College Graduates Research Articles

Food tourism as a driver of economic and cultural development in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This study explores culinary tourism in Nueva Ecija, focusing on visitor perspectives and identifying unique culinary gems that make the province an attractive destination for foodies. It used quantitative research design to understand tourists' preferences, motivations, and challenges in food tourism in Nueva Ecija. It aims to promote culinary delicacies and enrich the province's culinary offerings. The study reveals that 54% of respondents aged 18-22 are employed with an average monthly income of 5,000-10,000 pesos. Most are college graduates and know local food in Nueva Ecija through social media. Most have visited Gabaldon, Cabanatuan City, Laur, Muñoz, and Bongabon, using public vehicles and staying for at least one day. Puno's Ice Cream & Sherbet is the top ice cream provider in Nueva Ecija, while Tokneneng/Kwek-kwek, a street food with hard-boiled quail eggs and flour, is the most popular. The study found that Nueva Ecija offers a wide variety of local food establishments, with delicious and tasty options, and a satisfied rating for cost, sanitation, and safety. The data indicates that demographic factors like age, sex, and income do not significantly influence the motivation to visit Nueva Ecija's tourist destination. The data indicates that demographic factors such as age, sex, and income do not significantly influence the gastronomy tourist market experience. The study surveyed local and foreign tourists, providing insights into the state of food tourism in Nueva Ecija. Most tourists were interested in food-related activities, recognizing its importance in travel experiences. Locals played a crucial role in assessing this potential.

Self-Perceived Employability and Psychological Well-Being Among Italian Students and Graduates: A Three-Wave Cross-Lagged Study

This study investigated the reciprocal relationship between self-perceived employability (SPE) and psychological well-being (PWB), a connection previously suggested by theory but not yet explored empirically in early career research. Drawing from the Conservation of Resources theory, we analysed the reciprocal effects between SPE and PWB. Using data collected from 376 Italian university students and graduates, we tested the hypotheses with the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to analyse the SPE-PWB reciprocal linkage at both the between-person and within-person levels. While we observed a reciprocal SPE-PWB association across three waves at the between-person level, we obtained mixed findings at the within-person level. This study is the first to test the reciprocal associations between SPE and PWB among labour market entrants adopting a within-person approach. The findings offer new empirical insights into SPE during early career stages, with implications for both future research and practical applications.

Assessing Quality of Referrals to a Community-Based Chronic Pain Clinic

ABSTRACT Introduction Because patients with chronic pain are complex, with significant medical and psychiatric comorbidities, referrals to specialty pain clinics are often necessary. The present study explores the quality of information submitted and the profile of referring physicians associated with rejected patient referrals by a community pain clinic. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a series of consecutive new patient referrals rejected by a noninterventional community pain clinic (November 2021–June 2022). Data were collected on the reasons for rejected referrals and physicians responsible for these referrals using the public database of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Results During the study period, 120 new referrals made by 99 physicians (88% primary care providers, or PCPs; male : female ratio 1:1.2; 53% Canadian university graduates) were rejected because of inadequate information (62%) or because they were inappropriate (38%). Only 46% of the rejected referrals were resubmitted within a median of 7 days (range 0–96 days) and accepted. Half of the non-resubmitted referrals could have been accepted if the referring provider had sent in the missing information. Conclusion A significant number of referrals to our pain clinic (primarily from PCPs) are rejected for mainly avoidable reasons. The process of rejected referrals and resubmissions requires 92 to 126 h of additional staff time/year. Without additional health care resources, our study highlights simple but effective improvements in the referral process that could facilitate patient care, avoid unnecessary delays, and decrease possible sources of patient complaints.

Pathways to Mobility: Using a Multidimensional Approach to Examine Postgraduation Outcomes for Promoting College Student Success

Research examining students’ socioeconomic outcomes after attaining a bachelor’s degree tends to use single measures such as income or occupation (Thomas & Zhang, 2005; Torche, 2015). Yet, socioeconomic status is more complex than single measures. To capture that complexity, this study draws data from the National Center for Education Statistics Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B:08/12) to examine a multidimensional measure of socioeconomic status one and four years after graduation with a bachelor’s degree. The findings suggest that college graduates are not guaranteed benefits or low levels of time unemployed. The differences found across groups and time points highlight the importance of considering both monetary and non-monetary aspects of socioeconomic status related to higher education attendance and student success. This study contributes to exploring multidimensional measures to advance the understanding of students’ postgraduation outcomes and the continued impact of higher education on students’ outcomes beyond completion.

Formation of the structure of choreographic competencies among university students: Specifics of the competency-based approach

Introduction. The article discusses the features of higher choreographic education at the present stage of development. The authors analyze the specifics of training of choreography students based on the documentary flow of educational publications in the electronic information and educational environment. The competencies in the field of training «Choreographic Art» are considered on the basis of the federal state educational standard of higher education in Russia. The relevance of transforming the competency-based model of university graduates is emphasized, taking into account current standards in the field of training personnel in the field of culture and the arts.Purpose setting. The purpose of the article is to reveal the essence of terminological interpretations of the conceptual apparatus in the field of the competency model of skills in the choreography by studying the documentary flow of educational publications.Methodology and methods of the study. Based on specially prepared, proprietary methodology for studying the documentary flow of educational publications and the application of the content method, we identified the essence and dynamics of the manifestation of the documentary flow of educational publications.Results. The article discusses the features of higher choreographic education at the present stage of development. The authors analyze the specifics of training choreography students based on the documentary flow of educational publications in the electronic information and educational environment. The competencies in the field of training «Choreographic Art» are considered on the basis of the federal state educational standard of higher education in the Russian Federation.Conclusion. A solution to the problem of low efficiency of using new knowledge in the concert-making component is proposed by studying the documentary flow of educational publications in the field of culture and the arts, supporting their competency-based development model.

Erratum: Employability of Egyptian Agriculture University Graduates: Skills Gaps

Erratum: Employability of Egyptian Agriculture University Graduates: Skills Gaps

Students’ business innovation capabilities: The moderating role of university support and entrepreneurial resilience

The high unemployment rate among university graduates is prompting universities to enhance the business skills of their students. This research aims to holistically explain the role of university support and entrepreneurial resilience in increasing students’ business innovation capabilities. To analyze phenomena and relationships between variables, a quantitative approach using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used. This research sample involved 165 student entrepreneurs who are members of the student entrepreneur community in Indonesia. Knowledge management does not significantly impact increasing business innovation capabilities. However, perceived university support and entrepreneurial resilience have been shown to significantly impact business innovation capabilities and strengthen the influence of knowledge management activities on increasing business innovation capabilities. Universities must create policies supporting extracurricular entrepreneurship programs, focusing on building entrepreneurial resilience. This can be achieved through workshops and business incubator initiatives involving partnerships with industry and the entrepreneurial community. This research provides a new perspective in analyzing higher education entrepreneurship education through a more in-depth explanation of the extracurricular activities of the student business community to build business innovation capabilities based on knowledge, institutional, and trait theory perspectives.

Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Hearing Loss and Hearing Intervention in Older US Adults.

Estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and hearing assistance device use among older adults in the United States, and assess for associations with select social determinants of health (SDOH). Cross-sectional US population-based study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-March 2020 (pre-pandemic) data. Non-institutionalized civilian adult US population. US adults aged ≥70 years who completed NHANES audiometry exams were included. Sample weights were applied to provide nationally representative prevalence estimates of hearing loss and hearing assistance device use. Logistic regression analyses assessed associations between SDOH and both hearing loss and hearing assistance device use. The overall prevalence of hearing loss was 73.7%. Among those with nonprofound hearing loss, the prevalence of hearing assistance device use was 31.3%. Older individuals (odds ratio [OR], 6.3 [3.668-10.694] comparing ages 80+ versus 70-74 yr) and with lower education (OR, 3.8 [1.455-9.766] comparing <ninth grade versus college graduates or above) experienced a significantly elevated prevalence of hearing loss, whereas females (OR, 0.5 [0.326-0.754] versus males) and Blacks (0.5 [0.295-0.841] versus non-Hispanic Whites) had lower prevalence. Although older individuals with hearing loss had a higher prevalence of hearing assistance device use (OR, 2.1 [1.294-3.553] comparing ages 80+ to 70-74 yr), individuals of Black and other Hispanic races had a significantly lower prevalence of hearing assistance device use than non-Hispanic Whites (OR, 0.4 [0.188-0.671]; OR 0.1 [0.012-0.459], respectively), and those with no health insurance had higher prevalence of use than those who were insured (OR, 4.8 [1.307-17.371]). The prevalence of hearing loss among older adults in the United States remains roughly stable compared with previous population-based estimates, whereas the prevalence of hearing assistance device use is slightly increased. Population-level disparities exist both in the prevalence of hearing loss and hearing assistance device use across SDOH.

Strategies to Enhance Employment Competence of College Graduates in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Strategies to Enhance Employment Competence of College Graduates in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Using Generative Artificial Intelligence in Exams: A Research on KPSS with ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI that uses generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) algorithms for natural language processing (NLP) tasks. It is a popular Chatbot due to its impressive ability to respond consistently to users' various prompts. In this study, the Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS) questions, organized by ÖSYM (Turkish Student Selection and Placement Center) every year, were asked to ChatGPT, and its performance was evaluated. The evaluation was made based on fundamental text questions asked in the last three years (2021-2023) in Biology, History, Geography, Turkish Language Literature, and Social Studies in KPSS. This study also aims to investigate the accuracy and reliability of the questions asked to ChatGPT in the field of KPSS educational sciences. According to the research results, ChatGPT's KPSS knowledge and interpretation skills are significantly lower than the university graduate candidates who took the exam. Some suggestions are included for better Chatbot performance, more effective prompt engineering and ethical use of these tools.

Global Horizons: Assessing the Impact of Study Abroad Programs on Intercultural Competence Development Pre-College Technology Students

Across fields, college and university graduates are increasingly expected to perform effectively in diverse, multi-cultural work environments. Given this reality, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are actively designing strategies to help students develop intercultural skills. Prior research has revealed that deliberately structured study abroad programs are an effective approach to nurturing intercultural competence among graduates. Consciously designed study abroad programs can provide students with opportunities to learn and reflect on their experiences. In this study, we aim to understand the impact of a study abroad program on pre-freshmen students enrolled in a College of Technology. Using a mixed-methods design, we examined the intercultural learning gains and experiences of the participating students. The results of the study showed that studying abroad contributed significantly to the intercultural development of the students. Additionally, the study characterized the challenges faced by the students and the valuable insights they gained while interacting with people from different cultures. In summary, our findings confirmed that study abroad programs can serve as a gateway for students by equipping them with the practical skills and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of cross-cultural interactions.

Diabetes knowledge, health literacy and diabetes self-care among older adults living with diabetes in Alexandria, Egypt

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is a rising health problem, especially in older adults. Health literacy and the degree of diabetes knowledge are among the factors that may influence diabetes self-care activities. The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting self-care activities among older adults living with type 2 diabetes in Alexandria, Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional study included 400 older adults over the age of 60 with type 2 diabetes, recruited from diabetes outpatient clinics affiliated to the health insurance organization in Alexandria, Egypt. A predesigned, structured interview questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic factors, personal habits, medical history, and drug history. The All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS) and the numeracy section of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA) were used to assess the level of health literacy. Diabetes Knowledge Test 2 (DKT2) was used to assess diabetes knowledge and Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities scale was used to assess self-care activities. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between health literacy and self-care.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 65.75 ± 5.15 years, and 56.2% of them were males. The mean duration of diabetes was 10.61 ± 5.28 years, 14.3% were illiterate, and 37.2% were university graduates. Positive correlations were found between health literacy, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes self-care activities (p < 0.001). Health literacy and diabetes knowledge were found to be significant predictors of diabetes self-care activities in older adults (aOR = 1.132; 95% CI:1.062–1.207, p < 0.001 and aOR = 1.313; 95% CI: 1.178–1.464, p < 0.001; respectively).ConclusionsHealth literacy and diabetes knowledge were found to be predictors of good self-care activities in older adults living with diabetes. Health educators and health care professionals should focus on health education and the enhancement of diabetes knowledge to improve self-care activities and eventually glycemic control in older adults living with diabetes.

Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Medical Students’ Identity Formation

Investigating racial and ethnic discrimination in medical education is crucial for addressing disparities and fostering an inclusive environment. To assess how racial and ethnic discrimination in medical school is associated with personal and professional identity formation (PPIF) by race and ethnicity. This retrospective cross-sectional study used deidentified data on 37 610 medical students who matriculated in 2014 or 2015 and took the Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) between 2016 and 2020. Statistical analysis was performed from September 1 to November 20, 2023. Experiences of racial and ethnic discrimination were assessed through responses to 3 GQ questions about denial of opportunities, offensive remarks or names, and lower evaluations or grades due to race or ethnicity. Personal and professional development were measured as 2 separate outcomes using 2 GQ statements rated on a 5-point Likert scale (where 1 indicated strongly disagree and 5 indicated strongly agree): "My medical school has done a good job fostering and nurturing my development as a person" and "My medical school has done a good job fostering and nurturing my development as a physician." Variables of personal and professional development were both dichotomized. Of 37 610 medical students, 18 200 (48.4%) were female, and 19 410 (51.6%) were male; 2458 (6.5%) were African American or Black, 7801 (20.7%) were Asian, 2430 (6.5%) were Hispanic, 21 380 (56.9%) were White, 2404 (6.4%) were multiracial, and 1137 (3%) were other race or ethnicity. Most respondents attested that their medical school fostered their personal (27 272 [72.5%]) and professional (34 560 [91.9%]) development. African American or Black students reported the lowest rates of personal (1603 of 2458 [65.2%]) and professional (2182 of 2458 [88.8%]) development, and experienced lower likelihoods of personal (adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.86-0.93]) and professional (ARR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.94-0.97]) development than White students. Racial discrimination was inversely associated with development, with the highest PPIF rates among those never experiencing discrimination (personal, 25 089 of 33 508 [74.9%]; and professional, 31 257 of 33 508 [93.3%]). Those experiencing isolated discrimination (personal: ARR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.80-0.87]; professional: ARR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.91-0.95]) and recurrent discrimination (personal: ARR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.60-0.66]; professional: ARR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.80-0.84]) had relatively lower likelihoods of PPIF. African American or Black students experienced the highest rate of recurrent discrimination (543 of 2458 [22.1%]). No significant PPIF risk differences were found for other racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine without discrimination compared with White students without discrimination, but all groups with recurrent discrimination had relatively lower PPIF risk. In this cross-sectional study of US medical students, racial and ethnic discrimination was associated with lower PPIF across all racial and ethnic groups compared with White students without such experiences. African American or Black students disproportionately faced this discrimination. Systemic changes in medical education are needed to combat discrimination and ensure equity in holistic student development.

Impact of Employment Salary Level of Graduates from Higher Education Institutions in China

Based on the analysis of questionnaire survey data on college graduates, we constructed a multiple linear regression model using Matlab software to study the factors affecting the salary level of graduates, such as University rank and geographical locations, which provides a reference basis for the employment planning of college students. The results indicate that the nature of the university and the ranking of geographical regions have a significant impact on the salary level of college graduates. We utilize the proposed method to study typical two universities in China, demonstrating the effectiveness of our analysis. Finally, from the perspective of talent employment in universities, feasible and effective measures to improve the salary level of college graduates were discussed.

Challenges in Maintaining Quality Assessments in Higher Learning Institutions: Experiences from Selected Tanzanian Universities

This study was conducted to assess the extent to which universities in Tanzania ensure quality in assessments and identify challenges facing the whole assessment process. Literature showed a poor linkage between university graduates and industry whereby some graduates were reported to be lacking essential skills expected of them beside of having good results. This situation motivated the researcher to conduct this study being guided by TQM theory. The study adopted a convergent parallel design which allowed a collection of both qualitative and quantitative at a go. The study targeted lecturers, examination officers, heads of departments and quality assurance directors from universities offering teacher education in Tanzania. Stratified convenience and purposeful sampling techniques were used to select 48 lecturers, 4 examination officers, 4 heads of departments and 4 quality assurance directors from four universities. Questionnaires and in-depth interview guides were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed in frequencies and percentages while the analysis of qualitative data was done in themes and its presentation was done narratively being supported by direct quotations. The study found out universities to be striving to improve quality in final examinations but doing less in formative assessments. Large classes and workloads on the other side were found to be the challenges facing the assessment process. The study recommended for universities to extend the moderation process to the continuous assessments and develop policies that will make lecturers maintain quality in the assessment process.

Transferable Skills And Graduate Attributes: Analysis of health services management students’ reflections on an industry-based placement

Purpose: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports learners to acquire transferable skills and graduate attributes for employability through placements in settings aligned with their future profession. The purpose of this paper is to explore, student reflections on the attainment of transferable skills and university graduate attributes on health service management (HSM) work integrated learning placements in one Australian University. Design/methodology/approach: The study used data collected from e-portfolios from two cohorts of students who completed placements in the health industry. Structured e-portfolios recorded student reflections, these were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. To analyse the reflections, content analysis and mapping of narratives to transferable skills and University graduate attributes was used to evidence their attainment by learners on placement. Findings: The data demonstrated that students attained transferable skills and university attributes and reflected upon them in their e-portfolios. However, not all transferable skills and attributes were evidenced in student portfolios. Ethical thoughts and actions, respect and capability with First Peoples, citizenship and social responsibility, negotiation and conflict resolution, research and organizational membership were not comprehensively demonstrated. Reflective skills and learning how to reflect could be further emphasised and practiced within the curricula. The outcomes of the study can be used to strengthen the focus of reflective e-portfolios, inform the development of HSM curricula and support academics teaching in WIL programs to further clarify expectations on reflection. Originality: This paper is of interest to Universities aiming to equip graduates with transferable skills and the attributes to thrive in complex and rapidly changing work environments. The study identified further research opportunities that could inform the design and content of e-portfolios to demonstrate the skills attained on placement.

ADHD Behavior and Entrepreneurial Behavior: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Intention

The fundamental objective of this research is to study the relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) behavior and entrepreneurial behavior in Tunisian students. Based on the theory of person-environment adjustment (P-E), the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the analysis of data collected from 267 Tunisian students using a self-administered online questionnaire, the results of the present study showed no relationship between ADHD behavior and entrepreneurial action. However, entrepreneurial intention plays a mediating role in this relationship. These results constitute a theoretical contribution to the entrepreneurial field. Similarly, the results of the current study lend further support to the person-environment “P-E” theory, which posits that the functionality of a component of ADHD behavior depends on its fit with the environment. In particular, the uncertain and autonomous entrepreneurial environment could be an attractive career choice for people who display hyperactive/impulsive behavior. As for the theory of planned behavior “TPB,” the results of this study also show that intention is a fundamental antecedent of entrepreneurial behavior. This research has practical implications. Its results can be used by stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (teachers, incubators, career coaches,… etc.) to detect future entrepreneurs and absorb the unemployment of Tunisian university graduates.

First person – Takayuki Miyaki

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Takayuki Miyaki is first author on ‘ Ultrastructural analysis of whole glomeruli using array tomography’, published in JCS. Takayuki is an Assistant professor in the lab of Koichiro Ichimura at Department of Anatomy and Life Structure, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, investigating 3D ultrastructural analysis of cells and tissues, especially podocytes and glomeruli, using volume electron microscopy.

A Method for Predicting the Result of University Employment Education Transformation Based on Multi-Source Information Technology

In the data on the outcomes of higher education employment transformation, there is high correlation among multiple independent variables, leading to multicollinearity. If multicollinearity exists, it can complicate the establishment of predictive analysis models and the interpretation of relationships between variables for higher education employment transformation outcomes. The employment issues of college graduates have become a focal point of social concern. These issues not only reflect the employment status of college graduates but also indirectly indicate the quality of higher education and the level of talent cultivation. Therefore, a prediction method for the effectiveness of higher education employment transformation based on multi-source information technology is proposed. According to the theory of multi-source information technology, an employment data classification framework is constructed to integrate multi-source information. The matching operator function output values are calculated, weights are determined, and the final college student information collection results are output. The standard error between employment unit types and salary ranges is analyzed, clustering training samples are trained, and the distance from each employment information sample to the centroid is calculated to obtain preprocessing results of the transformation outcomes, thus avoiding the impact of multicollinearity on the results of higher education employment transformation. A model structure for analyzing factors influencing higher education employment is established, allowing for an understanding of the characteristics of different types of educational resources and enabling the prediction of the effectiveness of higher education employment transformation. Experimental results show that this method can accurately monitor the dynamic employment situation of university students. After applying this method, the standard error and probability error values are significantly reduced, proving to be significantly effective in predicting the outcomes of higher education employment transformation.

Development of the Joint Expeditionary Medical Officer.

The Uniformed Services University is known for its dual mission of preparing military medical officers for operational readiness and leadership roles. The Joint Expeditionary Medical Officer (JEMO) project is a novel internal program that was initiated in 2022 and aims to fortify and evaluate the essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) within the School of Medicine's Molecules to Military Medicine curriculum that are pivotal for the development of a deployment-ready military medical officer. The JEMO-KSA program identifies and deliberately develops a core set of mission-critical skills during the course of students' undergraduate medical education. This helps ensure that Uniformed Services University graduates attain a strong foundational level of operational readiness across various military medical domains. Currently, 371 distinct KSAs have been integrated into the curriculum, with over 86% being assessed at different time frames. Over time, our goal is to present individual students with a customized JEMO "report card" depicting their readiness level; a document that could be updated and expanded throughout their military medical career. The JEMO project represents a significant stride toward optimizing the readiness of military medical officers by systematically identifying, strengthening, and assessing vital operational skills and abilities. With an ongoing commitment to excellence, the project envisages creating an even more robustly structured curriculum that is continually refined to address current operational readiness, setting a new standard for military medical education. While challenges such as accurately measuring the impact of integrated KSAs and continuously updating them to meet evolving military needs remain, the forward momentum associated with the JEMO project will help facilitate the development of military medical officers who have the KSAs to actively support mission success while simultaneously enhancing the overall effectiveness of military health care.