Game-Based Learning (GBL) is increasingly widespread as a learning technique in the engineering studies. However, this innovative methodology may be difficult to incorporate in some subjects due to their complex contents. This paper aims at combining traditional learning methodologies with game mechanics by using an ad-hoc gaming web environment and mobile devices to analyse the academic performance and motivation in engineering studies. A comparative study was carried out with 96 first-year engineering students. In this experience, the students were randomly divided into two groups: Control Group (CG) and Experimental Group (EG). The first group made use of the traditional learning methodology used, whilst the second group combined the traditional methodology with GBL and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The obtained results show that EG students significantly improve their academic performance and motivation, expressing a succinctly greater interest in the studied subject. Therefore, the integration of GBL in the teaching methodology could have a very positive impact as well as it could greatly ease the teaching-learning process in engineering studies.

Computer‐aided design (CAD) tools are essential for any engineer and, thus, many researchers have focused on developing the most suitable method for acquiring CAD competences. In recent years, efforts have been devoted to designing new, innovative and helpful methodologies to improve the CAD pedagogy. The presented research aims at showing the advantages of integrating interactive self‐assessment tools into CAD learning methodologies, such as problem‐based learning (PBL). One hundred and ninety‐one first‐year Mechanical Engineering students participated in the research. They were evenly and randomly divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Students belonging to the control group made use of PBL. The experimental group made use of PBL and a new interactive tool, called TrainCAD, that allows the self‐assessment of 2D‐CAD models designed in AutoCAD. The presented results show that experimental group students have considerably improved their academic performance and increased their motivation on the subject. Therefore, the combination of the two proposed approaches seems to be useful for helping students during the CAD learning process. On the other hand, gender was also a factor that has been analysed, to discern whether it influences the proposed academic learning process (based on the applied CAD pedagogy), concluding that there is no significant influence.

This study aims to identify the impact of a work methodology that combines ERP with the benefits of using lean philosophy. A sectored approach takes into account highly traditional manufacturing SMEs, such as metal fabrication, that are particularly vulnerable to new market trends. In addition, from these vulnerabilities new challenges have to be faced regarding the Industry 4.0 concept and the strategies toward their digital manufacturing workshop transformation, focusing not only on producing improved manufacturing processes but also on gaining added value. A case study was conducted on a Spanish company aiming at showing and analyzing its transformation model. The results showed greater management capacity and efficiency improvements in production-related processes.

In the history of Neonatology, decades ago pain has been little studied because it was believed that newborns didn’t have the capacity to experience pain. Nowadays, there is enough evidence for the existence of neonatal pain but its adequate treatment is an aspect that is continuously evolving. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological analgesia therapies used to alleviate pain in newborns by analysing neonatal cortisol levels as biological markers of pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. Searches were performed in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Science Direct until the end of May 2024. The search identified 1075 articles, of which 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and had the necessary data to develop the meta-analysis. Furthermore, in each meta-analysis, subgroups were performed: non-pharmacological analgesia vs. placebo, and pre-post intervention by gestational age. The meta-analysis found that breastfeeding exhibited a moderate effect size (SMD = -0.63; 95% CI = -1.07 to -0.19), sucrose showed a small effect (SMD = -0.15; 95% CI = -0.55 to 0.26), and skin to skin contact exhibited a large effect (SMD = -1.34; 95% CI = -2.21 to -0.46). Patients under 28 weeks have less post-intervention pain and showed a large effect (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.47 to 2.40), between 28 and 32 weeks they have more post-intervention pain and presented a small effect (SMD = -0.43; 95% CI = -0.86 to -0.0), and over 32 weeks they have an increased post-intervention pain and exhibited a large effect (SMD = -1.08; 95% CI = -1.65 to -0.51). Non-pharmacological therapies showed efficacy in pain reduction based on neonatal cortisol levels. Skin to skin contact is the most effective method to reduce pain from invasive procedures, such as heel pricks in preterm infants under 28 weeks. Breastfeeding also demonstrated to be an effective and safe alternative to use for pain relief and to reduce cortisol levels. However, the cortisol results indicate that sucrose was not effective in reducing neonatal pain. PROSPERO: CRD42023463831.