Search Results (286)

This systematic review examines how Extended Reality (XR) technologies, i.e., Virtual (VR), Augmented (AR), Mixed (MR), and Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) are designed, implemented, and evaluated in cultural heritage (CH) applications, addressing five research questions: (RQ1) How were XR technologies applied in CH between 2021 and 2025? (RQ2) What interaction paradigms are used, and how do they shape engagement and meaning making? (RQ3) What user experience outcomes are reported in XR CH applications? (RQ4) What evaluation methods are employed and what methodological gaps remain? (RQ5) What challenges persist across XR heritage implementations? Peer-reviewed, English-language studies reporting on implemented XR systems in CH contexts with empirical or evaluative data were included; conceptual articles without a described implementation, non-English publications, and studies published before January 2020 were excluded. Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and the ACM Digital Library were searched for publications dated January 2020 through March 2025, complemented by manual proceedings screening (SIGGRAPH, CHI, IMX, VRCAI) and backward/forward citation tracking. All databases were last searched in March 2025. Two independent researchers screened all records and extracted data; disagreements were resolved through structured discussion. Bias toward positive novelty outcomes was mitigated by including conference proceedings alongside journal articles to broaden the evidence base. A qualitative thematic synthesis was employed, as methodological heterogeneity across studies precluded statistical meta-analysis. Findings were organized inductively into four thematic domains through iterative coding and inter-author consensus. From an initial corpus of 359 records, 287 unique records were retained after deduplication; following title/abstract screening and full-text eligibility assessment, 64 studies were included in the final synthesis. The majority (60/64) were published between 2021 and 2025, with study sample sizes ranging from small expert cohorts (n ≈ 6) to large public deployments (n > 125). The thematic analysis across technology, interaction design, user experience, and evaluation reveals trends toward participatory, multiuser, and multimodal XR designs, reporting benefits including immersion, engagement, learning, and accessibility, alongside recurring challenges such as cost, usability, cybersickness, content authenticity, and lack of longitudinal evaluation. Beyond thematic description, using a cross-domain analytical synthesis, we identify the Design Coherence Framework for XR Heritage (DCF-XR); this is a four-dimensional interpretive model spanning technology, interaction design, user experience, and evaluation, which provides an original diagnostic lens for understanding the conditions under which XR effectively serves cultural heritage goals. A typology of four recurring design failure modes, derived inductively from the corpus, demonstrates that the most persistent shortcomings in the field arise not from the weakness of individual dimensions but from their misalignment with one another. Evidence is limited by the predominance of small convenience samples, single-session laboratory evaluations, and the absence of domain-specific standardized assessment instruments for XR in CH, which constrains the generalizability of reported outcomes. Targeted recommendations for rigorous, ethical, and inclusive XR practice in CH are presented, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies, open datasets, and standardized evaluation frameworks. This review received no external funding. This review was not pre-registered in a prospective register. Full article

This article examines gender inequalities in scientific research in the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on STEM disciplines. It draws on qualitative data from the STEP (STEM and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Research Enhancement in Portugal) project, a European Commission-funded initiative aimed at embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles across partner institutions in Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain. Using semi-structured interviews with five scientific leaders and an inductive thematic analysis, the study explores early-stage mechanisms in the institutionalisation of EDI policies and women’s empowerment trajectories from an intersectional perspective. The analysis identifies emergent patterns suggesting: (i) a gradual strengthening of EDI mainstreaming in contexts with initially limited awareness; (ii) the role of transnational collaboration in enhancing visibility, mentoring, and peer learning; and (iii) the potential of time-bounded initiatives to catalyse participant-observed shifts and institutional routines in formation. Rather than measuring longitudinal impact, the article traces how legitimation, routinisation, and network diffusion may enable EDI principles to extend beyond project lifespans and become embedded in governance structures. These mechanism-focused insights offer a transferable framework for future European cooperation initiatives and contribute to ongoing debates on sustainable gender and EDI policy implementation in Mediterranean research contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sport participation and nutrition are increasingly recognized as key determinants of cognitive function and academic achievement in student populations. However, the biological mechanisms underpinning these associations remain only partially understood. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the current evidence on neuroendocrine and autonomic mechanisms linking physical activity, sport participation, and nutrition to cognitive and academic outcomes in students. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was performed following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies involving student populations that examined physical activity, sport participation, or dietary patterns in relation to cognitive function and/or academic performance were included. Particular attention was given to studies reporting biological or physiological indicators of underlying mechanisms, including neuroendocrine, autonomic, and brain-based measures. Data were extracted and synthesized qualitatively, with studies categorized according to the type of mechanistic evidence. Results: A total of 76 studies met the inclusion criteria. The available evidence was more extensive for physical activity, sport participation, and fitness-related exposures than for nutrition-related variables or integrated lifestyle models. Cognitive outcomes, particularly executive function, attention, working memory, and memory performance, were assessed more frequently and showed more consistent associations with lifestyle behaviors than academic outcomes, which were less commonly and more heterogeneously evaluated. Mechanistic evidence was unevenly distributed: only a limited subset of studies included direct biological or psychophysiological measures, mainly neuroimaging, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, cortisol-related indices, or heart rate variability. In contrast, inflammatory, metabolic, and gut microbiota-related mechanisms were mostly discussed at a conceptual or indirect level. Overall, the findings indicate a broad associative literature but a relatively small body of studies directly testing biological pathways linking physical activity, nutrition, cognition, and academic performance. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates potential associations between sport participation, nutrition, cognitive outcomes, and multiple biological pathways. However, the scoping nature of the review, the predominance of observational designs, and the limited use of direct mechanistic assessments prevent firm causal conclusions. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and intervention studies integrating behavioral, nutritional, cognitive, academic, and biological measures within the same design. Full article

Background: Multisite digital psychiatry trials increasingly rely on complex onboarding and implementation processes at local research sites. While outcome-focused evaluations are common, less attention has been paid to the site-level labor required to operationalize such studies in real-world settings, particularly at smaller or resource-constrained sites. This study addresses this gap by examining hidden implementation labor from a single-site reflexive perspective. Methods: This study adopts a reflexive qualitative case study approach to examine onboarding and implementation processes at a single research site participating in a multisite digital psychiatry trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04953208). The analysis draws on longitudinal experiential data, supported by site-specific documentation, onboarding timelines, troubleshooting records, device-management materials, data quality assurance activities, and internal communications generated during site coordination and implementation activities. Results: Five interrelated themes were identified: hidden labor and role overload; resource scarcity at small research sites; fragmented remote communication and technical coordination; multi-role professional contexts and competing demands; and the impact of external systemic disruptions. Findings show how administrative, technical, logistical, and coordination tasks were absorbed into individual roles, often exceeding initial role expectations. Despite limited resources, the site achieved high performance through intensified individual effort, masking the true implementation burden. This pattern is conceptualized as a high-performance paradox, in which apparent site efficiency may conceal substantial hidden labor and role compression. Conclusions: This site-level reflexive account highlights the central role of hidden labor in sustaining implementation in multisite digital psychiatry trials. Recognizing and explicitly resourcing implementation work, particularly at small research sites, may improve feasibility, sustainability, and equity across study settings. The study contributes a practice-based methodological perspective on how implementation burden can be identified through reflexive analysis of site-level trial processes. Full article

Graduate employability is a key concern for policymakers and universities worldwide. In Chile, most research has focused on labour market outcomes, with less emphasis on students’ and graduates’ experiences and perceptions of employability during and after their studies. This article presents a systematic review of empirical studies on employability in Chilean higher education published between 2000 and 2025. The review used the PRISMA 2020 framework to systematically search four academic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and ERIH Plus. The initial search identified 445 records. After applying inclusion and eligibility criteria, fourteen empirical studies were selected for the final analysis. These studies were then examined using thematic content analysis. The findings show a significant increase in employability studies since 2019 and a shift toward qualitative methodologies. The literature mainly addresses four analytical dimensions: (1) education-to-work transitions and career trajectories; (2) employability resources, such as skills, credentials, and social capital; (3) institutional strategies to foster employability; and (4) structural inequalities related to gender, social origin, and institutional selectivity. The findings suggest that graduate employability in Chile is shaped by the interaction between individual resources, institutional practices, and labour market structures within a highly segmented higher education system. Additionally, the review notes a lack of longitudinal research and calls for comparative studies and institutional policies to address structural inequalities. This article contributes by advocating a relational approach to employability that links individual capital, institutional habitus, and labour market structures. Full article

Black children and youth in Canada often hold high educational aspirations; however, systemic biases, deficit-based perceptions, and structural barriers limit their opportunities. These challenges, linked to anti-Black racism, migration-related disruptions, and socioeconomic inequities, contribute to lower engagement, underrepresentation, and reduced access to equitable educational resources. This scoping review examines these intersecting factors to inform equity-focused policy and practice. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this review analyzed 96 studies published from database inception to May 2024, including 55 qualitative, 37 quantitative, and 4 mixed-methods studies. Bibliometric analysis was used to summarize study characteristics, while a thematic synthesis guided by intersectionality identified patterns in barriers, experiences, and interventions. Findings indicate that Black children and youth face persistent barriers, including systemic racism, disproportionate disciplinary practices, and Eurocentric curricula, with inequities further shaped by intersections of race, immigration status, and socioeconomic position. At the same time, mentorship, sponsorship, and community networks support academic resilience. Reported interventions include anti-racism training for educators and school stakeholders, culturally responsive curricula, mentorship initiatives, mental health supports, and financial aid. Advancing equity for Black children and youth in Canada requires systemic reform, culturally responsive pedagogy, and intersectionality-informed policies. Future research should prioritize participatory and longitudinal designs to generate evidence on effective and scalable strategies that foster educational opportunity and well-being. Full article

Background: Supply chain management (SCM) research has expanded across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), yet the field remains fragmented. Limited synthesis exists on how regional conditions shape research themes, theories, and methods. Methods: This study applies the PRISMA 2020 protocol to review SCM articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from January 2000 to March 2025. After screening and eligibility assessment, 512 peer-reviewed studies were retained. Bibliometric mapping and thematic coding were used to identify publication trends, research streams, theoretical lenses, and methodological patterns. Results: SCM research increased sharply after 2015, reflecting national diversification agendas, logistics reform, digitalization, and exposure to global supply chain disruptions. Three dominant streams were identified: resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation. Research output is concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while cross-country comparative studies remain scarce. Empirical studies rely mainly on cross-sectional surveys and SEM-based analysis, with limited longitudinal, qualitative, mixed-method, and comparative work across the region. Conclusions: The study develops an integrative SCM capability framework linking regional structural conditions, capability development, and supply chain outcomes. The findings support managers and policymakers seeking resilient, sustainable, and digitally enabled supply chains, and define clear future research priorities for the MENA region. Full article

Background: Ultrasonography (US) has emerged as a non-invasive method for anatomical and functional evaluation of upper airway structures in adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, its role in severity stratification, dynamic assessment, elastographic characterization, and therapeutic monitoring remain to be investigated. Background/Objectives: The goal herein is thus to systematically review and synthesize available evidence on US assessment in adults with OSA, including structural parameters, dynamic measurements, correlation with the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), integration with artificial intelligence, and evaluation of myofunctional therapy outcomes. Methods: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of 19 studies (2007–2025) was conducted, evaluating US in adult patients with polysomnography-diagnosed OSA. Observational, pilot, case–control, and exploratory studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for observational studies. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a structured qualitative meta-analytic synthesis was performed. Results: The tongue base was the most frequently studied structure. Increased tongue thickness, area, and stiffness were consistently associated with higher AHI. Elastography revealed increased intrinsic rigidity in patients with OSA. Dynamic US correlated with drug-induced sleep endoscopy findings and hyoid displacement. Machine learning integration improved severity prediction. A single study evaluated anatomical changes following myofunctional therapy, representing a nascent research area. US may become a complementary, non-invasive tool for anatomical and functional assessment of upper airway structures in adult OSA. Conclusions: Further standardization of acquisition protocols and well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the clinical role of US in phenotyping and therapeutic monitoring. Full article

This study investigates the educational impact of an industrial field visit on the learning experience of second-year pharmacy students at Qatar University. The visit, integrated within the Pharmaceutics II course (PHAR 310), was designed to complement theoretical instruction by providing exposure to real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control processes, particularly for parenteral dosage forms. A mixed-methods approach was employed using quantitative and qualitative data derived from post-visit questionnaires. Findings indicated that students reported positive perceptions of the experience, with the majority indicating improved understanding of key pharmaceutical manufacturing concepts and strong support for the inclusion of similar activities within the curriculum. Qualitative analysis further suggested that the visit facilitated contextualization of theoretical knowledge, enhanced engagement, and supported early professional awareness. While these findings suggest that structured industrial visits may serve as a valuable complementary educational strategy in pharmacy training, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and single-institution design. Further research incorporating larger cohorts, objective learning assessments, and longitudinal evaluation is underway to better establish the educational impact of these interventions. Full article

Online asynchronous learning offers considerable flexibility but frequently faces challenges in sustaining engagement, interactivity, and inclusivity across diverse learner populations. This study introduces the OPTIMAL framework—an Online, Pedagogy- and Technology-Integrated, Microcurricula Approach for interactive and inclusive Learning—synthesising universal design for learning, active learning, and constructive alignment with technology integration frameworks (TPACK and PICRAT), operationalised through a microcurricula-as-a-service architecture. A three-year longitudinal case study (2022/23 to 2024/25) examined the application of the framework to a data literacy and analytics module serving over 5000 students across more than 15 programs and five faculties at Dublin City University. The module design constructively aligned learning outcomes, content, and technology at three levels to support multiple learning pathways, formative assessment, and transdisciplinary engagement, deliberately fostering transformative uses of technology in a fully asynchronous environment. Mixed-methods evaluation—combining learning analytics, surveys (n = 1743), and qualitative feedback—demonstrated sustained positive outcomes across all three years, including 95–99% completion rates, consistently high satisfaction, and longitudinal gains in engagement and pass rates. These findings demonstrate how the deliberate integration of pedagogical theory, technological frameworks, and modular curriculum architecture can deliver scalable, inclusive, and high-engagement online education, offering both a transferable, evidence-based model for educators and curriculum designers and longitudinal empirical validation for researchers. Full article

Food safety is a major global public health concern and a key contributor to the burden of foodborne diseases. This scoping review examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety among urban consumers in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). A systematic search was conducted across seven electronic databases: Medline (PubMed), Web of Science (Social Science Citation Index), Embase (Ovid), Global Health (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), Econlit (EBSCOhost), and Scopus to identify studies published in English between 2000 and 2025. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers, and findings were synthesized in a narrative analysis. Twenty-six studies from 14 LLMICs met the inclusion criteria. Of the 25 studies assessing knowledge and awareness, the majority reported that consumers had some understanding of food safety, although 10 (40%) highlighted limited awareness. Fifteen studies examined practices, with several noting appropriate behaviours; however, nine (56.2%) reported poor practices. Seven studies assessed attitudes, with most reflecting positive perceptions, while one (16.7%) identified negative views. Only four studies examined the full KAP triad. Across studies, factors such as age, education, gender, marital status, training, employment status, income, field of study, and residential status were found to influence food safety KAP. Overall, the evidence suggests that while consumers in urban LLMIC settings generally demonstrate some knowledge and positive attitudes towards food safety, there remain significant gaps in practices that could compromise public health. Future research should prioritise underrepresented regions, employ more rigorous study designs, and incorporate longitudinal and qualitative approaches to gain deeper insights and inform targeted interventions. Full article

This study examines how protective factors contribute to teacher resilience and sustainable wellbeing during remote teaching, focusing specifically on parent-teachers who are balancing professional responsibilities with childcare. Within the broader context of research on educator resilience and professional practice, it explores the associations between social and organizational support, work–family conflict (WFC), and parenting self-efficacy (SE) and satisfaction, factors linked to educators’ capacity to manage dual roles effectively. The hypotheses were that (1) WFC would negatively correlate with parenting SE and satisfaction; (2) support from friends and family and from the workplace would be associated with lower WFC and higher parenting SE and satisfaction; and (3) WFC would mediate the relationship between support and parenting outcomes. Using a mixed-methods design with quantitative scales combined with open questions, data were collected through retrospective self-report questionnaires in relation to the COVID-19 lockdowns. The sample included 474 teachers who teach in schools in Israel and have children aged 0–12. The predictive mediation model confirmed the first two hypotheses, with partial support for the third. Qualitative findings provide insight into parent-teachers’ experiences, including gender-based differences, and emphasize factors associated with their adjustment to remote instruction. These findings contribute to understanding how social and organizational support—forms of collaborative and resilience-promoting mechanisms—may have an important role in promoting educator wellbeing through their negative association with work–family conflict. The findings should be examined further in longitudinal or experimental research and in additional cultural and educational contexts to examine their generalizability, as well as causality. Nonetheless, the findings provide possible directions for policy and interventions aimed at fostering resilience and sustainable wellbeing among teachers, particularly those navigating dual roles in their personal and professional lives. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) arises from complex interactions among host genetics, androgen signaling, and microbial communities. Emerging genomic evidence supports the presence of microbial consortia within prostate tissue, suggesting that microbial genes, metabolites, and host–microbe interactions may contribute to chronic inflammation, oncogenic signaling, and therapeutic resistance. Methods: We conducted a narrative review using targeted searches of PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between 2020 and 2025, complemented by selected mechanistic reports published in March 2026. Human studies and experimental research providing mechanistic insights into prostate models were prioritized. Due to the heterogeneous methodologies, evidence was synthesized qualitatively, with an emphasis on genomic and signaling perspectives. Results: Low-biomass microbial DNA is consistently detected in prostate tissue. Proteomic analyses of Corpora amylacea suggest a “fossil record” of past infections through sequestered microbial DNA and antimicrobial proteins, potentially priming tissue for long-term carcinogenic processes, although contamination remains a key limitation. Recurrent bacterial and viral signals, including Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, human papillomavirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, appear to converge on a restricted set of tumor-relevant pathways, including TLR–NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, cGAS–STING, and p53/pRb disruption. These interactions may promote cytokine production, oxidative stress, DNA damage, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune evasion, and resistance to therapy. The gut–prostate axis further links intestinal dysbiosis and microbial metabolites with systemic IGF-1 signaling and castration resistance. Conclusions: Microbial genomic consortia in the prostate and gut may shape inflammatory, metabolic, and immune networks that influence PCa initiation and progression. However, most available data remain correlative and are limited by low-biomass sampling, contamination risk, and heterogeneous study designs. Future research should prioritize rigorous contamination control, longitudinal and prostate-specific mechanistic studies, and integrated multi-omic approaches to clarify causality and identify actionable microbial targets for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. Full article

Across the United States, equity-oriented STEM initiatives are frequently launched through short-term grants, yet few persist once external funding ends, particularly in economically marginalized communities where institutional capacity is constrained. This longitudinal qualitative study investigates how an out-of-school-time (OST) robotics initiative developed the relational and organizational capacity to transition from a time-limited grant project into a functioning STEM ecosystem that has persisted for a decade. Drawing upon eight years of focus groups and field notes analyzed through integrated deductive and inductive approaches, the study traces how STEM ecosystem tenets were enacted, adapted, and reinforced as partners navigated resource constraints. Findings identify four mutually reinforcing mechanisms that stabilized the ecosystem beyond the grant period: relational infrastructure coordinating work across students, educators, families, university partners, and district leaders; community recognition and collective pride conferring legitimacy and mobilizing local support; parental validation and logistical advocacy; and youth identity development and near-peer leadership renewing commitment and circulating expertise. Together, these mechanisms converted initial grant-funded inputs into durable capacity by reducing coordination costs, strengthening shared responsibility, and embedding STEM participation within community meaning-making. The study contributes to STEM ecosystem research by advancing a theory-building, process-oriented explanation of how equity-focused initiatives achieve durability. Full article

This study aims to investigate the static performance of water-lubricated rubber bearings (WLRBs) with axial grooves. To achieve this objective, an analytical approach is employed that combines a modified Reynolds equation, accounting for surface groove effects and rubber deformation, with a Winkler model and finite element analysis of pressure distribution. By developing a fluid–structure interaction model that incorporates rubber liner deformation, this research reveals the interaction between WLRB geometry and steady-state performance parameters. The investigation evaluates the influence of geometric characteristics, including groove shape, number, and size, on the performance of elastomeric liner WLRBs, while assessing optimal groove depths under various conditions. The study analyzes five distinct groove geometries, including semi-cylindrical, rectangular prism, and three pyramidal types with different apex positions, in a six-groove bearing configuration, presenting their qualitative effects on the behavior of the examined bearings. The key findings indicate that increasing groove size or quantity reduces maximum pressure and load-carrying capacity while elevating friction coefficients. As groove count rises, supporting surfaces diminish, causing pressure distribution to intensify and minimum film thickness to decrease under a specified external load. A notable result reveals that when groove depth exceeds film thickness, performance becomes geometry-independent; however, shallower grooves exhibit significant geometric effects. Additionally, the study identifies groove ends as critical functional zones where film thickness reduction substantially enhances pressure distribution and static performance. Comparative analysis shows that longitudinal grooves with triangular cross sections outperform semi-circular and rectangular variants, with the backward triangular configuration demonstrating superior characteristics due to optimal end-film properties. In conclusion, this research provides a detailed understanding of how groove geometry influences the static performance of WLRBs, highlighting the importance of groove design, particularly at the groove ends, in optimizing bearing functionality. The findings offer valuable insights for the design and selection of groove configurations in water-lubricated rubber bearing applications. Full article