Graduating the 21st Century Student: Advising As If Their Lives (and Our Future) Depended on It

A Higher Calling: Toward a More Spacious Role for Academic Advisors

The study analyzes the birth control policy in China from a historical perspective, from 1979 to the present. The relevance of this research is due to the fact that after decades of implementing the "one family, one child" strategy and the subsequent easing of the policy to "two children," and then to "three children," China is now beginning to experience demographic imbalances. These manifest in the evident aging of the population, a reduction in the working-age population in the domestic market, and an increasing gender imbalance. The article also addresses the ethical aspect of state intervention in the private lives of citizens and the consequences of such intervention. The policy aimed at stimulating the reproductive activity of the Chinese population must continually evolve and be supported at all levels of government. The study analyzes statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China for the year 2024. It also takes into account the most recent directions of China's adjusted state policy and the objectives for the current year 2025, as highlighted in the speech by the Premier of the State Council of the PRC at the National People’s Congress session from March 5 to 11, 2025. The scientific novelty is presented through conclusions regarding the current demographic state of China in the context of economic and social challenges within the framework of implementing China's "Three-Child Policy," which has not been previously addressed. A historically systemic approach to studying this issue has been demonstrated. The conclusion is drawn that the trend of decreasing population in China will continue. The age composition of China's population will rapidly transition into a stage of significant aging, and the working-age population will continue to decline. The rapid change in China's population structure has a serious impact on economic and social development, leading to a restructuring of the economic development models of the country. It is concluded that the Chinese leadership will need to develop new economic development models. At the same time, the contradiction between the supply and demand for reproductive and healthcare services will intensify. The conclusion is made regarding the high practical significance of China's experience in addressing low birth rates. Further study of Chinese experience and the development of international cooperation in this area is crucial for finding effective solutions to the demographic challenges of the 21st century worldwide, including in Russia.

This paper aims to present in details the most common challenges faced by slum dwellers and rise during the upgrading and replacement projects in both Makkah and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The research focuses on social, economical and constructional challenges from the dwellers point of view. The slum problem is growing rapidly in Saudi Arabia in general. Makkah and Jeddah are two main cities which have the slums problems very clear. Many researches explored the slums phenomena in the two cities, but they did not cover all aspects of the problem. Many social, economical and constructional challenges need to be studied. To achieve this goal, an interviews survey was conducted with 36 family heads living in slums in Jeddah and Makkah. The required data were formed in a survey consisting of 26 questions about the different challenges. The questionnaire was classified into four sections including general information, current available facilities, presence of upgrading or replacement projects, and finally the social challenges impact on slum dwellers. The questionnaire results are analyzed and findings are extracted. Regarding replacement projects, the most emphasized survey result is the unsatisfaction of the dwellers toward the properties compensation amount due to high prices of lands and construction costs of new alternative houses. The most impressive social challenge is the negative impact of desertion of the place in which dwellers were born and lived for most of their lives which lead to the rejection of slum projects. Sometimes, this rejection took the form of violent resistance of dwellers to evacuate slums as a preparatory stage for the demolition. Therefore, the majority of such projects were usually delayed and stopped for months. Other obstacles were represented in the closure of roads during the upgrading projects and consequently, the halting of the economic activities such as local commercial shops. It is highly recommended to revise the properties compensation system. Also, the quality of life in the upgraded slums should be maximized through the improvement of different infrastructure services including pure water, sanitary, and electricity services. Some other services can be introduced such as the construction of new parks, playgrounds, sporting clubs and other means of entertainment for the sake of the current dwellers and the next generations.

Factors affecting gender balance in higher education in northwest Syria: Challenges and potential actions

Introduction Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a major cause of premature death. Study of age/gender-related and social aspects of the disease, and the assessment of the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment are essential elements of the epidemiological monitoring of hypertension and support a reasonable approach to planning further therapeutic and preventive interventions.Objective Assess the prevalence of hypertension in the working-age population, examine the relationship between hypertension patterns and level of education of respondents taking into account age, gender, and the main aspects of lifestyle.Materials and Methods The study included industrial workers who underwent a routine medical examination in September-November 2015. A total of 2432 subjects (59% males and 41% of females) were surveyed. The study design is cross-sectional, analytic. Methods used: anonymous questionnaire surveys using the WHO STEPS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, BP measurement. Questions about hypertension included awareness of the presence of the disease and the administration of antihypertensive drugs. Hypertension was diagnosed with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, or in the case of the administration of antihypertensive drugs. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by the percentage of patients who had reached the target BP values (<140/90 mm Hg), including treated with antihypertensive drugs. The control of hypertension was judged by the percentage of patients with the target BP levels among all respondents with hypertension.Results Hypertension was diagnosed in 40% of the study subjects. The disease was more prevalent in males (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21), overweight, and obese patients (OR = 2.5) and less prevalent in subjects with higher education (OR = 0.6). No significant association of lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, eating fruits and vegetables, physical activity) with the prevalence of hypertension was revealed. 76% of respondents with hypertension knew about their disease (51% among those who did not take antihypertensive drugs). Awareness was higher in patients with severe hypertension (OR = 2.5), overweight and obese patients (OR = 1.96), and respondents with higher education (OR = 1.55), being significantly lower in males (OR = 0.44). 50% of respondents with hypertension (52% of those with severe hypertension) took antihypertensive drugs with males twice less often than females (OR = 0.49). The target BP levels were detected in 39% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs, less frequently in males (OR = 0.63) and overweight patients (OR = 0.48), and significantly more frequently in patients with higher education (OR = 2.28), regardless their lifestyle.Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension in working patients was 40%. Males were more likely to suffer hypertension and less aware of their disease. The target blood pressure levels were less frequently observed in males during the treatment. On the other hand, patients with higher education had a lower prevalence of hypertension, significantly higher awareness of the disease and efficacy of the treatment than those who had secondary or primary school education. Overall, the study confirmed that the sample of industrial workers could be a reliable source for monitoring hypertension. The significant gender differences and an independent protective effect of the level of education were identified in the epidemiology of hypertension, which should be taken into account in further studies.

This paper uses Knight's (2013) regionalization of higher education framework - The Functional, Organizational and Political Approaches (FOPA) Model - to better understand the climate for regional engagement between higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Northern Triangle (NT) of Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The NT region is mired in a variety of economic, social and political challenges that have contributed to mass migration north to Mexico and the United States. We contend that higher education can contribute to the future development of the region. One approach to explore the potentional of higher education engagement is to examine the level of collaboration between institutions within the region, between the NT and the greater Central America region and with external partners such as the United States and the European Union. While we argue that regional partnerships rely heavily on North-South collaborations, we also contend that the conditions exist in Central America for further development of a more integrated higher education community.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by educating future leaders, conducting research for solutions, fostering community engagement, and making their operations sustainable. Higher education institutes conduct vital research to find innovative solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges. They must provide long-term viability, institutional resilience, and social responsibility, in addition to knowledge transfer by adopting innovative management strategies, teaching becomes more effective, learning experiences are tailored to individual needs, and administrative processes are streamlined, all of which contribute to improved educational results and a more flexible learning environment. One aspect that has not been thoroughly examined in this context is the psychological contract, which refers to the implicit expectations between employees and their organizations. Educational institutions need a clear psychological contract, encompassing unspoken mutual expectations, to foster trust, motivation, and commitment between the faculty, students, and the institution itself. This conceptual paper argues that effective management of psychological contracts can serve as a foundation for sustainable higher education. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can cultivate a dedicated and motivated workforce capable of supporting and advancing sustainable practices and long-term prosperity by aligning institutional objectives for sustainable development with the implicit expectations of their employees. This study introduces a conceptual model linking the management of the psychological contract to employee engagement and, ultimately, to institutional sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This study enhances psychological contract theory by presenting it as a strategic management tool and benefits practical application by providing a framework for higher education leaders to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term sustainability within their institutions.

Introduction: A Symposium on Peace, Islam, and Counter-Narratives

The unjustifiable constants neglect to empower the women in Nigeria called for; “Empowering the female undergraduates with practical entrepreneurial skills development for curbing social economic challenges in Rivers State.” The study was directed by two research questions, and two null hypotheses were developed. The study design used was a descriptive survey. There were 79 lecturers in the population, and a census sampling technique was used. Three experts verified a four-point response options questionnaire that was used to gather data. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the instrument’s dependability; the result was a coefficient of 0.89 and 0.88. The mean was employed to address the research questions, and the null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there was a high level of improvement in the practical entrepreneurial abilities required to enable female undergraduates to address social and economic challenges. Also, there was a significant benefit on reducing social and economic challenges from equipping female undergraduates with real-world business skills. Consequently, it was determined that Nigeria’s social and economic problems would be significantly reduced if our postsecondary institutions sufficiently equipped female undergraduates with useful entrepreneurial abilities. In addition to other crucial recommendations, Nigeria’s female students and women in general should be equipped with high-demanding, lifelong skills for the rapidly evolving workplace by means of sufficient funding for the development of practical entrepreneurial abilities. In addition to government subsidies, the money should be consistent, steady, and could come from other sources as well.

Higher education is considered as one of the most essential factors in influencing societal changes, due to its ability to help formulate good decision making in every sphere of modern society, in businesses, education, politics and science. Higher education over the years has significantly increased, thus given rise to many opportunities for those who pursue it. The Caribbean students, like the rest of the world seek to benefit from higher education, not only for enhanced academic knowledge, but also for socio-economic development.Due to its sluggish development, brittle economy and lack of natural resources the Caribbean region faces many economic challenges in making quality higher education accessible to all of its occupants.The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the challenges of low output of higher education and availability of higher education institutions in the 21st century in the Eastern Caribbean. The study analyzed database of 37 tertiary institutions in the OECS, while using comparative approach to analyze availability and cost for higher education. Results show that factors that are affecting higher education in the region are accessibility, location, quality of education, institutional costs and unemployment of graduates. We found that increased access in higher education has risen tremendously due to accessibility of technology and factors like globalization, integration-networking and traveling cost. This paper suggests that collaborative approach be taken by governments of the region to increase access and funding for higher education through scholarships and grants.

The relevance of the article. Branding and image play a key role for libraries, which in the XXI century have transformed from traditional repositories of knowledge into modern information and cultural centers. Thanks to the introduction of technological innovations and adaptation to new social challenges, libraries have become important institutions that provide access to knowledge, support education, promote social integration and actively involve communities in modern life. Today, the library brand is the main communication tool that not only represents its “face” and distinguishes it from others, but also forms the desired image of the organization, evoking positive emotions in users. The positive perception of the library, user loyalty and popularity of its services depend on the quality of the brand. To maintain competitiveness and attract new audiences, libraries must adapt to modern realities and actively apply innovative approaches to branding and image formation. The purpose of the article is to study new trends in branding and image formation of library institutions in Ukraine, which arise in response to changes in the information society, social challenges that have arisen with the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine, the development of digital technologies and the shift in emphasis in user needs. The methodology. To achieve the set goal, literature analysis was used (review of scientific papers and publications related to library branding); comparative analysis (comparison of library branding practices in Ukraine and abroad); case studies (study of successful examples of the implementation of new approaches in library branding). The results. In the 2020s Ukrainian libraries continue to adapt to new realities and challenges, introducing new trends in their branding. These changes occur in the context of both global trends and specific Ukrainian needs, especially against the backdrop of socio-political challenges. The Russian-Ukrainian war significantly changed the mission of libraries, which have become important centers of support for the population, preservation of national memory and counteraction to information threats. Libraries integrate patriotic values into their brand, strengthening their role as defenders of national identity. Libraries are actively implementing media literacy programs to help users distinguish fake news from reality, strengthening their image in the fight against information aggression. In addition, libraries play an important role in supporting local communities, providing a safe space for communication and organizing volunteer initiatives. This increases their significance in the social infrastructure and forms a positive image through concrete actions for the benefit of the community. Libraries are becoming centers for preserving materials about the war and heroes, which helps to form collective memory. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the comprehensive approach to the analysis of modern trends in the branding of libraries in Ukraine. The study focuses on the influence of new technologies, social media and inclusivity on the formation of the image of libraries. In addition, the article offers new concepts for adapting libraries to modern conditions. The practical significance. The materials and conclusions of the study can be used to develop the branding and image of library institutions. Conclusions. In the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ukrainian libraries are transforming, performing new functions of supporting the population and countering information aggression. The changes have opened up new opportunities for the mission and branding of libraries: reformatting and adapting the mission; digitalization; countering disinformation; social support; preserving historical memory, preparing for restoration.

This thesis consists of two chapters. The first chapter investigates the causes of the recent slowdown in college attainment in the United States. The second chapter studies the gender wage gap by occupational complexity. For white males born in the United States after 1950, there is a stagnation in the fraction of high school graduates that go on to complete a four-year college degree. At the same time, across successive cohorts, those with a four year-college degree achieve increasingly higher lifetime earnings than those with a high school degree. What caused this phenomenon? I formulate a life-cycle model of human capital accumulation in college and on the job, where successive cohorts decide whether or not to acquire a college degree as well as the quality of their college education. Cohorts differ by the sequence of rental price per unit of human capital they face. My model reproduces the observed pattern in college attainment for the 1920 to 1970 birth cohorts. The stagnation in college attainment is due to the decrease in the growth rate of the rental price per unit of human capital commencing in the 1970s. My model also generates 79% of the increase in earnings for college graduates relative to those for high school graduates. Part of this increase is reinforced by a stronger association between college and ability. Female to male wages are U-shaped across occupations ordered by increasing complexity, where complexity is defined as the ratio of abstract to manual tasks content. The U-shape flattens over the lifecycle and across successive cohorts. I

This study aims to analyze the influence of culture on the role of Batak Toba parents in supporting children's higher education in Bandar Pasir Mandoge. The Batak Toba people have a strong system of values and traditions, which affect various aspects of life, including education. The role of parents in supporting children's education is crucial for the success of higher education, especially in the midst of existing cultural and social challenges. This study uses a case study approach with a qualitative method, which involves in-depth interviews with parents, children who are pursuing higher education, and community leaders in Bandar Pasir Mandoge. The results of the study show that although the Batak Toba culture highly upholds family values and hard work, There are challenges in terms of adapting to the modern education system which requires a change in mindset and habits in supporting higher education. Batak Toba parents in Bandar Pasir Mandoge tend to support their children's education through moral and material motivation, although there are differences in their level of understanding of the importance of higher education. This study concludes that Toba Batak culture plays a significant role in shaping parents' attitudes and actions in supporting children's higher education, but there is a need to educate the public about the importance of cultural adaptation in the context of modern education.

Relevance. There is a need for a systems analysis of the history and current state of the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture (KhSAC), which is considered to be the founder and leader of higher LIS (Library and Information Science) education and higher education in culturology and arts of Ukraine within 90 years of its existence (1929-2019). The aim of this study is to analyze the origins of higher LIS education and higher education in culturology and arts as well as the history and current state of KhSAC on the occasion of its 90 th anniversary. Research methodology. The historical milestones and present-day diverse activities of Kharkiv State Academy of Culture are studied by the means of systems, comparative and historical approaches and a problem analysis. Results. The study deals with the ninety year history and current state of KhSAC, which is considered to be the founder and leader of higher LIS education and higher education in culturology and arts in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the significant achievements in educational, scientific, administrative and creative activities. The paper presents information on the organizational transformations of KhSAC, its academic staff. It includes over 75% of Doctors of Science, Candidates of science, people’s artists, honored artists, honored workers of culture of Ukraine. During the years of its existence the Academy has educated about 50,000 specialists, among them over 500 international students from more than 40 countries of Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Academy offers degree programmes at Bachelor and Master levels in 16 fields of training and specialties of 7 fields of study, namely Cultural Studies, Museum Studies and Historic Preservation, Management of Socio-Cultural Activities, Audiovisual Arts and Production, Choreography, Music Art, Performing Art, Information, Library and Archive Science, Information Systems and Technologies, Psychology, Social Work, Journalism, Tourism, Management. Postgraduate Studies (PhD Course) and Doctoral Studies offer programmes in 4 specialities. They are as follows: Culturology, Music Art, Information, Library and Archive Science and Social Work. The paper describes the features of KhSAC’s research activities. The structure of the Academy includes Postgraduate Studies and Doctoral Studies; two specialized academic boards authorized to accept for consideration and to conduct the defence of theses competing for an academic degree of Doctor (Candidate) of Science. Two academic journals are published, namely “Kultura Ukrainy (Culture of Ukraine)” covering the current issues of culturology and art criticism, and “Visnyk Kharkivskoi Derzhavnoi Akademii Kulury (Bulletin of Kharkiv State Academy of Culture)” covering the current issues of social communications. About 10 international, all-Ukrainian and regional scientific conferences are held every year. Available to students are a library, an e-material reading room, several computer laboratories, an Internet-centre, an editorial board. The place of the Academy in the European and world professional environment is identified. Novelty. An attempt is made to study the ninety year history and current state of Kharkiv State Academy of Culture, which is considered to be the founder and leader of higher LIS education and higher education in culturology and arts of Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the significant achievements in educational, scientific, administrative and creative activities. The practical significance. The main results of this study can be used by institutions of higher education in culture and arts of Ukraine for further improving academic, scientific, administrative and creative activities.

The aim. To analyze the morbidity data with a first-time diagnosis, to evaluate the results of medical examination of the older than working age population, depending on the place of residence in the Russian Federation for 2015-2019. Material and methods. To study morbidity with a first-time diagnosis, including those identified during medical examination, by classes of diseases in the population older than working age (women aged 55 and older, men – 60 years and older), depending on the place of residence, we analyzed data from Federal statistical observation forms №№ 12 and 1201 "Information on the number of diseases registered in patients residing in the service area of a medical organization" for 2015-2019. Evaluation of the results of the medical examination of urban and rural dwellers older than working age, was based on the information from the federal statistical observation forms №№ 30 and 30-village "Information about the medical organization" for the 5-year study period. The methods used: statistical, analytical. Results and discussion. The nationwide primary morbidity rate for the older than working age population, both for urban and rural dwellers for the period 2015-2019 practically did not change. The main causes for the primary morbidity of the population older than working age were respiratory diseases, trauma, poisoning and some other consequences of external causes, diseases of the circulatory system, genitourinary system, skin and subcutaneous tissue, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, eyes and their accessory apparatus. When conducting a medical examination of the older than working age population, depending on their place of residence, first-time diagnosed were every fourth disease of the endocrine system, nutritional disorders and metabolic disorders (obesity, etc.), every sixth to seventh disease of the blood, hematopoietic organs and individual disorders involving the immune mechanism (anemia), every seventh (in the rural setting – the ninth) disease of the circulatory system (hypertensive heart disease, etc.). During the study period, with the split by health groups of the entire older than working age population who underwent medical examination, a decrease in the proportion of people who were assigned to groups I and II (by 2,8 and 5,7% respectively) was noted due to the increase in the proportion of people assigned to group III (by 10,3%), among urban dwellers – by 3,0, 6,1 and 10,7%, respectively, rural dwellers – by 2,2, 4,7 and 9,0% respectively. Conclusions. In the Russian Federation, for 5 years, there has been an increase in the proportion of older than working age people who have been assigned to health group III and need additional examination, require dispensary observation by a doctor-therapist and specialist doctors together with carrying out medical, preventive and rehabilitation measures.