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Do academics' views on leadership align with the literature, and how does his impact their teaching of widening participation students?
No full textThis article offers an interpretative reading of research interview data gathered with seven academics in a small English university that caters predominantly to widening participation students. The original interviews aimed to explore the most effective ways academics can support students in developing leadership capability. For this article, the author revisited the digital recordings of those original interviews and conducted an interpretive reanalysis of the data. This reanalysis aimed to ascertain the extent to which the conceptions of leadership that the academics hold align with the academic literature on the concept. Leadership is notoriously an ill-defined concept, and so, for this article, the author used Yukl’s (2012) taxonomy of leadership behaviours drawn from a systematic review of the literature as the basis for comparative analysis. The literature indicates that developing students’ leadership capability is a desirable educational outcome, but this presupposes that academics understand what the term leadership means. This article explores this by evaluating how well the academics' understanding of the concept of leadership aligned with the literature presented in Yukl’s (2012) taxonomy and considers the implications of this for their teaching. The article concludes with recommendations for adopting a coherent framework for academics to work within, especially for institutions that serve widening participation students. This article contributes to the knowledge of teaching practice by evaluating how well academics understand a concept they are (implicitly or explicitly) expected to teach and recommends further research to develop the scholarship
Valorization of olive pruning lignocellulosic residues into carbon dots: A sustainable approach for discrimination of Iron species
No full textHerein, carbon dots (CDs) obtained from biochar of olive tree pruning residues (BC-OTPR) were synthesized at varying pyrolysis temperatures (500, 600, and 700 °C). The spectroscopic features of the CDs were further explored in the context of metal ion detection, specifically focusing on the discrimination of iron species. Significant fluorescence quenching upon interaction with iron (III), compared to iron (II) and other metal ions, was observed, indicating their potential as sensitive probes. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide and via the Fenton reaction, iron (II) was quantitatively oxidized into iron (III) – the determinable form, allowing for iron speciation. Synthesized CDs were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images revealed the uniform spherical morphology. Using the FT-IR analysis, transformation of hemicellulose and lignin present in the BC-OTPR into CDs with unique functionalities was corroborated. The CDs exhibited excitation-dependent fluorescence behavior, showcasing their potential for spectroscopic applications. Regression modeling was employed to investigate variables influencing iron detection. Notably, the CDs displayed linear behavior spanning over a range of 1.186 μM – 7.984 μM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 μM of iron (III). Validation of precision and accuracy confirmed CDs' efficacy for analyzing food supplements and water samples
Investigating ideology, manipulation, and text interpretation in documentary films
No full textThe paper will start by introducing the research project behind my recent monograph, entitled Multimodality, Ideology, and Manipulation (Castaldi, 2025). The study integrates audience research (e.g. Schrøder et al., 2003) and multimodal critical discourse analysis (e.g. Machin and Mayr, 2012) to investigate “how individuals discursively constitute themselves” (Castaldi, 2021, p. 56). The approach takes a narrow reading of Gramsci’s concept of hegemony, where ideological dissemination is seen as the work of civil society, rather than political society, and therefore focuses on the mass-mediated genre of travel and cultural documentaries.
The research assumes that multimodal semiosis is infused with ideologies, as the choice of signs is always motivated (Kress and van Leeuwen, 2020, p. 10). The approach, however, acknowledges the agentive position of the individual in ideology formation and, through the analysis of three case studies, aims to shed some light on the whole process of mass-mediated communication, from production to reception, with a focus on manipulative processes.
The paper will conclude with a discussion around the challenges of investigating the reception of multimodal texts. Here we will take stock of what research using different approaches to reception studies has shown to date, and we will consider possible trajectories for future research
How to engage users with a new resource
No full textThis lightning talk addresses the conference theme of ‘Sustainable innovation’ and the sub-themes of innovation and creativity. The Learning and Research Librarian and a Senior Lecturer in Film & TV, devised a creative and collaborative project to increase engagement with a new resource, BFI Player. The project took place against a challenging background of a university-wide redesign and a review of online resources
The experiences of adults experiencing homelessness when accessing and using psychosocial interventions: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis
No full textBackground
Adults experiencing homelessness in high-income countries are more likely to have mental ill-health and engage in problematic substance use. They are also more likely to experience challenges when accessing services. Psychosocial interventions are increasingly used with this group. Most of the evidence around these interventions is not specific to their use with adults experiencing homelessness.
Objectives
To summarise the best available evidence of the views and experiences of adults experiencing homelessness in high-income countries about psychosocial interventions.
Search Methods
This review is based on evidence identified in an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) on interventions for people experiencing homelessness. The EGM searches were conducted in September 2021. Additionally, we undertook a call for evidence and hand searches of key journals.
Selection Criteria
We included qualitative data from studies of psychosocial interventions. Participants were adults aged 18+ experiencing homelessness in high-income countries. Only studies that reported the views, opinions, perceptions, and experiences of participants were included.
Data Collection and Analysis
Of the 468 studies originally screened, 17 were eligible for full-text review, which was undertaken independently by two reviewers. Ten were excluded at this stage, and seven were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Analysis was undertaken using thematic synthesis in three stages: (1) findings data were extracted from studies. Two reviewers independently extracted findings from included studies. These were compared and agreed on which findings to include for analysis; (2) two reviewers gave each line of extracted data a descriptive code (a short descriptive summary). These were compared and a set of codes for inclusion in the next stage of analysis was agreed; (3) the reviewers iteratively examined the descriptive themes, inferring from these themes the experiences of participants and their perceptions of how the intervention worked for them. These analytical themes were discussed with a panel of people with experience of homelessness.
Main Results
Seven studies were included in this review, covering several intervention types. A total of 84 adults experiencing homelessness were included in these studies. Three studies were conducted in Canada, three in the United States, and one in Scotland. All were published after 2009. The studies used various qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. None of the included studies were assessed as high quality. The most significant area of concern across the included studies concerned relationships between researchers and research participants, where five included studies were assessed as low quality. Areas of higher quality were clarity of research questions and methods. Overall, 368 lines of findings were extracted and coded under 118 descriptive codes. Of these, 55 related to direct quotes of participants' views and experiences. The remainder were the study authors' interpretations of the research participants' experiences. The 118 descriptive codes were grouped into 14 descriptive themes. The themes are descriptions of patterns in the data (the findings extracted from the included studies). These 14 descriptive themes (and the 118 descriptive codes underpinning them) summarise data from the primary studies. The final analysis stage was interpretation of the descriptive themes and development of analytical themes to answer the review questions. The reviewers were able to answer two of the four review questions: the experiences of participants when using psychosocial interventions, and whether they felt the interventions worked for them. The question concerning underlying theories of how the interventions are intended to work was addressed through a separate analysis. The question of differences between interventions could not be answered because of the small number of included studies. The final analysis stage identified three analytical themes. These are: (1) the individual plays a pivotal role in their recovery and change journey; (2) accessibility is a key component of intervention success; and (3) relationships are an important intervention ingredient.
Author's Conclusions
The reviewers draw two broad conclusions from this analysis: (1) it is important to place adults experiencing homelessness at the centre of the design of psychosocial interventions; and (2) it is important to treat adults experiencing homelessness as individuals
Understanding the development of postpartum psychosis
No full textSection A is a systematic review of studies exploring psychosocial factors involve in the development of postpartum psychosis. 18 papers were selected, assessed, and weighted by
quality. A narrative review was used to present the key psychosocial factors including adverse life experience, birth complications, socioeconomic factors, and motherhood expectations. Particularly strong evidence was found for the impact that adverse life experiences during pregnancy, birth experiences and pre-existing mental health difficulties may have on the development of PP. The quality of literature in the area is discussed, alongside research and practice implications.
Section B is an empirical paper presenting a grounded theory of the relationship between birth experiences, sense of self, and the development of postpartum psychosis. 10 women,
recruited from NHS perinatal services, were interviewed about their experiences of postpartum psychosis. A theoretical model is proposed which suggests cumulative experiences around birth gradually destabilise women’s sense of self and their ability to cope leading to psychosis. The experiences include stress during pregnancy, a loss of control during birth, negative appraisals of birth and postpartum pressures. Findings are discussed in relation to wider literature, future research and clinical implications that could be utilised by maternity and perinatal services
Safe sport and health promotion: Elite youth athletes’ perspectives at the Winter Youth Olympic Games
No full textObjective: The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) combines competition with educational initiatives for elite youth athletes. Despite the benefits of sport participation, young athletes face risks related to health and interpersonal violence (IV). The ‘Mind, Body & Me’ initiative at the 2024 Gangwon YOG was designed to promote holistic athlete health and safe sport. This study assessed youth athletes' understanding of health-related rights, perceptions of safe sport and awareness of safeguarding services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1211 YOG athletes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests to identify differences based on sex, continent, sport and language. Content analysis was performed for qualitative responses. Results: Most athletes felt that their health-related rights were respected; however, they reported discomfort seeking mental health support. Athletes described healthy sport as ‘fun,’ ‘safe’ and ‘good,’ while unhealthy sport was linked to ‘bad,’ ‘bullying’ and ‘negative,’ with regional variations. Bullying was the most widely recognised form of IV, particularly in female athletes, who were more aware of IV than males. Male athletes and those from Europe and Oceania expressed greater discomfort with reporting IV. While 74% were aware of the International Olympic Committee’s safeguarding services, knowledge gaps existed among female athletes and non-English speakers. Athletes asked for more interactive tools, mental health programmes and improved accessibility to resources. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of a holistic, athlete-centred approach, the need to improve access to health support services, the value of culturally tailored safeguarding strategies and the imperative of integrating safeguarding into broader health policies in youth sport
Artificial intelligence in hospital procurement: Advancing supply chain resilience and efficiency in Singapore
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in hospital supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the need for more resilient and agile procurement systems. This study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged to optimize hospital procurement processes in Singapore, a country known for its advanced digital infrastructure and strong public health governance. Using a qualitative research approach based on secondary data, literature analysis, and relevant case studies, the paper explores the application of AI technologies such as predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and supplier risk assessment in Singapore’s healthcare procurement ecosystem. The findings reveal that AI integration has improved procurement responsiveness, minimized supply chain disruptions, and enhanced crisis preparedness. A conceptual model is proposed to illustrate how AI supports both operational efficiency and supply chain resilience within resource-optimized yet high-demand health systems. The study also identifies regulatory, workforce, and organizational challenges that influence the pace of AI adoption. The insights from this research offer practical guidance for policymakers, hospital administrators, and supply chain professionals seeking to strengthen procurement systems through AI-driven strategies in digitally mature healthcare environments
Sex-based comparison of the blood pressure, haemodynamic and cardiac autonomic adaptations following isometric exercise training in sedentary adults: a randomised controlled trial
No full textObjectives We aimed to explore sex-specific differences in resting blood pressure (BP) reduction and associated cardiovascular adaptations following isometric exercise training (IET).
Methods 100 sedentary adults with normal to high-normal systolic BP volunteered for the study. Participants either performed home-based lower-body IET in the form of a wall squat three times a week for 4 weeks (each session comprised 4×2 min bouts) or were allocated to the control group. Cardiovascular variables, including BP, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, stroke volume and heart rate variability (HRV), were measured at rest preintervention and postintervention.
Results Following 4 weeks of IET, there were no significant differences in resting systolic BP and diastolic BP between females (122.1±6.9 and 80.0±8.3 mm Hg) and males (119.6±7.2 and 77.4±8.6 mm Hg). However, female participants had a greater cardiac autonomic response following training, evidenced by a lower low-frequency to high-frequency HRV ratio (F: 1.38±1.27 and M: 2.1±1.5, p=0.004) and decreased and elevated low-frequency normalised units (F: 50.3%±16.2% and M: 60.9%±16.9%, p=0.015) and high-frequency normalised units (F: 49.7%±16.2% and M: 39.1%±16.9%, p=0.015), respectively.
Conclusions While resting BP reductions were comparable between female and male participants, there was a greater autonomic response and a higher incidence of clinically important BP reductions in females, which could indicate a greater cardioprotective effect following IET. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences in the prescription and evaluation of exercise interventions for hypertension management
Understanding and responding to ongoing intimate partner abuse
No full textSection A
Introduction: Coercive Controlling Violence (CCV) was introduced into UK law in 2015 as a form of intimate partner violence. Since then, statutory and non-statutory services have been grappling to apply legislation into practice, and meet the needs of survivor-victims.
Aims: This study explores the needs of CCV victim-survivors and how professionals and services are currently responding to them.
Method: A systematic search and narrative synthesis explores the current literature base between 2010-2024. Psycinfo, Web of Science and ASSIA were systematically searched with (N=14) studies included in the review.
Results: Findings of this review focused on experiences of women remaining in a CCV relationship, professionals experiences of identification with victim-survivors and responses to CCV, risk factors, entrapment and the mental health impact of CCV. Implication for clinical practice are discussed and recommendations provided.
Conclusion: The findings show that CCV remains ill-defined and misunderstood by services leading to variation in service responsiveness for victim-survivors. The insidious and pervasive nature of CCV makes identification and intervention challenging for services and can entrap victim-survivors in intimate partner violence. Victim-survivors of CCV have unique psychosocial needs based within their intersectionality that may further perpetuate entrapment.
Section B
Introduction: Ongoing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a challenging issue for clinical psychologists, who need safety and stability for effective interventions. As an increasing need for better mental health care for IPV victim-survivors grows nationally, this study explores survivor-victim experiences of professionals and services to consider how support can be helpful or unhelpful in escaping abuse.
Methodology: A social constructionist qualitative modified grounded theory was used to explore nine participant interviews. Participants included eight women, and one non-binary person, who had a diverse range of journeys out of IPV.
Key findings: An emergent process was found where the validation of reality was found to be a turning point where professionals can influence entrapment or recovery. Four categories, sixteen subcategories and three phases of (1) Entrapment, (2) Turning point and (3) Recovery, were identified with a cross-cutting process of the socio-cultural context.
Implications: The findings suggest that there is a greater need for more research and adjustments to clinical practice in responding to ongoing IPV psychologically. In particular coercive control and mental health needs that arise from IPV are vital issues that mental health services and clinical psychologists are in a position to respond to