A nanoliposome-based drug delivery system for cancer

The current project shows that the sulfatide-containing nanoliposome (SCL) drug delivery system could be an effective and safe nanocarrier for the anticancer agent doxorubicin to target tumours with high expression of tenascin-C. Moreover, SCL encapsulation could be a new strategy for the treatment of diseases in the central nervous system.

Study of student satisfaction for 'Sandwiches' delivery approach

The summer trimester system provides students with greater flexibility to plan their study around work or lifestyle commitments, create options for students to commence a degree sooner or at a more convenient time of the year and enable students to fast track their study. There is increasing number of students enrolled in summer trimester. However, it was found that student engagement during summer is less than when those same subjects are delivered during other trimesters. This research investigates the using the "Sandwiches" delivery approach to improve the learning relationship with students. This innovative approach includes the first three weeks intensive oncampus delivery with a range of lectures and tutorials. This is followed by six weeks of on-line discussions, quizzes and self-assessment activities to strengthen the students' knowledge and reinforce learning. The last week of summer trimester is revision to confirm theory prior to an examination. Positive responses from student reflected that this approach can be used for other subjects not only in summer trimester but also applicable in other trimesters. In fact, In order to improve course delivery, higher education providers always collect feedback and comment from students and previous research studies have used various methodologies. This paper demonstrates how to use survey plus case study to analysis student satisfaction.

Innovative unit delivery : the supported cloud

Deakin University has recently moved to an academic calendar of three trimesters. This change aims to provide students with greater flexibility to plan their study around work or life commitments, create options for students to commence their degree and enable students to fast track their study. It has been found for students in the Bachelor of Construction Management that engagement and satisfaction during summer (Trimester 3) are less than when those same units are delivered during other trimesters. This research addresses the use of Supported Cloud learning to improve learning and the relationship with students. The School of Architecture and Built Environment used two units as case studies to examine different innovative unit delivery strategies that combined cloud and located learning. The research design included evaluation surveys, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews as well as reflection by participating teachers. The findings show that students’ results are improved when the cloud based learning is supported by well-developed resources, structured delivery and availability of some face-to-face contacts. This innovation will serve as a benchmark for Cloud delivery in the School in all trimesters.

Innovative unit delivery : the supported cloud

Deakin University has recently moved to an academic calendar of three trimesters. This change aims to provide students with greater flexibility to plan their study around work or life commitments, create options for students to commence their degree and enable students to fast track their study. It has been found for students in the Bachelor of Construction Management that engagement and satisfaction during summer (Trimester 3) are less than when those same units are delivered during other trimesters. This research addresses the use of Supported Cloud learning to improve learning and the relationship with students. The School of Architecture and Built Environment used two units as case studies to examine different innovative unit delivery strategies that combined cloud and located learning. The research design included evaluation surveys, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews as well as reflection by participating teachers. The findings show that students’ results are improved when the cloud based learning is supported by well-developed resources, structured delivery and availability of some face-to-face contacts. This innovation will serve as a benchmark for Cloud delivery in the School in all trimesters.

Multifunctional and multitargeted nanoparticles for drug delivery to overcome barriers of drug resistance in human cancers

The recurrence and metastatic spread of cancer are major drawbacks in cancer treatment. Although chemotherapy is one of the most effective methods for the treatment of metastatic cancers, it is nonspecific and causes significant toxic damage. The development of drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents through various mechanisms also limits their therapeutic potential. However, as we discuss here, the use of nanodelivery systems that are a combination of diagnostics and therapeutics (theranostics) is as relatively novel concept in the treatment of cancer. Such systems are likely to improve the therapeutic benefits of encapsulated drugs and can transit to the desired site, maintaining their pharmaceutical properties. The specific targeting of malignant cells using multifunctional nanoparticles exploits theranostics as an improved agent for delivering anticancer drugs and as a new solution for overriding drug resistance.