University Of Cyprus Research Articles

The Effect of Super Brain Yoga on Concentration, Memory, and Academic Progress in Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

During university life, students often face significant changes in relationships and academic pressures. Given the stressors faced by nursing students and the importance of their academic success, the study aimed to assess the impact of Super Brain Yoga on nursing students' concentration, memory, and academic progress. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 59 nursing students at Near East University in Cyprus from February to June 2023. The intervention group (N=29) performed Super Brain Yoga three times a week for two months, while the control group (N=30) continued the usual routines. Data were collected using the demographic questionnaire, Wechsler's memory test, Concentration test, and the semester grade point average. Data analysis was performed using independent and paired t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA using SPSS software version 26, with a significance level of P˂0.05. The study revealed a significant difference in total memory scores (P<0.001) and its subscales including personal and public information (P<0.001), orientation (P<0.001), mental control (P<0.001), logical memory (P=0.002), repeating numbers (P<0.001), visual memory (P<0.001), and learning associations (P=0.003) between the experimental and control groups after the intervention. Findings revealed a significant difference between the two groups in the reaction time (P=0.003) and the error of the reverse counting (P=0.021) following the intervention. After the intervention, based on ANCOVA test with adjusting the baseline values, there was no statistically significant difference in the semester mean of Grade Point Average between the two groups (95% confidence interval, P=0.657). Super Brain Yoga is a non-invasive intervention that can improve memory, concentration, and cognitive abilities in nursing students.

Understanding University Students’ Foreign Language Learning Attitudes: An Analysis Based on Stereotypes

The study aims to understand university students’ perceptions of stereotypes in foreign language learning in Cyprus, a multilingual and multicultural island. The goal is to comprehend how stereotypes impact foreign language education, enabling educators to tailor teaching environments and methodologies accordingly. The research question probes the extent and the influencing variables of stereotypes held by students in Cyprus during their language learning journey. This quantitative descriptive study involved 832 students from various faculties of a private North Cyprus university during the 2021–2022 academic year. A sample of 550 students, comprising 269 males and 281 females, was randomly selected. The stereotyped thought scale for a foreign language, a tool developed by Ünal in 2015 with 42 items across 8 sub-dimensions, was employed to gauge students’ stereotypical thoughts. The study’s results revealed an average score of 2.99 out of 5 on the scale, indicating that students’ stereotyped thinking falls within the average range. Notably, several variables, including gender, age, education, family, and language proficiency, significantly influence the stereotypes students hold during their language learning process.

The Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation as an Innovative Learning Strategy for Acquisition of Clinical Skills in Nursing Education: Experimental Design.

Background: A transformation of learning in nursing is necessary to prepare students for developing complex clinical environments. The essential aim of clinical nursing learning is to enhance the integration of theoretical knowledge in the clinical environment by using various innovative strategies, such as immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation to develop a learning process that allows students to gain knowledge and perform skills in a visually attractive way, which enhances the quality and safety of clinical learning through repeated exposure to educational content that supports students' cognitive and psychomotor skills. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of immersive VR simulation as a learning strategy on the acquisition of intramuscular injection skills in nursing education and the performance level of nursing students compared with a physical learning environment (low-fidelity simulation). Materials and Metods: The experimental design (pre-post-test) was used among first-year nursing students (N = 66) (control group = 33, hip model and experimental group = 33, VR simulation) of the summer semester of 2019-2020 in the Faculty of Nursing at Near East University in Cyprus. Results: There is a significant difference between both groups in performance psychomotor skills scores, and the mean was higher in the experimental group (P = 0.002) and a significantly longer period of time than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Immersive VR simulation is a supplementary tool and useful teaching-learning strategy for training in nursing education alongside physical laboratory (hip-model and mannequin) and psychomotor skills requiring the ordering of skill steps in teaching, and it provides realistic experiences in a safe environment instead of the unavailability of actual customers in clinical settings.

Linking Teaching and Research in Conservation of the Built Environment: Case Studies from Courses of the University of Cyprus Graduate Programme on Conservation

ABSTRACT Teaching and research are both equally essential to postgraduate studies in architectural conservation. The interaction between them is also crucial. Various perspectives exist on the connection between teaching and research, including research-led, research-oriented, and research-based teaching. Thus, differences arise based on whether the focus is on research content or on research processes and problems, whether students are treated as audiences or as participants, and whether teaching is teacher- or student-centred. This article presents case studies (courses) that link teaching and research from a new interdisciplinary postgraduate programme at the University of Cyprus on architectural conservation. It also discusses this issue within the international context of teaching and research in architectural conservation.

Investigating the difficulty level of aspects of teaching during field placement: from coursework to practice

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore whether particular aspects of quality of teaching belong to a single scale and identify those aspects which are more difficult to master for student teachers (STs) in the context of early field placement. It also examines whether these aspects could be grouped in stages according to their difficulty. The participants of the study were 154 STs enrolled in an early field placement program at the University of Cyprus. Real-time classroom observations were conducted in different subject areas, corresponding to the STs’ teaching efforts. Analysis of data using the Rasch and the Saltus models revealed that the eleven aspects of teaching are structured in four stages with a diverse transition, in terms of difficulty, from one stage to the other. Such findings stress the importance of a research-based coursework design during practice, based on the challenges STs face during early field placement.

A cross-sectional study of university students' awareness, knowledge, and attitudes on organ donation and transplantation in Northern Cyprus.

Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of university students regarding organ transplantation and donation is crucial, as these students can significantly influence public opinion and behavior. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of North Cyprus University students towards organ transplantation and donation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 students from Northern Cyprus University, divided into medical and social science faculties. A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards organ transplantation and donation. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and effect size calculations were employed for data analysis. Among the 400 students, 27% demonstrated sufficient knowledge of organ transplantation, and 62.7% had positive views on organ donation. Willingness to donate was expressed by 37% as living donors and 64% as deceased donors. There were no significant differences in knowledge and attitudes between medical and social science students. Factors such as sex, marital status, faculty, and contact with individuals with end-stage organ failure did not significantly influence the knowledge and attitudes. This study highlights the necessity for educational interventions and awareness campaigns to improve understanding and attitudes towards organ donation among Northern Cyprus University students. Incorporating organ donation education into university curricula, providing accurate online information, addressing misconceptions, and promoting awareness of donation centers and transplant hospitals are essential steps to mitigate organ shortages. Public engagement should be encouraged to foster a supportive environment for organ donation.

Academic Intrapreneurs: Exploring the Antecedents of Academic Intrapreneurial Intention

It is widely accepted that intrapreneurial behavior is imperative for any type of organization to maintain sustainability in terms of growth and performance. In this context, it is also important to investigate the factors that play a role in promoting intrapreneurship within dynamic industries, such as the higher education industry. For this purpose, this study aimed to explore the antecedents of intrapreneurial intention in academic staff to provide theoretical as well as practical contributions for universities. We used a survey method to collect data with a sample consisting of 236 academic staff from universities in Northern Cyprus, and tested hypotheses through three different structural models by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Following a deductive approach to establish constructs in the models, we treated academic intrapreneurial intention as the dependent variable, and self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital as the independent variables. In addition, attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were individually tested as mediating variables. The results of this study indicate that self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital have direct and indirect effects on academic intrapreneurial intention, and attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control play a mediating role between these antecedents and academic intrapreneurial intention.

Exploring the neurofunctional impairments and cognitive biases concerning food and body related stimuli in anorexia nervosa: An integrated EEG and eye-tracking study protocol.

Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) exhibit significant cognitive and neural disturbances compared to healthy individuals when processing food and body-related stimuli. These disturbances not only contribute to the manifestation and chronification of their pathological eating behaviour but also underscore the complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, and neurobiological factors in AN. However, the precise underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms of these disturbances remain a compelling area of investigation. This study presents a protocol developed for conducting a cross-sectional quasi-experimental study using a mixed model ANOVA approach with a crossover design. Our participants will consist of 20 patients with an active diagnosis of AN, 20 Overweight/obese individuals, and 20 Healthy Controls (HCs) with a normal BMI. An integrated eye-tracking and EEG methodology will be used in conjunction, with the primary aim of assessing participants' cognitive and neural processing towards high and low-calorie food stimuli. On an exploratory level, by utilizing the same methods, the present study will also investigate AN patients' responses towards high weight, normal weight, low weight, and self-body pictures, as well as towards images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) characterized by elevated valence and arousal levels. Additionally, behavioural methods such as yes or no questions, and self-reported questionnaires will be administered. The EEG and eye-tracking data will be analysed at early (50-300 ms) and late (350-500 ms) time intervals. The investigation of the underlying cognitive and neural processes employed by patients with AN during the processing of food and body-related stimuli can help us develop a better understanding of the cognitive and neural mechanisms that contribute to the manifestation and maintenance of the disorder and assist in the development of more effective screening methods. Ethical approval for the study has been obtained by the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee on 27.04.2023 (ΕΕΒΚ/ΕΠ/2023/19), and by the University of Cyprus (20.02.2023). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.

Influence of Instagram Exposure on People Happiness and Self Esteem

This study investigated at how young people's perceptions of their self esteem and level of happiness in Northern Cyprus were affected by using Instagram. A quantitative study was conducted. 99% of the international students at Cyprus University who were between the ages of 18 and 30 contributed to the sample size of 380, which was determined using the Cochran formula. Data were gathered via an online questionnaire that included validated performance indicators such the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Instagram Intensity Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The aim of the survey was to determine the participants' level of satisfaction and self-esteem while use Instagram. The study's findings indicated that young people's use of Instagram had a detrimental effect on their level of happiness. However, using Instagram positively impacted the self-esteem of those who idealised the selected portrayals of others on social media and engaged in upward social comparison. The study produced several helpful recommendations, such as helping kids develop their critical thinking and media literacy skills so they can evaluate and understand how social media affects their overall welfare and mental health. Provide mental health resources and support services to students who may be experiencing negative consequences on their mental health as a result of consuming social media.

Resilience of University Students During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and Results of a Pilot Positive Psychotherapy Intervention Study.

University students were significantly affected by the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic, with significant impacts on their mental health, resilience skills, and life skills. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate these parameters by focusing on the experiences of 472 university students as well as examining correlations between mental states, resilience, and life skills. The secondary aim was to conduct a pilot study of a 10-week psychoeducation program that uses positive psychotherapy to improve resilience skills. The first phase of this research project was designed as a quantitative and correlative study, while the second phase was designed as a quasi-experimental model. Data collection tools used in the first phase included the Sociodemographic Information Form, Life Skills Scale (LSS), Symptom Checklist (SCL90R), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) was used in the second phase. The sample group for the first phase was 472 university students from several university institutes in Cyprus, while the quasi-experimental group consisted of 33 psychology students from the University of Cyprus. The average mental symptoms score for students based on SCL90R was 1.10 ± 0.70, showing they have psychological symptoms and grievances. Significant negative correlations were found between the BRS general score and the LSS general and SCL90R scores (all P = .001). The model was found to be significant and could explain 18.5% of the effect according to the predictive status of LSS and SCL90R scores in BRS scores. In conclusion, this study provides vital insights into the mental well-being of university students during the pandemic. The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of psychological symptoms and distress among students, indicating a significant impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their mental health. This research also demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted interventions. The positive changes in resilience skills and reduced mental health symptoms observed after the 10-week study period highlight the importance of proactive approaches. This study underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health resources and tailored support mechanisms for university students, especially during times of crisis. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a resilient and mentally healthy student population.

The impact of discrimination on the psychological wellbeing and ethnic identity of international students in North Cyprus

The social categorization theory suggests that ingroup bias is a common cognitive bias that can result in discrimination against outgroup members. In recent years there has been a notable increase in the international student body globally as well as an increase in the diversity of the students. Considering this background, it is imperative to investigate the social experiences of this group of students. The current research investigates experiences of discrimination among international students and how they influence their ethnic identity and psychological well-being. A sample of 386 students was recruited from 2 universities in Northern Cyprus using a convenience sampling technique. The findings show a positive relationship between discrimination and psychological distress. The findings also show that ethnic identity is negatively correlated with discrimination and psychological distress. International students who reported higher scores of discrimination showed higher levels of stress and depression. This is because discrimination would result in social exclusion or isolation. High levels of discrimination are associated with low ethnic identity scores among international students. The study shows that ethnic identity does not mediate the impact of discrimination on psychological well-being (psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress). The findings also show that there are significant differences in discrimination based on race and religion this may be linked to cultural distance between the host and home countries. Considering these findings, educational institutions should increase support services offered to international students, offer awareness and sensitivity training for multicultural interactions and, also incorporate authentic sustainability curricula.

Enhancing Motivation and Attitudes of Teacher Candidates Through Digital Citizenship Training

This study examined the impact of multimedia-based training on the digital citizenship levels of senior class teaching staff. The objective of this research is evaluating the numerical citizenry stages of probable teaching staff for primary school in their last year of study based on sub-dimensions of digital citizenship. Experimental model was used in this study as a research method. In addition, quantitative data were used in conjunction with the research design. The "Digital Citizenship Scale" has been developed to assess participants' motivation and attitudes toward numerical citizenry, before and after training. The experimental study included 60 participants from a private university in Northern Cyprus. Using SPSS 25.0, the data revealed significant improvements in participants' insights of numerical citizenry. Results of the analysis show that, before-service teaching staff was successful in education at the expected and desired level in all sub-dimensions.

Embracing diversity under isolation and cease-fire: a poststructuralist look at administrators’ policy on multilingualism

Although multilingualism in higher education context continues to garner increasing scholarly interest, research remains scarce on school administrators’ policies on multilingualism. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes one of the very few attempts to tackle this issue in higher education context and the first of its kind to pursue such endeavour in North Cyprus setting. This study seeks to investigate, through a post-structuralist perspective, the perceptions and policies of multilingualism by the director and assistant directors of an English preparatory school in a North Cyprus university which has flourished as a haven for international education. The study combines a multiplicity of data through semi-structured interviews and informal chats to provide a richer insight into the multifaceted case being investigated. The findings demonstrate that administrators regard multilingualism as a seal of internationalism and educational quality. They remain hesitant and even mostly sceptical, however, about whether translingual practice could offer any meaningful contribution to language learning processes. Although poststructuralist understanding considers truth and identity to be decentred and forever changing, and despite the scope of our study being limited to one particular institution only, our findings promise great potential for inspiring reflection and research in other universities in North Cyprus and elsewhere, which similarly aspire to international competition in higher education.

Nursing students' awareness of global climate change: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to determine nursing students' awareness of global climate change. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 302 undergraduate nursing students from a foundation university in Northern Cyprus during the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. A descriptive information form and the Awareness Scale of University Students about Global Climate Change (ASUSGCC) were used for data collection. The mean ASUSGCC score was 3.54±0.64, and the participants received the lowest and highest scores from the awareness of the causes of global climate change (3.54±0.64) and awareness of the effects of global climate change on the natural and human environment (4.03±0.70) subscales, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between the Global Climate Change scores and the year of education, with fourth-year students obtaining significantly higher scores (p<.05). The study found that nursing students have a moderate level of awareness of global climate change. To raise the level of awareness among these undergraduates, who will be future healthcare professionals, we recommend including climate change awareness in the national nursing curricula.

Integrated Interdisciplinary Design. The Environment as Part of Architectural Education

Interdisciplinary architectural design plays a significant role in education and research at the Department of Architecture at the University of Cyprus. Interdisciplinary design with emphasis in technology is applied in the main studio of the final semester of the first three years core studies, whereas the design of the building requires a holistic, integrated development, in respect to the functions, form, structure, construction and energy efficiency. The final fifth year of studies requires a research based design development. Theoretical investigations and a state of the art documentation on specific subjects of interest form the basis for a parallel or subsequent, in any case rather nonlinear development of the design thesis. The analysis of the two main directions of interdisciplinary design, the holistic integrative design and the research based design, applied at different program levels at the Department of Architecture at the University of Cyprus, reveals in terms of the environmental aspects of the design specific similarities and different technological potentialities achieved herewith.

Discovering and Mapping Aspects of Spatial Publicness

The value of public spaces and their social function in cities has been the source of numerous writings. The questions posed in our undergraduate architecture studio at the University of Cyprus are: “What core design aspects create successful public places, and how do they constitute conscious design processes?” and “What are core values that create successful public places and how are they consciously integrated in a design process?”. This paper will attempt to address the topic of spatial publicness within a framework of translating observations of the above into design strategies and tools. These aspects have formulated the basis for recent design briefs, tested within an architectural studio context from 2nd year coursework, while at the same time being translated into transferable values, such as diagnostic and synthetic tools, appropriate for an undergraduate architectural studio. They formulate the basis of an ongoing research project tested within the studio context and utilizing case studies from the output of students’ work to draw conclusions that guide the pedagogical approach.

Direct short-term net load forecasting in renewable integrated microgrids using machine learning: A comparative assessment

Modern microgrids require accurate net load forecasting (NLF) for optimal operation and management at high shares of renewable energy sources. Machine learning (ML) principles can be used to develop precise and reliable NLF models. This paper evaluates the performance of different ML models, that are optimally trained using supervised learning regimes, for direct short-term net load forecasting (STNLF) in renewable microgrids. Different categories of ML models, such as neural network, ensemble, linear regression, nearest neighbor, and support vector machine were used. The comparative assessment was conducted utilizing historical net load, meteorological, and time-related categorical data acquired from the renewable integrated microgrid of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia, Cyprus. The results showed that all STNLF ML models achieved normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) values below 10%. Amongst the investigated models, the Bayesian neural network (BNN) presented the highest forecasting accuracy, exhibiting a daily average error of 3.58%. In addition, the BNN model yielded robust forecasts regardless of the season and weather conditions. Finally, the results demonstrated that optimally constructed ML models can be applied to provide STNLF in renewable integrated microgrids, which can be used by microgrid operators to efficiently control and manage their assets.

The Effect Of Cognitive Apprenticeship Enriched Argument-Driven Inquiry Method On Pre-Service Teachers' Academic Achievement And Scientific Research Skills

This study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive apprenticeship enriched argument-driven inquiry method on pre-service primary teachers’ academic achievement and scientific research skills about environmental issues/problems. The study was conducted with 24 1st-grade pre-service primary teachers from the Primary Teacher Department of a private university in Northern Cyprus. The study is conducted mixed-methods research design. The data collection tool used in this research is an academic achievement test, open-ended question form for transferring knowledge to daily life, and students' video/photo, reflective diary protocol, scientific research proposal-article-poster, and Moodle discussion contents. The research found that pre-service teachers' academic achievement and scientific research skills improved. According to this result, it can be said that cognitive apprenticeship enriched argument-driven inquiry improved pre-service teachers' academic achievement related to the Environmental Education Course and their scientific research skills related to environmental topics and concepts.

Greek-Cypriot students’ knowledge, attitudes, and actions regarding consumption of added sugar: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward added sugar intake among Cypriot university students. METHODS: This cross- sectional study was conducted among 200 students enrolled in public and private universities in Cyprus. Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward added sugar consumption was evaluated using self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Only 8.5% of the students were able to accurately report the recommended values of sugar consumption. Most of the participants (76%) were aware of the health consequences of excessive sugar consumption, whereas 63.5% were aware of the existence of hidden sources of sugar and 88% of students stated that they read the nutrition declaration of the products that they are considering consuming. About 67% of students stated that they are actively trying to reduce their sugar consumption and the majority consume sugary beverages less than 1 day per week. CONCLUSIONS: Results support that although students read the nutrition facts label there is a limited awareness of sugar intake recommendations. Tailored-made strategies targeting students in order to improve sugar-related knowledge could be warranted.

DETERMINATION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ HPV KNOWLEDGE LEVELS AND THE AFFECTING FACTORS: A SAMPLE OF NORTHERN CYPRUS

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), infecting millions of men and women every year, is one of the most common STDs causing high mortality and morbidity rates. This study aims to determine university students’ Human Papilloma Virus knowledge levels and the affecting factors. The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 369 students who were enrolled in the Turkish undergraduate and associate degree programs at a university in Northern Cyprus and met the research criteria. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form and the Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Measure (HPV-KM). Of all the students 47.7% were aged 18-21 years, 50.1% were women, and only 1.1% had been vaccinated against HPV. The total mean score obtained from the HPV-KM was found 19.11±42. Factors affecting the HPV-KM scores were found as age (p=0.000), income level (p=0.000), place of living (p=0.000), family structure (p=0.000), program enrolled (0.000), parents’ education level (p=0.000), parents’ working (p=0.000), smoking (p=0.000), using alcohol (p=0.000), being sexually active (p=0.000), and knowing about sexually transmitted diseases (p=0.000). Students have an above-average HPV knowledge level and several socio-demographic factors affect the HPV knowledge level. HPV vaccination rates are quite low.