Search Results (22)

This study presents the development of the Plant Perception Scale (PPS), a multidimensional tool designed to assess high school students’ awareness of the ecological, utilitarian, and cultural significance of plants. Positioned within the broader goal of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), the scale aims to identify perception gaps that may hinder students’ engagement with biodiversity and sustainability. Following a rigorous development process—including item generation, expert review, pilot testing, and psychometric validation—the final 21-item scale revealed a three-factor structure: Ecological Awareness and Sustainability Perception (12 items), Utility-Oriented Plant Perception (5 items), and Cultural and Aesthetic Perception (4 items). Exploratory Factor Analysis confirmed data suitability (KMO = 0.920; Bartlett’s χ²(210) = 2245.215, p < 0.001). Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the structure with strong fit indices (χ²/df = 2.204; CFI = 0.949; RMSEA = 0.055). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.88 for the total scale; factor α values ranged from 0.823 to 0.939). The PPS contributes to sustainable education by offering a reliable framework to evaluate plant-related awareness among adolescents and can serve as a diagnostic and pedagogical tool to guide curriculum development and educational interventions in support of the SDGs. Full article

The technical training associated with urban water cycle management has a markedly multidisciplinary character. In Spain, training in this field to cover the different professional profiles involved in urban water management ranges from specific intermediate and higher Vocational Education and Training Programmes to related subjects included in various university degrees, as well as specialised master’s degrees in a very specific discipline involved in water management. Paradoxically, the companies in the sector are finding it difficult to find intermediate and higher technicians with training in line with their current needs to meet the challenges they must face in order to manage the sewerage and supply networks as efficiently as possible. It is necessary to incorporate, in Vocational Education centres, innovative methods and means that facilitate the acquisition of the skills required by key sectors for sustainability, such as urban water management. The incorporation of resources that help students to understand complex concepts in this field through the operation of pilot-scale equipment and installations that simulate those they will encounter in their professional performance can be of great value in facilitating the acquisition of the desired competences. In this work, a bibliographical review of the use of pilot plants for teaching purposes, in relation to technical aspects involved in the field of urban water management circumscribed to urban supply and sanitation networks, is carried out in order to assess the degree of their implementation as a training resource, which aspects are most frequently addressed, and the contribution they make to the improvement of teaching–learning processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Whole-food plant-based diets (WFPBDs) are beneficial in managing hypertension in the general population but have not been well studied in chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially due to concerns about hyperkalemia. We hypothesized that individuals with CKD 3 or 4 attending a 15-day WFPBD education program would achieve lower blood pressure compared to those who did not, without an increased risk of hyperkalemia. Methods: This was a pilot trial of 40 subjects with mild-to-moderate CKD and hypertension but without diabetes or proteinuria from a single academic center. The subjects were randomized to the 15-day education program or the control group. The changes in blood pressure, serum potassium, and other anthropometric and biochemical values were assessed. Results: Systolic blood pressure decreased from the baseline to day 15 in the intervention group by 8 mm Hg and increased in the control group by 2.7 mm Hg, although the difference in the blood pressure change did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.12). Diastolic blood pressure was not different between the two groups. Potassium changed by 0.01 mEq/L in the intervention group and −0.07 mEq/L in the control group (p = 0.52). The intervention subjects had significant decreases in body mass (−3.0 vs. −0.12 kg, p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (−39.4 vs. −5.0 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (−28.4 vs. −0.6 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), and high-density lipoprotein (−8.6 vs. −0.4 mg/dL, p = 0.006) compared to the controls. The changes in albumin and phosphorus were not different between the two groups. Conclusions: The subjects with mild-to-moderate CKD attending a 15-day WFPBD education program had a non-statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure without an increased risk of hyperkalemia compared to those who did not attend. The intervention subjects achieved significantly greater reductions in body mass and cholesterol without adverse effects on albumin or phosphorus. Larger and longer-duration trials using this approach in a diverse group of CKD patients are warranted. Full article

The Clean Energy Technology Research Institute (CETRI) at the University of Regina, Canada, serves as a collaborative hub where a dynamic team of researchers, industry leaders, innovators, and educators come together to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and the advancement of clean energy technologies. Specializing in low-carbon and carbon-free clean energy research, CETRI adopts a unique approach that encompasses feasibility studies, bench-scale and pilot-plant testing, and pre-commercial demonstrations, all consolidated under one roof. This holistic model distinguishes CETRI, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for technical, scientific, and hands-on learning experiences. With a CAD 3.3 million pre-commercial carbon capture demonstration plant capable of capturing 1 tonne of CO₂ per day, and a feed-flexible hydrogen demonstration pilot plant producing 6 kg of hydrogen daily, CETRI emerges as a pivotal force in advancing innovative, reliable, and cost-competitive clean energy solutions, essential for a safe, prolific, and sustainable world. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse and impactful research carried out in the center, spanning various areas including decarbonization, zero-emission hydrogen technologies, carbon (CO₂) capture utilization and storage, the conversion of waste into renewable fuels and chemicals, and emerging technologies such as small modular nuclear reactors and microgrids. Full article

Objective: This pilot cross-sectional study explored differences in dietary intake and eating behaviors between healthy adults and a group of adults taking insulin to manage diabetes. Methods: A characteristic questionnaire and up to four Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour dietary recalls were collected from 152 adults aged 18–65 years (96 healthy and 56 adults taking insulin) from Indiana and across the U.S. from 2022 to 2023. The macronutrient intake, diet quality via the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, eating frequency, and consistency of timing of eating were calculated and compared between the two groups using adjusted linear or logistic regression models. Results: The total mean HEI scores were very low, at 56 out of 100 and 49 out of 100 for the healthy and insulin-taking groups, respectively. Insulin-taking adults had significantly lower HEI total (p = 0.003) and component scores compared to the healthy group for greens and beans (2.0 vs. 3.0, p = 0.02), whole fruit (2.1 vs. 2.9, p = 0.05), seafood and plant proteins (2.1 vs. 3.3, p = 0.004), and saturated fats (3.7 vs. 5.4, p = 0.05). Eating frequency was significantly lower in the insulin-taking group than in the healthy group (3.0 vs. 3.4 eating occasions/day, p = 0.05). Conclusion: Evidence of the low diet quality and eating frequency of insulin takers may help inform and justify nutrition education to control and manage diabetes. Full article

Ohmic heating is a highly efficient method for rapid fluid heating, with applications in fields such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical engineering. Prior to its industrial application, thorough analysis and modeling are crucial to ensure safe and efficient operations. Therefore, this research focuses on the development and validation of a transfer function-based model for a continuous flow ohmic heater (CFOH). Validation metrics include root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The developed model achieves an RMSE of ±1.48 and a MAPE of ±2.58% compared to experimental results, demonstrating its accuracy. Furthermore, the research presents the implementation of robust real-time applications of advanced process controllers, including PID, MPC, and AMPC. These controllers were first simulated using the developed model and subsequently deployed in the pilot plant ohmic heater system to achieve precise temperature control and optimised input voltage. The reliability of this procedure was affirmed through a comparison between simulated results and empirical data obtained from the CFOH pilot plant. The study concludes by suggesting potential applications in fault diagnosis, educational training, system identification, and controller design. Full article

This pilot study provides insights into the Moroccan public’s understanding and willingness to engage in insect pollinator preservation, highlighting widespread awareness alongside significant knowledge gaps. The success of biodiversity conservation efforts, especially those aimed at insect pollinators, is greatly enhanced by an informed and committed populace. Understanding public perceptions of insect pollinators is important as it shapes the effectiveness of conservation strategies and their implementation. Although our pilot study does not include every demographic of Moroccan society, it does include an important portion of the populace: educated urban youth. This is a key portion of the population that will be crucial in developing future conservation strategies, especially given the tendency towards increasing urbanization putting cities at the forefront of sustainable development. Our study aimed to assess opinions on insect pollinators, their services, and their declining population numbers in Morocco. We conducted a survey distributed mainly through the media over four months, receiving responses from 301 individuals. The results indicate that the public is aware of decreasing insect pollinator populations and their main threats, and shows a willingness to participate in conservation strategies. However, gaps persist in understanding the roles and ecology of pollinators. While honey bees and bumble bees are well-recognized for their role in pollinating agricultural and wild plants, there is less awareness about other common pollinators such as solitary bees and flies. Additionally, the essential contributions of non-bee pollinators remain widely overlooked. To address these findings, we recommend implementing specialized educational initiatives to increase public understanding of the vital functions of non-bee pollinators in supporting ecosystem services. In order to adopt a more encompassing strategy for the conservation of insect pollinators, upcoming outreach efforts within the national biodiversity strategy should emphasize the contributions made by lesser-known non-bee insect pollinators and strive to engage sectors of the population currently less involved in pollinator conservation. However, while this pilot study provides valuable insights, the sample size limits the generalizability of these conclusions. Future research with larger and more diverse samples would be beneficial to validate and expand upon these findings in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of all areas of public perception and engagement in pollinator conservation in Morocco. Expanding sampling to include older, less educated, and less urban demographics would strengthen these initial insights and broaden their application, especially beyond urban attitudes. Full article

Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a subset of nature-based solutions (NbSs) that are implemented worldwide. However, the WSUD guidelines in some local contexts, such as Southeast Asia, remain unclear both for ecological and cultural reasons. This study aims to gather collaborations between researchers, designers, and laypeople in WSUD, which have the potential to be implemented to address water quality issues. The study consisted of three stages: site selection, a design workshop, and public interviews. Utilizing geo-design principles and geographical data, the potential pilot site was identified: a vacant space next to the Tha Phae Gate Plaza. A two-day workshop with landscape design experts yielded six conceptual designs, focusing on diverse themes such as water treatment, plant-based solutions, educational opportunities, and cultural enrichment. Public interviews provided insights into the community’s perspectives on stormwater management, desired amenities, environmental considerations, and governance concerns. The results highlighted a collective interest in using NbSs for stormwater treatment and enhancing the area’s recreational and educational potential. This study offers a comprehensive approach to addressing water quality issues in urban settings while considering local cultural, recreational, and environmental needs. Full article

The academic situation due to the COVID-19 lockdown forced teachers to transform conventional lessons to a fully online mode. The experimental component of chemical engineering degrees is an essential part of the courses, wherein the students usually attend a pilot plant and develop practical skills in a hands-on way. The present study shows the different methodologies developed and implemented during three academic years in the experimental component of two courses: fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Therefore, the year 2018–2019 represents a conventional scenario, in which the lessons and evaluation were conducted in a traditional mode (face-to-face). Later, the cessation of on-site teaching in the middle of the year 2019–2020 compelled the teaching staff to adapt methodologies to a distance mode. This transformation was based on the creation of new learning material: explanatory videos, online seminars, solved exercises and online tests. Finally, the end of the lockdown in the year 2020–2021 allowed the return to a mixed mode (face-to-face lessons in addition to online lessons), which enabled the redesign of the experimental part of the courses. After the end of the courses, the usefulness of the implemented methodologies was evaluated by means of collecting academic marks and student surveys. The results show that, in general, the yields were similar during the three years studied, except in the lockdown period of the fluid mechanics course in which it was slightly higher than the others. With regard to the opinion of the students, their feedback about the transformations made was generally positive. Full article

The influence of nature on occupant well-being and performance has been proved in office, hospital, and educational settings. There is evidence that plants and green colors affect creative and psychological responses. The microalgae facade in the study integrated spirulina, blue-green microalgae, which were cultivated using natural daylight and room air. While a good body of research explores nature’s impact on people, research on microalgae systems has not been linked to creative performance. This pilot study, therefore, focused on how the microalgae facade influences occupant mood and creativity. Forty architecture students were randomly assigned to the control and experimental rooms. The control group was surveyed in a room with a traditional window, whereas the experimental group was surveyed in a room with a biochromic window. Research design for the two conditions remained the same under IEQ-controlled environments except for the inclusion of the microalgae facade. Forty architecture students completed two creativity tasks—alternative use test (AUT) and remote association test (RAT)—and brainstorming for sustainable design in control and experimental settings. Our preliminary findings indicate that the microalgae facade did not affect divergent ideas and convergent thinking during tasks, but participants in the microalgae façade developed more design solutions that included greenery than students in the control space. This research is a preliminary investigation into the human impact of a microalgae façade and represents a new focus for scientific research. More work is needed to better grasp to what extent implementing a microalgae façade will impact human behavior in space. Full article

Research in the training simulation sector to improve the realism and immersive experience of operator training simulators (OTSs) entails combining cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Although most of the existing studies has been about troubleshooting training, research into the response to chemical accidents through mutual cooperation between the participants has been insufficient. Therefore, we developed an immersive OTS that can facilitate mutual cooperation. Training processes to educate trainees in general chemical facilities were selected, while changes that can occur in facilities during an accident and the corresponding responses in various scenarios were used as the training content. A communication system that relays information between the worksite and the control room was implemented using a distributed control system (DCS) and AR technology. We installed a pilot plant and developed a DCS, thereby establishing an infrastructure that allows the boardman and field operator to cooperate during accident scenarios. Furthermore, we developed an OTS that allowed trainees to learn prompt and accurate responses to chemical accidents through operation of the actual equipment. The training effect of the OTS was found to be approximately 4.5 times better than traditional training methods. It is, therefore, anticipated that the developed OTS will minimize losses or damage caused by chemical accidents. Full article

Chemical Engineering courses are often designed to be divided into two types of lessons: lecture and experimental. In the second one, students develop the knowledge in a hands-on way by attending a pilot plant equipped with different instruments. Hence, a thorough understanding of the different unit operations is needed and, therefore, the implications of changing the operational variables in a process. In this context, the use of new digital technologies is emerging as support tools with the aim of both improving the learning and the motivation of students. Specifically, Augmented Reality (AR) provides a modified physical environment overlaid with multimedia content in the form of text, graphics, video and/or audio. Thus, the incorporation of AR systems in the learning of science has proven to be useful, because it can present multiple benefits for students and teachers related to the improvement of spatial abilities, the increase of memory retention, the decrease of cognitive overload, and a boost in student motivation. This study has carried out a search for resources, projects, software, and applications to implement AR-based tools in the experimental sessions of a Chemical Engineering educational pilot plant. Based on all the information found, several AR projects were proposed by the teachers. Later, some of them were selected according to previously defined criteria and implemented as educational tools for students in the course called Experimentation in Chemical Engineering I. Finally, this tool was evaluated through subsequent post-surveys, being very positively rated by both students and teachers, mainly in the items related to helping to understand concepts or the operating procedures of the equipment. Full article

This study deals with the descriptive analysis of the opinion of a pilot group of students at the University of Salamanca about the use of an innovative origami microscope: the Foldscope. Data were collected from an online satisfaction survey of 92 students of Plant Histology (Degree in Biology) during their laboratory practices. These surveys collected their opinions about the educational effectiveness of an innovative and economic foldable microscope made of paper. The foldscope is easy to use and can be used individually or collectively, thanks to its projection capability. The results show that the participants have a positive impression regarding the use of this tool to study plant structures, and they recommend its use in the years thereafter. In this regard, it is demonstrated that the price of microscopes is no longer a problem for the teaching of some subjects, such as Plant Histology. Full article

Background: Sustainable and healthy dietary patterns can help achieve both optimal health and reduce environmental impacts. They involve the increased intake of plant-based foods which are local and seasonal, and reduced intake of animal-derived foods and food wastage. There is emerging evidence regarding the use and effectiveness of web-based health promotion programs to improve diet related behaviours especially in young adults. This study investigated the effectiveness of the “Green Hub” pilot study, a four-week web-based experiential nutrition education intervention to promote sustainable and healthy diets among young adults in Australia. Methods: This study used a pre-/post-study design with process evaluation. The four-week intervention integrated modules on different aspects of a sustainable and healthy diets and was delivered through a private Facebook group. Eligible participants were young adults between the age of 18–25 years old residing in Australia. Results: Out of 19 participants who consented, 17 participants completed the program. Two thirds of participants (67%) stated that they were familiar with the sustainable and healthy diet concept but only 33% were able to define this concept comprehensively. The post-intervention survey resulted in improved knowledge, attitudes, and motivation to adopt more sustainable eating patterns. Conclusion: The “Green Hub” experiential nutrition education program showed positive impact on participants’ willingness to adopt sustainable and healthy diets. The findings of this pilot study will inform future larger scale studies and policy development on improving sustainable and healthy diets among young adults. Full article

Simulation-based training has seen an increased use of extended reality, that is, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) displays. The health professions have been using VR for simulation-based training more extensively than others. This method can offer the possibility of immediate feedback, which promotes more accurate training to self-correct mistakes in environments that are otherwise risky or provide unsafe conditions. The nuclear industry has attempted to seize the same digital and educational transformation to train their personnel to handle dangerous scenarios. We ran a pilot study with the aim of evaluating the VR training scenario developed for the specific target group and the acceptance of the VR technology itself for this kind of training. We used the Kirkpatrick framework to evaluate the training and the VR-HAM acceptance model to evaluate the acceptance of VR. A VR scenario was developed to test specific technical skills of nuclear power plant personnel. The 13 participants showed results within the basic level of the Kirkpatrick framework and held both positive reactions and concerns, that is, they enjoyed the training with VR and expressed concerns regarding the stability of the VR technology. The participants also showed positive attitudes towards the perceived ease of use and usefulness of the VR-HAM and its various constructs. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic limited our testing, we could show valuable data and positive attitudes and perceived ease by the participants. Simulation-based VR training could be an important complement to traditional training methods, especially where safety is a priority, but we still need to provide solid evidence. Full article