Educational Opportunities Research Articles

Assessing the effect of open distance and E-learning (ODeL) in enhancing women’s access to higher education in Zambia

Gender inequality remains a significant issue in developing nations, where many women face social, cultural, and political stigmas, stereotypes, and subjugations. Lack of education is a primary cause of these inequalities, disproportionately affecting women. Highly educated women are often perceived as rude, uncooperative, and incapable of managing household duties, discouraging some women and their parents from pursuing higher education. This study aimed at assessing the effect of Open Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) in enhancing women’s access to higher education in Zambia. The study utilized a desk review methodology, examining relevant empirical literature to identify main themes and extract knowledge gaps. The study found that women are significantly marginalized by conventional learning systems at the university level, with restrictive socio-economic factors being the primary barriers to accessing tertiary education. The study further established that ODeL provide women with the flexibility to study while working and managing family responsibilities. ODeL helps women overcome constraints related to time, space, resources, and socio-economic barriers, significantly contributing to their empowerment. The study therefore recommends pursuing policies and programs to develop information and communication technology (ICT) and open distance education to broaden access to quality educational opportunities for women in higher education.

Educational Opportunity in Neoliberal Era: A Survey in Public and Institutional Schools of Nepal

Educational Opportunity in Neoliberal Era: A Survey in Public and Institutional Schools of Nepal

Islamic Worldview dan Pendidikan Perempuan

The Islamic worldview is a framework of thought that underpins Muslims' understanding of life and reality, based on the principle of tauhid (monotheism), encompassing both worldly and spiritual dimensions. This article aims to explore the fundamental concepts and key elements of the Islamic worldview and link them to the issue of women's education. The discussion emphasizes how the Islamic worldview supports gender equality in educational opportunities and counters stereotypes that undervalue the need for higher education for women. Through qualitative analysis using a descriptive-analytical approach, the article elaborates on Islamic values that emphasize the importance of education as a means of character development and improving the quality of women's lives. The study reveals that women's education in Islam is not merely a right but also an obligation, playing a strategic role in building a just, inclusive, and sustainable civilization.

The Mediating Role of Teacher Support in The Relationship between Marginalization and Academic Performance among Migrant Children in China--Evidence from CEPS Data

Migrant children are a special group in the process of China's economic development. They not only linger on the edge of unequal educational opportunities but are also marginalized in schools. Using data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), a nationally representative sample of junior high school students, the study attempts to examine the relationship between migrant children's marginalization and academic achievement and check the moderating role of teacher support in this relationship. The results show that positive teacher support has a negative moderating effect on the marginalization of migrant children. When teachers take a positive and supportive attitude toward socially marginalized students, the marginalized children are more integrated within their peer groups over time. The more actively teachers support migrant children, the more they can reduce the probability of migrant children being marginalized. Teacher support also has a positive impact on migrant children's social behavioral development and academic performance to a large extent. The positive attitude of teachers enables migrant children, a marginalized group, to have stronger school adaptability and a more positive development direction of social behavior and academic performance.

The Impact of School Service Quality on Student Learning Satisfaction: A Comparative Study of Public and Private High Schools in China

ABSTRACTThis study examined the relationship between school service quality and student learning satisfaction in public and private high schools in China, considering the influence of students' socioeconomic background and household registration location. A comparative study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to 22,588 students in 20 districts in X City in China. Following the structural equation modelling (SEM), the study found that four factors of school service quality (e.g. reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) positively influenced student learning satisfaction in both public and private high schools. Additionally, measurement invariance was maintained across different school types, socioeconomic background and household registration location, which validates the comparability of data across these diverse groups. Latent mean comparison revealed that students from private high schools and those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds experienced greater satisfaction with school services quality and learning experience than their peers in public schools and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study emphasised the need for educational policies that address these disparities to improve the quality of education in public schools and support students from less advantaged backgrounds. Such policies are crucial for promoting equitable educational opportunities and enhancing overall student satisfaction.

Virtual 3D reconstruction of complex congenital cardiac anatomy from 3D rotational angiography

BackgroundDespite advancements in imaging technologies, including CT scans and MRI, these modalities may still fail to capture intricate details of congenital heart defects accurately. Virtual 3D models have revolutionized the field of pediatric interventional cardiology by providing clinicians with tangible representations of complex anatomical structures. We examined the feasibility and accuracy of utilizing an automated, Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven, cloud-based platform for virtual 3D visualization of complex congenital heart disease obtained from 3D rotational angiography DICOM images.MethodsFive patients selected at random with 3DRA performed in the pediatric cardiac catheterization suite were selected. 3DRA’s were performed following published institutional protocols and segmentations performed by primary operators. The 3DRA DICOM images were anonymized as per protocol and exported. Images when then processed by Axial3D Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven cloud-based platform for virtual segmentation. Two separate expert operators were selected to subjectively analyze the segmentations and compare them to the operator reconstructions for anatomic accuracy.ResultsComparing results with local reconstructions by expert operators, five different patient anatomies were analyzed, showcasing Axial3D’s ability to produce highly detailed reconstructions with improved visual appeal, including color-coded segments for implanted materials like stents. The reconstructions exhibited superior segmentation of different intrathoracic structures when compared to local models, offering valuable insights for medical professionals and patients.ConclusionsThe use of the AI driven, cloud-based platform for 3D visualization of complex congenital heart lesions presents a promising advancement in pediatric interventional cardiology, facilitating enhanced patient care, procedural planning, and educational opportunities for trainees and patients alike.

Patient Performance of Care Tasks During Acute Hospitalisation: A Scoping Review.

Patient self-care is established as improving outcomes, yet acute care in hospitals is provided such that patients tend to be passive recipients of care. Little is known about the extent and type of patient participation in treatment care tasks in acute hospital settings. To map and synthesise available literature on self-performance of care tasks in acute hospital settings. A scoping review was conducted guided by JBI methodology. A literature search was conducted in July 2021 and updated in March 2024 across five databases: Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Web of Science. Studies were screened using predefined eligibility criteria. Full-text screening and data extraction were performed independently by two researchers. Data were collected using a template specifically designed for this review. Reporting followed the PRISMA-ScR guideline. Of the 31,361 articles identified, 35 were included. Most of the articles were experimental (n = 20) and conducted in Europe (n = 13), North America (n = 10) and Australia (n = 3). Studies were classified according to investigation of the performance of care tasks (n = 6) or of the outcomes of the performance of the self-care task (n = 29). Most tasks performed involved self-administration of medication (n = 31), only 4 articles referred to other care tasks. Most articles focused on acute tasks (n = 18), while 15 articles referred to chronic care tasks. Ostomy self-care (n = 2) was a separate category, being an acute task that continued into chronic self-care. Performance of care tasks by patients in acute care settings are predominantly related to chronic and pain medication administration. Patient preferences and competency to self-perform care tasks during hospitalisation should be assessed and monitored and supported accordingly. Utilising hospitalisation time to observe and assess self-care practices could provide additional teaching opportunities to patient self-care and improve overall care continuity. The PRISMA-ScR guideline was followed. No Patient or Public Contribution. This review was registered on Open Science Framework before running the final search: (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/D8KS2).

Recalibrating educational opportunity for underprivileged communities in Pakistan

Recalibrating educational opportunity for underprivileged communities in Pakistan

Breathing Easy: A Qualitative Analysis of School Nurse and Administrator Perspectives on Stock Inhalers and School-Based Asthma Management.

Stock inhalers are unassigned rescue inhalers available for students who experience asthma symptoms at school. This study sought to understand school nurse and administrator perspectives on school-based asthma management and stock inhaler policy implementation. Twenty-three semistructured interviews were conducted with professionals from five high asthma burdened counties in varied geographic settings. Thematic analysis revealed three themes. "School-Based Asthma Management" revealed concerns about management methods of asthma and respiratory emergencies, and incident tracking. "Access to a Supportive Asthma School Environment" emphasized growth opportunities for family education, staff training, and resource access. "Stock Inhaler Programming" described how stock inhalers ensure consistent asthma medication access with easy integration into existing emergency protocols. With proper adoption and dissemination, stock inhaler programming has the capacity to enhance school-based asthma management and emergency responsiveness in schools across the country. This study highlights how health policy implementation and its integration into practice can transform school health.

P0770 Assessing the level of anxiety among patients attending an IBD surveillance

Abstract Background The aim of the project was to assess the level of anxiety among patients attending an IBD surveillance colonoscopy as well as their views on the bowel preparation, their understanding of the purpose of the procedure and their perceived risk of colorectal cancer. We hypothesised that there is a link between the anxious state and the perceived risk of colon cancer. Methods Questionnaires were conducted immediately pre-endoscopy. Anxiety was assessed quantitatively using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)(1) as well as through qualitative feedback. Tolerance of bowel preparation was also assessed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative assessment, including a visual analogue scale (VAS 0=worst to 100=best). Perceived risk of colorectal cancer in the next ten years was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS 0 to 100% risk). Results A total of 42 patients participated. 38% of respondents reported feeling anxious about their colonoscopy however the mean STAI score for the cohort was relatively low (STAI score 34 SD=11.6) being comparable to normal working adults (mean STAI=35)(1). 45% reported anxiety regarding bowel preparation and 33% felt they tolerated it poorly (VAS ≤50). 100% of respondents reported that the purpose of surveillance had been explained to them, however only 10% of respondents mentioned the word "cancer" when asked to clarify their understanding of this. The range of cancer risk perception over the next ten years was 0% to 70% risk, and the median was 0.9% (SD=24). There was no correlation between STAI scores and perceived cancer risk (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.43). Conclusion IBD patients attending surveillance colonoscopy have low levels of anxiety and lower than those attending colorectal cancer screening (mean STAI=45)(2). There is a wide range of perceived colorectal cancer risk and our results suggest there is an opportunity for patient education on the purpose of surveillance and estimates of their risk of colorectal cancer. There is no correlation between anxiety and perceived cancer risk in our cohort. Bowel preparation is a common cause of anxiety and a third of patients tolerate it poorly. Approaches to address this would have a significant benefit on patient experience in IBD surveillance endoscopy. References (1)Spielberger, C. D., Gorsuch, R. L., Lushene, R., Vagg, P. R., & Jacobs, G. A. (1983). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press (2)Shaikh AA, Hussain SM, Rahn S, Desilets DJ. Effect of an educational pamphlet on colon cancer screening: a randomized, prospective trial. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Apr;22(4):444-9. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e328333fca6. PMID: 19940781.

Non‐territorial arrangements in interwar Soviet Ukraine: The development of the judicial network for minority populations

AbstractIn the 1920s, in Soviet Union ethnicity became territorially institutionalised, meaning that every Soviet nationality was promised a territory of their own, either in the form of a separate or an autonomous Soviet republic, national region or a separate national town or village council (soviet). Within those national‐territorial units, the Soviet state strove to provide access to state institutions, political representation, police and judicial protection, healthcare, education and cultural opportunities in the minority language. Ukraine's minorities, however, were often linguistically assimilated and territorially dispersed, making the Bolshevik territorial solutions, with some exceptions, ill‐suited to serve the republic's non‐Ukrainian population. Using the development of judicial network for minorities in early Soviet Ukraine as a case study, this article demonstrates how in the Soviet context, non‐territorial arrangements, despite conceptual resentment, were incorporated into everyday practices in parallel with national territorialisation. By doing so, this article aims to examine some overlooked aspects of the early Soviet minorities experiment and determine a correlation between hard‐line Ukrainisation—a policy of linguistic and bureaucratic de‐Russification of the republic and minority policies. Secondly, this study aims to introduce the Soviet case into the context of non‐territorial autonomy developed and implemented throughout postwar Europe.

P0376 Advancing intestinal ultrasound for IBD in Turkey: results of a national survey

Abstract Background Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly valued as a noninvasive tool for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, enabling real-time, radiation-free assessment of bowel wall thickness, vascularity, and complications like abscesses.1 Studies show that IUS achieves accuracy levels comparable to traditional imaging methods.2,3 ECCO guidelines recommend the application of IUS for monitoring disease activity and assessing response to treatment.4 IUS is increasingly adopted in Europe and other regions. To date, there has been scarce data on the application of IUS in Turkey, a gap this study seeks to fill. Methods We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey targeting both adult and pediatric gastroenterologists across Turkey. The survey was distributed to 817 adult and 150 pediatric gastroenterologists through the Turkish Society of Gastroenterology. The survey included 26 structured questions divided into sections on demographic data, familiarity with and usage of IUS, and perceived barriers to the implementation of IUS. Participants also provided information about their training in ultrasound and their institution type, experience level, and specialty focus. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize the findings, and the Pearson Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data between groups. Results Of the 817 adult and 150 pediatric gastroenterologists contacted, a total of 191 responses were received, comprising 84 pediatric gastroenterologists (response rate: 56.0%) and 107 adult gastroenterologists (response rate: 13%). Regarding training in IUS, 73% (n=140) of respondents noted they had not received formal training. Significant differences in IUS utilization were observed between pediatric and adult gastroenterologists (Figure 1). Adult gastroenterologists were more likely to perform IUS independently compared to pediatric gastroenterologists (29.0%, n=31 versus 2.4%, n=2; p<0.001). Of note, 62.6% (n=67) of adult gastroenterologists and 46.4% (n=39) of pediatric gastroenterologists did not use IUS at all. Altogether, 94% (n=179) of participants emphasized the necessity of expanding educational opportunities for gastroenterologists and expressed their willingness to attend a dedicated course (Figure 2). Additionally, 86.4% (n=165) favored the establishment of national guidelines to increase IUS adoption. Conclusion Our findings reveal a significant gap between the potential value of IUS in managing IBD and its current level of utilization in Turkey. Key barriers identified in our study include insufficient training opportunities, suggesting a clear need for structured educational programs and national IUS guidelines. Expanding IUS utilization has the potential to optimize IBD management in Turkey.

Enhancing learning experiences for students with learning disabilities through digital pedagogies: insights from Saudi schools

ABSTRACT The combination of digital technologies in the educational curriculum provides better learning experiences for students with learning disability. This study delves into the influence of digital pedagogies on the perspectives of students with learning difficulties in Saudi schools. The study aims to investigate how digital pedagogies influence the students with the learning disability learning process in school educational settings. The data were gathered from 410 students with learning disability through interviews. The findings of the study reveal the benefits of digital pedagogies which provide an individualized learning experience based on the diverse requirements and preferences of individual learners, increase motivation levels, and foster engagement in learning activities. The study result indicates that utilizing the digital pedagogies resources contributes to the self-learning capacity of students with learning disability, and leads to the positive perception of engaging in learning and accessing educational resources. The study makes a novel contribution to analyzing the students with learning difficulties perspectives related to digital pedagogies' influences on students' learning outcomes in the Saudi School context. The study demonstrates leveraging digital technologies to create more equitable and accessible educational opportunities for students with learning disability and fostering a more inclusive educational system.

Challenges of Contemporary Practice: Internists Maintaining Competency in Multiple Specialties.

Despite increasing physician specialization, high-quality continuing professional development is needed for continual mastery learning, especially focused on multiple specialties. Board certification is considered a surrogate for competency, and some stakeholders consider it suboptimally aligned with its primary purpose. We set to explore the motivation for continued education and competence in physicians who are board certified in multiple specialties. We performed a qualitative study using thematic analysis. Semistructured interviews were performed virtually. Landscapes of practice, an extension of communities of practice within sociocultural learning theory, was used as a theoretical framework. Fifteen internists and their related subspecialties performing continual board certification completed the study. We identified six themes describing the underlying motivation for why physicians maintain competency in multiple medical specialties: Social responsibility, Promise of expertise, Enhanced job opportunities, Widened expertise, Professional requirements, and Personal fulfillment. The landscape of medicine continues to evolve in how it is practiced. How a physician navigates this process, maintaining their competency, is a continuous lifelong learning process, and there are multiple ways. A portion of internal medicine physicians are motivated to practice in multiple specialties, recognizing the opportunities and challenges involved. The practical application of this study would include organizational-based education focused on hybrid learning (education explicitly focusing on overlapping or cross-discipline fields). Despite a plethora of educational opportunities, there is very little with the focus on cross-discipline education and training.

Developing a collaborative Dungeness crab larval monitoring network in the Salish Sea to provide long-term, fishery-relevant data

Abstract Many natural resources are managed without essential, biologically relevant data. Fisheries are particularly susceptible to this reality and, thus, are vulnerable to environmental changes and disturbances, with both human livelihoods and the health of ecological systems at stake. Here, we explore how the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) employs a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach to generate the information needed to inform a data-poor, co-managed fishery, using the example of Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister in the northeastern Pacific’s Salish Sea. We focus on the PCRG larval crab monitoring network as a multifaceted case study, which unites tribal, state, and federal governments, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and local communities working to produce the first standardized continuous data set on Dungeness crab larval dynamics in the region. Highlighting the types of biological data collected, including spatial and temporal patterns of larval flux and larval size, we explore the application of novel data to fisheries management, as well as the network’s contribution to a diversity of educational opportunities and ability to leverage new research projects and collaborations. The success of PCRG’s larval crab monitoring network ultimately highlights the effectiveness of a cooperative, network-based approach in addressing fisheries management challenges and offers a viable model for managing data-poor systems worldwide.

Economic value of HPC experience for new STEM professionals: Insights from STEM hiring managers

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate particular aspects of the STEM job market in the US. In particular, we ask: could the possession of high performance computing (HPC) skills enhance the chances of a person getting a job and/or increase starting salaries for people receiving an undergraduate or graduate degree and entering the technical workforce (rather than academia)? We also estimate the value to the US economy of practical experience offered to US students through training about HPC and the opportunity to use HPC systems funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and accessible nationally.MethodsInterviews and surveys of employers of graduates in STEM fields were used to gauge demand for STEM graduates with practical HPC experience and the salary increase that can be associated with the possession of such skills. We used data from the XSEDE project to determine how many undergraduate and graduate students it enabled to acquire practical proficiency with HPC.ResultsPeople with such skills who had completed an undergraduate or graduate degree received an initial median hiring salary of approximately 7%–15% more than those with the same degrees who did not possess such skills. XSEDE added approximately $10 million or more per year to the US economy through the practical educational opportunities it offered.DiscussionPractical hands-on experience provided by the US federal government, as well as many universities and colleges in the US, holds value for students as they enter the workforce.ConclusionPractical training in HPC during the course of undergraduate and graduate programs has the potential to produce positive individual labor market outcomes (i.e., salary boosts, signing bonuses) as well as to help address the shortage of STEM workers in the private sector of the US.

Islamic Law Approach to Mitigate the Impact of Early Marriage: A Case Study in Sapeken district, Sumenep, Madura

The study analyzed the impact of early marriage in Sapeken district, Sumenep, Madura, from the perspective of Islamic law, with a special emphasis on reproductive health, education, and the well-being of young women. This study investigates the social, cultural, and religious factors that drive the practice of early marriage as well as its negative effects. This research was conducted using a qualitative case study method. The results of the study showed that early marriage worsened physical and mental health, limited educational and employment opportunities, and increased women's economic dependence. Reproductive health education, premarital counselling, and economic empowerment programs are suggestions to address this problem. Following the principles of Maqasid Sharia which emphasizes the protection of individual life and welfare, religious leaders and community leaders have an important role in educating the public about the importance of physical and mental readiness before marriage. This method is expected to change the perspective of society and reduce the prevalence of early marriage. In addition, the study provides policy advice based on Islamic law that can improve the welfare of young women through the incorporation of social, educational, and health reforms in the island community

Promoting Equal Protection and Regulatory Remedies for Balanced Civic Education

This article examines the teaching of civic engagement in academic settings, focusing on its role in generating new knowledge and fostering social and personal action. The article proposes regulatory remedies to ensure a fair and balanced curriculum supporting diverse worldviews and productive discourse, promoting student civic participation. The legal principle of equal protection, enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment, serves as the foundation. The Fourteenth Amendment emphasizes equal treatment and opportunities for all, including access to a well-rounded education. By incorporating its principles into education, the article highlights the need to promote fair, civic education that empowers all students to participate actively in their communities. I recommend regulatory remedies to solidify education’s nature and foster a balanced curriculum. The proposed remedies ensure that various worldviews are embraced, promoting productive and amicable discourse among students. Creating an inclusive learning environment also allows students to engage in critical thinking and develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, ultimately enhancing their civic participation. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of regulatory safeguards against biased or exclusionary educational practices to ensure that all students have equal educational opportunities, regardless of their background or beliefs. By eliminating barriers and promoting a fair educational system, students can develop the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to their communities actively. By incorporating the legal principle of equal protection with respect to perspectives represented on campus, the article advocates for legal and regulatory remedies to promote a fair and balanced curriculum that supports diverse worldviews.

Analysis of "Dr Ding Xiang" on WeChat in China to Determine Factors Influencing Readership on Medical Social Media: Observational Study.

With the rapid expansion of social media platforms, the demand for health information has increased substantially, leading to innovative approaches and new opportunities in health education. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of articles published on the "Dr Ding Xiang" WeChat official account (WOA), one of the most popular institutional accounts on the WeChat platform, to identify factors influencing readership engagement and to propose strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of health information dissemination. A total of 5286 articles published on the "Dr Ding Xiang" WOA from January 2021 to December 2021 were collected and analyzed. Additionally, a random sample of 324 articles was selected for detailed text analysis. Univariate analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. In 2021, the total number of reads for "Dr Ding Xiang" articles reached 323,479,841, with an average of 61,196 reads per article. Articles exceeding 100,000 reads accounted for 33.90% of the total. Most articles were published during the time slots of 8:00-10:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 8:30-10:30 PM. Analysis indicated that the order of publication, style of the title sentence, number of likes, number of in-views, total likes on comments, and number of replies to comments were significantly associated with an article's number of reads. Text analysis further revealed that the article's reasoning approaches and concluding methods also had a significant impact on readership. To enhance readership and the effectiveness of health communication, health-focused WOAs should consider key factors such as optimal publication timing, engaging title design, and effective content structuring. Attention to these elements can improve user engagement and support the broader dissemination of health information.

Corporate distance education: challenges and opportunities in the Central-west region of Brazil

Corporate education in distance learning addresses the demands of advancing technology and the rapid dissemination of information, reshaping employee training, aligning knowledge and skills, and teaching-learning outcomes in public organizations. This study explores the challenges and opportunities of corporate education in the distance learning modality within corporate schools associated with the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary branches in Mato Grosso, Brazil. A qualitative research approach was employed, incorporating document analysis, non-participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with managers, educators, students, technicians, and analysts from the selected schools. Content analysis was the chosen methodology for interpreting the data. The results revealed that pedagogical structuring is the primary challenge, while effective planning represents the main opportunity for corporate schools in Mato Grosso.