Search Results (261)

Background: Chronic Brain Injury (CBI) is a lifelong condition requiring continuous adaptation by patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Transitioning rehabilitation toward patient-centered and self-management approaches is essential, yet remains limited in Spain. Methods: We conducted a two-phase consensus study in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SERMEF) and the Spanish Federation of Brain Injury (FEDACE). In Phase 1, surveys were distributed to patients (214 invited; 95 complete responses, 44.4%) and physiatrists (256 invited; 106 valid responses, 41.4%) to capture perceptions of current rehabilitation practices, including tele-rehabilitation. Differences and convergences between groups were analyzed using a Synthetic Factor (F). In Phase 2, a panel of 21 experts applied a real-time eDelphi process (SmartDelphi) to assess the feasibility of proposed innovations, rated on a six-point Likert scale. Results: Patients and professionals showed both alignment and divergence in their views. Patients reported lower involvement of rehabilitation teams and expressed more reluctance toward replacing in-person care with telemedicine. However, both groups endorsed hybrid models and emphasized the importance of improved communication tools. Expert consensus prioritized feasible interventions such as online orthopedic renewal services, hybrid care models, and educational video resources, while less feasible options included informal communication platforms (e.g., WhatsApp) and bidirectional teleconsultations. Recommendations were consolidated into five domains: (R1) systemic involvement of rehabilitation teams in chronic care, (R2) patient and caregiver education, (R3) self-management support, (R4) communication tools, and (R5) socialization strategies. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the value of combining patient and professional perspectives through digital Delphi methods to co-design innovation strategies in CBI rehabilitation. Findings highlight the need to strengthen communication, provide structured education, and implement hybrid care models to advance patient-centered rehabilitation. The methodology itself fostered engagement and consensus, underscoring its potential as a tool for participatory healthcare planning. Full article

The urgent need to transform initial teacher education (ITE) in Australia has reached a critical juncture, as the Quality Initial Teacher Education (QITE) Review reveals concerning attrition rates with nearly 40% of ITE students sleaving within six years and approximately one in five beginning teachers exiting within their first three years. Traditional approaches to teacher preparation are failing to adequately equip educators for contemporary classrooms, particularly in developing the cultural responsiveness needed to serve Australia’s diverse student populations. This paper presents a case for reconceptualising ITE through pedagogical features that underpin dance education as a transformative vehicle for reform. In this context, dance education is defined as structured movement-based learning that integrates physical expression, cognitive development, cultural understanding, and pedagogical skills through embodied practices. Through a critical discourse analysis of recent Australian policy documents including the Teacher Education Expert Panel (TEEP) Report and Quality Initial Teacher Education (QITE) Review, alongside systematic examination of international empirical research on dance education, this study reveals how dance education’s inherent integration of physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and cultural learning uniquely addresses persistent challenges in teacher education. This article suggests that embedding dance education principles throughout ITE programs could revolutionise teacher preparation by providing embodied understanding of learning processes while developing practical teaching skills. This innovative approach holds particular promise in developing teachers who are not only technically skilled but also emotionally intelligent and culturally responsive, with implications extending beyond Australia to teacher preparation programs internationally. Full article

Mobility in children with motor disabilities is critical to their quality of life because it enhances participation and social inclusion in school and community settings. Recently, early childhood intervention programs have begun incorporating powered mobility devices (PMDs) to promote children’s autonomy at an earlier age than before. This study aimed to review the research on PMDs and highlight the implications for physical education and inclusion. Guided by PRISMA recommendations for scoping reviews, a synthesis of the findings from 46 articles published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted. Results indicate that the increasing use of these devices aligns with an emerging shift in professional perspectives toward technology-assisted mobility to improve participation. However, several factors influence the success of PMD implementation, including device type, children’s health status, and social, family, environmental, and attitudinal conditions. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for schools. It is essential for physical education teachers to remain updated on innovations in this field, such as modified ride-on cars, and to strengthen collaboration between schools and early childhood intervention services to overcome physical, social, and attitudinal barriers to inclusion. Full article

The structural behavior of tile vaults remains challenging to evaluate accurately through numerical models, due to their geometry, the heterogeneity of its mechanical properties, and its boundary conditions. This study presents an experimental investigation carried out as part of a teaching innovation project aimed at deepening the understanding of masonry behavior through hands-on construction and collapse testing. Scaled vaults were built using traditional methods, employing thin bricks and fast-setting gypsum, materials typically selected for their accessibility and compatibility with heritage-inspired craftsmanship. The models were incrementally loaded until failure, enabling direct observation of collapse mechanisms. Plastic limit analysis was used to estimate structural capacity, with a focus on verifying the compatibility conditions of hinge formation. The vaults were documented using photogrammetric reconstruction (Structure-from-Motion) to generate accurate 3D models, and the evolution of collapse mechanisms was analyzed through digital motion tracking of observed hinges. Experimental loading reached values up to 4 kN/m² without collapse, confirming that even thin-tile vaults exhibit considerable reserve capacity. While these values should be understood as conservative lower-bound estimates due to the workshop conditions, results also highlight the significant influence of construction imperfections and boundary conditions. This work reinforces the educational value of physical experimentation and offers empirical insights into tile masonry behavior that cannot be captured through purely digital or parametric models. Full article

Robotic systems play an increasingly significant role in both education and industry; however, access to physical robots remains a challenge due to high costs and operational risks. This work presents a training platform based on Digital Twins, aimed at active learning in the control of robotic manipulators, with a focus on the UFACTORY 850 arm. The proposed approach integrates mathematical modeling, interactive simulation, and experimental validation, enabling the implementation and testing of control strategies in three virtual scenarios that replicate real-world conditions: a laboratory, a service environment, and an industrial production line. The system relies on kinematic and dynamic models of the manipulator, using maneuverability velocities as input signals, and employs ROS as middleware to link the Unity 2022.2.14 graphics engine with the control algorithms developed in MATLAB R2022a. Experimental results demonstrate the accuracy of the implemented models and the effectiveness of the control algorithms, validating the usefulness of Digital Twins as a pedagogical tool to support safe, accessible, and innovative learning in robotic engineering. Full article

Learning Natural Sciences represents a key opportunity to spark scientific interest and foster fundamental skills across different educational stages. This study aimed to analyze the influence of motivation on academic performance in the learning of Natural Sciences at various educational levels. To this end, a systematic review method was employed following PRISMA guidelines, consulting the Web of Science and Scopus databases, identifying four relevant studies. The results showed that high levels of motivation were associated with a more positive classroom attitude and better conceptual understanding, which enhanced academic performance. The use of innovative methodological strategies, such as implementing immersive virtual reality in the classroom, PhET simulations (Physics Educational Technology), and the use of hypertext, significantly increased both student motivation and academic performance. The meta-analysis revealed a favorable effect in experimental groups, showing moderate heterogeneity (I² = 49) and significance of p = 0.0001. The concurrence analysis reported that current pedagogical practices should focus on strengthening student autonomy and active engagement, integrating critical reflection, the use of innovative methodological strategies, and technological resources that enhance meaningful learning in scientific literacy. Among the instruments used to measure motivation, the Motivation to Learn Science Questionnaire was identified, and for academic performance, the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. In conclusion, the importance of implementing the identified methodological strategies across different educational stages is emphasized, in order to promote competency-based learning through meaningful and innovative acquisition of content in Natural Sciences. Full article

Background: The application of sunscreen after light and laser facial treatments is vital for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications. This review aims to highlight the importance of sunscreen use in post-procedural care within aesthetic medicine. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using keywords related to sunscreen application after light and laser treatments. Relevant studies involving human subjects and their effects on skin recovery were included. Results: The review found that early initiation of broad-spectrum sunscreen significantly enhances skin recovery and reduces inflammation following laser procedures. Sunscreens containing physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, were identified as the most effective in preventing sensitization and irritation. Patient education regarding sun protection practices was emphasized, revealing a gap between knowledge and adherence among patients. The inclusion of specialized formulations with anti-inflammatory properties showed promise in mitigating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: While the current literature underscores the critical role of sunscreen in post-laser care, further research is necessary to explore long-term effects and develop innovative formulations. Clinicians should prioritize patient education and adherence to sunscreen protocols to maximize the benefits of light and laser treatments and enhance overall patient satisfaction. Full article

Introduction: Paramedics are increasingly being recognized as essential contributors to sports medicine, where their role extends beyond emergency response to prevention, planning, and collaboration with other medical professionals. Yet their scope of practice and effectiveness across sporting levels and regions remain insufficiently synthesized. Methods: This scoping review mapped international evidence on paramedics in sports medicine. Literature published in English between 2013 and 2023 was systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, and eligible studies were analyzed thematically. Thirty studies were included, spanning professional and amateur sports in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Results: The findings demonstrate that paramedics provide critical value across six domains. First, rapid emergency response, supported by innovations such as motorcycle-based ambulances, significantly reduced access times and improved survival rates. Second, preparedness and ongoing training, including physical fitness and interprofessional education, were shown to enhance effectiveness in demanding sporting environments. Third, collaboration with athletic trainers and other professionals improved on-field care and reduced unnecessary hospital transfers. Fourth, paramedics contributed to injury prevention programmes that lowered injury incidence and healthcare costs. Fifth, their involvement at mass gatherings ensured safety, streamlined triage, and reduced pressure on hospitals. Finally, evidence indicates that paramedic-led initiatives are cost-effective, generating both clinical and economic benefits. Conclusions: Paramedics play a multifaceted role in athlete care, emergency response, and injury prevention. Strengthening their integration through targeted training, protocol standardization, and equitable resource allocation can improve both athlete safety and system efficiency. Future research should focus on grassroots contexts and the use of paramedic-generated data to inform prevention and policy. Full article

This systematic review investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technologies (ICT) in physical education across all educational levels. Physical education is uniquely centered on motor skill development, physical activity engagement, and health promotion—outcomes that require tailored technological approaches. Through the analysis of recent empirical studies, the main areas where digital technologies contribute to pedagogical innovation are highlighted—such as personalized learning, real-time feedback, student motivation, and educational inclusion. The findings show that AI-assisted tools facilitate differentiated instruction and self-regulated learning by adapting to students’ individual performance levels. Technologies such as wearables and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) systems increase engagement and support the participation of students with special educational needs. Furthermore, AI contributes to more efficient and objective assessment of motor performance, coordination, and movement quality. However, significant structural and ethical challenges persist, such as unequal access to digital infrastructure, lack of teacher training, and concerns related to personal data protection. Teachers’ perceptions reflect both openness to the educational potential of AI and caution regarding its practical implementation. The review concludes that AI and ICT can substantially transform physical education, provided that coherent policies, clear ethical frameworks, and investments in teachers’ professional development are in place. Full article

Raising awareness and understanding of climate change among younger generations is crucial for building a sustainable future. The Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics (LAP) within the School of Physics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) supports this goal by developing innovative educational activities centered on atmospheric processes and climate science. Drawing on its expertise in atmospheric monitoring and remote sensing, LAP makes complex scientific concepts accessible to school students through interactive workshops, hands-on experiments, and data-driven projects using real-time environmental measurements. By integrating research-grade tools and open-access satellite data from ESA, NASA, and EUMETSAT, LAP bridges academic research and public understanding. These activities foster critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and student engagement with real-world climate monitoring practices. Moreover, LAP contributes to the ACTRIS network, offering high-quality data and expertise at both national and European levels. Through these efforts, LAP serves as a hub for climate education, turning awareness into action and inspiring future climate-conscious citizens. Full article

In the current era of rapid technological change, where artificial intelligence and quantum computing are reshaping knowledge, quantum literacy in high schools is becoming increasingly relevant. An understanding of quantum science is now important for fostering future readiness to prepare students for the future, as it directly affects research, technology and innovation. Introducing quantum computing through educational tools and interactive platforms in schools will make quantum science accessible, equipping students with the necessary skills to understand and participate in future developments. This work investigates the necessity of quantum literacy among secondary education students, as well as their perceptions and understanding of basic concepts of quantum physics. Prior to data collection, students participated in two 90 min educational presentations that introduced fundamental principles of quantum physics through quantum computing and its applications, with an emphasis on cryptography and key distribution. Then, through the application of a specially designed questionnaire, data were collected from 78 students of different kind of schools and background and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed positive trends in students’ responses regarding their familiarity with quantum literacy and their understanding of fundamental principles such as superposition and entanglement. In addition, the analysis highlighted students’ interest in quantum computing and technology and its potential applications. This study highlights the need to integrate quantum literacy into the secondary education curriculum in order to foster scientific thinking and prepare students for the challenges of the quantum era. The educational intervention with the two presentations seemed to contribute positively to the development of students’ quantum literacy. Full article

The rapid advancement of technology in our era has brought significant changes to various fields of human activity, including education. As a key pillar of intellectual and social development, education integrates innovative tools to enrich learning experiences. One such tool is Augmented Reality (AR), which enables dynamic interaction between physical and digital environments. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, examines AR’s use in education, with a focus on enhancing collaborative learning across various educational levels. A total of 29 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 were selected based on defined inclusion criteria, retrieved from major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect. The findings suggest that AR can improve student engagement and foster collaboration through interactive, immersive methods. However, the review also identifies methodological gaps in current research, such as inconsistent sample size reporting, limited information on questionnaires, and the absence of standardized evaluation approaches. This review contributes to the field by offering a structured synthesis of current research, highlighting critical gaps, and proposing directions for more rigorous, transparent, and pedagogically grounded studies on the integration of AR in collaborative learning environments. Full article

This study introduces and evaluates an innovative methodology for assessing constructability in the maintenance of university buildings, aiming to improve the quality of academic infrastructure. The proposed approach is based on four key criteria: functionality, usage, investment, and curricular planning. These criteria are derived from the principles established by the Chilean Construction Industry Council (CCI Chile, 2024) and were applied in a case study at Ricardo Palma University. A quasi-experimental research design was implemented in two physical spaces within the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, one of which underwent a maintenance intervention while the other remained unaltered. Data was collected through expert-validated instruments, administered to senior students and technical staff before and after the intervention. The results revealed significant improvements, with satisfaction levels increasing from 44% to 56% among students and a 10% rise in positive technical evaluations (p < 0.005) which reflected an improvement in the perceived quality of the academic environment, especially in areas related to maintenance planning, execution, control, safety, and user comfort. This study concludes that integrating constructability criteria into the maintenance phase can optimize infrastructure management, enhancing sustainability, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction. The developed methodology offers a practical and replicable tool for other academic units and universities, supporting continuous improvement and promoting evidence-based decision-making in the management of educational facilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leadership in physical education plays a critical role in the holistic development of students, influencing variables such as satisfaction, group cohesion, and performance. Despite the abundance of cross-sectional studies, there is a paucity of longitudinal evidence exploring the temporal stability of these perceptions in adolescent populations, which limits the current understanding of leadership development in educational settings. This longitudinal study investigates how secondary and high school students perceive and prefer different leadership styles in PE and how these relate to gender, academic level, and sport participation, grounded in the multidimensional leadership model. The analysis is further contextualized by recent research emphasizing adaptive, evidence-based pedagogical approaches in physical education, the influence of competitive environments on leadership expectations, and the role of emotional support in training contexts. Methods: Using validated questionnaires (LSS-1 and LSS-2), five dimensions were assessed: Training and Instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, Social Support, and positive feedback, considering variables such as gender, academic level, and extracurricular sport participation. Data were collected at two time points over a 12-month interval, enabling the identification of temporal patterns in students’ perceptions and preferences. Sampling procedures were clearly defined to enhance transparency and potential replicability, and the choice of a convenience sample from two private schools was justified by accessibility and continuity in longitudinal tracking. Although no a priori power analysis was conducted, the sample size (n = 370) was deemed adequate for the non-parametric analyses employed, with an estimated statistical power ≥ 0.80 for medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.3–0.5). Results: The results revealed a marked preference for leadership styles emphasizing social support and positive feedback, particularly among students engaged in sports. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified based on gender and academic maturity, with female students favoring democratic behavior and students in the fourth year of compulsory secondary education showing a stronger inclination toward styles prioritizing emotional support. Trends toward statistical significance (p < 0.10) were also reported, following precedents in the sport psychology and sport sciences literature, as they provide potentially relevant indications for future research directions. The congruence between perceived and preferred leadership emerged as a key factor in student satisfaction, confirming that adaptive leadership enhances students’ learning experiences and overall well-being. However, this satisfaction was inferred from congruence measures, rather than directly assessed, representing a key methodological limitation. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of physical education teachers tailoring their leadership styles to the individual and group characteristics of their students. The findings align with methodological approaches used in preference hierarchy analyses in sport contexts and support calls for individualized pedagogical strategies observed in sports medicine and training research. By providing longitudinal evidence on leadership perception stability and integrating recent cross-disciplinary findings, the study makes an original contribution to bridging the gap between educational theory and practice. The results address a gap in the literature concerning the temporal stability of leadership perceptions among adolescents, offering a theoretically grounded basis for future research and the design of pedagogical innovations in PE. Full article

The real-time simulation of atmospheric clouds for the visualisation of outdoor scenarios has been a computer graphics research challenge since the emergence of the natural phenomena rendering field in the 1980s. In this work, we present an innovative method for real-time cumuli movement and transition based on a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Specifically, an LSTM, a GRU and an Elman RNN network are trained on time-series data generated by a parallel Navier–Stokes fluid solver. The training process optimizes the network to predict the velocity of cloud particles for the subsequent time step, allowing the model to act as a computationally efficient surrogate for the full physics simulation. In the experiments, we obtained natural-looking behaviour for cumuli evolution and dissipation with excellent performance by the RNN fluid algorithm compared with that of classical finite-element computational solvers. These experiments prove the suitability of our ontogenetic computational model in terms of achieving an optimum balance between natural-looking realism and performance in opposition to computationally expensive hyper-realistic fluid dynamics simulations which are usually in non-real time. Therefore, the core contributions of our research to the state of the art in cloud dynamics are the following: a progressively improved real-time step of the RNN-LSTM fluid algorithm compared to the previous literature to date by outperforming the inference times during the runtime cumuli animation in the analysed hardware, the absence of spatial grid bounds and the replacement of fluid dynamics equation solving with the RNN. As a consequence, this method is applicable in flight simulation systems, climate awareness educational tools, atmospheric simulations, nature-based video games and architectural software. Full article