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A manifesto for plant science education
No full textSocietal Impact Statement: Plants provide oxygen, food, shelter, medicines and environmental services, without which human society could not exist. Tackling pressing and global challenges requires well‐trained plant scientists and plant‐aware individuals. This manifesto provides a practical evidence‐based vision to strengthen plant science education, focused on five strategic priorities. It is relevant to all stakeholders within plant science and beyond: from frontline educators to institutional leaders; from commercial or charitable professionals to entrepreneurs and donors; from individual community members to their legislative representatives. Strengthening plant science education demands concrete actions from all stakeholders, ultimately to the benefit of us all. Summary: Plant science education needs urgent attention. Skilled plant scientists are needed to address major environmental and societal challenges, and global communities require plant‐aware professionals to drive impactful policy, research and environmental stewardship. This manifesto was collaboratively generated by a community of educators who gathered to reflect on the state of plant science education. The forward‐facing document provides a clear strategy for plant science education, complementing existing research strategies. Five themes were identified as essential for meeting the evolving needs of plant science, educators and learners: (i) plants must be at the centre of an education that addresses global challenges and societal values; (ii) plant science education must prepare students for their futures using bold and effective pedagogies; (iii) equity, diversity and inclusion must be robustly embedded in educational practices; (iv) local and strategic partnerships (with industry and beyond) are required to strengthen academic education; and (v) plant science educators need resources and opportunities to develop and connect. The manifesto is intended as a framework for change. Educators, funders, publishers, industry representatives, policymakers and all other members of our communities must commit to sustained investment in plant science education. By proactively and collectively embracing the recommendations provided, the sector has an opportunity to cultivate a new generation equipped with the knowledge, skills and passion to unlock the full potential of photosynthetic organisms
Unveiling higher education students’ experiences of using artificial intelligence: a cross-institutional qualitative study unveiling higher education students’ experiences of using artificial intelligence: a cross-institutional qualitative study
No full textHigher Education (HE) has yet to fully embrace the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), likely due to lack of funding, a general reticence to take risks or adopt innovations, limited empirical research and theoretical groundings, together with an emerging understanding of the role of such technology in HE (Wheeler, 2019; McGrath et al., 2024). Lack of digital literacy (such as AI literacy) among educators and students also poses a significant barrier (Lincoln and Kearney, 2019 cited in Essien, Bukoye, O’Dea & Kremantzis, 2024; Mah & Groß, 2024; Tully et al., 2025). Those who use AI in education may fail to recognise the constructivist and developmental nature of learning, imposing instead behaviourism-based teaching methods and an objectivist epistemology (Bates et al., 2020). Research on AI in education is developing as AI technology evolves (McGrath et al., 2024). There is a tendency to focus on the negative implications of AI in learning and teaching, but there are calls for greater consideration of its strengths (Bates et al., 2020). Research tends to favour positivist paradigms (Budhathoki et al., 2024; Zhao et al., 2024) over understanding students’ subjective experiences of engaging with AI, which offers important insights into its potential impact in enhancing and hindering learning. Consequently, a team of researchers from four UK-based HE institutions are exploring students’ experiences of using AI in their studies. Following delivery of an learning development themed AI workshop, used partly as a recruitment strategy, we are using a qualitative approach that allows for sensitivity to the social processes in which experiences are embedded (Creswell, 2009). Thematic analysis will give rise to themes that capture how students are using AI, possible barriers to accessing it, and affective dimensions that may hinder/facilitate engagement. By sharing these themes, we hope to provide a more granular perspective, unearthing nuanced and authentic insights from students from multiple institutions into how they are (or are not) using AI. The findings will have implications for how learning developers can best support the use of AI to enhance learning while addressing accessibility, inclusivity, and affective considerations
How to approach and manage Lyme disease
No full textLyme disease is a multisystem zoonotic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes scapularis ticks. It is the most common tick-borne illness in the northern hemisphere, with growing relevance for clinical practice in the UK. This review looks at the current evidence base, with clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and international best practice to support the early recognition, accurate diagnosis and effective management of Lyme disease in primary care
Simulation-Driven Design of Ultrasonic Horns for Precision Micro-Grinding Applications.
No full textAbstract: High-precision micro-machining and grinding processes are increasingly vital for the fabrication of next-generation components in aerospace, biomedical, and semiconductor industries. As the demand for tighter tolerances, superior surface finish, and material integrity increases, conventional machining techniques face limitations in tool wear, heat generation, and material removal efficiency. Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Grinding (UVAG) and Ultrasonic Minimum Quantity Lubrication (UMQL) have emerged as promising solutions, enabling improved performance through high-frequency vibrations superimposed on conventional grinding operations. This research focuses on the simulation-based design and optimization of ultrasonic horns, critical components in delivering high-frequency energy, to enhance micro-grinding effectiveness. Traditional horn designs often rely on heuristic and trial-and-error methods, which are time-consuming and prone to detuning, especially in precision applications. To address this, we propose a comprehensive design framework integrating analytical modeling, finite element simulations, and experimental validation. Initial design begins with resonance length estimation using elastic wave propagation theory, followed by the development of parametric CAD models. Modal and harmonic analyses in ANSYS Workbench ensure tuning accuracy to the target frequency (20 kHz), maximize amplitude gain, and minimize stress concentrations. A coupled horn-workpiece model is simulated to replicate realistic operational conditions. Post-simulation, horns are fabricated using ultra-precision machining, and their vibrational characteristics are validated with frequency analysers and displacement measurement systems. Deviations from the simulated behavior are corrected via iterative refinement, ensuring system compatibility and robust performance. This study presents a robust and adaptable methodology for the design of ultrasonic horns specifically tailored to micro-machining and precision grinding applications. The approach significantly advances ultrasonic tool development by offering improved dimensional accuracy, streamlined design processes, and increased operational efficiency. Moreover, the methodology is well-aligned with Industry 4.0 principles, enabling seamless integration into digitally connected, data-driven manufacturing ecosystems
Empowerment Versus Pressure: The Paradoxical Effects of HPWS on Employees’ Helping Behaviors
No full textRéttarstaða barna í stafrænu umhverfi : mörk tjáningarfrelsis foreldra og friðhelgi einkalífs barna þeirra
No full textStafræn þróun og útbreidd notkun samfélagsmiðla kann að hafa djúpstæð áhrif á líf barna og fjölskyldna. Í dag alast börn upp í umhverfi þar sem mörk einkalífs og opinberrar umfjöllunar eru óljósari en áður, og samfélagsmiðlar hafa orðið vettvangur þar sem foreldrar deila upplifunum og myndum af börnum sínum með víðtækum áhorfendahópi. Þessi nýja staða hefur leitt til áleitinna spurninga um réttarstöðu barna í hinu stafræna samhengi og hverjar heimildir foreldra eru þegar kemur að birtingu efnis sem snertir einkalíf barna.
Í þessari ritsmíð verður fjallað um lög og reglur er varða persónuvernd og friðhelgi barna, þar á meðal persónuverndarlög, barnalög og alþjóðlega mannréttindasáttmála, með áherslu á Barnasáttmála Sameinuðu þjóðanna. Skoðað verður hvernig þessi lagaumgjörð afmarkar bæði réttindi barna og ábyrgð foreldra, og hvar mörkin liggja á milli tjáningarfrelsis foreldra og réttar barna til friðhelgi einkalífs. Þá verður einnig vikið að opinberri umfjöllun um málefni barna, þar sem börn eru í auknum mæli sýnileg í fjölmiðlum og á samfélagsmiðlum. Með því að greina dóma, úrskurði og opinbera stefnu er leitast við að skýra hvaða úrræði eru til staðar til að vernda börn gegn skaðlegri birtingu og hvernig réttindi þeirra eru virt í framkvæmd.
Leitast verður eftir því að svara hvernig réttur barna birtist í stafrænu umhverfi og hvaða lagalegu og siðferðilegu viðmið gilda þegar foreldrar, fjölmiðlar eða aðrir fjalla opinberlega um málefni barna.
Lykilorð: Friðhelgi einkalífsins, persónuvernd, samfélagsmiðlar, ábyrgð foreldraDigital development and the widespread use of social media have a profound impact on the lives of children and families. Today, children are growing up in an environment where the boundaries of privacy and public discourse are more blurred than ever before, and social media has become a platform where parents share experiences and images of their children with a wide audience. This new situation has led to pressing questions about the legal status of children in the digital context and what the rights of parents are when it comes to sharing content that affect children‘s private lives.
This essay will cover legislation and regulations concerning the protection of children‘s privacy and confidentiality, including the Icelandic Privacy Act, children‘s law and internation human rights treaties, with an emphasis in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It will provide an examination of how this legal framework delimits both children‘s rights and parents‘ responsibilites, and where the boundaries lie between parents‘ freedom of speech and children‘s right to privacy. It will also address public dicussions of children‘s issues, as children are increasingly visible in the media and on social media. By analyzing judgments, rulings and public policy, it seeks to clarify what resources are available to protect children from harmful disclosure and how their rights are respected in practice. It will seek to answer how children‘s rights are manifested in the digital environment and what legal and ethical standards apply when parents, the media and others publicly discuss children‘s issues.
Keywords: Right to Privacy, Protection of Personal Data, Social Media, Parental Responsibilit
Seinfærir foreldrar: Hvernig geta þroskaþjálfar veitt seinfærum foreldrum stuðning?
No full textFatlað fólk hefur í gegnum tíðina mætt miklu mótlæti, fordómum og skorti á stuðning. Fatlaðir foreldrar eru lítið sýnilegir í samfélaginu en hópurinn fer stækkandi og enn þann dag í dag eru miklir fordómar gagnvart seinfærum foreldrum. Ritgerðin fjallar um stöðu seinfærra foreldra í samfélaginu og hvernig þroskaþjálfar geta stutt þá sem best og stuðlað að farsælu fjölskyldulífi
Mental Imagery in Synesthetes and Non-Synesthetes: A Comparative Study
No full textResearch suggests that grapheme-color synesthetes experience more vivid visual mental imagery compared to 1) non-synesthetes and 2) other sensory modalities (auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, bodily sensation). To test this, we collected data from 45 synesthetes and 23 non-synesthetes, identified via self-report and a consistency-based validation procedure. Participants' grapheme-color associations were assessed using the SynesthesiaColorPicker and mental imagery using an Icelandic version of the Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire (Psi-Q). Since the Icelandic version of the Psi-Q has not been used in research before, we tested its psychometric qualities in the Icelandic sample. The Psi-Q demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.974). The results indicated that a six-factor solution would be preferred based on its interpretability and definable factor structure.
Contrary to previous findings, we observed no significant differences in visual mental imagery between synesthetes and non-synesthetes. Further results revealed that both synesthetes and non-synesthetes reported greater vividness on visual imagery compared to other non-visual modalities of imagery i.e., not exclusive to synesthetes. This suggests that individuals in general experience enhanced vividness of imagery in the visual modality, which is consistent with existing literature on the topic
sBACseqFOOD: Einfrumu RNA raðgreining baktería til að bæta matvælaöryggi og draga úr skemmdum. Aðferð til stöðlunar á meðhöndlun matarsýna til að einangra hágæða RNA úr bakteríum
No full textFoodborne illnesses remain a significant public health concern, with thousands of reported cases and numerous outbreaks occurring annually across Europe. Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most significant foodborne pathogens. Its ability to grow at low temperatures, including refrigeration, makes it particularly hazardous in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods such as smoked salmon, deli meats, and soft cheeses. Current approaches to understanding foodborne bacterial growth are often inefficient and lack systematic innovation. Since bacterial behavior is largely governed at the molecular level, the use of advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing offers a promising avenue to better understand microbial dynamics. This could ultimately help reduce food contamination by pathogenic bacteria. RNA extraction is a crucial step in single-cell RNA sequencing. In the case of bacteria, cellular fixation before RNA extraction helps preserve RNA integrity, stabilize cellular structures, and increase membrane permeability, thereby improving the efficiency of downstream RNA isolation. In this study, a sample processing protocol was standardized to ensure bacterial RNA integrity in food-related samples derived from water, fresh fish, gravlax, and smoked salmon. Each sample type was tested both with and without spiking with L. monocytogenes at different time points: During one day for water and fresh fish samples, and during seven days for gravlax and smoked salmon samples. Methods—including water filtration, stomaching, and swabbing were used to process the samples before fixation and RNA extraction. Finally, RNA integrity was assessed to determine RNA Integrity Number (RIN) values. A bacterial fixation protocol previously standardized for in vitro L. monocytogenes was successfully replicated in our study. Spiked water samples were incubated at room temperature (RT) with the bacteria for 24 hours to yield enough bacterial colonies for the fixation protocol and to achieve measurable RNA concentrations with appropriate RIN values. Swabbed and stomached extracts from fish showed substantial contamination from host cell (Eukaryotic) RNA. However, in fish samples after 24-hour of incubation with L. monocytogenes and swabbing, clearer bands and peaks were displayed on the electropherogram. Spiked gravlax samples with seven days of incubation with L. monocytogenes produced promising results following swabbing, with good RIN values, while smoked salmon did not contain enough bacterial cells to generate measurable RNA data. Following this study, incubation with L. monocytogenes for at least 7 days followed by swabbing was identified as a key RNA extraction processing step in fish-related food samples. As a next step, this approach will be repeated across all fish-derived sample types—excluding water samples—to ensure RNA integrity for single-cell RNA sequencing.Eurostars and Ranní
Kjarval, Influenza d'arte e creazione italiana
No full textÞessi ritgerð er lokaverkefni til BA-prófs í ítölsku. Ég hóf vinnuna við ritgerðina í janúar 2025 en meðan á námi mínu í ítölsku stóð hafði ég oft velt því fyrir mér, um hvað ég ætlaði skrifa þegar það kæmi að lokaverkefninu í lok náms. Ég var svo heppin að dvelja í Flórens í einn vetur í skiptinámi við háskóla þar í borg. Þar fékk ég ómetanlegt tækifæri til þess að njóta þess sem borgin býður upp á. Það óhætt að segja að þar eru listirnar í hávegum hafðar, en hvert sem litið er, hvort sem það eru byggingarnar, mannvirkin, söfnin eða sagan, þá birtast liðnir tímar ljóslifandi í Flórens og minna á horfna tíma. Eftir veru mína í Flórens fannst mér ekkert annað koma til greina en að skrifa á sviði listar og varð Kjarval fyrir valinu enda talinn meistari á sínu sviði