Academic Profession Research Articles

Technology Interventions in Rural India by an Academic Institute: Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract Industries often prioritize markets with high sales volumes and profit margins, showing little interest in developing technologies for low-income communities where demand and purchasing power are both low. More often, designers and researchers from various academic institutions voluntarily invest part of their professional engagements in developing technologies to enhance the livelihoods of low-income communities. However, academic professionals face several challenges, primarily due to their limited bandwidth in terms of their time and expertise. In this research, a methodology called action research was employed to identify the challenges faced by the above professionals in developing technologies for low-income communities and to propose strategies to address them. Seven identified challenges were classified under the four categories based on design projects spanning over nine years (2014–2022). As a result, a design framework comprising 12 strategies, grouped into four broad categories, is proposed. All 12 strategies were validated through their implementations in one of the projects of the Rural Technology Action Group.

Preparing Students for Diverse Careers in the Poultry Industry

Careers in the poultry industry are ever evolving to address global challenges and include collaborations with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures from around the world. Employers are seeking college graduates who are prepared to use novel approaches to address local and global industry challenges. A primary goal of undergraduate animal and poultry science programs should be to focus on courses and opportunities for students to engage in activities that promote workforce and essential skill development. A symposium at the 2024 Poultry Science Association annual meeting included a unique perspective from academic and industry professionals on the essential skills needed by graduates to be most successful in the industry. This paper is a summary of the symposium's presentations concerning workforce development.

Put On Your Own Mask First Before Assisting Others: Prioritizing a Collaborative Approach to the Wellness of Student and Academic Affairs Professionals

Put On Your Own Mask First Before Assisting Others: Prioritizing a Collaborative Approach to the Wellness of Student and Academic Affairs Professionals

Understanding the lived experience research priorities for improving health-related quality of life in people living with HIV with cognitive impairment

Background People living with HIV experience higher rates of cognitive impairment (CI), and at younger ages, than the general population. These individuals report poor health-related quality of life (HRQL), however, interventions aimed at assisting people living with HIV to live well with CI do not currently exist and represent an important un-met need in this population. Objective This study aimed to identify the lived experience research priorities for improving HRQL and identify interventions to support priority areas. Methods A Research Advisory Group was established with 15 lived experience, academic, healthcare, and third sector professionals. Additionally, two semi-structured focus groups were undertaken, with health and third sector professionals and people living with HIV with CI. Participants were asked to rank factors impacting HRQL, identified in prior research, in terms of priority and intervention development. Findings were analysed using a combination of conventional and summative content analysis. Study findings were feedback to our Research Advisory Group. Results Five people living with HIV with CI, recruited through third sector agencies [Male 80%; median age 59 (range 56–78); White British 60%; homosexual 60%], and three healthcare and third sector participants (66% third sector professionals from two local HIV charities; 33% HIV-specific clinical psychologist) took part in two focus groups and ranked interventions targeting improvement in physical function, social connectedness, cognition and perceived control over cognitive health as priority areas. Findings were then fed back to the Research Advisory Group who recommended the development of an illness-specific cognitive rehabilitation programme and improved information provision as important avenues for intervention development. Conclusion Given the absence of meaningful patient and public involvement, intervention, and support guidelines for people living with HIV with CI, this provides a roadmap for future research in this important and growing area of HIV clinical care.

Understanding Work-Life Balance Challenges among Academic Professionals in Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study

Understanding Work-Life Balance Challenges among Academic Professionals in Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study

Scientific Supervisor and Scientific Mentor: Updating Old Roles and Meanings

This article examines the development of the scientific mentoring institute in Russian universities. The authors assume that it should be based on scientific ideas about the content and features of the professional roles of a scientific supervisor and a scientific mentor. Despite all the similarities, these roles of research and teaching staff correspond to different functional areas of their activities with their own set of tasks, results, and features of interaction with students. The purpose of this article is to compare the professional roles of a scientific mentor and a scientific supervisor of undergraduate and graduate students for the purpose of updating the meaning of mentoring activities in the field of university research work. The subject of the analysis is the features of the professional role of a student's scientific mentor. Their presence substantiates the independent nature of mentoring activities and "legitimises" it in the role repertoire of research and teaching staff of universities. The empirical basis of the article is the materials of semi-structured interviews with research and teaching staff of Russian universities, conducted within the framework of an all-Russian study (n = 30, 2024). The interpretation of the empirical data is based on the theoretical provisions of the sociological theory of roles, the theory of social identity, the concept of professional morality and ethics. The study not only substantiates the differences in the functional content of professional roles and everyday practices of a supervisor and a mentor, but also reveals the paradoxes of the professional identification of supervisors and mentors, the moral and ethical dimension of their activities. It is shown that the features of the prescriptions, expectations and performance of their roles by supervisors and mentors are manifested in the degree of formality of their rights, duties and responsibilities, the level of individualisation and the nature of the temporal organisation of interactions with students. The practical significance of the results obtained is associated with the possibility of developing university programs to support mentors as key actors in involving students in the academic profession and university science. The role differences between a scientific mentor and a scientific supervisor allow us to further specify the management requirements for different types of professional activity of scientific and pedagogical workers, as well as optimize their resource support. The practical significance of the study for academic workers is to obtain grounds for self-assessment of their readiness for the professional role of a scientific mentor and to determine the areas of professional responsibility associated with this role.

Perspectives on Sustainable Construction in the Middle East: A Comparative Analysis of Industry and Academia

Existing research has primarily focused on investigating barriers in developed countries, emphasising economic, technical, and governmental factors which impede the diffusion of green building practices. However, developing regions, including the Middle East, often must be represented in green building research. Understanding these region-specific barriers is important for developing tailored solutions. In addition, existing identified green building barriers have primarily been obtained from the industry sector, while perspectives from other stakeholders, such as academia, have less attention. Hence, this study compares the perspectives of academic and industry professionals regarding the possible barriers which may impede the adoption of green buildings, with a particular focus on cultural, educational, and social factors. A mixed-method approach was employed, including a large-scale survey (n = 1112) with 54% of the participants being from the industrial sector and 46% being from the academic sector, as well as 17 semi-structured interviews to triangulate the data obtained from the survey. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia as a representative case of the Middle East. Participants reported 23 barriers, which were themed into six groups: economic, technical, governmental, market demand, educational, and cultural barriers. Notably, seven of these barriers were reported for the first time in this study, including a lack of integrating green building concepts into university curricula, cultural preferences for traditional construction practices, resistance to change, prioritisation of economic factors over environmental and social considerations, a limited number of completed green building projects, delays in the permit and approval processes, and a lack of leadership and coordination. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the industry and academic perspectives (p < 0.05, d = 0.61) regarding the barriers to adopting green buildings, with academics over-reporting the educational, cultural, and technical barriers compared with the industry sector. Based on the identified barriers, five strategies were suggested which could help promote the widespread adoption and long-term sustainability of green buildings in the Middle East.

Exploring Chinese doctoral graduates’ career choices and gender differences through the lens of rational choice theory

AbstractThe expansion of doctoral education systems globally has spurred increased research into doctoral employment; however, there is a paucity of gender-based perspectives on the decisions of those who have entered the academic profession. This study delves into the career reflections of academics within the Chinese context, aiming to uncover gender differences in career choice of academic profession. Relying on the rational choice theory and a case study approach, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 academics (21 men and 19 women) at a prominent Chinese research university. Data analysis revealed that participants’ inclination towards an academic profession emerged from a nuanced assessment of preferential and constraining factors. Preferences were rooted in the potential for personal growth, better employment prospects within academia, societal expectations and a sense of comfort with the academic milieu. Furthermore, the discord between university research training and non-academic sector demands, coupled with the potential for disruption in personal research interests, created barriers to entering non-academic fields. Notably, this study unveils significant gender-based differences, with career prospects, societal norms, resource availability and gender biases all varying markedly between male and female academics in the context of Chinese society. The study’s findings about these gendered career considerations suggest that traditional Chinese culture may exert a profound influence on career trajectories, which calls for further investigation into how such cultural factors shape gender-specific career paths within China.

Adaptação transcultural de instrumentos em Medicina e na área de Saúde do Trabalhador

Introduction: The cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) of instruments is a crucial research procedurewidely used to ensure cross-cultural equivalence and validity in languages different from the onein which a specific instrument, test, or scale was originally developed. Objective: The aim of thisstudy is to present a structured protocol for the cross-cultural adaptation of health instruments,intended for physicians and academic researchers in the field of occupational health. Methods: The proposed protocol for cross-cultural adaptation in this study was developed based on the main international guidelines and recommendations. The essential steps for the CCA process were grouped and systematized to provide a solid and guiding framework for physicians and researchers in the field of occupational health who wish to conduct CCA studies. Results: The outcome of this study is a detailed CCA protocol that compiles the main international recommendations for the process of adapting health instruments. The protocol, consisting of eight structured stages, aims to guide medical and academic professionals in the appropriate conduct of CCA, promoting the dissemination and standardization of this method. Conclusion: The application of this protocol will enable reliable and valid use of instruments that have been previously validated in other cultures and countries in research related to Medicine and Occupational Health in Brazil.

Outcome-Based Education (OBE): An Empirical Analysis of the Challenges in Implementing OBE to Improve Quality Education

Aims: The overall contribution of this paper is to provide adequate support to all the academic stakeholders involved by offering a comprehensive understanding of the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) process and practices for accreditation strategy to ensure continuous quality improvement (CQI). Additionally, this study aims to offer some recommendations for overcoming obstacles and enhancing the quality of education. Study Design: The populations for this research are the faculty members of different universities, 64 questionnaires were distributed through surveys and 49 faculty members were considered. Place and Duration of Study: The research utilizes a data collection method that combines both online and offline surveys between December 2023 and March 2024. Methodology: The statistical analysis refers to the outcome-of the quantitative data. This study focused on demographic data such as gender, academic profession, and prior experience taking OBE classes. All respondents were faculty members. 91.8% had experience in OBE classes, while the remaining 8.2% did not. A structured questionnaire consisting of a five-point Likert scale is employed. Multiple regression analysis is the study methodology used. Cronbach's alpha is used to gauge internal consistency prior to performing the regression. Here, equations and associated tests are performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Every hypothesis has been examined at the 0.05 significance level. Results: Out of a total of 49 samples, it consists of 57.1% men and 42.9% women. 91.8% had experience in OBE classes. With a value of 0.908 for Cronbach's alpha, the reliability is accepted to be high. With an R-squared of.606, the model's explanatory variables account for 60.6% of the variance in the adoption of an OBE curriculum. The findings of this study show that Switching to OBE has a statistically significant positive impact on the quality of education. Conclusion: The challenges in the implementation of the OBE curriculum and possible recommendations in Bangladesh have been described in this paper.

Presenting a Qualitative Model for the Implementation of Transformational Leadership in the Form of an Interactive Leadership Framework (Case Study: Hospitals in Zanjan Province)

Background: The method of choosing the leadership style of an organization is very important in the success of the organization in gaining a competitive advantage in society, and on the other hand, the method of managing and creating change and innovation is also considered necessary for the success of the organization as these factors dynamically affect each other. Some create obstacles on the way and some strengthen each other. Methods: The statistical population considered for this research in the qualitative part included participants, some of whom were academic professors, and some were managers of high managerial and organizational levels who were proficient in management topics in medical sciences hospitals. In terms of method, this research had a mixed approach. In other words, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. In data collection, in general, documentary studies and field method using MAXQDA software were used. Results: The results of the evaluation showed that the observed correlation between the examined components and the transformative leadership variable was completely significant. Therefore, it was concluded that the model examined in this research had a sufficient level of significance to be used as a guide to increase the transformation of the organization by relying on the role of interactive leadership in the hospitals of Zanjan province. Conclusion: One of the important and influential factors of an organization's success is how to apply management and effective leadership styles of managers of that organization. There are managers who can choose different styles in directing human resources. Their appropriate behavior patterns in any organization cause strong morale and motivation among employees, -and subsequently, increase the motivation of employees, their level of satisfaction and the level of productivity.

Mapping Software-Engineering Industry AI Use to Software-Engineering Curriculum: Developing the AI-USE Framework

Estimates predict a global deficit of 4 million software engineers by 2025, further complicated by the software engineering (SE) industry's escalating use of artificial intelligence (AI). To tackle this issue, our research suggests that computer science (CS) curricula in middle and high schools need to be updated to incorporate SE industry segments that significantly employ AI. This strategic curriculum alignment is significant for preparing a workforce equipped to meet future industry demands. Our initial analysis involved reviewing nine international AI education guidelines to evaluate current methods for integrating AI into SE education. The findings indicated a pronounced lack of specific guidance connecting AI applications in the SE industry with educational content. To address this, we performed a systematic literature review of 12 research papers focusing on AI's role across the SE industry, followed by multiple rounds of inductive content analysis. An industry segment was deemed "essential" if it was referenced in 75% or more of the papers' findings. Through this method, we identified 10 essential SE industry segments for inclusion in CS education: software development, software maintenance, process improvement, software economics, knowledge management, project management, software testing, software security, quality assurance, and deployment and operations (DevOps). These findings led to the creation of the AI-USE (Artificial Intelligence Usage in Software Engineering) framework, which maps these 10 key segments to the predominant uses of SE in the industry as identified in the literature. Further inductive content analysis helped us develop subsegments for these essential areas. Ongoing framework development involves refining these subsegments and gathering feedback from industry and academic professionals. We anticipate that the fully developed AI-USE framework will significantly enhance SE education, equipping the next generation of software engineers with the AI proficiency required to address the industry’s evolving demands.

Effectiveness of advance care planning programmes in improving end-of-life outcomes for individuals with dementia and their caregivers in nursing homes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionWith advances in medicine and the resultant increased ageing population, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, has become a leading cause of death in individuals aged over 65 years in nursing homes....

Cooling and Lubricating Strategies for INCONEL® Alloys Machining: A Comprehensive Review on Recent Advances

Abstract INCONEL® alloys are Ni-based superalloys with superior mechanical properties for extremely high-temperature (T) applications. These alloys present significant challenges: they are difficult-to-cut materials due to the low thermal conductivity (k), severe work hardening, and elevated surface hardness. They are widely used in applications that require good dimensional stability; however, built-up edge (BUE) followed by premature tool wear (TW) are the most common problems when applying conventional machining (CM) and hybrid machining processes, i.e., additive manufacturing (AM) followed by milling, resulting in a meagre final product finishing. Regarding cooling/lubricating environments, miscellanea of methods can be effectively applied to INCONEL® alloys, depending on their advantages and disadvantages. It is imperative to refine the machining parameters to enhance the performance outcomes of the process, particularly concerning the quality and cost-effectiveness of the product. This current review intends to offer a systematic summary and analysis of the progress taken within the field of INCONEL® CM and the various cooling/lubricating methods over the past decade, filling a gap found in the literature in this field of knowledge. A systematic literature review (SLR) approach was employed in this study, aiming to identify pertinent papers within the cooling and lubricating strategies for INCONEL® alloys machining. The most recent solutions found in the industry and the prospects from researchers will be presented, providing significant insights for academic researchers and industry professionals. It was found that selecting cooling methods for INCONEL® machining requires careful consideration of various factors. Each lubrication environment utilized in traditional INCONEL® machining methods offer unique advantages and challenges regarding the different outcomes: TW, tool life (TL), and/or surface quality assessment; nevertheless, cryogenic cooling by CO2(l) and N2(l) highlights as the better cooling environment to improve the machined surface quality.

Review of artificial intelligence applications in construction management over the last five years

PurposeThis paper provides a thorough examination of the advancements and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on construction management (CM) over the past five years, particularly focusing on its role in mitigating prevalent challenges such as inefficiency and ensuring quality. By methodically reviewing and synthesizing the body of research conducted in this period, it underscores key contributions and breakthroughs in the application of AI within construction management (AICM). Additionally, the study aims to shed light on emerging trends and forecast future directions for technological innovation in the construction management sector.Design/methodology/approachGuided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework, this research conducts a bibliometric analysis of 176 relevant publications from the past five years. The analysis focuses on the adoption of AICM across three critical areas: construction equipment management, improvement of construction safety and construction cost optimization. Additionally, the study systematically identifies and examines 14 emerging themes within this domain, ensuring a comprehensive exploration aligned with PRISMA guidelines.FindingsThis manuscript summarizes recent research from the past five years in three key areas: construction equipment management, construction safety management and construction cost management within the realm of AICM. It identifies key gaps and outlines future research directions, including enhancing AI-driven equipment integration, developing sophisticated AI-based safety systems and optimizing cost management with advanced data analytics. These findings and directions are essential for steering the field toward greater digital innovation and sustainability.Originality/valueThis research provides a detailed analysis of the literature within the AICM domain, thoughtfully compiling significant findings and highlighting the importance of addressing user needs. The insights and recommendations shared aim to be beneficial for both academic researchers and industry professionals, contributing to the ongoing development of AICM as it moves toward a future characterized by digital innovation and sustainability.

A Framework to Integrate Building Information Modelling to the Curriculum of the Quantity Surveying Undergraduate Degree Programme in Sri Lanka

One of the primary sectors that contributes to the national economy of the country is the construction industry. The Quantity Surveyors (QS), offer specific expertise in project management and cost estimation. A revolutionary change is occurring in Sri Lanka (SL)’s construction industry due to the increasing demand for innovative technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). But the Sri Lankan construction industry has been remarkably lagging in adopting these cutting-edge techniques. According to past SL research findings, one of the main obstacles in BIM integration among QS professionals is a severe knowledge gap. By involving BIM approaches into QS education this research aims to develop a framework to implement BIM within the curriculum of quantity surveying undergraduates according to the industrial demand in SL. This paper focuses on the potential difficulties of integrating BIM into SL’s QS curriculum, where graduates may fulfill industry expectations. This research used questionnaire survey, semi- structured interviews for both academic and industrial QS professionals separately, and conducted existing university QS curriculum review to gather data. Purposive sampling is used as the sampling technique and this study uses a mixed-method approach to research, combining qualitative and quantitative evaluations, and analyzes data using descriptive statistics and content analysis. According to data gathered from industrial professionals, it was proved that SL construction industry does not widely use BIM and have a huge demand on knowledgeable BIM of QS in the current industry. Most of the knowledgeable BIM personnel gain knowledge from self-learning and by following some extra courses. Professionals with an academic background proved, that the current QS curriculums are outdated. As a solution, this research develops the framework to integrate BIM to the QS curriculum of the undergraduate degree programmes in SL. A framework suggestion is to be incorporated into the curriculum was the outcome of the researcher's reflections on the interview results. These results contribute to the growth and development of the Sri Lankan construction industry by knowledgeable QS professionals, thereby fostering the advancement of the Sri Lankan construction industry.

Master’s Degree Program at Osias Colleges, Incorporated… In the Prospect of Educators and Corporate World Employees

This tracer study examines the Master’s Degree graduates from the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) and Master in Business Administra-tion (MBA) programs to assess their current profiles, contributions of their respective programs, and their ratings of the degrees earned. Utiliz-ing a survey questionnaire adapted from the University of Santo Tomas, data were collected from both MAEd and MBA graduates through web-based sampling. The descriptive research design was employed to ad-dress the study's questions.The findings reveal that the majority of respondents are females in upgraded positions, such as Teacher III, Head Teacher, Master Teacher, and Principal. Most MBA graduates are employed as Senior High School teachers, with some holding high positions like Corporate Budget Spe-cialist and Senior Financial Planning Specialist. The study highlights that the Master’s Degree Program significantly contributes to the academic profession, particularly in meeting professional needs, enhancing learn-ing efficiency, and fostering people skills and values formation. Gradu-ates rated their professors highly, particularly regarding subject matter knowledge, pedagogical expertise, quality of instruction, and teacher-student relationships. The study recommends that Osias Colleges, Inc. (OCI) Management and Faculty continue to foster a lifelong learning mindset and maintain ongoing communication and networking with alumni to enhance educa-tional outcomes and professional development. This approach will sup-port continuous growth and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their careers.

Digital Transformation in Libraries: Assessing Metaverse Readiness in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examines the readiness of Nigerian libraries to integrate the metaverse, given the dynamic digital landscape and technological advancements. This research uses a quantitative survey approach to evaluate metaverse literacy among Nigerian academic library professionals. The survey covers awareness, readiness, and perspectives on integrating the metaverse into library services. Results show a significant awareness of the metaverse among participants, with a high perceived priority for metaverse literacy. Potential benefits include enhanced user engagement and accessibility, while challenges include cost implications and privacy concerns. This study contributes to understanding metaverse readiness in Nigerian libraries, offering insights into the perceptions, challenges, and opportunities associated with integrating metaverse technologies into library services. The findings can guide Nigerian libraries in strategic planning for the future and contribute to the broader discourse on libraries’ role in the digital era.

Faculty Members’ Perspective on the Internationalization of Higher Education in Taiwan

AbstractFaculty members are a key stakeholder group in the internationalization of higher education. However, there is scant research on faculty in higher education internationalization, especially in the non-English-speaking world. Taking Taiwan as a case study, this study examines faculty’s perspective on and role in internationalization. Based on the data collected through in-depth interviews with faculty members and participant observation at four universities, the study shows that while faculty unanimously agreed on internationalizing higher education, they held divergent imaginaries on internationalization and different perspectives on internationalization strategies. Furthermore, university internationalization affected faculty’s work lives through performancism in faculty evaluations, the emphasis on international publications for research output, and using English as a medium of instruction (EMI). In response, faculty either took an active role in internationalization by embracing the changes, or a passive role by avoiding, questioning, or resisting internationalization initiatives. Faculty’s imaginaries of internationalization and seniority ranking were crucial in shaping their responses to and roles taken in the internationalization of higher education. This study discusses the impact of higher education internationalization on faculty’s academic profession and illuminates the challenges that universities and faculty face in non-English-speaking countries that aspire to compete in the global market of higher education.

It doesn't need to be so stressful!

The rapid development of the online delivery in higher education has resulted in a proliferation of research. Key in this work are two critical streams: how to support diverse students in online learning spaces, and the need for greater theorisation to guide educators on the optimal design of such pedagogies. In this study we bring these two streams together by harnessing the lens of self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the experiences of medical students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their online learning experiences. In doing so, we contribute key theoretical and practical knowledge on supporting innovative, inclusive online learning spaces for our increasingly diverse student cohorts. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Studies indicate that the prevalence of ADHD in higher education settings is significant, and medical students are not exempt from this trend with self-reported prevalence suggests it could be as high as 24% (Emmers et al., 2017; Njuwa et al., 2020; Sedgwick-Müller et al., 2022). The nature of medical education, characterised by heavy workloads, time pressures, and complex material, can further pose unique challenges for individuals with ADHD affecting academic performance, professionalism and overall well-being (Im & Tamarelli, 2023). The literature implies that motivational alterations, particularly focusing on internal motivations, exist in people with ADHD, acting as mediators between environmental and social contexts and outcomes including behaviour and performance. Thus, what is the key in this issue is how students are supported to develop and enact their SDT to foster optimal engagement and ultimately their well-being and inclusion (Morsink et al., 2022). In this presentation we will present our findings of semi-structured interviews with medical students diagnosed with ADHD (n=10). Specifically, our study will organise results in relation to the three dimensions of SDT including: student autonomy, competence and relatedness. Findings include the students’ perceptions of the challenges related to flexible delivery, and how greater choice also at times led to barriers around their study decision-making (e.g., to attend lectures, to study asynchronously). Through our presentation we will further provide recommendations on strategies to create inclusive, autonomy-supportive online learning spaces for ADHD students in higher education settings.