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Code of Good Practice in Research
No full textAs a research-led institution, the University of Glasgow is committed to providing an environment that recognises and supports research that is conducted to the highest standards of academic rigour, to increase the quality of, and trust in, the research record.
This Code of Good Practice in Research provides information and support available to ensure the University’s research practice meets these standards. A PDF version is also available: Code of Good Practice in Research (pdf).
During 2023-2024 we ran a monthly programme of activity to promote the revised Code of Good Practice in Research and explore some of the key themes in more depth. The resources are still available to access on our Code of Good Practice in Research Programme archive of Previous Spotlight Months
The Unloved Curriculum: research methods teaching and ‘demonstrably alive’ sociology
No full textThis article reflects our experiences of developing a more sociable approach to teaching qualitative methods. Through a set of examples drawn from our teaching practice, from our shared development of a sociable qualitative methods curriculum for MA students to the production of the Fieldwork Fables films, we explore these possibilities practically through their use in teaching contexts as a way of fostering a ‘demonstrably alive’ sociological craft. In contrast to those commentators who fear that digital culture continues to pose an existential crisis for our disciplines, we suggest that this new informational environment also affords unprecedented opportunities to re-imagine the contours of sociological craft itself andhow we bring this to life for and with our students. In this way, we argue for a sociable mode of sociological teaching that is based in the classroom but not confined to it, and which embraces the possibility to expand our pedagogical tools
Evolving precision: updates in targeted therapy for cholangiocarcinoma
No full textThe development of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques for extended genomic profiling has led to the identification of actionable molecular alterations in approximately half of the patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC), with the highest incidences among those with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Targeted drugs have demonstrated the ability to confer clinical benefit while maintaining a manageable safety profile. As a result, despite the lack of a head-to-head comparison with standard second-line chemotherapy, they are now recommended for patients with advanced disease who are still fit after progression to first-line palliative systemic anti-cancer treatment. In this review, we will contextualize the results observed with targeted drugs in clinical trials within the framework of clinical practice. We will provide an overview of available single-gene analyses that should be considered in case of lack of access to NGS, defining testing priorities, differences in yields, and therapeutic implications. Lastly, we will discuss future perspectives in the field of precision medicine for BTC, focusing on new strategies to overcome treatment resistance, on the optimal collocation of targeted drugs in the treatment algorithm, and on newly identified actionable alterations for which compounds are currently under investigation
Probing relaxed myosin states in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by second harmonic-generation microscopy
Get PDFThis study explores the use of polarized second-harmonic generation (pSHG) to investigate myosin conformation in the relaxed state, differentiating between the actin-available, disordered (ON) state and the energy-conserving, ordered (OFF) state. By pharmacologically shifting the ON/OFF equilibrium using a myosin activator (2-deoxyATP) or inhibitor (Mavacamten), we demonstrate the sensitivity of pSHG in quantifying the ON/OFF ratio in skeletal and cardiac tissues. Comparisons with X-ray diffraction measurements further validate our findings. Applying this approach to a sarcomeric mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, we show that R403Q/MYH7-mutated minipigs exhibit a higher ON fraction compared to controls. This difference is abolished under high concentrations of myosin modulators, indicating saturation toward either state. ATPase assays reveal increased resting ATPase activity in R403Q samples, persisting even when the ON state is saturated, suggesting that elevated energy consumption in the R403Q mutation is driven by both an ON shift and enhanced myosin ATPase activity
Examining the relationship between neighbourhood satisfaction, physical activity, and well-being in 11 cities in the Global South during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, various restrictions limited social and physical interactions, negatively affecting health and well-being worldwide. Future pandemics are likely, and researchers from several disciplines have been exploring effective strategies to mitigate these harmful effects. In urban and transport planning, neighbourhood design can serve as a valuable policy tool. Specifically, creating more satisfying neighbourhoods can encourage physical activity and enhance residents' well-being. However, most studies have focused on developed countries, leaving a gap in research on the Global South. Given the cultural and environmental differences between the Global North and South, it is essential to examine these relationships in cities across the Global South. This study analysed data from 11 Global South cities using the RTP3 Household Survey and multilevel logistic regression. The findings indicate that neighbourhood safety and access to parks are positively associated with physical activity, which, in turn, improves public health. Additionally, neighbourhood satisfaction is linked to higher levels of physical activity and greater subjective well-being. However, variations exist across different countries, emphasising the need for area-specific evidence to guide urban and transport planning
Collaborative Project-Based Learning in Mechanical Design
No full textProject-based learning (PBL) in universities enhances students' employability by providing them with practical skills, real-world experience, and a problem-solving mindset that aligns with the expectations of industry jobs while achieving learning goals. This paper examines the implementation and effectiveness of collaborative team-based PBL to solve ill-structured real-world problems. The objective is to evaluate collaborative PBL and its challenges in team-based mechanical design projects.
This study involves 60 Year 2 undergraduate students in the SIT-UofG BEng (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering curriculum under the design specialisation. Under the Design and Manufacture module, each team of students is expected to identify their project problem statement, define technical specifications, generate concept designs, perform concept selection, followed by a detailed design. Through the team project, the students are developed to achieve the following learning outcomes:
(i) appreciate the depth of the real world problem and perform self-directed learning;
(ii) research and obtain necessary information to solve problems;
(iii) apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems;
(iv) explain concepts;
(v) think critically to breakdown an open-ended problem;
(vi) manage multiple perspectives; and
(vii) work effectively with people.
A survey was designed and conducted to understand the students’ learning experience and their perceptions on the attainment of the learning outcomes of collaborative PBL. The results have shown that 98% of the respondents understood the expectation of collaborative PBL. 76% of the cohort felt that PBL is beneficial for learning. However, the remaining felt that they did not learn more through PBL. As such, more support might be required to engage the students in self-directed learning. In addition, insights on the students’ perceptions of the importance of the learning outcomes in collaborative PBL revealed that more guidance is required to scaffold the students’ learning for effective collaborative PBL with ill-structured problems. Some of the respondents have also provided feedback that by offering more industry insights into the problems, enhancing assessment criteria and having fewer assessment components will enable students to learn more effectively. This lays the foundation for our future research to refine our approach for collaborative PBL and explore its impact on the industry-readiness of our graduates
Enhancing Applied Learning in Civil Engineering: Implementing Project-Based Learning in Hydrological Studies
No full textIn the joint Civil Engineering program between the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the University of Glasgow (UoG), the integration of Project-Based Learning (PBL) is pivotal for producing industry-ready graduates with both theoretical and practical skills. This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of PBL within the Hydraulics and Hydrology module, focusing on the development of Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves using data from Singapore’s rainfall gauge stations. The objective is to evaluate the impact of PBL on student learning outcomes namely, engagement, and industry readiness. The methodology involved 100 Year-2 undergraduate students engaging in a 13-week module that combined theoretical lectures with practical PBL activities. The students conducted frequency analysis, applied probability distributions, and considered climate change impacts on IDF curves. The study used surveys to gather feedback on students' comprehension, attitudes, and experiences with PBL. The results indicated that students generally understood PBL expectations and felt that it enhanced their interest and motivation. However, they faced challenges in managing teamwork and leveraging multiple perspectives. While students believed PBL helped them apply course content to real-life problems and develop critical thinking skills, they identified a need for more support in technical aspects and clearer guidance on project outcomes. This study concludes that PBL significantly enhances applied learning in civil engineering education, fostering deeper theoretical understanding and practical skills. However, effective implementation requires robust scaffolding and clear communication. Future research should refine PBL methodologies and explore its long-term impact on professional readiness, aiming to prepare graduates who can adeptly navigate the complexities of the engineering profession
Post-translational modifications of phosphodiesterase type 4 enzymes represent novel points for therapeutic targeting
No full textCyclic AMP is a second messenger that is produced in response to the activation of many G-protein-coupled receptors. As each receptor type is linked to a transient but distinct physiological outcome, the activation of cAMP effector proteins is highly compartmentalized by the action of phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) enzymes are expressed as 25 different isoforms, and the function of each protein is linked to its cellular location(s). Fine-tuning of cAMP dynamics in space and time is underpinned by PDE4 activity shifts or PDE4 translocations that are driven by posttranslational modifications. As ‘omics’ technology improves, we are now learning more about these PDE4 events, and we can link them to diseases where aberrant cAMP signaling is causative. Additionally, recent advances allow us to pinpoint specific PDE4 modifications with targeted therapies that will lessen the chances of side effects. This review charts all known PDE4 modifications and links them to innovative existing pharmaceutical concepts or possible future therapeutic developments
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