Institutional Infrastructure Research Articles

Patient/public perceptions on engagement with a medical school: What needs to happen to support authentic and sustained participation

Purpose Patient/public involvement in health professional education is increasing but remains episodic, narrowly focused, reliant on individual enthusiasts, and lacks supportive institutional infrastructure. There is little evidence-informed practical guidance on how to take a more strategic and formal approach. We undertook a qualitative study to learn from patients and the public how medical schools could engage in an authentic and sustainable way. Methods In 2022 we conducted eight focus groups with patients and members of community organizations. Participants were asked about experiences and perceptions of what needs to happen to enable and support them to participate in medical education, barriers to authentic engagement, and how they might be overcome. Recordings were transcribed and data coded inductively. A summary report was circulated to participants for validation of findings. Results The focus groups were attended by 38 participants representing a wide variety of perspectives. Participants provided practical suggestions that we categorized into six major themes: inviting participation; preparing for participation; supporting participation; increasing and supporting diversity; recognizing participation; institutional buy-in and support. Conclusions Individual instructors can enhance authentic patient engagement through recruitment, support and recognition practices. Institutional commitment is required to sustain and widen participation through funding, policies and infrastructure.

Power struggles: Advances and roadblocks of solar powered mini grids in Tanzania

Rural energy poverty persists in Tanzania, with 77% of the population not having access to electricity. A combination of high solar radiation and slow extension of the national energy grid has raised off-grid solar PV based mini-grids as a potential solution. In this paper, a novel extension to the Technological Innovation System (TIS) function approach is used to analyze the positive and negative trends of solar PV based mini-grid diffusion in the country. This framework, adapted for a Global South context, considers key dynamic processes (functions) and structural components (actors and institutions) that are considered essential for diffusion of technological systems, along with the general institutional infrastructure, informal institutions and other contextual factors that may influence the development and implementation of solar PV based mini-grid systems. Based on a combination of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and secondary data, the paper identified negative trends in several functions such as market formation, entrepreneurial activities and guidance of the search. The paper demonstrates a clear link between the worsening conditions for solar PV mini-grids with institutional changes as a result of the new political direction for the energy sector that followed the 2015 presidential election in Tanzania.

Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality in Higher Education: a systematic review

Augmented reality is a technology that combines elements of the real and virtual world to enhance the user experience by providing additional information and enriching interaction. In education, AR has been used to enhance the teaching of complex concepts by providing interactive content and immersive experiences. This review examines various aspects related to the implementation of AR in higher education, including its educational benefits, impact on student motivation and engagement, and its effectiveness in achieving learning objectives. Associated challenges and limitations, such as device availability and effective experience design, are also explored. The results indicate that AR can improve content comprehension and retention, encourage active student participation, and enhance collaborative learning. However, significant challenges are identified, such as the initial investment in technology and the need for adequate teacher training. In addition, diversity in institutional infrastructure and resources may limit the widespread adoption of AR in higher education. In conclusion, augmented reality in higher education offers promising potential to enhance teaching and learning, but its successful implementation requires careful considerations of pedagogy, accessibility, and overcoming technological barriers. It highlights the need for further research to thoroughly understand its impact and maximize its benefits in academic training.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education sector globally, leading to unprecedented challenges for societies. This research paper explores the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian students, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities presented in the education sector. It discusses the government’s initiatives to mitigate the disruption caused by the pandemic, which includes the closure of educational institutions and the subsequent shift to online learning. The positive impacts of this transition, such as the rise in digital literacy, increased online meetings, and improved time management skills, are examined. The paper also studies the negative consequences, emphasizing on digital divide that has widened between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The lack of internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, has hindered the educational progress of many students. This disparity has led to some students taking up illegal jobs due to financial constraints, further exacerbating societal inequalities. Additionally, the gender gap in digital access is highlighted, particularly the limitations faced by female students in terms of mobile internet access. The research also sheds light on the mental health toll on students, considering the challenges of social isolation, anxiety, and an abusive environment. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for efforts to bridge the digital gap, maximize the utilization of online platforms, and strengthen information technology infrastructure in educational institutions.

Механизм формирования циркулярной экономики: теоретические аспекты и практика Юга России

Currently, one of the priority concepts that can act as a theoretical platform for the sustainable development of the national economic system is the circular economy. Despite all the theoretically substantiated and practice-confirmed advantages, the practical implementation of a circular economy requires the presence of an effective mechanism for the formation of this economic model. For the Russian economy, it is advisable to study such a mechanism at the level of the regional economy. Taking this into account, the study determined the content of the mechanism for forming a circular economy. The mechanism for the formation of a circular economy is considered in the work as a synthetic category, covering a set of principles, methods, subjects, algorithms, technologies, structures and resources through which the transition to a circular economy is carried out. The study substantiates the key components of this mechanism and identifies indicators that make it possible to quantify the presence and effectiveness of mechanisms for the formation of a circular economy in the regions of the country. The work shows that, as a rule, these indicators are associated with the digitalization of the economy, the presence of new forms of economic interaction (organization of the economy), innovation, environmental protection and rational use of resources. Taking this into account, the study built a multiple regression model, which made it possible to determine the indicators and, accordingly, the factors that have the greatest positive impact on the implementation of the circular transition at the meso level. The empirical analysis was carried out on data from the regions of the Southern Federal District and the North Caucasus Federal District. Indicators that positively influence the formation of a circular economy are the share of organizations using artificial intelligence and the number of industrial parks. Therefore, to create a circular economy, governments should take measures aimed at increasing the presence of these elements of the mechanism in the economy of their regions, develop the use of artificial intelligence and establish industrial, in particular eco-industrial, parks. In addition, the role of the state and the formation of a specialized institutional environment and infrastructure, including logistics, are of great importance for the successful transition to a circular economy in the south of the country.

Влияние институционального механизма предпринимательской среды на возможности экономического роста в регионах РФ

A definition of the institutional mechanism of entrepreneurial activity is proposed, and the main essential characteristics of the phenomenon under study are identified. The influence of the functioning of the existing institutional mechanisms of the business environment on the opportunities for economic growth in the regions of the Russian Federation has been studied. An assessment was made of the impact of the activities of support institutions on the efficiency of the business sector by calculating the growth rate of GRP and a similar indicator of revenue for the business sector (the time lag is limited to 2021). The coefficient of involvement in business activities of economic entities in the Southern Federal District was calculated in order to determine the effectiveness of the existing institutional system in the regions. An analysis of the main factors in the development of the business sector in the regions of the Southern Federal District was carried out, and the level of development of the institutional infrastructure for stimulating entrepreneurial activity was determined. A score-rating assessment of the effectiveness of changes in the institutional mechanism was carried out according to the following indicators: growth in revenue of the business sector, change in the number of employees in the business sector, growth in export potential of regions, growth in lending rates, population involvement in business activities, and change in the amount of overdue debt. A methodology for calculating the integral indicator of the effectiveness of changes in the institutional mechanism is proposed, and their calculation is carried out. Problems and contradictions within the functioning of this mechanism have been identified. Measures have been identified to improve the institutional mechanism for stimulating entrepreneurial activity and should be concentrated in the following main areas: improving the organizational mechanism through the creation of a “road map”; improving the support infrastructure by developing interaction with development institutions from other constituent entities of the Russian Federation and including regional universities in the support system; stimulating entrepreneurial activity in industries of sustainable demand by developing production cooperation, creating conditions for nurturing new entrepreneurs, expanding sales opportunities in neighboring regions and border states; and developing institutional work in the direction of stimulating innovative entrepreneurship.

스타트업의 성장을 위한 해외 주요국의 정책 비교 연구

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to analyze policy cases in major overseas countries for the sustainable growth of startups from an ecological perspective and compare the results. In addition, through the results of this comparison and analysis, we seek to derive what the policy characteristics of major overseas countries have on the current status of startups and the ecosystem structure in Korea. By closely examining global policy cases and identifying various policy approaches, we hope that the results and implications of this study will contribute to ongoing efforts to foster a dynamic startup ecosystem for stakeholders who make up the corporate ecosystem, such as entrepreneurs and policy makers.
 Research design, data, and methodology: The UK, France, and Germany were seen as relatively suitable for comparison with Korea in terms of population and economic size. Additionally, Singapore and Estonia, despite their small domestic market size, exhibited high competitiveness in the growth of startups and the subsequent creation of unicorn companies. The selection of these countries as the subject of research was based on these considerations. Policy cases from each of these countries were explored, focusing on reports from government agencies, and these cases were analyzed based on common standards to derive commonalities and differences.
 Results: The results of this study can be characterized in three categories. First, concerning the growth of a company, what they have in common is that they are divided into stages according to the growth cycle and focus on customized support needed at that stage. Second, in the cooperation and network category, a common feature is building a collaborative ecosystem through domestic and international partnerships. Additionally, small countries in terms of population and economy emphasize the importance of international cooperation and resource utilization, while large countries tend to emphasize the integration of domestic entrepreneurial capabilities and resources and the synergy effects to strengthen the startup ecosystem. Third, in the institutional environment and infrastructure category, it is characterized by a focus on actively attracting overseas talent and supporting research, as well as ensuring that related support is based on local infrastructure or embedded in the local ecosystem.
 Implications: The implication of this study is, first of all, that there is a need for the scope of policy support related to the startup ecosystem to be evenly distributed regionally. Additionally, the composition of the network in the startup ecosystem must be accompanied by horizontal changes based on the company’s growth cycle. Furthermore, there is an expansion in the diversity of members participating in the startup ecosystem. This means that emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative diversity can enable startups to promote growth based on inclusivity and creativity while dealing with the risks and challenges of complex business activities to which they are relatively frequently exposed.

Community Empowerment Participation in Forest Revegetation: An Analysis Study on the Slope Communities of Mount Arjuna, Indonesia

The research objectives was to determine the analysis of community empowerment participation for the forest revegetation in Arjuna Mount. This service uses a Participatory Rural Appraisal approach, with the study population covering communities around the forest of Arjuna Mount Pasuruan-East Java Indonesia. Data obtained from respondents with a questionnaire and analyzed using SEM (structural equation modeling), to find out an overview of respondents' responses about community participation in the preservation of the Arjuna Mount Forest. Community participation in the form of human capital, economy, social, local institutions, facilities and infrastructure has significant influence on community empowerment for the preservation of the Arjuna mount forest. Estimated regression weights for each indicator of community empowerment in Leduk, Jatiarjo and Dayurejo villages are human resources 0.99, economy 0.99, social 0.97, local institutions 1.00 and facilities and infrastructure 1.00. This explains that local institutional factors, facilities and infrastructure have a significant influence on community empowerment for the preservation of the Arjuna mount forest.

Do Regional Smart Specialization Strategies Affect Innovation in Enterprises?

According to the European Commission, the smart specialization strategy is intended as a response to complex development challenges and a tool for stimulating innovation at the regional level. At the same time, it is known that the conditions in which businesses operate, including institutional framework, socio-economic aspects, infrastructure and forms of business support, do not always meet their needs. The research and analyses carried out in this study were aimed at testing the relationships mainly between the external activities that most create/develop innovation in enterprises, networking within the innovation ecosystem, and barriers inhibiting innovation development. For this purpose, 250 survey interviews were conducted with representatives of innovative enterprises from five regions in Poland. Our research and analyses have shown that regions make considerable efforts to comprehensively define rather complex RIS3 (Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategy) policy priorities, while in reality these priorities often do not coincide with the expectations of entrepreneurs.

The Rise of Learning Cloud Technologies: Empowering the Digital Transformation

This comprehensive article explores the convergence of cloud computing and Java technologies, highlighting their synergistic relationship in modern software development. It examines key concepts in cloud computing, including virtualization, microservices architecture, CI/CD practices, and serverless computing. The article also discusses various cloud service models (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS), their applications, and essential tools and technologies for cloud development. A financial institution's infrastructure modernization case study illustrates the practical implementation of these concepts, demonstrating how cloud technologies and Java can enhance agility, reliability, cost-efficiency, and innovation in traditional industries.

Students’ Problem on Mastery of Islamic Religious Education Subject in Pandemic and Implications For The Curriculum Completeness and Competence Quality

Problems of learning Islamic Religious Education (PAI=Pendidikan Agama Islam) during the pandemic have been discussed a lot, but have not related much to the mastering PAI learning materials. The purpose of this study was to analyze the problem of student mastery in Islamic Religious Education during the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis includes: a description of students' mastery of material problems and their implications for curriculum completeness and competence quality. This qualitative research relies on interview, observation, and documentation data. The research participants involved 30 students and 6 teachers at SDI Luqman al-Hakim, SDN Integrated Model, and SDN Sobontoro I Bojonegoro. The results showed that based on the learning outcomes document, all students had exceeded the passing grade. but based on interviews, they do not understand the material they have studied. The problem of students' mastery of Islamic Religious Education during the Pandemic period was in the form of low achievement of cognitive aspects, inaccessibility of affective and psychomotor aspects. In line with that, the problem of student mastery of the PAI material has an impact on the problem of curriculum completeness and the quality of student competence. The results of this study recommend the importance of supporting institutional infrastructure, teachers and parents at home.

Ensuring the financial and economic security of enterprises of priority industries in the system of economic security of the state

Ensuring the financial and economic security of enterprises in priority sectors of the economy must be a clearly institutionalized process that takes place on an ongoing basis in accordance with the planned phasing of measures and their results on the way to achieving the defined general goal of state regulation. In order to achieve the expected results, an important place is taken by the selection of general scientific and specialized methodological tools, and preference is given to the methods of logical generalization, grouping, structural-functional analysis, and monographic description. A phasing scheme of shifts in the process of implementation by enterprises is proposed, as well as tools and institutional guidelines of the state policy of strengthening the financial security of priority sectors of the national economy of Ukraine. Staged changes in ensuring the financial and economic security of enterprises in priority sectors of the economy of Ukraine are divided into the context of economic (economic and legal regulation, detinization and modernization of capacities, investment and capitalization, development of the market environment, financial support and credit policy) and organizational (institutional support, business qualification – processes, financial and economic integration and cooperation, strategic management, infrastructural support) tools. Institutional guidelines for ensuring the financial and economic security of enterprises in the priority sectors of the Ukrainian economy are formed based directly on the financial (investment, monetary, fiscal, debt, banking, currency, fund, insurance) and economic (normative-legal, institutional-organizational, information-communication) tools , educational and educational, anticyclical, structural, regulatory, competitive) directions. In the perspective of research, it is appropriate to concentrate on improving institutional and legal provisions, identifying tools for the development of organizational and institutional infrastructure, implementing institutional and economic incentives, improving the regulatory and methodological base of financial and economic security of enterprises, priority industries and the state.

Analyzing the Impact of Institutional Infrastructure on Learner Participation in Distance Learning: A Kenyan Perspective

The paradigm shift towards distance learning has spurred the importance of institutional infrastructure in ensuring effective educational delivery. This study examines the relationship between institutional infrastructure and learner participation in the context of distance learning within Kenyan higher education. The research adopted a mixed-methods research design. The population of the study consisted of 441 learners in undergraduate programmes from the department of educational and distance studies at the University of Nairobi for the academic year 2022-2023. From this pool, a purposive sample of 180 students was selected to participate. A survey questionnaire, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative elements, served as the primary data collection tool. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted to get insights into how institutional infrastructure affected learners involvement in distance learning. The results show that learner involvement in distant learning and institutional infrastructure have a positive and substantial connection (β1 = 0.637, p value< 0.000). As a result, the study clarifies how important institutional infrastructure is to the development of fruitful remote learning opportunities. This study adds to the expanding corpus of research in the area of remote education and helps develop evidence-based tactics for encouraging student engagement in online learning settings.

The Institutional Ingredients of Polycrisis Management: Unpacking European Council’s Handling of the Energy Crisis

This article analyses how the European Council and the institutional infrastructure that supports it have been managing the early stages of the energy crisis. This was the time when the European Council, as the “control room” of EU crisis management, was unable to come up with any solutions to high energy prices. It makes a methodological and empirical contribution to the debate on how the European Council system manages (poly)crises. Methodologically, we introduce the method of embedded process tracing to study EU crisis management from within. Embedded process tracing combines mainstream causal process tracing techniques with elements from interpretivist approaches, to deal with context dependency, case heterogeneity, and empirical density. Empirically, we offer a process-management analysis of the first nine months of the energy crisis. We delineate the roles of various actors and institutions: the president of the European Council, the Council Secretariat, the Commission president, and the Commission Services. We unpack the crucial ingredients of polycrisis management: how to get and keep an issue on the agenda, how to shape and steer European-Council-level debates and conclusions, and how to ensure a proper follow-up by the Commission and the Council. Finally, we re-assess the image of the malfunctioning control room and show the causal relevance of the European Council’s early performance.

The History of Dutch Potato Breeding 1888–2018: from Hobby to Industry

The Netherlands has a world-leading position in potato breeding, but little is known about the factors that led to this success. This paper analyses the factors that have influenced the development of potato breeding in the Netherlands. This study is based on research of the grey and scientific literature and interviews with various representatives from the Dutch potato breeding sector. We distinguish four periods: (i) Before 1888, no potato breeding in the Netherlands existed whereas in other countries first crosses occurred. (ii) 1888–1940, more individuals started breeding out of interest and hobby to overcome the commonly observed degeneration of potato. (iii) 1940–1967 the emergence of a corporate set up of breeding by private companies collaborating with small breeders. (iv) 1967–present, towards full-fledged breeding industry supported by the new Seeds and Planting Materials Act (ZPW) in 1967 including the breeders’ rights. Many factors including cultural practices, diseases, and market that determine the strategy of breeding have been analysed. The development is most of all ‘crop driven’ to maintain the level of production. But it was also ‘export driven’ leading to the development of an export-oriented seed potato sector. The conclusion is that three elements were dominant in the development of a strong potato breeding sector: (1) the broad cooperation among all players in the potato chain, (2) the design of the institutional infrastructure, and (3) the remuneration of the breeding work through legislation regarding plant breeders’ rights. The study ends with an outlook on future trends, one of them leading from an open to a more closed business culture.

The Practice of Competition Regulation in the International Procurement and State Procurement Administration in Georgia

Under conditions of the emerging economy, together with the mobilization of the state income, it becomes increasingly important to rationalize the expenses. Under the market economy the government has to intervene in the market functioning in order to protect competitive mechanisms that ensure democratic choice. The regulations of the government includes the implementation of state economic policy, as well as addressing the issues that otherwise are impossible to be solved with self-regulating market mechanisms. The function of supervision the competition legislation is shifting to the judiciary and the special regulatory institutions, but the state procurement administration and anti-monopoly regulations still remain the prerogative of the executive body(the government). In the international practice the systems of the international procurement differs from each other, though they have common characteristics mainly regarding the general principles and applied methods. In addition, the level of procurement centralization and the administration quality varies from country to country. Also in each state there is at least one governmental body(in form of an agency, department, office, etc) that regulates and exercises the overall coordination of the procurement policy throughout the country. Generally this very body is responsible for the monitoring state procurement and administrating the signed contracts. In some countries additionally a special governmental office of public provision is made up that carries out the procurementof standard products and services through tenders on the basis of orders placed by state managing bodies and different organizations and then supply appropriate companies. As it turned out, the similar body is to be established in the near future in Georgia.In order to successfully introduce in Georgia the positive experience existing in the international procurement-management practice, it is equally important to have high quality law, also appropriate institutional infrastructure, the support from the authorities. In addition, it is essential to ensure the availability of the information necessary for public monitoring and the professionalism of the parties participating in the procurement process. In Georgia the law regulating the state procurement is mainly harmonized with internationalstandards, though some indirect related legal acts need further refinement. The experience of the international procurement proves that it is equally important to correctly plan the state procurement, as well as correctly organize the procurement procedures and sign fair contracts. In addition, it is important that obligations written in the contracts are fully implemented and public monitoring requires that the accountability system is strictly defined.

Improving Agricultural Policy Decisions through Replications

SummaryCurrently, policy decisions are often made based on untested scientific results. Replication studies repeat previously published research and, thus, are an effective way to test the validity and reliability of research studies, as well as to test the potential for generalisations of such studies. Replications can contribute to improved policy decisions and thus more efficient use of resources. To date, very few replications of research in agricultural economics are available and the incentives to engage in replications are low. Moreover, the conditions for replicating studies are poor. For example, published articles often lack full transparency in terms of documentation, data and computer code. This Point de Vue highlights the advantages of striving for conditions that facilitate replication studies and foster such a culture in agricultural economics. Policymakers could explicitly invite and support replications of studies that are key for good policymaking. To this end, they can address both demand‐side and supply‐side problems of replications, for example, by inviting, valuing and supporting replications of policy‐relevant analyses and by providing institutional and legal infrastructure facilitating open science and replications. With this, policy can support the agricultural economics profession, while agricultural economists can support sound policymaking, both reaping the benefits of a more transparent research culture.

Manajemen Hubungan Masyarakat dalam Mengembangkan Sarana dan Prasarana di Lembaga Pendidikan

Public relations management is a function of management that links educational institutions and the community. In developing facilities and infrastructure in educational institutions, it will impact public attention and concern regarding the quality of education. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method. The research results show that 1) Public relations planning involves all parties related to the activity program being implemented, 2) Organizing the division of work, facilities and infrastructure coordinator, public relations coordinator in providing the facilities and infrastructure needed by students; 3) Implementing the public relations activity program, the school collaborates with the community by procuring facilities and infrastructure; 4) Public relations evaluation is carried out by comparing the program that has been established with the implementation of the program. Public relations evaluation is carried out by the school principal and deputy head of public relations.
 

The political economy of healthcare access and Chicagoland health-oriented non-profit organizations

This paper analyzes how nonprofit organizations targeting Latine communities in the Chicago suburbs played a role in healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic through both political and material actions. Using mixed methods, this research explores the organizational and political infrastructural differences between Chicago and Chicago suburban nonprofit community-based organizations (CBOs) as they responded to the COVID-19 crisis. Data was collected through both interviews with CBO organizers, and spatial analysis of a database of nonprofit organizations in the Chicagoland area. The findings advance the concept of the infrastructure of civic institutions through finding that distance and differences in funding and collaboration amongst CBOs significantly impact the access of CBOs to structural supports to then provide for their communities. This analysis also includes the comparison of two CBOs to illustrate these geographic differences in funding and collaboration. These findings help demonstrate the need for a more collaborative and versatile design of community-based work, which moves away from the traditional nonprofit funding structure.

Why and how you matter: learning development as everyday leadership

For the learning developers, operating within the third space in higher education (between academic-faculty positions, and professional/learning services and administration) brings its rewards through supporting students and staff to succeed. However, well-documented challenges, such as uncertainty around own professional identity; own place in the institutional culture and infrastructure; entitlement to CPD; and career progression trajectory (Silvey, Pejcinovic and Snowball, 2018; Obexer, 2020; Clark, 2021). Learning Developers who often are employed as both academics and professional services may find themselves grappling with finding ways to capture and evidence impact of their activity on their students’ academic and broader experience and proving their worth to their institution and the sector on the whole (Riggio, 2020). Our institutions may feel like worlds of academic standards and managerial constraints, neither of which helps reinforce the feeling of empowerment and belonging among learning developers.
 Everyday leadership, as a position and behaviour of choice, can help navigate these challenges, at individual, institutional and LD community levels. Everyday leadership has links with a stronger sense of empowerment, self-fulfilment and belonging – to the collective LD community, and to the institution (Drury, Evripidou, and Van Zomeren, 2015). Everyday leadership implies influence, and therefore, impact. In this session, we applied our thinking from Cashman (2017) and Whitelaw (2020) and define leadership as extending your energy into “things that matter” (Whitelaw, 2020. NP), to create value for others. Everyday leaders are all individuals, notwithstanding of their status, who “influence others to achieve shared objectives for the good of the collective” (Riggio, 2020, NP). Our participants also explored, and reframed their activity from the angle of everyday leadership – such as influencing peers and students, mentoring peers, initiating or leading a project, speaking up, acting as an active bystander. Finally we referred to broad themes from the ALDinHE Leadership Community of Practice. Participants shared practice and came up with a range of everyday leadership ‘expressions’ which are meaningful to them, within the context of their value and purpose; empowerment and belonging; influence and impact. Participants were encouraged to commit to one new everyday leadership action/ behaviour.