Fostering Undergraduate Research A Practice-Based Approach

This Compendium has its origins in the Undergraduate Practice-Based Research Community of Practice (CoP) established as an outcome to a Faculty of Arts & Humanities Teaching and Learning symposium that highlighted the importance of practice-based learning, including research, at undergraduate level. The examples in this Compendium describe research that is focused on active-learning goals that help in creating a richer learning experience for students, assisting them to become more capable and effective learners across a range of disciplines in the Arts and Humanities. Thirteen cross-disciplinary case studies are presented in this compendium that seek to both contribute to this debate and demonstrate a better understanding of the faculty’s undergraduate research experience

Hyflex Microteaching

The Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning is an intensive semester-long programme for academic staff at TU Dublin. It supports them in developing the requisite knowledge and skills to be a more effective lecturer. During the programme, microteaching provides participants with the opportunity to practice and demonstrate teaching and to receive feedback from others. In 2024-25, due to teaching commitments in China, three participants could not attend the Dublin-based face to face sessions in person. Using the Panasonic IT 360 camera with Microsoft Teams, the programme team could accommodate these participants, who would otherwise miss this important aspect of the course

Eucalyptus oil-loaded nanocarriers composite films to enhance the shelf life of cheese

This study developed an environmentally friendly, antimicrobial active food packaging material to extend the shelf life of cheese. Poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composite films were incorporated with 1%, 3%, 7%, and 10% (w/w) eucalyptus oil and 0.2% (w/w) titanium dioxide. The physicochemical properties, including optical and mechanical characteristics, surface hydrophobicity, and chemical composition, were evaluated. The films\u27 antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, biofilm inhibition, and cheese preservation performance were assessed. Results indicated that adding eucalyptus oil reduced tensile strength by 35.6%, while enhancing UV-light barrier properties and increasing yellowness. Notably, biofilm inhibition improved from 21% to 92% with increasing eucalyptus oil concentration, and the 10% (w/w) composite film exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, completely inhibiting E. coli growth. Furthermore, cheese wrapped in this film showed no microbial growth, limiting weight loss to 1.47% over 12 days, compared to 9.30% in the control sample. The water contact angle (WCA) increased from 58.93° to 71.66°, confirming improved surface hydrophobicity, while UV transmittance at 280 nm was reduced to 0.00%, demonstrating superior light-blocking capacity. These findings demonstrate that PLA/PBAT-TiO2-eucalyptus oil (10% w/w) composite films offer promising applications in active food packaging, effectively extending the shelf life of cheese

Introducing HyFlex teaching into foundation design

Foundation Engineering is a postgraduate module in the ME in Civil Engineering, which covers the theoretical and practical aspects of the foundation design of structures, using lectures and tutorials as teaching methods. The module has 24 hours of direct contact with the lecturer and 76 hours of self-directed learning. This is a semester 2 module that follows Applied Geotechnical Engineering, which is delivered in semester 1 but is not a prerequisite. Both modules are optional in the programme; however, most students interested in the subject matter take both modules. The mode of delivery for both modules is usually online. For the academic year 2024/25, Applied Geotechnical Engineering was delivered online, while Foundation Engineering used the HyFlex format. It is important to note that, based on the class list, both modules had 26 and 27 students, respectively. However, both modules had the same students, except three

L1) Modern Day Saints and the Production of Contemporary Pilgrimage Sites: Analysis of Padre Pio of San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy and Sai Baba of Shirdi, India

Places valorised by saints have attracted pilgrimage for a very long time as devotion to saints is a way to achieve both material wellbeing and spiritual growth. Yet, the cult following of modern-day saints in contemporary societies has become a topic for exploration only in recent years (Di Giovine, 2010; Srinivas, 2008). A few excellent hagiographies discuss the material and non-material world created around charismatic modern-day saints (Shepherd, 1986). Adding to this scholarship, this paper aims to explore the creation of contemporary pilgrimage landscape of modern-day saints using a cross-culture comparative analysis. The saints are Padre Pio of San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy (1887-1968) and Sai Baba of Shirdi in India (c 1880- 1918). The analysis reveals several commonalities: both are believed to be ˜living saints’ with healing powers; became popular in a short span of time; and have global network of transnational following. The places where the saints had found their calling, begin to attract visitors, and from small unassuming villages transformed into popular pilgrim towns. With a contemporary orientation, both places have a mix of attractions - tomb of the saint, mega shrine to accommodate large congregations, charitable hospital to serve the needy, museums, thus making them more multipurpose. Since expressing devotion is the main reason, the traditional structure of religious functionaries and religious rituals is absent. Instead, lodging and boarding is provided in form of hotels, restaurants, and other tour services by non-religious (yet dedicated to the saint) enterprises. The heavy touristic orientation is also leads to intense commodification of souvenirs, contestations about heritage, and all things related to such saints (Di Giovine, 2012; Shinde, 2022). Thus, this paper offers insights about the processes involved production of newer spaces of religious tourism in sites dedicated to modern-day saints

L2) The Bountiful: Mormon Tourism on Islamic Land? Examining LDS Church members intentions toward Arabia

The Sultanate of Oman has gathered interest from scholars due to its potential connections to the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon Church). Discussions have centred around the narrative of prophet Lehi, who constructed a ship to reach the promised land, as described in the Book of Mormon. This account details his journey to a land referred to as Bountiful during his exodus from Jerusalem. Recent explorations suggest that Khor Kharfot in the Dhofar region may be the most plausible location of Bountiful and could even contain remnants of a sanctuary that resembles the structure of Solomon\u27s Temple. Although pilgrimage is not an official tenet of the LDS Church, many LDS church members engage in tourism by visiting sites of Mormon religious heritage, including temples, biblical sites, locations associated with the Book of Mormon, and historical sites of the church. The emergence of Mormon tour operators highlights the growing interest among LDS members in exploring Mormon faith-related sites around the world. Despite this growing trend, there has been little scholarly work examining LDS travel behaviours, motivations, and experiences. This paper aims to address that gap by investigating the interest and awareness of LDS members regarding the potential location of Bountiful in Oman, as well as their travel intentions toward the Arabian Peninsula. A quantitative survey was conducted, gathering 100 valid responses through an online questionnaire. Preliminary findings indicate that LDS Church members feel a connection to the Lehi narrative and express interest in traveling to Arabia to immerse themselves in their religious roots and discover new experiences; especially if archaeological remains of temples are uncovered. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the intersection of faith and tourism while offering policy recommendations aimed at promoting Oman’s rich cultural heritage, which encompasses elements of Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and contemporary religious history

I1) Territorial Development and Religious Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis

The connection between religious tourism and territorial development is rooted in the enhancement of places of worship, spiritual itineraries, and local traditions, which serve as catalysts for the socioeconomic and cultural regeneration of regions (Cerutti & Piva, 2015; González-González & Fernández-Álvarez, 2022). This type of tourism is characterized by a strong sense of identity and the ability to activate often-overlooked endogenous resources such as abbeys, sanctuaries, hermitages, and devotional routes (Azevedo, 2021). Promoting this form of tourism within a territory stimulates the local economy through the development of a tailored hospitality system, craftsmanship that caters to the needs of pilgrims, and a food service sector that highlights local products (Trono, 2023). This hospitality system enhances the territory, encourages the rediscovery of local roots and allows the creation of a network of local stakeholders. The effect of this system is a spiritual experience. The pilgrimage routes, like the Camino de Santiago and the Way of St. Francis, demonstrate a strong link between spiritual experience and non-tourist areas. In these regions, hospitality services, artisanal products, cuisine, and the promotion of intangible heritage are coordinated to support pilgrims in their spiritual journey (de Salvo, 2018). This study uses bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution and network in research on territorial development and religious tourism from 2010 to 2024, utilizing the open-access Dimensions database. It offers valuable insights for stakeholders on the evolving dialogue surrounding territorial development and religious tourism and can provide useful tools for policy makers in valorising local territories

D1) Sacred Tattoos and Pilgrimage Tourism as Spiritual Identity

Pilgrimage tourism and sacred tattoos represent unique intersections of cultural heritage, spirituality, and personal identity. Pilgrimage tourism involves journeys to sacred sites, often for religious or spiritual reasons, and has evolved into a global industry. Sacred tattoos, deeply embedded in various cultural and religious practices, symbolize a connection to the divine or mark significant life events. This study explores the evolving role of sacred tattoos in the context of pilgrimage tourism, where travelers seek not only physical journeys to sacred destinations but also spiritual transformations through body art. Sacred tattoos often serve as markers of identity, protection, or devotion, integrating personal experience with the sacred spaces pilgrims visit. This intersection of body and place fosters a deep connection between the individual and their religious or spiritual practices, highlighting the significance of these rituals in contemporary society. The methodology for this study is ethnographic, involving participant observation, in-depth interviews, and fieldwork conducted at several major pilgrimage sanctuaries known for their association with sacred tattoo practices. Through informal and formal interviews, the study captures the motivations behind choosing to receive sacred tattoos and how these tattoos are perceived in relation to the pilgrim’s spiritual and cultural identity. Observational data was supplemented by photographic documentation of the sites, tattoos, and pilgrim behaviours. This ethnographic study has illuminated the complex relationship between pilgrimage tourism and sacred tattoos, shedding light on how these practices are intertwined in both sacred and personal contexts. By observing pilgrims at sacred sanctuaries, it becomes evident that sacred tattoos are not mere body art; they are deeply spiritual markers, embodying the personal transformation and devotion experienced during the pilgrimage journey. The tattoos serve as both symbols of the pilgrimage and as lasting representations of the individual’s spiritual journey

Application of Positive Matrix Factorization for Source Identification and Bioaccumulation Modelling in Urban Soil–Plant Systems

Understanding the dynamics of heavy metal accumulation in soil–plant systems is essential for addressing urban environmental risks, particularly in post-industrial and post-conflict settings. This study presents a novel application of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) as a core statistical tool for identifying pollution sources and modelling the transfer of trace metals in the urban environment of Dnipro, Ukraine. The PMF model was applied to a dataset combining concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, Hg, and particulate matter (PM) in air. Results were further integrated with bioaccumulation and translocation indices calculated for two indicator species—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. and Erigeron canadensis L. The factor profiles obtained via PMF enabled the differentiation of anthropogenic, industrial, and natural sources of contamination and their respective influence on plant metal uptake. This integrative, data-driven approach advances pollution source apportionment in urban soil–plant-air systems and supports the development of targeted remediation strategies. The findings are particularly relevant in the context of post-war environmental recovery and sustainable land management in Ukrainian cities