Mechanical Support Research Articles

Instructional Support System and Mechanism Among School Administrators: Springboard to Supervisory Tool Development

Instructional Support System and Mechanism Among School Administrators: Springboard to Supervisory Tool Development

Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Additively Manufactured Porous Load-Bearing Bone Implants.

Given that they can replicate both the biomechanical and mechanobiological functions of natural bone, metal additively manufactured porous load-bearing bone implants present a significant advancement in orthopedic applications. Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals enables precise control over pore geometry, resulting in implants that provide effective mechanical support and minimize stress shielding. In addition to its mechanical benefits, the porous architecture of the implants facilitates essential mechanobiological processes, including the transmission of mechanical signals that regulate cellular processes such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Before clinical use, the implants should first be engineered to achieve a comparable elastic modulus to native bone, mitigating implant-induced bone resorption while promoting tissue regeneration. It is also noteworthy that the microstructural features of these implants support angiogenesis-a critical process for oxygen and nutrient delivery during bone healing. Despite their potential benefits, challenges remain in balancing mechanical stability for load-bearing applications with biofunctionality for effective integration and controlled degradation. This review comprehensively discusses the biomechanical and mechanobiological factors influencing the design and performance of additively manufactured porous bone implants, highlighting their potential to enhance clinical outcomes in bone repair and regeneration.

Individual protective actions with social support seeking in an online health community: two observational cross-sectional studies during public health emergencies

In public health emergencies, there is a critical need for accurate informational and emotional support to counteract misinformation and trauma. Online Health Communities (OHCs) serve as essential resources for real-time health counseling and support. This study investigates how OHCs facilitate the acquisition of informational and emotional support, crucial for guiding informed protective decisions. By integrating the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) with social support theory, the research examines the impact of disaster-related information on patients’ decision-making within OHCs, aiming to optimize these platforms for public health response and preparedness. The study utilizes a dataset comprising 602 doctor-patient consultation dialogues from a Chinese OHC. Through text and sentiment analysis, the study quantifies the volume of information and sentiment, which serve as indicators of the level of informational and emotional support sought by patients. Environmental and social cues related to emergency situations are measured using disaster early forecast information and the volume of social media discussions on the emergency. Multiple linear regression models are employed to analyze the impact of these cues on patients’ behaviors, specifically their informational-seeking and emotional-seeking actions. It indicates that social cues have an impact on patients’ seeking informational support, while only in the high-uncertainty public health emergency, environmental cues are positively correlated with patients’ seeking both emotional and informational support. Additionally, stakeholder actions in the context of OHCs positively moderate the influence of environmental and social cues on individual protective actions to some extent. This study advances the understanding of OHCs by applying and empirically testing the PADM in a digital health context. It also explores the varying impacts of different types of public health emergencies on patient behavior within OHCs. The findings can guide healthcare providers and OHC administrators in enhancing support mechanisms, particularly during public health emergencies.

UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN TOWARDS CULTURALLY GROUNDED SAFE SPACES IN MUNTINLUPA CITY

This study examines the cultural, social, and economic factors influencing violence against women in a specific urban community, assessing barriers to help-seeking behaviors among women who experience abuse. Using a quantitative approach, survey data were collected from respondents to evaluate levels of agreement on various factors, including general awareness and accessibility of support services, societal expectations, and economic limitations. The findings indicate that traditional gender roles, stigma, and financial dependency are significant barriers, while community support and financial resources are crucial for enabling women to seek help. Despite the presence of some awareness and supportive programs, these factors remain inconsistently effective due to economic constraints and societal pressures. The study’s results underscore the need for improved access to resources, community sensitization, and sustainable financial support mechanisms. Limitations include the single-city setting and the reliance on quantitative data, suggesting that further qualitative and multi-location studies are warranted to better understand these complex dynamics and enhance policy interventions. Keywords: Cultural, Economic, Violence Against Women, Safe Space, Social

Application and Care of Extracorporeal Membrane Pulmonary Oxygenation Technology in Critically Ill patients at Medical University- Affiliated Hospital

Aim: To examine the efficacy and nursing strategies involved in using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology for critically ill patients at the Xiangshan Hospital, a tertiary grade B hospital in China. Methods: This study investigates the efficacy and nursing strategies associated with applying extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology in critically ill patients within a tertiary grade B hospital in China. Results: Following timely intervention and care, eight of the 19 patients were successfully weaned off ECMO and transferred to the ward. Two patients were discharged after treatment was discontinued due to severe cerebral dysfunction, one was discharged following the discontinuation of treatment due to a severe pulmonary infection, and eight patients succumbed to their conditions. Conclusion: ECMO technology, as an advanced life support mechanism, delivers vital oxygenation and circulatory support during cardiopulmonary failure, allowing crucial time for subsequent therapeutic interventions. Nursing plays a central role in ECMO therapy, involving patient monitoring, comprehensive care, and complication prevention. It is essential for nursing staff to have specialized knowledge and skills to maintain the optimal performance of ECMO equipment and ensure patient safety. Keywords: extracorporeal membrane pulmonary oxygenation; critical care; nursing care.

The INSPIRE framework for transformative and inclusive education: a case study of the science faculty at a Commonwealth university

Purpose This study aims to examine the development and implementation of the INSPIRE (Integrating New Strategies for Performance in Inclusive and Reflective Education) framework within a university’s Science Faculty across various instructional modalities to enhance student outcomes and uphold assessment integrity. Design/methodology/approach This action research-informed case study evaluated the effectiveness of INSPIRE in reducing failure and improving student engagement by comparing two instructional periods: the pre-INSPIRE phase, with traditional teaching methods, high failure rates and limited support, and the INSPIRE-driven phase, which introduced adaptive assessments, AI-enhanced learning tools and inclusive education strategies. Data from student performance records, faculty reports and student surveys were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach to assess changes across departments and instructional modalities. Institutional reports, including examiners’ meeting minutes and academic board discussions, were examined alongside semistructured interviews with faculty and students to triangulate findings and identify implementation challenges. Findings INSPIRE led to a 4.5-fold reduction in high-failure courses, significant improvements in student engagement, assessment integrity and equity-driven support mechanisms. Online and hybrid learning environments exhibited the most substantial gains, benefiting from adaptive assessments and AI-powered learning tools, while face-to-face instruction required further enhancements in active learning methodologies. Originality/value This study advances discourse on evidence-based educational reforms, demonstrating the potential of structured, iterative interventions to transform student learning. INSPIRE serves as a scalable model for institutions seeking to enhance student success.

Decoupling of Bonding Strength and Water Retention in Aqueous Wood Adhesive Inspired by Plant Cell.

Aqueous wood adhesives with both water retention and strong bonding strength are essential for wood industrial applications. However, the enhanced water retention of adhesive often suffers from low water resistance and bonding strength due to its increased hydrophilicity. Inspired by the water retention and mechanical support in plant cell, we develop a multifunctional biomass soybean meal (SM) adhesive by combining the rigid internal boron-nitrogen coordinated boronic esters structure for reinforcement with the flexible zwitterionic polymer for water retention. Such a design provides good dry (2.03 MPa) and wet shear (1.14 MPa) strengths and demonstrates durable adhesion in various harsh environments for up to 80 days. The adhesive exhibits the anticipated water retention property, extending the plywood shaping manufacturing time to 60 min due to the ability of the water-retaining polymer to convert free water into a bound state and suppress water evaporation. Additionally, the adhesive demonstrates a 10-fold increase in mildew resistance compared with the SM adhesive and exhibits good flame retardancy. This study presents a versatile and efficient approach for developing durable, water-retaining, and sustainable aqueous adhesives for various bonding techniques and shaping materials.

Enhanced cartilage repair using gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels combined with icariin and magnesium-doped bioactive glass

Cartilage repair remains challenging due to limited self-healing, poor biocompatibility, and insufficient mechanical properties of current materials. To overcome these issues, we developed a multifunctional composite hydrogel by integrating gelatine methacrylate (GelMA) with magnesium-doped bioactive glass (Mg-BG) and icariin (ICA). SEM analysis revealed that pure GelMA exhibited a highly porous yet loosely organized structure, whereas the addition of Mg-BG and ICA produced a denser, more interconnected porous network that enhances cell adhesion and nutrient diffusion. In vitro, the ICA/Mg-BG/GelMA hydrogel achieved a swelling ratio up to 430% and maintained cell viability above 80% over 5 days. Moreover, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that the composite hydrogel upregulated chondrogenic markers (SOX9, ACAN, and COL2A1) compared with GelMA alone. Specifically, it downregulates M1 pro-inflammatory markers (CCR7, iNOS, CD86) and upregulates M2 anti-inflammatory markers (ARG1, CD163, CD206), thereby creating a regenerative microenvironment. These results indicate that the synergistic combination of GelMA, Mg-BG, and ICA not only improves the scaffold’s mechanical support but also enhances its biological functionality, offering a promising strategy for cartilage repair. Future studies will focus on in vivo validation to further assess its clinical potential.

Association between red blood cell transfusion and subsequent cardiovascular events in patients admitted to the cardiovascular intensive care unit: a single-center retrospective study.

Anemia can worsen the prognosis of patients with acute cardiovascular (CV) disease; however, the effect of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on mid-term outcomes in such patients requiring intensive care remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the association between RBC transfusions during hospitalization and subsequent CV events (all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke, admission for acute heart failure [AHF], unstable angina, and other CV events) after hospital discharge in patients admitted to the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU). We retrospectively enrolled 517 patients with emergent admission to the CICU for suspected acute CV disease between January and December 2018. After excluding 41 patients who died or developed CV events during hospitalization, the remaining 476 patients (44.3% with acute coronary syndrome, 22.1% with heart failure, 6.7% with acute aortic dissection, 16.0% with other cardiac diseases, and 10.9% with non-cardiac diseases) were included in the analysis and divided into transfusion (n = 111) and non-transfusion (n = 365) groups based on RBC transfusion requirements during hospitalization. All patients were followed up for subsequent CV events over a period of 180 days after hospital discharge. Compared with the non-transfusion group, the transfusion group showed a higher incidence of chronic kidney disease (73.9% vs. 48.2%, p < 0.001), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (18.0 ± 7.2 vs. 13.9 ± 5.6, p < 0.001), frequency of use of invasive mechanical support devices (52.3% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001), and surgery rate (35.1% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001), as well as a lower nadir hemoglobin level (8.9 ± 2.3 g/dL vs. 11.7 ± 1.9 g/dL, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of CV events was higher in the transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group (32.9% vs. 9.1%, log-rank p < 0.001), with a similar trend observed even after propensity score matching (29.2% vs. 12.3%, log-rank p = 0.049). RBC transfusion remained independently associated with subsequent CV events after adjusting for age, sex, nadir hemoglobin level, bleeding complications, and CV risk factors (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-5.46; p = 0.027). These findings suggest that RBC transfusion during hospitalization is independently associated with subsequent CV events in patients admitted to the CICU, indicating the need for cautious evaluation of transfusion practices based on potential long-term adverse effects.

Decellularized extracellular matrix-loaded exosome hydrogel for cell-free tracheal scaffold in tracheal defect reconstruction and repair

Tracheal reconstruction presents a significant global clinical challenge due to the unique structure and function of the trachea, which complicates its repair. Key challenges include restoring tracheal function post-transplantation, managing surgical complications, and ensuring the long-term survival of transplanted tissue. Furthermore, adequate vascularization of the transplanted trachea, along with the repair of cartilage and epithelial cells, is critical for facilitating functional recovery and successful reconstruction. In this study, a decellularized tracheal matrix was extracted to preserve its natural bioactivity. Nanoclay and GelMA were then employed as carrier materials to integrate with the decellularized tracheal matrix, forming a hydrogel scaffold. Both nanoclay and GelMA offer tunable porous structures and surface properties that promote cell adhesion and proliferation, while providing sufficient mechanical support. By leveraging the biological functions of endothelial progenitor cell-derived exosomes, we successfully loaded exosomes onto the decellularized extracellular matrix, creating a novel cell-free tracheal scaffold for investigating tracheal defect repair. The scaffold exhibited excellent biocompatibility, promoting graft vascularization and facilitating the repair of tracheal cartilage and epithelium. These findings hold significant promise for advancing tracheal reconstruction surgery and offer valuable insights for future research in this area.Graphical abstract

AI-Enhanced Knowledge Management Systems: A Framework for Improving Enterprise Search and Workflow Automation through NLP and TensorFlow

In the era of digital transformation, organizations are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance knowledge management systems (KMS) and gain a competitive edge. This paper proposes a novel framework for AI-enhanced knowledge management that leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) and TensorFlow to improve enterprise search capabilities and workflow automation. Traditional KMS often struggle with unstructured data, inefficient information retrieval, and fragmented workflows, leading to reduced productivity and decision-making inefficiencies. By integrating advanced NLP algorithms with TensorFlow’s scalable machine learning capabilities, the proposed framework addresses these challenges through intelligent content classification, semantic search, and automated knowledge extraction. The framework begins with data ingestion from diverse sources, including emails, reports, and databases, which are processed using NLP techniques such as named entity recognition, sentiment analysis, and topic modeling. TensorFlow models are then employed to train and fine-tune neural networks for document classification and intent recognition, enabling contextual understanding and prioritization of enterprise content. The system supports a dynamic knowledge graph that interlinks related concepts, documents, and workflows, facilitating real-time, query-responsive search and content recommendation. Moreover, the framework incorporates workflow automation by integrating AI models that identify repetitive tasks and suggest optimized processes using predictive analytics. This reduces manual effort, enhances task routing, and supports intelligent alerts and decision support mechanisms. A case study in a mid-sized enterprise demonstrates a 35% improvement in knowledge retrieval time and a 28% reduction in workflow execution delays after implementation. The proposed AI-enhanced KMS offers a scalable, adaptive solution for managing organizational knowledge in real-time, thus supporting knowledge workers with timely, relevant, and context-aware insights. It emphasizes the role of NLP for linguistic comprehension and TensorFlow for deep learning-based model optimization, providing a robust foundation for future enterprise intelligence systems. The research contributes to the growing field of AI in enterprise settings, highlighting the potential of integrated technologies to redefine knowledge access and operational efficiency. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Management Systems, Enterprise Search, Workflow Automation, Natural Language Processing, TensorFlow, Semantic Search, Knowledge Graph, Machine Learning, Information Retrieval.

Growing up amidst violence: mapping mental health ecologies with young people on Colombia’s Pacific Coast

BackgroundExperiencing violence and conflict during childhood and adolescence can significantly impact mental health, including affecting young people’s social and economic development. We lack research in conflict-affected contexts that directly analyses the perceptions and experiences of young people themselves. We do not understand enough how conflict-affected environments damage the social tissue and connectedness of young people. We need a better understanding of the resources and agency that young people have to access support for their mental health and emotional wellbeing.MethodsBased on participatory creative research methods, this article describes which resources young Afro-Colombian people living in the city of Quibdó make use of to improve and support their emotional wellbeing. Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, we explore the social tissue of youth mental health.ResultsParticipants mostly drew on sources of support in their immediate microsystem: family and friends; arts and sports in the neighbourhood; culture and nature; and individual coping strategies in the home. These microsystems bore signs of significant disruption as a result of conflict and violence, increasing individual and collective vulnerability. We identify a disconnect between these young people, their immediate environment (family, school, neighbourhood) and existing support mechanisms offered by the state and community organisations.ConclusionsTo promote mental wellbeing, we identify the significance of safe spaces where young people are able to talk and connect to others and where trusted persons can connect young people to the wider exosystem of mental health care provision and to social, economic, peacebuilding and wider political processes.

Peer support as a preventive intervention for postpartum anxiety: A single-blind randomized clinical trial

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of peer support on postpartum anxiety and self-esteem among first-time mothers (primiparous women) referred to health centers. Methods: A total of 100 eligible primiparous women were randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group, which received standard care along with peer support, and the control group, which received only routine care. To ensure blinding and concealment of allocation, the randomization sequence was managed by an individual not involved in participant recruitment or data collection. Peer supporters were instructed to contact the mothers they were supporting at least once a week. The effectiveness of the peer support intervention was assessed by administering the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory to all participants before and after the intervention. Results: The intervention group exhibited a significantly lower mean state anxiety score compared to the control group (P=0.023). However, there was no statistically significant difference observed in trait anxiety (P=0.162) or the timing of first breastfeeding (P=0.037). Notably, the intervention group demonstrated a higher rate of breastfeeding continuation at two months postpartum. Conclusion: The findings suggest that incorporating peer support into standard prenatal care can be beneficial in reducing postpartum anxiety among first-time mothers. It is recommended that healthcare providers consider integrating peer support mechanisms into their routine maternal care practices.

Review of Legal Support of Climate Change Adaptation Mechanisms

Climate change presents significant challenges for legal systems, as effective regulation of adaptation measures is necessary. The lack of a unified approach to the legal framework for adaptation mechanisms complicates the implementation of state policy in this area. This study aims to analyze the legal mechanisms for adapting to climate change and their compliance with international standards. The methodology encompasses a systematic analysis of national and international legislation, a comparative examination of the legal approaches employed by different countries, and legal modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of existing mechanisms. Doctrinal analysis and legal hermeneutics methods were employed. The results of the study indicate the fragmentation of normative-legal support for climate change adaptation. It has been established that the implementation of effective adaptation measures requires harmonization of national legislation with international obligations and the expansion of the powers of local authorities. It is recommended to develop a comprehensive law on climate change adaptation that takes into account European approaches and ensures a clear mechanism for the implementation of adaptation measures.

Integral Theory Paradigm- common pelvic ligament pathogenesis guides management for Urology, Gynecology, Coloproctology.

Background The pathophysiology behind this work is the same as for the midurethral sling: collagen-deficient ligaments weaken the closure muscles which contract against them; precise insertion of tapes in the anatomical position of the ligaments (PUL) create new collagen to restore function and cure symptoms. Aims/methods To briefly describe how the same collagen-creating system applied to PUL and other ligaments such as uterosacral, can treat common symptoms from Urology, Gynecology, Coloproctology. VIDEO 1 describes 16 practical applications of this system to cure bladder/bowel/pain and tethered vagina syndrome dysfunctions. Results Collagen-induced laxity in ligaments and vagina diminishes contractile forces required by pelvic muscles to close urethra and anus for continence; open them for evacuation; stretch bladder base and rectum like a trampoline to prevent stretch receptors prematurely activating micturition and defecation reflexes, perceived cortically as bladder or fecal "urge to go". The pictorial algorithm summarizes common ligament pathogeneses for prolapse/bladder/bowel/pain dysfunctions, which can be confirmed by mechanical support of PUL for relief of urine loss on coughing, and uterosacral ligaments (USL) for relief of urge and chronic pelvic pain. The same minimally-invasive ligament repairs used for SUI, prolapse, pain/bladder dysfunctions were demonstrated by xray defecography controlled studies to cure fecal incontinence, obstructive defecation, anterior rectal wall intussusception and descending perineal syndrome. Pathophysiology update at: https://atm.amegroups.org/issue/view/1400.

FEATURES OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

The article highlights the features of organizing and providing social assistance to families with children in the context of modern socio-economic challenges. Social support for vulnerable categories of the population is one of the priorities of state policy, especially in the current context of economic challenges and war. Families with children require special attention from the state, after which they face difficulties in providing basic life needs. The author analyzes support mechanisms aimed at different categories of families: large families, low-income families, as well as families where children are under guardianship or care. The work examines in detail material payments, social benefits and services aimed at ensuring the basic needs of children, supporting their development and creating equal opportunities for the realization of their rights. Special attention is paid to the features of state policy regarding large families, in particular, fertility stimulation programs, tax benefits, priority access to educational and medical services. The problems and challenges faced by low-income families are analyzed, in particular, the inaccessibility of some social programs due to bureaucratic obstacles, insufficient funding, and limited opportunities for integration into active socio-economic life. The analysis of the dynamics of the subsistence minimum indicates periodic fluctuations and attempts to adapt social standards to changing economic conditions. The article also examines aspects of social assistance to children under guardianship or care, including ensuring decent conditions for their upbringing, support for guardians, and measures to prevent discrimination. The author analyzes the current state of legislative regulation in this area, the effectiveness of existing assistance mechanisms, and suggests ways to improve them in wartime.The results of the study allow us to identify key problems that hinder the realization of the right of families with children to social protection, and to suggest ways to overcome them. In particular, attention is focused on the need to increase the targeting of assistance, ensure equal access to social services, simplify procedures for obtaining assistance, and improve information support.

A Core-Shell Perovskite Composite Air Electrode With Thermal-Expansion Offset and Mechanical Support Functions for Highly Durable Reversible Protonic Ceramic Cells.

Reversible protonic ceramic cells (RPCCs) offer a promising pathway to efficient and reversible energy conversion, accelerating the global shift to renewables. However, the RPCCs' commercialization faces limitations in air electrode materials. Traditional cobalt-based perovskite air electrodes, while effective, suffer from high cost and environmental concerns. Alternative materials, such as SrFeO3-δ (SF)-based perovskites, offer potential, yet durability issues, including thermal-expansion mismatch and mechanical instability, hinder their practical application. Here, a unique solid-state reaction between SF and negative-thermal-expansion (NTE) material is demonstrated to yield a core-shell perovskite composite as a highly durable RPCCs air electrode. Specifically, by calcining a mixture of SF and an NTE material, ZrW2O8 (ZWO), the in situ incorporation of ZWO into the SF lattice is achieved, resulting in a non-closed core-shell composite, comprising single perovskite SraFebZrcWdO3-δ (SP-SFZW) core and B-site cation ordered double perovskite SrxFeyZrmWnO6-δ (DP-SFZW) shell. Both SP-SFZW and DP-SFZW serve as oxygen catalysts, while DP-SFZW shell additionally acts as a thermal expansion suppressor and mechanical support structure, effectively mitigating electrode cracking and delamination from other cell components during RPCC operation. Consequently, the composite electrode demonstrates comparable catalytic activity to SF, coupled with significantly enhanced durability. This work illustrates a novel approach for developing robust RPCCs air electrode.

Experiences and challenges of Arab social workers in Israel with community violence

The study addresses community violence among Arab social workers in Israel. Data from 14 in-depth interviews were thematically analyzed. The findings reveal that participants encounter challenges in the personal, familial, as well as the professional spheres. They report collegial supportive coping mechanisms used by social workers after exposure to community violence. This study highlights the importance of enhancing social workers’ well-being, safety, and professional effectiveness after exposure to community violence. Tailored peer support is crucial in addressing the challenges they face.

The invisibility of anxiety in young, traumatised South African children

The high prevalence of anxiety in young traumatised children has been well established in literature. However, the body of literature that explores how anxiety manifests in classroom settings in the South African context is still growing. The ways in which it presents at the personal level for individual children, in particular, need to be examined in greater depth. The current study posed the question, ‘How does anxiety manifest in young, traumatised South African children in classroom settings?’ The researchers adopted an interpretive phenomenological approach and used a combination of intervention and vignette research. Data were collected from individualised, intuitive, and integrative psychotherapeutic processes. Primary participants ( n = 5) ranged in ages from 8 to 14 years, while secondary participants included parents and teachers. An analysis of parental and teacher interviews as well as vignettes for each participant revealed high levels of anxiety invisibility in classroom settings for all the study participants. This finding was triangulated from the teacher interviews, parental interviews, therapeutic engagement, and vignettes. The study identified the need for capacity development in teachers in terms of mental health and wellbeing, and recommended that additional support mechanisms be provided for young, traumatised children suffering from anxiety.

Navigating HSK level 5 challenges: dual perspectives from Thai undergraduates and Chinese lecturers

The ever-growing significance of Chinese language education in Thailand highlights the strategic importance of achieving higher levels, specifically Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) level 5, as a key steppingstone for future academic and career development. For the majority of Thai undergraduates, nevertheless, efficient test preparation encounters systemic, pedagogical, and motivational challenges. These are further exacerbated by misaligned institutional frameworks and a lack of coherence between HSK 5 preparation and general educational objectives. Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), the current study investigates the role of motivational orientations, cognitive processing constraints, and institutional frameworks in students' preparation and performance in the HSK exam. The study aims to (1) examine Thai undergraduates' learning behaviors, motivation, and psychological challenges in HSK level 5 preparation. (2) Determine the efficacy and accessibility of teaching methodologies and learning resources in addressing the needs of the students and enhancing examination performance. (3) Investigate Chinese instructors’ views of pedagogical issues and instructional methods to better facilitate HSK level 5 preparation. The present research adopted a mixed-methods design to explore the root causes behind such difficulties by administering a survey for 139 undergraduate students, who were sampled using stratified random sampling to achieve representativeness across levels of proficiency and semi-structured interviews with 12 Chinese lecturers selected by purposive sampling to provide rich insights into teaching practices and systemic gaps. The findings of this study suggest the integration of structural reforms in university-level Chinese education: the introduction of HSK 5 as a prerequisite for graduation, better access to updated resources, mock examinations, and learner-centered pedagogic approaches. It is also recommended to provide mechanisms of financial and psychological support to overcome such barriers, thus providing actionable insights into the advancement of Chinese language education in Thailand and its academic, cultural, and economic connectivity with China.