Science Students Research Articles

Examining Dropout Among Graduate and Undergraduate Public Affairs and Political Science Students

Within the domain of public affairs and political science (PAPS), student dropout emerges as a critical concern. This study delves into the factors influencing the decisions of undergraduate and graduate PAPS students to discontinue their programs. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 384 at-risk undergraduates and conducted in-depth interviews with 18 former graduate students. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed six pivotal factors influencing graduate student dropout: the financial burden of study (including tuition and limited financial aid), program curricular challenges (such as demanding thesis requirements and inadequate practical components), the delicate balance of multiple responsibilities (work, study, and family), health-related issues (including anxiety and stress), poor academic performance, and personal difficulties (such as lack of family support). At the undergraduate level, descriptive analyses indicated that 38% of PAPS students contemplated dropping out, with 30% considering changing their major. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Multiple Regression highlighted the significance of factors such as family and societal influences, economic considerations, program and curriculum structure, institutional dynamics, academic performance, personal attitudes, and student health in shaping these contemplations. This research not only expands the application of integration and engagement theory and the pull, push, and failing out theory but also validates their effectiveness in predicting dropout within PAPS programs. The study offers valuable insights for both researchers and policymakers, underscoring the imperative for more supportive, flexible, and financially viable educational structures to enhance student retention in the realm of public affairs and political science.

Development of Project Based Learning E-Module on Salt Hydrolysis Material to Improve Student Learning Outcomes

The conventional printed modules used in schools have not been able to make students active and understand chemical concepts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an interactive multimedia-based e-module grounded in Project Based Learning (PjBL), equipped with videos, images, and interactions to engage students and facilitate easier comprehension of chemical materials. The iam of this study is to improve the learning outcomes of class XI Science Muhammadiyah 1 High School Pontianak. The method used in this research is development (research and development) employing the ADDIE model, which includes the stages of (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation). The research findings indicate very high criteria with an average validity coefficient of 0.93 for each aspect of media, materials, and language. The practicality analysis, based on the response questionnaires from the small group trial and the main field trial, showed practicality values of 71% and 74%, respectively, both with practical criteria. It can be concluded that the project based learning e-module developed is feasible to be used as an effective and practical learning tool for XI Science students and chemistry teachers in high schools.

Development of Android-Based E-Modules in Biology Learning on Water Environmental Pollution to Enhance Science Literacy

Water environmental pollution has become an urgent global concern, requiring in-depth understanding and appropriate solutions to address its adverse impacts. In the educational context, it is important for students to have a strong science literacy to be able to understand and participate in environmental protection efforts. One of the proposed approaches to improving students’ understanding of water environmental pollution is to use Android-based E-modules in biology learning. This method of research uses a systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR method is carried out in three stages so that it can obtain a combination of literature study appropriate and accurate to the research problem to be raised. The results of the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of developing Android-based E-modules in improving student science literacy in the context of biological learning about water pollution. Through a systematic approach, the study analyses a variety of relevant literary studies to draw strong conclusions about the potential of e-modules in facilitating a deeper understanding of scientific concepts related to water environmental pollution to enhance student involvement in science learning and literacy.

Clinical Laboratory Science and Physician Assistant Students Interprofessional Education Event; Learning From Each Other

Clinical Laboratory Science and Physician Assistant Students Interprofessional Education Event; Learning From Each Other

Research on the Teaching Reform of College Physics Course under the Background of the Integration of Production and Education

With the rapid development of society and the continuous progress of technology, college education is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Especially in the background of the integration of production and education, the teaching reform of college physics is particularly important as a compulsory basic course for science and engineering students. This paper aims to discuss the research and practice of the teaching reform of college physics under the background of the integration of production and education, in order to provide useful reference for improving the teaching quality and cultivating high-quality talents meeting the needs of society.

Pathways to Belonging: Understanding How University Entry Routes Shape the Sense of Belonging of Undergraduate Computing Students

Sense of belonging, or belongingness in academia, is an individual’s personal conviction as to their acceptance as a valued member of an academic community. The importance of belongingness lies in correlations with motivation, persistence, mental health and well-being. Prior work has shown that belongingness can be lower in students who are minoritised due to their gender, race, nationality, socio-economic status, religion and/or disability. However, there is limited research on how a student’s university entry route impacts their sense of belonging in Computer Science and Other Science disciplines. In Ireland’s higher education system, university entry is primarily managed through the Central Applications Office (CAO) process, which predominantly serves students transitioning directly from secondary school to university. Additionally, alternative access routes are available for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, those with disabilities, and mature students. At University College Dublin (UCD), entry is facilitated through both the traditional direct-entry school leaving route and combined access routes, each serving distinct student demographics. To investigate how these varying entry routes influence students’ sense of belonging, we utilised a survey adapted from the validated ‘Math Sense of Belonging Scale’ to examine the belongingness of undergraduate Science students, including Computer Science students. We examined how the belongingness of students varies by university entry route, and how the belongingness of students in Computer Science varies by university entry route compared to Other Science students. Our results reveal a significant difference in belongingness between students entering university through the direct-entry school leaving route, compared to those who entered via combined access routes (e.g. university admissions schemes for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with disabilities, and mature students). Specifically, within Computer Science, students entering university through the direct-entry school leaving route had significantly higher belongingness than combined access route students. These results provide insight that may help others improve the belongingness of undergraduate Computer Science students.

Participant observation for inquiry-based learning: a document analysis of exam papers from an internship-course for master’s students in health services research in Germany

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a type of problem-based learning. While IBL aims at reflecting the work of practicing researchers, only some students will pursue an academic career. We therefore designed a course that provides opportunities for IBL by applying participant observation to internship work experience inside and outside academia. Using this internship course as an example, we investigated, how master’s students in health science executed an IBL assignment regarding the application of participant observation and presentation of findings. In addition, the understanding of occupational fields provided through the IBL assignment was examined.To determine whether learning objectives were met, a document analysis of IBL assignments comprising presentation slides and field protocols was performed. Within content analysis, a category grid was used examining (a) suitability of chosen research objectives, (b) execution of field protocols, (c) sufficiency of reporting and (d) extent of reflection.49 IBL assignments from the years 2020–2022 were included. Sides of IBL observations were: (a) organizations providing health care (n = 28); (b) administrations of health care (n = 8); and (c) research institutes (n = 13). Within students’ field protocols, the level of detail of descriptions differed. 30 assignments included reflection on the methods used and research experience. In about a third of IBL assignments, indication of observation type, theoretical background and data analysis was missing.Using participant observation of internship work-experience for IBL can serve as a teaching tool for students to develop methodological skills. For future courses, we developed a checklist to strengthen reporting, reflection and use of theory. As internships are often integrated in degree programs in health sciences similar courses could be implemented in different programs, given qualified methodological guidance.

Comparison of joint kinematics from optical marker-based and inertial sensor-based motion capture during change-of-direction movements

The development of inertial measurement units (IMUs) has opened up possibilities to test kinematics of sports movements in natural environments (Di Paolo et al., 2023). This advantage over lab-based optical motion capture (OMC) comes at the cost of inherent inaccuracies. Especially, fast multidirectional movements including de- and accelerations pose a challenge for inertial-based movement reconstruction with limited task-specific validation research available (Heuvelmans et al., 2022). Therefore, we aimed to test the validity of IMU-based kinematics in a 180° change of direction (COD) task to provide insight into the applicability for future on-field ACL injury risk research. Twenty-six sports science students were equipped with eight IMU sensors of the Noraxon Ultium Motion System and an adaption of the Plug-in-Gait markerset (53 markers) recorded by a VICON OMC system. They performed five 180° anti-clockwise CODs at their maximum speed. As an example for sagittal and frontal plane angles relevant for ACL injury risk, the knee flexion and abduction angle at the initial contact of the cutting step (right leg) were calculated using the Noraxon MyoMotion software for IMU-recorded data and OpenSim for marker-based OMC data. At the time of abstract submission, the data of five (randomly chosen) participants had been analysed. More participants and more joint angle outcomes will be included in follow-up analyses. Deviations between IMU-generated and OMC-generated joint angles are depicted in Figure 1. Within subjects, deviations below 1.5 standard deviations were observed. Between subjects, deviations ranged from 0° and 22° in knee flexion angles and 0° and 11° in knee abduction angles. A general trend towards higher joint angles measured by the IMU system is noticeable, suggesting a possible off-set error. For four out of five participants, the knee flexion deviation was below 10°, which can be considered an accuracy which is tolerable but requires consideration in the interpretation (< 2°: good accuracy, 2-5°: acceptable accuracy, 5-10°: tolerable accuracy, > 10° unbearable accuracy; Bessone et al., 2022). Deviations in knee abduction angles appear too large given the small physiological joint range and motion in this plane. This preliminary analysis of individual deviations suggests acceptable deviations between IMU and OMC measurements regarding knee flexion but problematic deviations for knee abduction. Prospectively, we aim to investigate possible off-set corrections, e.g. through a better alignment of the underlying biomechanical models, and alternative approaches for IMU-based movement reconstruction, e.g. through optimal control simulations (Nitschke et al., 2024).

Political Interest: A Study among Arts, Science and Commerce College Students in Aizawl

Political Interest: A Study among Arts, Science and Commerce College Students in Aizawl

Perceptions of Women in Science Students towards Online Instruction at A Tertiary Institution

This study delved into the nuanced perceptions of women in science students regarding online instruction at the tertiary level. The study adopted a qualitative paradigm where interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from Chinhoyi University of Technology undergraduate women in science students. Data was collected from first year students to third year students aged between 19 and 26 years. Discussion of the findings is premised on the feminist approach to enable downscaling and understanding of the perceptions of women in science education on online learning experiences more holistically. Regardless of the benefits and advantages online learning has as opposed to traditional/physical learning, vulnerability, and resistance of women in science students at Chinhoyi University of Technology in the Institute of Materials Science Processing and Engineering Technology is worsened. The study found out that the great difference in how the women in science students perceive their experiences is hinged upon the student’s background, the age gap, academic level, geographical location and even technology proficiency. A gap in knowledge persists in the exploration of the nuanced challenges faced by women in science when transitioning from traditional classroom instruction to online learning at the tertiary level was identified in the study resulting from the socio-economic challenges that the students are experiencing. Insights from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how women in science navigate online education, offering valuable considerations for educators, policymakers, and institutions striving to create inclusive and effective learning environments.

Perception and Use of Large Language Models by Library and Information Science Students

Perception and Use of Large Language Models by Library and Information Science Students

A Pilot Study from A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience for Online Degree-Seeking Astronomy Students

Research-based active learning approaches are critical for the teaching and learning of undergraduate STEM majors. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are becoming more commonplace in traditional, in-person academic environments, but have only just started to be utilized in online education. Online education has been shown to create accessible pathways to knowledge for individuals from nontraditional student backgrounds, and increasing the diversity of STEM fields has been identified as a priority for future generations of scientists and engineers. We developed and instructed a rigorous, six-week curriculum on the topic of observational astronomy, dedicated to educating second year online astronomy students in practices and techniques for astronomical research. Throughout the course, the students learned about telescopes, the atmosphere, filter systems, adaptive optics systems, astronomical catalogs, and image viewing/processing tools. We developed a survey informed by previous research validated assessments aimed to evaluate course feedback, course impact, student self-efficacy, student science identity and community values, and student sense of belonging. The survey was administered at the conclusion of the course to all eleven students yielding eight total responses. Although preliminary, the results of our analysis indicate that students’ confidence in utilizing the tools and skills taught in the course was significant. Students also felt a great sense of belonging to the astronomy community and increased confidence in conducting astronomical research in the future.

A Simulation-Based Approach to Teach Interaction Effects in Postgraduate Biostatistics Courses

Simulation-based teaching can be a valuable method for learning statistical concepts. Its practical implementation for health-related subjects is seldomly evaluated. We propose a simulation-based approach to teach interaction effects in a postgraduate biostatistics course. We describe the steps involved in organizing and implementing a simulation-based activity and evaluate its execution. Mainly master and doctoral students in medical sciences (public health/epidemiology) participated to a 3-hr long online workshop on interaction effects. We presented one main learning activity, broken down into six progressive steps, from visualizing an interaction effect to investigating samples leading to erroneous inference. A total of 85 people attended of which 53 filled out an evaluation survey. Most (89%) of the respondents reported that the proposed activities helped them better understand interaction effects. A qualitative content analysis of free-text answers indicated that learning activities focusing on interaction effects in this way were useful for developing an understanding of both the meaning of statistical models and their interpretations. We conclude that a simulation-based approach can be a useful and interactive tool to create a valuable learning experience. The materials provided in this article can serve as a starting point for teachers who wish to implement such a method.

Hand Carriage of Yeast in Student of Medicine, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science: Impact of Infection Control Measures.

We studied yeast hand carriage of 260 healthcare students. We isolated yeasts in 27 students (10.4%), without differences between medicine, nursing, and medical laboratory science programs and gender. A significant lower prevalence of carriage was shown in the clinical cycle (2.7%) compared to the basic cycle (13.5%) (p = 0.022) and the preclinical cycle (13.5%) (p = 0.014). Increased handwashing frequency and the use of alcohol gel and antiseptic soap decreased yeast carriage. Students who applied moisturizing hand cream two or more times a day had a lower frequency of yeast carriage (3.4%) than those who did not use it or used it once a day (16.5%), showing a significant difference (p = 0.016). The most prevalent species was C. parapsilosis sensu stricto (81.5%), followed by Meyerozyma guilliermondii (C. guillermondii) (7.4%), Trichosporon mucoides (7.4%), and R. mucilagenosa (3.7%). One case showed mixed carriage of C. parapsilosis and C. albicans. All strains were sensitive to voriconazole, caspofungin, and anidulafungin. This study shows hand carriage of yeast in health students, mainly by C. parapsilosis, and the frequency of infection control measures and moisturizing hand cream is associated with colonization control.

Prevalence of self-medication practices with antibiotics and associated factors among students in five colleges in Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite their significant contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, antibiotics face challenges due to their inappropriate use, one of which is self-medication. This study assessed the prevalence of|| self-medication with antibiotics among Eritrean college students and its associated factors.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among students from five colleges from September 2019 to February 2020. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and each participant completed a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics, and self-medication practices. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics.ResultsThe study distributed 380 questionnaires, with 375 returned, yielding a response rate of 98.68%. Findings revealed that 80.3% of participants were familiar with antibiotics. Additionally, 18.8% agreed with non-prescription antibiotic use for simple ailments. Of the 252 respondents who answered, 67.1% reported self-medication with antibiotics. Within the preceding six months, the prevalence of such self-medication was 34.3%. Factors associated with self-medication included college affiliation, with participants from the College of Science (COS) exhibiting lower odds (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.91, p = 0.03) compared to the College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS) students. Those living in dormitories had 2.4 times higher odds (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.7–5.02, p = 0.017) to self-medicate compared to those living with family. Moreover, individuals unaware of antibiotic resistance had higher odds (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.24–4.7, p = 0.009) of self-medication. Attitude score was also significantly associated with self-medication (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.8–0.98, p = 0.027).ConclusionsThese results highlight the necessity for tailored educational programs to advocate for appropriate antibiotic utilization and mitigate the prevalent misuse of antibiotics among college students. Initiatives focused on increasing knowledge about the dangers linked with self-medication and advocating for conscientious antibiotic usage are essential in combating the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance and safeguarding public health.

The Impact of Electronic Device Use on Dry Eye Disease Symptoms based on Age and Gender: A Cross-sectional Study in Health Science University Students

Background Individuals with dry eye disease (DED) may experience ocular symptoms, affecting their quality of life. DED is multifactorial and is related to age, gender, and other factors. While a study may contain examination results of DED symptoms in elderly populations, where electronic device use has contributed to DED, disease occurrence in younger populations, such as university students, remains unclear. Purpose We evaluated DED frequency and risk factors for health science university students using electronic devices during online courses. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study using a previously validated DED questionnaire [Computer Vision Syndrome questionnaire (CVSQ)], which contains three parts: student demographics, electronic device information, and DED symptoms. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of 359 health science students (aged 18 and above) at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between October 2022 and January 2023. We collected data on electronic device variables and DED symptoms in this cohort. Results We recruited 359 male (29.2%) and female (70.8%) health science students. Participant ages ranged from 18–20 (62.4%) to 21–27 (37.6%) years old. Participants were asked 24 questions, which gathered information on electronic device type, screen time in online classes, occupational characteristics (smoking status), and associated eye symptoms, such as pain, redness, itchiness, dryness, and heavy eyelids. Based on most responses, the Tablet was the most used and preferred device (85%), with continuous use of the device during university courses/ activities (85.8%). The correlation of the survey parameters was only significantly related to gender and study years with DED symptoms. The highest eye symptom intensity levels (always to severe) indicated burning (6.7%) and dryness (8.6%) sensations. Lastly, a significant association was identified between DED symptoms and screen time, gender, and smoking status. Conclusion DED symptoms were commonly reported in university students who used electronic devices. Our study provides valuable insights into electronic device usage duration impacted the ocular health of females and younger students, aiding in preventing dry eye disease risks and maintaining good eye health.

PENGEMBANGAN KONTEN SIPEJAR MANAJEMEN LEMBAGA INFORMASI BERBASIS INKLUSI SOSIAL UNTUK MAHASISWA ILMU PERPUSTAKAAN

Microlearning-based learning content is a form of innovation that needs to be carried out to answer current challenges. Microlearning is a method of creating learning content into small, focused parts with the help of information technology. The content is usually created in the form of explanatory videos, motion graphics and infographics. This research aims to develop SIPEJAR content based on microlearning for Information Institution Management courses based on social inclusion for library science students. The research method applied in this study uses an applied research approach with the aim of overcoming practical problems or producing new product innovations that can be implemented directly. The findings from this applied research have practical application, and one of the approaches is the research and development method. This approach is used to produce concrete solutions that can provide direct benefits for practitioners, and has the potential to present innovative products as a result of the exploration and development carried out. Research results. Evaluation results by experts show that the overall validity of the media reached a score of 84 with an average value of 3.84 from a maximum score of 88. With a percentage of 95.45%, this media is categorized as very high and is considered suitable as an effective learning tool. Material validation by validators also gave positive results, with a total score of 52, an average of 3.55, and a percentage of 86.67%, indicating the validity of the material elements in the learning product. Furthermore, the design validation results showed an overall score of 78, an average of 3.91, and a percentage 97.50% (very valid), indicating that the product design is considered very valid and suitable for use in the context of library management learning. Product trials on students also produced positive numbers, with a total of 86.8, an average of 3.48, and a percentage of 86.84%, indicating that the product is suitable for use in the learning process, making a positive contribution to students' understanding of library management. Overall, this research confirms that the evaluated learning products are of high quality and can be relied upon as effective learning tools in the context of library management.

EFEKTIVITAS MEDIA ULAR TANGGA EDUKASI TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPAS PADA KELAS IV SD ATTIN NAMOSAIN

This research is a quantitative research, this research aims to determine the effect of the effectiveness of snakes and ladders media on the learning outcomes of class IV students in science and science learning at Attin Namosain Elementary School. The type of Quasi Experimental Design approach is Pretest Posttest Nonequivalent Control Group Design. This research used a population and sample, namely all class IV students consisting of 44 students (22 control class students and 22 experimental class students). The data collection techniques used were test techniques and observation sheets for the implementation of learning media. Based on the analysis of the data results, it shows that the sig (2-tailed) value is 0.000<0.005, with a significance level = 0.05(5%). Furthermore, the results of the N-Gain Score test in the experimental class which applied snakes and ladders media was 71.16% and was included in the effective category. There is a significant influence of snakes and ladders media on the learning outcomes of class IV students in science learning at Attin Namosain Elementary School.

Determination of objective taste perception among Iranian medical sciences students during COVID‑19 pandemic in Yazd, Eastern Iran: a case-control pilot study

BackgroundTaste disorders in patients suffering from COVID-19 were popular. Some people even after recovery report residual effects of loss of smell and taste. This study aimed to investigate the taste Perception of Iranian Medical Sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe case-control study evaluated 50 Medical Sciences students with a history of COVID-19 infection, as confirmed by the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) CFX96™ Real-Time PCR Detection System. The other participants consisted of 50 volunteer students with COVID-19 negative. The taste perception was measured with 4 different concentrations of the basic tastes. The stimuli were applied to the protruded tongue. Subjects were asked to identify the researcher when they felt the taste. Data are expressed as frequency distribution and analyzed with the Chi-Square test (P < 0.05).ResultsIn this survey, 54% of participants were male and 46% were female, the mean age of participants was 22.96 ± 5 years. The results showed a significant difference in the sweet and bitter taste perception score according to the history of dietary supplement use. The bitter taste perception score declared a considerable difference since COVID-19 infection. There was no significant difference between the taste perception in the two studied groups for all 4 basic tastes according to gender, COVID-19 infection status, history of taste and smell disorders, and the elapsed time since COVID-19 infection.ConclusionOur findings could provide important insights into taste perception. The history of dietary supplementation may influence how sweetness and saltiness are perceived. There was a noticeable difference in bitter taste perception depending on the time that had elapsed since the most recent COVID-19 infection.

Software testing education. Teaching the concept of confirmation bias from a pragmatic perspective of reasoning / La formación en pruebas de software. Enseñanza del concepto de sesgo de confirmación desde la perspectiva del razonamiento pragmático

Wason’s Selection Task, often used by information technology researchers, has traditionally highlighted the perceived inadequacies of software testers from a falsificationist perspective. However, a pragmatic approach to reasoning suggests that human cognition is influenced not only by logic but also by contextual factors. This perspective suggests that testers’ deficiencies may arise from prioritizing information relevance over strict logical adherence. Addressing confirmation bias and contextual influences is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the issue and for developing new testing strategies. Experiment 1 examined two thematic versions of the Wason task among computer science students, confirming enhanced performance in line with relevance theory. Experiment 2 showed students’ ability to grasp falsification concepts and apply them to abstract tasks. This suggests the Wason test’s value as a didactic tool for illustrating confirmation bias rather than solely assessing reasoning proficiency.