content of 2,535 publications on innovation and entrepreneurship education and summarizes seven influencing factors as comparison criteria. Then, this paper codes, summarizes and uses configuration to assess the primary factors influencing the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities at home and abroad. Findings On the quality of new engineering innovation and entrepreneurship education, comprehensive, diverse influencing factors and upgrading paths are obtained. Furthermore, this research proposes that the SD of innovation and entrepreneurship education in universities should make effective use of “AI plus education” and actively construct practical and teaching platforms. Meanwhile, the ChatGPT is being used to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship curricular system and talent training mode. The research also makes recommendations for improving teachers’ ability to acquire intelligent tools and promotes three-way teaching modalities of “teacher-AI-student” by taking into account the influence of various aspects. Originality/value This research uses the QCA research method, which analyzes not only influencing factors on the SD of innovation and entrepreneurship education but also explores the interaction mechanisms among factors. Furthermore, the research incorporates SDGs and AIGC technology application scenarios into the field of domestic innovation and entrepreneurship education, which will be helpful in SDGs of innovation and entrepreneurship education on both theoretical and practical levels.

Effect of Drying Methods and Temperature on Physical Properties of Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Drying Method and Temperature on Physical Properties of Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.)” was conducted at the Post Harvest Technology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture and Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan during August to December, 2023. The study consisted of 4 different drying methods (sun drying, tray drying, heat pump drying and fluidized bed drying), pretreatment (water blanching) and different temperatures (50°C, 60°C and 70°C). The experimental design used for this study was completely randomized design with three replications. The various physical observations were also recorded after drying. Among different types of drying methods and temperatures, water blanched and dried at 60°C tray dryer was found best with maximum dehydration ratio (0.174) and recovery % (17.43).

Determination of Genetic Diversity in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Zaid season 2023 at field experimentation centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, U.P. The aim of experimentation was to analyse genetic diversity present among green gram germplasms. Plant to plant distance was 10 cm and row to row distance was 30 cm. the data were recorded from randomly selected five plants for each genotypes for each replications for thirteen characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed index (g), biological yield (g), harvest index and seed yield per plant (g). From the present investigation it was concluded that among 31 genotypes of greengram on the basis of mean performance 3 genotypes were found to be superior for seed yield per plant over check variety Samrat viz., IC-76569, IC-121220 and IC-119006. On the basis of Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics 31 genotypes of greengram were grouped into five clusters. Maximum numbers of 13 genotypes were included in cluster 1 followed by cluster 2 with 7 genotypes, cluster 3 with 5 genotypes, cluster 4 with only single genotypes in each cluster. The highest intra cluster D2 value was recorded for cluster 5 (43.09) with 5 genotypes followed by cluster 2 (30.45) with 7 genotypes. The maximum inter cluster value of 153.82 was recorded between cluster 3 and cluster 5. It was also reported that the characters like seed yield per plant, biological yield, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and harvest index contributed about 71.13% towards total divergence alone. Therefore, selection should be done based on these characters considering the diversity and genetic variability present in greengram.

Enhanced Saccharification Yield of Alkali Pretreated Sugarcane Bagasse Utilizing Customized Cellulase Cocktail from Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride

The experiment was conducted during 2023 at Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of RBEE, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana, India. Compositional changes in sugarcane bagasse subjected to varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide (0.3% to 1.2%), revealing significant increases in glucan content (from 37.13% to 53.81%) alongside decreases in xylan, acid-insoluble lignin, acid-soluble lignin, ash, and other extractives. These changes were validated using microscopic technique SEM, confirming the efficacy of the pretreatment process. The utilization of a customized cellulase cocktail derived from Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride holds significant promise in enhancing the saccharification from alkali-pretreated sugarcane bagasse. This study investigates the synergistic effects of cellulase enzymes produced by these fungi on the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The enzymatic hydrolysis process is optimized by varying enzyme dosages, reaction conditions, and incubation times to maximize the release of fermentable sugars. Results indicate a substantial improvement in saccharification efficiency with the customized cellulase cocktail, highlighting its potential for sustainable biofuel production. The pretreated sugarcane bagasse, when saccharified with Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride individually, released 254.43 mg g-1 and 325.53 mg g-1 of reducing sugars, respectively, after 40 h of incubation. In contrast, the combined enzymatic cocktail achieved a substantial increase in glucose yields (345.12 mg g-1) at 40 h, showcasing the synergistic effect of the combined enzymatic activity. This research contributes to advancing bioconversion technologies for utilizing lignocellulosic biomass resources efficiently and economically, thus addressing key challenges in sustainable energy production.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ureteric Jet Angle Measurement Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Children with Vesico-Ureteric Reflux: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review evaluated accuracy of ureteric jet angles on color Doppler sonography in diagnosing vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in children, using voiding cystourethrogram as the reference standard. Six databases were searched, yielding 13 eligible studies of an initial 429, 7 with comparable data. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Most studies demonstrated a correlation between increasing jet angle and VUR severity, but reporting and techniques varied, preventing meta-analysis. Ureteric jet angle sonography may have potential as a VUR triaging tool. Further investigations with rigorous methodology are required. Funding support was obtained from Queensland University of Technology. PROSPERO Registration CRD42020159799.

Exploring the Impact of Experience, Department, and Course on the Perception of the Internationalization of Curriculum (IoC) Among Staff at UTAS-Salalah

The internationalization of Curriculum (IoC) is a significant aspect of higher education to prepare graduates for a globalized world. This study explores academic staff perceptions of IoC at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah (UTAS) in Sultanate of Oman, addressing a gap in the literature on IoC in non-Western contexts. Furthermore, the study explores the perspectives of academic staff regarding the implementation of IoC at different levels within the institution, department, and courses. Not only this, it also explores how these perspectives may vary based on the number of years of experience, as well as the differences in perceptions among different departments. Additionally, the study explores the perceptions of academic staff regarding the three fundamental levels of IoC, namely awareness, competence, and expertise. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among all academic staff at UTAS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVAs, and paired t-tests. Results revealed that perceptions of IoC did not vary significantly based on years of experience or across departments. However, perceptions varied significantly across the three core levels, with expertise rated highest and awareness lowest. Strengths and weaknesses were identified within each level. This study contributes to the understanding of IoC in non-Western settings and informs institutional policies and practices. A holistic and contextually sensitive approach is needed, involving staff development, institutional support, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Finally, the findings represent a significant step towards a more inclusive understanding of IoC in the Omani context and beyond.

Neuropsychological Cognition and Attitude Towards Mathematics as Predictors of Resilience among Mathematics Pre-service Teachers

Resilience is a constructive cognitive capacity that is susceptible to enhancement. It involves the intricate journey and outcome of an individual effectively adapting to arduous or demanding life circumstances, primarily through behavioral, emotional, and cognitive adaptability and accommodation to pressures originating internally and externally. The resilience of an individual plays a pivotal role in achieving professional accomplishments as it impacts aspects such as job opportunities, advancement in the workplace, and overall prospects for career growth. The main purpose of the study is to identify the variable among neuropsychological cognition and attitude towards mathematics that best predicts resilience of mathematics pre-service teachers, who are enrolled within the academic year 2023-2024 at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology. The findings indicate a noteworthy positive association between Neuropsychological Cognition and Attitude Towards Mathematics with Resilience. Additionally, Neuropsychological Cognition emerges as the most reliable predictor of resilience among pre-service Mathematics teachers.

Investigating carbon footprints of the Malawi University of Science and Technology

Background: Increasing greenhouse gasses concentration in the atmosphere is perturbing the environment to cause grievous global warming and associated consequences. Following the rule that only measurable is manageable, mensuration of greenhouse gas intensiveness of different products, bodies, and processes is going on worldwide, expressed as their carbon footprints (CF). Methods: The methodologies for carbon footprint calculations are still evolving and it is emerging as an important tool for greenhouse gas management. The purpose of this paper was to determine the CF of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) campus and identify the stressors. The greenhouse gasses (GHG) protocol separates emissions into three scopes which include scope 1 of direct emissions, scope 2 which is indirect emissions, and scope 3 of other indirect emissions. Findings: The estimation of CF from transportation measured 930670.2 kgCO2e, and from electricity measured 2824243.2 kgCO2e while from the use of charcoal fuel measured 30804 kgCO2e. Results showed that emissions generated by gen-sets and transportation produced the highest contribution of 669124.8 kgCO2e and 238991.4 kgCO2e respectively to the MUST campus in the year 2018-2019 as compared to previous years (2015-2017). Conclusion: The study strongly suggested that for the whole 5 years period the use of gen-sets in the campus was the main stressor and this was due to frequent blackouts. Second was transport and as the university grows, the demand for transportation will also increase hence more emissions from transport. Therefore the study recommends that the university should be more considerate of these carbon dioxide sources so as it is trying to meet its needs and demand from these activities, it should also consider reducing the carbon footprint of the campus. Novelty/Originality of this Study: In a pioneering effort for Malawian higher education institutions, this study quantifies the carbon footprint of the Malawi University of Science and Technology campus, paving the way for targeted greenhouse gas management strategies in academic settings.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) for Different Traits

The present study was conducted at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj during the Zaid season of 2023. Planting material consisted of 30 genotypes of cucumber including one check namely Pusa Uday laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications. Evaluation was done for fourteen different traits viz., days to first male flower appear, days to first female flower appear, node number at which female flower appear, days to first fruit harvest, number of primary branches per plant, inter-nodal length, vine length, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, T.S.S, number of fruit per plant, fruit yield per plant (kg), fruit yield per hectare (q). The genotypes NDCU-23-1 (143.13q) followed by NDCU-23-11 (135.90q) and NDCU-23-12 (131.53q) performed better than the check variety i.e. Pusa Uday in term of fruit yield per plant.

Effect of Different Levels of Macronutrients and Rhizobium on Soil Health and Yield Attributes of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The field experiment was carried out at the central research farm in the Department of Soil Science and Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season 2023-24. The soil texture in the experimental region was sandy loam. The design was set up using randomized block design, with two levels of sulphur (50 and 100%), Rhizobium, and NPK (20:60:40) at different levels. The treatment T9 (@100% NPKS +@100% Rhizobium+ 100% Sulphur) gave the best results in terms of plant height, number of pods plant-1, and total Field Pea yield. It also showed a slight decrease in pH, bulk density, and particle density; however, there was a significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as plant growth and yield attributes. There was no discernible difference in the growth and production of Field Pea under control. The use of Biofertilizer, as well as their blend with complete NPK and S, significantly increased the characteristics of growth and total yield attributes of Field Pea.

Phytochemical Analyses and Antibacterial Activities of Jatropha tanjorensis J. L. Ellis and Saroja Leaves Extract against Clinical Pathogens

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical and antimicrobial characteristics of leaf extracts from Jatropha tanjorensis plant against some selected clinical pathogens. Study Design: Experimental Study design (Quantitative). Place and Duration of Study: Sample: The bacteria were obtained from the stock culture of the Microbiology laboratory at LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos State and Department of Biological Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. Methods: Fresh Jatropha tanjorensis leaves were obtained, identified, and then finely ground after being dried at room temperature. To obtain the extracts, two hundred grams (200g) of the leaves were macerated in one thousand milliliters (1000ml) of solvent. Phytochemical analyses were done on the extract utilizing suitable standard protocols. Using the agar well diffusion method, the leaf extracts' antibiotic sensitivity was assessed against selected bacteria, including Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Enterococcus faecalis FELAO97, Escherichia coli, Bacillus aureus ATCC 25923, and Bacillus aureus ATCC 25923. Results: The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that while phlobatannins were absent from all extracts, other compounds found included saponin, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars, terpenoids, steroids, and tannins. According to the quantitative phytochemical analysis, reducing sugars from methanolic extract had the lowest concentration (20.39 mg/100g) and flavonoids from hot water extract had the highest concentration (98.55 mg/100g). With a zone of inhibition of 19.83 mm against S. aureus, the cold-water extract exhibited the highest inhibitory effect, while the methanolic extract displayed the lowest zone of inhibition, 13.17 mm, against B. subtilis. When compared to other isolates, B. subtilis had the lowest MIC value of 10.24 mg/ml and other isolates had the highest MIC value of 20.48 mg/ml. A GC-MS analysis identified fifty-seven (57) bioactive compounds with 1, 2, 3-Benzenetriol having the highest percentage of 66.38%. Conclusion: This study suggests that Jatropha tanjorensis may be a potential antibacterial drug, but more thorough study and collaboration are still necessary.

Fuel–Water Emulsions as an Alternative Fuel for Gas Turbines: A Project Summary

The paper presents conclusions from research conducted at the Warsaw University of Technology in 2019–2023 regarding the combustion of fuel–water emulsions in a miniature gas turbine. The presented conclusions were made taking the current state of knowledge available in the literature into account. Particular emphasis was placed on explaining the discrepancies in the results of the experimental studies available in the literature. The main aspects of the combustion of the fuel–water emulsions that were analyzed were their impact on the emissions of NOx and CO, as well as the impact of the surfactant included in the fuel mixture on the combustion process, emissions and the formation of deposits on the walls of the combustion chamber. The impact of the emulsion fuel on fuel consumption was also discussed. In order to explain the changes occurring in the combustion chamber as a result of adding water to the fuel, numerical methods and methods of fluid mechanics were used. Studies have shown a positive impact of the use of fuel–water emulsions on CO and Nox emissions and fuel consumption. It was also demonstrated that fuel additives used for emulsification can create deposits on the walls of the hot engine section.

University technology transfer offices' capabilities in responding to societal challenges: lessons from an exploratory study during the COVID-19 pandemic

University technology transfer offices' capabilities in responding to societal challenges: lessons from an exploratory study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Chegg’s Growth, Response Rate, and Prevalence as a Cheating Tool: Insights From an Audit within an Australian Engineering School

AbstractOnline tools are increasingly being used by students to cheat. File-sharing and homework-helper websites offer to aid students in their studies, but are vulnerable to misuse, and are increasingly reported as a major source of academic misconduct. Chegg.com is the largest such website. Despite this, there is little public information about the use of Chegg as a cheating tool. This is a critical omission, as for institutions to effectively tackle this threat, they must have a sophisticated understanding of their use. To address this gap, this work reports on a comprehensive audit of Chegg usage conducted within an Australian university engineering school. We provide a detailed analysis of the growth of Chegg, its use within an Australian university engineering school, and the wait time to receive solutions. Alarmingly, we found over half of audit units had cheating content on Chegg is broadly used to cheat and 50% of questions asked on Chegg are answered within 1.5 h. This makes Chegg an appealing tool for academic misconduct in both assignment tasks and online exams. We further investigate the growth of Chegg and show its use is above pre-pandemic levels. This work provides valuable insights to educators and institutions looking to improve the integrity of their courses through assessment and policy development. Finally, to better understand and tackle this form of misconduct, we call on education institutions to be more transparent in reporting misconduct data and for homework-helper websites to improve defences against misuse.

Challenges and Teaching Reform Strategies in Vocational College Engineering Training Courses

With the rapid development of vocational education, engineering training has become a crucial course for cultivating highly skilled technical professionals, highlighting its importance. However, vocational college engineering training courses still face numerous challenges during the actual teaching process, which affect the effectiveness of course teaching and the enhancement of students’ engineering competence. This article thoroughly analyzes the main problems existing in current engineering training course teaching, focusing on four aspects: students’ cognitive differences, inadequate course development, poor course adaptability, and limited teaching resources. Based on this analysis and previous research findings, targeted strategies are proposed, including enhancing students’ course cognition, clarifying course positioning, improving course adaptability, and optimizing the allocation of teaching resources. Furthermore, this article preliminarily verifies the effectiveness of some reform strategies through a small-scale teaching experiment. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical reference for enhancing the teaching quality of vocational college engineering training courses.