11913 research outputs found
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A design-based approach to bridging the gap between university learning and classroom pedagogy in Initial Teacher Education
Full text linkThis article explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Passports tool, developed to address the persistent challenge of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Grounded in Design-Based Research (DBR), the Passports were iteratively created to integrate academic and professional literacies through two key components: ‘Learn That’ knowledge organisers and ‘Learn How To’ infographics. These elements provide trainees with structured support for consolidating theoretical concepts and applying them in diverse, real-world teaching contexts. Drawing on frameworks such as cognitive load theory, situated learning, and reflective practice, the Passports aim to foster adaptive expertise and reflective skills, supporting trainees as they navigate the complexities of professional placements.
Findings highlight the effectiveness of the Passports in enhancing learning and mentorship within ITE, with broader implications for other professional fields, including nursing and social work, where similar transitions from theory to practice are critical. This research contributes to the discourse on evidence-based educational tools and professional development, offering actionable insights for integrating academic and practical learning across higher education and professional training programmes
Clothing take-back program: why do Malaysian consumers intend to participate?
Full text linkPurpose - In response to the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, leaders aim to develop initiatives collaboratively involving consumers, manufacturers, and recycling facilities, such as clothing take-back programs. Recognizing its critical role and impact on the fashion industry's footprint, this study explores factors influencing consumer participation intentions in clothing take-back programs. Extending the theory of planned behavior includes fashion involvement, environmental concern, and recycling convenience, and it integrates responsibility and personal norms from the normative action model.
Methodology - The study utilizes an online questionnaire survey and employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the proposed model. The survey was distributed via social media using convenience and snowball methods. It gathered 418 usable responses, achieving an 88.94% response rate.
Findings - The results reveal that fashion involvement and environmental concern positively influence attitudes toward participating in clothing take-back programs, and ascribing
responsibility significantly impacts personal norms. Consumers’ intentions to participate in clothing take-back programs are significantly influenced by their attitude, perceived behavioral control, and individual norms.
Originality - This study makes novel contributions to the literature. Firstly, it extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating fashion involvement, responsibility, and personal norm from the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN), providing a more comprehensive understanding of consumer intentions
towards CTBP. Secondly, as a pioneer study in the Malaysian context, the study adds to the contextual evidence of this research field. Finally, the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders by identifying key factors influencing consumer participation in sustainable fashion initiatives
Validation and application of a tool to assess self-confidence to do improvement
Full text linkIntroduction: Increasing improvement capability in the workforce is vital within healthcare. The type of quality improvement training to increase capability varies. One way to measure the impact of improvement training is self-confidence to do improvement. Objectives: Our objectives were to validate a tool to assess self-confidence to do improvement and to observe the degree of change before and after improvement training. We aimed to assess the degree of impact on self-confidence associated with varying exposure to quality improvement training. Methods: We used an online 10-item and 4-point scale to assess self-confidence before and after improvement training. Reliability analysis using Cronbach’s alpha was performed. The nature of the underlying construct was investigated using exploratory factor analysis and a full set of pre and post measures were used, and to compare individual question changes, a series of paired Wilcoxon tests were performed with Bonferroni post hoc corrections for multiple comparisons. To assess the differing lengths of programmes, individual results from each programme were combined meta-analytically with course duration added as a moderator. Results: 252 completed questionnaires were analysed at baseline and a full set of pre and post measures were available for 128 participants. Cronbach’s alpha for the tool was satisfactory at 0.93 (0.92–0.94) and measured a single underlying construct with an eigenvalue of 6.17. A significant increase in confidence to improve from before to after intervention was found (t(127) = 14.36, p<0.001, d=1.27 (95% CI 1.03–1.50)). Post-testing differences were significant (F(6,125) = 2.89, p=0.02) with shorter courses having significantly smaller increases in confidence. Conclusions: This manuscript provides a validated self-confidence tool to help assess improvement capability. Our tool offers a way to measure the impact of improvement capability on varying training durations and inform decisions about allocating staff time to this activity
Awareness of Air Pollution Effects on Cardiopulmonary Health among Students at University of Sunderland.
Full text linkIntroduction: as air pollution continues to be a major source of concern across the global community, epidemiological evidence of its effects on the cardiopulmonary health also continue to rise. It’s then crucial that
the proper awareness of its effect on the cardiopulmonary health be extensively studied as this will play a
crucial role to alleviate the menace of air pollution while at the same time, improve how the global study aim:
this study aimed to investigate the awareness of air pollution effect on cardiopulmonary health among student
at university of sunderland. Methods: a total of 488 participants completed the questionnaire. Descriptive and pearson correlation
coefficient analysis was performed using spss mention the version used.
Results: the data analysis revealed a high level of awareness regarding the effects of air pollution on
cardiopulmonary health. When examining the correlation between ethnicity and awareness, participants from
white and black backgrounds demonstrated a strong positive relationship. In contrast, there was a weak
negative correlation between awareness and participants from asian and mixed backgrounds.
Conclusion: the knowledge gained from this study will support the global community in developing
comprehensive policies and measures to tackle air pollution on a wider scope, rather than in isolated efforts.
Additionally, since perspectives on air pollution vary due to socio-economic and cultural differences, this study
will contribute to a more unified awareness. This, in turn, will help shape a global policy or strategy to
effectively combat air pollutio
Generative AI and Prompt Engineering: Transforming Rockburst Prediction in Underground Construction
Full text linkThe construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift through automation, with advancements in Generative AI (GenAI) and prompt engineering enhancing safety and efficiency, particularly in high-risk fields like underground construction, geotechnics, and mining. In underground construction, GenAI-powered prompts are revolutionizing practices by enabling a shift from reactive to predictive approaches, leading to advancements in design, project planning, and site management. This study explores the use of Google Gemini, a recent advancement in GenAI, for the prediction of rockburst intensity levels in underground construction. The Python programming language and the Google Gemini tool are combined with prompt engineering to generate prompts that incorporate essential variables related to rockburst. A comprehensive database of 93 documented rockburst cases is compiled. Subsequently, a systematic method is established that involves the categorization of intensity levels through data visualization and factor analysis in order to identify a reduced number of unobservable underlying factors. Furthermore, K-means clustering is utilized to identify data patterns. The gradient boosting classifier is then employed to predict the intensity levels of rockburst. The results demonstrate that GenAI and prompt engineering offers an effective approach for accurately predicting rockburst events, achieving an accuracy rate of 89 percent. Through predictive modeling with GenAI, construction engineering experts can proactively evaluate the likelihood of rockburst, allowing for improved risk management, optimized excavation strategies, and enhanced safety protocols. This approach enables the automation of complex analyses and provides a powerful tool for real-time decision-making and predictive insights, offering significant benefits to industries reliant on underground construction. However, despite the considerable potential of GenAI and prompt engineering in the construction sector, challenges related to output accuracy, the dynamic nature of projects, and the need for human oversight must be carefully addressed to ensure effective implementation
Performing Comparative Analysis on Additive Manufactured Hybrid Strut-Based Metamaterials on the Basis of Specific Energy Absorption
Full text linkArchitected metamaterials utilize unique geometries to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of structures. This study investigates the energy absorption capabilities of additively manufactured hybrid strut-based metamaterials, produced using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with Polylactic Acid (PLA). Compression tests were conducted on six novel hybrid strut lattice designs to analyze their structure-property relationships. The designs integrated Kelvin cells, edge struts, octagonal shapes, hex trusses, face-centered components, and corner diagonal struts. The combination of “Kelvin Cell + Octagon” achieved excellent energy absorption efficiency, with the highest Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) of 1450 kJ/kg. Through the synergistic effect of octagonal geometry and Kelvin cell structure, controlled deformation and delayed buckling are realized to release the energy fully and maximize stress wave interaction. However, the configuration of the “Edge Struts + Hex Truss” configuration was not far away either, exhibiting an SEA of 1388.89 kJ/kg, owing to the effective load distribution provided by the hexagonal truss structure. Other configurations had much lower SEA values: 275 kJ/kg for “Kelvin Cell + Hex Truss” 185.71 kJ/kg for “Kelvin Cell + Edge Struts” 162.5 kJ/kg for “Edge Struts + Corner Diagonal” and 26.67 kJ/kg for “Edge Struts + Face Centre”. Using microscopy to look at failed samples showed that shapes with hexagonal and octagonal parts increased SEA by making stress distribution more even and limiting deformation during compression. The unit cell geometry is the critical factor for deciding upon the energy absorption capacity of metamaterials. This work provides useful insights to design optimized additively manufactured metamaterials to achieve high energy absorption, which will be useful to applications such as automotive crash protection, aerospace components, personal protective equipment, and vibration damping systems. The “Kelvin Cell + Octagon” and “Edge Struts + Hex Truss” configurations emerge as highly effective designs, balancing strength, ductility, and energy absorption efficiency for advanced engineering applications
“A Melody From a Past Life Keeps Pulling Me Back”
No full textHighlighting works from the “Isolationen”-series with a particular focus on the more recent works from the series, in which the two previous small-format standard motif sizes have been expanded to include two larger formats. The larger formats became important in order to alter the balance between the isolated object and the dark background of the image (the original composition from which the isolated object originates) and thus to experiment with different weightings between the newly gained autonomy of the object and the retained reference to the original context
Facilitating Practice-Led Research Culture in Initial Teacher Training
Full text linkThis critical reflection examines how a team of academics began to tackle the challenge of developing research culture among their professions-facing colleagues through two interconnected initiatives. It presents the theoretical underpinning of Facilitated Practice-based Research (FPR ©University of Sunderland) and its practical implementation through Research Culture Roundtable (RCR) events and subsequent formation of Agile Research Teams (ARTs). Drawing on contemporary debates around research excellence and practitioner-researcher identity, it explores how structured collaboration can support academics in integrating their practical and scholarly expertise. The ARTs model enables manageable, time-bound participation in research projects while building sustainable research capacity. Initial outcomes demonstrate the potential of this approach for developing research confidence and creating a more inclusive research community. The authors conclude that supporting practitioner-researchers through facilitated, practice-led initiatives can enhance both individual development and institutional research culture, particularly in teaching-intensive settings
Netball: Adapted Teaching Games for Understanding (England)
No full textThe Game-based Approaches in Physical Education: International Applications presents 22 chapters, including 18 teaching units to be applied in physical education or youth sport, divided into four categories of games and an additional category of performance activities.
This book combines the pedagogical, academic, and practical knowledge of a team of experts in the global game-based approaches community. Sharing some common universal principles about game-based physical education teaching, this book innovates by offering unique cultural perspectives and diversity in the pedagogical interpretations made in different continents and countries of the original Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach. Each unit includes a framework of tactical content of increasing complexity, a teaching unit outline (between 9 and 20 lessons), and the respective game-based activities and learning tasks.
By covering key themes in contemporary sports pedagogy and physical education, including lesson content, tactical questioning, task design, assessment, and game modifications, this book is essential reading both for all prospective and in-service physical education teachers and sports coaches working with children and youth and their teacher and coach educators.
Chapter 4 Abstract:
Teaching Games for Understanding (Bunker and Thorpe, 1982) is a game-based approach to physical education, which prioritizes the problem-solving and decision-making aspects of games. The learner is placed in the center of a sequential process of introducing games requiring increasing levels of tactical understanding. The Teaching Games for Understanding approach incorporates the Curriculum Model with four pedagogical principles (Thorpe, Bunker & Almond, 1986), supported by the games classification system (Almond, 1986) which categorizes games based on their fundamental tactical aims of play. Through contextual gameplay the player firstly learns ‘what to do’ and ‘when to do it’, and only learning ‘how to do it’ at the point when the skill is required for the game. The pedagogical principles provide a framework for game modification, so they are developmentally appropriate for the players. This can challenge the commonly held misconception about Teaching Games for Understanding as only suitable for higher ability or older pupils. This chapter describes the teaching of games in schools in England with particular reference to introducing less experienced pupils to the tactics required for the invasion game, netball
Is that on the formulary? Exploring the accessibility of melatonin in primary care in England using a formulary analysis
No full textIntroduction
Children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and other neurodivergence, commonly experience sleep difficulties [1]. This can have a significant impact on the child’s cognition, behaviour and on the quality of life of other family members. Melatonin has been shown to improve sleep in autistic children and be a lifeline for parents and caregivers [2]. However, little is known about the accessibility of this treatment.
Aim
To understand the variation in guidance for prescribing Melatonin between Integrated Care Systems (ICS’s) in England
Methodology
A systematic approach was used to identify the status of melatonin prescribing in formularies across England using Google search. This included using key phrases to identify the Area Prescribing Formulary (APFs) for the 42 ICS areas across England. Searches were conducted independently by two authors. Once identified, a data extraction form was used to collect data from the formulary relating to Melatonin prescribing. Formularies listed Melatonin as a ‘Green’, ‘Amber’ or ‘Red’ drug, where Green drugs can be prescribed in primary care, Amber drugs must be initiated by specialists and then a Shared Care Agreement is used so prescribers in primary care can continue the medication; and Red drugs must only be prescribed by hospital specialists. Data was pooled, cleaned and analysed using descriptive statistics to identify patterns, similarities and differences in information included in APFs about melatonin. Ethical approval was not required for this study.
Results
Regional guidance was identified in 40/42 areas. Thirty-six areas listed Melatonin as an Amber drug, requiring a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) to access in primary care. Four areas listed melatonin as a ‘Red’ drug, only prescribable hospital specialist. Only one area listed melatonin as a Green drug. One area did not have a commissioned pathway for prescribing; one had no agreed prescribing guidance; and one area only allowed prescription for up to three months but did not report a status. Two areas had specially commissioned sleep services, but did not mention Melatonin prescribing. Recommended formulations varied widely across areas too. Initiation was mostly by a specialist through initiation periods varied considerably, between 2 weeks and 3 months. Clinical governance also varied, with 40 areas, 57.5% (n = 23) recommended a ‘drug holiday’ every 6–12 months with a sleep diary and 32% (n = 13) provided information about transition from paediatric to adult services at 18 years, with most suggesting a break prior to 18th birthday.
Discussion
The status of melatonin in formularies varies substantially across England. This is important, as patients with neurodevelopmental disability may face a postcode lottery when trying to access this critical medicine in primary care. A limitation of the study is that formulary status may not always reflect clinical prescribing behaviours (prescribing can be off-formulary or formularies can be out of date) although on the whole, formularies does restrict prescribing. More research is needed to understand Melatonin prescribing patterns to allow equality of access across the country