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The article discusses the aspects to be considered in the art of designing pop-ups, called paper engineering. The author explains that the challenge associated with the most elaborate pop-up constructions is achieving the total vision which entails a combination of mechanics, architecture, and visual image that unite into a magical world-on-a-page. The more knowledgeable an artist about mediums and production processes, the more satisfying the results. The author shares her own foray into the art of the pop-up that started after graduating from Washington University's School of Fine Arts as a painting major.

Although there is often a difference between the architectural understanding of forms and their social and value-related perception (Malhis, 2008), elements of architectural value are often divided into economic or cultural concerns. Architecture's true value, however, may be found at the resolution of this dichotomy although it can be argued it is not straightforward to isolate and measure the true value of architecture. This discussion paper suggests that whilst many of the concerns highlighted appear in conflict, they are in fact reciprocal in nature with both causes being advanced through the efficiencies of architectural design. One viewpoint is that economic value perhaps should not be a topic of infrequent discussion, but rather it should be raised from time to time within the context of the broader market within which architecture is positioned. Even this viewpoint is subject to conjecture for some. This discussion paper places the focus on the importance and relevance of value from an architectural perspective, which often is a concept rarely discussed in design circles. It is meant to encourage discourse and discussion about the different forms of value and how it is perceived in an architectural sense. As there are numerous classifications and perceptions of value in our society which are in a constant state of change, it is imperative that we regularly re-evaluate the relevance of these ever-changing values to design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a research paper about the stochastic delay prediction model for real-time incident management. The research paper won the 2007 Daniel B. Fambro Student Paper Award given by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. In the paper, the authors established that a failure to account for the uncertainty that exists in predicting incident severity systematically and consistently underrates the impact of incidents to a large enough degree that incorrect management decisions are made.

Soil erosion from steep slopes, bare soil, or construction sites is a problem that can create on-site gullies, make revegetation difficult, and adversely affect downstream water bodies and aquatic ecosystems. Mulches have been widely used to mitigate the effects of erosion. One common type of mulch, hydro-mulch, uses shredded wood or paper that is mixed with water and applied with an applicator gun. In this study, conventional wood and paper hydro-mulches were compared with cottonseed hulls and three types of processed cotton gin by-products. The mulches were applied at two rates, 1121 and 2242 kg/ha (1000 and 2000 lb/acre). Comparisons were made on the time to runoff, sediment loss, mulch loss, and mulch coverage (C-Factor). The cottonbased mulches (cottonseed hulls and cotton gin by-products) performed equal to or better than conventional wood and paper mulches in reducing soil loss during a simulated 6.35-cm/h (2.5-in/h) rainfall intensity event. Likewise, a lower percentage of the cotton-based mulches were washed-off during the rain event than with the conventional wood and paper hydro-mulches. The coverage factor and the time to runoff associated with the wood and paper mulches were higher than for any of the cotton-based mulches. Overall, the cotton-based mulches showed promise in erosion control applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The need for applications that are developed especially for Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) has been growing rapidly in the recent years. These applications are often a prerequisite for research and have to be evolved and maintained for considerable periods of time. However, CSE researchers have traditionally put focus on achieving better computational performance and results rather than the software’s comprehensibility, maintainability and extensibility. This paper first presents two case studies on two different CSE research projects, where common and specific problems are identified. Second we propose solutions that intend to apply software engineering methodologies and tools to improve the CSE research software development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many classic highly complex optimization problems in the world, therefore, it is still necessary to find an applicable and effective algorithm to solve these problems. In this paper, self-adaptive hybrid cross mutation slime mold algorithm is proposed, which is AHCSMA, to solve these problems efficiently. Specifically, there are three innovations in this paper: (i) new self-adaptive Cauchy mutation operator is developed to improve the mutation ability of the population; (ii) the crossover rate balance mechanism is proposed to make up for the neglected relationship between individuals and crossover rates. Then the differential vector information between the dominant individual and other individuals in the population is highly utilized to increase the evolution speed of the algorithm; (iii) self-adaptive restart hybrid opposition learning is designed to alleviate the situation where the algorithm falls into local optimality. To verify the competitive of AHCSMA, UAV path planning problems, engineering problems, nonlinear parameter extraction of photovoltaic model problems and parameter identification problems of highly nonlinear infinite impulse response are used to test the ability of the AHCSMA, accumulation more than 50 algorithms are used as comparison algorithms, and results report that AHCSMA is extremely competitive and performs better when optimizing these real-life problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemical Industry / Hemijska Industrija is the property of Association of Chemical Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nesting problems are often encountered during the production of paper sample of garments. This paper studied on how to modify the sample so as to on the one hand solve the problem while on the other does not affect or change the clothing styles, the proportion of size, personal level and contour while also saves time, facilitates nesting, increases production, saves fabric, realizes easier lattice of the article, increases utilization ratio and brings down costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to determine the unusual stratum load for metro tunnel under the influence of ground fissure is a major challenge faced by the construction of Xi'an Metro in China. In this paper, based on the theories of Bierbaumer and Terzaghi, a limit equilibrium form of stratum holding effect principle is proposed as an alternative solution for calculating the unusual stratum load experienced by metro tunnels crossing ground fissures at different intersection angles. Our methodology uses the movement mode of stratum-tunnel induced by active ground fissure to construct the analysis model, while considering soil properties and strength, holding force, tunnel buried depth, segment diameter, and the intersection angle between tunnel and ground fissure. Fundamental formulae for the development of soil fracture angle during this movement process are also derived and analyzed. The methodology is also illustrated and validated by two representative examples, and the sensitivity of parameters affecting the results is discussed as well, providing some design suggestions for practical engineering. The presented alternative way of calculating the unusual stratum load in the active ground fissure site might be helpful for the design of metro engineering to meet the necessary degree of safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the evolution of a new probability distribution called the exponential flexible Weibull distribution. The proposed exponential flexible Weibull distribution is obtained by combining the flexible Weibull extension with the exponential T- X strategy. For the exponential flexible Weibull, the estimators of the model parameters are derived mathematically. The appraisal of these parameters is accomplished through a simulation study. The applicability and virtuoso of the exponential flexible Weibull distribution are exemplified via two data sets. Furthermore, we implement the state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms, specifically Artificial Neural Networks and Extreme Gradient Boosting, which are widely employed in real-world applications. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted to assess the relative performance of these methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of DYNA - Ingeniería e Industria is the property of Publicaciones Dyna SL and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper aims to analyse to what extent the engineering curricula contribute to the development of visual literacy among engineering students. Communicating and thinking visually is a basic skill for all engineers, being a fundamental part of their educational stage. For this purpose, Engineering Graphics subjects from 30 engineering schools from Spain have been selected to review their content. The sample consists of 80 subjects of Engineering Graphics, mechanical design and computer-aided design. The curricula were analyzed using a quantitative and qualitative method. A database has been developed where keywords that identify the objectives of the analysis have been tabulated. Learning technical visual language and visualization skills as a means of developing visual literacy in engineering has been taken as the basis of the analysis. The results show that the curricula of the subjects contemplate the development of graphic skills around communication and technical representation and, to a lesser extent, visualization. On the other hand, the teaching activities contemplated do not dive into the cognitive aspects of graphics. We can also observe the pre-eminence of computer graphics as the main basis for teaching activities and marginal use of freehand drawing, which is basic for the development of Visual Literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration in the digitalization era is of utmost importance, as it enables sustainable development in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) context. In this paper, a general view over different approaches and application scenarios of collaboration, along with I4.0-oriented technology that has been put forward is explored, based on a systematic literature review. As a result, it was possible to realize that the wide worldwide portfolio of contributions in the literature can be grouped in seven main clusters, which, in turn, are further synthesized through a proposed framework including three main blocks about models, tools, and business approaches about collaborative manufacturing and management in I4.0. It was also possible to recognize that learning, and further, co-learning are key issues correlating collaboration with I4.0, along with the human factor, which assumes a central role in linking these two domains, which combined, are of utmost importance to enable companies to reach a sustainable development in the current digitalization era. Future open research questions should be explored in order to further analyse industrial understandings on the importance of the underlying communication, learning, and collaboration approaches, along with supporting methods, means, and tools, to properly approach collaboration issues in I4.0, for promoting sustainable development of companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific paper aims to explore the identification and quantification of the knowledge level within a team working on a software engineering project. The knowledge level of a team plays a crucial role in the success and efficiency of project outcomes. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive review of existing literature on knowledge management, team dynamics, and software engineering practices was conducted. This article reveals insights into the knowledge dynamics within software engineering teams. The research methodology consists of different quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. The identified knowledge gaps and strengths can inform strategies for improving team performance, such as targeted training programs or knowledge sharing initiatives. Furthermore, the quantification of knowledge levels can serve as a benchmark for future projects, allowing for better resource allocation and team composition. Overall, this research is bringing benefits to the field of software engineering by providing a systematic approach to identify and quantify the knowledge level of teams, enabling organizations to optimize their team structures and enhance project outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability has become increasingly important globally, due to climate change, and has become a key focus within New Product Development (N PD), drawing attention from academia, media, and industry. The increase pressure to be more sustainable as a humanity and within industry has led to the identification of the need to ensure that students are suitably educated on key sustainability issues related to their field. This paper shows that design and engineering education, with a focus on sustainability issues, currently being taught in university is having an impact on industry. Previous literature has highlighted gaps within the knowledge which could better the teaching in this area. The paper proposes a framework which aims at facilitating the adoption of the teaching and learning of sustainability within design and engineering undergraduate education, specifically focusing on the overall impact oftheir future positions within the NPD process. The main goal of the framework is to support students and educators in the learning and education of key sustainability issues throughout the typical undergraduate degree period, focusing on teaching methods and key themes which will be valuable as students' progress into industry. Future Research objectives have also been outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A call for papers about World War I and the developments in British engineering is presented.

The article reports on the declining growth of the U.S. Paper industry. The U.S. paper industry has lost its technical leadership and today is not the major source of the global industry's technological advances. This is due in part to the state of the industry in North America, but it is also due to the loss of engineering positions within companies and a general decline in the engineering profession. The future of the U.S. paper industry is uncertain, both for technical and economic reasons. Economic issues are largely due to the global economy and the general shift of manufacturing and services to third world countries.

Presents the recipients of Outstanding EMBS Paper awards for 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling of free-form curves and surfaces is vital in the manufacturing industry and engineering. Curves and surfaces that have flexible shapes and adjustable lengths and sizes are a necessity to fulfill the needs of the manufacturing industry. Hence, researchers develop numerous aesthetic Bézier curves and surfaces to have such flexibility and adjustability. In this paper, the generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional Bézier curves and surfaces are proposed in the modeling of complex surfaces. The generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional Bézier curves and surfaces have two outstanding parameters: shape and fractional parameters. Shape parameters are utilized to change the shape of the curves and surfaces without altering the control points hence, adding flexibility in controlling the shape. While fractional parameters are utilized in curves and surfaces' length and size adjustability. By adjusting the sizes of surfaces via fractional parameters, surfaces with optimal sizes can be modeled. In this paper, five types of engineering surfaces will be modeled, namely ruled surface, swept surface, swung surface, rotation surface, and coons patch. The geometric effects of the implementation of shape and fractional parameters to these engineering surfaces will also be analyzed, thus proving the generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional Bézier surfaces is an excellent tool in designing complex surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current higher education is based on a competence development approach including generic competences for the integral development of students. Degrees have been designed based on this paradigm centered on lifelong learning, self-regulated learning strategies and active methodologies in which the student is the core of the formative process, aiming at contributing to develop the key competence learning to learn. In the present paper, strategies for generic competences development and evaluation are discussed in tile context of engineering and technical courses and degrees. Challenges in competence assessment as well as alignment of formative assessment, methodologies and learning outcomes are discussed based on a series of experiences. Experience evidence that competence development requires designing activities oriented towards competence development, in which learning outcomes and assessment procedures are clearly defined. The alignment of these three elements is the key for competence development since succeeding in a course by achieving the defined learning outcomes implies succeeding in the acquisition of the generic competences planned. Through the paper it is also discussed that competence evaluation is a challenge for university teachers. for which they will need to be formed and trained, and provided with institutional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the search of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for technical papers for the ACI Fall 2009 Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. The author stated that participants of "Construction, Formwork, Scheduling, Tolerances and Communication" are to submit abstracts on all aspects of concrete formwork design and construction. Meanwhile, participants of "Nanotechnology of Concrete: The Next Big Thing Is Small" are invited to submit abstracts on nanostructure characterization.

Wood bottom ash (WBA) is a type of wood waste ash produced as a by-product from the incineration or combustion from wood-fired power plants, pulp and paper and wood-burning industrial facilities. It is the fraternal twin of the most common and popular fly-ash which is obtained from the same process. Most of the WBA produced are disposed in landfills while few quantities of it are being used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) because of their pozzolanic activities. Several studies have been published to evaluate generally the use of wood waste and fly ashes as construction materials but the use of WBA as an entity has not found prominent attention when compared with the former. This review gives a comprehensive report of the factors determining the performance of WBA as cementitious material, physio-chemical characteristics of the ash, performance assessment of WBA on some cementitious properties, occupational hazard associated with WBA when used as a construction material and comparison with wood fly-ash and lastly the comparison of engineering properties between WBA and other major ashes used as SCMs' for construction purposes. The other ashes considered and compared with WBA were wood fly ash (FA1), sugarcane bagasse ash (SB1), rice husk ash (RH1), palm-oil ash (PO1), coal fly ash (CA1), coal bottom ash (CA2), municipal solid waste ash (SW1), bamboo leaf ash (BL) and waste paper sludge ash (WP). The findings revealed that inclusion of WBA at an optimum level in cement-based materials is valuable to sustainable development as well as for waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Corona Virus-19 globally disrupted education severely in March 2020 and has continued through 2023. It has had far reaching impacts on engineering education and yet it provides an opportunity for researchers to understand this type of event's impact so that we can be well equipped for potential future disruptive events. This paper describes a novel study that used an online learning value and self-efficacy scale survey to collect data on perceived task value and student selfefficacy during a forced transition to online learning in a western university's sophomore level engineering mechanics course and a junior level hydraulic engineering course. This was an initial study that was investigating these constructs using the Online Learning Value and Self-Efficacy Scale. Data was additionally collected a year later with new participants in the same classes now taught in a traditional face-to-face fushion. Comparative results indicate that students who started in face-to-face classes preferred and felt they could do better in the face-to-face components more so than the online components, and that students who were earlier in their academic career were more likely to have higher ratings of selfefficacy in a forced online learning environment than students enduring the transition later in their academic career. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental engineering is one of the key areas of sustainable development. However, at some universities in Romania there is a decrease in the number of students in this field, respectively in the interest of high school graduates for it. This is also the situation of the Engineering and Environmental Protection in Industry specialization at the Faculty of Engineering of the "Lucian Blaga" University in Sibiu. The most important objectives of the paper were: centralizing the opinions of the students from the analyzed specialization regarding the elements that make it attractive or less attractive, collecting their suggestions for improvement and confirming the fact that young Romanians consider this specialization of great importance for the future of the planet. The replicated research method was extremely useful for the research carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the teaching experience of the Engineering, Technology and Society Network, this paper analyzes the contributions made by STS studies to engineering education. This network offers educational perspectives for engineering students in their first semesters of higher education and has added recently a graduate education approach. This article describes how STS scholarship contributed a comprehensive view of technology, interdisciplinarity and development of critical thinking. Finally, it reviews STS education through active teaching and design in context, and describes the emergence of a graduate certificate program under an engineering, technology and society approach. This program combines engineering, social participation, technological assessment and STS thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature available on the academic performance of students in higher education is sparse, particularly in India. Limited research exists that precisely examines the academic performance of engineering students and the factors that contribute to their success. Utilising primary survey data of2288 fourth-year engineering students in Delhi, this paper specifically examines how the academic performance (Measured by Cumulative Grade Point Average) of students from socially disadvantaged caste groups (SC/ST and OBC) varies in India and what factors determine this. In this context, the study revealed a considerable performance gap among engineering students of different social groups. Especially, the findings indicate a significant gender and caste disparity in academic performance in engineering education. Females exhibited about 16.5 per cent lower performance compared to males, and SC/ST students demonstrated around 38 per cent lower performance in comparison to their OBC counterparts. We find that various aspects of the socio-economic background and factors related to the educational environment such as the type of institution, scholarships, and past academic experiences, are significantly determining the academic performance of engineering graduates from socially backward caste groups. Given the poor linkage between engineering education and the labour market, the findings of the study have considerable policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last 20 years has seen rapid expansion of sustainable energy deployment in the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.) that is driving the demand for trained professionals. An engineering degree with coursework in sustainable energy systems is a desirable initial qualification. However, engineering students should also appreciate the societal and environmental impacts of the sustainable energy transition. Furthermore, since the sustainable energy transition is a global endeavor, an international perspective is needed. The sustainable energy engineering course described in this paper taught students the scientific and engineering principles underlying the major types of emerging sustainable energy technologies from a chemical engineering perspective. The technical content served as context for comparing renewable energy deployment in the EU country of Austria with the U.S. The broader impacts (societal and environmental) of renewable energy deployment were then illustrated through student presentations. Survey results showed that students gained understanding of the engineering fundamentals underlying these renewable energy systems and challenges of their deployment in Austria and the U.S. Therefore, a unique outcome of this course was that students gained an international perspective on the expansion of sustainable energy systems needed to secure a low-carbon energy future. • New approach for developing and teaching a sustainable energy engineering course. • Topics sequenced through Technology-Resources-Deployment-Broader Impact subtopics. • Renewable energy technologies taught from a chemical engineering perspective. • International perspectives by comparing US and Austria renewable energy deployment. • Broader (societal, environmental) impact discussions through student presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies show that contextualized measures of high school achievement - in other words, how well students performed relative to their high school peers - can help identify students who have the potential to succeed in college, and thus can serve as a key measure in holistic admissions. Building upon previous work, this study further examines whether contextualized measures of high school achievement may help identify students who have the potential to succeed in engineering programs, especially among traditionally underrepresented students in engineering (defined in our paper as low-SES students, underrepresented students of color, and women). Based on longitudinal data from a Midwestern state's Department of Education database, this study finds that contextualized measures of high school performance are significantly associated with students' college performance - for all students in engineering, as well as across our three subsamples of traditionally underrepresented students. These findings have important implications for incorporating contextualized measures of high school performance when making undergraduate admissions decisions in engineering programs, to help better identify applicants from traditionally underrepresented student populations in engineering. This is particularly crucial as admissions offices move toward more holistic and test-optional practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, reverse flow analysis in mixed convection flow has attracted the attention of many researchers owing to its applications in the design of medical and engineering systems. The presence of reverse flow is unfavorable in many respects; therefore, it is crucial to find values of critical parameters affecting the reverse flow to eliminate it. In this paper, the thermal and hydrodynamic behavior of MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid is explored in a vertical cylindrical annulus and in the adjacency of radial magnetic field by achieving the results of the exact solution. Furthermore, the effective factors on the reverse flow are investigated, considering the effects of wall movement and suction/injection on it. The range of changes of the governing parameters includes constant velocity of cylinders’ walls A=0−10, B=0−10, Mixed convection parameter η=-1500−1500, dimensionless temperature difference ratio ξ=0−1, Hartman number Ha=0−50, Suction/injection S=-6−6, nanocomposite particles concentration φ=0−0.3% and radios ratio λ=2−10. The results reveal that hybrid nanofluid enhances the heat transfer rate. Moreover, by changing the above-mentioned parameters and selecting the appropriate values for them, the flow, heat transfer and occurrence of reverse flow can be optimally controlled. Meanwhile, such parameters as Ha, S and ξ perform better in eliminating reverse flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to improve inventive competency of engineers iii workplace plays a significant role in competitive advantages of companies. This paper presented and validated a PBL-based TRIZ training approach for engineers in workplace aiming at enhancing their inventive competency using the integration of TRIZ and PBL-based educational techniques. To do so, after a systematic review of related studies, a new TRIZ training approach is fabricated with seven specific steps built on the framework of PBL. Subsequently, research ciata collected from 95 participants is used to validate the practical proposed TRIZ training approach. Statistical analysis is conducted based on pre-training, during-training and post-train inventive outcomes of the research sample that are measured by a set of patent-based indicators. Comparing analysis results have indicated that the proposed TRIZ training approach has evidently increased the inventive outcomes of participating engineers. Moreover. regression results revealed that the position closeness to the new product development and the patent applying experience are two most significant positive influencing impactors on the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Lastly, this paper also highlights several implications for educating TRIZ to engineers in workplace and limitations to initialize studies iii the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the question: what is engineering? We intuitively know engineering applications such as manufacturing, production, industry, management, business. The answer is not consensual because it is not easy. Furthermore, the ontological question brings us to a second question. What distinguishes engineering from other areas? It is the creative ability that distinguishes engineering. And this artificial faculty only exists in Design. Epistemology in science promotes the existence of herds, increasingly specialized groups of knowledge production. Nevertheless, engineers assume themselves as makers, and in the growing diversity promoted by specialization, they will certainly give different answers when asked about their work. We aggregate all of them as sign-makers. Therefore, engineering is Design and only Design. We reject other views. The argument presented on the phenomenological level considers them false. This paper demonstrates that it is mandatory to create a distinctive sign, which places engineering as relevant in organizations. Without the sign described in semiotics, engineering, which could pretend to be everything, becomes trivial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and chemical properties of plasma-polymerized SiOCH films were investigated using ring-type siloxane monomers with several kinds of side-chain chemicals, and a design principle of the material and plasma-process was derived to obtain a porous SiOCH film of k < 2.5 with sub-nanometer-scaled porous structure framed by the original ring siloxane backbone. Here, the backbone siloxane structure is fixed as a six-membered Si-O ring of the 0.35 nmΦ, and no progen gas and no post-cure-process were utilized. It was found that unsaturated hydrocarbon side chains such as vinyl increase the deposition rate, and the original monomer structure tends to be kept, reducing the dielectric constant with the porous structure. Large alkyl groups increase the hydrocarbon content in the film as well as the deposition rate. The low radio-frequency power plasma with high precursor concentration also helps the original chemical structure to be preserved. The best solution is to use the ring-type siloxane with both of the vinyl (unsaturated hydrocarbon) and the large alkyl (saturated hydrocarbon) under the low-power plasma condition with the high partial pressure of the precursor. The plasma-polymerized porous SiOCH film is a strong candidate for the low-k film in scale-down 45/32 nm node ultralarge-scaled integrated interconnects featured by the simple and low-cost fabrication processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts dedicated towards broadening participation for Black and other underrepresented groups in engineering at post-secondary institutions has intensified in recent decades. However, Black women have not yet reached parity in undergraduate engineering degree attainment. To elucidate this trend, data from the U.S. Department of Education was analyzed to investigate postsecondary completion for Black women in engineering. Results indicate that the percentage of degrees awarded to Black women has slightly decreased during the last five years when compared to women of all races. However, the percentage of Black women obtaining engineering degrees has increased when compared to the general Black engineering population, with a larger percentage of Black women obtaining engineering degrees compared to their male counterparts than any other ethnicity. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations for research avenues that may strengthen knowledge around the enrollment and retention of Black women in engineering at post-secondary institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educators constantly need to make adjustments to their pedagogy and learning activities to reflect the fast changes in society, the economy and industry. This has been clearly demonstrated throughout the world in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic required fully remote delivery of tertiary education. The aim of this study was comparing the experiences and perceptions of tertiary students in a fully online and a blended delivery mode, particularly in response to their laboratory skills and development of graduate attributes. Pedagogical aspects were kept consistent across delivery modes to minimise the differences in learning activities across cohorts. A comparison was made between the 2020 fully online cohort and the 2021 blended delivery cohort. The students were asked about their perceptions of how well they thought the course developed their graduate attributes; how authentic they thought the course was; and how easy the content was to navigate and understand. A mixed methods approach was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. The blended delivery mode students appeared to benefit from having a specific reflective task, which allowed them to see their learning in a broader context. The paper discusses the blending and online learning from the students' perspectives of developing graduate attributes and experiential learning. Specifically, where hands on skills are required, students need further guidance in "learning how to learn" or metacognition. A key challenge for future blended learning is getting the balance right between achieving efficiency in online learning and lack of social and dynamic interactions aspect of the online community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]