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Students' Engagement with Online Quiz-Based Flipped Classroom: The role of Gender
Get PDFThe flipped classroom (FC) model is a modern instructional strategy utilized in schools, colleges, and universities, where pre-class resources are provided for students to access, followed by a more active approach to learning in the class session. Literature has indicated that students often fail to engage with the pre-class resources due to insufficient engagement and support techniques, or they do so only shortly before class, adversely affecting in-class learning activities. To address these challenges, we integrated online quizzes into pre-class recorded videos and incorporated cooperative learning theory into in-class sessions to encourage students to watch videos and enhance their learning engagement. A true experimental study involving 151 students was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group (n = 78) utilized the online quiz-based flipped classroom (OQFC) model, while the control group (n = 73) followed the conventional flipped classroom (CFC) model. The 8-week experiment conducted in an ICT class revealed that the OQFC model significantly increased students' behavioural, agentic, and emotional engagement compared to the CFC model. However, there was no significant difference in students' cognitive engagement between the OQFC and CFC models. The results also showed no significant effect of gender on students' engagement. The integration of a quiz-based strategy and cooperative learning theory into the FC model has demonstrated the potential to enhance the effectiveness of the CFC model. Therefore, it is recommended that educators consider adopting the OQFC model to improve students’ engagement and learning experiences
Advancing optical earth observation for EU policies: needs, opportunities, recommendations
Get PDFThe effective translation of Earth observation (EO) measurements into actionable information for agriculture and land monitoring is critical to support policy implementation on climate, environment, and sustainable development. However, this translation remains challenging, as EO evolves from an awareness-raising instrument into an operational tool for evidence-based policymaking. To address this gap, we systematically link, for the first time, European Union (EU) land-related agricultural and environmental policies to EO-derived variables that can be generated from enhanced optical satellites expected in the next decade. We present a comprehensive framework for assessing the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of EO variables used to map, monitor, and manage crop, forest, soil, mineral, and water resources, thereby facilitating policy implementation and compliance. Upcoming Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME), and the Sentinel-2 Next Generation (S2NG) missions, both developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), will deliver substantial technological advancements for high-level EO-based products, enabling applications such as plant nitrogen and soil organic carbon content (SOC) estimation, species identification, and water quality characterization. Realizing the full potential of CHIME and S2NG for agricultural and environmental policy implementation will require advancing current products from prototype stages (TRL 4–6) to full operational readiness (TRL 9) through robust science-policy interfaces. Within such interfaces, we recommend exploiting existing (hyperspectral) EO data and time series, strengthening in-situ observations for robust model development and validation, and testing synergies between systems. Co-design of tailored products with policymakers is then essential to refine algorithms and align EO outputs with regulatory needs and scales. Upcoming spaceborne imaging spectroscopy and enhanced multispectral data streams thus have the potential to become game-changers and indispensable tools for EU policy implementation, providing greater traceability of key environmental and agricultural processes
New insights on the immobilization of radioactive acidic liquid waste and cesium in amorphous aluminophosphate waste form
No full textRadioactive acidic liquid waste (RALW), generated during the Chemical Oxidation Reduction Decontamination (CORD) and High Permanganate CORD Ultraviolet (HP-CORD UV) process of primary systems in nuclear power plants, contains various heavy metals and various radionuclides. These are typically removed by organic ion exchange resins, producing large amounts of secondary spent ion exchange resins (spent IERs) waste. This study aimed to reduce spent IER generation by directly using unpurified RALW as mixing solution for amorphous aluminophosphate (AAP) waste forms which use acidic solution as a raw material. In addition, Cs that may be present in RALW was added at 10 wt% to investigate its effect on the AAP structure. Neither the use of RALW as mixing solution nor the addition of Cs significantly altered the mechanical strength of AAP waste forms. The presence of heavy metal in RALW did not substantially change the local structure of Al and P in the AAP matrix. Multiscale characterization showed that Cs was mainly immobilized by forming amorphous cesium aluminophosphate and through physical incorporation within the AAP matrix. This research demonstrates that RALW can be effectively used in AAP waste forms and provides direct evidence of Cs immobilization mechanisms in AAP systems
Schrodinger's Pricing:Conceptual and Practical Challenges of Conditional PAS in the NICE Technology Appraisal of Lorlatinib for Untreated ALK-Positive Advanced Non-small-cell Lung Cancer (Review of TA1103): An External Assessment Group Perspective
Get PDFAntibacterial Efficiency and Osteoblast Viability of Ag/AgO/Ag2O Nanoparticles on Microarc-Oxidized TiO2
Get PDFInfections associated with titanium-based medical and dental implants present a major clinical challenge, as they can compromise osseointegration and long-term implant stability. Silver-based nanoparticles (NPs) are widely recognized for their strong antimicrobial properties, and when combined with titanium, they hold significant promise for developing infection-resistant and biocompatible implant surfaces. In this study, Ag/AgO/Ag2O NPs were deposited onto highly porous TiO2 layers formed on the Ti6Al4V alloy by microarc oxidation (MAO), with the aim of simultaneously enhancing antibacterial performance and supporting osteoblast activity. The NPs exhibited a predominant size of 8.7 ± 0.1 nm, with smaller particles oxidized to AgO and Ag2O, and larger particles (∼10 nm) composed of metallic Ag. SEM evaluation revealed that the NPs were homogeneously dispersed across the oxide surfaces without altering the rough and porous morphology of TiO2. The MAO-treated surfaces initially showed hydrophobic behavior (contact angle of 94.1 ± 0.3°), which shifted to hydrophilic after Ag/AgO/Ag2O NP deposition due to increased hydroxyl group formation. Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) revealed a significant enhancement in antibacterial activity, particularly for surfaces with the highest Ag/AgO/Ag2O NP density. Meanwhile, osteoblast cell viability assays demonstrated no reduction in metabolic activity after 72 h, and SEM images confirmed cell adhesion and proliferation. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of Ag/AgO/Ag2O NP-modified TiO2 surfaces as multifunctional coatings that combine infection resistance with osteoblast compatibility, offering promising applications in dental and orthopedic implants
Strengthening Primary Care for Recognising and Treating Depression (SPiRiT-D):a study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled effectiveness-implementation trial of collaborative care for depression
Get PDFBackground: The effectiveness of collaborative care for treating depression in primary care has been well-established in high-income countries and, more recently, in a few trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, evidence for its effectiveness, costs and how it can be implemented in ‘real-world’ settings within resource-constrained health systems in LMICs is currently limited. We aim to investigate the implementation, clinical and cost-effectiveness of a contextually adapted collaborative care model for depression in primary care clinics in Pakistan. Methods: A hybrid type-II effectiveness-implementation cluster randomised controlled trial with embedded process and economic evaluations will be conducted. Twenty-four primary care clinics located in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Karachi will be randomly allocated (1:1) using minimisation to either (i) a contextually adapted collaborative care model for depression supported by co-designed implementation strategies or (ii) optimised usual care (routine practice with additional depression screening and provision of information leaflets about depression for those screening positive). Participants aged 18 years or above, scoring ≥ 10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and not under any active treatment for depression, will be recruited. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework will guide our outcome evaluation. The primary clinical outcome will be depression severity, assessed using the PHQ-9 at 6 months after participant recruitment. The primary implementation outcome will be ‘reach’ (proportion calculated as the number of people who participated in depression treatment divided by those eligible for such treatment) using routine, clinic-level aggregated data at 6 months. The process evaluation will explore factors such as fidelity, acceptability and sustainability of collaborative care using a mixed-methods approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. A within-trial economic evaluation will explore the cost-effectiveness of both collaborative care and implementation activities. Individual-level effectiveness outcomes will be analysed using mixed-effect linear regression; and clinic-level implementation outcomes using generalised linear regression. Trial data analysis will be based on an intention to treat principle. Discussion: If collaborative care is shown to be successfully implemented, clinically, and cost-effective, it will provide health and economic benefits for people with depression presenting in primary care. It will also be a means to strengthen primary care services through a trained workforce that can recognise and manage depression, improve information management systems, and promote evidence-based care. Trial registration: ISRCTN13462277 prospectively registered on 07 October 2024 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13462277
Acceptability of a digital early years language support service for caregivers of children who have SLCN and/or are multilingual
Get PDFBackground
Parent-child interaction (PCI) interventions have the potential to mitigate early-identified risks of Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). PCI interventions can be delivered at Universal, Targeted and Specialist levels, but evidence for effectiveness at the Universal level is lacking, especially for some populations. We examine the acceptability of a universal PCI intervention for two underserved groups: children who have SLCN and/or are multilingual. For the former group we also explore acceptability of a supplementary, targeted intervention.
Aim
This study aimed to: (a) evaluate the acceptability of a digital early years PCI support service—comprising a universal text-message service delivering BBC Tiny Happy People videos and targeted speech and language therapy following the Early Language Identification Measure & Intervention (ELIM-I); (b) establish the interest of families with children who have, or are at risk of, SLCN (N = 61) and/or are multilingual (N = 26) in utilising the service, and explore their perceptions regarding merits and drawbacks of the service, and elicit recommendations for improvements.
Methods & Procedures
We employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured online interviews. Families of children with SLCN provided prospective acceptability data after reviewing three videos, indicating their view of receiving similar weekly video content via text message. Those who then opted to try the text service for a month provided retrospective acceptability data, with additional questions for participants who received the targeted online ELIM-I intervention. Multilingual families received the service for three months before providing retrospective acceptability data.
Outcomes & Results
Quantitative analyses revealed that all acceptability ratings were high on average, though there was individual variability. Reflexive thematic analysis of caregivers’ qualitative data identified three central themes: (a) demand for trustworthy guidance to address uncertainty; (b) positives including service suitability for busy family life, personalisation, human connection and reassurance, enjoyment and perceived efficacy; (c) a need for inclusive content, especially for children with complex SLCN.
Conclusions & Implications
There is a clear desire for early digital services to help caregivers support their children's language development. Acceptability was generally high. Caregivers wanted to see their family represented in video content. This was largely successful for the multilingual group with content celebrating home languages. Caregivers of children with SLCN sometimes felt under-represented and recommended demonstrating support strategies appropriate for their child's age and stage of development
Modelling water use in Nepal’s highlands: a multidisciplinary and probabilistic framework
Get PDFMountain communities in Nepal are increasingly exposed to climate-induced shifts in water availability, driven by glacial retreat, altered precipitation/snowmelt regimes, and declining groundwater sources. This study presents an integrated framework combining hydrological source analysis with socio-demographic survey data to evaluate seasonal water contributions and communitylevel water use patterns in the Upper Marsyangdi catchment, Manang District, Nepal. Isotopic (δ18O) and geochemical (silica) tracers were used in a Bayesian mixing model to quantify the seasonal contributions of glacial melt, snow, rain, and groundwater to river flow. Findings indicate that groundwater dominates pre-monsoon flow (60%–70%) while post-monsoon discharge reflects more balanced inputs from all sources. In parallel, 120 household surveys were analysed using Latent Class Analysis to characterise water use across domestic, agricultural, energy, and tourism sectors. Results reveal spatial and demographic gradients in water source dependency, including gender and occupation as important predictors of water use. Respondents reported perceived increases in spring flow, alongside reductions in the availability of snow for household and tourism use and deteriorating river water quality and quantity, particularly affecting hydropower operations. Adaptation strategies include increased reliance on water storage infrastructure and source switching. The study highlights the value of applying probabilistic methods to hydrological and sociocultural data to identify vulnerable populations and inform targeted, context-sensitive adaptation strategies. The proposed framework is transferable to other high-altitude regions, offering a robust approach for assessing climate resilience through the synthesis of scientific and local knowledge systems
Antisense dipeptide repeat proteins drive widescale purine metabolism aberration in C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via ADA
Get PDFAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the death of motor neurons leading to paralysis and death, generally 3–5 years post-symptom onset. The most frequent genetic cause of ALS is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene, that has three major hypothesised pathological mechanisms including the production of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). Our laboratory has previously identified purine metabolism dysfunction in induced neural progenitor cell-derived astrocytes (iAstrocytes) from C9orf72 ALS (C9-ALS) cases (C9-iAstrocytes), driven by loss of the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). Here, we have demonstrated that loss of ADA along with changes to ecto-5′-nucleotidase and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase led to disruption in purine metabolite levels including purine dNTP output. These changes were recapitulated in patient CSF, whilst loss of ADA was recapitulated in patient white matter. Immunofluorescence also demonstrated purinosome formation dysfunction in C9-iAstrocytes. These changes are likely driven by DPRs as ADA loss was recapitulated in in vitro and in vivo DPR models. Finally, ADA levels could be recovered by reducing DPR levels either by inhibiting serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 or overexpressing RuvB-like 2. Our data demonstrate that DPR production negatively affects purine function in C9-ALS suggesting a potentially pivotal role for purine metabolism dysfunction in C9-ALS pathology
Beyond barriers: a qualitative evidence synthesis protocol of South Asian involvement in mental health research in high-income countries
Get PDFIntroduction There is a recognised need to provide equity in healthcare through inclusion of ethnic minorities in research. South Asians, the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, experience high levels of mental illness, often against the backdrop of socioeconomic deprivation and discrimination. The research community recognises that South Asian communities are often excluded from health research. Efforts have been made to understand the barriers and facilitators to their participation. However, the participation of individuals at the intersection of mental ill health and South Asian ethnicity remains understudied. This is a protocol for the synthesis of qualitative evidence from mental health research studies about participation, motivation and barriers to recruitment of South Asians in high-income countries.
Methods and analysis We will search 10 databases for qualitative evidence on participation of South Asian individuals in mental health research studies in high-income countries: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Health Management Information Consortium, Social Policy and Practice, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Social Sciences Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Citation Index. Search terms for the following five concepts will be used: (1) South Asia, (2) ethnic minority, (3) mental health conditions, (4) barriers and facilitators to participation and (5) high-income countries. No date restriction will be applied to the search. Searches will be limited to studies in the English language. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two researchers independently, using Covidence. Demographic data, thematic outputs and salient discussion points will be extracted from final full-text inclusions and entered into NVivo for coding. Meta-ethnographic approaches using first and second-order constructs from included studies will be used to form third-order constructs. This synthesis will generate new knowledge regarding the intersectionality of mental health and South Asian ethnicity.
Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required as this study is a synthesis of published data. This review will provide new knowledge regarding the requirements for researchers and practitioners to advance the involvement of South Asian populations in mental health research. This will undoubtedly enhance equity in the long term, reduce the burden of mental disorders and enable the provision of more effective mental health care for South Asian communities
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