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Advancing conceptual understanding: a meta-analysis on the impact of digital technologies in higher education mathematics
Get PDFThe integration of digital technologies in mathematics is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in promoting conceptual understanding and student engagement. This study systematically reviews the literature on applications of Computer Algebra Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Visualisation Tools, augmented-reality technologies, Statistical Software, game-based learning and cloud-based learning in higher education mathematics. This meta-analysis synthesises findings from 88 empirical studies conducted between 1990 and 2025 to evaluate the impact of these technologies. The included studies encompass diverse geographical regions, providing a comprehensive global perspective on the integration of digital technologies in higher mathematics education. Using the PRISMA framework and quantitative effect size calculations, the results indicate that all interventions had a statistically significant impact on student performance. Among them, Visualisation Tools demonstrated the highest average percentage improvement in academic performance (39%), whereas cloud-based learning and game-based approaches, while beneficial, showed comparatively modest gains. The findings highlight the effectiveness of an interactive environment in fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. This study provides insights for educators and policymakers seeking to improve the quality and equity of mathematics education in the digital era
The current state of peas in the United Kingdom; diversity, heritage and food systems
Get PDFPeas (Lathyrus oleraceus Lam. syn Pisum sativum L.) are one of the oldest UK pulse crops and are still an important part of the food systems today. Despite the United Kingdom having a rich history of crop diversity and being a centre of crop trade since the Victorian era, historic pea varieties have been largely lost. Most currently grown pea cultivars are of commercial use with little or no historical significance. In general, most UK landraces (including those of peas) today, are maintained ex situ in seedbanks. Varieties with a long UK heritage are arguably well-suited to local conditions, but their cultivation is needed to enable their ongoing adaptation to climate change. Globally, many crops still have cultivated landraces; however, their use can be largely limited to local food systems. In the United Kingdom especially, there are legislative rules and frameworks such as the National Lists and Plant Breeders' Rights that increase the complexity of in situ maintenance of landraces and possibly de-incentivise their wider use across the food systems today. These findings highlight the importance of underutilised varieties and neglected crops in sociocultural contexts
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Durability of the Self-Compacting Geopolymer Mortar using various Mineral Additions
Get PDFA geopolymer is an unconventional inorganic binder prepared by an alkaline activator of alumina and silica-containing materials. This study has thoroughly evaluated the strength and durability performance of geopolymer mortars and represents a comprehensive attempt to highlight the advancement of environmentally conscious and innovative construction materials. The methodology used in this study includes X-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron micros-copy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), universal testing machines, and chemical methods (acid, sul-fate, and chloride attack). The mechanical properties and durability of geopolymer mortars made at constant temperatures are evaluated and compared using different mineral additives. A comparative analysis of geopolymer mortar shows that M3 (fly ash) is an excellent choice for structural elements in construction projects where high strength and durability are paramount, as M3 (fly ash) has achieved the highest compressive (17.07 MPa) and flexural strengths (2.28 MPa) at all curing periods compared to M2 (RHA) and M1 (slag), which have intermediate (11.66 MPa, 2.17 MPa) and the lowest (10.10 MPa, 2.04 MPa) compressive and flexural strengths, respectively. In cases where acid resistance is a critical factor for construction, M1 appears to be the most suitable option, while M2 and M3 may require additional protective meas-ures. M1, despite having slightly lower strength values than M2 and M3, demonstrates exceptional resistance to chloride attacks, making it a preferred option for projects in moderately chloride-rich environments. The compacted material increased strength and durability, while cracks, pores, and non-uniform particle arrangement reduced it. Overall, the abundance of minerals with elemental compositions such as Si, Al, O, and Na is responsible for the strong bonding for the cementation of geopolymer concrete. Therefore, keeping in mind the results of this study, different geopolymer mortars can be selected for construction purposes based on the demands of the projects. © 2025, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering University of Zagreb. All rights reserved
Enhancing Learning and Teaching Experience for International Students in Computing Subjects
Get PDFIn recent years, higher educational institutions in the UK have witnessed a significant rise in international students pursuing postgraduate studies, particularly in computing related degrees. This trend is the topic of a current research project funded by the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing (CPHC). The project, entitled ‘Enhancing Learning and Teaching Experience for International Students Studying Computing’, has found that many UK universities now see a higher enrolment of international students in MSc computing programs (e.g., Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence) compared to home students
Exploring legacy and narrative in star performer popular music exhibitions: the Design Museum’s Amy: Beyond the Stage
Get PDFRecent years have seen a range of star performer popular music exhibitions about individual musicians or bands in British museums. This article offers a view on how these exhibitions can shape historic narratives about their subjects, influencing their legacies. Drawing on gallery observations and materials collected during multiple site visits, the article presents an analysis of Amy: Beyond the Stage at the Design Museum in London, illustrating some of the challenges faced by contemporary curators when structuring narratives and exhibiting performer legacies in popular music exhibitions, contributing to the increasing body of academic literature designed to critically evaluate practices of curation in popular music museums and exhibitions. By focusing on three themes: single narrative curation, nostalgia and empathy, and canonisation, it argues that, to preserve the public legacies of their subjects, star performer exhibitions sometimes misrepresent or re-write historic events, which can lead to the whitewashing of history
Systems for assessing the certainty or confidence of evidence in healthcare: a scoping review protocol.
No full textObjective:
This scoping review aims to identify existing systems, frameworks, and approaches for assessing certainty or confidence in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods evidence, providing a foundation for developing a unified framework tailored to mixed methods reviews.
Introduction:
Assessing the certainty or confidence in evidence is essential for developing health care recommendations, yet current frameworks are often limited to either quantitative or qualitative paradigms. With the rise of mixed methods research, which integrates quantitative and qualitative evidence to address complex health care questions, there is a growing need for systems capable of evaluating certainty across these diverse evidence types.
Inclusion criteria:
This scoping review will include systems, frameworks, or approaches explicitly developed to assess the certainty or confidence in evidence from quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies. Eligible papers must describe the methodology, criteria, or principles of these systems or discuss their development, validation, or theoretical foundations. Systems focused solely on critical appraisal or quality assessment of individual studies will be excluded unless they integrate these assessments into a broader framework for assessing certainty in a body of evidence.
Methods:
This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A comprehensive 3-step search strategy will identify published, unpublished, and gray literature from databases, organizational websites, and reference lists. Data will be extracted using a piloted extraction table and presented in tables, figures, and a narrative summary to map existing systems, frameworks, or approaches for assessing certainty or confidence in evidence
The voices of family caregivers of older Nigerian adults with chronic illness at home: their experience using a qualitative approach.
No full textFamily caregivers are essential in providing at-home care for loved ones who suffer from long-term illnesses. Sadly, unpaid caregivers do not get adequate assistance. Caretakers thus bear a heavy financial, emotional, and physical load that may be detrimental to their health. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of family caregivers in Benue State, Nigeria, providing at-home care for older adults with chronic illnesses. A phenomenological study using a purposive sample of 36 family caregivers was utilised. Twelve individuals were in each focus group, and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that caregivers have an unofficial network of friends, family, religious organizations, and community groups. The study also highlighted the need for additional support systems to complement existing social support groups. Future research should explore the perspectives of policy implementers, healthcare providers, and community and religious leaders to better understand the needs of family caregivers
Development and preliminary evaluation in community mental health teams of a cervical screening informed-choice tool for women with severe mental illness in England: a mixed-method study
Get PDFObjectives: Women with severe mental illness (SMI) face barriers to cervical cancer screening, leading to lower participation and poorer outcomes. This research aimed to develop and test an informed-choice tool to help women with SMI make informed decisions about screening attendance.
Design: The tool was developed using a realist review of physical health interventions and a systematic review of informed-choice tools for people with SMI. A mixed-methods approach informed its development. Usability and acceptability were assessed through semistructured interviews and the think-aloud method with service users (n=18), clinicians (n=16) and key informants. A preliminary proof-of-concept (n=25) evaluated the impact on decisional conflict—the uncertainty around making value-sensitive choices.
Setting and participants: Conducted in two National Health Service (NHS) Mental Health Trusts (urban and rural). Participants included women with SMI accessing secondary mental healthcare, clinicians and service user groups. A key informants’ group guided clinical content.
Intervention: A cervical screening informed-choice leaflet and an accompanying video.
Results: The tool was usable and acceptable, especially for women overdue or never screened. It may reduce decisional conflict and increase screening uptake, potentially improving survival. An National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded feasibility trial (Improving uptake of cervical screening in people with severe mental illness (OPTMISE)) is underway. The current UK government guidance on Support for people who find it hard to attend cervical screening due to having a mental health condition or having experienced trauma or abuse is based on this research.
Conclusions: Future research may involve further assessments of the real-world impact of the tool and its adaptation to other health-related decisions
Generational shifts in food practices: cooking techniques, quality, and unhealthy ingredient intake and their influence on Type 2 Diabetes development among ethnic minorities in London.
Get PDFIntroduction
Changing dietary habits can be attributed to health psychology model within the wider determinants of life model. Unhealthy dietary habits of immigrants at the host country leads to higher risk in developing long term conditions. Our previous study reported that the first-generation ethnic minority immigrants who live in the UK consume less fruits and vegetables than the second and third generation. However, it is not known how these people who live in London prepare their food, which affects nutritional value and health. The aim of the study is to examine the habits and views of immigrants in London related to dietary habits and food practices and perception of how this affects type-2 diabetes risk.
Methods
Qualitative data were gathered conducting semi-structured interviews from 20 South Asian, African, and Caribbean adults in between November 2023 and January 2024, representing the three generations of each population. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results and Discussion
The first-generation older people consume more homemade food; however, their cooking methods include high fat and frying. On the contrary, the younger first generation consume hybridized food, whereas the 3rd generation emphasized healthy choices and balanced diet. High nutritional quality ingredients are used more by the 3rd generation, emphasizing their value to healthy ingredients and health awareness. Whereas the older first-generation people believe diabetes was attributed to divine will.Policymakers need to consider interventions appropriate to diverse ethnicity and generational differences to improve healthy food practices and reduce health inequalities within ethnic minority groups
Wealth, income and dementia in Germany: longitudinal findings from a representative survey among the oldest old
No full textBackground: There is limited knowledge on the link between wealth, as well as income, and dementia risk among the oldest old (80 years and over). The purpose of our study was to examine the association between income, wealth, and dementia among the oldest old in Germany.
Methods: We used representative longitudinal data from a survey, which aimed to assess the quality of life and subjective well-being of individuals aged 80 years and above in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). The length of follow-up was approximately 2 years. The sample consisted of both community-dwelling and institutionalized individuals, with a total of 943 observations included in the analysis. The average age of the participants was 86.0 years (SD: 4.0 years). Probable dementia was assessed by DemTect, a widely accepted screening instrument. Common income and wealth categories were used to quantify these variables.
Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, logistic random effects regressions showed that greater wealth was associated with a lower likelihood of probable dementia (second lowest wealth quartile compared to lowest wealth quartile: OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.76; second highest wealth quartile: OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01-0.31; highest wealth quartile: OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.91). In contrast, income was not significantly associated with the likelihood of probable dementia.
Conclusion: Our study showed a link between wealth and dementia. Such knowledge can enrich poverty and inequality research within this field. More specifically, our findings lend support to evidence-based policies aiming to decrease the burden of dementia in later life through reduction in economic inequalities and better income distribution