Institutes Of Higher Education Research Articles

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...

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.

'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.

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.

This is the Age of Microbial Technology: Crucial roles of learned societies and academies.

Microbial technologies constitute a huge and unique potential for confronting major humanitarian and biosphere challenges, especially in the realms of sustainability and providing basic goods and services where they are needed and particularly in low-resource settings. These technologies are evolving rapidly. Powerful approaches are being developed to create novel products, processes, and circular economies, including new prophylactics and therapies in healthcare, bioelectric systems, and whole-cell understanding of metabolism that provides novel insights into mechanisms and how they can be utilised for applications. The modulation of microbiomes promises to create important applications and mitigate problems in a number of spheres. Collectively, microbial technologies save millions of lives each year and have the potential, through increased deployment, to save many more. They help restore environmental health, improve soil fertility, enable regenerative agriculture, reduce biodiversity losses, reduce pollution, and mitigate polluted environments. Many microbial technologies may be considered to be 'healing' technologies - healing of humans, of other members of the biosphere, and of the environment. This is the Age of Microbial Technology. However, the current exploitation of microbial technologies in the service of humanity and planetary health is woefully inadequate and this failing unnecessarily costs many lives and biosphere deterioration. Microbiologists - the practitioners of these healing technologies - have a special, preordained responsibility to promote and increase their deployment for the good of humanity and the planet. To do this effectively - to actually make a difference - microbiologists will need to partner with key enablers and gatekeepers, players such as other scientists with essential complementary skills like bioengineering and bioinformatics, politicians, financiers, and captains of industry, international organisations, and the general public. Orchestration and coordination of the establishment and functioning of effective partnerships will best be accomplished by learned societies, their academies, and the international umbrella organisations of learned societies. Effective dedication of players to the tasks at hand will require unstinting support from employers, particularly the heads of institutes of higher education and of research establishments. Humanity and the biosphere are currently facing challenges to their survival not experienced for millennia. Effectively confronting these challenges is existential, and microbiologists and their learned societies have pivotal roles to play: they must step up and act now.

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.

Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education: A Framework for Prevention Science Program Development.

Sexual harassment is an intractable problem that harms the students, community, culture, and success of institutes of higher education (IHEs). The alarming prevalence of sexual harassment at IHEs highlights the urgent need for effective prevention programs. However, there are few empirically supported preventive interventions that effectively target the factors that most impact the determinants, trajectory, and short- and intermediate-term effects of sexual harassment. In this paper, we overview the problem of sexual harassment and propose an organizing framework to help IHEs develop effective interventions to prevent sexual harassment. Guided by prevention science, we propose a framework-modified from SAMHSA's (2019) guidelines for prevention practitioners-that underscores the criticality of trauma- and equity-informed characteristics in prevention programs. We offer a discussion on how IHEs must consider and evaluate the empirical evidence of effectiveness, flexibility, cultural competency, and sustainability when developing and adapting prevention programs to reduce and-ultimately-ameliorate sexual harassment. We conclude with recommendations that can provide a roadmap for higher education stakeholders and researchers to prevent this urgent public health concern.

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

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.

Long-term analysis of a psychoeducational course on university students’ mental well-being

AbstractAlthough many higher educational institute (HEI) psychoeducational courses teaching positive psychology interventions report benefits to mental well-being upon completion, they have not typically addressed whether such beneficial effects are sustained long-term beyond the period of the courses. Here, we report a pre-registered follow-up of 228 undergraduate students, from a variety of disciplines, who took a positive psychology course 1 or 2 years previously. Overall, group analysis revealed that students who had taken the course did not continue to show the originally reported benefits at follow-up. Students who had taken the course scored higher on mental well-being than other students tested using a university-wide survey, but they were also higher at baseline 1–2 years earlier indicating a sampling bias. An exploratory analysis, however, revealed that 115 students (51% of the group) who had continued to practice the recommended activities taught during the course maintained their increased mental well-being over the period of follow-up. We therefore suggest that continued engagement is a key factor in sustaining the long-term benefits of positive psychology courses. Implementation of such courses should therefore include provision and mechanisms for maintaining future student engagement.

Information culture turned to the higher education institute

Introdução: A cultura informacional envolve critérios fundamentais, valores e crenças, que refletem no comportamento informacional consistindo no modo como a informação é interpretada e manejada por indivíduos e grupos. Objetivo: Analisar a cultura informacional voltada a Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES), privilegiando que o pano de fundo se constitua em Moçambique, e que se consolida a partir de valores da filosofia da organização por parte dos seus membros, cujos principais integrantes são docentes, funcionários e estudantes. Metodologia:  Utilizou-se a pesquisa bibliográfica de nível exploratório e abordagem qualitativa, buscando-se várias fontes, desde artigos científicos e teses que discutem a temática, priorizando-se a consulta à base de dados BRAPCI. Resultados: Faz-se necessária a compreensão da cultura informacional, na medida que ela interfere na construção e o uso de normas e políticas de IES, estimulando formas aceitáveis e esperadas de comportamentos e compartilhamento da informação, por fim, Conclusão: Os valores voltados a CI tem base em novos conhecimentos, aprendizagem contínua entre docentes, discentes e funcionários das IES na como na distribuição hierárquica, no acesso, busca e produção de conhecimento científico e administrativo.

(048) Women's Knowledge about Female Masturbation

Abstract Introduction The scarcity of in-depth studies on female masturbation testifies to the lack of attention paid to this crucial subject and to the cultural hurdles to talking about such a subject. This absence of evidence prevents healthcare practitioners from understanding women's experiences, needs, and challenges regarding their sexuality and sexual autonomy. It is therefore imperative to fill this knowledge gap with research studies that look at the cultural, social, and religious specificities specific to female masturbation. Objective The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of women regarding female masturbation taking into consideration their cultural, social, and religious backgrounds. Methods We present a cross-sectional study based on an online 15-item questionnaire posted once per week, 5 weeks in a row from March 14, 2023. The online self-administered questionnaire was presented in the local written dialect. The questionnaire was divided into a sociodemographic section, a general knowledge assessment of genitalia and the sexual female function, and a section about the misconceptions and knowledge about female masturbation. All participants were self-designated female participants over the age of 18, recruited from sports centers' Facebook and Instagram pages. Results The study included 213 participants, 82% of who have attended high education institutions, and 70% were single. The mean age was 25 [18, 45]. Internet was the participants' primary informational source in 64%. Friends were the second source of information with 15%. With regard to the participants' knowledge, the results of the study reveal a diversity of levels of knowledge within our population. Some participants demonstrated a limited or incorrect understanding of female masturbation, often influenced by cultural, and religious beliefs or preconceived ideas. This inaccurate knowledge contributes to the spread of negative stereotypes and judgments about practice. Conclusions It is important to recognize that female masturbation often remains a difficult subject to discuss and is surrounded by social taboos. In light of our findings, it is clear that additional efforts are needed to promote better understanding and acceptance of female masturbation through comprehensive sexuality education programs. Disclosure No.

What does leadership mean to specialist community public health nurses?

Using the results of a survey of practice educators and assessors at a higher education institute, this article discusses leadership styles in the context of specialist community public health nursing

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.