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Student perceptions on the use of journal clubs for enhancing academic literacy
Full text linkJournal clubs are active learning approaches routinely used within academic research institutes and allied health professions to boost critical thinking, data analysis and disseminate knowledge of novel research concepts. These group-based discussions regarding scientific literature aim to develop knowledge and facilitate the sharing of expertise. Many of these outcomes align with those highly desired for post-graduation employability. However, they are usually constrained to small defined student groups, with limited reported attempts to deliver journal clubs at scale within the undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, this study sought to compare the pedagogical efficacy of delivering journal clubs as both extracurricular and curriculum-embedded activities and determine if they are translatable into undergraduate curricula.Student feedback was assessed through anonymous surveys upon completion of both the extracurricular and curriculum-embedded journal club sessions. Pre- and post-session surveys were also provided to assess academic literacy knowledge acquisition.Both extracurricular and curriculum-embedded journal clubs had a positive impact on student experience, knowledge acquisition and transferable skill development. Most students stated they learnt a lot from the session (86.5%) with 78.8% stating that they preferred this learning experience to didactic lectures. Students also stated the session enhanced their confidence (76.9%) and teamwork skills (78.8%) and critical appraisal of scientific research (84.6%). Further pre and post-analysis revealed journal clubs significantly increased students’ knowledge of academic literacy. Students who participated in the extracurricular journal clubs scored their enjoyment and enhancement of their employability skills higher than in the curriculum-embedded session. No significant differences were observed when responses were stratified based on socioeconomic parameters.These data show that journal clubs are a valuable pedagogical tool for developing academic literacy and key transferable skills. We also for the first time showcase how journal clubs can be designed and delivered to be an appropriate and scalable pedagogical tool for large taught modules
The role of MRI research radiographers in clinical research: Responsibilities, challenges, and future directions a UK perspective.
No full textThe role of MRI research radiographers has transformed over the past decade, evolving from a focus on diagnostic imaging to active contributions in clinical research. MRI research radiographers now engage in protocol development, participant safety management, and emerging technologies, highlighting their importance in multidisciplinary research teams. This professional review explores the responsibilities, challenges, and future directions of MRI research radiographers in the UK, with a focus on their evolving role in clinical research settings. A narrative review methodology was utilised to synthesise peer-reviewed literature, professional guidelines, and expert opinions. Findings were categorised into three main themes: core responsibilities, challenges and barriers, and opportunities for future professional growth. MRI research radiographers play a crucial role in managing participant safety, ethical considerations, and advanced imaging technologies. Challenges such as resource constraints, interdisciplinary communication gaps, and ethical dilemmas (e.g., incidental findings) pose barriers to effective practice. Future opportunities include integrating artificial intelligence, establishing standardised professional frameworks, and expanding global collaborations. Enhanced training in advanced imaging techniques, research ethics, and governance is also essential for their continued contribution to both research and clinical practice. This review highlights the critical and evolving role of MRI research radiographers in advancing clinical research and participant care. By addressing current challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, MRI research radiographers can remain at the forefront of technological innovation and enhance their impact on healthcare research and delivery. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
The domestic cat microbiome: mapping knowledge gaps through scientometric analysis in feline microbial research
Full text linkIn this study, we present the first comprehensive scientometric analysis of research on the domestic cat microbiome, providing a transparent and data-driven overview of the field. We examined 282 publications on the microbiome of domestic cats (Felis catus) to uncover dominant research themes, methodological patterns, microbial niches, and knowledge gaps. Our results reveal a sharp rise in publications since 2012, with a peak in 2024, where most work is concentrated in high-income countries and driven by a small number of academic institutions. Current efforts are heavily focused on the bacterial gut microbiome, typically using genomic tools for taxonomic profiling in comparative designs. In contrast, research on other microbial communities (e.g., oral or skin), non-bacterial taxa, functional analyses, and behavioural outcomes remains scarce, with behavioural studies virtually absent. Although some studies report health-related effects, mainly positive or neutral, the functional roles of the microbiota and their possible influence on feline behaviour remain largely unexplored. By mapping these trends and gaps, our study provides a strategic framework for advancing microbiome research in domestic cats. These findings highlight priority areas and methodological opportunities that can guide future investigations, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and ultimately deepen our understanding of the intricate links between microbial ecology, feline health, and behaviour. Studies connecting the microbiome with feline diseases, behaviour, and diet are strongly encouraged, given their high applicability to everyday animal care and management. Such research has the potential to improve both feline health and welfare, while also strengthening the human–cat bon
Magneto-convective flow in a differentially heated enclosure containing a non-Darcy porous medium with thermal radiation effects: a lattice Boltzmann simulation
Full text linkA computational study is presented for the impact of thermal radiation on incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convection within a square-shaped enclosure that is differentially heated and contains a non-Darcian porous medium saturated with an electrically conducting fluid. The Rosseland algebraic flux model is used to simulate radiative heat transport. The mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations, along with the corresponding boundary conditions, have been transformed into non-dimensional forms. The emerging dimensionless nonlinear boundary value problem is solved with the D2Q9-based Lattice Boltzmann Method. The main objectives are to determine the effects of Hartmann number, thermal radiation parameter, Darcy number and Rayleigh number on the thermofluid characteristics for ionized hydrogen gas (Prandtl number, Pí µí± = 0.69) in terms of the distributions of isotherms and streamlines. D2Q9-LBM code accuracy has been validated using a grid independence test. The current research's findings are pertinent to the simulation of hybrid ionised MHD fuel cells and the production of magnetic materials
Parents’ lived experience of support through their neonate’s end of life and grief journey: An interpretative phenomenology study
Full text linkMedical and pharmacological advancements have influenced the ability to treat acutely ill neonates. However, complications of prematurity mean that death is unpreventable in some cases. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ lived experiences of end of life care and their perceptions of support needs during and following the death of their baby in neonatal intensive care units in the United Kingdom. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis design was adopted. Unstructured interviews were undertaken with seven parents (five mothers and two fathers). Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data. Four themes emerged from the analysis: ‘the enormity of grief’, ‘redefining self and social relations’, ‘trying to survive’ and ‘routes to improved support’. Parents’ experiences of neonatal care after the death of their baby were variable but all narratives highlight a grief that is deep and overwhelming. The Neonatal Grief Sandstorm visual tool, developed from the findings, has potential to support bereavement conversations between health professionals and parents
Investigation of networked SSHI configurations for plate-based piezoelectric energy harvesters
Full text linkPiezo-patch energy harvesters attached to plate-like structures can be used to extract multimodal vibrational energy. For each piezo-patch, SSHI circuits can boost the harvested power compared to standard rectifier circuits. However, the effect of using different configurations of the SSHI network for multiple piezo-patches on plate structures has not yet been understood. This study aims to assess the performance of the networked SSHI configurations compared to networked rectifier configurations and investigate the optimum configurations for energy harvesting purposes. For this, three piezo-patches are bonded to an aluminum plate and connected to single and/or multiple circuits. The equivalent circuit model (ECM) of the electromechanical system is developed from the experimentally validated analytical model and utilized in simulation software LTspice. The performances of considered configurations are evaluated regarding peak power outputs, and the optimal load resistances are obtained. Based on the experimental findings, the best configuration is determined and verified by simulations. The results show that by usingrespective SSHIs, the power output can be improved by preventing charge cancellation despitethe cost of increased diode loss. This study contributes to our understanding of optimal energy harvesting techniques by investigating the effectiveness of networked SSHI configurations for multiple piezo-patches on plate structure
Analysing the effectiveness of digital escape rooms on enhancing student experience and knowledge acquisition – A microbiology-based case
Full text linkActive and gamified teaching methods, such as digital escaperooms, effectively enhance student outcomes. However, current work in this areais highly specialised and lacks translational capability across sectors, withlimited data associated with key higher education impact measures. This studyaimed to design a central platform for developing digital escape rooms andevaluate their pedagogical impact using a microbiology-based example.A university-wide platform for the design and delivery ofdigital escape rooms and an exemplar microbiology-based room were developedutilising WordPress with specialist plugins. The study cohort was comprised of17 students from a range of biology, biomedicine and chemical scienceprogrammes. Quantitative surveys were then completed to understand how digitalescape rooms impacted key pedagogical metrics with further stratification basedon socioeconomic factors.Overall feedback was positive with students reporting apositive experience (100 %), the escape room was well developed (88.2 %),increased their knowledge (82.4 %) and added value to their degrees (70.6 %).These data show the positive pedagogical impacts of digital escape rooms inhigher education
Assessing perceptions, knowledge and satisfaction with seasonal malaria chemoprevention services: A cross-sectional study in northern Nigeria
Full text linkIntroduction: Despite the remarkable progress achieved in the fight against malaria worldwide, the disease still remains a major health concern in Nigeria. In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended using seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) as one of the major interventions against malaria in the Sahel. However, in spite of SMC's proven high clinical efficacy, its implementation is complex, and certain aspects of its use remain to be thoroughly explored, particularly in rural settings of northern Nigeria. In northern Nigeria, different cultural, social, and behavioural practices play a significant role in influencing how people perceive and accept new interventions. Furthermore, little is known about how such cultural attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions interfere with individuals’ level of awareness or their decision to utilise and be satisfied with an intervention. Therefore, this research was designed to explore the factors associated with parents of children below five years of age’s perceptions, knowledge and satisfaction regarding malaria and the newly introduced SMC intervention in Northern Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design using both a qualitative and quantitative data collection approach was utilised. Thirty-two individuals, comprising both the parents of children under five, healthcare workers, community leaders and other stakeholders in SMC, were interviewed in the qualitative study, whereas a multi-stage sampling approach was employed to sample 427 households for the quantitative study. The data collection was undertaken in two North Western states in Nigeria between the months of September and November 2015. The PEN-3 cultural model was employed to guide the qualitative data analysis, whereas descriptive statistics were employed for the quantitative analysis. Result: The research findings reveal a range of cultural beliefs and actions that influence health-seeking behaviour and choice of prevention and treatment options for malaria illness. Most participants had prior knowledge of the aetiological agent for the transmission of malaria illness. Furthermore, the participants recognised malaria illness as a serious illness, which contributed to the wide acceptance of the SMC intervention, which the participants trusted and found to prevent illness and complications arising from malaria. The study also shows how community/religious leaders and healthcare workers are being regarded with high esteem in terms of influencing the community’s beliefs and actions related to preferred v choices regarding health interventions, including the usage of the SMC intervention. Although a misconception about SMC has been reported, this is found only in a few instances. Though only 25.3% of the studied participants had formal education, the study shows that the community’s knowledge and awareness about the symptoms and preventive measures related to malaria were high. The multinomial logistic regression shows male gender [OR: 1.82; CI95%: 1.00 - 3.32], Education [OR: 0.04; CI95%: 0.01 – 0.15], location where SMC services are received [OR: 4.26; CI95%: 2.28 – 7.99] and preferred location for SMC [OR: 0.36; CI95%: 0.17 – 0.75] as the determinants of good SMC knowledge. The study also shows an apparent high level of satisfaction among those that are satisfied with adequate information given on SMC [OR: 18.25; CI95%: 4.15 – 80.26] those that are satisfied with the adequacy of answers about SMC [OR: 7.13; CI95%: 1.62 – 31.45] and those that are willing to recommend SMC to others [OR: 198.7; CI95%: 15.67 – 2520.86]. Conclusion: Based on this study, it can be suggested that high-quality SMC services have been provide
Bacteria transformation, Mini prep and PCR analysis
Full text linkBacterial transformation is a useful tool in molecular genetics, being used to create genetically modified bacteria capable of adapting and surviving in conditions that the parent culture would not. Introducing a plasmid into a bacterial host can be a difficult procedure, requiring molecular techniques. The materials and methods provided give an overall instruction on how to prepare and proceed with mini prepping bacterial samples from pellets, carrying out a PCR on purified DNA and the bacterial transformation and gene cloning. The following explains the volumes used in this procedure along with the cells and consumables used
The effect of a 12-session community exercise programme on health measures across varying cancer types and rehabilitation stages.
No full textThis study evaluated the long-term impact of a12 session community exercise programme on health outcomes in cancer survivors. The studyfocused on physical activitylevels, quality of life and related measures across cancer types and rehabilitation stagesincludingexercise before treatmentand exercise during or after treatment. A total of 918 participants diagnosed with breast, prostate, colon, lymphoma and other cancers joined the programme between 2014 and 2019. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and 6 and 12months post-intervention, measuring physical activity, quality of life, fatigue,lower extremity strength, waist circumference,bodyweight, Body Mass Index, and blood pressure. Breast cancer participants showed significantlysustained improvements in physical activity, lower extremity strength and quality of life. Colon cancer participants experienced reduced fatigue and enhanced quality of life. Significant improvements in quality of life and health-related quality of life were also observed in 'other cancer types'group. However, no long-term improvements were noted for lymphoma participants. Rehabilitation provided notable long-term benefits, whilst prehabilitation was limited by poor adherence rates. The 12 session exerciseprogramme demonstrated long-term benefits for breast, prostate and colon cancer participants, highlighting the value of community-based exercise during rehabilitation. Enhancing adherence may improve outcomes for lymphoma and prehabilitation participants. This structured supervisedcommunity exercise programme showed tosignificantly mitigate some of the relatedtreatment side effects, with substantial benefits during rehabilitation,particularly for breast and colonparticipants living beyond cancer. [Abstract copyright: © 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
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