University Partnerships Research Articles

The Management of Teaching in Online and Blended Learning Applied in the Project “Modern Competences of Academic Teachers – the Key to Modern Higher Education Institutions” – Acronym MOCAT

The management of teaching is connected and could be increased by using a wide range of different methods especially when we refer to Online and Blended learning. In the first part, the paper is aiming at reviewing the literature regarding the concepts and benefits of Online and Blended learning. Based on this considerations, 8 partner universities from 8 countries jointly developed the Project “Modern competences of academic teachers – the key to modern Higher Education Institutions (HEI)” – Acronym MOCAT. The paper underlines the goals and achievements of the MOCAT project that proposes a conceptual process to increase the management performance in teaching. The paper shows in an organized manner the main deficiencies that are altering the teaching competencies of academic teachers and in connection with this, the project offers solutions to improve the methodological competency of the teachers regarding the development and use of modern approaches. The outcomes of the project consist in the development and implementation of a Multicultural Model of an Academic Teacher Competencies and in 10 online courses that represent modern training materials in the field of teaching methodology. In the end are exposed the way the results of the project can be evaluated in time as well as the anticipated effects of the project implementation.

Universities as Partners in Primary Health Care Innovation.

Universities have a unique role in the health ecosystem as providers of trained staff and discoverers of health innovations. However, often they sit in silos waiting for their rare blockbuster discoveries to change clinical care or seeing health services simply as future employers of their graduates or clinical trial sites. It is a transactional and targetted relationship. This present case study is of a primary health service Access Health and Community (AccessHC) in Australia and its university partner Swinburne University of Technology. Together they established a Kickstart Program which was to provide seed funding for small joint innovation projects generated by both organisations. One project exemplifies the approach. Swinburne who has a Design School was encouraged through the Kickstart Program to design a clinical waiting room of the future. This project started with a needs analysis. The written report was to inform the design. University staff linked with their internal University animations expertise to better communicate the needs analysis. The “Access me Not” animation was created, unknown to the staff at AccessHC. At initial presentation, the way the animation communicated was not imaginable by AccessHC. “Access me not” was submitted for the 2018 International Design Awards and received an honourable mention. However, the AccessHC staff saw other uses for the approach and contacted Swinburne to design a client journey animation for the newly introduced National Disability Scheme (NDIS). The co design produced an animation of immense help to parents in navigating the scheme for complex and chronic disability care and for AccessHC the scripting served as a framework to develop it new internal NDIS care systems and processes. The Swinburne team is now producing health navigation animations for the State Department of Health and Human Services. The Kickstart Program was an engagement strategy that has produced a set of health communication tools that the health service could not have envisaged and which the University could not have imagined an application. Small low risk seed funding can indeed introduce innovations and create beneficial relationships between health services and universities.

Evaluation of a patient and public involvement training programme for researchers at a large biomedical research centre in the UK

ObjectivesTo design, deliver and evaluate a programme of training workshops for biomedical researchers aimed at building confidence and skills in actively involving patients and the public (PPI) in research.DesignA bespoke...

Bridging the gap – University, startup, and industry partnership to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) forever chemicals

A big step in accomplishing that goal is the transfer of technology from universities to industrial partners. While universities are well-equipped to conduct innovative scientific research, spinout companies are much better positioned to advance tech from the bench-scale to the industrial scale, crossing the so-called “valley of death,” which refers to the time spent between starting a company and first receiving revenue.At that time PFAS was not even on Aquagga's radar – the company was actually interested in the commercial potential of using hydrothermal processing for sewage sludge disposal.

A Model of Learning Technology Partnership with Vendors: A Systematic Process

Higher education institutions partner with technology providers to stay competitive in the fast-evolving innovations of technological advancements. The purpose of this study is to reflect on and investigate technology integration cases at a mid-sized public university in the U.S. Taking a qualitative research approach, this study utilizes critical reflection and multiple case studies (Stake, 2006). After reviewing the data, a technology partnership model was created that is composed of five phases: (1) analysis, (2) negotiation, (3) pre-implementation, (4) implementation, and (5) evaluation. The findings indicate that a systematic process must be utilized to ensure efficiency in vendor–university partnerships. Discussions, limitations, and implementation are provided.

Degradation Analysis of SOFC Performance for Long-Term Operation with High Fuel Utilization

A national project in Japan for SOFC development has been initiated from FY2020 to FY2024 in NEDO’s project in order to establish the method for degradation diagnosis of SOFC stacks with durability and reliability for 130,000 hours or the method for evaluation of expanding application. Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI) has operated three types of SOFC stacks, which are developed by KYOCERA, MORIMUA SOFC TECHNOLOGY, and DENSO and investigated their long-term durability in this project. We have developed the electrode polarization model for SOFC performance which is able to express the SOFC performance such as Nernst loss, cathode overvoltage, anode overvoltage, and internal resistance (IR) loss under various conditions with high prediction accuracy. Each SOFC stack has been operated with high fuel utilization (Uf = 80% and 85%) as a severe condition for high efficiency towards 20,000-hours operation, and degradation factors for SOFC durability has been analyzed by using our electrode polarization model. Analysis results until now showed that dominant degradation factors for both Uf = 80% and 85% were increase of cathode overvoltage or IR loss as same as that of the SOFC stacks in the previous term [1]. Although anode overvoltage was a minor degradation factor, increase rate of anode overvoltage under Uf = 85% was relatively larger than that under Uf = 80%. In addition, thermal property testing will be conducted for each SOFC stack in order to include temperature term into our electrode polarization model. This new model can predict SOFC performance more accurately under various operating conditions. This work has been carried out under the project of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan as a contract research. We would like to express our gratitude to NEDO, KYOCERA, MORIMUA SOFC TECHNOLOGY, Denso as well as to university partners and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).Reference[1] A. Ido et al., ECS Transactions, 91(1), 801-808 (2019).

Models of sports student exchange and the role of their support systems

Establishing student exchange programs is one way for sports science faculty to support the University to be a world-class university. For several years the faculty has been hosting several batches of a sports students exchange (SSE) program that gains interest and benefits for the students and the institution; however, limited studies have been conducted to present information about the program and its support system. This research is conducted to explain and give an overview of the program as well as explore the support system of the program. Three primary data, namely a depth-interview, questionnaire, and documentation, are gathered to explore the SSE program. The participants are lectures, faculty management, and students involved in the SSE in 2018-2019. The existence of the SSE program was exceedingly influenced by the faculty participation in AUCPESS. A grant from the Dharmasiswa Scholarship that aimed to bolster the exchange of culture and build up the Faculty's International atmosphere was the first booster. However, after the funding stopped, the program ran independently with non-financial support from Rector, faculty management, partner universities, and students. Hence, funding is not a pivotal issue as long as the University and faculty management eager to support the program.

“Challenged, but in a positive way”. The experience of a multilingual summer school of remote dialogue interpreting

Remote dialogue interpreting, via both telephone and videoconference, is rapidly becoming a standard procedure in the provision of language services for the business, social, health and administrative sectors. This calls for a revision of interpreter training practice in order to include remote interpreting abilities in the curriculum. This was the primary goal of the SHIFT in Orality Erasmus+ project, funded by the European Commission, which aimed at producing a comprehensive and research-based training solution on remote interpreting. The training materials produced within the project were tested for the first time during a multilingual summer school organised in June 2018 within the framework of the project with students from the four SHIFT partner Universities (University of Bologna, Italy; University of Granada, Spain; Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, Spain; University of Surrey, UK), and trainers from the same universities and the two remote interpreting companies in the partnership, Dualia SL (Spain) and VEASYT Srl (Italy). In this paper, the design of the summer school, the infrastructure used and the technological tools employed will be described, as well as the activities carried out with the students. The main results of the evaluation questionnaires and focus groups will also be presented.

The process of opening innovation networks: open innovation at Embrapa Florestas

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map the process of opening an innovation network in the context of the Brazilian agroforestry sector.Design/methodology/approachQualitative case study of the open innovation network Embrapa Florestas (17 semi-structured interviews, observation and documentary data). Social network analysis (SNA) of the open innovation network from primary data is available at Embrapa Florestas’ system.FindingsThree primary triggers to the opening process of Embrapa Florestas’ innovation network were identified. The process starts with an innovation network with closed network characteristics. The process of opening the innovation network is motivated by a restructuring in its source of fundraising (trigger 1), by the change in strategic orientation toward the internationalization of its network activities (trigger 2) and by opening the black box of its innovation with greater proximity to the productive sector and partner universities (trigger 3). Comparing the pre-opening and post-opening networks (open innovation network), sociometric data allows us to verify that the opening of the innovation network presents better density, clustering and centrality indexes for the network as a whole and for the Embrapa Florestas specifically.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that aims to investigate the transition from a closed innovation network to an open innovation network by a public research institute. It may also be considered innovative because it presents practical and managerial relevance – in addition to contributions to public policy makers – which allows for improvements in the development of innovation and technology in the country's strategic sectors.

A review of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of traditional medicines used by Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers of Xna’ajeb’ aj Ralch’o’och’, Belize

This review describes an Indigenous-led project run by Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers of Belize meant to strengthen and improve traditional botanical healing. The goals of this project were to conserve medicinal plant knowledge by way of ethnobotanical studies, and to conserve the plants themselves by creating a community ethnobotanical garden. A total of 169 medicinal species were collected in the ethnobotanical survey, which provided unique knowledge on many rainforest species of the wet lowland forest of southern Belize, not found in neighbouring Indigenous cultures. Consensus on plant uses by the Healers was high, indicating a well-conserved, codified oral history. After horticultural experimentation by the Healers, the Indigenous botanical garden provided a habitat for and conservation of 102 medicinal species including many epiphytes that were rescued from forested areas. Ethnopharmacological studies by the university partners showed a pharmacological basis for, and active principles of, plants used for epilepsy and anxiety, for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, for dermatological mycoses, and for type 2 diabetes complications. Overall, the project has provided a model for Indigenous empowerment and First Nation’s science, as well as establishing traditional medicine as an important, unified healing practice that can safely and effectively provide primary health care in its cultural context.

Examining the formation and evolution of university and school partnerships across four case studies

ABSTRACT Current research suggests partnerships between universities and schools create learning advantages for pre-service and beginning teachers while opening new research avenues and school relationships for academics and universities. This paper argues that these findings are often based on a business-orientated definition of ‘partnership’ and originate from studies that examine partnerships which are frequently based in North America and Europe. Thus, the existing studies often focus on partnerships that create learning advantages, but only in profitable or scalable ways that might lead to formal or enhanced collaborations. This paper critically examines the literature and problematises their findings amongst four case studies of partnerships of various sizes and levels of bureaucracy to determine if the literature’s broader conclusions remain true when applied to less business-driven views of partnerships that consider ‘partnership’ in a broader definition. The paper makes a scholarly contribution by informing the audience of what benefits can come to those involved in school and university partnerships of different sizes, and when not preoccupied with creating partnerships for immediate or potential profit.

The Comparative Analysis of Sexual Violence and Harassment at the piloting Universities of Cyprus and Lithuania

The sociocultural contexts of higher education institutions form the background for gender-based violence in professional structures and environment of academia. The article presents the comparative analysis of sexual violence and the reasons for its (non-)disclosure at the universities in Lithuania and Cyprus. The findings of focus group interviews conducted within the framework of the Ending Sexual Harassment and Violence in Third Level Education (ESHTE) project, co-funded by the European Union, have been summarized in the present research. The focus group participants from each partner university involved university teachers, administrative staff, counselors and university students. The research was conducted during a 3-month period between 2017 and 2018. The main aim was to investigate university staffs’ and students’ experiences in the disclosures of the cases of sexual violence and harassment (SVH) in university environment and campus, as well as their awareness of existing procedures and policies in handling the cases of SVH. Their personal experiences, attitudes and beliefs of SVH, as well as any suggestions they have towards the improvement of disclosures of SVH are discussed in the article.

Boundary work during COVID-19: The transformation of research review and set-up

The rapid setting up of research during the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in ways of working within research organisations. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of staff involved in the research review and set-up system at a large NHS and university partnership in the UK through the lens of boundary theory. We carried out a rapid qualitative appraisal based on telephone interviews (n=25) to explore how staff experienced the research review and set-up system during the pandemic. In light of the pressures created by the pandemic, the boundaries established to set up distinct groups and responsibilities were modified to allow for different ways of working. Some of the new structures and processes were seen positively and brought groups that previously worked at a distance closer together. The reconceptualisation of relations within the research system during the pandemic added more fluidity to ways of working within the research office and contributed to closer working interactions and an expanded team ethos.

Plant genomics in Africa: present and prospects.

Plants are the world's most consumed goods. They are of high economic value and bring many health benefits. In most countries in Africa, the supply and quality of food will rise to meet the growing population's increasing demand. Genomics and other biotechnology tools offer the opportunity to improve subsistence crops and medicinal herbs in the continent. Significant advances have been made in plant genomics, which have enhanced our knowledge of the molecular processes underlying both plant quality and yield. The sequencing of complex genomes of African plant species, facilitated by the continuously evolving next-generation sequencing technologies and advanced bioinformatics approaches, has provided new opportunities for crop improvement. This review summarizes the achievements of genome sequencing projects of endemic African plants in the last two decades. We also present perspectives and challenges for future plant genomic studies that will accelerate important plant breeding programs for African communities. These challenges include a lack of basic facilities, a lack of sequencing and bioinformatics facilities, and a lack of skills to design genomics studies. However, it is imperative to state that African countries have become key players in the plant genome revolution and genome derived-biotechnology. Therefore, African governments should invest in public plant genomics research and applications, establish bioinformatics platforms and training programs, and stimulate university and industry partnerships to fully deploy plant genomics, particularly in the fields of agriculture and medicine.

Modelamiento del compromiso laboral ante la COVID-19 en un hospital público del centro de México

Objetivos: modelar los indicadores del compromiso laboral considerando la exposición al contagio debido a la transmisión comunitaria de la pandemia en una institución de salud pública.
 Métodos: se estudiaron las dimensiones psicométricas en una observación transversal con una muestra de 100 practicantes profesionales y servidores sociales en una institución de salud asignada a la atención de la pandemia. Se utilizó la Escala de Compromiso Laboral de Carreón (2021) la cual mide siete dimensiones: social, sectorial, académico, formativo, familiar, profesional y personal.
 Resultados: se confirmó una estructura factorial de siete componentes principales que explicaron el 53% de la varianza total, aunque no fue incluido el compromiso gremial como un factor que explica la disposición favorable al conservar el prestigio de la carrera que se estudió.
 Conclusiones: se recomienda el contraste del modelo con la inclusión el compromiso gremial a fin de poder incrementar la varianza total explicada y anticipar un escenario de respuesta ante otra crisis sanitaria como un rebrote del COVID-19.

Inventor group identification approach for selecting university-industry collaboration partners

University-industry collaboration plays an important role in the successful and innovative growth of technology-based firms. For collaborations to be successful, firms should exert considerable effort in selecting the right partner. University partner selection and recommendation approaches have been proposed; however, few studies have focused on the identification of university inventor groups—sets of inventors that are actual candidates for collaborations. Thus, this study proposes a patent-based partner identification approach for identifying appropriate university inventor groups for university-industry collaboration. The proposed approach involves: 1) collecting patent and institution identification data; 2) grouping university inventors based on assignee and co-invention information; 3) screening candidate inventor groups with technical expertise related to the firm's needs; 4) identifying competitive partner groups by evaluating the technological competence, concentration, and size of the candidate inventor groups. Through a case study of an actual target firm, we show that the proposed approach can identify appropriate university partner inventor groups. In the case study, 49 candidate inventor groups are screened, and 12 of them are identified as competitive. This study provides an effective approach based on patent data for identifying inventor groups belonging to universities that are well-suited for collaborative research and development projects with technology-based firms.

Minga: sustainable and replicable urban renovation model, the Buenaventura case

This article presents the results obtained in research made during a sustainable urban renewal design in the city of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, as part of MINGA team's proposal for SDLAC 2019 (Solar Decathlon Latin America and Caribbean). This project was developed by a group of students and professors, as part of the undergraduate programs of architecture and civil engineering of the partner universities in the MINGA team. A project-based teaching-learning methodology was used, integrating the curricula in interdisciplinary project workshop-type courses. The main goal was to demonstrate the viability of a resilient urban planning project, conceived for the future climate in a coastal city in the hot-humid tropics. The results showed that a climate-resilient urbanism can be created, which guarantees the permanence of the original inhabitants of the coastal areas, mitigating flooding risks, and preserving the cultural roots of the inhabitants, even under sea-rise scenarios.

Essential facilitators in building university partnership with ethnic minority communities

Recently, universities have paid attention to partnership with local communities for mutual benefits. However, this partnership is a complex and challenging process because it brings two different organizations to work together. Many challenges encountered often produces dissatisfying results and distrust among all participants. Using the BRAVE youth violence prevention program as a case study, this study describes the essential facilitators affecting the university partnership with disadvantaged poor ethnic communities in Chicago. Identified facilitators are: agreed mutual benefits, trust relationship, open and transparent communication, shared missions and interest, equal power in decision-making, empowering organization’s sustainability, flexibility, and cultural activities. Building on the lessons from this case example, this study presents that the university-community partnership demonstrates a shared responsibility of the university to serve community members and of the partner agency’s commitment to strengthen the community’s capacity to prevent youth violence.

Supporting Independent Living Through Interdisciplinary Service Learning

Service learning within independent living facilities may be a highly effective means to address the service gaps that challenge older adults and people who are disabled. We present a new approach to service learning by leveraging opportunities for community–university partnerships. The Community Collaborative Model (CCM) represents synergy between organized independent living and higher education at Arizona State University and led by the School of Social Work. The CCM is a unique collaborative service learning program aligned with current thinking about independent living, supportive services, and community-based service learning. We share lessons learned from the challenges of establishing this program, which included institutional hurdles, maintaining adequate physical space, student-focused planning, varying levels of preparedness, and stigma related to service use. In conclusion, we recommend means to (1) build interprofessional teams, (2) seek support and commitment of faculty partners, (3) ensure sustainability via community liaisons and clinical supervisors, and (4) create space for reflective practice.

Employment of university graduates participating in external academic mobility programs

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to understand the role of academic mobility of graduates of Kazakhstani universities in increasing their competitiveness in employment. This article is devoted to the analysis of the employment of university graduates who have had external academic mobility programs. The study of the role of academic mobility of graduates of Kazakhstani universities in the process of their further employment was carried out on the basis of an analysis of some research results conducted on the basis of the Center for the Bologna Process and Academic Mobility of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (СBP&AM) in 2012–2013, as well as the results of a survey of students in a number of Kazakhstani universities conducted by the authors on the basis of the South Kazakhstan University in 2020. The analysis of various factors and measures influencing the increase in the efficiency of academic mobility of university graduates is carried out. As a result of the questionnaire survey, it was found that the majority of university graduates who were trained under the program of academic mobility in foreign universities were able to find a job rather quickly. It is concluded that the lack of funding for tuition does not always contribute to the choice of a strong partner university by students for internship under the academic mobility program. As a result of the study, the authors made a proposal that universities need to strengthen their work to assist in employment on the basis of mutually beneficial partnerships with employers, as well as to ensure that the competencies acquired by students abroad meet the requirements of the labor market in Kazakhstan.