Institutes Of Higher Education Research Articles

Student’s Willingness to Pay for Degree Program Based on Attributes

ABSTRACT Higher education offerings are evolving, and institutions are challenged with providing a grouping of services, or attribute set, with the highest value to students. Widening course offerings may present additional financial challenges to higher education institutions if the magnitude of the value of specific course attributes is unknown. In this study, students were surveyed to determine the willingness to pay for degree program attributes with respect to amount of time and location commitment, university reputation, degree program reputation and instructor reputation. Using a choice-based approach, marginal utilities are calculated along with willingness to pay measures for each variable. Results suggest that the largest premiums occur when time and location commitments are minimized, followed by a solid university reputation. Implications for higher education institutions may allow for customized pricing policies and efficient course offerings based on demand for the most valued structure of online delivery modes, and reputations of degree programs, instructors, and the institute of higher education. Course offerings could then be tailored to balance student demand and institutional resources.

Prediction of Student Dropout in Malaysian’s Private Higher Education Institute using Data Mining Application

Student dropout issue is a major concern among the academics and management of the university. The higher rate of student dropout impacted the university reputation such as reducing student enrolment, affecting the revenue of the university, financial losses for the country, and increase the existence of a social problem among the students. In this study, 2 popular classifiers were utilized to predict the student dropout namely decision tree and logistic regression model respectively. Several sets of experimental setting were employed which include three set of data partitioning - along with different types of decision tree and regression model. As for the logistic regression model, different data imputation and transformation method was tested to ensure that the model built is valid. A total of 7706 student data extracted from one of the private universities in Malaysia database (between year 2018-2019) to assess the capability of the classifier. The classifier performance is evaluated using machine learning performance measure of accuracy and misclassification rate. The result indicates that, decision tree - chi-square (2 branches) achieved slightly better classification performance of 89.49% on 80/20 data partitioning. The chosen model also identified the most important variable for accurate prediction of student dropout. Application of this model has the potential to accurately predict at risk student and to reduce student dropout rates.

Investigating the Effect of an Interactive Educational Chatbot on Reading Comprehension Skills

This study aimed to investigate the implementation of an interactive chatbot as a facilitator to assess its effects on reading skills. To this end, 60 Omani intermediate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners from a higher education institute were selected as the population and divided into two experimental and control groups with an equal number of learners. Several research-based reading tests have been developed, validated, and piloted to ensure reliability, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The test results for the pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests were 0.889, 0.767, and 0.850, which ensured reliability. Although both groups received instructions and practiced reading skills based on the department’s curriculum and delivery plan, an interactive WhatsApp bot was designed to provide additional instructions and exercises for the experimental group for three weeks. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was conducted to assess data normality and determine whether parametric- or nonparametric-tests should be used. The results indicated non-normality in all data sets (p < .05) except for the pre-test data of the experimental group (p > .05); Consequently, the Wilcoxon test was employed to analyze results within the groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to compare the groups. The interpretation of the test within the control group revealed that learners performed significantly differently in the post- and delayed post-tests (Z = -4.80, -2.95 < .05). Similarly, the results of learners in the experimental group showed that they performed significantly better in the post- and delayed post-tests than in the pre-test (Z = -4.79, -4.80 < .05). Finally, the comparison of both groups based on the Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the post-test and delayed post-test (U = .00, p < .05). Therefore, it could be concluded that chatbots could be beneficial within the learning process, particularly for improving reading skills. These results are promising for teachers and students who utilize technological devices in their learning and teaching practices.

Measurement and analysis of change in research scholars’ knowledge and attitudes toward statistics after PhD coursework

BackgroundKnowledge of statistics is highly important for research scholars, as they are expected to submit a thesis based on original research as part of a PhD program. As statistics play a major role in the analysis and interpretation of scientific data, intensive training at the beginning of a PhD programme is essential. PhD coursework is mandatory in universities and higher education institutes in India. This study aimed to compare the scores of knowledge in statistics and attitudes towards statistics among the research scholars of an institute of medical higher education in South India at different time points of their PhD (i.e., before, soon after and 2–3 years after the coursework) to determine whether intensive training programs such as PhD coursework can change their knowledge or attitudes toward statistics.MethodsOne hundred and thirty research scholars who had completed PhD coursework in the last three years were invited by e-mail to be part of the study. Knowledge and attitudes toward statistics before and soon after the coursework were already assessed as part of the coursework module. Knowledge and attitudes towards statistics 2–3 years after the coursework were assessed using Google forms. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was also sought.ResultsKnowledge and attitude scores improved significantly subsequent to the coursework (i.e., soon after, percentage of change: 77%, 43% respectively). However, there was significant reduction in knowledge and attitude scores 2–3 years after coursework compared to the scores soon after coursework; knowledge and attitude scores have decreased by 10%, 37% respectively.ConclusionThe study concluded that the coursework program was beneficial for improving research scholars’ knowledge and attitudes toward statistics. A refresher program 2–3 years after the coursework would greatly benefit the research scholars. Statistics educators must be empathetic to understanding scholars’ anxiety and attitudes toward statistics and its influence on learning outcomes.

Board of Directors Diversity and Team behavior Integration Effects on Private Higher Education Institutional Performance in China

Board of Directors Diversity and Team behavior Integration Effects on Private Higher Education Institutional Performance in China

'Tausi Feagaiga: A Project to Train Caregivers and Empower the American Samoan Community.

The 'Tausi Feagaiga (Covenant Keeper) project was a partnership to support the traditional values of tausi matua (caring for one's elders). The partners included a non-governmental organization (Pacific Youth and Community Development), a faith-based organization (Roman Catholic Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago), and an institute of higher education (University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine). The project was created to address the lack of community-based health care such as home health or hospice, and families needing to work outside the home. A culturally based caregiving curriculum was developed to educate caregivers and improve their knowledge and skills. Using a train-the-trainer model, 125 caregivers were trained in family caregiving from 2016-2020. Training was conducted through an intensive workshop followed by practicum at Hope House, the Catholic Diocese home for the aged. Participants who expressed a willingness and competency were mentored to be trainers to continue the 'Tausi Feagaiga project. The mean self-rated confidence in caregiving improved significantly from 3.17 ± 1.02 (mean SD) pre workshop to 3.53 ± 0.71 post workshop (P = .001). Competence in geriatric syndromes was improved from 18.04 ± 4.27 to 21.31 ± 4.30 after attending the workshop (P < .001) and the feedback was extremely positive. Technical assistance was provided to obtain funding through American Samoa Medicaid State Agency to improve the existing infrastructure of Hope House, obtain much needed supplies, and increase ability to hire the participants. 'Tausi Feagaiga positively impacted the lives of the residents of Hope House, the course participants, the elders in the community, and those who care for them.

Protocol for CARES–HAPIN: an ambidirectional cohort study on exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and risk of early childhood caries

IntroductionPrenatal and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been linked with early childhood caries (ECC), but the specific molecular mechanisms and pathways remain largely unknown. The Caries Risk...

Scholarly Publishing Practices among LIS Lecturers in Higher Institutions of Learning in Nigeria

This study investigates the scholarly publishing practices among LIS lecturers in Nigerian higher education institutions, focusing on their publishing outlets, perceived barriers, and necessary skills for successful publishing. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, the study gathered data from 362 LIS educators across Nigerian institutions through a questionnaire, analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that LIS lecturers in Nigerian higher education institutions have positive perceptions of scholarly publishing, recognizing its importance for professional growth and career advancement. Furthermore, the findings indicate that while academic journals are the primary outlet for communicating research findings, LIS lecturers also utilize a range of other channels, including conference proceedings, books, social media, and collaborative research projects, highlighting a diverse approach to scholarly dissemination. The findings emphasize the paramount importance of skills required to navigate the scholarly publishing process effectively. The study recommended that higher institutions of education should implement mentorship and training programs specifically designed to support lecturers in developing the skills needed for scholarly publishing.

A correlational study to determine the correlation of clinical, ultrasonographic and biochemical markers with histopathological findings of various ovarian masses in rural hospitals

Background Ovarian masses are a significant health concern among women, and their accurate diagnosis and characterization are paramount for effective management. This study protocol outlines a correlational investigation into the relationship between clinical, ultrasonographic, and biochemical markers and histopathological findings of ovarian masses in rural hospitals. Methods The study employs a correlational research design and will be conducted within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a rural hospital affiliated with Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research. The study population will comprise women of all ages diagnosed with ovarian masses. Clinical evaluations, ultrasonography, biochemical investigations, preoperative workup, and histopathological examinations will be conducted to gather data. The sample size will be determined based on statistical and practical considerations, yielding approximately 60 participants. Expected outcome The study expects to yield valuable insights into the diagnostic and prognostic indicators for ovarian masses. The data collected will enable the correlation of clinical symptoms, ultrasonographic findings, CA 125 levels, and histopathological characteristics, contributing to enhanced diagnostic accuracy, improved patient care, and potentially reduced healthcare costs in rural healthcare settings.

Emotional Management of Female Students in Malaysian Institute of Higher Education

Emotional Management of Female Students in Malaysian Institute of Higher Education

The Effect of Honey on Bacteria Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections among Patients Attending Ruhengeri Referral Hospital

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urethra from the skin or rectum and infect the bladder, causing symptoms. UTIs are becoming increasingly multidrug-resistant, with some drugs no longer effective in treatment. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), honey has been shown to have high osmotic pressure and high acidity that prevent the multiplication of bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of honey on bacteria isolated from urine samples collected from patients with UTI’s attending Ruhengeri Referral Hospital.&#x0D; Methodology: Urine samples were collected in sterile containers at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital and transported to the microbiology laboratory at the Ruhengeri Institute of Higher Education (INES Ruhengeri). Two types of honey, raw and processed were used as antimicrobial agents on bacteria isolated from UTIs. Various methods were used to isolate and identify bacterial isolates, including culture on solid medium, gram staining, and biochemical tests.&#x0D; Results: The most commonly isolated bacterium was S. aureus (33.3%) which is in the second group of bacteria susceptible to honey, followed by P. aeruginosa (13.8%) and CoNS (13.8%). E. coli, K. pneumonia, and Streptococcus spp. each accounted for 11.2%. The former and the latter were the most susceptible bacteria to natural honey honey (mIZ = 36 ±2.83; ±4.24 mm, respectively), while E. aerogenes was the least isolated bacterium at 5.5% and the least susceptible to honey.&#x0D; Conclusion: Honey was showed to exhibit an antimicrobial effect against all bacteria isolated from the UTI, suggesting natural honey as a remedy in controlling urinary tract bacterial infection. Further studies are needed to evaluate its capacity compared to classical antibiotics currently used to treat bacteria in UTIs. The practical way to use honey to get targeted area is also an interested point that need to be investigated.&#x0D; Keywords: Urinary tract infection; honey; bacteria.

Photography and digital storytelling in English for tourism classroom

ABSTRACT The present study describes a digital storytelling project about promoting a tourist destination using photographs taken by students in an English for tourism course taught in a Portuguese higher education institute. This work aims to explain how a digital storytelling project was used to enrich students’ knowledge of the English language while recycling content from their core degree subjects and enhance their 21st century skills. The stories created were based on students’ viewpoints of the city where they study and live enabling them to convey their emotions and opinions to promote it as tourist destination from a unique perspective. The results indicated that learner generated content positively impacted the students’ engagement in their English foreign language learning process. It was through the use of art and creativity that this project gave students the opportunity to also build on their communication, collaborative and critical thinking skills, all needed to succeed in the professional world in tourism.

A Study Protocol to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Oral Health among Nursing Students in DMIHER (DU)

Abstract Background: Nursing student’s dental health education model is aimed at orienting nursing students with oral health knowledge so that these students must be knowledgeable about dental health to implement it in their daily practices, and thus, they can play a vital part in health education and serve as the ideal role model for patients and the community. Therefore, a questionnaire-based survey is to be conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to oral health among nursing students in Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: Around 440 nursing students will be participating in the questionnaire-based cross-sectional study for 2 months. The population will be taken from the nursing college of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. The validated questionnaires will be circulated among the nursing students with the consent of the participation for the participants in study. After receiving the feedback of the questionnaires, the data will be observed, analyzed, and resulted. Expected Results: More than 80% is expected to have knowledge that toothbrushing prevents caries and gingival bleeding, and bleeding gum indicates gum disease. More than 90% may show a positive attitude toward the importance of oral health and considered that it is as important as other systemic health. Around 90% of students are expected to have a positive attitude toward dental floss and mouthwash helps in keeping the teeth clean. More than 90% of students are expected to brush their teeth twice daily and around 50% of students are expected to visit dental clinic regularly for routine dental checkup. Conclusion: The present study will show significant knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding oral health among nursing students. Therefore, our study’s findings might fill the void and provide a sound basis for developing evidence-based oral health reinforcement programs to reduce the discrepancy in oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices.

Middle school educators’ experiences in a cross-institutional professional development model for enhancing writing instruction

PurposeThis paper explores a five-year case example of two educators engaged in practice-based professional development (PBPD) for the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model in a middle school. It examines the transformative effects and challenges of improving writing instruction, the activities involved and alternative PBPD delivery methods. Highlighting a collaborative effort between an institute of higher education (IHE), a middle school and ThinkSRSD, a PBPD for SRSD developer, the example underscores the long-term benefits and innovative insights into engaging with PBPD for SRSD over multiple years.Design/methodology/approachThe case involves analyzing survey data collected over five years. These surveys, which included specific SRSD-related queries and open-ended questions, were instrumental in assessing the evolution of the educators’ perceptions regarding SRSD and their engagement with PBPD. Additionally, the paper details PBPD activities as documented in a research journal, providing a comprehensive account of the developmental process.FindingsThrough a cross-institutional partnership, two middle school general educators participated in PBPD for SRSD for 30 h across five years. Their engagement with PBPD progressed from initial introduction and implementation to facilitating PBPD for SRSD among peers and at the national level. Over time, the most consistently enacted SRSD action was “memorize it,” while actions such as “discuss it,” “support it” and “independent performance” showed greater variability. Both educators consistently praised SRSD and sought continued PBPD engagement over the five years.Originality/valueOur case example is the first five-year analysis of PBPD for SRSD among general middle school educators, highlighting the benefits and challenges of adopting evidence-based writing instruction. Our example emphasizes the need for continuous and focused professional development in areas crucial for student success, including self-regulation, prewriting strategies and techniques for fostering independent performance. Moreover, the two middle school educators’ critical feedback is invaluable for refining PBPD for SRSD. This work also enriches professional development schools (PDS) literature by offering effective strategies to support middle school teachers in developing a vibrant writing community, a cornerstone for student advancement in writing.

Desafios e possibilidades da jurimetria na judicialização em saúde: uma investigação em Minas Gerais do período 2014 a 2020

Objective: to analyze the health, drug, and antineoplastic drug lawsuits in Minas Gerais, in 2014 to 2020, from the comparison of different databases. Methodology: database pairing techniques were used to link lawsuits from the Minas Gerais State Court of Justice with the processes received by the Minas Gerais Health State Department, the difficulties encountered in identifying and quantifying these processes were described, and the results found were compared with information from other sources. Results: in the Minas Gerais State Court of Justice databases, 564,763 health lawsuits were identified in the studied period. There was a significant increase in the number of processes until 2017 and a stabilization, at high levels, from 2017 onwards. In comparison with the results obtained by the Institute of Higher Education and Research and the Laboratory of Innovation, Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals there was a great divergence in the number of processes found. Conclusion: taking the health judicialization against Minas Gerais state as an example, it was not possible to directly find all the processes received by Minas Gerais Health State Department in the various databases provided by the Minas Gerais State Court of Justice, requiring integration between the different databases and an additional search to identify all processes. Submission: 05/25/23| Review: 10/03/23| Approval: 10/04/23

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND NON – INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS PREFERENCES VIS-À-VIS HOME FURNISHINGS

This study was conducted among college students at Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore in the year 2023 to examine the design and colour preferences for home furnishings. The researcher selected 200 students from different disciplines to assess their preferences for home furnishings. One hundred samples were taken from the discipline of interior design, and another hundred from Homescience Extension Education, English, and Tamil disciplines. The results recommended that the interior design students preferred light colours for curtains and beddings.The statistical analysis revealed that at a significance level of 5%, the selection of curtain had the highest value, 15.560. Personal tastes significantly influenced 63.5% of the students in their selection of the furnishings.

Using artificial intelligence to implement the UN sustainable development goals at higher education institutions

ABSTRACT Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering innovative solutions and enhancing the efficiency of processes aimed at achieving these goals. There is a perceived need for studies which may look at these connections. Against this background, this paper reports on a study that investigated the connections between artificial intelligence and the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at higher education institutions. The paper deployed a multi-methods approach. The first one was a bibliometric analysis of publications in the topic. The second method used was an assessment of a set of case studies, that illustrate how artificial intelligence is being deployed among a sample of universities in support of efforts to implement the SDGs and a survey aimed at identifying current and future trends. The data gathered allow some trends to be identified. For instance, that there is a wide range of applications of AI to sustainability in High Education Institutions (HEI), to be chosen in terms of campus operations and greening, outreach and community engagement, research, teaching and learning, and university management. Also, the paper has identified successful examples of the deployment of AI in various sustainability contexts, illustrating what are the success factors for them. Moreover, the survey identified the fact that the use of AI is quite widely spread, and is likely to increase in coming years, due to a greater demand. Finally, AI also poses several challenges, such as authenticity and ethics in assessment (case studies), ‘lack of access to software/materials’, and ‘lack of information technology training for myself/my colleagues’ (survey). Overall, AI offers a powerful toolset to accelerate and enhance the implementation of the UN SDGs. By analysing vast datasets, predicting outcomes, optimising processes, and providing new insights, AI has the potential to address complex sustainability challenges across various sectors.

Effect of Food Intake on Mood in Higher Education Institute Students in Malaysia.

The rise in mental health issues among Higher Education Institute (HEI) students calls for intervention. Studies indicate that mood influences mental health, and food influences mood. This study explored the effect of food on mood in HEI students. Twenty-four students from various HEIs in Malaysia were recruited in this study using a grounded theory approach. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data was arranged into themes and codes using a thematic approach. Food (themes) that were identified to have influenced the mood can be grouped into 4 major groups according to their flavour and effect: sweet, salty, spicy, and caffeinated food.&#x0D; Keywords: : Eating behaviours, Food Choices, Mood, Mental health, Higher Education Institute Students

An overview of an education innovation embedding drama-based workshops into undergraduate adult nursing to embody “care”

BackgroundThis paper provides an overview of an innovation using drama-based workshops which have been embedded into undergraduate nursing curriculum in a Higher Education Institute in the United Kingdom (UK). Drama techniques are gaining increasing recognition in nursing education particularly around the way in which they can support the learning of communication and interpersonal skills in a multi-sensory approach. InnovationThe drama-based workshops have become embedded in the nursing curriculum alongside nursing clinical simulations. The workshops use techniques from physical theatre with an emphasis on “care” that are aligned to the specific learning outcomes of the clinical simulation. ImplicationsThe workshops were developed across all years of the curriculum in response to student feedback which demonstrated how drama can enable students to develop self-awareness, empathy, communication skills and self-care. ConclusionThe Drama based workshops have enabled students the opportunity to explore and reflect on their own interpersonal communication as well as the embodiment of care to their patients, colleagues and themselves.

Optimization of Phosphorus Application Rate on Maize Under Agro-ecological Condition of Urozgan

Phosphorus plays a vital role in crop growth and productivity, thus a field experiment entitled (optimization of phosphorus application rate on maize under agro-ecological condition of Urozgan) was conducted at Urozgan Higher Education Institute research farm, during spring season of 2023 to evaluate the effects of various doses of phosphorus on maize growth and yield. Treatments were consisted of four levels of phosphorus 20, 40, 60, 80 Kg P2O5 ha-1 and control, the experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated thrice, the data was analyzed by IBM SPSS 24. Phosphorus application significantly influenced maize growth, yield and yield attributes compared to control, while the phosphorus doses increased from 20 to 80 kg P2O5 ha-1, crop growth, yield, and yield attribute were continuously increased. It can be concluded from the result of experiment that application of phosphorus under agro-ecological condition of Urozgan can increase crop growth, yield and yield attributes.