Abstract
The ability to assess molecular binding kinetics in real time is critical for advancing our understanding of molecular interactions in biochemical and biotechnological systems. This work presents a novel optical tweezer (OT)-based method to monitor molecular affinity in real time, focusing on the high-affinity streptavidin-biotin system as a model. Transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microparticles functionalized with streptavidin were trapped before, during, and after binding with biotinylated bovine serum albumin (biotin-BSA), enabling the analysis of forward-scattered signals to detect nanoscale changes in particle size. By applying the Power Spectral Density method, the friction coefficient of individual particles was calculated, allowing for real-time tracking of binding dynamics and the estimation of the association rate constant (kon approximate to 106M-1s-1). These results are consistent with literature values and demonstrate the potential of this OT-based approach for non-invasive, label-free detection of molecular interactions. Compared to existing techniques, such as atomic force microscopy and cantilever-based sensors, this method offers significant advantages, including real-time monitoring, adaptability to different bioaffinity systems, and compatibility with miniaturized setups. This work establishes a foundation for using OT-based tools to monitor high-affinity molecular interactions in real time. While demonstrated here using biotinylated BSA as a model ligand, future studies will explore the method's applicability to smaller ligands and more subtle surface modifications.

Abstract
The evolving landscape of software development demands that software testers continuously adapt to new tools, practices, and acquire new skills. This study investigates software testing competency needs in industry, identifies knowledge gaps in current testing education, and highlights competencies and gaps not addressed in academic literature. This is done by conducting two focus group sessions and interviews with professionals across diverse domains, including railway industry, healthcare, and software consulting and performing a curated small-scale scoping review. The study instrument, co-designed by members of the ENACTEST project consortium, was developed collaboratively and refined through multiple iterations to ensure comprehensive coverage of industry needs and educational gaps. In particular, by performing a thematic qualitative analysis, we report our findings and observations regarding: professional training methods, challenges in offering training in industry, different ways of evaluating the quality of training, identified knowledge gaps with respect to academic education and industry needs, future needs and trends in testing education, and knowledge transfer methods within companies. Finally, the scoping review results confirm knowledge gaps in areas such as AI testing, security testing and soft skills.

Abstract
Purpose Grounded in source credibility and the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), the current study examines the impact of influencers' credibility and consumer involvement on consumer attitudes and purchase intention, exploring potential changes in consumer behaviour before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the mediating role of consumer involvement was examined. Design/methodology/approach A repeated cross-sectional research design was applied to compare consumer behaviour at two different time points. Two sets of data (pre-pandemic, consisting of 297 participants and post-pandemic, consisting of 307 participants) were collected through an online survey among female consumers of beauty products. Findings The findings confirm the positive effect of influencers' credibility on attitudes and consumer involvement. Moreover, the findings highlight the direct impact of consumer involvement on consumer attitudes and purchase intention. In addition, the mediating role of consumer involvement is supported. The comparison between pre- and post-pandemic periods revealed that influencers' credibility demonstrated a weaker effect on attitudes towards influencer-endorsed products after the pandemic. Conversely, consumer involvement had a strong influence on attitudes toward influencer-endorsed products after the pandemic. Practical implications The findings, along with the comparison of the two data sets, provide theoretical and practical implications regarding the relationship between influencers' credibility and consumer involvement. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on consumer behaviour before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using a repeated cross-sectional design to identify and compare changes in habits and attitudes across two distinct time periods.

Abstract
Context. Software testing is a critical aspect of the software development lifecycle, yet it remains underrepresented in academic curricula. Despite advances in pedagogical practices and increased attention from the academic community, challenges persist in effectively teaching software testing. Understanding these challenges from the teachers' perspective is crucial to aligning education with industry needs. Objective. To analyze the characteristics, practices, tools, and challenges of software testing courses in higher education, from the perspective of educators, and to assess the integration of recent pedagogical approaches in software testing education. Method. A structured survey consisting of 52 questions was distributed to 143 software testing educators across Western European universities, resulting in 49 valid responses. The survey explored topics taught, course organization, teaching practices, tools and materials used, gamification approaches, and teacher satisfaction. Results. The survey revealed significant variability in course content, structure, and teaching methods. Most dedicated software testing courses are offered at the master's level and are elective, whereas testing is introduced earlier in less specialized (NST) courses. There is low adoption of formal guidelines (e.g., ACM, SWEBOK), limited integration of non-functional testing types, and a high diversity in textbooks and tools used. While modern practices like Test-Driven Development and automated assessment are increasingly adopted, gamification and active learning approaches remain underutilized. Teachers expressed a need for improved and more consistent teaching materials. Conclusion. The study highlights a mismatch between academic practices and industry expectations in software testing education. Greater integration of standardized curricula, broader adoption of modern teaching tools, and increased support for teachers through high-quality, adaptable teaching materials are needed to enhance the effectiveness of software testing education.

Abstract
The 2025 blackout across the Iberian Peninsula marked a paradigm shift in the nature of power system failures, revealing how modern grids-dense with inverter-based resources and automated controls-can exhibit emergent instabilities that traditional design frameworks may not fully anticipate. This review examines the event through the lens of complex systems engineering, drawing on publicly available information and prior research to illustrate why a well-instrumented, high-renewables grid might still struggle to contain rapidly evolving disturbances. We begin by highlighting structural features-such as bottlenecks and asymmetric interconnections-that have been shown in the literature to influence the propagation of instability in transmission networks. Network-science tools, including algebraic connectivity, spectral radius and betweenness centrality, are discussed as methods used in previous studies to reveal latent fragilities. Attention then shifts to synchronization dynamics, where low-inertia conditions can amplify frequency deviations and interact with heterogeneous inverter response characteristics. Using models of cascading failures and percolation-type transitions, we outline how disruptions can propagate nonlocally, highlighting mechanisms identified in analytical and simulation studies. The analysis extends to fragility scoring systems, modular segmentation strategies and the spatial deployment of virtual inertia and fast-response resources-approaches proposed in prior research as part of a resilience toolkit aimed at containment and stabilization. Finally, we summarize emerging redesign directions emphasizing harmonized protection logic, regional operational cells and complexity-aware digital twins as increasingly important under conditions of uncertainty.

Abstract
A percepção temporal é frequentemente comprometida em distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos, impactando a qualidade de vida. Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento do ‘Chronos: Odisseias Alternativas’, um jogo sério híbrido e imersivo para reabilitação da percepção temporal. Objetivos: Descrever o processo de co-design e os resultados, destacando a importância da colaboração interdisciplinar na criação de soluções tecnológicas para a saúde. Métodos: O desenvolvimento seguiu uma metodologia de co-design em dois workshops com uma equipe multidisciplinar formada por clínicos e profissionais de Tecnologia da Informação. O jogo integra tarefas cognitivas, treinamento da percepção temporal e autorrelatos emocionais, utilizando uma arquitetura de Metaverse as a Service para modular a percepção do tempo por meio de estímulos multimodais. Resultados: O co-design indicou ampla aceitação interdisciplinar e validação conceitual. Os participantes destacaram o engajamento, o potencial terapêutico para Alzheimer, Parkinson e TDAH, e a inovação da abordagem multimodal. Conclusão: O Chronos demonstra viabilidade técnica e metodológica, configurando-se como um ambiente digital multimodal promissor.