University Research Research Articles

CALCULATION TO DETERMINE THE TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF PUMPING UNITS FOR LIFTING WATER FROM WATERCOURSES POWERED BY WATER ENERGY FOR WATERING PASTURES AND IRRIGATION OF LAND

The problem of effective water supply using natural energy resources of water in modern conditions is promising and relevant, the solution of which is rationally carried out from watercourses with the necessary standard sizes of a hydraulic ram pumping unit, the design of which has a novelty. At the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University conducted applied research to improve the efficiency of water supply from watercourses in the system of irrigation of lands and irrigation of pastures of peasant and farm farms of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan through the development of an improved hydraulic ram pumping unit with an increase in its energy indicators: hydraulic shock pressure, supply, pressure and efficiency. This article presents a calculation to substantiate the economic efficiency of the studies carried out on the use of the necessary standard sizes of an improved hydraulic ram pumping unit (NUV-7-12 and NUV-17-20) for water supply to peasant and farm farms of the Republic of Kazakhstan and irrigation of lands located in areas of adjacent watercourses, compared with basic pumping units (AN - 2K - 9 - M1 and ANS-60 D).

Departmental case study of physics doctoral students’ perspectives of written qualifying exams

Little research in physics education focuses on graduate student experiences related to structural elements of their programs. This departmental case study examines the impact and perceptions of written qualifying exams (QEs) from a student perspective, following recent research which questions the role and utility of such exams. We conducted semistructured interviews with two physics doctoral students at a large research university before and after taking their QEs, capturing their expectations, preparedness levels, and apprehensions regarding the exam. We also conducted a survey of the rest of their student cohort one month before and one month after their exams to understand further variation in the students’ perspectives. The students’ experiences reflected substantial frustration with the nature and transparency of the QE process, as well as substantial negative emotional and mental impacts of the exams. The students’ experiences with the QEs are consistent with psychological responses to traumatic events. The responses further indicate that building trust and establishing transparency around the QE process, as well as creating emotionally and academically safe spaces that allow students to fail on exams and in coursework without the threat of punitive action, are important trauma-informed pedagogical strategies that faculty can use to support students through this process and help them build resilience. While we do not suggest that the current QE process in this department follows best practices for assessment, the students and faculty in this department do agree on the need for some kind of assessment indicating research readiness early in the graduate program; this provides a common perspective from which departmental change can begin. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Sustainable and inclusive; transforming residential undergraduate fieldtrips in an age of the climate crisis

ABSTRACT The Higher Education sector has a critical role to play in shaping our global response to “wicked problems” and nowhere is this more evident than in university research, teaching, and public engagement on sustainability that seeks to tackle the increasingly perilous environmental situation. However, despite this critical civic mission, the Global North HE sector faces growing scrutiny and critique over the mechanisms, cultural norms and practices in which staff, students, research partners, and others operate. This paper explores one facet of this scrutiny by focusing on the recent internationalisation of residential undergraduate fieldtrips within geography, earth, and environmental science programmes. Using a UK Department as a case study, it will document the significant carbon emissions and necessary offsetting costs associated with residential undergraduate fieldtrips, particularly those overseas. It will finish by discussing the Department’s revision to its fieldtrip design through the creation of a value-based fieldtrip framework grounded in the twin agendas of sustainability and Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI). This “sustainable and inclusive” fieldtrip framework becomes an important way for the Department to reduce the environmental impacts of this teaching activity and strengthen its accessibility and social justice work, thereby ensuring that the Global North HE sector leads by example.

Texas A&M University Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach: using groundbreaking strategies to study bovine respiratory disease.

Texas A&M University Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach: using groundbreaking strategies to study bovine respiratory disease.

Research on the Construction of Evaluation System for the Main Position of Enterprise led Industry University Research Collaborative Innovation

The study of the evaluation system for the dominant position of enterprises in collaborative innovation between industry, academia, and research is of great significance for guiding policies, promoting cooperation, and improving innovation efficiency. This article reviews previous research, based on the life cycle theory and the process perspective of enterprise participation in industry university research collaborative innovation, and proposes the main body status and evaluation system of enterprise led industry university research collaborative innovation, including four primary indicators of research and development investment, activity participation, scientific and technological achievements, and achievement benefits, and 18 secondary indicators. At the same time, principal component analysis and factor analysis were used to quantitatively analyze relevant indicators and variables, and the rationality of the enterprise led evaluation system for collaborative innovation between industry, academia, and research was sorted out. The research findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of enterprise led collaborative innovation between industry, academia, and research on economic and social development, and provide guidance for future research and practice.

Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Health and Health Services Research Workforce: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Health and health services research institutions seek to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to overcome structural bias. The objective of this review is to identify, characterize, and evaluate programs aimed to strengthen DEI in the health and health services research workforces. We conducted a systematic scoping review of literature of 2012-2022 North American peer-reviewed empirical studies in PubMed and Embase using the Arksey and O'Malley approach. This review identified 62 programs that varied in focus, characteristics, and outcomes. Programs focused on supporting a spectrum of underrepresented groups based on race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and socioeconomic status. The majority of programs targeted faculty/investigators, compared to other workforce roles. Most programs were 1 year in length or less. The practices employed within programs included skills building, mentoring, and facilitating the development of social networks. To support program infrastructure, key strategies included supportive leadership, inclusive climate, resource allocation, and community engagement. Most programs evaluated success based on shorter-term metrics such as the number of grants submitted and manuscripts published. Relatively few programs collected long-term outcomes on workforce pathway outcomes including hiring, promotion, and retention. This systematic scoping review outlined prevalent practices to advance DEI in the health and health services research field. As DEI programs proliferate, more work is needed by research universities, institutes, and funders to realign institutional culture and structures, expand resources, advance measurement, and increase opportunities for underrepresented groups at every career stage.

Diversity and Research in Spanish Universities. Weaknesses, Strengths, and Good Practices for Inclusive Research

Aim. Diversity and inclusion are part of the third mission of higher education institutions. One of the dimensions that must be considered in the process of institutionalising inclusion is research. Inclusive research allows for critical research and reflection on certain fundamental issues on the road to democratic citizenship, making a positive impact on people's lives while contributing to social change and transformation. However, the literature has evidenced barriers in the institutionalisation effort, such as those posed by the market conception. In this context, the study presented here analyses the involvement of higher education research with diversity, as well as its weaknesses and strengths, and finally contributes to the identification of proposals for improvement and good practices for inclusive research. Methods. This work was based on assumptions of the interpretative paradigm, using virtual, one-on-one, semi‐structured interviews with Spanish researchers from different universities –most of them leading national projects on inclusion. Results. The results show that research on diversity is beginning to be incorporated as an essential modality in university agendas. In parallel, it is thought that academic capitalism and competitiveness have pierced conceptions of research quality, and in doing so, diversity and inclusion principles are called into question. Conclusions. Currently, the strengths of inclusion research in higher education are not as robust as the weaknesses. Proposals are made for the improvement of inclusive and democratic research, and four principles are set out to promote the institutionalisation of research on inclusion in universities.

From Awareness to Action: Addressing Folic Acid Supplementation in Western India Among Women of Reproductive Age.

Background Folate, a vitamin B9, can be sourced naturally in the diet or the form of supplements. Studies highlight the prevention of neural tube abnormalities in women of reproductive age. To prevent these, low daily doses of FA (400-800 μg) are recommended for all women planning pregnancy, with higher doses for those with previous NTD-affected pregnancies. Folic acid supplementation lowers the risk of NTDs, other birth defects, and obstetrical complications. Methods The study explored awareness of and knowledge of folic acid supplements among women of childbearing age in Pune City, western Maharashtra, India. The cross-sectional survey was carried out at Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC), involving 300 female participants aged 16-44 years. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to evaluate participants' knowledge of folic acid supplements, their benefits, and usage patterns. Results Use as well as awareness of folic acid supplements was strongly associated with educational attainment. The awareness was low or none in participants who never attended school, and highest among the university graduates. The study included 300 women aged 16-45. About 43% of the study participants were between the ages of 23 and 29 years old; 57.7% were single, and 59.3% among them were university graduates. 59.7% of the study participants knew about folic acid supplements, but only 20% took them regularly. Knowledge about ideal timing and benefits was limited among them. 38% correctly identified prepregnancy as the ideal time to start. Only 18% knew it prevents neural tube defects, and 27% knew it could be obtained naturally. Conclusion The study highlights a lack of detailed knowledge about folic acid supplements among the study participants. Recommendations to enhance the supplement's intake include public health campaigns, enhanced healthcare provider education, easy-to-read informational materials, and strengthening government supplement programs to improve awareness and food fortification. Further research on consumption barriers for the supplement needs to be carried out.

Use of information technologies in lean management: the case of Gazi University Research Center in Turkey

Purpose Sustainability and accessibility of education are the main purposes of educational institutions. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been addressing these concerns through their distance education departments for years. Especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, HEIs encountered challenges related to productivity, escalating costs and decreasing user satisfaction with distance education. This study proposes the integration of new and suitable information technologies (ITs) into the steps of lean management (LM) implementation. It suggests that this approach will be highly effective and beneficial, providing solutions to the problems above in higher education (HE) field. The study aims to highlight the effectiveness and benefits of incorporating new and suitable ITs into the application stages of LM principles. Sample applications in HE will be provided to enhance understanding. Design/methodology/approach A model is introduced for researching new ITs and incorporating appropriate ones in the application steps of LM. This model has been applied and analyzed in two case studies at Gazi University for a more comprehensive understanding. Findings When examining periodic surveys and usage statistics from case studies, it becomes evident that implementing LM with the support of ITs reduces waste and enhances the quality of existing work. The success observed in the case studies was notably influenced by managers’ proficiency in business processes, experience in ITs, managerial skills and support from senior management. Practical implications This case study provides a roadmap and step-by-step implementation of LM with IT support for HEIs. The implementation process and results will also be guiding for other sectors. Originality/value There is a notable absence of significant studies on integrating ITs, which have become crucial in today’s context in the stages of LM implementation. This study is envisioned as a pioneering endeavor to address this gap in the literature. Notably, challenges exist in applying LM principles outside production sectors, and limited research has been conducted. This study aims to pave the way for further research in diverse fields by conducting a comprehensive case study in the realm of HE.

Therapeutic Effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy on Boronophenylalanine Administration via Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation in Glioma Rat Models.

In recent years, various drug delivery systems circumventing the blood-brain barrier have emerged for treating brain tumors. This study aimed to improve the efficacy of brain tumor treatment in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation to deliver boronophenylalanine (BPA) to targeted tumors. Previous experiments have demonstrated that boron accumulation in the brain cells of normal rats remains comparable to that after intravenous (IV) administration, despite BPA being administered via CSF at significantly lower doses (approximately 1/90 of IV doses). Based on these findings, BNCT was conducted on glioma model rats at the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute (KUR), with BPA administered via CSF. This method involved implanting C6 cells into the brains of 8-week-old Wistar rats, followed by administering BPA and neutron irradiation after a 10-day period. In this study, the rats were divided into four groups: one receiving CSF administration, another receiving IV administration, and two control groups without BPA administration, with one subjected to neutron irradiation and the other not. In the CSF administration group, BPA was infused from the cisterna magna at 8 mg/kg/h for 2 h, while in the IV administration group, BPA was intravenously administered at 350 mg/kg via the tail vein over 1.5 h. Thermal neutron irradiation (5 MW) for 20 min, with an average fluence of 3.8 × 1012/cm2, was conducted at KUR's heavy water neutron irradiation facility. Subsequently, all of the rats were monitored under identical conditions for 7 days, with pre- and post-irradiation tumor size assessed through MRI and pathological examination. The results indicate a remarkable therapeutic efficacy in both BPA-administered groups (CSF and IV). Notably, the rats treated with CSF administration exhibited diminished BPA accumulation in normal tissue compared to those treated with IV administration, alongside maintaining excellent overall health. Thus, CSF-based BPA administration holds promise as a novel drug delivery mechanism in BNCT.

Comparison of a linear discrimination function and artificial neural networks approach to discriminate the seismic events in Ankara (Turkey)

In this study, natural and blast-induced ground vibrations (namely earthquakes and quarry blasts) in Ankara (Turkey) were analysed and distinguished from each other. A total of 156 digitized vertical component velocity seismograms of seismic events of 2009-2014 with Md≤3.5 were obtained from the Lodumlu broadband station (LOD) controlled by Boğaziçi University, Kandilli Observatory, and Earthquake Research Institute Regional Earthquake-Tsunami Monitoring Center (BU-KOERIRETMC). We examined the following variables: the ratio of the highest amplitude value of the S-wave and the highest amplitude value of the P-wave (Amplitude ratio) of vertical component velocity seismograms, the power ratio (Complexity), the logarithmical value of the amplitude of the S-wave of the seismogram (Log S), and total signal duration of the seismogram. It is the first time that natural and blast-induced ground vibrations were separated from each other using the Fisher’s Linear Discriminate Analysis (FLDA) technique and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) approach together in Ankara (The capital of Turkey). Ninety-two (59%) of the 156 seismic events studied were identified as earthquakes and sixty-four (41%) of them were described as blast-induced ground vibrations. Then the obtained accuracy percentage results of three pairs of some variables were compared. The amplitude ratio versus complexity and the amplitude ratio versus total signal duration had a high classification accuracy determination coefficient for the LOD dataset (94% for the FLDA technique and 100% for ANNs approach). ANNs approach is more successful than the FLDA technique.

Kompetencja leksykalna nastoletnich użytkowników języka polskiego jako odziedziczonego i ojczystego w ujęciu komparatywnym

Lexical competence of teenage heritage and native users of Polish has never been the subject of a comprehensive comparison. The first extensive empirical data were gathered by the Jagiellonian University research team in the project Heritage and native language – a comparison of language competences of teenage Polish and heritage learners. In the first stage of the present study, vocabulary tests of the two groups were analyzed. The results showed few differences in receptive knowledge, but in productive knowledge heritage users lagged behind. Therefore, in the second stage, selected essays were compared in terms of their vocabulary profiles. It was found that native and heritage language users’ lexical profiles differ markedly, to the considerable disadvantage of heritage users. Polish educators responsible for the schooling of migrant children must be aware of this, as too often heritage speakers who enter home schools after (re)immigration are treated as if there were native users. This however, as this research has clearly shown, is by no means the case.

The Role of Prior Online Learning Experience in Student Learning under ERT – A Comparative Study

The pandemic provided great research opportunities in learning/teaching. How was students’ learning experience under emergency remote teaching (ERT)? The purposes of this study are to explore students’ learning experience, and to observe any differences under two lenses – internationalization and prior online learning. An online study was conducted in the Management/Business programs of a major Canadian research university and four Russian universities in 2021. A total of 683 students participated in this study, two-thirds of which were Canadian and one-third were Russian. The degree of internationalization (e.g. international students) is higher in Canadian universities, while a higher percentage of Russian students had prior online learning experience before the pandemic in this study. The research findings showed that the degree of internationalization did not play a significant role in the difference of student learning; while the prior learning experience played a crucial role under ERT. Russian students adjusted better to the new learning mode, reported a more positive view of online learning, had a better learning experience and performance, and had a preference to continue with online learning post-pandemic. This research sheds light on students’ preference for online learning that was influenced by prior exposure to online learning.

Artificial intelligence: An empirical survey of student and staff perspectives

There has been a recent upsurge in debates about the role and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming traditional learning environments globally, and more recently, these discussions have expanded to include developing countries. While proponents of AI praise it as a new normal that educators must embrace or risk falling behind, sceptics caution that AI poses significant risks to academic endeavours, often citing ethical dilemmas and widely reported misuse of these technologies. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to explore student and staff perspectives on AI in teaching and learning. Data were collected from 375 students and 187 staff via a quantitative questionnaire, as well as from 30 students and 18 staff through follow-up semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that although students and staff largely agreed on AI's potential to transform university teaching, learning, and research, there were significant differences regarding feedback enhancement, personalisation of learning, critical thinking, and the efficiency and accuracy of data analysis in research. The study recommends that stakeholders engage in ongoing dialogue, research, and professional development to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education.

The new college entrance examination reform investigation and research on comprehensive quality evaluation

The comprehensive quality evaluation is an evaluation system that identifies and explores students’ strengths. By examining the developmental progress of pilot provinces that have implemented comprehensive quality evaluation, valuable insights and guidance can be derived for other provinces preparing to adopt this evaluation approach. This study conducts an investigation and research on students, teachers, and middle managers from 12 high schools in two pilot areas, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. Using a combination of empirical and qualitative research methods, it aims to explore the levels of satisfaction and recognition among different research subjects regarding the current implementation situation and analyze the existing issues in the current implementation process. According to the corresponding theory, an in-depth analysis is conducted from four dimensions to uncover the underlying causes of the problem, while proposing recommendations to enhance and advance comprehensive quality evaluation. These recommendations are first to enhance further the standard level of matching and integration in comprehensive quality evaluation; second to augment the utilization level of comprehensive quality evaluation; third to elevate the significance of comprehensive quality evaluation results; and fourth to improve the credit rating system associated with comprehensive quality evaluation.

Helping the ‘Helping hands’: supporting Māori postgraduates to advance community aspirations for environmental research

ABSTRACT Postgraduate research is complex enough, but Indigenous students face unique challenges and additional expectations. For instance, they are often strongly motivated for their tertiary education to support their community’s aspirations but distanced from those communities. We are wāhine (women) Māori researchers working to restore various local, natural environments in alignment with our iwi/hapū (tribe/subtribe) interests. We all gained funding to support this work through contestable postgraduate scholarships or research revenue, enjoying a high level of autonomy to design projects, under incentives designed to support Māori capability and potential. Using digital collective autoethnography, we reflected upon and articulated how our iwi/hapū and whānau (family) aspirations shaped our study and research, and how university and external research funding supported these pursuits. Through these narratives, we highlight the driving influence of iwi/community aspirations, consider how universities and the research sector currently align with these, identify barriers, and finally discuss what deep tautoko (support) looks like. We also reflect on how our postgraduate experiences and learnings have influenced and guided our subsequent work. Our collective experiences encompass potentially transformative approaches in community-driven, publicly funded, tertiary research; so, we finish by identifying specific mechanisms that could amplify these approaches.

The Debt Dilemma: Driver or Brake of Innovation in the EU?

In the current economic environment, the issue of increasing indebtedness is receiving considerable attention. This article delves deeper into a comprehensive analysis of how different forms of debt – from households to corporations to governments – affect innovation performance within the European Union (EU). Since the EU includes 25 different countries, it provides a rich background for this analysis covering the period from 2013 to 2021. By applying regression analysis techniques on a large dataset, this study offers a new insight into the complex relationship between indebtedness and innovation performance. A key part of this analysis is the Global Innovation Index, widely recognized as a metric for evaluating innovation performance among nations. The empirical findings of this study reveal a subtle dynamic: while government debt appears to be a drag on innovation performance, private sector indebtedness, including both households and non-financial institutions, shows a positive effect. This dichotomy underlines the crucial importance of implementing responsible fiscal policies that prioritize the promotion of innovation without jeopardizing financial stability. In addition, the research highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, supporting university research, and developing innovation incubators to create a robust innovation environment. In addition, this study not only clarifies the current status, but also identifies areas requiring further research, such as research into other factors influencing the innovation environment. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations associated with the current understanding of the relationship between debt and innovation. These limitations underscore the need for continued refinement of methodologies and investigation of other factors that may influence this interaction, thereby providing fertile ground for future research efforts. In conclusion, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how debt dynamics shape innovation outcomes in the EU context.

Transforming Academic Libraries into Hubs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of a New Library Model

In a data-driven era, academic libraries must evolve beyond traditional roles as spaces for reading and storing information resources to become platforms promoting learning, research, innovation, future skills, and entrepreneurship. Based on the triple helix model of innovation, this paper highlights the new library model in a case study aimed at transforming traditional academic library services into enterprising, innovation-driven activities. For over ninety years, Thammasat University Library has been located on Rattanakosin Island, an historical area of Thailand. More recently, the library business model has evolved to meet modern needs. This qualitative research uses a case study to explore library strategies to create space meeting requirements of diverse user groups: students, faculty, staff, alumni, businesspeople and the community, including older residents. Service innovations responding to user demands are prioritized by drawing on the expertise of librarians. These changes generate new revenue for the library and enhance the space design and use through the Life Space concept. Co-working spaces, learning areas, inspirational corners, and performance venues make the library a platform for inspiring creativity, learning, life enhancement, and business ventures. The Thammasat University Library has also become an innovative bridge linking university research with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), facilitating knowledge transfer and research commercialization. These findings may serve as guidelines for academic libraries seeking to adapt the Library of Life approach to be centres catering to readers of all generations and stations in life.

The Performance and Qualitative Evaluation of Scientific Work at Research Universities: A Focus on the Types of University and Research

The successful implementation of scientific research is one of the key factors for sustainable development, including the development of tertiary education. A leading or “world-class university”, today, transfers knowledge to innovation, bearing the concept of “academic excellence”, and features of “research” and “entrepreneurial” universities highly match the SDGs. This article presents an analysis for scientific quality-assessing indicators at research universities. It also studies university science models in different countries, the features of university types—engineering (technical or technological) and comprehensive (multidisciplinary)—and the arising problems with their possible solutions for university science on the whole. The authors suggested a composition of indicators for assessing the quality of the fundamental scientific research and engineering project results and the performances of universities’ specialized scientific units. The respondents of the survey weighed the significance of the indicators. The research used methods of analysis, brainstorming, Ishikawa diagram building, and a survey of specialists. The results obtained can be useful for the improvement of quality management systems (QMSs) at research universities. Some implications of this study could be extended to improve QMS and management processes of specialized scientific organizations that belong to the state, business, and non-profit sectors of science.

You Work for Us Now: Concentration in University-Performed Defense R&D

ABSTRACT Concentration in university research funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) has been rising in recent years, deviating from the steady levels of concentration in other federally-funded university research. The purpose of this paper is to explain that rise in concentration. When the DOD funds defense-specific R&D projects, there are two priorities affecting bureaucratic incentives: 1) Coordination incentivizes steering research toward specific technological ends, and 2) Security incentivizes actively limiting risks of information leakage. Sole source research center contracts make the necessary coordination and monitoring easier to achieve. As demand for projects that require more coordination and security increases, spending is allocated to sole source research centers leading to increasing concentration. Spending on military research projects awarded to universities such as aircrafts rapidly increased from 2008 to 2020 with much of that spending accruing to DOD-sponsored university research centers. Over that period, the share of obligations awarded to the 16 universities that manage DOD research centers rose from 37 percent in 2008 to 59 percent in 2020. This paper contributes to our understanding of the conditions under which policy makers choose to deviate from using grants to fund early-stage research and concentrate funding in a select group of performers.