Transitioning from Artichoke Fields to a Peri-Urban Settlement: The Role of İzmir Katip Çelebi University

The Mounting Concern Of Urbanization and Anthropogenic Alterations of Water Bodies, Vegetal Cover And Other Natural Resources Has Continued to Dominate The Front Burner In Contemporary Academic Discuss Across The Globe. In A Related Development, This Study Examined Urban Space Expansion And Loss Of Traditional Land Holding In Idah And Its Environs, Kogi State, Nigeria. To Achieve This Broad Objective, 740 Household Heads Were Sampled In Addition To 36 Discussants From 3 Focused Groups Made Up Of Community Chiefs, Elders Between The Ages Of 40 And 65 Years Old. Three Research Questions Were Raised To Guide The Study. The Cultural Consensus Theory Guided The Analytical Process Of The Study. Both Quantitative And Qualitative Data Were Gathered In The Course Of The Study. The Quantitative Data Were Analyzed Using The Analytical Tool Of Simple Percentage, While The Qualitative Information Was Analyzed Using Narratives And Excerpts. The Result From The Analysis Revealed That Urban Space Expansion Has Led To The Loss Of A Significant Amount Of Family Land And Natural Resources. Based On These Findings, The Study Proffered Recommendations Which Are Protection Of Lands And Resources From External Threats And Maintaining Livelihood Security And Participatory Urban Development. The Findings And Recommendations Have Implications For Theory And Practice. First It Opened Up Knowledge For Further Research And Secondly, It Stands As A Guide For Urban Policy Makers In Preserving Land And Other Natural Resources In Idah And Its Environs. 1.1 Background To The Study Urban Space Expansion, Urban Sprawl And Urbanization Can Be Used Interchangeably To Capture The Spatial (Horizontal Or Vertical) Expansion Of Urban Areas Or Cities Arising From Population Growth (See; Un, 2009; Raimi, Ekpenyong & Wabah, 2011 And Potts, 2013). The Growth Of Cities And Unprecedented Rural-To-Urban Migration Throughout The World Are Frequently Cited As Defining Global Trends Of The 21st Century. All Over The World, Academic And Not Least Policy Concerns Are Beginning To Mount Especially With The Need To Understand And By Extension Check The Growing Loss Of Land Holdings And The Extinction Of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (Tek.. Kogi State Which Is Located In The North Central Region Of Nigeria Is No Different As The Major Urban Areas In The State Namely Lokoja, Okene, Idah, Ankpa Etc Are Fast Expanding. For Instance, Unihabitat (2010) Rated Lokoja The Kogi State Capital As One Of The Fastest Growing Cities In The World. The State‟s Urbanization Trajectory Is Likely To Put Pressure On Nearby Local Communities Especially With The Recently Signed Usd 1.3 Million Urban Development Agreements With Unihabitat. Hence, As The State Becomes More Concerned With Urbanization Empirical Effort Is Required To Understand Its Effect On Local People, Particularly, Their Land Holdings. 1.2 Statement Of The Problem Although, Quite A Number Of Empirical Works Are Replete Within The Field Of Tek Especially, Traditional Land Holdings, It Is Nevertheless Worthy To Point Out That Most Of The Studies Have Been Carried Out Outside The Shores Of Nigeria. Literature Shows A Concentration Of Tek Studies In Latin American Countries, Especially In Brazil And Mexico With Particular Focus On Economic Development And How This Affects The Ecological Knowledge Of The People. In Nigeria, However, While There Are Numerous Studies On Economic Development, Urbanization Or Even Capitalist Expansion, Empirical Works On How These Mutually Reinforcing Activities Affect Traditional Ecological Heritage Of Aboriginal People, Particularly In The Area Land Holding, Are Almost Non-Existent Thereby Creating A Vacuum For A Study Of This Nature. Based On The Above, The Challenge Of Urbanization For Local Knowledge In Kogi State Becomes Very Attractive For An Intellectual Enterprise Of This Nature Due To Recent Growth Trends Of Its Cities. Urban Space Expansion And Loss Of Family Land Holdings DOI: 10.9790/0837-2109142738 www.iosrjournals.org 28 | Page 1.3 Research Questions The Following Research Questions Guided The Data Collection Exercise In This Study:  To What Extent Does Urban Space Expansion Lead To Loss Of Family Land Fuse In Idah And Its Environs  What Is The Effect Of The Loss Of Family Land Holding On The Overall Wellbeing Of Idah Community Life?  How Can The Land And Vegetative Heritage Be Conserved In The Face Of Urban Space Expansion In Idah?

This study assesses the implementation of disaster preparedness programs in a rural state university system in the Philippines, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It aims to evaluate preparedness levels and identify factors that influence the resilience of under-resourced higher education institutions. A mixed-methods design was adopted to capture both quantitative indicators and qualitative insights, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of disaster risk reduction efforts in a rural academic setting. This study involved 538 participants across four university campuses. Stratified random sampling was used to select students and faculty, while purposive sampling was applied to DRRM officers, deans, and program chairs. Data were collected using an adapted tool based on the UN International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, and challenges were identified using the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center guidelines. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. At the same time, qualitative insights from focus group discussions were thematically coded based on Braun and Clarke [1] framework. The results revealed high levels of preparedness in facilities, training, and programs. While no significant differences were found by gender, age, and campus location significantly influenced preparedness levels, with Campus B showing the highest scores. Major challenges included resource limitations, coordination issues, and technical constraints. Despite these, DRRM officers demonstrated a strong commitment to program improvement and innovation. This study contributes to the principles outlined in the Disaster Studies Manifesto by emphasizing the critical role of local institutions in building disaster resilience. It advocates for integrating DRRM into education and governance systems, positioning rural state universities as key actors in promoting community preparedness and sustainable development.

Assessment in higher education, which was once considered optional, has become the norm. Departments and offices dedicated to student success are also becoming common on college campuses. Across universities, student affairs professionals and academic administrators are looking for ways to use data to improve the quality of students’ educational experience. Many campuses collect large amounts of survey data each year, relying on big and midsize research entities to collect and summarize their quantitative data. This volume focuses on using that data to make informed decisions about student affairs practice. The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) Freshman Survey are probably the most widely used surveys on college campuses, but other studies are widespread as well. The Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL), the Campus Religious and Spiritual Climate Survey (CRSCS), and the Campus Pride Index (CPI) provide data to a significant number of campuses. Table EN1 briefly describes national surveys commonly used by college campuses that are referred to in one or more chapters in this volume. Cooperative Institutional Research Program https://heri.ucla.edu/overview-of-surveys/ Cooperative Institutional Research Program https://heri.ucla.edu/overview-of-surveys/ Center for Postsecondary Research http://cpr.indiana.edu/index.cfm Center for Postsecondary Research http://cpr.indiana.edu/index.cfm Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership https://www.leadershipstudy.net/ Campus Pride https://www.campusprideindex.org/ Interfaith Youth Core https://www.ifyc.org Additional data often available on campuses come from surveys that focus on institutional type, such as those administered by the Council for Christian Colleges surveys on behalf of member institutions and the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey, which provides data to a collaborative of top-ranked research universities. Add to the mix college outcomes surveys, such as ACT's College Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) Critical Thinking Test and the Collegiate Learning Assessment; functional area surveys for those who work in, for example, residence life, admissions, and student activities; and the information that institutions collect for their own assessments. It seems clear that most campuses are swimming (maybe even drowning!) in data. Surely, then, institutions must be in a constant state of improvement and increased student success, no matter how the individual campus defines it. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Although a great amount of data are available on college campuses, they are rarely used to the extent that they could be. A common trope paints research reports as binders sitting on the shelves in the office of institutional research collecting dust. A more fitting image for today may be research data floating on cyber clouds. There are many obstacles to putting all of these data to good use: overworked staff (and/or understaffed departments), silos that prevent looking across institutional boundaries, lack of research training, or simply being overwhelmed by the possibilities. This volume seeks to address some of these obstacles by providing pragmatic ideas for implementing data-informed decision making to student affairs practitioners who want to improve student learning, student engagement, or the campus climate for diversity. The purpose of this volume is twofold. First, we demonstrate that advanced research knowledge is not necessary to make meaning of survey findings by illustrating how to analyze quantitative data and read assessment reports. Second, we provide suggestions for utilizing findings from large data sets typically available on campus; the chapters provide practical guidance for making sense of and using quantitative data to inform practice. A common theme among several chapters is that analyzing data does not have to be a complex process. Many individuals seem to avoid analyzing quantitative data because they fear they do not have the necessary statistical skills or they are overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of data. Yet as the chapters in this volume illustrate, focusing on one or two items closely related to the mission or purpose of your office can be sufficient, and the national surveys provide some basic analysis for you. Several chapters provide examples of how to make meaning from the reports you receive (and not a single one suggests that you must run a complex statistical analysis!). A second common theme across several chapters is using data to understand the experiences of nondominant populations on campus, which is especially relevant given the diversity of today's college students. Several chapters speak directly to using data to understand traditionally marginalized groups based on race, religion, or sexual orientation, while others focus on using data to understand diversity experiences. Another chapter focuses on helping students develop socially responsible leadership values, which can help students learn to interact with individuals different from themselves and inspire social change. Other chapters mention the need to disaggregate data (look at the data broken out by groups such as race or religion) in order to highlight the experiences of marginalized populations, which otherwise are masked or hidden when only viewing aggregate data. The first two chapters of this volume provide general guidance for using data, whether they come from large data sets or elsewhere. In Chapter 1, Kathleen Goodman and Buffy Stoll Turton make the case that “good data” are any data that are used to improve practice, and one doesn't have to be a research expert to use data. In Chapter 2, Charles Blaich and Kathleen Wise suggest that the best way to understand data is to have “sensemaking” conversations with a broad range of constituents focused on small chunks of data. The next four chapters provide an overview of commonly used data sets that are available on many campuses. In Chapter 3, Jillian Kinzie and Sarah Hurtado describe how to use the most current version of the NSSE to understand diversity on campus. Matthew Johnson and Gretta Mincer share examples of using the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL) in Chapter 4. Using the Campus Pride Index (CPI) to create more inclusive environments for LGBT students is described in Chapter 5 by Jason Garvey, Susan Rankin, Genny Beemyn, and Shane Windmeyer. In Chapter 6, Rebecca Crandall, Benjamin Correia-Harker, Matthew Mayhew, and Alyssa Rockenbach provide examples of using the Campus Religious and Spiritual Climate Survey (CRSCS) and the Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal Survey (IDEALS) to understand and improve the campus climate for religious/worldview diversity. The final two chapters focus on important aspects of the campus environment rather than specific surveys. Chapter 7, written by Melora Sundt, Sharla Berry, and Adam Ortiz, provides advice for using data to support online student communities. Chapter 8, written by Melora Sundt, Darnell Cole, and Marissiko Wheaton, provides suggestions for using data to understand students’ diversity experiences. This volume is focused on assessment, yet we have frequently used the word research, which some might find confusing. To us, the primary distinction is that assessment reflects data from one institution used to evaluate and improve practice, whereas quantitative research reflects data from multiple institutions used to generalize findings about practice or theory. Yet the data collection and analysis skills used in both are called research skills. And the national surveys discussed throughout this volume are typically administered by research organizations such as CIRP or the Center for Postsecondary Research. These organizations provide individualized institutional data to colleges and universities (some might call this assessment data) in reports that compare the data to other institutions (this is called benchmarking, which is a particular type of assessment), and they also craft research articles and reports based on data from multiple institutions. Fundamentally, the line between assessment and research is more blurred than most textbooks or experts would have you believe, and the more important concern is what you do with your data. Thus, the astute reader will notice that we have cleverly avoided the words research or assessment in the title of this volume and have focused on what we believe is the utmost concern: Using Data-Informed Decision Making to Improve Student Affairs Practice. Kathleen M. Goodman is assistant professor of student affairs in higher education at Miami University. Her research focuses on how college affects students, especially related to diversity and spirituality. Darnell Cole is associate professor of higher education and codirector of the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on the impact of student–faculty interactions and diversity experiences.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Guyana: linking key populations and other vulnerable groups

Housing logic: Rationalities behind housing choice behavior in coping housing market dynamics among urban residents in Sebeta Town, Ethiopia

Investing in disaster relief and recovery: A reactive approach of disaster management in Pakistan

The impact and downstream effects of the chemotherapy supply chain in Ethiopia are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to identify perceived gaps in supply chain and characterize their impact on patient care. A concurrent mixed-method study was conducted at a large academic cancer center in Ethiopia. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and surveys were completed in collaboration with external stakeholders with knowledge about chemotherapy supply chain in Ethiopia. Thematic coding was used for qualitative analysis of IDI and descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative survey data. Six stakeholders participated in the IDIs and seven completed surveys. IDIs revealed that most chemotherapeutic agents are purchased by the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) and are distributed to cancer treatment centers. A free-market purchasing option also exists, but for chemotherapy obtained outside of government-subsidized channels, the potential for substandard or falsified chemotherapy was a concern. Participants expressed confidence that the correct treatment was administered to patients, but viewpoints on reliability and consistency of medication supply were variable. Quantitative data from the survey showed that participants were not confident that medications are prepared safely and correctly. Improper storage and manipulation of high-risk medications remain a significant risk to staff. This study provides insight from a healthcare staff perspective on how gaps in the chemotherapy supply chain process impact patient care in a low-income country. Inventory management, disruptions in supply chain, and product integrity were perceived as the largest gaps in the current chemotherapy supply chain structure.

Web-based prolonged exposure therapy (Web-PE) has potential to increase the reach of effective posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. While there is initial support for the efficacy of Web-PE, no studies have examined the perceptions and experiences of participants receiving PE in this novel, Web based format. We used a mixed-methods convergent design to examine and integrate quantitative and qualitative data of participant perceptions and experiences of Web-PE. Treatment-seeking active duty military personnel or veterans (N = 29) who received Web-PE completed posttreatment surveys about perceptions of Web-PE and a brief qualitative interview. Thematic coding was used to identify qualitative themes, which were integrated with quantitative data in a joint display. Although many were initially skeptical of experiencing benefit, participants reported that Web-PE was helpful. They appreciated the flexibility of online therapy and reported that self-motivation was important for engagement. Web-PE therapists were well-regarded, although additional therapist support and technical improvements to the Web-PE program were suggested. Scores on the perceptions of Web-PE survey, PTSD survey, and other quantitative data corroborated the qualitative themes. Perceptions and experience of Web-PE are favorable and help to highlight the strengths (e.g., flexibility) and challenges (e.g., requiring self-motivation) associated with Web-treatment for PTSD. The results of this study may inform further development of Web-PE or other Web-based treatment programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

APA to Launch MH Initiative For College Students, Families

Введение. Отрасль лесного хозяйства является одной из наиболее противоречивых и консервативных. С одной стороны, Российская Федерация занимает одно из лидирующих мест по объёмам лесных ресурсов, с другой стороны, доля лесного сектора в ВВП страны не составляет и одного процента. Это свидетельствует о наличии проблем, сдерживающих развитие лесного комплекса, которые наблюдаются на разных уровнях лесопользованияи лесозаготовок – от отвода и таксации лесосек, системы охраны и защиты лесов до уровня материально-технического, научного и кадрового обеспечения. В настоящее время, помимо прочих проблем, наблюдается повышение объёмов незаконных вырубок и недостаток высококвалифицированных кадров и технологий для работы в лесном хозяйстве и лесной промышленности, что приводит к нарушениям границ лесосек и отсутствию достоверных данных о них. В последнее время тема лесной отрасли достаточно широко обсуждается на верхних уровнях государственной власти в части стратегического планирования развития. «Стратегия развития лесного комплекса до 2030 года», утверждённая Правительством РФ 11 февраля 2021 года, предполагает комплексную модернизацию сферы, одной из основных задач которой является цифровизация отрасли. Цель исследования – разработка технологии отвода лесосек при помощи беспилотных летательных аппаратов в рамках реализации нацпроекта «Беспилотные авиационные системы» до 2030 года и приказа Рослесхоза № 608, устанавливающего необходимость обеспечения лесных хозяйств регионов техникой и оборудованием, необходимым для патрулирования лесов, в т. ч. БПЛА, а также в рамках стратегии устойчивого развития лесного комплекса. Объект и методы. Способ отвода лесосек. Анализ данных, находящихся в источниках свободного доступа, анализ нормативно-правовой базы, регулирующей сферу лесного хозяйства, сравнение результатов исследований. Результаты. Обоснована эффективность отвода лесосеки с использованием БПЛА, оснащённых системой сброса радиомаяков в нужных координатах, для закрепления границ лесосеки на местности. Приведены расчёты экономических затрат на применение данной системы, точности сброса маяков, эффективности применения новой технологии, который показывает сокращение трудовых затрат на отвод лесосек в сравнении с традиционным способом.Выводы. Применение разработанной технологии значительно повышает эффективность процесса отвода лесосек, сокращает трудоёмкость и увеличивает точность закрепления границ лесосеки. Introduction. The forestry industry is one of the most controversial and conservative. On the one hand, the Russian Federation occupies one of the leading positions in terms of forest resources, while on the other, the share of the forest sector in the country's GDP does not amount to even one percent. This indicates the existence of problems hindering the development of the forest complex, which are observed at different levels of forest management and logging, from the allocation and taxation of cutting areas, the system of forest protection and conservation to the level of logistical, scientific and personnel support. Currently, among other problems, there is an increase in the volume of illegal logging and a lack of highly qualified personnel and technologies for work in forestry and the forest industry, which leads to violations of the boundaries of cutting areas and a lack of reliable data on them. Recently, the issues of the forest industry have been quite widely discussed at the higher levels of government in terms of strategic development planning. The Strategy for the Development of the Forest Complex until 2030, approved by the Government of the Russian Federation on February 11, 2021, involves a comprehensive modernization of the sphere, one of the main tasks of which is the digitalization of the industry. The aim of the study is to develop a coupe demarcation technology using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of implementing the national project "Unmanned Aviation Systems" until 2030 and Order No. 608 of the Federal Forestry Agency (Rosleshoz) stipulating the need to provide regional forestries with machinery and equipment including UAVs necessary for forest patrolling, as well as within the framework of the Strategy for the sustainable development of the forest complex. Object and methods. The object of the study is the method of coupe demarcation. The research employed analysis of data from open access sources, analysis of the regulatory framework governing the field of forestry, and comparison of research results. Results.The authors have substantiated the efficiency of coupe demarcation using UAVs equipped with a system for dropping radiobeacons at points with known coordinates to mark the coupe boundaries. The paper presents calculations of the economic costs of using this system, calculations of the accuracy of radiobeacon delivery and the efficiency of using the new technology. The calculations indicate a reduction in labor costs on coupe demarcation in comparison with the conventional method. Conclusion. The use of the proposed technology leads to a significant increase in the efficiency of the coupe demarcation process, reduces its labor intensity and improves the accuracy of marking the boundaries of areas designated for logging.

The study aimed to assess factors for the acceptance of Electronic Fiscal Devices by small and medium enterprises in Tanzania. The UTAUT model without moderating factors, such as gender, age, and factors, guided this study. The constructs of perceived trust were added as a theoretical contribution to the study. The study employed the Survey strategy in data collection by administering the questionnaires. A sample of 400 respondents was drawn from the population under the study. Quantitative data were analyzed based on descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression Analysis. The survey strategy was employed, and questionnaires were administered to collect data. The sample consisted of 400 respondents selected from the target population. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. The study's findings revealed that performance expectancy and effort expectancy significantly acceptance of electronic Fiscal devices (EFD) among business owners in Tanzania. However, perceived trust was found to not influence acceptance of Electronic Fiscal devices (EFD) among business owners in Tanzania. These results validate the UTAUT model and highlight the significance of performance expectancy and effort expectancy in influencing the acceptance of electronic Fiscal devices (EFD) among business owners in Tanzania. Additionally, the inclusion of perceived trust as a construct in the study model, suggests that tax authorities in Tanzania should explore other determining factors beyond perceived trust to enhance acceptance of electronic Fiscal devices (EFD) among business owners in Tanzania.

In today’s fast-changing global environment, education must equip learners not only with academic knowledge but also with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, leadership, collaboration, and creativity. While national policies like India’s NEP 2020 emphasize holistic and competency-based learning, there remains a significant research gap regarding the extent to which these goals are realized in residential girls' schools, particularly in underserved or rural contexts. This study addresses this gap by evaluating how effectively Kanya Shiksha Parisars (KSPs) in Madhya Pradesh are fostering 21st-century skills among girl students through a holistic and inclusive educational approach. To achieve this, a mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative survey data and qualitative insights. The study draws on responses from 1,259 students, 130 teachers, and 26 head teachers across 26 Kanya Shiksha Parisar’s (KSPs) of Madhya Pradesh, selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data from structured student questionnaires and qualitative feedback from semi-structured teacher interviews and Focus Group Discussions were analyzed to assess the development of skills such as teamwork, time management, leadership, and problem-solving. Findings indicate a high level of student engagement in skill-building activities, with over 85% affirming the positive role of KSPs in their personal development. However, the study also reveals gaps in digital literacy, access to leadership opportunities, and creative skill enhancement. Teachers express strong intent to support these competencies but are constrained by curriculum overload and limited resources, which hinder the integration of innovative pedagogies. The study concludes that while KSPs are significantly contributing to girls’ 21st-century skill development, further progress depends on systemic support, targeted teacher training, and infrastructure development.

This study explores Generation Z male perspectives on Muslim fashion trends in the context of male gaze theory and their implications for social norms in the digital era. The research aims to investigate how young Muslim men interpret Muslim women’s fashion on social media, how male gaze shapes their perceptions of piety and modesty, and how these perceptions influence gender interactions online. A simple mixed methods design was employed by combining quantitative survey data with qualitative insights from a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The survey identified general patterns of perception, while the FGD provided deeper understanding of participants’ viewpoints. Quantitative data were presented in percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal diverse perceptions: some participants associated fashion with religious identity and moral character, while others viewed it as cultural expression and lifestyle. Most participants acknowledged engaging in judgment based on women’s clothing, reflecting the persistence of male gaze in digital interactions. Furthermore, all respondents agreed that social media strongly influences standards of appropriateness, highlighting its role in shaping collective norms through algorithms, comments, and viral trends. The study concludes that male Generation Z perceptions contribute to the construction of modesty standards and gender relations online, underscoring the need for digital literacy and gender-sensitive awareness to promote more inclusive interactions.

Purpose: This study evaluates the service quality of prison education for women at Cambodia’s 2nd Correctional Center by comparing prisoners’ expectations with their actual experiences. It identifies institutional and psychosocial barriers affecting service delivery, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys of 170 women prisoners and analyzed using a paired t-test. Qualitative insights were drawn from semi-structured interviews with 20 prisoners and 5 prison officers, analyzed thematically. Triangulation ensured validity and credibility. Findings: Statistical results showed no significant difference between expectations and perceptions (t = 0.40, p = 0.69), with a negligible mean gap (0.02). However, qualitative data revealed that the apparent alignment stemmed from structurally low expectations, limited educational relevance, trauma, and underinvestment. Women perceived minimal services as “good enough,” reflecting constrained standards rather than actual satisfaction. Novelty: This is among the first studies in Cambodia to apply the Servqual model to women’s prison education using both quantitative and gender-sensitive qualitative data. It highlights the systemic neglect of incarcerated women’s educational rights and argues for trauma-informed, gender-responsive reforms to ensure prison education is truly rehabilitative.

This study investigated the implementation and impact of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) on English language teacher development in selected Chinese universities. Employing a mixed-method approach with a convergent parallel design, the research examined the extent of PLC implementation across various dimensions and its influence on teachers' professional growth. Quantitative data from 136 EFL teachers and qualitative insights from 14 participants (7 PLC leaders and 7 members) were collected and analyzed. Results revealed high levels of teacher involvement in key PLC components, including shared vision and goals, collaborative learning, reflective practice, data-driven decision-making, leadership, and structured programs. The study found that PLCs significantly enhanced teachers' content knowledge, instructional practices, personal growth, and collegial relationships. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, highlighting improved collaboration, instructional strategies, and support for English learners. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data provided a comprehensive understanding of PLC effectiveness in the Chinese higher education context. However, challenges were identified in areas such as advocating for PLC work beyond immediate communities and translating data insights into concrete learning objectives. The study contributes to the growing body of research on PLCs in diverse cultural contexts and offers valuable insights for implementing and sustaining effective professional development models in Chinese universities. Recommendations include enhancing institutional support, developing teacher leadership skills, and fostering a culture of open feedback and data literacy. These findings have implications for educational policy and practice in China and globally, particularly in adapting PLCs to different cultural and institutional settings.