University Environment Research Articles

How to Utilize University Nursing Clinic Resources Successfully to Transition Autistic Adolescents into Higher Education

ABSTRACTAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is exhibited through a wide‐range of symptoms including social interactions, communication deficits, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors (e.g., stimming). The prevalence of autism amongst children and adolescents continues to grow with 1 in 36 diagnosed annually (CDC, 2024). Because autism often comes with a myriad of comorbidities (e.g., sleep disorders, seizure activity, nutritional imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and mental health disorders), children and adolescents are often prescribed medications and/or treatments to help with the management of these chronic diseases. Croen et al., (2006) found that adolescents are six times more likely to be hospitalized than their neuro‐typical peers. Managing autism takes a multi‐disciplinary approach. Navigating a large university system, academics, and being away from home can be challenging for any teenager. But, adding the complexity of managing a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder on top of the new environment could potentially be overwhelming for the autistic adolescent. It makes sense to use all available resources when transitioning into a college setting. Registered nurses (RN) and advanced practice nurses (APN) are employed at university clinics to help manage student healthcare issues including acute healthcare problems (e.g., viruses), traumatic issues, and chronic healthcare issues. This paper will examine how nursing professionals can assist autistic adolescents when they are entering into a college environment by managing medications and other treatment modalities while being a student advocate within a multi‐disciplinary team.

Emotional Intelligence of Chinese Teachers and its Impact on Classroom Dynamics and Student Engagement

This research investigates the correlation between teachers' emotional intelligence and classroom dynamics, as well as the level of involvement shown by students in a university environment through a descriptive correlational methodology. Using Daniel Goleman's framework, the assessment focused on many aspects of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The study also assessed the dynamics inside the classroom, including how it was managed, the instructional tactics used, the overall atmosphere, the level of differentiation, and the effectiveness of communication. Additionally, it examined the level of student involvement, including the meaningfulness of activities, the students' sense of competence, the support for their autonomy, the extent of collaborative learning, and their orientation towards mastery. Validated self-designed questionnaires were used to gather data from 30 instructors and 900 students. The findings reveal that instructors assessed their emotional intelligence as moderate, with empathy being the greatest and social skills being the lowest. Students evaluated classroom dynamics as somewhat successful in managing, creating an atmosphere, adapting to individual needs, and effectively using teaching methods and communicating. The engagement levels were moderate for meaningful activities and mastery orientation but low for competence, autonomy support, and collaborative learning. Correlation analysis indicated that there were no significant connections between teachers' overall emotional intelligence and students' assessments of classroom dynamics or participation. This implies that emotional intelligence does not directly impact these elements.

Insights into the Chemical Exposome during Pregnancy: A Non-Targeted Analysis of Preterm and Term Births.

Human-made chemicals are ubiquitous, leading to chronic exposure to complex mixtures of potentially harmful substances. We investigated chemical exposures in pregnant women in New York City by applying a non-targeted analysis (NTA) workflow to 95 paired prenatal urine and serum samples (35 pairs of preterm birth) collected as part of the New York University Children's Health and Environment Study. We analyzed all samples using liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes, employing full scan and data-dependent MS/MS fragmentation scans. We detected a total of 1524 chemical features for annotation, with 12 chemicals confirmed by authentic standards. Two confirmed chemicals dodecyltrimethylammonium and N,N-dimethyldecylamine N-oxide appear to not have been previously reported in human blood samples. We observed a statistically significant differential enrichment between urine and serum samples, as well as between preterm and term birth (p < 0.0001) in serum samples. When comparing between preterm and term births, an exogenous contaminant, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (tentative), showed a statistical significance difference (p = 0.003) with more abundance in preterm birth in serum. An example of chemical associations (12 associations in total) observed was between surfactants (tertiary amines) and endogenous metabolites (fatty acid amides).

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER MEDICAL EDUCATION ABROAD IN THE STUDIES OF UKRAINIAN COMPARATIVISTS

The article presents a synthesized historiographical analysis of Ukrainian pedagogical comparativistsʼ works on the development of higher medical education in foreign countries, identifying trends, achievements, bottlenecks, and prospects for studying this problem. The presented sample of dissertations, monographs, and textbooks demonstrated their narrow country-specific vector and similarity in formulating the subject of research. Historiographical and comparative analysis revealed similar approaches of scientists to determining trends in the development and functioning of national systems of professional training for doctors. These concern the preservation and expansion of decentralization in higher medical education management; strengthening the interaction of its various links; shifting emphasis in determining the prerequisites for the development of national higher medical education systems from “traditional” factors (political, socio-economic, cultural situation of the country, etc.) to clarifying the influences of international medical organizations and documents in the field of healthcare that substantiate general strategies for training doctors in higher medical education institutions, etc. Scientists also propose original approaches to studying the functioning of national systems of higher medical education. These are manifested in the development of authors periodizations and classifications of the specified process; thorough characteristics of university environments for training future doctors in different countries; comprehensive understanding of the determinants of their formation and development, which, in addition to social, economic, and cultural factors of the country's development, relate to the level of education of the population, its multiculturalism, the specifics of educational systems, etc. In these perspectives, the analyzed studies mark two main country-specific vectors of research in higher medical education: “overseas” (USA and Canada) and “European” (mainly Great Britain, Poland, and German-speaking countries).

University Technological Entrepreneurship Projects: Factors of Success

The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of the success factors in university technological entrepreneurial projects, based on a unique empirical dataset created with the support of the project office and the office for promoting the federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform». The dataset includes a ranking of over 1,000 university projects from 2023, each of which contains information on approximately 35 characteristics, both financial and non-financial. The success indicators selected for analysis are the «final ranking position» and «investment attractiveness of the project». Statistical methods, implemented through Python libraries, were used to examine the relationships between different forms of project support and the aforementioned characteristics. The results highlight the critical role of the university environment in supporting entrepreneurial projects, while also revealing that specific support measures can exhibit varying degrees of association with project success. Two key findings are noteworthy. First, there is no positive correlation between the project’s strong embeddedness in the university environment (e.g., a team assembled within the university or a project initially started as an academic exercise) and the project’s success. Second, among the support measures implemented within the current federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform», the strongest association with the success of entrepreneurial initiatives is found in participation in startup studios. Considering contemporary discussions on the need to seek new solutions to enhance the educational and life experiences of modern students, bringing them closer to the realities of a dynamically changing labor market, the university startup studio model may serve as a source for developing new models of university organization.

Health promoting resources and lifestyle factors among higher education students in healthcare and social work programmes: a survey with a longitudinal multicentre design

BackgroundIt has been suggested that the university environment, to improve students’ health status and educational outcomes, should be based on a health promoting approach. More knowledge is needed about health promoting resources and lifestyle factors that may be of value for students in higher education and their future work-life balance. The aim of this study was to explore health-promoting resources, general health and wellbeing, and health promoting lifestyle factors among fourth and final semester students in higher education in healthcare and social work.MethodsThis longitudinal study is based on self-reported data collected through a web-based questionnaire that included questions about general health, wellbeing, and healthy lifestyle factors and made use of instruments: the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS), and five questions from the General Nordic Questionnaire (QPS Nordic). The questionnaire was distributed among students enrolled in seven different healthcare and social work programmes at six universities in Sweden. Data was collected when students were in their fourth (2019/2020) and final (2020/2021) semesters analysed with multiple linear and logistic regressions.ResultsThe survey included responses from students during the fourth (n = 498) and the final (n = 343) semester of higher education programmes in health and social work. Total SOC scores decreased between the fourth semester and the final semester. The prevalence of the health promoting lifestyle factor of physical exercise decreased between the fourth and final semesters. Students in their final semester reported valuing group work more highly than did students in their fourth semester. Despite this, students in both the fourth and the final semester reported high SOC, low levels of good general health and perceived wellbeing, and sleeping problems.ConclusionsStudents’ report of good general health were associated with wellbeing, high-intensity physical training, and no sleeping problems A high SOC level was associated with good general health, perceived wellbeing, and no sleeping problems. A higher SHIS level was also associated with wellbeing and no sleeping problems. Therefore, we suggest further research focusing on how to prepare students in healthcare and social work during higher education for a future work-life in balance targeting effects on sleep quality.

Formation of a culture of interethnic communication among foreign cadets in the multicultural environment of a Russian military university

Formation of a culture of interethnic communication among foreign cadets in the multicultural environment of a Russian military university

Teachers' Perceptions of Integrating ChatGPT in Nepalese Classrooms

This article explores teachers' perceptions of integrating ChatGPT in Nepalese classrooms. Using a qualitative research design, the study examines the viewpoints and experiences of teacher participants to gain an understanding of context, meanings, and subjective perspectives using ChatGPT. In-depth interviews were conducted with five teacher educators and five school teachers, capturing insights from both university and school classroom environments. Purposive sampling ensured the deliberate selection of participants from the Faculty of Education, Tribhuvan University and schools in the Kirtipur municipality. The data analysis involves transcription, translation, coding, decoding, and the creation of themes, sub-themes, and categories, enabling an exploration of the study's issues. The study found that teachers perceive ChatGPT as a useful tool for deepening classroom instruction, particularly in providing personalized learning experiences. However, concerns were raised regarding the potential over-reliance on the technology, emphasizing the need for proper training and guidelines to ensure its effective integration in Nepalese educational settings. This study contributes valuable insights for educators and teachers interested in integrating ChatGPT into educational settings, with the ultimate goal of informing the development of strategies for the effective use of this technology in Nepalese classrooms.

OPTIMALISASI PERAN APARAT PEMERINTAH DALAM PEMBENTUKAN PERATURAN DESA YANG PARTISIPATIF UNTUK MENDUKUNG PENGUATAN DESA TANGGUH BENCANA DI DESA SOGINTI KECAMATAN PAGUAT KABUPATEN POHUWATO

Soginti Village located in Paguat District, Paguat District, Pohuwato Regency in 2024 was affected by a natural disaster, namely a flood that harmed residents. In order to overcome this, proper handling is needed through the formation of village regulations. The purpose of this activity is to develop innovative work results that have utility value and benefits for the wider community, improve the quality of research and community service in the Gorontalo State University environment which is superior and competitive and ready to face global challenges. Implementation method. Implementation method The activity was carried out through the Real Work Lecture (KKN) program which is an activity based on Community Service in Soginti Village through mentoring, workshops and tree planting. The results of the implementation of this community service, namely KKN, have implemented 3 work programs, namely the creation of Disaster Resilient Village Regulations, Workshops on optimizing the role of government officials in the formation of participatory village regulations to support the strengthening of disaster resilient villages and Planting of living kitchens. The program implemented in Soginti Village received support from the government and community members so that it could run well.

Management Students’ Perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: The University Context of Each Country as an Explanatory Variable

Many scientific articles have been written about management students’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility. Most of these investigations were carried out on small samples, made up of students from a single university. Very few investigations have compared students from different universities and countries. The main objective of this paper is to investigate whether students’ countries operate as an explanatory variable for their perceptions of this concept. Fifty-four previous articles were reviewed, identifying some important conceptual problems and a high amount of methodological diversity. The second objective of this paper is to describe and analyze these problems and methodologies, with the aim of contributing to the development of this field of research. A sample of 1992 undergraduate students in management courses who were studying at 18 universities located in three countries (Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) was selected. A definition of corporate social responsibility was adopted. This concept was operationalized through a set of 18 indicators. An exploratory factor analysis showed that these indicators operationalize the main dimensions of social responsibility. It was found that there are statistically significant differences between the perceptions of the students from the 18 universities, but when comparing universities from the same country, these differences disappear. In addition, it was found that the relationship between perception and country is independent of gender, age, work experience and the degree that students are pursuing. This work contributes to our current knowledge in this field of study, because it shows that the university environment of each country operates as an explanatory variable for students’ perceptions of social responsibility. Also, this work contributes to the design of appropriate methodological strategies for carrying out comparative studies on the perceptions of social responsibility, both locally and internationally.

Physicochemical quality of groundwater sources in a university environment

Physicochemical quality of groundwater sources in a university environment

College Student Social Network Characteristics and Alcohol Use: Differences (and Similarities) Based on Sexual Identity and Attraction.

Sexual minority (SM) college students have higher alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences than heterosexual students. Peers are salient determinants of young adult drinking, and examining social network characteristics is useful for understanding peer influence. This study used social network methods to understand network characteristics, alcohol use (i.e., max drinks), and alcohol consequences of SM and heterosexual college students. Sexual minority and heterosexual junior-year college students (N = 1,150) were compared on (1) social network features (eigenvector centrality, indegree, outdegree, mutuality, closeness), and (2) alcohol use and consequences. We also determined (3) whether social network characteristics were associated with alcohol use and consequences, and (4) whether these associations differed based on sexual identity or attraction. Students reporting a bisexual identity or same-gender attraction had greater eigenvector centrality (global popularity or prestige) than heterosexual or students reporting exclusively other-gender attraction, respectively. Students reporting same-gender attraction had higher outdegree (expansiveness) and more reciprocated ties (mutuality) than individuals reporting exclusively other-gender attraction, but heterosexual students and students with other-gender attraction reported higher relationship closeness; they also reported a higher number of drinks than bisexual students and students with same-gender attraction. One significant interaction showed that outdegree (expansiveness) was associated with alcohol consequences for students who reported any same-gender attraction, but not for students who reported exclusively opposite-gender attraction. SM college students' greater network prominence differs from research with adolescents and might reflect students' efforts to establish more affirming social connections in a college environment.

The Measurement Method for Planning Green Campus Based on Bicycle

Although there are small buses and Damri (state-owned company bus) public transportation that some students use, the majority of traffic at the Indralaya Campus of Sriwijaya University consist of to support an eco-friendly college environment, the institution suggests enhancing bicycle riding as an alternative. The main purpose of this study is to develop strategic, secure and comfortable bike lanes and evaluate potential bicycle users’ interest. Bicycle Level of Service (LOS) was assessed using Vissim software under three scenarios. The results show that many road segments achieved LOS A. Scenario 2, which is based on the shortest public route, is identified as the best possible bicycle lane plan for city bikers. Out of 100 respondents who were interviewed, including students, faculty personnel and employees; about 80% were in favor of implementing bicycle lanes implementation on campus.

Eating habits of students of health colleges and non-health colleges at the Northern Border University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Eating habits are important determinants of health. Young adults who have recently transitioned to university life experience stress and lack of time, which are major risk factors for poor eating habits. This study's objectives were to identify and compare eating habits between students at health and non-health colleges at Northern Border University (NBU), Saudi Arabia and to determine the relationship between students' eating habits and their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychological factors. This comparative cross-section study was conducted on 480 students equally from health and non-health colleges at NBU from March to April 2023. A pre-designed electronic questionnaire was used to collect data on students' sociodemographic characteristics, eating habits, and diet-related psychological factors. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA/SE version 11.2 for Windows. Unhealthy eating habits were reported by 44.6% and 41.3% of students at health and non-health colleges, respectively. Most students had irregular meals, skipped breakfast, ate fast food frequently, and consumed insufficient amounts of vegetables, fruits, and water. Parental separation, living away from family predisposed to unhealthy eating habits. Being 21-23 years old, playing sports, and high body mass index were linked to healthy eating habits. Psychological factors such as overeating until the stomach hurts and eating to feel happy were associated with unhealthy eating habits. Unhealthy eating habits were prevalent among students at NBU irrespective of the type of study. Thus, implementing initiatives to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits within the university environment is crucial for health promotion and well-being among students.

Students’ Perceptions of Food Offer in Portuguese Canteens and Adherence to Mediterranean Diets

Abstract Adherence to healthy eating behaviors, as in the Mediterranean Diet, is related to a better quality of life, better educational performance, and reduced risk of physical illness among higher education students. The provision of good quality and sustainable food is imperative in university environments. Nevertheless, the availability of healthy options tends to be limited across campuses (e.g., affordable fast food; the convenience of high-sugary foods in vending machines), including university canteens. Understanding students’ views on canteens and the factors that prevent them from embracing healthy eating habits may help to improve the food supply on campuses. In the present study, we aimed to examine students’ perceptions of canteen services and its food supply and to verify students’ knowledge and promptness to comply with a Mediterranean Diet menu. A large sample of academic students from Portuguese universities answered an online survey with a mixed approach. Specifically, participants were requested to characterize their dietary practices and report their perceptions about food services and offers in campus canteens. Additionally, students were asked about their knowledge, perceptions, and adherence to Mediterranean Diet. Our findings allow us to map perceptions and attitudes regarding food offered in university canteens and to identify the potential to adhere to more sustainable and healthier food patterns according to individual. Moreover, we identified the main psychological and environmental barriers to adhering Mediterranean Diet. Correlational data indicated a relationship between health-related measures and food-related factors. Advancing data about modifiable factors associated with better adherence to healthy dietary habits in the university context informs the development of actions/interventions to prevent unhealthy food choices and overcome limited and unhealthy food offers in canteen campuses.

Strategies for the implementation of internationalization in institutions of higher education

The article defines the strategies of internationalization of higher education institutions (HEIs), which include: international partnership, exchange of higher education graduates and teachers, program exchange. The issue related to selection into the program and representativeness of participants was considered. Particular attention is paid to the approaches to the implementation of internationalization in higher education: study abroad, language internship, scientific internship, commercialization and homogenization of educational programs. The intercultural interaction in the university environment is described, which requires the development of an effective language policy and the support of language equality. Research in this area can help in formulating strategies for intercultural understanding and improving the quality of international communication. The article discusses the competition among universities to attract the best students and scholars from around the world. It has been determined that understanding the impact of internationalization on the attractiveness and competitiveness of higher education institutions is a key factor for their success. It has been outlined that the development of technology promotes new forms of learning and collaboration between universities from different countries. Understanding the impact of technology on the internationalization of education helps optimize processes and improve the quality of learning.

Hepatitis B Vaccination, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Sample of Greek Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Nursing students share their study time between clinical and university environments, and due to their clinical training, are at increased risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study investigated the vaccination coverage, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing students regarding HBV in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to July 2023, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, with informed consent obtained from each participant. Results: A total of 1261 nursing students from University Institutions of the Attica region participated in the convenience sampling. The response rate of the nursing students was 68.6%. A total of 27.7% of the sample was fully vaccinated against HBV. The reasons for not accepting the vaccine were not found to be related to participants’ level of knowledge or attitudes (p &gt; 0.05). The knowledge score ranged from 0% to 96.9%, with a mean of 62.2% (SD = 17.0%). Multivariate linear regression showed that longer year of nursing education was associated with better practices and attitudes towards HBV (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The emergence of low vaccination coverage of nursing students against HBV identifies the need for departments of nursing studies to proceed in the development of educational and intervention programs on infection control. This study was not registered.

SOME ASPECTS OF RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM RISKS IN INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION: US EXPERIENCE

The article is devoted to the analysis of the American accounting experience potential risks in the management of institutional transformations. Goal articles - to reveal some aspects of the US experience in taking into account risks in management institutional transformations in education. Theoretica research methods applied: study of scientific literature, analysis, systematization, comparison, specification, generalization of information. The implementation of transformations in the educational sector (of institutional transformations) is associated with the emergence of certain risks. There is set of potential risk factors with which any organization, including higher educational institutions, collides permanently or temporarily, including: threats from natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires from thunderstorms lightning, floods, etc.; failures and failures in the operation of service systems of the type interruptions and power outages, protection failure, failures equipment, etc.; malicious actions such as sabotage, terrorism, computer actions fraud; the so-called human factor, that is, errors due to negligence employees, their lack or lack of necessary knowledge and skills. Taking into account the peculiarities of educational organizations, it is suggested to divide all potential risks and the necessary institutional transformations associated with them into four main categories: strategic risks, financial, legislative, etc operating rooms Strategic risks involve long-term threats that can to influence the successful activity of a higher educational institution. Financial risks foresee the possibility of loss of material means and other assets. Legislative risks involve improper implementation of state laws and instructions, as well as local regulations when implementing institutional ones transformations Operational risks involve erroneous actions of individuals, cases of fraud in the university environment. In addition, one more is known a category of risk that is very important for educational institutions is the risk of losing reputation The reputation of the higher educational institution, its image and prestige have of great importance for the successful functioning of higher education institutions. Higher education institutions should participate in the evaluation of their propensity to risks and have a complete understanding of all the categories of risks they may face to meet The article analyzes some possible approaches to risk assessment, which are offered by American scientists. Expediency is emphasized the use of American experience in Ukraine, where they are taking place today significant institutional transformations in the field of education.

Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students

ABSTRACT Purpose Promoting inclusive student communities and a sense of belonging is essential for university students’ well-being and mental health. Our aim in this study was to explore how universities can enhance student well-being by facilitating interactions that contribute to a sense of belonging within the university environment. Methods Through thematic analysis of 309 written narratives collected from students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), we explored significant events related to their studies, social lives, or personal experiences. Results Introduction Week is important for students’ well-being, providing a key opportunity to form initial social connections and foster a sense of belonging. However, its impact is inconsistent, and building lasting relationships requires continued effort throughout the academic journey. Recognizing and addressing potential challenges when expectations are unmet is essential for enhancing student belonging. Conclusions Our findings suggest that while Introduction Week plays an essential role in breaking social barriers and ensuring immediate social inclusion, the greatest challenge lies in establishing structures that facilitate belonging and relationships throughout the entire period of studies. Recognizing the diverse needs of students, universities should offer a variety of platforms for engagement and connection to enhance student well-being.

UniSchedApi: A comprehensive solution for university resource scheduling and methodology comparison

This paper introduces UniSchedApi, an API-based solution that revolutionizes optimized university resource scheduling. The primary focus of the research is the detailed evaluation of two automatic resource allocation methods: Tabu Search (TS) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The paper thoroughly explores how these methods address challenges associated with resource allocation in university environments, considering critical factors such as teacher availability, student time constraints, classroom features (including computers, projectors, TV's, specialized laboratories, specialized equipment, etc.), among others. The evaluation is carried out meticulously, measuring the performance and memory resource usage of both algorithms, considering the comparison with the manual scheduling. The results reveal that the TS algorithm excels in terms of temporal efficiency and computational resource usage. Based on these findings, UniSchedApi implements GA and TS but uses TS as the default algorithm, ensuring more efficient and optimized management of academic resources. This research not only presents a practical solution with UniSchedApi but also provides a deep understanding of the methods for evaluating and selecting algorithms to address specific challenges in university resource allocation. These results lay the groundwork for future improvements in academic resource management.