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Time2Act@SD: Advancing sustainable development in higher education through innovative tools
Get PDFThis paper presents the Time2Act@SD project, an Erasmus+-funded initiative that aims to promote sustainable development (SD) knowledge, skills and behaviour change among higher education (HE) students and educators across Europe. The project takes an innovative, multimodal approach to sustainability education, integrating gamification, digital tools and experiential learning (Loureiro et al., 2024). Key deliverables include a MOOC platform offering courses on environmental, social and economic sustainability, interactive virtual reality games such as 'SDG Quest' (Nisiotis et al., 2024; Piki et al., 2025), and mobile apps promoting practical sustainability competencies. The project also includes international sustainability bootcamps that engage educators and students in reallife applications of SD principles. Results from empirical studies show significant improvements in SD knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among participants (Leal et al., 2024), as well as identified gaps in sustainability education that Time2Act@SD addresses. With open access resources and participation from four universities across Europe, the project contributes to improving sustainability education globally and provides replicable models for transformative learning in higher education. This paper discusses project outcomes, lessons learned and the implications of innovative methods for advancing the SDGs in academia and beyond
From Queries to Prompts: Comparing User Experience in Generative AI Tools and Search Engines
No full textRecent advances in large language models (LLMs) and the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, are ushering in a significant shift in the way people interact with information seeking systems. This study presents a mixed-methods investigation aimed at comparing user experiences of GenAI tools and Conventional Search Engines (CSEs). Twenty-four participants completed fact-finding and browsing tasks using both types of tools. Quantitative data was gathered using Tobii Fusion eye tracking device and a paper-based NASA-TLX survey, while qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews after task completion. Results revealed that GenAI prompts were significantly longer and more conversational, and GenAI tools imposed higher cognitive load during fact-finding, but less cognitive load during browsing tasks. Qualitative findings indicated that users value GenAI for abstract, creative and personalised tasks, but expressed concerns over accuracy, trust, and data privacy. This study expands the limited body of research on comparing user behaviour and experiences when seeking information using CSEs and GenAI tools. It offers a novel contribution by identifying differences in cognitive load associated with completing different task types across the different tool types, highlighting patterns in GenAI interaction behaviours, while also identifying the factors that influence user preferences, perceptions, and overall experience of GenAI tools. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings and provides recommendations for designing GenAI tools to enhance user experience
Formulation and Characterization of a Transfersome-based Oral Care Gel: Development and Delivery of Encapsulated Lidocaine
No full textIntroduction: This study reports the formulation and development of oral gel-based transfersome nanoformulations prepared via the thin-film method. Lidocaine was incorporated as the active local anaesthetic agent, and different concentrations of excipients were employed to achieve the optimized gel characteristics.
Aims: The aim of this research is to design, develop, and optimize a novel oral care gel in combination with lidocaine-entrapped transfersome carriers intended to promote gingival health, and improve the physicochemical and structural characteristics of the formulation for therapeutic applications in oral care.
Methods: Hydrogels with lidocaine were manufactured via sequential phase A–D compounding with and without preservative (phenoxyethanol+ethylhexylglycerin or Plantaserve E), then homogenized via magnetic stirring and high-shear mixing to achieve optimum uniformity. Transfersomes were produced by thin-film hydration using a rotary evaporator. These gel-based formulations were then characterized for their rheological properties, texture analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Lidocaine entrapment efficiency was quantified using the HPLC technique and antimicrobial activity was tested against Candida albicans.
Results: The optimized gel incorporated transfersome formulation with lidocaine (NF8) demonstrated near-physiological pH (~6.5) and spreadability of 3.0 cm (the same as the control product, 3.0 cm). The same gel formulation showed a viscosity of ~75,840 cP and ~28,200 cP at 2.5 and 10 rpm. The texture analyzer showed a firmness of 122.3 ± 9.1 g and a shear work of 61.7 ± 9.1 g/sec. Entrapment efficiency of lidocaine in transfersome nanoformulation was found to be 71%, whereas the particle size and zeta potential were found to be 268 nm and -3 mV. Whereas non-sonicated dispersions showed larger transfersome particle size (453 nm) and wide polydispersity (PDI of 0.81).
Conclusion: These findings showed that transfersome-based gel has the potential to be used for their oral care application alongside their analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects
Effects of a Multicomponent Periodized Program in Kinematic and Muscle Activity Characteristics Related to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Mechanism in College Football Players-A Controlled Trial.
No full textBackground: Given the persistent sex-based disparities in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevalence and the heightened susceptibility observed during critical stages of development in female academy-level players, it is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of prevention programs, particularly during change of direction (COD). Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether a multicomponent periodized program modifies three-dimensional knee angular velocity and hamstrings and quadriceps muscle activity during a COD task in under-16 female football players. A secondary objective was to determine whether adaptations differed based on lower limb dominance. Methods: A non-randomized, multicenter controlled trial with a pre-post design was conducted involving 35 players (age: 15.50 ± 1.22), allocated to either an intervention (n = 17) or control (n = 18) group. The intervention group undertook a 12-week multicomponent periodized program within their usual training program whilst the control group undertook their usual training program. The peak and range of thigh and shank angular velocity across three planes, along with the average rectified and peak envelope EMG signals of the Biceps Femoris (BF), Semitendinosus (ST), Vastus Medialis (VM) and Vastus Lateralis (VL), were recorded during the preparation and load phases, using the Change of Direction and Acceleration Test. Three-factor mixed model ANOVAs and non-parametric tests were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed significant improvements in sagittal and coronal planes shank angular velocities and thigh coronal and transverse plane angular velocities. Muscle activity patterns also improved, particularly in the ST and VM, suggesting enhanced medial stabilization and neuromuscular control. Functional improvements were most evident in the dominant limb. Conclusions: The 12-week multicomponent periodized program effectively modified three-dimensional knee kinematics and muscle activity during a COD task in under-16 female football players
Patient Perceptions, Beliefs, and Behaviors in Bone-Related Disease and Pain Management: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textObjective
The purpose of this study was to examine methods of pharmacologic and nonpharmacological pain management for people with bone-related diseases.
Methods
Bone-related disease incidence, treatment, and pain management strategies were assessed using an anonymous online survey in 2021. The survey included questions about demographics, disease characteristics, and pain coping. One-sample χ2 goodness of fit tests, 2-way Pearson χ2 tests of independence, and probability values were used for data analysis.
Results
Respondents were primarily postmenopausal females, aged 55-60 years old, with moderate disease activity, with osteoporosis most commonly reported. Responses suggest medical professionals’ advice for pain management included multiple medications, especially analgesics. Dietary interventions also played an important role with vitamin D and calcium supplementation regularly being reported. Patients seek to use alternative methods of pain relief and disease management, with many respondents reporting nonpharmacological pain relief treatments playing a significant role in coping with their bone disease. Although respondents aged 46 to 50 opted against nonpharmacological relief, those aged 56 to 60 years reported they were willing to try nonpharmacological interventions that reduced pain, with the choice of treatment based on “how it made me feel.”
Conclusion
A substantial number of respondents believed that more research is required into pain relief for bone-related diseases, with those affected by these conditions seeking a more acute and analgesic approach to managing pain. Most respondents answered “yes” when asked if nonpharmacological pain relief treatments play a sufficient role in coping with their bone-related pain
Empowering students with modern pedagogical approaches: a case study on the fourth industrial revolution in the wake of coronavirus disease 2019
No full textThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has brought significant changes to the labour market, introducing new job roles and increasing the demand for soft skills. The rapidly evolving technological landscape demands effective communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. This case study sought to understand the creative teaching methods that universities should adopt to prepare students for the future workforce and bridge the skills gap. The study utilised the human capital theory framework to examine the relationship between education and skills. To investigate this correlation, a qualitative case study was conducted, involving interviews with education experts using a semi-structured interview guide consisting of eight items. Upon analysing the data, it was discovered that universities could employ various pedagogical approaches such as formative analytics, experiential learning, and blended learning to prepare students with the skills needed for the future job market
Supporting novice language teachers: Perceptions of a tutor-moderated online community of practice
No full textThe struggle of novice language teachers (NLTs) transitioning from supportive training environments to their first teaching posts is well documented. In extreme cases, where appropriate support is not available, teachers often leave the profession because they cannot cope with the high demands of their job and the associated emotional stress.
Online communities of teachers have become a growing source of much-needed professional peer support. Through online interactions, teachers can connect with like-minded
peers for practical tips, resource-sharing and emotional support. Social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook are increasingly seen as valuable hosting platforms for these
communities. While there is growing research on how informal networks (created by teachers themselves) evolve in SNS spaces, little attention has been paid to formal online spaces, purposefully established by teacher educators to bridge the gap between training and initial teaching.
The study was organised in two phases. Phase 1 used an online survey and collected data from 43 NLTs who described the challenges they faced in their initial teaching posts. In Phase 2, ten NLTs participated in an online community of practice using a private Facebook group to share experiences, offer advice and provide support while teaching. The group was set up by their teacher educators (also the authors of this paper) to examine the participants’ perceptions of the value of this kind of support mechanism.
Results firstly showed that classroom behaviour and heavy workloads, for instance, are still a major cause of teacher concern. Secondly, and more encouragingly, the opportunity
to engage with like-minded others in an online professional community, moderated by their tutors, was found to be highly valued. Primarily, the community benefited most from the giving and receiving of emotional support and sharing practical teaching ideas. Findings suggest that tutor-moderated online communities of practice may offer additional benefits to work-based, informal, or large-scale communities of practice
1764eP A multi-omic liquid biopsy for early colorectal cancer detection
No full textBackground
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide, and incidence rates are rising. However, early detection and intervention can improve the survival rates and quality of life of affected patients. The preferred screening choice is still debated, due to the lack of available resources and the invasiveness of colonoscopy, and the relatively low sensitivity of stool-based tests. Blood-based CRC detection offers an attractive screening strategy...
Methods
The Dxcover Liquid Biopsy Platform is a rapid multi-omic liquid biopsy that interrogates a blood sample with Infrared (IR) radiation and produces a distinctive signature that represents the whole biomolecular profile of the sample. The technique analyzes the full range of diagnostic information from both the tumor and the non-tumor response. CREATE-2 is a prospective, multicenter, case-control study, with collection sites across the USA and the UK. Blood was drawn either pre-colonoscopy or...
Results
The US data (n=960) generated a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96, with 91% for both sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, 100% of stage I and II CRC were detected (n=18). For the UK cohort (n=306), the spectral data was combined with the patients’ FIT results, which produced an AUC of 0.89. The sensitivity-tuned model produced high sensitivities across all stages: I 89%; II 93%; III 90%; IV 100%. At 90% specificity, the model...
Conclusions
A rapid liquid biopsy that is sensitive to early-stage CRC could substantially improve patient outcomes. Current screening programs have addressable limitations, and the emergence of new alternative technologies is vital to support earlier CRC detection..
What Do Undergraduate Medical Students Value in Plastic Surgery Conferences?
No full textBackground:
Medical students often have misconceptions about plastic surgery, and improving undergraduate education in the field remains a priority. Conferences—delivered in-person or online—are commonly used to enhance access and awareness. However, there is limited literature on (1) student interest in oncoplastic breast surgery and (2) what medical students value in plastic surgery conference education.
Methods:
In collaboration with the Association of Breast Surgery, we organized 6 hybrid-format lectures focused on breast surgery. Attendees completed optional pre- and postconference surveys, which were analyzed statistically. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a random sample of 30 respondents and thematically analyzed.
Results:
The event was attended by 111 medical students, with 102 completing both surveys. There was a statistically significant increase in interest in oncology, plastic surgery, and oncoplastic breast surgery following the conference ( P < 0.05). Student attitudes toward breast surgery also improved. Thematic analysis revealed that students valued conferences for increasing exposure to the field and helping shape career interests. In-person conferences were particularly appreciated for their networking opportunities and practical workshops.
Conclusions:
Conferences effectively promote interest and awareness of plastic surgery among medical students. Although in-person formats offer greater interactivity, virtual events provide accessible and scalable alternatives. Future research should focus on developing longitudinal educational initiatives and evaluating the long-term influence of undergraduate events on career decision-making in plastic surgery
Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for parents with preterm infants: a commentary on a systematic review
No full textParents of preterm infants (born before 37 weeks of gestation) who require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission are at increased risk for psychological problems such as anxiety, trauma, stress and depression. Psychosocial interventions delivered to parents in either hospital or community settings may help to reduce the symptoms of psychological distress and improve psychological wellbeing. This commentary summarises and critically appraises a recent systematic review that investigated the effect of psychosocial interventions, delivered in any setting to parents of preterm infants on the outcomes of stress, depression, anxiety, paediatric medical traumatic stress and social support