University Campus Research Articles

Using constructed languages to introduce and teach linguistics

Abstract Introductory linguistics courses are a common component of general education curricula at many institutions of higher education, reaching tens of thousands of students with diverse backgrounds and interests. Such courses provide a great opportunity for linguists to convey the field’s message and its values to a wider audience. We propose that it is possible to increase the public outreach of such courses by engaging not only the students in the course, but also the campus community at large. In this paper, we report on using constructed languages (conlangs) as a tool to help students understand course materials via active learning as well as present linguistic research to the wider community of college campuses.

Amplifying Student E-Learning Impact on Academic Performance in Higher Education

Current research investigates the impact of students' E-Learning Attitudes (ELA), Digital Readiness (DR), and Academic Engagement (AE) on their academic performance in higher education. A survey in the form of an online questionnaire was administered to students through the networks established by the research teams. These networks encompassed academic staff from diverse Malaysian private as well as public universities. These academic staff were directed to share the survey link with their undergraduate students through WhatsApp or email. Two hundred eighty-six (286) valid surveys were collected from students at six public and private university campuses in Malaysia that offer courses and have used E-learning for at least one semester as part of COVID-19. In contrast to previous debates and studies, the outcomes of employing structural equation modeling through PLS 4.0 revealed a positive and noteworthy influence of E-learning platforms on students' academic performance. These findings hold broader implications for policymakers in higher education, researchers as well as educators, particularly in terms of considering the potential incorporation of social media tools within higher education, especially in developing nations. This research suggests that educational institutions that embrace change by aligning the goals of both students and instructors to establish a constructive and encouraging online learning atmosphere. This will foster active academic participation and enhance students' academic achievements.

Considerations for Planning Charging Stations on College Campuses: A Focus on Safety and Economy

As intelligent networked cars become increasingly integrated into people’s lives, the charging infrastructure of new energy vehicles is becoming a significant factor in the development of the new energy vehicle market. In light of the rapid growth of this market, the problem of charging stations is gradually becoming apparent. This paper puts forward a charging station planning idea. Firstly, a forecast of the charging demand must be made. Subsequently, the economic viability, safety, ease of use for faculty and staff, and the rapid development of new automotive technology must be taken into account. Finally, research and analysis of the actual data must be carried out following the requirements of the different college campuses.

A Digital Twin of a University Campus from an Urban Sustainability Approach: Case Study in Madrid (Spain)

The development of geographic information systems has grown significantly over the past decade. Simultaneously, the concept of smart cities based on the management of large volumes of data has also spread worldwide. The digital twin concept has recently been incorporated into the technological domain of urban management. However, currently, phases such as technological integration, standardization, data and process interconnection, the development of tools and utilities, professional training, and the application of digital urban development in real-world situations are converging. This paper presents the experience developed on a university campus, detailing each of the phases carried out from the initial design to a fully operational pilot phase model. The article highlights the importance of certain aspects to consider in each phase, demonstrating that there are barriers and limitations and at the same time, great strengths and opportunities in applying the digital twin model in urban management, considering aspects such as mobility, accessibility, energy management, and involving students and university administrators in the process.

An MFA-LCA framework for goal-oriented waste management studies: 'Zero Waste to Landfill' strategies for institutions.

Institutions such as university communities can be considered miniature versions of the larger society in which they exist. Nonetheless even though it should be easier to manage waste at an institution, their waste management (WM) programmes are typically lack an overall goal for improving environmental impact and are not optimally structured or operated. In part this is due to a lack of a framework that promotes a goal-oriented WM strategy. For instance, zero waste (ZW) to landfill studies have gained prominence in recent years, but generally there is a lack of clear guidance on how to carry out ZW strategies effectively at either, municipal or institutional levels. To fill this gap, this study aims to provide a framework that enables institutions to develop a goal-oriented WM strategy applying the principles of material flow analysis and life cycle assessment. The framework assumes that no prior data are available, and a study will therefore begin by collecting primary data followed by secondary data. The case study is presented in this article, along with the introduction of the framework, using ZW management scenarios in the Istanbul Technical University Ayazağa Campus. The results of the case study show that, it is not possible to achieve ZW to landfill on university campuses. And simply diverting waste from landfill (min 74% to max ~100%) does not necessarily lead to circularity (min 20% to max ~66%) or directly address public attitudes towards ZW goals.

StaffsVerse: Building a Metaverse Campus Utilising the Unreal Editor for Fortnite

In pursuit of redefining the conventional campus introductory experience, this paper presents the development and implementation of the StaffsVerse project - a virtual campus immersion tool. Designed as a Metaverse representation, the StaffsVerse project intends to transform the physical campus of Staffordshire University into an interactive digital environment. Its purpose extends to serving as a versatile tool for remote education delivery, virtual campus tours, public science outreach, and facilitating a seamless transition for students into the university community. Through immersive digital engagement, the StaffsVerse project seeks to bridge the gap between remote learners and the campus environment while facilitating a smooth integration into academic and social aspects of university life. In contrast to previous implementations of virtual campuses, the StaffsVerse project is unique in leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Editor in Fortnite (UEFN). This approach enables the development of highly detailed, interactive, and engaging environments within the expansive Fortnite ecosystem. The project's primary objective is to harness the infrastructure and extensive user base of one of the world's most widely played multi-platform games, thereby ensuring a low barrier to access. Therefore, this paper will explore how the UEFN system's adaptability can effectively create an accurate virtual replica of the physical Staffordshire University campus. The key contribution of this paper includes an overview of the design and developmental journey of the StaffsVerse project. The evolution of the project will be outlined by discussing the two pivotal iterations of the game-based implementation and explaining the decision-making process that led to the resulting version. The examination extends to the unique features of the UEFN build, addressing the inherent challenges and opportunities specific to the platform. Furthermore, specific game-based decisions are discussed, such as replicating essential campus locations, integrating interactive features, and incorporating elements unique to the virtual environment. The paper will discuss the specific educational opportunities UEFN offers, including the potential for enhancing student engagement through gamified campus experiences, insights into creating a Metaverse university campus, and contributions to the growing discourse on the intersection of game-based virtual environments in learning.

Blood Donation awareness and implementation among Undergraduate Medical Students of Sindh, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the knowledge and practice of blood donation among undergraduate students.Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro Pakistan from September 2021 to December 2021. A convenient sampling technique was applied for collection of sample comprised of undergraduate medical students of all disciplines and batches. All the participants were interviewed by using a validated questionnaire. The analysis was carried out with SPSS 22.0.Results: Out of 374 respondents, 324 (86.6%) complied with the inclusion criteria. All 324 (86.6%) were non-blood donors; although majority is familiar with necessity of blood donation for the community. Among total population115 (35.5%) had no specific reason as their primary barrier towards blood donation, followed by 96 (29.6%) health-related issues. However, the most common motivation for 156 (48.1%) was approved certifications.Conclusion: Medical students were revealed to have an excellent primary understanding of blood donation. It is necessary to organize blood donation camps on university campuses and increase help calls. Keywords: Blood donation; KAP Study; Knowledge; Practice; Undergraduate students.

Performance and PV benefits analysis of multi-source renewable energy systems for different types of buildings on university campus

Due to the large campus area and high personnel density, universities experience significant building energy consumption. The comprehensive utilization of renewable energy can greatly alleviate energy consumption in higher education institutions. To explore the application prospects of renewable energy systems in universities, this study takes a university in Wuhan as a case example, investigating the performance and potential of various types of Photovoltaic-assisted Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (PV-HVAC) systems. First, the building load was calculated using DeST software. Subsequently, the potential for solar energy application on campus was assessed using a combination of QGIS, Labelme, and Python. Moreover, three types of PV-HVAC systems were designed for five categories of buildings based on their distinct characteristics, and TRNSYS software was utilized for performance simulation and analysis. The results indicate that the annual performance coefficients of the three systems are 3.8, 3.2, and 4.5, with corresponding annual energy self-sufficiency rates of 114 %, 72 %, and 32 %, respectively. Finally, the overall energy self-sufficiency rate of the PV-HVAC system across the campus is 65 %. This research provides valuable insights for achieving nearly zero-energy HVAC systems in university campuses.

Functional assessment of pavements on a university campus

With the constant increase in traffic volume at the Darcy Ribeiro Campus of the University of Brasília (UnB), attention to the preservation of road infrastructure is necessary. The implementation of an Urban Pavement Management System (UPMS) emerges as a strategy. This study aims to evaluate the functional condition of the pavements at the UnB University Campus by observing distresses on their surfaces, using the Fixed Value Matrix for 5 Distress method by Zanchetta (2017). A total of 161 road segments were evaluated, and both Objective and Subjective Pavement Condition Index (PCI) values were obtained, along with the recommended intervention for each segment. The most common types of defects found in the pavements were Raveling and Fatigue Cracks. The most suggested interventions were Preventive Maintenance (23.60%) and Corrective Maintenance (22.98%). Statistical analysis led to the conclusion that there were no significant differences between the Objective and Subjective PCI data. Thematic maps were generated for the Objective PCI, Subjective PCI, and maintenance activities in order to make georeferenced spatial information available.

The case for a circular Blue Card for young non-EU professionals

Due to the challenging demographics in Europe, a new approach to labour migration to the EU is necessary. Such an approach should be more targeted and thus entail a more proactive and integrated stance. Whilst some moves in this direction have been made in recent years, more are required. This article charts one possible route to a more proactive and integrated policy by proposing the creation of European university campuses outside of Europe to act as hubs of academic, cultural, linguistic and labour exchange, similar to the American system. This approach would not only address the current labour force challenges but would also hold the potential to significantly enhance academic and cultural exchange. Many of the required elements are already in place: numerous bilateral universities, for example, already exist, such as the German Jordanian University, as do various European research and cultural institutes. Such campuses, combined with a new circular Blue Card for young non-EU professionals, would have benefits for both the member states and the selected partner countries. The article concludes by proposing the implementation of concrete test cases in the European neighbourhood.

Study of pleasantness maps and perceived predominant sound sources in a university campus soundscape analysis

The soundscape within a University campus is very complex, covering different environments, such as quiet areas to enhance focus during work and study sessions, parking lots, internal road networks, but also vibrant spaces for leisure purposes. These aspects depict University campuses as a perfect example for exploring complex soundscape analyses, and innovative methodologies for its assessment and mapping. This study presents and explores field data regarding the soundscape in selected points of the Fisciano campus of the University of Salerno (Italy) collected during a soundwalk, as well as pleasantness data obtained in crowdsourcing mode during NoiseCapture parties in the campus area. The soundwalk has been performed according to the ISO 12913, while the crowdsourced data was gathered using the NoiseCapture app. Maps of the soundscape pleasantness have been obtained using an interpolation approach on the crowdsourced data, validated on the soundwalk results and merged with the land use and facility map, to investigate the main role of sound sources in the soundscape's pleasantness rating. The results have been also compared with the predominance rated during the soundwalk. By comparing physical parameters, pleasantness data, and perceptual aspects, this study offers interesting insights on the complex soundscape of the university setting.

Connecting modernist university campuses and their cities. From current mobility patterns to sustainable mobility scenarios for the university of Buenos Aires campus, Argentina

ABSTRACT Many university campuses inspired by modernist architectural ideals were built in locations peripheral to their city contexts, leading to current unsustainable car-dependent mobility patterns. This paper explores this problem through a study of the main campus of the University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (CU), in Argentina. The aim is to estimate the environmental benefits associated with shifting to a more sustainable modal split. To do this an online survey was conducted to generate baseline information on current travel patterns and associated CO2 emissions. Then, research-by-design methods were applied to create two scenarios of incremental levels of transportation sustainability. Finally, the CO2 emissions associated with each scenario’s mobility pattern were evaluated. Compared to the baseline, it was estimated that the first scenario would result in 7.1% of CO2 emissions reductions, while the second scenario would yield a reduction of 27.7%.

Methodology for identifying reference architectural and spatial solutions of universities using a graphic matrix

The present study considers architectural and spatial development of the existing universities and campuses as relevant issue. Administrative and academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, student dormitories and sports facilities, medical centers, pedestrian zones, green spaces, parks and sports grounds, green area recreations contribute to strengthening social ties between students and teachers, providing a beneficial effect on learning and development. The present paper analyzes examples of successful development of student campuses and identifies the factors of their effectiveness. The study findings may serve as a foundation for creating architectural and spatial solutions aimed at comprehensive development of a comfortable educational environment in modern universities of the Volga region. Furthermore, the results of the conducted analysis will assist in identifying priorities of architectural development tasks in areas at different levels — from urban planning to the installation of engineering and automation systems. Well-maintained green spaces, convenient areas for relaxation and socialization, as well as a variety of sports and cultural facilities, will contribute to the creation of comfortable and stimulating atmosphere, which, in turn, will enhance students' motivation for learning and develop their social skills. Effective planning, consideration of the needs and preferences of students, and their involvement in the decision-making process are indicated as the key factors for successful architectural and spatial solutions of university campuses. In addition, the maintenance and regular updating of green spaces and campus infrastructure are found significant.

User evaluation of the Sonic Gathering Place - an installation incorporating sound design

The Sonic Gathering Place (SGP) is a prototype outdoor urban furniture installation that uses natural sounds recorded in national parks to enhance the biophilic effects of plants. This paper presents the development and results of a user evaluation survey accessed via QR code on the installation. It aimed to provide the designers with feedback on effects of the installation, constructed in a Melbourne university campus courtyard, on users' enjoyment, as well as capturing more subtle affective outcomes of users' experiences. Results demonstrated that the soundscape/biophilic design intervention was successful, increasing the enjoyment of its users and improving self-reported mood. It encouraged users to stop and listen; they responded it provided them with the restorative effects experienced in nature; and that the sounds complemented the plantings. This paper also reports sound levels measured at the installation which showed that the introduced sound levels were set by the designer only marginally louder than those that existed before the installation.

Racial Diversity Influences Community Leadership Identity Development: Homogeneity as a Baseline for Measurement

This study uses multilevel regression modeling to explore how racial diversity and other campus climate variables influence the development of community leadership identity on college campuses. Pulling from a longitudinal sample of students ( n = 7,829) over a 4-year period, findings show that attending a college campus with more racially similar peers (i.e., racial homogeneity) played a positive indirect role in predicting community leadership goals. This study's findings contribute to the existing literature on the influence of race and diversity on leadership development and provide insights that shape the development of community leaders.

Ready, Set, Launch Baseline Academic Outcomes for Students Participating in Dual Enrollment for Equitable Completion Partnerships Compared to Their Peers, 2015 – 2020

The opportunity to complete college coursework during high school has been associated with positive secondary and postsecondary academic outcomes. Students who complete these courses report inspiration to complete high school, new knowledge and skills related to persisting, confidence, and an increased readiness to succeed in postsecondary coursework. Numerous studies have highlighted how dual enrollment access and success for historically underrepresented students on college campuses is necessary and, in some cases, fruitful in increasing equitable representation, access to, and success in postsecondary education. This study presents the high school and college outcomes for students participating in dual enrollment programming offered by ten California K12 and community college partnerships compared to a group of non-dually enrolled peers. Findings suggest that before the launch of a three-year initiative, first-generation, African American/Black, and Hispanic/Latina/o/x students from these selected partnerships who complete college coursework were more likely to graduate high school, have higher high school GPAs, and were more likely to persist, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and succeed in their first-year college coursework.

The Future of College Student Mental Health: Student Perspectives

ABSTRACT This paper explores the future of college student mental health from students’ perspective. The authors of this manuscript are four undergraduate and graduate students from two different universities. In the context of growing demand and intensity of mental health issues and the increased diversity of student identities on college campuses, the authors outline students’ specific needs and what institutions can do to support their mental health needs. Two specific strategies are highlighted – peer support and mental health days.

Occurrence of Fox Squirrels Influenced by Fine-Scale Landscape Characteristics on a College Campus.

Urbanization and urban sprawl generally degrade and diminish wildlife habitat, threatening to extirpate local populations. However, certain synanthropic species (e.g., coyotes, white-tailed deer, and squirrels) are able to persist in urban environments and may even occur at greater densities than they do in their natural habitats. Eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are large tree squirrels that are known to be present in greater densities within urban areas. To determine how landscape characteristics may affect fox squirrel presence, we conducted line-transect surveys along sidewalks on the Texas A&M University-College Station campus to record presence of fox squirrels and nearest tree species. We calculated Jacobs' index of selectivity (D) for use of trees by fox squirrels along the transects. Squirrel density was calculated for all transects and modeled using linear regression with environmental (e.g., tree density) and survey (e.g., transect distance) variables. Fox squirrels preferred only a small number of the available tree species, primarily Quercus and Ulmus species. Observed fox squirrel density significantly increased with time of day, temperature, density of oaks (Quercus spp.), and density of all trees, and decreased with distance and area of the transect. These results suggest that even when urban areas contain suitable habitat, use of urban environments by wildlife is still highly selective and dependent on specific habitat requirements.

Research and Design of Intelligent Parking Management System based on the YOLO Algorithm

Given the difficulty in managing parking lots and inefficient utilization of parking spaces at university and college campuses, this paper designs an intelligent campus parking management system with functions such as license plate recognition (LPR), online parking space reservations, campus parking navigation, and mobile app payment through the parking space detection technology based on You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and cloud platform technology. This system obtains information relating to license plates, parking spaces, etc. from sensing nodes with the IoT technology and transmits the collected information through NB-IoT technology to a cloud platform for storage and management to facilitate information exchange between hardware and software. This paper describes the architecture of the intelligent parking management system, parking space detection technology based on the YOLOv4 algorithm, and hardware and software design of the system. The paper proposes an effective solution to parking problems facing colleges and universities. The paper concludes that the intelligent campus parking management system based on the YOLOv4 algorithm can prevent the haphazard parking of vehicles and traffic congestion at open campuses and therefore has important value for application and popularization.

Muscle-Strengthening Activity among College Students: Who, What, Where, and Is It Enough?

ABSTRACT Introduction Muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) is recommended for all major muscle groups ≥2 d·wk−1. Assessment is often based on the number of days per week of MSA without determining if all major muscle groups are being used, precluding accurate determination of compliance with physical activity (PA) guidelines. Thus, characteristics of MSA remain inadequately characterized, especially among college students. Although it is known that males engage in more MSA than females across the lifespan, more detailed information regarding sex differences in this behavior is needed. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively describe MSA among male and female college students to a) characterize adherence to MSA guidelines according to frequency of MSA and number of muscle groups used, and b) explore sex differences in MSA. Methods College students (n = 651, 79.1% female, 20.3 ± 1.3 yr old) reported frequency of participation in MSA, muscle groups used, types of MSA performed, and location of MSA engagement via online questionnaires. The proportion of students meeting public health recommendations for MSA and characteristics of MSA participation were analyzed for the total sample and separately for male and female students. Results The proportion of students meeting MSA recommendations ranged from 9.8% to 52.7% depending on the minimum number of muscle groups required. Regardless of criteria, males were more likely to meet PA guidelines and reported more days of MSA, more muscle groups used, more types of MSA, and MSA at more locations than females (all P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Estimates of compliance with MSA guidelines vary substantially depending upon the number of muscle groups required for compliance. Frequency of MSA and specific muscle groups worked should be included as part of MSA assessment to align with PA guidelines. Sex differences also influence MSA participation; thus, tailoring of messages and programming may improve MSA participation on college campuses.