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Shifting away from global trends? Examining the representation of nature of science in the flemish curriculum in an international policy context
No full textInternational educational initiatives increasingly emphasize the inclusion of nature of science (NoS) in the science curriculum to develop essential scientific competencies, but it remains unclear whether national curricula have followed suit. This study compared Flanders’ 1997 and 2023 science curricula to explore the shifts in the inclusion of NoS elements. Using the Family Resemblance Approach (FRA) as an analytical tool, the study examined how NoS is represented across two key dimensions: the cognitive-epistemic and social-institutional systems of science. Findings reveal a decline in explicit NoS educational goals, particularly within the social-institutional system, where most categories received little or no attention in the 2023 curriculum. Such a shift moves the curriculum further away from international science education ambitions and raises concerns about its ability to foster essential science competencies for students. To address these gaps, the study proposes modifications aimed at achieving a more holistic integration of NoS in the Flemish science curriculum. This study offers insights into the misalignment between localized education policy and evolving international standards like PISA 2025, contributing to the wider conversation on curriculum reform
Orientation control of Cu 3 (HHTP) 2 MOF films using a dual working electrode electrochemical synthesis method
Get PDFMaterials that consist of stacked two-dimensional electronically conductive metal–organic frameworks (2D-cMOFs) have potential for integration into novel electronic devices. These layered materials have crystal structures and charge transport properties that are highly anisotropic. For effective use as functional device materials it is therefore important to achieve control over the crystallographic orientation of the films and their growth mechanisms. Here we report an electrochemical method to synthesise Cu3(HHTP)2 films in situ on ITO glass with controllable film orientation and thickness using a dual working electrode setup. By adjusting the ligand concentration in the electrolyte, different Cun(HHTP)m complexes form, which interact differently with the electrode upon which the MOF is grown. This leads to the consistent formation of edge-on or face-on oriented MOF films. For high ligand concentrations the 2D layers grow perpendicular to the electrode substrate, whereas for low ligand concentrations the layers are parallel to the substrate. Extensive characterisation and theoretical simulations of this material system lead to the conclusion that growth of the different MOF orientations is a result of the electric dipoles on the Cun(HHTP)m complexes. Cu(HHTP) and Cu2(HHTP) complexes are created under high ligand concentration conditions and have electric dipoles that result in edge-on nucleation due to electrostatic interactions with the potential on the electrode. Under low ligand concentrations Cu3(HHTP) complexes are formed that do not have a dipole and nucleate face-on via van der Waals interactions
Chest drain REgular FLushing in ComplIcated parapneumonic EFfusions and empyemas: Study protocol for the RELIEF randomized controlled trial
Get PDFBackground: Pleural infections are common and drainage of the pleural space, in addition to antimicrobial therapy, is often required for adequate treatment. Guidelines suggest flushing small bore chest drains with 20–30 mL of saline every six hours, however, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed if this practice improves outcomes for pleural space infections. As a result, flushing practice is varied, inconsistent, and confounds the interpretation of studied therapeutic modalities in pleural space infection trials. The impact of regular chest drain flushing compared to as-needed flushing on length of time to chest tube removal is unclear. Methods: Chest Drain REgular FLushing in ComplIcated Parapneumonic EFfusions and Empyemas (RELIEF) is a multi-center, open label randomized controlled trial conducted in the United States. Patients with a pleural space infection requiring chest drain placement for inpatient management will be screened for eligibility. Patients will be randomized within 24 hours of chest drain placement to a regular flushing protocol versus as-needed flushing for drain blockage. The primary outcome is time from randomization until time to chest drain removal (hours). Secondary outcomes are length of hospitalization, degree of radiographic improvement by chest X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan from time of drain placement to time of removal, need for additional procedures for the management of pleural space infection, and complications. An ordinal, multi-state transition model will be used to precisely characterize the role of flushing in longitudinal clinical outcomes in the two arms. Discussion: RELIEF is a multi-center, open label randomized controlled trial that compares a regular saline flushing protocol with as-needed saline flushing of small-bore chest drains (8–20Fr) for the management of pleural space infection. This will be the first randomized controlled trial evaluating flushing protocol with patient-centered outcomes in pleural space infections. Trial Registration: The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06427538) on 05-10-2024
Growth rate-driven modelling suggests that phenotypic adaptation drives drug resistance in BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma
Get PDFPhenotypic adaptation, the ability of cells to change phenotype in response to external pressures, has been identified as a driver of drug resistance in cancer. To quantify phenotypic adaptation in BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma, we develop a theoretical model informed by growth-rate data of WM239A-BRAFV600E cells challenged with the BRAF-inhibitor encorafenib. We use an individual-based model (IBM) in which each cell is described by one of multiple discrete and plastic phenotype states that are directly linked to drug-dependent net growth rates and, by extension, drug resistance. To describe how cells transition between phenotype states, we explore a gamut of candidate models common in the mathematical biology literature. Comparing these on their ability to reproduce in vitro growth curves, data-matched simulations suggest that phenotypic adaptation is directed towards states of high net growth rates, enabling the evasion of drug-effects. The model subsequently provides an explanation for when and why intermittent treatments outperform continuous treatments in the studied system, and demonstrates the benefits of not only targeting, but also leveraging, phenotypic adaptation in treatment protocols. Building on the IBM, we present a flexible mathematical methodology based on ordinary differential equations to compare responses to continuous and intermittent treatments through long-term effective net growth rates
Deblending the MIGHTEE-COSMOS survey with XID+: the resolved radio source counts to S 1.4 ≈ 5μJy
Get PDFDeep radio continuum surveys provide fundamental constraints on galaxy evolution, but source confusion limits sensitivity to the faintest sources. We present a complete framework for producing high-fidelity deblended radio catalogues from the confused MIGHTEE maps using the probabilistic deblending framework XID+ and prior positions from deep multi-wavelength data in the COSMOS field. To assess performance, we construct MIGHTEE-like simulations based on the Tiered Radio Extragalactic Continuum Simulation radio source population, ensuring a realistic distribution of star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei for validation. Through these simulations, we show that prior catalogue purity is the dominant factor controlling deblending accuracy: a high-purity prior, containing only sources with a high likelihood of radio detection, recovers accurate flux densities and reproduces input source counts down to (where thermal noise). On the other hand, a complete prior overestimates the source counts due to spurious detections. Our optimal strategy combines the high-purity prior with a mask that removes sources detected above Jy. Applied to the 1.3 deg area of the MIGHTEE-COSMOS field defined by overlapping multi-wavelength data, this procedure yields a deblended catalogue of 89 562 sources. The derived 1.4 GHz source counts agree with independent P(D) analyses and indicate that we resolve the radio background to Jy. We also define a recommended high-fidelity sample of 20 757 sources, based on detection significance, flux density, and goodness-of-fit, which provides reliable flux densities for individual sources in the confusion-limited regime
Navigating the boundary between ‘normative’ and ‘non‐normative’ collective action: A British case study of the removal of a public statue associated with racism
Get PDFPsychological research typically distinguishes between normative (e.g., peaceful protests, petitions) and non‐normative (e.g., property destruction, riots) collective action. This binary framework has proved useful in exploring the psychological factors that shape different forms of collective action. However, recent critiques suggest it oversimplifies the fluid, contested, and context‐dependent nature of collective protest. Our paper develops these critiques through qualitative analysis of walking interview accounts and courtroom transcripts of an event occurring at a 2020 Black Lives Matter rally in the city of Bristol, UK. During this event, a public statue of Edward Colston (1636‐1721), a 17th century slaver, was toppled, defaced, and thrown in the River Avon, and four protestors were subsequently charged with, then acquitted of, criminal damage. Implications for conceptualising and investigating collective action are explored and the importance of recovering the situated meanings and consequences of local understandings of normative and non‐normative action emphasised
Prevention and management of febrile neutropenia in acute myeloid leukaemia and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome: An international survey of current practice
Get PDFSummary: Febrile neutropenia causes substantial morbidity in acute myeloid leukaemia and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome. We aimed to describe current practice and priorities for clinical trials in the prevention and management of febrile neutropenia across Australia/New Zealand (ANZ), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and Europe. We performed an international survey of haematologists recruited via professional networks. Eighty‐five unique hospitals were represented (ANZ = 20; Canada = 14; UK = 30; Europe = 21). Antibacterial prophylaxis was more commonly prescribed in Canada (79%) and the UK (83%) than in ANZ (30%) and Europe (48%, p < 0.001), and was prescribed more frequently to outpatients than inpatients. The most common empiric treatment was piperacillin–tazobactam monotherapy (66/84, 79%), with nurse‐initiated antibiotic orders used in 35/84 (42%). Screening for multidrug‐resistant organisms varied and was not usually used to direct antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic de‐escalation was attempted in most institutions; for uncomplicated short‐lived fever of unknown source, 39/85 (46%) reported ceasing antibiotics at 72 h and 68/85 (80%) within 7 days. For patients with bacteraemia, de‐escalation strategies included narrowing spectrum, oral switch and cessation after defined duration. Most respondents (79/85, 93%) reported interest in recruiting for clinical trials. Clinical trials addressing practice variability in febrile neutropenia are needed, and are supported by haematologists
Digitalisation of International Trade in Intellectual Properties: An Approach Based on the Utility Theory of Technology Value
Get PDFIn the era of globalisation and digital transformation, international trade has expanded beyond traditional goods and services to include the exchange of intellectual properties (IPs), particularly technology. As intangible assets become key drivers of global economic growth, accurately valuing them remains a complex challenge due to their inherent creativity, complexity and uncertainty. This study proposes a novel framework grounded in utility theory to assess technology value within the context of international IP trade. By integrating the utility theory of value and the literature on technology and venture investment into a cohesive model, the framework captures four key attributes of technology value: utility size, quality, delivery and risk. To operationalise this framework, we introduce a valuation method that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics. This AI‐powered approach enhances the objectivity, efficiency, affordability and scalability of technology valuation, enabling more transparent, data‐driven IP trade globally
Yb 2 ‐Tb Upconversion in a Hetero‐Trimetallic Molecular Lanthanide Complex
Get PDFPhoton Upconversion in molecular hetero‐metallic lanthanide systems is challenged by the lack of chemical diversity displayed by the lanthanide ions. Here, we report the multi‐photon photophysical properties of a series of molecular hetero‐trimetallic lanthanide complexes Yb2Ln (Ln = Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+) assembled from kinetically inert building blocks providing site‐specific chemical control regarding introduction of differing lanthanide ions. The hetero‐trimetallic complex Yb2Tb shows efficient Yb2 → Tb photon upconversion via cooperative sensitization in both D2O and H2O. By contrast, Yb2Eu does not show Yb2 → Eu upconversion, while Yb2Gd has been used as a spectroscopic blank. We find that the Yb2 → Tb energy transfer appears to be independent of OH quenching from the solvent. Additionally, we report the intermetallic distances in the complex using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the Yb2 → Tb cooperative sensitization upconversion energy transfer remains effective despite relatively long intermetallic distances between donor pairs (13.5–25 Å) and between the Yb donors and the Tb acceptor (11.5–13.5 Å)
Community perceptions and acceptance of ivermectin for malaria control on Sumba Island, Indonesia
Get PDFBackground: Indonesia has made significant progress in malaria control, however hotspots such as Sumba Island continue to experience high rates of malaria transmission, driven by multiple Anopheles mosquito species. The Sumba Livestock Ivermectin for Malaria (SLIM) trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of ivermectin treatment in livestock as a vector control strategy. This accompanying social science study aimed to explore community perceptions of ivermectin-based malaria interventions, including ivermectin livestock treatment (ITL) and potential mass drug administration (MDA) in humans. Methods: A social science study was conducted alongside the SLIM trial between November 2022 and September 2023 across four villages in Southwest Sumba. Qualitative and participatory approaches were used to explore community perceptions. 75 individuals (>18 years old) from the SLIM study village sites were included in four focus group discussions (59 individuals) and 16 individual in-depth interviews. We also held four feedback meetings for all members of each study village. Community engagement activities, such as puppet shows and interactive sessions on malaria transmission, were also implemented. Data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed using Nvivo software. Results: A total of 75 individuals participated in qualitative data collection, and approximately 650 individuals engaged in community events. Malaria was ranked as the most pressing health concern by study participants. Initial skepticism about ivermectin treatment of livestock was mitigated through trust-building efforts such as village meetings and respectful communication. Community members actively contributed to the trial, demonstrating acceptance of ivermectin treatment of livestock and expressing interest in future research participation. While there was openness to mass drug administration for humans, concerns about safety, particularly for children, were raised. Local authority approval was deemed essential for intervention acceptance. In one village, low social cohesion posed barriers to research participation, highlighting the importance of engagement before the trial started. Conclusions: Community perceptions of ivermectin-based malaria control strategies were shaped by trust, engagement, and cultural considerations. In this case there were multiple engagement activities built into the study – before, during and after the research, with stakeholders in local government and village leaders as well as with animal owners, other community members and children. The findings of this social research underscore the need for, and benefits of, sustained, respectful communication, partnership with local leaders and inclusive stakeholder engagement in malaria research. Future malaria control interventions should also account for local social dynamics, ensuring informed community participation to enhance trial feasibility and acceptance