Institutional Considerations Research Articles

Daring to Be a Mother: A Case Study on Being Black, Being Pregnant, and Being a STEM Doctoral Student

This singular holistic case study examined the experience of a Black pregnant mother pursuing doctoral studies in a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) field at a predominantly white flagship institution in the southern United States. We employed the tenets of critical race feminism in this study to demonstrate the ways in which structural racism and pervasive gender stereotypes, specifically as they relate to Black women, present obstacles to successful completion of doctoral STEM studies. We narrate her story to highlight the insight inherent within her intersecting identities that challenges dominant narratives about a Black pregnant doctoral student. In bringing to the fore four themes surfaced: the triple consciousness of layered Blackness, the pregnant Black tax, Chemical imbalance: mapping a white man’s reality onto a Black mother’s body, and internal struggles and the complex intra-actions that birthed them – we present a counternarrative to the dominant white-male centred STEM discourse that permeates the field. We conclude by extrapolating, from this case, considerations for faculty and institutions to understand better and act to comprehensively support Black students, in general, and Black mothers.

Unravelling Technology Acceptance: Lessons Learnt from Teacher's Experience During COVID-19 for Post-Pandemic Systemic Education

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique environment to understand education technology acceptance and adoption. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, encouraging higher education (HE) institutions to rapidly transition from traditional learning environments to technology-driven learning environments. While the motivation for this transition at an institutional level was driven by the need for operational continuation and survival, this rapid transition transferred an increased responsibility to the teacher. Extant research in the context of education technology acceptance and adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic gives substantial emphasis to the learner’s experience since the learner is often seen as being on the receiving end of this transformation. However, in this narrative, the teacher is often overlooked. Through a systematic literature review of technology acceptance and adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine themes surrounding the teacher’s experience to address the research questions. When the teacher or instructor is the subject of the study, how have learning technologies influenced their role? and What factors encourage or influence teachers’ acceptance of learning technologies? Key findings from this study reveal that the role of the teacher in this technology-driven learning environment shifts from instructor to facilitator, positioning them as an extension of technology. As a result, the teacher determines how the educational technology is perceived by the learner as useful or easy to use. The findings of this study recognise considerations for HE institutions in this age of digital transformation while also presenting new avenues for research in the domain of technology acceptance and adoption.

Perceptions of Women in Science Students towards Online Instruction at A Tertiary Institution

This study delved into the nuanced perceptions of women in science students regarding online instruction at the tertiary level. The study adopted a qualitative paradigm where interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from Chinhoyi University of Technology undergraduate women in science students. Data was collected from first year students to third year students aged between 19 and 26 years. Discussion of the findings is premised on the feminist approach to enable downscaling and understanding of the perceptions of women in science education on online learning experiences more holistically. Regardless of the benefits and advantages online learning has as opposed to traditional/physical learning, vulnerability, and resistance of women in science students at Chinhoyi University of Technology in the Institute of Materials Science Processing and Engineering Technology is worsened. The study found out that the great difference in how the women in science students perceive their experiences is hinged upon the student’s background, the age gap, academic level, geographical location and even technology proficiency. A gap in knowledge persists in the exploration of the nuanced challenges faced by women in science when transitioning from traditional classroom instruction to online learning at the tertiary level was identified in the study resulting from the socio-economic challenges that the students are experiencing. Insights from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how women in science navigate online education, offering valuable considerations for educators, policymakers, and institutions striving to create inclusive and effective learning environments.

Exploring university students’ perceptions and attitudes toward associated factors of electronic learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines the perceptions and attitudes of university students toward electronic learning (EL) during the COVID-19 pandemic, analysing the factors that influence their acceptance and engagement with online education platforms. A combination of technological, pedagogical, institutional and individual considerations has been assessed to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to EL. Factors such as performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived usefulness and ease of use are observed to shape student acceptance. Furthermore, individual innovativeness and EL preparedness are identified as positive influences on EL adoption. The research findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to EL systems and suggest that enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering digital literacy and involving students in developing EL policies could improve educational outcomes in higher education institutions.

Parenteral nutrition at home/long-term parenteral nutrition.

Some diseases require that patients receive parenteral nutrition (PN) over a prolonged time period. Long-term administration of PN can further complicate an already complex therapy, posing additional risk of potential complications. This article is based on presentations and discussions held at the International Safety and Quality of PN Summit, providing insights into aspects of home PN (HPN) and examples of good HPN practice. One critical step in the HPN process is when patients transition from a hospital to a home setting, and vice versa. Generally, electronic PN ordering is not feasible in an HPN setting, leading to potential difficulties in communication and coordination. HPN requires that patients (or their home caregivers) administer PN, and thus their education and competency are crucial. Likewise, the choice of PN formulation is of great importance. For example, using more modern intravenous lipid emulsions containing medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and/or fish oil can provide benefits in terms of liver function during long-term HPN. Internationally, there are wide variations in delivery of HPN, with compounded PN dominating in some countries while others make greater use of market-authorized multichamber bags (MCBs). Patient-related factors, institutional considerations, and the availability of different MCB formulations, are also contributing factors guiding formulation and delivery system preferences. Education and communication remain key components of a successful HPN process. The information shared here may help to motivate efforts to improve HPN processes and to consider the often-differing perspectives of patients and their healthcare professionals.

Using and Interpreting Fixed Effects Models

ABSTRACTFixed effects (FE) have emerged as a ubiquitous and powerful tool for eliminating unwanted variation in observational accounting studies. Unwanted variation is plentiful in accounting research because we often use rich data to test precise hypotheses derived from abstract theories. By eliminating unwanted variation, FE reduce concerns that omitted variables bias our estimates or weaken test power. FE are not costless, though, so their use should be carefully justified by theoretical and institutional considerations. FE also transform samples and variables in ways that are not immediately apparent, and in doing so affect how we should interpret regression results. This primer explains the mechanics of FE and provides practical guidance for the informed use, transparent reporting, and careful interpretation of FE models.

Student perceptions of supports for managing study in higher education according to internal and external locus of control

ABSTRACT Higher education has seen a significant shift in the last two decades, with contemporary students representing more diverse cohorts who are increasingly balancing study alongside competing life-roles and responsibilities. Given the rise in student attrition and concerns regarding engagement, we saw a visible need to consider how our students could be better supported in managing their study requirements which might improve retention and engagement. We asked students what best helps them to manage their learning and time, and this study reports on responses from 430 students over 8 course offerings between 2019 and 2021. Responses were coded using inductive category development and grouped into internal and external locus of control. The findings reveal 52.6% students demonstrated an interplay of internal and external locus of control factors, while 29.5% identified fully internal and 17.9% indicated fully external LOC. The study highlights that flexible, multi-pronged strategies and institutional supports are fundamental in supporting diverse modern tertiary student populations. The paper concludes with considerations for educators and higher education institutions, drawing on the principles of Universal Design for Learning and pedagogical care that may address many aspects raised by students that are outside their locus of control, which may consequently benefit student retention and engagement.

Excuse, justification and collapse

ABSTRACT For any putative excuse, why not recast it as a justification rendering one’s wrongful conduct ultimately permissible? This paper confronts the worry that many, perhaps all, excuses might collapse into justifications – either in morality or criminal law. It is an especially pressing problem for normative expectations views, on which excuses speak to a lower standard than justifications. I argue that the prospects for decisively blocking collapse within morality look bleak – at least if we adhere to an important constraint of the present project. I want to see if we can block collapse without appealing to a substantive theory of moral wrongness or taking on robust theoretical commitments about interpersonal morality. This is especially important for criminal law purposes, though I concede that blocking collapse in morality likely requires substantive commitments. Accordingly, I develop a more ecumenical way to block collapse within the criminal law, although not morality. The key is to attend to differences in how the legislature can legitimately assign weight to reasons in determining which actions it deems to be wrong vs. how individuals can fairly be expected to assign weight to reasons, which is key to assessing culpability. Institutional considerations impact the former but not the latter.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Removal Options for Germany

AbstractTo reach their net‐zero targets, countries will have to compensate hard‐to‐abate CO2 emissions through carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Yet, current assessments rarely include socio‐cultural or institutional aspects or fail to contextualize CDR options for implementation. Here we present a context‐specific feasibility assessment of CDR options for the example of Germany. We assess 14 CDR options, including three chemical carbon capture options, six options for bioenergy combined with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and five options that aim to increase ecosystem carbon uptake. The assessment addresses technological, economic, environmental, institutional, social‐cultural and systemic considerations using a traffic‐light system to evaluate implementation opportunities and hurdles. We find that in Germany CDR options like cover crops or seagrass restoration currently face comparably low implementation hurdles in terms of technological, economic, or environmental feasibility and low institutional or social opposition but show comparably small CO2 removal potentials. In contrast, some BECCS options that show high CDR potentials face significant techno‐economic, societal and institutional hurdles when it comes to the geological storage of CO2. While a combination of CDR options is likely required to meet the net‐zero target in Germany, the current climate protection law includes a limited set of options. Our analysis aims to provide comprehensive information on CDR hurdles and possibilities for Germany for use in further research on CDR options, climate, and energy scenario development, as well as an effective decision support basis for various actors.

Understanding the financial aspects of digital pathology: A dynamic customizable return on investment calculator for informed decision-making

BackgroundThe adoption of digital pathology has transformed the field of pathology, however, the economic impact and cost analysis of implementing digital pathology solutions remain a critical consideration for institutions to justify. Digital pathology implementation requires a thorough evaluation of associated costs and should identify and optimize resource allocation to facilitate informed decision-making. A dynamic cost calculator to estimate the financial implications of deploying digital pathology systems was needed to estimate the financial effects on transitioning to a digital workflow. MethodsA systematic approach was used to comprehensively assess the various components involved in implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. This consisted of: (1) identification of key cost categories associated with digital pathology implementation; (2) data collection and analysis of cost estimation; (3) cost categorization and quantification of direct and indirect costs associated with different use cases, allowing customization of each factor based on specific intended uses and market rates, industry standards, and regional variations; (4) opportunities for savings realized by digitization of glass slides and (5) integration of the cost calculator into a unified framework for a holistic view of the financial implications associated with digital pathology implementation. The online tool enables the user to test various scenarios specific to their institution and provides adjustable parameters to assure organization specific relatability. ResultsThe Digital Pathology Association has developed a web-based calculator as a companion tool to provide an exhaustive list of the necessary concepts needed when assessing the financial implications of transitioning to a digital pathology system. The dynamic return on investment (ROI) calculator successfully integrated relevant cost and cost-saving components associated with digital pathology implementation and maintenance. Considerations include factors such as digital pathology infrastructure, clinical operations, staffing, hardware and software, information technology, archive and retrieval, medical–legal, and potential reimbursements. The ROI calculator developed for digital pathology workflows offers a comprehensive, customizable tool for institutions to assess their anticipated upfront and ongoing annual costs as they start or expand their digital pathology journey. It also offers cost-savings analysis based on specific user case volume, institutional geographic considerations, and actual costs. In addition, the calculator also serves as a tool to estimate number of required whole slide scanners, scanner throughput, and data storage (TB). This tool is intended to estimate the potential costs and cost savings resulting from the transition to digital pathology for business plan justifications and return on investment calculations. ConclusionsThe digital pathology online cost calculator provides a comprehensive and reliable means of estimating the financial implications associated with implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. By considering various cost factors and allowing customization based on institution-specific variables, the calculator empowers pathology laboratories, healthcare institutions, and administrators to make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation when adopting or expanding digital pathology technologies. The ROI calculator will enable healthcare institutions to assess the financial feasibility and potential return on investment on adopting digital pathology, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation.

State Goals, Institutional Social Constructions, and Utah’s Postsecondary Education Governance Reform Efforts

State-level postsecondary education governance has experienced a lull in successful reform efforts since the turn of the century. However, in 2020, the Utah System of Higher Education and Utah System of Technical Colleges were formally merged following a multi-year effort by state legislators and higher education officials. Framed by the theory of social construction and policy design, this study considers underlying institutional considerations and statewide goals that led to Utah’s governance merger and how these changes impacted the public higher education sectors in the state, offering insights for research examining higher education governance and reform efforts.

Co-production of health and social science research with vulnerable children and young people: A rapid review.

The term 'care-experienced' refers to anyone who is currently in care or has been in care at any stage in their life. A complex interplay of factors leads to care-experienced children and young people (CECYP) experiencing poorer oral health and access to dental care than their peers. A rapid review of the co-production of health and social care research with vulnerable children and young people (CYP) was carried out to inform the development of a co-produced research project exploring the oral health behaviours and access to dental services of CECYP. Here, 'co-production' refers to the involvement of CYP in the planning or conduct of research with explicit roles in which they generate ideas, evidence and research outputs. To learn how to meaningfully involve vulnerable CYP in the co-production of health and social science research. To identify: Different approaches to facilitating the engagement of vulnerable CYP in co-production of health and social science research; different activities carried out in such approaches, challenges to engaging vulnerable CYP in co-production of health and social science research and ways to overcome them and areas of best practice in relation to research co-production with vulnerable CYP. A rapid review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted in six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SocINDEX, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science) and grey literature to identify studies that engaged vulnerable CYP in co-approaches to health and social research. Of 1394 documents identified in the search, 40 were included and analysed. A number of different approaches to co-production were used in the studies. The CYP was involved in a range of activities, chiefly the development of data collection tools, data collection and dissemination. Individual challenges for CYP and researchers, practical and institutional factors and ethical considerations impacted the success of co-production. Co-production of health and social science with vulnerable CYP presents challenges to researchers and CYP calling for all to demonstrate reflexivity and awareness of biases, strengths and limitations. Used appropriately and well, co-production offers benefits to researchers and CYP and can contribute to research that reflects the needs of vulnerable CYP. Adherence to the key principles of inclusion, safeguarding, respect and well-being facilitates this approach. Members of our patient and public involvement and stakeholder groups contributed to the interpretation of the review findings. This manuscript was written together with a young care leaver, Skye Boswell, who is one of the authors. She contributed to the preparation of the manuscript, reviewing the findings and their interpretation.

Comparative analysis of the status of a victim of a criminal offence in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Germany

Relevance. The relevance of the study lies in the examination of the status of a victim of a crime, the protection and enforcement of their rights, the consideration of the victim institution in different countries, in particular in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Germany. Purpose. The purpose of the research is to examine the features of the victim's status and conduct their legal analysis in various states, to study and ensure the interests and rights of the victim, which are violated during the pre-trial investigation and trial. Methodology. The methods by which the research of the given subject is conducted include dialectical, legal, formal legal, hermeneutic, logical-legal, structural-functional, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, etc. Results. The results of this study include the establishment of a definition of the term victim. The essence and content of the status of the victim are determined. A list of legal regulations is provided, which forms the basis for regulating the victim institution in criminal proceedings. A legal analysis of the status of the victim in different countries, specifically Russia, Kazakhstan, and Germany, is conducted. The experiences of these countries highlight both the negative and positive aspects of the regulation of this institution. Conclusions. In the course of the study, a legal analysis and comparison of the common and distinctive features inherent in the victim institution in criminal proceedings were conducted. Recommendations on the effective protection and enforcement of the rights of victims were included. The provisions enshrined in this study are of practical value to citizens and all persons whose rights may be violated by a criminal act, as well as to state bodies whose powers are aimed at ensuring the protection of the rights of crime victims. Keywords: victim's rights; enforcement; criminal proceedings; procedures; interests

Exploring the curricular and pedagogical decision criteria for research-based learning design in undergraduate studies

Learning design has a multifaceted nature requiring a range of course- and institutional considerations. Analyzing the decision criteria’s influence on research-based learning design helps understand the causes of the success/failure of the approach in achieving the teaching goals to improve the study programs. This study explores the interrelationship between the curricular and pedagogical criteria for research-based learning design decisions at the undergraduate level. For this purpose, the DEcision-MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to systematically analyze the decisive criteria and their causal relationships. Feedback from education professionals and university professors from Scandinavian universities is used to validate the pedagogy decision framework and provides input into the DEMATEL method. The student's role in the course is identified as the central criterion, featuring the highest level of interactions in the network of curricular and pedagogical decision criteria. Results are supportive of the identified institutional and course-specific criteria as prerequisites for the study outcomes.

LOVE YOUR BODY! THE ROLE OF BODY SATISFACTION IN YOUTH LIFE SATISFACTION

This study aims to determine the relationship between body satisfaction and youth life satisfaction. Sampling was carried out using a non-probability sampling technique in Jabodetabek on 266 adolescents, with an age range of 13-21 years. The measuring instruments in this study are the Adolescent Body Image Satisfaction Scale (ABISS) by Leone, Mullin, Maurer-Starks, & Rovito (2014) to measure the level of body satisfaction and The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) scale compiled by Diener, Emmons , Larsen, and Griffin to measure the level of life satisfaction. Analysis of Pearson Correlation showed that there is a significant negative relationship between body satisfaction and life satisfaction in adolescents, both in the dimensions of body competence (r=-0.420), body innadequate (-0.319) and (-0.169), which means the more individuals are dissatisfied with the body, the more dissatisfied he is with his life. The results of this study are expected to be one of the considerations for educational institutions or the community, especially adolescents so that they can receive, maintain and feel satisfied with their bodies so that they can increase satisfaction with their lives, where life satisfaction is very important in the process of optimizing adolescent development.

Building the Blueprint: Developing New Prelicensure Nursing Programs

This article discusses the process of developing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, providing insight into the key elements that need to be considered. The demand for skilled nurses is increasing, and institutions need to create responsive and innovative pre-licensure nursing programs to meet this demand. The article emphasizes the importance of evaluating the feasibility of such a program and identifying the resources required for successful implementation. It highlights the need for securing approval from both internal and external stakeholders, as well as funding for critical aspects such as faculty recruitment and clinical skills and simulation labs. The authors draw on their experience in conceptualizing and implementing pre-licensure nursing programs to provide valuable guidance and insights. Overall, the article offers a comprehensive review of the initial steps and crucial considerations for institutions aiming to establish robust educational pathways such as pre-licensure nursing programs.

미술품재판매보상청구권의 강제적 집중관리 관련 법적 쟁점

After a long controversy over the pros and cons, the resale royalty right, also known as the ʻdroit de suite,ʼ was eventually introduced in Korea following the enactment of the Art Promotion Act dedicated to supporting the fine arts ecosystem. In relation to the enforcement of resale royalty right, the Art Promotion Act stipulates the collection and distribution of the resale profits should be made through institutions dedicated to the promotion of the art as designated by the Minister of the MCST, or non-profit organizations comprised of individuals entitled to the Artistʼs Resale Right. However, the requirements for designation of the organization executing the resale royalty right, cancellation of designation, details of procedures for collection and distribution of resale royalties, and management fees, etc. should be detailed through the Enforcement Decree. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare detailed regulations and systems to ensure the effectiveness of the resale royalty right during the four-year grace period until the implementation of provisions stipulating the resale royalty right. Accordingly, this paper reviewed the mandatory collective management of the resale royalty right. For this purpose, Chapter 2 reviews related regulations under the Art Promotion Act and examines overseas cases where the resale royalty right has been introduced and implemented. Next, Chapter 3 addresses the legal relationship of the resale royalty right holder and the collective management organization in charge of the collection and distribution of resale royalties and examines the direction of enactment of the Enforcement Decree of the Art Promotion Act related to the enforcement of the resale royalty right and other legal and institutional considerations to ensure the effectiveness of the enforcement of the resale royalty right.

대만의 외교정책 과정 내 관념, 이익, 제도(3i)의 역할 연구

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been established as a universal objective for humanity to achieve by 2030, with broad consensus from the international community. Most countries are taking proactive steps to implement the SDGs by assessing their own performance against the recommended standards of the UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) and subsequently publishing Voluntary National Review Reports (VNRs). An intriguing case arises when examining the VNR publication status of Taiwan. As a non-member state of the UN, Taiwan is not obligated to participate in the SDGs’ implementation, and it operates without the pressure typically exerted by the international community to publish VNRs. Nevertheless, Taiwan has demonstrated its active engagement in SDGs implementation by publishing VNRs in both 2017 and 2022. Despite its inability to attend the UN General Assembly, Taiwan has actively promoted its VNR publication status and has sought to share its policy experiences through its New York office. Taiwan’s approach to SDGs implementation and VNR publication is shaped by a combination of ideological, strategic, and institutional factors, all influenced by its unique international status. This study reveals that Taiwan places strong emphasis on aligning the fundamental principles of the SDGs with its foreign policy, thus legitimizing its SDGs implementation policies to strengthen its position in the international community. Furthermore, the Taiwanese government views the SDGs implementation policy as a diplomatic tool and actively champions it with determined leadership. In essence, Taiwan’s VNR publication is a complex interplay of Taiwanese ideas, strategic interests, and institutional considerations, displaying similarities with other aspects of Taiwan’s foreign policies.

A Scoping Review on Analysis of the Barriers and Support Factors of Open Data

Background: Using personal data as Open Data is a pervasive topic globally, spanning various sectors and disciplines. Recent technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven analysis, have significantly expanded the capacity for the automated analysis of vast datasets. There’s an expectation that Open Data analysis can drive innovation, enhance services, and streamline administrative processes. However, this necessitates a legally and ethically sound framework alongside intelligent technical tools to comprehensively analyze data for societal benefit. Methodology: A systematic review across seven databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, BASE, LIVIVO, Web of Science, IEEExplore, and ACM) was conducted to assess the current research on barriers, support factors, and options for the anonymized processing of personal data as Open Data. Additionally, a supplementary search was performed in Google Scholar. A total of n=1192 studies were identified, and n=55 met the inclusion criteria through a multi-stage selection process for further analysis. Results: Fourteen potential supporting factors (n=14) and thirteen barriers (n=13) to the provision and anonymization of personal data were identified. These encompassed technical prerequisites as well as institutional, personnel, ethical, and legal considerations. These findings offer insights into existing obstacles and supportive structures within Open Data processes for effective implementation.

Legal and institutional considerations on support for business participation of SME in public informatization projects

Legal and institutional considerations on support for business participation of SME in public informatization projects