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Campus security and students’ perceptions of safety: an evaluation of security practices
No full textIn the UK, university students experience crime on campus. Yet few studies have assessed students’ perceptions of safety on campus and even less have explored their perceptions of campus security practices in enhancing their safety, including perceptions of this, on campus. To address this gap, we report on a study carried out at a university in the North of England. Two-hundred and sixty-one students completed a paper-based survey across three-time points during the academic year 2022/23 to gather their feedback about campus security practices. The findings indicate that the situational crime prevention techniques that Campus Security employ are associated positively with students’ perceptions of safety. The paper recommends further measures for Campus Security to focus on
Enhanced Large Language Models (GPT-3.5 Turbo) for Depression Detection in Social Media Data
No full textThis study explores how GPT-3.5 Turbo can be enhanced to improve its predictive performance and explainability from social media posts. Two strategies are employed, first by implementing retrieval augmented generation (RAG), where relevant clinical knowledge from the NICE guidelines is integrated into GPT-3.5 Turbo to enhance its reasoning in depression detection. The second involved using prompt techniques, zero-shot and few-shot, guiding the model’s understanding of the task through examples of depressive and non-depressive content from the social media data. These were evaluated on standard performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, F1-score, and recall. Assessment of the explanations of the model configurations took a non-clinical qualitative approach, measured by the clarity of reasoning, references made to specific guidelines and the consistency in explanation. The findings revealed that incorporating the clinical guideline improved the performance of the baseline GPT-3.5 turbo in the zero-shot configurations. However, when combined with few-shot, the RAG-enhanced models tend to produce fewer positive predictions for depressive posts, raising concerns in clinical applications. In contrast, few-shot configurations without RAG demonstrated stronger balance across metrics
A mixed-methods evaluation of a peer-led, co-produced, asset-based intervention for early diagnosis of prostate cancer for Black men: the PROCAN-B study
Full text linkObjective: To pilot a culturally tailored, peer-led, co-produced asset-based intervention workshop to encourage early diagnosis of prostate cancer for Black men.
Design: Mixed-methods pilot study
Setting: Community centres in the North-East of England and Scotland.
Participants: The intervention was delivered in November 2023 with Black African and Caribbean men (n=21), and again in February 2024 (n=41). Participants were highly educated and aged between 42 and 63 years. The intervention was qualitatively evaluated with 40 of the intervention participants.
Intervention: Underpinned by the Integrated Screening Action Model (I-SAM), we co-produced a culturally tailored, peer-led 2-hour workshop consisting of multiple components, including small group discussions about barriers to accessing prostate cancer care, GP health education, activities to facilitate effective communication with the GP and reception staff, and videos with testimonials from survivors, women, and religious leaders.
Primary outcomes: Knowledge, attitudes and intention to engage in prostate cancer testing were examined through a pre- and post-survey design. Intervention acceptability was qualitatively explored through focus groups.
Results: Participants (n=41) reported that the workshop increased their confidence in engaging with healthcare providers to discuss prostate cancer testing (I-SAM component: psychological capability). Knowledge (I-SAM component: psychological capability: Z= 4.939, p < 0.001) and intention to undergo prostate cancer testing (I-SAM component: decided to act): Z = 3.975, p < 0.001) significantly increased post-intervention. Focus group data showed participants enjoyed the workshop and found it acceptable and informative. They particularly liked that the workshop was delivered exclusively by people who shared participants’ cultural and racial backgrounds. Culturally tailored and faith-based messages made the intervention relevant to participants and facilitated trust-building.
Conclusion: Asset-based strategies, focusing on community strengths, including faith-based health promotion, can promote health behaviours in a culturally and spiritually meaningful way. The PROCAN-B intervention effectively targeted components within the I-SAM and shows potential to increase prostate cancer awareness and build confidence to engage in behaviours conducive to early diagnosis. However, the sample was small, and more robust effectiveness testing is needed
The many winters of discontent: critical reflections on NHS care models, waste, political will and cultural perceptions
No full textBruce Sheppy provides an in-depth commentary on the systemic factors that fuel NHS winter crises, drawing comparisons with international healthcare systems and recommending actions to prevent the collapse of services, while maintaining the foundational principle of universal healthcare
The Portal Podcasy - Series Summary of Neurodiversity and Social Work: Lived Experience, Challenging deficits, and person centred practice
No full textIn this episode of The Portal Podcast, hosts Dr Lesley Deacon and Professor Sarah Lonbay reflect on Series 4, which focused on neurodiversity in social work. Drawing on conversations with a range of guests, they explore key themes including the centrality of lived experience, challenging deficit-based and pathologising models of autism, and the importance of person-centred approaches.
They discuss how neurodivergent voices should be central in research, practice, and service design. The episode critiques outdated models that frame autism as a deficit, advocating instead for strengths-based and affirming approaches.
Other themes include the link between systemic misunderstanding and trauma, the need for curiosity rather than risk-driven assessments, and the importance of trust-building, follow-through, and allowing processing time. They emphasise that difference should not be seen as a problem, and social workers should focus on truly seeing and valuing the individual in front of them, rather than forcing conformity to rigid systems.
The hosts also highlight metaphors used by guests, such as communication as a “different language” needing translation, and introduce the concept of “community assessment” as a way of understanding individuals within their social context
Cognition in virtual reality: assessing user acceptability and feasibility of virtual reality cognitive screening for older adults
Full text linkAbstract
Introduction: The global demographic shift towards an older population necessitates innovative methods to assess cognitive abilities, particularly spatial working memory, which is crucial for daily living and early detection of neurocognitive conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Methods: This qualitative study utilised the Virtual Reality Working Memory Task (VRWMT), a semi-immersive VR activity using keyboard navigation, to assess spatial working memory in older adults. Participants were recruited from community centres and categorised by age and technological familiarity. Focus groups evaluated user perceptions based on the Technology Acceptance Model constructs: Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude Toward Usage, and Behavioural Intention to Use. The study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of VRWMT across diverse populations, examining its navigational simplicity, emotional engagement, and willingness to endorse VRWMT for routine cognitive assessments.
Results: Findings indicated significant variations in perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitude toward using, and behavioural intention to use across different age groups and socio-demographic characteristics. High-technology-familiarity participants found VRWMT easy to use and engaging, while those with low familiarity struggled with navigation and engagement. Socio-demographic factors such as limited digital literacy and lack of standby support impact technology adoption. Higher technological familiarity leads to better acceptance and feasibility of VRWMT.
Discussion: VRWMT can enhance cognitive health monitoring and therapeutic interventions. The results highlighted that personalised pathways and user-friendly interfaces can improve accessibility and engagement, making VRWMT a valuable tool for cognitive assessments, as part of Occupational Therapy, in diverse populations.
Keywords: feasibility and acceptance; gamified assessment; spatial-working memory; technology acceptance model; virtual reality.
Copyright © 2025 Lai, Yee, Wang, Butler, Graham, Hai, Darling, Whittington and Lowe
Green Innovation Optimization for Climate Change ESG Business Readiness: Role of Generative AI in BRICS Countries
Full text linkClimate change introduces new challenges for businesses which require them to find ways to be resilient. Green innovations contribute to boost Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)‐readiness leading to just transition without optimization. This study estimates the nonlinear effect of environmental innovation in ESG‐readiness against climate change while allowing for the moderating role of citations from regenerative AI‐research. We use BRICS countries to conduct the analyses with a machine learning based Panel‐QARDL. We find that green innovations trace an inverted U‐shaped effect and generative AI shifts this relationship upwards. Findings highlight the role of regenerative AI in boosting green innovation performance
Significance of the Powder Metallurgy Approach and Its Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Behavior of Magnesium-Based Materials
Full text linkMagnesium-based materials, which are known for their light weight and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, hold immense promise in the biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and military sectors. However, their inherent limitations, including low wear resistance and poor mechanical properties, have driven the development of magnesium-based metal matrix composites (Mg-MMCs). The pivotal role of powder metallurgy (PM) in fabricating Mg-MMCs was explored, enhancing their mechanical and corrosion resistance characteristics. The mechanical characteristics depend upon the fabrication methodology, composition, processing technique, and reinforcement added to the magnesium. PM is identified as the most efficient due to its ability to produce near-net shape composites with high precision, cost-effectiveness, and minimal waste. Furthermore, PM enables precise control over critical processing parameters, such as compaction pressure, sintering temperature, and particle size, which directly influence the composite’s microstructure and properties. This study highlights various reinforcements, mainly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), silicon carbide (SiC), and hydroxyapatite (HAp), and their effects on improving wear, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. Among these, CNTs emerge as a standout reinforcement due to their ability to enhance multiple properties when used at optimal weight fractions. Further, this study delves into the interaction between reinforcement types and matrix materials, emphasizing the importance of uniform dispersion in preventing porosity and improving durability. Optimal PM conditions, such as a compaction pressure of 450 MPa, sintering temperatures between 550 and 600 °C, and sintering times of 2 h, are recommended for achieving superior mechanical performance. Emerging trends in reinforcement materials, including nanostructures and bioactive particles, are also discussed, underscoring their potential to widen the application spectrum of Mg-MMCs
Postneonatal Cerebral Palsy in Europe: Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics According to Contributory Events: An SCPE Study.
Full text linkPostneonatal cerebral palsy (PNCP) is rare and requires large databases to be studied over time. To study the time trend of prevalence of PNCP overall and by cause, and to describe the clinical characteristics of children with PNCP according to cause and compared with children with pre/peri/neonatal CP (PPNCP). The Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) database was used. Primary events (the first known chronological event in the causal chain) were classified according to the SCPE classification (six main and 19 sub-categories). Prevalence trends for children born during 1976-2012 were modelled using multilevel generalised linear models. The clinical characteristics of PNCP and PPNCP cases born after 1998 were reported as proportions. The prevalence rates of PNCP were 1.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37, 2.23) and 0.82 per 10,000 live births (95% CI 0.73, 0.92) in children born during 1976-1980 and 2006-2012, respectively. The models showed a 2% annual decline in overall prevalence (prevalence rate multiplied by 0.98 each year) and a 10% decline for infectious causes for every 5-year change. The prevalence rate in children born during 2006-2012 was 0.26 per 10,000 (95% CI 0.21, 0.32) for infectious causes, which remained the most frequent. No trend emerged for other causes. Unilateral spastic CP, associated impairments and severe gross motor dysfunction were more frequent in PNCP than in PPNCP, and PNCP showed predominantly grey matter injury (55.6%). Seventeen percent were born preterm. PNCP differed by cause, with cerebrovascular accidents presenting the least severe and hypoxic causes the most severe forms. Our study confirms the decrease in the prevalence of PNCP in children born up to 2012, particularly for CP, due to infectious causes, which remain the most frequent. Children with PNCP had more severe presentation overall than those with PPNCP, with severity depending on the cause. [Abstract copyright: © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Business Ethics Views of Working Adults and Managers in Turkey
Full text linkThis research with Turkish working adults was initiated to compare the Personal Business Ethics Scores of respondents based on their culture, age, education, and management experience in Turkey. Ethical norms, expectations, and behaviors play important roles in the satisfaction, engagement, and workplace productivity of adults in all cultures. Turkish professionals take pride in their focus on ethics and morality while the country is transitioning towards becoming a powerhouse nation in the Middle East and European economies. This research surveyed 716 Turkish male (323) and female (393) respondents to measure their Personal Business Ethics Scores and determine if various demographic variables (such as management experience, education, age, or gender) make a statistically significant difference in their ethical maturity level. The results show that age, gender, and management experience statistically contribute to moral maturity in business settings. More specifically, the young Turkish generation and females exhibit significantly higher ethical maturity regarding questionable business practices. Despite expectations due to the importance of higher education in society, this study did not find any statistically significant differences between Turkish groups with and without a formal college education. This study contributes to the literature regarding ethical decisions among working adults and the theory of moral development since Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory is partially supported. Implications for honesty at work and career planning to attract and retain an ethically mature workforce are provided