Higher Academic Level Research Articles

The Relationships between High School Subjects in terms of School Satisfaction and Academic Performance in Mexican Adolescents.

Adolescents’ academic performance and the way it is related to their subjective wellbeing are issues of great interest across educational systems. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how satisfaction with high school subjects can predict school satisfaction and academic performance in Mexican students. The sample consisted of 457 high school students in the Baja California and Nuevo León states in Mexico (247 boys, 210 girls); their mean age being 14.10 (SD = 0.84). We used a questionnaire featuring a subject satisfaction scale, an intrinsic school satisfaction scale, and one related to academic grades. We used descriptive analyses, correlations, and structural regression models. In terms of results, the high satisfaction and academic performance levels in physical education, Spanish and English are worth highlighting. Geography and history are the most relevant predictors of academic grades, while Spanish predicts school satisfaction and physical education predicts boredom. In conclusion, satisfaction with mathematics, Spanish, and English are strong predictors of satisfaction (SATF), and the latter in turn predicts Mexican high school students’ academic performance.

Change of Approaches to Scientific Study of the Ukrainian People’s Genesis in the Second Half of the 20th — Early 21st Century

The article analyzes the patterns of changing the approaches to scientific research of the genesis of the Ukrainian people and modern ethnocultural processes in the conditions of the crisis of communism and the restoration of Ukrainian statehood. It is discovered that in the totalitarian era, historical science in general and archaeology in particular were strictly subordinated to the requirements of the communist ideology. It is revealed that the crisis of communism and administrative-command system in the second half of the 1980s – early 1990s allowed scientists to move away from rigid ideological schemes and initiate a more or less objective research of ethnogenetic and ethnocultural processes in Central and Eastern Europe in general and Ukraine in particular. It is discovered that the final disintegration of the USSR and the restoration of the Ukrainian state freed humanitarian scientists from total party control over fundamental and applied research elaborations. This allowed their joining European and global scientific experiments for the continuation of the impartial and objective study of ethnogenetic and ethnocultural issues. It is shown that in Ukraine, there is no single universally accepted theory of Ukrainian ethnogenesis at the highest academic level, while its pseudoscientific hypotheses have become commonly widespread. It has been established that, in spite of the postimperial and post-Soviet complexes, Ukrainian humanitarian scholars, namely M. Braychevskyi, V. Baran, and L. Zalizniak, have made considerable efforts to theoretically establish a well-balanced and substantiated early-medieval theory of the Ukrainian people’s origin both in the scientific and educational discourse and among the general public.

Reading, Mind Mapping, and Sharing(RMS): Innovation of New Learning Model on Science Lecture to Improve Understanding Concepts

The course of science is considered to boring and difficult course to be understood by students of science education program. The aims of this research are examine the effect of RMS learning model in mastering the students concepts; 2) examine the effect of difference academic ability in mastering students concept; 3) examine the effect of interaction between RMS learning model and different academic abilities on mastering students concepts. The method of this research is using quasi experimental design method with pretest and postest of non equivalent group design with factorial 2x2. The instrument of this study was essay test with high level of reliability 0.712. The Essay Test was developed based on Bloom’s taxonomy i.e. remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. The data analysis used ANCOVA. The result showed that the average score for posttest in RMS learning model with high and low academic level are higher than posttest in conventional class with high and low academic level. The result of mastery of students concepts are higher, 16.233 compared to conventional learning models

KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN MATEMATIS DIPENGARUHI OLEH TINGGI DAN RENDAHNYA AKADEMIK SEKOLAH

This study have to analyze examine in depth about ability of mathematical understanding, influenced by the high and low academic schools. The study was design in the form of experiments using linear regression. The population in this research is 2 junior high school student in Cimahi and the sample each as many 33 people determined by purpose sampling technique in each of junior high school in Cimahi. The instrumen in this research is the test of mathematical understanding ability as much as 5 items. Based on the results of this study concluded that, the ability of students to understand mathematically with schools that have a high academic level there are significant differences compared with schools that have a low academic levels.

Craving de alcohol en mujeres que reciben tratamiento por adicciones

Introducción: El craving o deseo es un estado que se manifiesta cuando una persona con un grado de dependencia hacia el alcohol entra en un periodo de abstinencia, este es el síntoma central de las conductas adictivas cuya intensidad suele relacionarse con la evolución del paciente y su presencia asume una gran influencia en la persistencia de las mismas. Al presentarse con una gran intensidad se constituye en una de las principales causas de la “recaída”, o reincidencia del paciente en el consumo de alcohol. Objetivo: caracterizar el nivel de Craving predominante en las usuarias que reciben tratamiento y residencian en dos clínicas de adicciones para mujeres de la ciudad de Cuenca y a su vez asociarlo con las variables sociopsicológicas planteadas como la edad, instrucción y estado civil. Materiales y Métodos: La metodología de investigación predominante será la cuantitativa, de tipo descriptivo, cohorte transversal, muestreo no probabilístico y una muestra intencional de 32 mujeres voluntarias no remuneradas en un rango de edad de entre 18 a 52 años. La prueba de identificación de Trastornos Relacionados con el Consumo de Alcohol, fue la utilizada en la caracterización del trastorno en el uso de alcohol, permitiendo seleccionar a las mujeres sujetos de investigación con dependencia alcohólica, subsiguientemente se aplicó la escala multidimensional de craving de alcohol. Resultados: un 53,1% de nivel intenso de craving, evidenciando una mayor prevalencia en las mujeres solteras con un 64,7%, con un rango de edad que oscila entre los 18 a 29 años y un nivel académico de bachillerato general unificado. Conclusiones: Se pudo constatar que las mujeres, sujetos del estudio, al entrar en proceso de abstinencia muestran manifestación de craving, desencaden´ndose en niveles leve, moderado o intenso, evidenciándose de forma significativa el nivel moderado o intenso.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in Japanese adolescents

Although cross-sectional studies regarding the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement among Japanese children have been previously reported, no longitudinal study has yet been reported for Japanese children. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between physical fitness and academic achievement among Japanese adolescents. This cohort study included 1,189 seventh- and ninth-grade students from two schools. The follow-up period was 2 years. A physical fitness test involving eight test items (hand grip, sit-ups, sit and reach, side-to-side jump, 20-m shuttle run, 50-m dash, standing broad jump and handball throwing) was conducted to evaluate the fitness of the participants. Academic achievement in Japanese, mathematics and a foreign language (English) was assessed at baseline and follow-up using cumulative guidance records. Participants were classified into low–low, high–low, low–high, and high–high groups based on physical fitness test results at baseline and follow-up. Compared with the groups showing low fitness levels, those showing high fitness levels for all items of the physical fitness test expect handball throwing had increased odds of showing high academic achievement levels in all three subjects at baseline and/or follow-up compared with the low-fitness groups. Sit-ups and 20-m shuttle run in the high–high and low–high groups were related to higher academic achievement levels at follow-up compared with those in the low–low group for both boys and girls. Therefore, this study suggests that various physical fitness outcomes are positively associated with high academic achievement levels for Japanese children.

A Comparison of Ninth-Grade Students’ States of Self-Esteem and Decision-Making with Respect to Their Levels of Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to compare ninth-grade students’ states of self-esteem and decision-making with regard to their levels of physical activity. A total of 374 students, of whom 205 were female and 169 were male (x(age)=15.22±0.414), selected by convenience sampling from four different high schools determined by purposive sampling, participated voluntarily in the study. The research was designed in the general survey model as a causal-comparative study. In the study, the “Personal Decisiveness Scale” (PDS), “Self-Esteem Scale” (SES), “International Physical Activity Questionnaire” (IPAQ, short form) and Personal Information Form were used as data collection tools. In the data analysis, one-way ANOVA (Tukey), Kruskal-Wallis H test, 2x3 MANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Type 1 error was set to 5% (α≤0.05). Exploratory indecisiveness and impetuous indecisiveness scores were found to be highly positively correlated, while both indecisiveness scores were found to be moderately positively correlated with self-respect. Regarding physical activity levels, levels of self-esteem among the Science High School students were found to be significantly higher in the HEPA (health-enhancing physical activity) group than in the inactive and minimally active groups. It was determined that students at the Social Sciences High School had lower self-esteem scores and higher impetuous indecisiveness scores than students from all the other high schools, and that they had higher exploratory indecisiveness scores than students from the Science High School. Students who engaged in regular physical activity had higher levels of self-esteem than those who did not, while females had higher levels of exploratory indecisiveness than males. Exploratory indecisiveness scores were found to be significantly lower among those who engaged in team sports compared to those who did individual sports. In conclusion, regarding the negative relationship between indecisiveness and self-esteem, it can be said that high levels of physical activity increase the self-esteem of students at higher academic levels, that students in Social Sciences High Schools need to be supported with more physical activity, and that females and those doing individual sports have higher levels of exploratory indecisiveness.

Perfil de los responsables de comunicación interna en España

An essential condition for internal communication (IC) to be effective is the commitment of top executives and CEOs. Recent international studies confirm that business leaders are paying more attention than ever to internal communication. This circumstance means that internal communication is growing quickly on an international scale and also in Spain. For this reason, it is advisable to know the profile of the professionals who are in charge of these tasks with the aim to verify if they are adapted to the functions of their position. Thus, this work analyzes the social and working characteristics of professionals who are responsible for internal communication in Spain, the structures in which they are integrated, the location of the departments, and their relationship with other departments of the company. The first results reveal that IC professionals in Spain have a very high academic level and are organized in teams. In addition, although they still do not have the necessary conditions to have their own identity, progressively they are reaching greater autonomy in the structures of the organizations.

Attitudes of dental implantologists in Spain to prescribing antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories in healthy patients.

Background The implantologists frequently prescribe antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories in dental implant surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate the attitudes of implantologists in Murcia (Spain) to prescribing antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories in healthy patients during different implant dentistry procedures, and to see how these are influenced by individual dentist’s academic level, professional experience, and ongoing training (attending courses or reading scientific literature on medication use)Material and Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 200 implantologists from the Murcia area (Spain), who each completed a two-page questionnaire consisting of 26 questions. Results The implant procedure in which most dentists (n=97) prescribed antibiotics was multiple implant surgery with flap raising, in which 55.6% of these 97 respondents used a prophylactic antibiotic regime for 7 days after implant placement. All subjects (n=200) prescribed analgesics for eight out of the eleven procedures included in the survey and anti-inflammatories in six. Dentists with higher academic levels or longer professional experience prescribed more antibiotics, but those who underwent continuous training (attending courses or reading scientific literature) reduced antibiotic prescription. Conclusions Dentists often prescribed antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories in almost all implant procedures in healthy patients, but ongoing training reduced the frequency of antibiotic prescription in some procedures. Key words:Antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, dental implant, oral surgery.

The Effects of Art Integration on Math Achievement of 6th Grade Male Students

The United States educational system continues to cut back on art programing; however, international statistics report countries with a stronger art presence continuously perform at higher academic levels. Art integration provides multiple pathways through curriculums and enables engaging learning environment. Art integration refers to three forms of art collaboration: learning in core subjects with and through the arts, creating interdisciplinary connections throughout curriculums and collaboration engagement. When all three of these forms are combined, casual relationships with increased student achievement and higher levels of engagement are formed. This study examined the effects of art integration on math achievement on male middle school students. The control and experimental group completed a pre- and post-test to assess academic achievement. The control group received math instruction from the math teacher using textbooks, teacher created problems, and only math content, while the experimental group received math instruction with art integration. Student engagement was also measured for both groups. It was hypothesized that art integration would increase academic achievement and student engagement in math for 6th grade boys. Results from four independent sample t-tests supported the hypothesis.

The Social Media and Technology Addiction and Its Associated Factors among University Students in Lebanon Using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS)

The contemporary developments of Information and Communication Technologies usage have fueled a popular concern. The young people are experiencing technology addiction behavior due to excessive media and technology usage. A valid instrument is required to detect individuals at high risk of social media and technology addiction. Objective: The objectives of this study are to assess prevalence of the technology addiction using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS) and to investigate the impacts of online social networking on health and academic performance of young university students in Lebanon. Methods: During the academic year 2017-2018, a cross-sectional study which enrolled 705 young university students was conducted. Data was collected using MTUAS questionnaire. The translation and cultural adaptation of the MTUAS followed a standardized protocol. The psychometric properties were then evaluated. We used multivariate regression analyses to determine which characteristics were associated with the technology addiction among students. Results: 705 filled out the questionnaire aged 17 to 35 years (mean = 20.42; SD = 2.41), 74% of whom were females. The internal consistency was high for all subscales and ranged from 0.54 - 0.87. The MTUAS yielded statistically significant scores for subgroups (known group validity). Males’ students had a higher risk of addiction to social media and technology than females. The use of media was viewed common among the smokers (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.10 - 2.82, p = 0.02) and drinkers of alcohol (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.04 - 3.11, p = 0.04). Students that used e-mailing, smartphone, and TV viewing had a high academic performance level. Females and public university students had negative attitudes toward technology. In conclusion: The technology becomes a big problem on the universities students’ users that has an impact on their life and affects their academic performance. The MTUAS Arabic version has been evaluated as a valid and reliable instrument.

Recusa da vacinação em área urbana do norte de Portugal

AIMS: To know the number of vaccine refusals and to investigate the reasons for non-compliance with vaccination by the parents of children and adolescents living in an urban area of northern Portugal.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of children/adolescents up to the age of 14 enrolled in health units in a metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal, belonging to the health centers groupings of Porto Ocidental, Porto Oriental, Gaia, Gondomar and Matosinhos, whose parents refused any vaccination of the National Vaccination Program in the period from January 2009 to December 2015. We studied the characterization of the sample and the reasons for vaccine rejection through the application of a questionnaire to parents.RESULTS: We identified 150 cases of children/adolescents to whom the parents refused any vaccine, in a global population of 103,406 children, resulting in a vaccine refusal rate of 0.14%. The highest rate occurred in the Porto Ocidental health centers grouping: 0.31%. Among the 150 cases, 86 parents accepted to respond to the questionnaire, corresponding to an adhesion rate of 64%. The median age of children/adolescents whose parents refused vaccination was seven years; most of them were healthy and had no perinatal problems. All parents were adults, mostly married and female. Most parents had a college degree and were professionally active. The Porto Oriental health centers grouping was the one where the parents who refused vaccines were mostly males, had a higher academic level and were more professionally active. The vaccine with the highest refusal rate was BCG, followed by anti-human papillomavirus and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The four main reasons for vaccination refusal by the parents were "vaccines are not a priority", "vaccines are not safe", "indication of the attending physician" and "fear of side effects." The reason for the "indication of the attending physician" was in all cases referred to the BCG vaccine.CONCLUSIONS: In this population the vaccination refusal rate was low; however, based on the results obtained, intervention efforts can be directed towards the families, aiming at combating the arguments without scientific basis and obtaining an unequivocal adhesion to the National Vaccination Program in Portugal.

Sleeping beauties with no prince based on the co-citation criterion

In science, a sleeping beauty (SB) refers to a highly cited paper that initially remains unnoticed for several years after publication. It is generally recognized that each SB is awoken by princes, in the form of other papers that cite the SB. Investigations have shown that one feature of a prince is that it has a considerable number of co-citations with the SB. In the present study, we applied a method to screen for princes from among papers citing the SB based on the number of co-citations in the Web of Science and identified four SBs that were awoken without a prince based on the co-citation criterion. There are two possible explanations for this phenomenon. The first is that some SBs may not need a prince to attract the attention of other academics. The authors of three of the four abovementioned SBs were Nobel laureates, and their work was well known in their respective fields. The papers had slept for a long period because their work was ahead of its time. The long period of sleep is a reflection of the authors’ high academic level and degree of insight. The other potential explanation is that princes do not have to be co-cited with SBs. Our findings demonstrate a significant deficiency in the previous criteria relating to princes based on co-citations. Thus, new criteria are required to identify princes.

Estrés académico y valores de cortisol en estudiantes de medicina.

El estrés constituye uno de los problemas de salud más generalizado actualmente. Con el objetivo de determinar la influencia del estrés académico (EA) sobre los niveles de cortisol, se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal que incluyó 113 estudiantes (49 hombres y 64 mujeres) del primer ciclo de medicina de la Sede Azogues de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, a los cuales se aplicó el inventario SISCO al concluir el último examen final, procediendo posteriormente a extraer muestra de sangre para la determinación de los valores de cortisol. Los principales resultados muestran que el total de estudiantes tuvieron niveles medio (13.3% hombres, 15.9% mujeres) y alto (30.1% hombres, 40.7% mujeres) de EA. El nivel de EA alto se presentó en un porcentaje significativamente superior de estudiantes y en mujeres. Los valores de cortisol fueron significativamente más elevados en los hombres que en las mujeres en el nivel de EA medio y similares en el alto. En ambos géneros y en general los estudiantes con niveles de EA alto presentaron valores de cortisol significativamente más elevados. Concluyendo, la totalidad de los estudiantes manifiestan niveles medios y altos de EA, constituyendo el cortisol una hormona cuyo incremento desempeña mediación química clave en la respuesta al mismo.
 ABSTRACT
 Stress is one of the most widespread health problems today. The main objective of this research was to determine the relation between levels of academic stress (AE) perceived and the concentrations of cortisol in blood, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out that included 113 students (49 men and 64 women) from the first cycle of medicine at the Catholic University of Cuenca (UCACUE)-Ext. Azogues, to which the SISCO inventory was applied at the conclusion of the last final examination, proceeding subsequently to extract a blood sample for the determination of cortisol values. The main results show that the total of students had average levels (13.3% men, 15.9% women) and high (30.1% men, 40.7% women) of academic stress. The high level of academic stress was presented in a significantly high percentage of students and in female gender. Cortisol values were significantly higher in men than in women at the level of average academic stress and similar in the high level. In both genders and in general, students with high academic stress levels had significantly higher cortisol values. In conclusion, all the students manifest medium and high levels of academic stress, being cortisol a hormone whose increase plays a key chemical mediation in response to stress.
 
 

Understanding the advisor–advisee relationship via scholarly data analysis

Advisor–advisee relationship is important in academic networks due to its universality and necessity. Despite the increasing desire to analyze the career of newcomers, however, the outcomes of different collaboration patterns between advisors and advisees remain unknown. The purpose of this paper is to find out the correlation between advisors’ academic characteristics and advisees’ academic performance in Computer Science. Employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis, we find that with the increase of advisors’ academic age, advisees’ performance experiences an initial growth, follows a sustaining stage, and finally ends up with a declining trend. We also discover the phenomenon that accomplished advisors can bring up skilled advisees. We explore the conclusion from two aspects: (1) Advisees mentored by advisors with high academic level have better academic performance than the rest; (2) Advisors with high academic level can raise their advisees’ h-index ranking. This work provides new insights on promoting our understanding of the relationship between advisors’ academic characteristics and advisees’ performance, as well as on advisor choosing.

Analyzing discipline level of 12 medical universities based on the ESI and InCites databases

Objective Researching the academic level of 12 domestic medical universities by databases of scientific evaluation. Methods Researching the academic level of top 12 medical universities of China mainland based on the ESI and InCites. Results Peking Union Medical College ranked first on overall academic level in 12 medical universities, and clinical medicine has the highest academic level. Every university has its ESI disciplines and potential disciplines, most TOP papers belong to clinical medicine, but other disciplines also had. Conclusions The overall academic level of 12 medical universities is higher, in addition to, the ESI disciplines need to maintain, and the potential disciplines need to support. Key words: ESI; InCites; Medical universities; Discipline level

Analysis of creative mathematic thinking ability in problem based learning model based on self-regulation learning

The purpose of this research identified the effectiveness of Problem Based Learning (PBL) models based on Self Regulation Leaning (SRL) on the ability of mathematical creative thinking and analyzed the ability of mathematical creative thinking of high school students in solving mathematical problems. The population of this study was students of grade X SMA N 3 Klaten. The research method used in this research was sequential explanatory. Quantitative stages with simple random sampling technique, where two classes were selected randomly as experimental class was taught with the PBL model based on SRL and control class was taught with expository model. The selection of samples at the qualitative stage was non-probability sampling technique in which each selected 3 students were high, medium, and low academic levels. PBL model with SRL approach effectived to students’ mathematical creative thinking ability. The ability of mathematical creative thinking of low academic level students with PBL model approach of SRL were achieving the aspect of fluency and flexibility. Students of academic level were achieving fluency and flexibility aspects well. But the originality of students at the academic level was not yet well structured. Students of high academic level could reach the aspect of originality.

The value of the academic award in initial teacher education: key stakeholder perceptions of the masters level Postgraduate Certificate in Education in two English universities

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) has been a successful and popular initial teacher education (ITE) programme since the 1950s, with the masters level PGCE being successfully embedded within universities in England since 2007 and having high levels of student satisfaction. Recent White Papers, policy and reviews have undermined the academic award in ITE, however, favouring school-led initial teacher training and the minimum, essential professional award. Located within the Secondary ITE phase in two English universities, this article presents the value of studying education and the academic award at pre-service level via key stakeholder perceptions from interviews with teacher–educators and student–teachers within a case study. Findings highlight improvements to student–teachers’ knowledge and practice; enjoyment in working at a higher academic level; improvements to the ITE programme overall, including student–teacher support and student–teachers’ articulation of knowledge and practice; and enhanced opportunities for employability, career advancement and gaining a Master’s degree.

The barriers of clinical education in nursing: A systematic review

Considering the great significance of proper clinical education in training nurses qualifying for provision of quality care, this study has been conducted with the aim of investigating the obstacles against clinical education among the nurses. In this systematic review study, international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINHAL, EMBASE, ERIC, Google scholar, as well as national banks including Magiran and SID) were searched from the time of inception until January 30, 2018. The obstacles of clinical education in individual areas (associated with students (Lack of motivation in students), professors (Absence of experience professor with a high academic level), and nurses (Personnel uncooperativeness)), managerial (Shortage of time), facilities (Deficit of facilities and working conditions), structures, and other areas were identified. Based on the obstacles identified across various dimensions, proper plans and strategies should be designed and implemented with each of the obstacles to enhance the quality of clinical education.

English

Agricultural extension in Mexico significantly favors rural development and considers agriculture as a means of promoting economic development by solving problems associated with poverty and food security. The Mexican extension system, as in other Latin American countries, has been transformed into services provided by extensionists (also known as extension agents, or professional service providers). Due to the social, economic and political relevance of the subject, there is increased interest in proposing new studies focusing on the key roles of extension agents given their importance in achieving rural development objectives through training and providing technical assistance to producers. The present work compares opinions of public and private agricultural extension agents regarding the current extension system in Mexico, and inquires about developed activities, problems faced in daily practice, as well as continuous training actions and capacities. The present study methodology was a mix of qualitative (participant observations) and quantitative (structured questionnaires) information. The study population comprised of 44 extension professionals, 17 from the public (government) and 27 from the private (advisory offices) sectors. Analysis of the results report similarities in socio-demographic data; high academic levels and training in the agricultural sciences, and extensive experience in extension services. Both groups of extension agents had the same activities, while private providers also designed projects to obtain financing. Problems faced by both groups were politico-institutional and related to marketing. Both groups were interested in continuous updating with practical methods, and were seen as having outstanding competencies to perform their functions. Key words: Rural extension, extension agent, public, private, Mexico.