Academic Participation Research Articles

Internationalising student learning at the meso level: the impact of grassroots leadership in a university in Central Europe

AbstractThis study investigates the meso level impact of an academic development programme on internationalisation. We demonstrate the relevance of the framework of grassroots leadership in higher education in the Central European context and show how individual programme participants acting as grassroots leaders influence departmental attitudes and practices regarding internationalisation and student-centred learning. We identify two successful strategies—single-issue and multifaceted—for grassroots leadership. The study finds that established faculty member participants who are also active as grassroots leaders facilitate the spreading of the influence of an internationalisation programme beyond the individual level, highlighting the differences and similarities in the activism of faculty grassroots leaders in Central Europe vis-à-vis the USA.

Academia-pharmaceutical industry linkage: An academic perspective.

The pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan has grown over a period, however, there are several barriers in the framework governing the growth of the country's pharmaceuticals. The lack of academia-industry linkage (AIL) is among the critical barriers; hence the focus of the study is to find out the reasons for the lack in the above collaboration. Understanding barriers may help their redressal. This qualitative phenomenology-based study has been conducted in the most prominent pharmacy institutes, located in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sargodha, and Quetta. Academic participants, with a minimum experience of 10 years and designation of assistant professor or above were recruited with a two-stage selection process, purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews with academic experts. Thematic content analysis was employed to conclude the data. Analysis of data yielded 8 themes with 18 codes. The main reasons for neglected AIL were explained by a partial or complete lack of industrial research and development activities. Other key factors for the scarcity of AILs were the lack of positive attitude from both industry and academia, applied research in academics, and the research and development of the new molecules in the pharmaceutical industry. Support by the government and the drug regulatory authority of Pakistan in terms of regulatory and academic policies was also perceived to be absent. New horizons in research and development could be opened by providing applied research to industry, including but not limited to new molecule development. Academia-industry linkage could be boosted with government-backed funded projects and policies. Academia should focus on the industrial-demanded applied research.

545 Factors that impact the success of community-engaged research: perspectives from experienced researchers and community partners

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Involving community partners in translational research improves impact. Yet, community-engaged research is challenging, and teams vary in their success. This study builds the evidence of key barriers and facilitators to effective community-engaged team science by drawing on the perspectives of seasoned researchers and community partners. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted 3 focus groups with academic researchers (n=9) and 2 focus groups with community research partners (n=8). All participants were adults from the Southern California area, and had experience working on research teams that included academics and community partners. The focus group guide included questions about the participant’s experience with community-engaged research, including the value of these partnerships, examples of success and challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Transcriptions of the focus group recordings were analyzed to identify key themes and insights, and to explore similarities and differences between academic and community participant perspectives. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Both researchers and community partners saw the potential value of participating in community-engaged research. However, they identified challenges to address, including: 1) Community partners should be invited to participate in early stages of the research process as equal partners to help frame the objectives. 2) Community partner’s knowledge should be valued through the use of their ideas and input, and providing monetary compensation for their time. 3) Academic researchers should aim to build long-term meaningful relationships with the community and build cultural competency (language, culture, and trust). 4) Community partners should be closely involved with the interpretation of results to confirm accuracy and identify valuable insights, and these contributions should be acknowledged. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Community partners being undervalued is a central challenge of community-engaged research teams. Greater adoption of best practices in team science could empower community partners and increase the value of this research. Structural barriers related to research funding and academic promotion should align to support these efforts.

Enhancing current guidance for psoriatic arthritis and its comorbidities: recommendations from an expert consensus panel.

Existing guidelines for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) cover many aspects of management. Some gaps remain relating to routine practice application. An expert group aimed to enhance current guidance and develop recommendations for clinical practice that are complementary to existing guidelines. A steering committee comprising experienced, research-active clinicians in rheumatology, dermatology and primary care agreed on themes and relevant questions. A targeted literature review of PubMed and Embase following a PICO framework was conducted. At a second meeting, recommendations were drafted and subsequently an extended faculty comprising rheumatologists, dermatologists, primary care clinicians, specialist nurses, allied health professionals, non-clinical academic participants and members of the Brit-PACT patient group, was recruited. Consensus was achieved via an online voting platform when 75% of respondents agreed in the range of 7-9 on a 9-point scale. The guidance comprised 34 statements covering four PsA themes. Diagnosis focused on strategies to identify PsA early and refer appropriately, assessment of diagnostic indicators, use of screening tools and use of imaging. Disease assessment centred on holistic consideration of disease activity, physical functioning and impact from a patient perspective, and on how to implement shared decision-making. For comorbidities, recommendations included specific guidance for high-impact conditions such as depression and obesity. Management statements (which excluded extant guidance on pharmacological therapies) covered multidisciplinary team working, implementation of lifestyle modifications and treat-to-target strategies. Minimising corticosteroid use was recommended where feasible. The consensus group have made evidence-based best practice recommendations for the management of PsA to enhance the existing guidelines.

Preface

Introduction:The International Conference on Smart Energy (ICSE 2023) has been held on July 17th and 18th in Ancient Town of Fenghuang, China. The conference has been developed to provide networking and collaborating opportunities for practitioners in the fields of smart energy, low-carbon community, renewable energy and storage, as well as associated artificial intelligence (AI) applications. It is expected to engage the international participation of academics, researchers, and professional practitioners to share knowledge and experience from the frontiers of research and practices. The sharing of ideas would bridge the gaps and enrich the understanding at a systemic cross-disciplinary perspective. Tributes to colleagues:Dear experts and scholars in relevant fields:Welcome to attend the 2023 International Conference on Smart Energy (ICSE 2023), which is held in Ancient Town of Fenghuang, China. The conference would be sponsored by Australian Society of Energy and Building Sufficiency and Xijing University. The conference has been developed to provide networking and collaborating opportunities for practitioners in the fields of smart energy, low-carbon community, renewable energy and storage, as well as associated artificial intelligence (AI) applications. It is expected to engage the international participation of academics, researchers, and professional practitioners to share knowledge and experience from the frontiers of research and practices. The sharing of ideas would bridge the gaps and enrich the understanding at a systemic cross-disciplinary perspective. Sponsors:1. Australian Society of Energy and Building Sufficiency2. Xijing UniversityList of Committee, Conference Venue, The Model are available in this pdf.

THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL STRESS ON ACADEMICS' LIFE SATISFACTION

Increasing research reveals the impact of technostress on life satisfaction among academics. In line with the determined purpose, it is first determined whether there is a significant difference in terms of technostress and life satisfaction between demographic variables such as age, gender, field of science and years of experience. Secondly, an answer was sought to the question of whether there was a significant impact of technostress on life satisfaction. To achieve the determined research purpose, the relational scanning model was used. The study involved 342 academic participants working at different universities in Kyrgyzstan who agreed to participate voluntarily. The research was conducted with 342 academics, 207 women and 135 men. To analyze the data obtained, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was a low level of negative association between life satisfaction and the socially focused technostress sub-dimension score among the technostress sub-dimensions. Life satisfaction and general technostress level were determined to be permanent and significant among the technostress sub-dimensions such as profession-oriented, technical subject-oriented learning-teaching process-oriented and personal technostress sub-dimensions. The regression analysis revealed that general technostress emerged, but the sub-dimensions showed no influence on life satisfaction, and that single socially focused technostress had a negative predictive impact on life satisfaction. Keywords: academic productivity, life satisfaction, technostress, learning-teaching process

Local participants and uninvolved citizens: life beyond participatory research

ABSTRACT Participatory ethnography brings together strands of academic and local knowledge, transforming the positionality of both academic and local participants in the research site. The extent of citizen involvement in participatory (action) research and the ethical dilemmas for both academic and civil researchers have long been the subject of debate [Lenette, Caroline. 2022. Participatory Action Research: Ethics and Decolonization. New York: Oxford Academic]. Our paper focuses on how local participants manage their new knowledge and transformed ideologies in a local reality that remains highly (in)securitised. The research site presented in this paper is a small town in Hungary with a large Romani-speaking community. We organised monthly workshops in the town with the participation of academics, local Hungarian-Romani bilingual and Hungarian monolingual citizens. The present study is based on the findings of these workshops and on ethnographic work conducted by the academic participants with citizens not involved in the workshops. We draw attention to the fact that the dissemination of workshop results in the locality can be successful only if local citizens succeed in developing a transformative voice of their own which disrupts conventionalised discourse repertoires. The intersubjective dynamics between local v. non-local and participating v. non-participating actors determines the long-term sustainability and impact of participatory research projects.

Swedish musculoskeletal researchers view on a collaborative network and future research priorities in Swedish healthcare

AbstractBackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSK) are a global burden causing significant suffering and economic impact. Systematic identification and targeting of research questions of highest interest for stakeholders can aid in improving MSK disorder knowledge and management.ObjectiveTo obtain Swedish MSK researchers' opinions and views on a collaborative Swedish MSK network (SweMSK) and identify future research areas of importance for Swedish MSK research.MethodsA web‐based survey was conducted July to September 2021 to collect data from 354 Swedish MSK researchers. The survey focused on the need, objectives, and structure of a SweMSK network and identified prioritised areas for future MSK research.ResultsThe study included 141 respondents, of which 82 were associate professors or professors. The majority (68%) supported the creation of a new musculoskeletal network. The most supported element was increased collaboration regarding nationwide and multicenter studies. Respondents recommended the creation of a homepage and the establishment of national work groups with different specific interests as the primary elements of a new network.ConclusionThe results demonstrated a need and desire for increased national research collaboration and the creation of a new musculoskeletal network. The high academic experience and active research participation of the respondents suggest the need for MSK disorder knowledge and management improvement in Sweden. Therefore, the SweMSK network may help facilitate effective collaboration and research efforts that can contribute to the advancement of MSK disorder management and care. This study may provide valuable insights for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to improve MSK disorder care and management in Sweden.

However, what is legitimacy? Residents’ perception of the legitimacy of a Brazilian ethnic-cultural festival

ABSTRACT Despite being considered a solid and widely explored topic in the organisational context, legitimacy still needs more academic participation in empirical research in tourism. The same is true of festivals, which are considered an essential tool for cultural valorisation and must be considered authentic and legitimate by the population. Based on the above, this article aims to analyse how ethnic-cultural festivals acquire legitimacy in the local community's perception, using the current Brazilian Oktoberfest as the locus of study. To this end, an explanatory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach was adopted. Seventeen interviews were conducted with Blumenau residents who participated directly or indirectly in the most significant and oldest Brazilian Oktoberfest. The results provided theoretical and managerial contributions. It was noted that the legitimacy of ethno-cultural festivals is judged based on global, pragmatic, moral and cognitive aspects. It also emerged that symbolism represented local traditions, and the active and representative participation of the local community are the aspects that most legitimise such events.

Status Quo and Countermeasures of Academic Journals' WeChat Official Account Participation in Science Popularization

Taking 27 academic journals of the subject of "environmental science", which were also included in the core of Peking University in 2017 and 2020, as the research object, we investigated the science popularization participation of the academic journal WeChat official account. Research has found that the participation of natural science and technology academic journals in popular science varies. From the perspective of subject participation in popular science, academic journals have a relatively rich variety of popular science content types. From the perspective of academic journal participation in popular science, the number of popular science content types participated by each academic journal varies, and the positioning of journal participation in popular science has not yet formed differentiated development. The content types of academic journals in the field of "environmental science" participating in popular science can be classified into 9 categories: Discipline Review and Prospect, scientific briefings, promotion of science and technology and methods, industry dynamics and news, science and technology commendations, environmental governance systems, popular science knowledge, scientific research stories, and reader perspectives. Academic journals can fully utilize new media to participate in science popularization, and combine the positioning of the journal to take the path of distinctive science popularization participation.

Assessing the quality of the integrated tutor model for student support in Open Distance Learning

The demand for university education has put pressure on institutions of higher learning to provide access and quality student support because increased access to higher education should not compromise the quality of student support services. Tutorial support in Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) is one of the support services used by institutions to ensure increasing academic access, participation, and success. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee (STLC) of the University of South Africa (Unisa) appointed a committee in 2012 to develop the Integrated Tutor Model (ITM) to enhance academic activities. We established that there is a need to inquire into the quality of the ITM on tutor support services. We developed this qualitative exploratory study from the first author's PhD study that assessed the quality of tutorial support services that Unisa offers through the ITM. The ITM model integrates face-to-face (F2F) and online tutor systems in Unisa. We purposively selected students who participated in the F2F tutorials of the first and second semesters in 2022 to participate in this study. We collected data through individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). We learned that the students hold positive views about the quality of tutorials in terms of time management and the quality of recordings on Microsoft Teams, the competency of the tutors offering the modules, and the communication that they receive from the tutors. There were, however, challenges that the students faced such as load-shedding, network-related problems, and personal issues. The tutors mitigated these challenges by sending the students the recordings of the sessions. The study shares knowledge about the tutors' skills and creativity in the use of the ITM to provide quality support of student learning in an ODL higher institutional environment.

Beyond mere respect: new perspectives on dignity for healthcare workplace learning.

Although dignity in workplace learning in healthcare is gathering interest, we know little about stakeholders' conceptualizations in this area across professional groups. Dignity breaches in workplace learning are common, often with serious and long-lasting consequences for the affected. Conceptualizations shape behaviours and experiences. To prevent dignity violations in students' learning, it is thus important to understand stakeholders' understandings of the topic. This study therefore explores the dignity conceptualizations around workplace learning that students, placement educators and university staff hold across seven allied health professional groups. Using a social constructionist perspective, we conducted individual and group narrative interviews (n = 51) with students, placement educators and university workplace learning staff from seven allied health professional groups. We used the 5-step Framework Analysis to explore and develop themes, identifying differences and similarities across stakeholder groups. We identified eight distinct, yet interrelated, dimensions of dignity from participants' narratives: dignity as respect, dignity as self-x (the various relationships we have with ourselves), dignity as feeling safe, dignity as understanding otherness, dignity as supporting others, dignity as equality, dignity as professionalism, and dignity as belonging. Dignity as respect was identified across all participants, although mutual respect and a culture of respect were only present in academic participants' talk. The remaining seven dimensions all present important factors extending our understanding of the construct of dignity. In line with existing research, our study identifies the absence of an unambiguous, positive conceptualization of dignity in workplace learning among stakeholders. It adds novelty in two ways: by identifying dignity dimensions that require informed action beyond respecting others, and by revealing a tension between dignity as professionalism and dignity as equality. We suggest revising existing dignity concepts in workplace learning to address this tension and to reinforce that active care, team integration and skilled support are all non-negotiable elements of dignified behaviour within workplace learning.

ANALISIS TINGKAT KEBUGARAN FISIK MAHASISWA PENDIDIKAN OLAHRAGA MELALUI LATIHAN WEIGHT TRAINING

Students of the Sports Education Study Program experience problems of fatigue, lack of concentration, and inmotivation during theoretical lectures and practical activities that require endurance and flexibility. These observations indicate that a lack of physical fitness may affect academic performance and active participation in physical activity. The study aims to analyze the physical fitness of students through Weight training to improve their strength, endurance, and flexibility. This study used quantitative descriptive method by applying Weight training Exercise as an intervention. Analysis of the level of physical fitness showed that the strength aspect reached the high category by 60%, the endurance aspect reached the high category by 50%, and the flexibility aspect reached the high category by 40% of the total number of students. Weight training with exercise intensity, duration, regular diet, and adequate rest can effectively increase the strength, endurance, and flexibility of Sports Education Study Program students. This is very relevant to the purpose of sports education that wants to improve the physical abilities of students, both for the benefit of sports and health in general.

Research on Computer-aided Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Model and Algorithm

Abstract With the rapid development of science and technology, computer-aided technology has been widely used in the field of education, but in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship education (Hereinafter referred to as IEE), there are still problems such as uneven distribution of resources and the disconnection between teaching content and actual needs. This paper puts forward a new model framework of computer-aided IEE, which is student-centered and practice-oriented. Through clear teaching objectives, rich course content, diverse teaching methods, and a scientific evaluation system, students’ innovative consciousness and entrepreneurial ability are comprehensively improved. The course covers innovative thinking, business models, market research, and other theoretical knowledge, and introduces virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to simulate the real entrepreneurial process and provide a practical platform. In the aspect of algorithm application, the research combines the content recommendation algorithm and collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm, constructs accurate user portraits by analyzing students’ learning behavior data, and matches them according to the characteristics of learning resources to recommend personalized learning resources for students. At the same time, the learning path optimization algorithm is developed, and the personalized and efficient learning path is planned by using the shortest path algorithm in graph theory to ensure that students can master the required knowledge in the shortest time. The experimental part designed a one-semester teaching experiment, and compared the differences between the experimental group and the control group in academic performance, learning participation, and satisfaction. The results show that the computer-aided IEE model significantly improves students’ academic performance, learning participation, and satisfaction, which verifies the effectiveness of the model. The research on the model and algorithm of computer-aided IEE proposed in this paper provides new ideas and methods for IEE, and helps to cultivate more high-quality talents with innovative thinking and entrepreneurial ability.

A System Boundary Assessment of Emerging Materials: Manufacturing process of Microbial Bricks

The construction industry is under pressure to address climate change and resource scarcity, leading to a growing interest in emerging biobased materials. This research focuses on microbial bricks through a life cycle assessment (LCA) based on ISO 14042 standards and CML2001 impact categories, examining various environmental criteria across a defined system boundary: Manufacturing. The findings highlight the positive potential of biobased materials in contributing to a greener supply chain management for the construction industry, even more than clay that we know as an earth (green) material. The biggest differences lay in the use of fossil fuels, electricity, transportation, and the assembly process. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, these materials can lead to a more resilient and ecologically conscious sector, in alignment with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations (UN). The aim of this study is to stimulate additional dialogue and cooperation among academic and industrial participants to promote sustainable advancements in construction materials and manufacturing methods, transcending mere superficial green initiatives.

Impact of COVID-19 on Learning Behavior of Undergraduate Medical Students during Ophthalmology Module; Lessons Learnt

This qualitative study was carried out at Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah; KSA to explore the impact of COVID-19 and its related lockdown on the learning undergraduate medical students from December 2019 till July 2020. This qualitative exploratory study, utilizing online focus group discussions to explore the psychological impact of COVID-19 on student’s learning at Ophthalmology department of Batterjee medical college, Jeddah; KSA. Ethical approval was taken from the college and purposive convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. Data was transcribed and analyzed by using thematic analysis. The study identified multifold impact of COVID-19 on student’s learning faced by the 4th year undergraduate medical students during an Ophthalmology module. Social isolation and shift to online mode of teaching and learning were the main challenges that affected student’s learning in many ways. Four major effects of COVID-19 explored in the study were; psychological effects, impact of social disconnect with the peers and patients, impact on learning behavior changes and moment of myself. Results can be used by the medical educators to understand student’s mind and needs to enhance their academic participation, learning and performance especially in current circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic

The Influence of Teacher Professionalism and School Culture on Education Quality at Private Vocational High Schools in Indramayu

Education is essential in enhancing life quality. It fosters societal benefits and prosperity. The necessity of education extends its significance to individuals, societies, and even nations. Multiple elements contribute to enhancing education quality, encompassing teacher professionalism and school culture. Hence, this study assesses the impact of teacher professionalism and school culture on education quality, individually and collectively. The research utilizes a descriptive and verificative methodology, employing Likert scale questionnaires to gather data from 59 teachers. Regression analysis techniques process the data, and significance is assessed via F-tests. The findings indicate: (1) Teacher professionalism significantly and positively affects education quality; (2) School culture similarly exerts a positive and significant influence; (3) Simultaneously, teacher professionalism and school culture significantly enhance education quality. In light of these outcomes, the author proposes (1) Enhancing teacher professionalism through self-growth, academic participation, and adherence to ethical standards, further enriched by engaging in educational activities and community collaborations facilitated by school committees. (2) For improved education quality, emphasize the underrepresented dimension of norms within school culture, integrate various educational norms into school life and social interactions, and foster alignment with internal school policies and government regulations

Pengelolaan Pesisir melalui Penanaman Mangrove untuk Mendukung Pembangunan Berbasis Blue carbon di Kota Sorong

The high potential for carbon content in mangrove tree species proves that the ecological benefits of the mangrove ecosystem have a positive impact on efforts to mitigate climate change and global warming. The aim of this service is to increase public understanding of the importance of mangrove planting in supporting blue carbon-based development in Sorong City. Involvement in this activity includes community, local, student, and academic participation. The method used is descriptive-qualitative in the form of socialization and mangrove planting actions. The result of this service is that it can provide an understanding that the existence of the mangrove ecosystem in the coastal area of Klawulu Village has an important role in providing protection to this area. This function also contributes as a mitigation measure against the risk of flooding and global warming. Apart from that, during community service activities, there was a change in understanding about mangroves, which then created a positive response from the community to participate in maintaining and protecting the mangrove ecosystem to prevent climate change.

School counseling practices related to postsecondary STEM participation

AbstractThis qualitative exploratory cross‐case analysis analyzed the beliefs and practices of high school counselors related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic advisement, postsecondary planning, and career participation. Interviews were conducted with high school counselors (N = 13) who were purposively sampled to represent a diversity of schools in terms of demographic variables. Findings indicated that high school counselors perceived that (a) sociocultural factors influenced student preparation for STEM, career planning, and decision making; (b) students’ STEM‐related career goals and academic behaviors were sometimes misaligned, and academic advisement often mediated this tension; and (c) their professional STEM knowledge, beliefs, and practices were influenced by professional preparation, workplace characteristics, and their academic experiences. Implications include the need for early, sustained high school STEM counseling and academic advisement; accessible professional development in STEM preparation and careers to promote multiple pathways and reduce school counselor bias; and encouraging family involvement in STEM career decision making.

‘To go or not to go’: organizational determinants of academic staff participation in teaching mobility – a structural equation modelling approach

ABSTRACT Within the framework of the higher education internationalisation agenda, academic mobility has become a prevailing policy pillar in most universities, engaging both students and teaching staff. A growing body of literature investigates students’ experiences as the outcome of various mobility programmes. However, the encounters of teaching staff are still uncharted territory to a considerable extent. This study investigates precursors of staff mobility for teaching (SMT) in conjunction with three organisational attributes – learning organisational behaviour, support for SMT and strategic focus of institutions on internationalisation. We hypothesise that these organisational features are interrelated and have an impact on the probability of staff participating in mobility programmes for teaching purposes. We employ a structural equation modelling (SEM) with Maximum Likelihood estimation on data from a survey conducted in the framework of the Teach with Erasmus+ project from 745 academics in Europe. Findings support our argument that recognizing and understanding the relevance and interdependency of organisational learning and strategic support contribute to the creation of an inclusive and responsive climate encouraging SMT.