Doctoral Level Research Articles

Geropsychology training at the doctoral level: a program evaluation case example

ABSTRACT While the older adult population continues to grow, psychologists specializing in geropsychology remain a small fraction of the workforce. Facing this reality, it is essential for training programs to better monitor whether their students receive adequate training to serve older adults. The current study describes a brief, logistically feasible, and cost-effective program evaluation conducted within one APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. The evaluation consisted of an online survey of doctoral students (n = 99) that explored their field training experiences with older adults, coursework related to aging, and their overall interest in working with older adults. Students reported significantly less coursework and significantly less field work focused on serving older adults when compared to other age groups. However, students reported a high level of interest in learning about aging, with a total of 73.74% of participants (n = 73) reporting at least some current interest. A number of institutional actions resulted from this evaluation, which demonstrate how a brief evaluation can yield data that is practically useful. This case example provides a useful model for others to follow, and may support other institutions’ efforts to evaluate, monitor, and make potential improvements to aging-related training in their own programs.

Динамика оценки врачами престижа медицинской профессии в контексте социального самочувствия: до и во время пандемии COVID-19

The article examines the dynamics of doctors’ assessment of the medical profession’s prestige before and during the coronavirus pandemic on the materials of two empirical studies in 2017 and 2021–2022. On the one hand, a satisfactory level of doctors’ social well-being in Rostov Oblast was recorded, and according to the questionnaire survey data, against the background of the pandemic there was an increase in the prestige of the profession in the doctors’ perception, especially those who worked with coronavirus infection and received ap-propriate additional payments. On the other hand, in the in-depth interviews, physicians articulate the problems that remain relevant even during the pandemic, despite the support measures taken. Increased occupational risks and threats pose a destructive potential for the future prestige of the medical profession.

Hepatobiliary surgery based on intelligent image segmentation technology.

Liver disease is an important disease that seriously threatens human health. It accounts for the highest proportion in various malignant tumors, and its incidence rate and mortality are on the rise, seriously affecting human health. Modern imaging has developed rapidly, but the application of image segmentation in liver tumor surgery is still rare. The application of image processing technology represented by artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery can greatly improve the efficiency of surgery, reduce surgical complications, and reduce the cost of surgery. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in the world, and its mortality is second only to lung cancer. The resection rate of liver cancer surgery is high, and it is a multidisciplinary surgery, so it is necessary to explore the possibility of effective switching between different disciplines. Resection of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors is one of the most challenging and lethal surgical procedures. The operation requires a high level of doctors' experience and understanding of anatomical structures. The surgical segmentation is slow and there may be obvious complications. Therefore, the surgical system needs to make full use of the relevant functions of AI technology and computer vision analysis software, and combine the processing strategy based on image processing algorithm and computer vision analysis model. Intelligent optimization algorithm, also known as modern heuristic algorithm, is an algorithm with global optimization performance, strong universality, and suitable for parallel processing. This algorithm generally has a strict theoretical basis, rather than relying solely on expert experience. In theory, the optimal solution or approximate optimal solution can be found in a certain time. This work studies the hepatobiliary surgery through intelligent image segmentation technology, and analyzes them through intelligent optimization algorithm. The research results showed that when other conditions were the same, there were three patients who had adverse reactions in hepatobiliary surgery through intelligent image segmentation technology, accounting for 10%. The number of patients with adverse reactions in hepatobiliary surgery by conventional methods was nine, accounting for 30%, which was significantly higher than the former, indicating a positive relationship between intelligent image segmentation technology and hepatobiliary surgery.

A hermeneutic review of records management practices in Malawi: a developing country context

PurposeThis study aims to review and understand the state of records management practices in Malawi, focusing on both public and private sector organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe hermeneutic framework underpinned a qualitative review of the study phenomenon. The inclusion and exclusion criterion for the literature was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology. Fifteen documents met the eligibility criteria and informed the study findings. The literature comprised of journal articles, dissertations at both master and doctoral levels, and conference papers.FindingsThe study found that records are created, captured and maintained both in print and electronic formats. It also confirmed that different types of organisations (public, private, academia and civil society) recognise the need for proper records management practices. However, effective and efficient records management is besieged by numerous obstacles, including lack of funding, absence of records management policy, standards and procedures at both institutional and national levels, poor records classification systems and a lack of top management support. Most importantly, the review shows that the majority of studies in Malawi have focused on academia, with little attention to other equally fundamental areas such as agriculture, trade, tourism, transport and energy. Thus, this situation calls for more empirical studies of records management practices in those sectors.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first kind of review to be done at a national level, so the findings provide significant insights for policymakers and research practitioners on records management research trends to date in Malawi.

Satisfaction Levels in Doctors About Workplace Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences from Tertiary Hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The satisfaction level of doctors regarding the workplace environment signifies both the psychological and physical environment. One of the many challenges to conquer was the adaptation to a steadily changing working environment and the development of a proper working environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of satisfaction of doctors regarding the workplace environment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2020. A total of 217 conveniently selected doctors working at selected tertiary hospitals in Dhaka city were interviewed using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to assess the level of job satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale consisting of 20 items. The percentile score was used to categorize the respondents as highly satisfied (75 and above), averagely satisfied (26 to 74), and dissatisfied (below 25). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Result: Among the 217 respondents, the total mean MSQ score was 3.62±0.23 regarding job satisfaction. About two-thirds of the respondents (63.1%) reported an average level of satisfaction. More than two-thirds of respondents (69.6%) expressed high satisfaction regarding the physical work environment, while the majority of respondents (93.1%) expressed high satisfaction with the psychosocial work environment. However, no significant association was found between outcome and input variables (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study findings showed that satisfaction regarding the psychological environment was higher among the respondents than that of physical working conditions. Evidence-based measures are to be addressed in hospitals to achieve the optimum level of satisfaction among doctors during pandemics.

In Search of the Resilient Academic Experience: Dealing with Concerns in Artistic Doctoral Programs

Design and Art PhDs are widely spread across Art Schools around Europe and the world. Doing a PhD in the arts however contains tensions between artistic research approaches, and overall academic setting and requirements. Students, and supervisors, are not always well prepared for the challenges that arise from these tensions. This raises the question: How supervision of artistic research at doctoral level can foster unorthodox approaches and multimedia outcomes, while simultaneously enable doctoral students to navigate academic frameworks? Based on data from a doctoral preparation course, this article outlines typical tensions and, highlights strategies to help navigate them. After a general introduction and the methodology section the article reviews existing approaches in PhD programs in Art and Design that help reflecting our case study. Chapter five presents the case study results and chapter six involves discussion and conclusion on future needs in PhD supervision in the arts.

Brief description of the personnel potential of healthcare in Greece, Spain and Bulgaria

The article presents a brief descriptive overview of the human resources of healthcare in Greece, Spain and Bulgaria. It is noted that they differ in the redundancy of specialist doctors with a relative shortage of general practitioners. The medical personnel of these countries are characterized by aging, a tendency to migrate to other countries, a shortage of secondary medical personnel, an excess of the required number of dentists, which is especially pronounced in Bulgaria. In addition, the availability of medical care and the limits on the number of patients for a certain time period with one doctor, established in Greece, reduce. The salary level of doctors in these countries varies from the minimum (Greece, Bulgaria) to the maximum in Spain. At the same time, the training of medical personnel is carried out according to the Bologna system (bachelor's degree, master's degree, etc.) and is characterized by a long period (4-5 years) of preparing a doctor for independent work.

Eğitim Yönetiminde Kariyerin Önemi ve Kariyer Basamaklarının Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi

Career means the position that an individual obtains by progressing in the same profession in public or private working life, taking responsibility with more rewards, continuing his working life in a wide time and progressing in that job. People specialize in this field by developing in the concept of a career that has both an organizational and individual dimension. While organizations are obliged to support employees in development and ensure that they serve in accordance with the purpose of the organization, the individual is also obliged to serve organizational goals by developing his career and ensuring effectiveness in the organization. An individual acquires a different role in society with a career, aims to use his/her full potential effectively by completing his/her personal development by ensuring his/her development. In post-republican Turkey, the restructuring of central and provincial organizations is considered one of the first educational initiatives with the Tevhid-i Tedrisat Law. Then, although suggestions were made by John Dewey about training an education manager, concrete steps could not be taken in the field. After the training of educators was provided through village institutes, the first faculty of education management was opened at Ankara University in 1965. In its follow-up, different university departments were opened in this field and the needs of the field were answered. Subsequently, education management programs at the undergraduate level were closed by the Council of Higher Education and education at the master's and doctoral levels began. Today, the training of education managers is carried out by in-service training method. School principals have assumed new responsibilities and roles as a result of the developments and changes in today's educational structure. Environmental factors as well as individual factors have an impact on a manager's leadership model preference. In order for the effectiveness of school principals to increase and for them to realize themselves, their current characteristics at the career stage should be taken into account. However, thanks to this, a suitable climate will be provided at the school and success, which is the main goal, will be achieved. The capacity and abilities of school principals affect the management and leadership model they have. School management, which is an organization at the highest level of schools, has become an issue that has been focused on with sensitivity in recent years, especially due to the fact that it is a key element of education that shapes society. Educational leadership, which has to accommodate its own unique leadership, differs from other formal leadership. The structure of the school should constantly change in order to keep up with the conditions of today's world. In this process of change, there is also a need for change in the leadership standards and competencies of managers. Schools have been affected by factors such as transparency, accountability, increasing competition in environmental changes, have revealed leadership concepts in new conditions and structural changes in roles have occurred. The leaders in education are schools and their administrators. The main tasks of school administrators are to ensure that the school achieves its goals by leading the school and its employees. Guiding, sharing responsibility, providing an appropriate educational environment and creating educational transformations, motivating all stakeholders are among the duties of the school leader. As a result of the leadership behaviors shown by the school administrator, the school is evaluated as effective or ineffective. The goals should be adopted by school employees and students, the external environment should be managed well. Key Words: Education Management, Career, Career Steps

TEACHING METHODS OF CREATING SCIENTIFIC STYLE TEXTS FOR MASTER AND PHD STUDENTS

Academic writing is an obligatory discipline of study in master's and doctoral studies. The assimilation of this subject should develop the student's skills to create analytical and scientific texts.
 Therefore, studying academic writing is part of the study of rules of the scientific community. These rules are learned step by step, by writing texts and discussing them with different readers, giving and receiving feedback.
 Collaborative peer-review, as a learning approach, is also useful as it strengthens feedback and collaboration skills. In many academic communities, texts are written by collaboration, and scientific publications go through a peer-review process in which experts in the field read and comment on manuscripts.
 Academic writing requires a review of previously done research. When searching for existing articles based on existing research, students should understand the methods of finding scientific works and be able to critically evaluate sources of information. The subject of the study and discipline largely determine which sources students should use in their work.
 The aim of teaching academic writing at the master's or doctoral level is to achieve a high quality of research papers submitted for the defense of the degree.
 The main task of the programs is also the development of research skills in students, teaching them to search for the information they need, such as:
 a) Viewing new literature on the subject (limiting the search to novelties) or visiting the library and locating the theme of interest in the catalogue;
 b) Performing a search for information related to the subject in the databases of libraries;
 c) Selection of interesting sources of information from references in the research literature that were found in databases;
 d) Acquaintance with the style of citation adopted in a particular program.
 Different topics may have their own citation practices, for which students receive guidance from program or librarians. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the practice of citing sources early in the writing process.
 Thus, the library is an indispensable resource for the formation of skills and training of students to create scientific texts.
 The Ilia State University used two teaching methods for master and PHD Students: Project method and Peer review method.
 The proposed article details the results of a study that compares the two teaching methods, their effectiveness and preference, as well as a comparison of the quality of written papers submitted for defense of the degree, after the training phase of both methods.

Propose an Optimum Stocks Portfolio Using Markowitz Modern Portfolio Theory in Educational Endowment Fund Management (Case Study of XYZ Institution)

XYZ institution is a Public Service Agency in Educational Sector, focused on giving the scholarship in master and doctoral programs level domestically and abroad, also in many affiliated researchers funding programs. The effect of granting scholarships and research funding produces an extraordinary output for the country. It was successfully increased the quality level of education in Indonesian society, also with the Indonesian Human Development Index. With a great accumulated amount of asset under management in fiscal year 2023, XYZ institution have a really big opportunity to maximize the investment return and give all Indonesia’s citizens an equal chance of pursuing the higher education. Markowitz Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is utilized to construct an optimal stocks portfolio for XYZ institution. The proposed stocks portfolio seeks to find a combination between high-growth stocks that have the potential to increase in value and stable dividend-paying stocks that provide income stability. The goal is to maximize the overall investment portfolio returns while taking its risk tolerance and investing objectives into consideration. Diversification was done by investing in a diverse range of companies across sectors and asset classes, reducing exposure to single asset risk. The proposed optimum investment portfolio provides XYZ institution a diversified allocation of assets, consisting of a portion in Time Deposits at 36,68%, Government Bonds at 34,10%, Corporate Bonds at 27,21%, and Stocks at 2%, which is constructed in a form of Aggressive Strategy, Moderate Strategy, and Defensive Strategy. The stocks selection resulting the best five stocks composition in Moderate Strategy which consist of BBNI at 20,17%, BJBR at 19,54%, PTBA at 20,15%, ADRO at 19,67%, and INDF at 20,47%, projected could give a return contribution at 6,60% with the lowest given risk of 26,83% from the stocks portfolio and could generate a 7,15% to the overall investment portfolio return.

E-learning Challenges Faced by the Primary School English Teachers of Taif City in Saudi Arabia

Aims: The ultimate aim of this research project is to find out the adverse effect of COVID 19 on the learning environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Furthermore, considering the impact of the corona virus on the education sector across the globe, especially at the primary level, this research addresses whether primary school English as foreign language (EFL) teachers faced challenges in dealing with online/virtual classes. To achieve the objectives and answer the research questions of the present study, the researcher elicited teachers’ perceptions regarding the challenges they face in the process of learning via virtual mode- the only alternative e-learning strategy available at the time of social distancing during Covid-19. The research method was quantitative, as data was collected from teachers’ questionnaires (adapted). The study relied on the primary school context of Taif region, Saudi Arabia. The study took around 7 months from conception to completion towards the last phase of the master’s level. The sample comprised 154 EFL Primary School teachers aged 25 to 35 years (104 females and 50 males) in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The adapted tool (a questionnaire) included different components such as attitude towards e-learning, readiness, challenges, infrastructure etc.
 It was found that e-learning tools were more effective for more female teachers. Hence, the year of experience did not significantly affect e-learning materials with reference to two groups of teachers. The study also revealed that the age of male and female teachers does not contribute to the use of e-learning materials. Moreover, digital material exploitation is more easily done by the younger generation than the traditional teachers. The research findings are beneficial in redefining e-learning/virtual learning and redesigning compatible curricula, especially teaching strategies that would incorporate blended learning. In addition, teacher development activities will be initiated, keeping the teachers’ needs in view. Extension research at the doctoral level may be conducted to further support the findings by undertaking research with a larger sample. A tool should also be developed and employed to study online learning and associated factors, especially in the Taif region.

INTERDISCIPLINARY DOCTORAL STUDIES AS A NEW EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY IN LATVIA

Doctoral studies are the first stage of an academic career, which applies to both the academic doctoral study programme and the professional doctoral programme. Over the past two decades, the role and tasks of doctoral studies have changed dramatically, especially in Europe. Doctoral studies have become an important link between the European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area and its main task is to provide those with doctoral degrees with the best qualifications for the creation, implementation and diffusion of new knowledge and innovations. Interdisciplinarity is trending. Nowadays scientists, researchers, professionals face up with the global problems. This global problem usually is unsolvable and complex by individual fields of science. Therefore, interdisciplinarity is vital in educational process as well as n science. Interdisciplinary approach in thus field is challenging tasks for researchers and persons involved in educational process. Nevertheless, if Doctoral Programme is designed based on Interdisciplinarity, doctoral level studies in areas that cannot be accommodated in one of the departmental doctoral programs, could give broader and more unique research results. Interdisciplinary approach on doctoral level programme helps as well meet the individually designed interests or researcher. Bridging many disciplines together there is possible to provide novel and significant researches.

PROJECT MODELLING TOOLBOX IN HIGHER EDUCATION: HEXAGONAL CANVAS IN PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Inclusion of project modelling tools into higher education is based on expectations of industry about young professionals with applicable, rich skillset. Business or project model canvas is one of the most widely used frameworks in contrary to traditional planning tools. Pedagogically - project model canvas is a teaching goal and method simultaneously. Those aspects widen possibilities to integrate the tool in various study courses and levels. The aim of the research is to explore and evaluate functional and cognitive impacts of Hex-canvas use in project-based learning in higher education. This tool is represented in a form of template of 11 fundamental elements which describe a specific aspect of a project. The research is based on experiences gathered in Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia. Data used in this research has been comprised of structured interviews of doctoral level students (n=8) who used Hex-canvas in summer school and from bachelor and master level students (n=16) of “I Living Labs” study course (year 2022). Results reveal high applicability in structuring of the projects, defining aims and activities for implementation, it gives overall perspective of project, however there must be clear instructions by teachers, as well the consistency of usage is recommended.

كلمة العدد (الإنجليزي)

كلمة العدد (الإنجليزي)

THE STUDY TO EXAMINE THE DIFFICULTIES’ OF STUDENTS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOLS DISTRICT JAFFARABAD, SOHBATPUR AND NASEERABAD

Urdu is national language of Pakistan but English enjoys the status of second language. English is mandatory subject which is being taught from primary to university level in Pakistan. In Pakistani education system, after clearing secondary education, the whole subjects are being taught in English language at higher secondary, bachelor, graduation, master’s and doctorate level in all public and private educational institutions. The medium of instructions and medium of communication at higher education is in English language. The study focused on students in government high schools district Jaffarabad, Sohbatpur and Naseerabad Baluchistan faced by more difficulties in English language because school is existing in a rural area of Baluchistan. This research was examined the difficulties in learning English language in Baluchistan and researcher made proper suggestions that help students to make their learning easy in view point of Pakistani context of learning. Quantitative data was collected from survey questionnaire and qualitative data conducted through semistructure interview. Data was analyzed through SPSS, excel and thematic analysis The sample of investigation were collected from 240 students in government high schools. The students are facing different difficulties in different learning areas which need highly consideration to solved.

Certification

The application of sociological knowledge, including theory, methods, and skills, has been identified as sociological practice. Within the field of sociological practice there are two distinct types of practice - clinical and applied (Clark and Fritz 1986). In the United States (U.S.) the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS) certifies these sociological practitioners at the master’s or doctoral level. The process involves an evaluation by previously certified peers and includes the submission of a portfolio and the completion of a demonstration in which applicants showcase their action-oriented work. Certification is not state licensure. The credentialing of sociological practitioners in the U.S. and internationally can serve as a model for sociological practitioners globally - applied, clinical, and engaged public.

Some methodological reflections on legal research at the doctoral level

Knowledge in general, and legal knowledge in particular, is a complex process, which meets several particularities aimed at the object of study of legal science, takes place in certain stages and uses various methods. The young researchers who are the future of legal science and who must have an honest, responsible and independent scientific behavior, initiating scientific research, formulate the scientific problem to be researched. The analysis of the articles published by doctoral students in the National Journal of Law highlighted certain particularities of legal scientific research. Starting from the moment of formulating the scientific problem, the next phase - the advancement of the hypothesis and its demonstration is followed by the validation of the results obtained by reporting the results to the research problem, confronting these results with the results of other researchers and assessing their generalization limits.

Preparation for doctoral research: a narrative review

In Australia, only two-thirds of doctoral students finish their degrees, with underrepresented students completing at even lower rates. Students who successfully complete still experience many challenges throughout their degrees. In this narrative literature review, we use preparation and readiness for the doctorate as a framework to examine how students are prepared for studies at the doctoral level, the challenges they experience, and the support that universities provide. We also weave our own stories of the doctorate to demonstrate how the issues raised in the literature play out for doctoral students. Our findings suggest that how students are prepared for the doctorate remains under-researched, with much of the literature focusing on issues that emerge once students commence, and the supports that are provided in response to these challenges. A future focus on preparation may provide insight into how institutional processes can better support doctoral students to successfully complete their degrees.

Perception of Knowledge and Level of Preparedness towards Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Among Physicians in a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the main stay of treatment to revive patient who are in cardiac arrest and traditionally it was conducted under the supervision of emergency, critical care and anesthesia department. Knowledge of CPR and preparedness towards CPR among other specialty remains questionable. It has been observed through there are ample of data from developed countries but there is a paucity of work in developing countries regarding the same. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and level of preparedness and to assess the perception towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation among physicians and to determine factors influencing the same and the recommendation for further improvement. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted using a sample of 41 physicians employed in different specialties of Medica super specialty hospital using a pre validated questionnaire for a period of 12 months. Fischer exact test or Chi Kolmogorove -Smirnov analysis has been used to check if data is following the normal distribution. Pearson’s correlation analysis or Spearman’s rank correlation analysis has been used to assess correlation between two variables. RESULT : 41 physicians responded among 80 contacted (n=41,response rate= 51.25%).In our study The mean age of the participants was 39.46 (±9.01) years with a median of 38 years. The age ranged from 2564 years. 75.6% of the respondents were males. Major group of participants are belonged to emergency medicine (29.3% ) followed by non-interventional cardiology.43.9% of study populations are holding doctor level medical degree.39% of study population is holding ACLS /BLS certification. 100% of physician of study population are being aware of importance of CPR and 73.2% are keen to take part in CPR awareness programme. Most of the physicians (75.6%) believe teaching and mastering CPR intervention should be made mandatory to all medical undergraduates. There was no significant association of specialty, highest qualification, years of experience or presence of ATLS certification with score on question regarding main purpose of CPR. There was a significant association of score on this question with presence of ACLS/BLS Certification, with all respondents who possessed ACLS/BLS certification answering all options correctly. CONCLUSION :The study showed variable level of perception of knowledge and level of preparedness towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation among physicians and there are no single variable or determined factor for above. Though the study indicates there is correlation between the ACLS/BLS/ALS certification and knowledge of CPR further study and evaluation is needed in context of developing countries. It is also recommended a refresher course intending towards last years of medical school would be beneficial regarding knowledge of CPR

Developing and implementing a virtual writing workshop for doctoral students in a Global Leadership PhD program

Writing support is one facet of doctoral education with implications on student retention, persistence, and completion. Previous research suggests focus has been given to undergraduate writing, while little attention has been paid to support graduate writing overall and even less at the doctoral level (Rose & McClafferty, 2001). After observing student struggles with doctoral-level academic writing, members of the faculty determined a need to better support writing development from coursework through the final dissertation in an online Global Leadership PhD program. In this article, we describe the development and implementation of a multi-day, interactive, and synchronous online writing workshop collaboratively offered by faculty and staff to address challenges experienced by pre-dissertation students, as well as those in the dissertation stage of the program. Students had demonstrated a wide variety of challenges, including trouble writing using conventional standards, difficulty organizing their thoughts, understanding and applying appropriate APA formatting, and minor proofreading errors in their writing. These challenges are often exacerbated by differences in priorities from instructors, creating confusion for the student on how to best address these challenges and become more proficient in their writing. Following a description of the practice, we include a discussion on student evaluations of the workshop and make recommendations for the application of similar support initiatives.