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The Theatricality of Pedagogy : An Exploration of the Open and Hidden Connections between Theatre and Pedagogy
No full text‘Pedagogy’ is about schools and teaching techniques, isn’t it? This book dispels this mistaken myth! Liberating pedagogy from the stifling prison of the school institution, we show that the pedagogical is not only closer to the theatre than to the school – but perhaps best understood as a ritual and cultural performance. Transcending the four walls of the classrooms and taking the reader on a journey to the cinema, the theatre, the performance space for babies, the comedy club, the fashion catwalk and the theatre of everyday life – we show that pedagogy – like the theatre performance - is an aesthetic and temporal construction. What plays a student here is pedagogy’s temporal rhythms - set by its cultural form’s spatial elements: the movie’s images, the theatre’s embodiments, the curated modes of fashion or the presentation of self in everyday living. As the intentional, curative act of an educator, who can indeed be a film or theatre director, comedian or fashion designer (and of course a schoolteacher) – a pedagogical space (the film reception, the theatre performance, the comedy gig, the classroom) often only reveals its ethical and normative inscriptions in this relational and aesthetic play: between the pedagogue’s gesture of curation and the student’s engagement with what is presented to their intellect and senses. As such, pedagogical inquiry, as we present it in this book, is a practical philosophy of education - concerned with how and why certain cultural activities and artefacts relate their ‘students’ to certain ‘knowledge(s)’ in the way they do (e.g. through telling jokes, clothing, gestic acting or haptic performances)
Generative AI, Critical Thinking and Social Work Practice
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science focused on creating machines that can perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and understanding language, by processing large amounts of data to recognise patterns and adapt. AI is increasingly becoming embedded in everyday life, particularly generative AI, from the tools we use to communicate, to the systems that support administrative tasks and decision-making. Generative AI creates new content in text, audio or visual form, in response to a prompt (BASW, 2025). It draws from the internet and what people post and say, and is trained on large sets of data using natural language processing (NLP) – to help computers interpret and generate human language – and machine learning (ML) to find patterns, make decisions and predict outcomes without being programmed for every task
Peptide-reinforced photocrosslinkable PEG-based hydrogels
Get PDFHydrogels are polymer networks that swell in aqueous solvents. These materials have applications in many fields, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and soft robotics. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) diacrylate is often used as a light-curable crosslinker for the synthesis of PEG-based hydrogels, e.g., in bioinks for 3D printing. However, a common limitation of PEG hydrogels is their typically poor mechanical properties, particularly when in a swollen state. The mechanical strength of natural polymeric materials, such as spider silk and collagen, arises from the formation of hierarchical secondary protein structures that unfold under mechanical load. Here, we present a bio-inspired approach to reinforcing PEG-based hydrogels that mimics these hierarchical structures by incorporating poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate) (PBLA) blocks between cross-linking end groups and PEG chain segments. We used this peptide-containing crosslinker in combination with a small hydrophilic comonomer, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, to synthesise PHEA-linked by-(PBLA-b-PEG-b-PBLA) co-networks with tailored compositions, yielding improved and tailorable mechanical properties. This approach affords hydrogels with increased strength and toughness while retaining the networks’ swelling ability. This research presents a promising avenue for developing robust photocrosslinkable hydrogels with broad practical applications
High-entropy 2D MXenes : a new paradigm for energy storage
Get PDFTwo-dimensional (2D) MXenes, a family of transition metal (TM) carbides and nitrides, have rapidly reshaped the landscape of electrochemical energy storage owing to their rich chemistry and outstanding charge-storage performance. High-entropy MXenes (HE-MX), which integrate five or more near-equimolar TMs within a single two-dimensional (2D) lattice, extend this platform by introducing entropy-stabilised multielement configurations inspired by high-entropy alloys (HEAs). In these materials, configurational entropy, lattice distortion and “cocktail” effects cooperatively enhance electrochemical stability, activity and durability. This review explores the development of HE-MX, tracing their evolution from the foundational concepts of HEA to sophisticated multi-component architectures with adjustable structures and functional properties. It emphasises advancements in synthesis, such as the selective etching of complex precursors and in the management of lattice strain and surface terminations. By combining insights from in situ spectroscopy, multiscale simulations and electrochemical measurements, we clarify how features such as cation ordering, tailored surface terminations and entropy-stabilised phases govern capacitive behaviour, ion transport kinetics and cycling robustness. Building on these entropy–structure–property relationships, this review outlines the design principles for atomic-level control of the composition and interfaces and identifies strategies to improve stability under extreme operating conditions and enable scalable manufacturing. HE-MX thus emerges as a versatile platform to alleviate the longstanding trade-off between energy density and durability in next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems
Knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among patients in rural South Africa and the implications for future policies
No full textBackground: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an appreciable public health threat, exacerbated by considerable inappropriate use of antibiotics including for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) Whilst there have been high levels of inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in primary care in South Africa, study findings vary regarding the extent of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription. Where this occurs, this is typically for patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consequently, there is a need to update knowledge regarding antibiotic dispensing patterns in primary care in South Africa alongside key factors influencing this. The findings can provide future direction to key stakeholders in South Africa grappling with high AMR rates Methods: A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to patients leaving community pharmacies in a rural province using their preferred language. The questionnaire included data on current antibiotic utilisation patterns alongside their knowledge and attitudes towards AMR. Results: 465 patients were interviewed exiting community pharmacies with a medicine. 78.7% of patients dispensed antibiotics were dispensed these without a prescription. Perceived STIs were the most common infectious disease where this occurred, with 99.1% of antibiotics issued for this condition dispensed without a prescription. Only 1 out of 116 patients with perceived STIs were prescribed antibiotics. The reverse was seen with patients with URTIs where there was very little dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription for these patients. This may be because surveyed patients were happy to take advice from community pharmacists, who typically offered symptomatic relief to patients with suspected URTIs. This situation contrasts with prescribers where URTIs were the most common infection where antibiotics were prescribed (59.3%). Questioning patients in their own language enhanced their understanding of key issues. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to re-consider community pharmacist activities in South Africa with some countries allowing them to prescribe antibiotics for UTIs. Trained community pharmacists can also potentially engage with patients to help prevent and manage STIs with patients appearing to preferentially seek help from community pharmacists for their perceived STIs. Community pharmacists can also potentially work with prescribers to improve their antibiotic use especially for URTIs
Silver(I)–NHC complexes with chalcogenocyanate ligands : synthesis and transfer reactivity
Get PDFThe chemistry of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) silver(I) complexes has been studied for over 30 years, mainly focusing on halide species, in part due to their ability to act as NHC-transfer reagents. This study reports the first examples of silver(I)–NHC cyanate complexes, [Ag(NHC)(NCO)], with 6 complexes synthesized via 2 complementary methods. The progression to the heavier chalcogenocyanate ligands, thiocyanate and selenocyanate, presents a more complex scenario. The corresponding reactions with thiocyanate salts produce ionic products composed of [Ag(NHC)2]+ and a thiocyanate-containing anion, when the NHC ligands employed are IMes, IXy, SIXy, or IMesBr. In contrast, the deployment of the bulkier SIPr ligand results exclusively in the isolation of the neutral species [Ag(SIPr)(SCN)]. Reactions with potassium selenocyanate lead to degradation, preventing the isolation of any selenocyanate-containing species. Finally, both cyanate and thiocyanate complexes successfully transferred NHC and chalcogenocyanate ligands to gold(I), indicating their versatility as transfer agents
Content validation of the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) in low-, middle-, and high-income countries across 6 continents
Get PDFInvestigators from low-, middle-, and high-income countries representing 6 continents contributed to the development of the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ). The GAC-PAQ is designed to assess physical activity (PA) across all key domains (i.e., school, chores, work/volunteering, transport, free time, outdoor time). It aims to address multiple gaps in global PA surveillance (e.g., omission of important PA domains, insufficient cultural adaptation, underrepresentation of rural areas in questionnaire validation studies).The purpose of this study was to assess the content validity of the GAC-PAQ among PA experts, 8- to 17-year-olds, and one of their parents/guardians, and to discuss changes made to the questionnaire based on participants' feedback. Sixty-two experts in PA measurement and/or surveillance from 24 countries completed an online survey that included both closed- and open-ended questions about the content validity of the GAC-PAQ. The proportion of experts who agreed or strongly agreed with the items was calculated. Child-parent/guardian dyads from 15 countries (n = 250; 10-40 per country) participated in a structured cognitive interview to assess the clarity of the questions and response options, and they were encouraged to provide suggestions to improve clarity and facilitate completion of the questionnaire. Participating countries are: Aotearoa New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Interviews were conducted in 13 different languages and structured by PA domain. Generic images were included to help participants in answering questions about PA intensity. Expert agreement with the items for each domain exceeded 75%, and their qualitative feedback was used to revise the questionnaire before cognitive interviews. In general, participants found the questionnaire to be comprehensive. Adolescents (12-17 years) found it easier than children (8-11 years) to answer the questions. Several children struggled to answer questions about the duration and intensity of activities and/or concepts related to travel modes, active trips, and organized activities. Many parents/guardians were unsure about the frequency, duration, and intensity of their children's or adolescents' PA at school and/or recommended using more culturally relevant and appropriate images. Some participants misunderstood the concept of activities that "make you stronger" (intended to assess resistance activities) and/or struggled to differentiate between work, volunteering, and chores. Participants' feedback was used to develop a revised, simplified, and culturally adapted GAC-PAQ, which will be pilot-tested in all 15 countries in an App that will include country-specific images and narration in local languages. Further research is needed to assess the reliability and validity of the revised GAC-PAQ. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.
A steady-state model for tilting pad journal bearings incorporating an analytical extension of the Sommerfeld solution
Get PDFAn analytical model for a tilting pad journal bearing has been developed by adapting a correction factor method previously used for standard journal bearings. The approach derives the Sommerfeld solution for an infinitely long tilting pad bearing and uses it to adjust the centerline pressure of an infinitely short bearing. This semi-analytical solution addresses a gap in the literature on finite-length tilting pad bearings. Analytical models offer valuable insights into variable interactions and enable faster computation, useful in systems with fluctuating loads, like energy transmission systems. Validation across varying journal speeds and load directions showed a maximum error of 23.5% on the most loaded pad, demonstrating the model’s usefulness in early-stage design, mapping operational envelopes, and assessing bearing suitability
Using a volitional help sheet to increase university students' attendance at on-campus lectures : a randomized controlled trial
Get PDFBackground: A volitional help sheet (VHS) is an intervention that promotes the formation of implementation intentions. Research has established that VHSs can change a range of behaviours, including increased attendance at online university lectures. However, research has not yet tested whether VHSs can increase attendance at on-campus lectures. Additionally, no studies have explicitly tested the extent to which memory improvement techniques can increase the efficacy of VHSs, nor have they tested the dependence of VHSs on memory. However, models of memory dictate that rehearsal of specified implementation intentions should boost their efficacy and that their efficacy should depend on memory ability. Aims: To test whether: (1) a VHS can increase university students' attendance at on-campus lectures; (2) the efficacy of the VHS could be boosted with an encoding facilitation task requiring rehearsal (articulatory and elaborative) of implementation intentions; and (3) memory ability moderates the effects of the VHS on lecture attendance. Materials and Methods: Students enrolled in an undergraduate Psychology degree programme (N = 252) completed online measures of goal intention to attend lectures and both self-reported and objective memory ability. These students were subsequently randomised to receive a VHS only, a VHS plus encoding facilitation or a control intervention, designed to increase lecture attendance. Results: Both VHS conditions attended a greater proportion of lectures over the following 11-week teaching semester than did the control condition. There was no difference in lecture attendance rates between the VHS only and VHS plus encoding facilitation conditions. Memory ability did not moderate the effects of the VHS on lecture attendance rates. Discussion and Conclusion: The VHS was efficacious at increasing on-campus university lecture attendance. There was no evidence that the encoding facilitation task boosted the effects of the VHS or that the efficacy of the VHS was dependant on memory ability. VHSs are likely to constitute useful interventions for increasing university students' attendance at on campus lectures. Further research could usefully test the efficacy of memory improvement techniques and the dependency of VHSs in samples with memory difficulties, where there is likely to be more scope for improvement than in the university student populations. Further research is also required to test other ways to boost the efficacy of VHSs
Adaptive robust backstepping control based on radial basis neural network for linear motor drives
Get PDFThis work presents an adaptive backstepping controller using a radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN) for position control of a linear motor drive with parameter uncertainties, discontinuous friction and unknown external disturbances. Initially, a robust control scheme is developed to ensure asymptotic stability. To avoid conservative tracking performance, we propose an adaptive robust backstepping law incorporating an RBF-NN to estimate lumped uncertainties and disturbances. The dynamic determination of the approximation error upper bound eliminates discontinuities in the adaptive control law. The RBF-NN’s characteristics are utilised to establish the existence of solutions for the system, ensuring that the adaptive control law satisfies the Lipschitz continuity condition. The developed scheme ensures global asymptotic stability under bounded disturbances. Simulation results validate the proposed scheme’s effectiveness in achieving precise positioning and reducing chattering compared to a robust backstepping controller, a fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller and an adaptive recursive terminal sliding mode controller
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