University System Research Articles

Implementing Citizen Science Activities in Baltic University Libraries: On the Road to a Citizen Science Hub

The current article brings to the fore key results of the implementation of citizen science (CS) practices at universities and their libraries by focusing on five Baltic universities. It observes the improvement of skills and knowledge in the participating organisations. It examines the need and readiness for the institutional change necessary for implementing CS practices in the Baltics and the ways the participating organisations have improved in the field of CS during the LibOCS project (University libraries strengthening the academia-society connection through citizen science in the Baltics, 2022–2024). The study aims to determine to what extent the framework of the current project and the implementation of the BESPOC model (Broad Engagement in Science, Point of Contact) included in the project could act as a blueprint for other organisations wanting to implement institutional and policy changes to advance in the field of CS. These kinds of hubs or knowledge centres have already been established in some Central and Western European countries and it is necessary to create that kind of support system in the Baltic universities. The article is based on the interviews, surveys, and workshops held on the topics of CS advocacy and implementation of the BESPOC model at Baltic universities led by five university libraries (referred to here as LibOCS HEIs): Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), University of Tartu (UT), University of Latvia (UL), Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), and Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). The article introduces the core aspects of the LibOCS project, describes the starting point of the participating organisations, and librarians, their level of knowledge about CS and its practices, and proceeds with the changes that took place during the five major project stages and their outputs. The article presents the knowledge growth of the participants, the tools and training materials created for librarians, the practical consultations and workshops that led to the implementation process of the BESPOC model. The more knowledgeable the librarians are, the easier it is to implement CS-related services and establish a central hub. As a result of the project, a positive shift towards the openness to CS activities and its support systems has been identified within participating libraries, and some elements of a single point of contact model are already in development. However, to fully adopt that approach, universities have to include CS in their strategies and allocate resources, entrusting the leader of the process with the work of creating a CS hub.

Transatlantic transferability and replicability of machine-learning algorithms to predict mental health crises

Transferring and replicating predictive algorithms across healthcare systems constitutes a unique yet crucial challenge that needs to be addressed to enable the widespread adoption of machine learning in healthcare. In this study, we explored the impact of important differences across healthcare systems and the associated Electronic Health Records (EHRs) on machine-learning algorithms to predict mental health crises, up to 28 days in advance. We evaluated both the transferability and replicability of such machine learning models, and for this purpose, we trained six models using features and methods developed on EHR data from the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. These machine learning models were then used to predict the mental health crises of 2907 patients seen at the Rush University System for Health in the US between 2018 and 2020. The best one was trained on a combination of US-specific structured features and frequency features from anonymized patient notes and achieved an AUROC of 0.837. A model with comparable performance, originally trained using UK structured data, was transferred and then tuned using US data, achieving an AUROC of 0.826. Our findings establish the feasibility of transferring and replicating machine learning models to predict mental health crises across diverse hospital systems.

Creativity Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults in the Post-pandemic Era: A Review of the Role of the School and University System

Abstract This literature review, focusing on creativity in the time of the pandemic and post-pandemic, aims to explore the role of creativity in young people’s well-being through the education and university system. The article starts from a redefinition of creativity in the light of a dynamic and interactionist view between person, environment and task as proposed by contemporary studies. A major focus is on the role that creativity has played in well-being in the pandemic and post-pandemic period, especially for vulnerable populations such as adolescents and emerging adults. The article also focuses on the developmental tasks of adolescence and emerging adulthood, which make them particularly appropriate times for developing and promoting creativity. Finally, the review analyzes the contribution and support that schools offer young people during the pandemic. What resources and obstacles still stand in the way of the education system fostering creativity in adolescents and young adults today? The review aims to draw attention to the debated topic of creativity in education systems. Schools and universities can continue to support young people in the post-pandemic era by helping them to play an active role in society using their creative potential.

Evaluation of University Ranking System to Propose a Model for Bangladeshi Universities

This study investigates and compares various university ranking systems, particularly considering the unique situation of Bangladesh. With the rise of globalization and emphasis on research in the knowledge-based economy, university rankings have gained significant attention. However, different organizations use diverse criteria and methodologies, leading to discrepancies in ranking positions. This research employed a two-phase approach. The first phase involved a systematic literature review focusing on globally used indicators and methodologies for university rankings. This phase revealed that research-related indicators hold the highest weightage (67.93%) in most ranking systems. Subsequently, the second phase utilized active ranking algorithms to explore the findings from the first phase. The study concludes that research output significantly influences a university's ranking and competitiveness globally. Considering Bangladesh's lower publication volume compared to other nations, adopting a ranking system like QS or THEWUR could be beneficial. This system aligns with the global focus on research output and could incentivize research efforts within Bangladeshi universities.

Integrating Health and Disability Data Into Academic Information Systems: Workflow Optimization Study.

Integrating health information into university information systems holds significant potential for enhancing student support and well-being. Despite the growing body of research highlighting issues faced by university students, including stress, depression, and disability, little has been done in the informatics field to incorporate health technologies at the institutional level. This study aims to investigate the current state of health information integration within university systems and provide design recommendations to address existing gaps and opportunities. We used a user-centered approach to conduct interviews and focus group sessions with stakeholders to gather comprehensive insights and requirements for the system. The methodology involved data collection, analysis, and the development of a suggested workflow. The findings of this study revealed the shortcomings in the current process of handling health and disability data within university information systems. In our results, we discuss some requirements identified for integrating health-related information into student information systems, such as privacy and confidentiality, timely communication, task automation, and disability resources. We propose a workflow that separates the process into 2 distinct components: a health and disability system and measures of quality of life and wellness. The proposed workflow highlights the vital role of academic advisors in facilitating support and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. To streamline the workflow, it is vital to have effective coordination among stakeholders and redesign the university information system. However, implementing the new system will require significant capital and resources. We strongly emphasize the importance of increased standardization and regulation to support the information system requirements for health and disability. Through the adoption of standardized practices and regulations, we can ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the required support system.

Application of Speech Therapy Techniques in Teaching Russian language to Spanish-speaking Students

Currently, there is an increase in Spanish-speaking students studying at Russian universities. Therefore, the problem of developing approaches, methods and means to minimize the difficulties associated with the adaptation of foreign speakers to learning remains relevant. However, issues related to the use of speech therapy techniques for teaching Russian as a foreign language remain insufficiently studied. The purpose of the study is to study the effectiveness of using speech therapy techniques to teach Russian as a foreign language to Spanish-speaking students. The article describes the practice of using speech therapy techniques when Spanish-speaking students study Russian as a foreign language, as well as the influence of this approach to teaching the Russian language on the indicators of psychological adaptation of these students. Research methods. Fifty-three Spanish-speaking first-year undergraduate students participated in the study. The students were interviewed, during which they found out their level of Russian language proficiency, as well as what difficulties they encountered while studying. During speech therapy diagnostics using the methods of T. F. Fotekova and T. V. Akhutina studied the state of the pronunciation side of speech; To study psychological adaptation, we used the scale for assessing the level of reactive and personal anxiety by Ch. D. Spielberg, Yu. L. Hanina. To correct speech pronunciation disorders, speech therapy work was carried out using the principles of universal design when building a university education system. Research results. During the diagnostics, specific auditory-pronunciation difficulties were identified among Spanish-speaking students, which negatively affected their communication with classmates and teachers and psychological adaptation. After speech therapy work, Spanish-speaking students showed an improvement in the sound pronunciation aspect of speech, foreign language phonemic hearing and rhythm and intonation design of phrases. A decrease in the level of situational anxiety was also observed. Conclusion. Speech therapy work at the stage of adaptation of Spanish-speaking students to study at a university helps to reduce auditory-pronunciation difficulties, situational anxiety, and reduce manifestations of maladjustment.

Systematic penetration of future higher education systems with AI

Back in 2018, the Declaration on Cooperation for AI laid the foundations for increasing the technological and industrial capacities and acceptance of AI, overcoming the socio-economic challenges of transforming labour markets and modernising education, and ensuring an appropriate legal and ethical framework. (Nicholas & del Castillo 2023) The systematic penetration of AI into the education systems of universities follows this intention. In order to achieve the ambitious goals of extensive AI use, the stakeholders in higher education must be empowered to develop and implement holistic AI concepts. From the possible options for using AI in higher education, the application possibilities are derived in a targeted manner, whereby the variety of possibilities makes it necessary to adapt general models to the specific situation of a university. A case study is used to explain the step-by-step development and introduction of a chatbot as part of a holistic concept for the use of AI at universities. Finally, the insights gained so far on the opportunities and risks of AI applications in higher education are discussed.

Review and Development of Innopreneurship Model to Enhance the University Ecosystem

This paper aims to study the initiatives taken by the private Universities through business Incubation centers for the development and promotion of Innovation and entrepreneurship. It also studies the linkages among University Incubation centers, young innovators, Industry and investors for ecosystem development. Traditional universities role has gradually evolved and changed now to redirect the new knowledge system for nation’s economic development through University Incubation centers. A model has been developed that illustrates how University Incubation center is functioning for the wellbeing of Society, Nation’s economy and youth employment. Current research paper is dealing various elements in understanding and analyzing the changing dynamics of University system in nurturing business Incubation and innovations through various initiatives and platform of developments. The Result shows that university provides a sound platform for young entrepreneurs for start-up’s with their innovative ideas and to help in startups at various levels. The model based innopreneurship framework will help to enhance university ecosystem and its functioning through Innovation and Entrepreneurial goals. Key words: Innovation, Incubation center, Entrepreneurship, Qualitative research. etc.

Exploration of Gender, Equity, and Information Access and Utilization of Services and Opportunities: Do Ugandan Universities Empower Students and Foster Belonging

Anchored in social justice theory, this study explored gender and equity perspectives on access and utilization of information on services and opportunities by students in Institutions of Higher Learning in Uganda. The goal was to determine whether such information created a sense of belonging. Information on services and opportunities required by students and sources of information provided by Ugandan HIL were examined. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data were used from six universities. Data was collected from 162 participants (150 students and 12 key informants) using surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and secondary reviews tools. The study identifies student’s representatives and religious leaders as the main sources of information. Although according to social justice theory recommends student’s engagement in activities that affect them universities excluded them from identifying, developing, packaging, disseminating, monitoring and evaluating of their information needs on S&Os. Most critical information required by students includes sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, HIV/AIDs cooperate governance, career guidance and internship and job placement, scholarships and financial literacy. Generally, information on basic S&O provided by universities did not create a sense of belonging. Information on services and opportunities from university administration was perceived as difficult to comprehend, detached, without speaking to student actualities, yet students were not homogenous nor gendered beings. The insensitivity to gender and equity information needs of students affected more female male students, disabilities and those from disadvantaged communities. This article serves as an opportunity to advance discussions on gender inclusive and equity dimensions towards the creation of a sense of belonging in universities. This would require social justice and gender-inclusive trajectories aimed at dismantling gender-insensitive systems in universities.

Health and Well-Being Among College Students in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Daily Diary Study.

There is evidence that anxiety and stress increased among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, less is known about daily experiences of affect, worry, substance use behaviors, experiences of pleasure, concern over food security, experiences of bias or discrimination, feelings of belongingness, and other indicators of well-being and how they vary across days in this population. This study surveyed a wide range of indicators of health and well-being in daily life over 21 days with a sample of college students in a large university system in the United States during the pandemic. The overall variance in each daily measure was partitioned to reflect the proportion due to (1) between-person differences versus (2) within-person, day-to-day variability. This is important because measures that vary primarily due to between-person differences may be more amenable to interventions that target particular students, whereas measures that vary more due to day-to-day variability may be more amenable to interventions that target day-level contextual factors. A sample of 2068 young adult college students (aged 18-24, mean 19.8, SD 1.3 years; 66.6% women) completed a baseline survey; 97.3% (n=2012) then completed up to 21 consecutive daily surveys that assessed a comprehensive set of daily markers of health, behavior, and well-being. The daily diary study produced a total of 33,722 person-days. Among all person-days, a minority were substance use days (eg, 14.5% of days involved alcohol use, 5.6% vaping, and 5.5% cannabis). Experiences of pleasure were reported on most (73.5%) days. Between-person differences explained more than 50% of the variance in numerous indicators of health and well-being, including daily vaping, cannabis use, other illicit substance use, experiences of bias or discrimination, positive affect, negative affect, worry, food insecurity, and feelings of belonging at the university. In contrast, within-person differences explained more than 50% of the variance in daily alcohol use, cigarette use, stress, experiences of pleasure, where the student slept last night, and physical activity. College student health and well-being are multifaceted, with some aspects likely driven by person-level characteristics and experiences and other aspects by more dynamic, contextual risk factors that occur in daily life. These findings implicate services and interventions that should target individual students versus those that should target days on which students are at high risk for poor experiences or behaviors.

Transforming University: digital transition and future challenges for Higher Education

Introduction: When considering future learning environments in formal, non-formal, and informal domains, it is crucial to acknowledge the influence of the infosphere in which we are deeply immersed. Methodology: This study is focused on the concept of "circularity" between theory and empirical research. It uses a combination of research methods to carry out an exploratory and comparative analysis among six case studies/universities from five European countries. The analysis takes a multi-perspective approach and applies the translation model to study the complex translation process in supranational, national, and local policy practices. Results: The research highlighted the similarities and differences between the analyzed cases, and subsequently provided valuable recommendations for political decision-makers and academic institutions to guide the digital transition. Conclusions: From the analysis of dimensions, it is clear that the university system needs to reassess its teaching methods, organizational structures, management strategies, assessment processes, relationships, and competence frameworks in the teaching and learning processes. Discussion: This process can be enhanced by exploring new research paths to propose guidelines and direct political planning, organizational strategies, and teaching practices in the future European Higher Education space.

Open Research Reforms and the Capitalist University: Areas of Opposition and Alignment

There is a need for more nuanced and theoretically grounded analysis of the socio-political consequences of methodological reforms proposed by the open research movement. This paper contributes by utilising the theory of academic capitalism and considering how open research reforms may interact with the priorities and practices of the capitalist university. Three manifestations of academic capitalism are considered: the development of a highly competitive job market for researchers based on metricized performance, the increase in administration resulting from university systems of compliance, and the reorganization of academic labour along principles of “post-academic science”. The ways in which open research reforms both oppose and align with these manifestations is then considered, to explore the relationships between specific reforms and academic capitalist praxis. Overall, it is concluded that open research advocates must engage more closely with the potential of reforms to negatively affect academic labour conditions, which may bring them into conflict with either university management, or those who uphold the traditional principles of an ‘all round’ academic role.

Analysis of the factors determining educational mismatches: evidence from the Catalonian employment insertion surveys

PurposeThe existence of mismatches between training and jobs is relatively common and is accentuated in times of crisis where unemployment is growing. The negative effects that this phenomenon can generate on both workers and the economy makes its study relevant. The objective of this research is to analyse whether graduates of the Catalan university system have jobs according to their educational level.Design/methodology/approachThis paper sees how graduates’ own and acquired characteristics influence the probability of a mismatch from the analysis of the microdata of different waves of the employment insertion survey conducted by the Agència per a la Qualitat del Sistema Universitari de Catalunya (AQU).FindingsThe main conclusions focus on confirming that more humanities-oriented degrees tend to have a higher level of mismatch while technology or medicine approach a perfect fit. Therefore, bringing the education and business systems together is important to reduce this gap. Meanwhile, in terms of activities, services such as hospitality and retail have historically been sectors with a poor fit, and what has happened with Catalan graduates has not been an exception.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the research has been to highlight where there is a greater mismatch from the point of view of training, the type of work and its evolution over time, detecting the need to adjust labour supply and demand.

Research on the Optimization of University Management Service Systems Based on Student Needs

In the context of modern higher education, students' demands on university management service systems are becoming increasingly diversified and personalized. The current university management service systems have some deficiencies and fail to fully meet the actual needs of students. This paper analyzes the theories of university management service, student demand, and service quality, explores the current status of university management service systems, identifies existing problems and challenges, and proposes optimization strategies based on student needs. These strategies include student demand analysis and feedback mechanisms, optimization of management service processes, informatization and intelligent services, and training and quality improvement of management service personnel. The aim is to build a more efficient university management service system that meets student needs.

Task-Driven Collaborative Inquiry Teaching Method in Modern Educational Technology Instruction at Universities

With the expanding application of information technology in scientific and technological development, it has had a significant impact on students' growth and development and has become a necessary skill for future employment of university students. In response to this situation, higher education has attached great importance to the influence of information technology on teaching and has introduced the course of modern educational technology, which is an important component of the current curriculum system in universities. The purpose of offering this course is to cultivate students' basic teaching skills and enable them to use information technology for teaching. Among the various teaching methods, the task-driven teaching method is practical and interesting, as it can stimulate students' enthusiasm and initiative to learn. Considering the current situation of modern educational technology instruction in universities, a new teaching method has been developed by integrating task-driven instruction with collaborative inquiry, which enhances the effectiveness of teaching by involving students in completing tasks and engaging in cooperative inquiry with their peers. This article provides an overview of the task-driven teaching method, analyzes the current status of modern educational technology instruction, clarifies the implementation process of the task-driven collaborative inquiry teaching method, and proposes strategies for implementing the task-driven collaborative inquiry teaching method in modern educational technology instruction at universities, aiming to provide references for such instruction.

Development and validation of a virtual learning management system usability questionnaire: A case study.

The post-pandemic era has seen a surge in the popularity of Virtual Learning Management Systems (VLMS). However, there is a noticeable lack of tools to measure the usability of these systems. As technology evolves, user needs change, necessitating updated tools for system evaluation. This study aims to develop and validate a VLMS usability questionnaire, specifically designed to assess the usability of a university learning management system. The VLMS usability tool was systematically developed based on relevant domains identified in existing literature and expert opinions. It was then tested for face validity, content validity, and reliability. In a case study, the tool was distributed among 200 students from a Medical Sciences university who had used the Navid VLMS system. Semi-structured interviews with experts were analyzed using directed content analysis, resulting in 21 items categorized into four domains: effectiveness, reliability, learnability, and security. The content validity index and ratio were 0.939 and 0.976, respectively. The Intra Class Correlation (ICC) estimates for each section of the questionnaire ranged from 0.8-0.9, indicating high reliability. Cronbach's alpha was 0.97, suggesting excellent internal consistency. The case study results showed that the Navid platform achieved an average usability score of 70.36, with a standard deviation of 10.6, indicating moderate to high usability. The VLMS usability tool is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the usability of the Navid learning management system. It can be used to improve the usability of the Navid system and serve as a benchmark for assessing the usability of other similar VLMSs.

Institutional Ethos of Less Selective Massive Private Universities in Chile: Organizational Identities in a Competitive and Marketized University System

This article aims to reflect on the institutional ethos of three Chilean, less selective massive private universities, analyzing their organizational identities, discourses, and practices and discussing how the dynamics of the competitive and marketized Chilean educational system influence this ethos. Through a qualitative design, which includes semi-structured interviews with key university staff members and direct observations in formal and informal instances, this article concludes that the ethos of these institutions is structured around four main axes: pluralism and student diversity; the pursuit of excellence as a competitive horizon; the construction of merit as a personal, family, and institutional effort; and education for employability, underpinned by professional ethics and social commitment. Furthermore, we find evidence that the logic of the university market shapes these private universities’ ethos transversally.

ROLE OF GENDER ON THE PERCEPTION OF COLLEGE STUDENTS TOWARD SEMESTER SYSTEM

The present study intends to find out the viewpoint of college students on the different components of semester system in undergraduate colleges of Mizoram with reference to gender. For this, the investigators' perception scale for students was used to gather information. 823 college students were chosen as samples. It was revealed that male students had a more favourable perception than female students in the choice based credit system of semester system.

THE CURRENT STATE OF TRAINING OF FUTURE SPECIALISTS FOR SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL WORK WITH PEOPLE OF THE THIRD AGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

The article deals with some aspects of training future specialists for sports and recreational work with people of the third age. The Ukrainian socio-economic location dictates new requirements for training. It is necessary to expand the possibilities of choosing the directions of the curriculum of the educational process, which allows students to increase the level of self-education. Today, there is an increase in the level of professional and social prestige of sports education, improvement of material resources, increased funding, and the growing role of interregional institutions. The system of sports education should develop dynamically, using the achievements of science, the latest educational technologies and best practices. The main strategic course of higher education should be aimed at improving the level of professional skills, qualifications, and ethics. The article examines the current state of training future specialists for sports and recreational work with people of the third age at European universities (on the example of Norway, Sweden, Poland), the main types of universities that train students in European countries, the management system of European universities, and the peculiarities of organizing the educational process. The education system of each European country has centuries of experience, its own traditions in the field of education and is characterized by a number of national peculiarities. Differences are manifested in the structural organization of the learning process, in the content of education, in the methods and forms of organizing the learning process, as well as at the level of governance. The trend of the modern system of student training in higher education institutions in Europe is the priority of state classical and pedagogical universities.

Tips plus a national experience for developing a smart university in medical sciences education

The increase in technological developments in recent years and its effects on university systems have compelled countries to rethink higher education structures. Due to these developments, universities of medical sciences are now faced with complex conditions that render the traditional models of higher education ineffective. In this article, the authors present twelve tips based on their experience in creating and developing a smart university (SmU) in the medical sciences. To demonstrate the applicability of these tips, they provide a national example at the end. Shifting from a traditional university to an SmU depends on developing hardware infrastructure, advanced software, and innovative technical applications and platforms. It also requires inter-professional collaboration and the formation of smart learning communities, leadership, and interaction of potential physical, human, financial, intellectual, informational, and technological resources. Additionally, it requires the planning of strategies that guarantee this transformation. Moreover, maintaining such a university requires incorporating social accountability into smart education (SmE) processes and promoting an organizational culture that supports smartization and integrating technology into higher education.