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Benevolent paternalism and player transition in Fiji soccer:insights from the Global South
Full text linkBecause Fiji is a relatively poor and remote Global South developing country, it is plagued by poor infrastructure, financial problems, and a lack of trained experts who also can relate to athletes in a culturally appropriate manner. In this article, we compare Global North coaching practices with traditional practices in Fiji, which are based mostly on benevolent paternalism and cultural hegemony. A specific focus is the transition of athletes into retirement. Case studies of Nadi Soccer Association and Ba Football Association are utilized based on ethnographic data obtained from seven interviews with ex-players, one interview with an ex-administrator, and one interview with an ex-team doctor as well as extended participant-observation. The Fiji Football Association (FFA) is seen as working hard now to consider the mental and physical welfare of ex-players after a slow start although the primary initiatives have come from ex-player self-help organizations such as Nadi Legends Club. Although better sport coaching and sport psychology can contribute, they need to be conducted in a culturally appropriate way where Indigenous Fijian and Fiji Indian cultures are worked with, and benevolently paternal administrators and coaches are not cast aside or marginalized
Guest editorial:what if intellectual capital is the missing link in sustainable development?
Full text linkOptical, composition, durability, and environmental properties of the microwave plasma-assisted sputter-deposited silicon nitride
Full text linkA study is presented of the optical, mechanical, composition, durability, environmental, and structural properties of silicon nitride thin films deposited at room temperature using a vertical axis rotating drum-based microwave plasma-assisted sputter system. The deposited material composition was investigated using both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and elastic recoil detection analysis with time of flight (ERDA-TOF). The results indicate that the layers present a uniform composition with thickness and despite the incorporation of impurities, the Si/N ratio remains close to stoichiometric Si 3 N 4 . The deposited material provides homogeneous low dispersion—with a refractive index of approximately 1.98 over a wide transmittance range (350 nm to 5 µm). Additionally, the single layer silicon nitride was found to be durable with a hardness, Young’s modulus, and compressive stress of 31 GPa, 240 GPa, and −454MPa, respectively. The coating was subjected to and passed external surface environmental tests covered by MIL-C-48497A durability requirements (adhesion, abrasion, and temperature/humidity cycling) and MIL-C-675C (para 4.5.9) salt spray. Moreover, 10,000 wipes on the TS1888 (para 5.4.3) sand slurry abrasion test were achieved with no visible signs of damage. A silicon nitride/silica multilayer durable broadband visible anti-reflection coating is demonstrated, passing the same range of durability and environmental tests as single layer silicon nitride
Shaping the future:exploring the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) endorsed undergraduate sport and exercise science curricula in the United Kingdom
Full text linkDespite high popularity, economic and social value of the sport and exercise sciences (SES) courses in the United Kingdom (UK), there has been no attempt to provide an overview of its higher education (HE) provision. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold. Firstly, to provide a thorough overview of the curricula of the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) endorsed undergraduate SES degree programmes in the UK. Secondly, to present a foundation of discussion points and considerations for those shaping and (re)designing sport degree programmes. Curricula data from 2024 to 2025 were collected from 53 UK universities (44 English, 4 Scottish, 4 Welsh and 1 Northern Irish) offering CASES endorsed SES courses. Due to different degree structures in Scotland (a 4-year BSc (Hons) degree) and the rest of the UK (a 3-year BSc (Hons) degree), the data were summarised and presented separately as ‘Scotland’ and ‘RUK’. A total of 1328 modules were analysed by type (either ‘core’ or ‘optional’) and categorised into one of fifteen domains. The results show that RUK universities were more prescriptive than those in Scotland, with 57 % of all SES modules being core compared to 45 % in Scottish institutions. However, the number of optional modules increased over the years in both systems reflecting the generally flexible structure of the SES degree. The curricula of Scottish and RUK SES degree programmes were predominantly multidisciplinary allowing institutions to tailor content in response to emerging fields and/or staff expertise. These findings have implications for future (re)design of SES degree curricula, not just in the UK but in similar settings. The current challenges curriculum developers face in keeping SES programmes relevant and preparing graduates for the workplace are discussed. Finally, we offer recommendations for overcoming these challenges
Engineering MXene-Fe MOF interfaces through in-situ growth for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Full text linkMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have merged as promising electrode materials for energy storage applications, particularly in supercapacitors (SCs). However, their use in pristine forms or as standalone materials is often hindered by intrinsic structural defects, limited redox-active sites, low electrical conductivity, and stability issues. In this study, a novel MXene Fe MOF composite was synthesized, and an in-situ grown electrode material was developed for SC applications. The composite exhibited enhanced surface area and reduced ion-electron diffusion pathways, significantly improving electrochemical performance compared to individual MXene and Fe MOF electrodes. The MXene-Fe MOF electrode demonstrated an impressive specific capacity of approximately 414 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 3 mA cm⁻². Additionally, a solid-state MXene-Fe MOF//FeS asymmetric SC device operated within a wide potential window of 1.6 V and achieved specific and volumetric capacities of ~204 mAh g⁻¹ and ~1.9 mAh cm⁻³, respectively, at the same current density. This study offers a robust strategy for synthesizing MXene-MOF composites and fabricating binder-free in-situ grown electrodes to achieve superior electrochemical performance
The antimicrobial potential of marine fungal derived natural and semisynthetic butyrolactones analogues against MRSA
No full textIn our search for new antimicrobial agents from nature, the initial antimicrobial effect of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus strain 15F6 against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA demonstrated promising effect. Large scale fermentation and bio-guided isolation led to the isolation of two natural butyrolactones (1 and 2). To study the structure activity relationship, we have prepared a few semisynthetic butyrolactone analogues with different substituents. Surprisingly, the semisynthetic analogue 1a demonstrated promising antimicrobial effect against MRSA but not S. aureus with MIC below 3 µM. Using in silico studies to unlock the potential mechanisms behind these observations, we have found that the new semisynthetic butyrolactone analogues successfully bind to the Mur-B binding site
The future of SSM given Generative AI:the power of ‘purpose’ and its context (or “A Grok 3 enabled story regarding a future for systems thinking and practice”)
Full text linkThis paper presents a recent discussion between the author and Grok 3, a Generative AI programme. The ‘conversation’ begins with the author ‘testing’ the software to discover its ability to describe three related systems concepts: the idea that “all perception is selection” (Youngson, 1996), Vickers’ concept of an “appreciative system” (1965) and Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) (1981). The software produces a surprisingly discerning description of the three concepts and their associated ideas. However, it goes a step further than mere description and evaluation of these ideas by inviting the author to consider a “thought experiment” where it applies SSM to the historical context discussed by Youngson. This unexpected experiment prompts the author to explore the software’s ability to implement SSM-type modelling: the author requests Grok 3 to use SSM’s Root Definitions (RDs) to provide insight into different stakeholders’ views of the current Ukraine-Russia conflict (as of 04/03/2025). The software offers a range of different RDs and their associated CATWOE elements. One RD is selected for refinement and the development of a Conceptual Model (CM) through an iterative process which is documented. The purpose of the exercise presented is to explore the potential future role of SSM and associated systems of inquiry (such as the Appreciative Inquiry Method) given the increasingly powerful AI programmes available. The conclusion is that AI is not only able to offer innovative analysis of existing ideas but also more than capable of undertaking the sophisticated modelling of ‘purpose’ (T) within its wider appreciative context (W) that lies at the heart of SSM. Consequently, we no longer need the skills to produce such models - we merely need to know how to use the models to create appropriate and useful inquiry
The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in transport water on the behaviour of ornamental fishes
Full text linkThe ornamental fish supply chain has multiple transportation phases which can induce stress in fishes. Previous studies have considered methods of improving welfare during transport, by adding water conditioners based on natural compounds known to have anxiolytic effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently emerged as a compound of interest with beneficial immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic effects in mammals. In the first part of the present study, we identified whether addition of CBD to the transport water of ornamental fishes (at nominal concentrations of 3.9, 7.8 or 15.6 mg/l) had an effect on group behaviour post-transport. Variatus platys were transported for 30 min in bags containing one of five treatment groups (control, solvent control, 3.9, 7.8 or 15.6 mg/l CBD). They were then videoed as a group (15 min) immediately after introduction post-transport into an empty tank, with further videoing performed 30 min and 2 h after release. Behaviours analysed included biting, chasing, erratic movements and time spent immobile. The lowest concentration found to affect a range of behaviours was 7.8 mg/l (the middle concentration). Based on these findings, this concentration was used in a follow-on study to identify whether the use of CBD during transport affected individual behaviour and physiology post-transport. Fish were transported in the same way, and then fish were placed individually into open field arenas immediately after transport and videoed for 15 min. Behaviours analysed in the open field arenas included distance travelled, mean speed, time spent immobile, and time spent in the central zone. Water cortisol and skin mucus quantity were also analysed. CBD significantly affected behaviour post-transport, with those fish exposed to CBD exhibiting significantly reduced stress-related behaviours than those in the control and solvent control groups at both the group and individual level. No effects on mucus or water cortisol were seen. These findings highlight the potential for using CBD within commercial water conditioners to reduce the effects of transport stress for ornamental fishes
Online marketing tools and students’ career decision processes:managerial insights from Iraqi higher education
Full text linkThis study explores how digital and traditional marketing tools influence higher education students’ career decision-making, satisfaction, and career commitment during students’ educational trajectories in Iraq’s rapidly expanding university sector. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, a survey of 622 students was analysed with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), followed by 24 semi-structured interviews with marketing and recruitment professionals. The quantitative findings show that students’ first-choice preferences, demographic factors, and engagement with LinkedIn, WeChat, blogs, and university webpages significantly shaped their career choices and satisfaction levels. Qualitative insights reveal that authenticity, transparent communication, and alignment between institutional messaging and lived experiences were key to sustaining trust. Traditional channels such as brochures and fairs remained important for credibility, supporting a hybrid marketing approach. The study contributes to management theory and practice in universities by linking digital communication strategies to student engagement and institutional performance. It also highlights the need for inclusive, transparent, and culturally adaptive marketing that reflects local and global contexts. These findings provide actionable guidance for higher education administrators seeking to build sustainable student trust, enhance recruitment effectiveness, and strengthen institutional reputation in competitive and resource-constrained systems
‘Build, baby, build’? A critical assessment of housing policy over the first year of the Labour Government in the UK
Full text linkHousing policy has been a busy area of activity for the Labour government in its first year. In this paper we critically assess the tensions and contradictions within these housing policy changes, examining whether they add up to a coherent, programmatic response to the ‘housing crisis’ which can deliver for individuals and households struggling to access and sustain adequate housing after fourteen years of austerity and neglect. In particular, we question the underlying driver of the housebuilding target and ask whether the Labour government’s apparent desperation for economic growth is subsuming concerns for social justice, despite the increase in support for social housing – a debate with wide international resonance in the current economic context. Finally, we scrutinise whether the rapid start out of the blocks on housing policy can be maintained for the inevitable marathon that is necessary to make significant changes to the UK housing system