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Employment Determinants of the Poor Mental Wellbeing of Student Workers in England
No full textPurpose
Research on the increasing phenomenon of student paid work has tended to focus on the impact on studies or employability and reveal less about working conditions and their consequences. Given the rise in reported work-related poor mental wellbeing across England, there is a need to understand how employment affects student wellbeing. As such, this study investigates which aspects of work impact the mental wellbeing of student workers and to what extent.
Design/methodology/approach
Logistic regression analysis was used to examine 271 survey responses from Business School students at a post-1992 English university. The model coefficients were then exponentiated so that they could be interpreted as changes in the odds of experiencing work-related stress, anxiety, or depression.
Findings
The findings reveal several work-related variables to have a statistically significant impact on mental wellbeing. More specifically, the logistic regression models pinpoint control, guidance, work hours and job security, along with the demographic variables of ethnicity and age, as making significant contributions to the odds of experiencing work-related poor mental wellbeing.
Originality
This study contributes to the literature by improving understanding of student working conditions and work-related wellbeing. In bringing together these topics, the findings underscore the importance of examining how the organisation and conditions of student work impact mental wellbeing. Recommendations are made for how employers and universities can address factors affecting student workers’ mental wellbeing
S07: Health Promotion in the Physical Education Setting
No full textThis symposium explores the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) through innovative practice and research initiatives situated in physical education (PE) contexts across different European countries. With a shared aim of advancing physical literacy (PL), upskilling PE teachers, and enhancing student engagement, the symposium features one EU-funded policy/practice project and three research-oriented studies addressing diverse educational stages and methodological approaches: · The first presentation introduces ePhyLi, an Erasmus+ Sport funded project designed to enhance university students’ knowledge and understanding of PL, equipping future PE teachers to become advocates of meaningful, healthy, active lifestyles. Implemented across the EU and supported by EUPEA, the project has developed multilingual digital tools, including an e-book, a mobile application, and a gamified e-learning platform, currently undergoing pilot testing to assess educational impact, usability, and user experience. · The second presentation reports on a Romanian study evaluating the effectiveness of Kahoot! platform for enhancing PE lessons aimed at improving fifth-grade students’ theoretical knowledge and understanding of PL. Employing an experimental design, the study revealed significant learning gains in the experimental group, reinforcing the potential of digital gamification elements to enhance engagement and learning in PE and Health classes. · Our third presentation reports on the PLACE intervention, an extracurricular programme in Germany designed to promote children’s HEPA through a PL framework. Using a mixed-methods design, the study compared the intervention with regular PE across five dimensions of quality experiences. Findings revealed that PLACE was particularly effective in enhancing children’s cognitive activation and affective engagement in sport, underscoring the importance of co-design and respect for individuality in fostering PL-based, child-centred active lifestyles. · Finally, a study from Latvia examines the relationship between students’ physical fitness levels and their engagement in PE and Health classes across age groups. Drawing on data from fitness assessments, surveys, and pedagogical observations, the findings demonstrate that students with higher physical fitness levels exhibit increased engagement, highlighting the need for more inclusive and differentiated pedagogical approaches for developing PL. Together, the four contributions underscore the importance of effective high-quality pre- and in-service training, innovative pedagogies, and inclusive practices in nurturing engagement in lifelong HEPA. The symposium demonstrates how digital innovation, collective approaches, and differentiated instruction can empower educators and learners collectively, contributing to developing PL and broader public health goals in and through PE. Keywords: Physical education, physical literacy, digital tools, health; professional developmen
A Direct Comparison of Antibody and nanoMIP Affinities using Surface Plasmon Resonance and Electrochemical Techniques: A Haemoglobin Model
No full textThis study presents, for the first time, a direct quantitative comparison between the binding affinities and selectivity of antibodies and their molecularly imprinted polymer (nanoMIP) counterparts for a target protein antigen. NanoMIPs were synthesized upon protein functionalised magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) using bovine haemoglobin as target protein. This solid-phase synthesis process gave nanoMIP yields of 10 ±2 mg produced in less than 1 hr. Physical characterization of nanoMIPs by dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed an average particle diameter of 121 ± 53 nm, consistent with nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) results, confirming uniform particle formation and comparable concentrations to antibody preparations.Antibody and nanoMIP affinities were characterized using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) the current gold-standard technique as well as using a newly developed electrochemical method based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). This dual approach enables direct comparison and standardization of nanoMIPs as synthetic alternatives to conventional antibodies. NanoMIP binding affinities of 34.7 pM ± 2 pM (EIS) and 3.06 pM (SPR) were obtained, with selectivity factors of 130:1 and 1000:1 (target : non-target), respectively. In contrast, the corresponding polyclonal antibody for haemoglobin (pAb) demonstrated contrasting affinities of 51.9 pM ± 0.74 pM (EIS) and 48.7 nM (SPR) and with substantially lower selectivity ratios of 14:1 and 10:1. These results indicate that whereas the two sensor techniques are ideal for nanoMIP characterisation, further harmonisation is required for antibody binding characterisation. We demonstrate that the developed nanoMIPs not only match but can surpass traditional animal-derived antibodies in both affinity and molecular discrimination. Overall, these findings highlight nanoMIPs to be a robust and reproducible alternative to antibodies, offering superior selectivity and comparable affinity for next-generation bioanalytical and diagnostic applications
The effect of play and creative arts therapy on the emotional wellbeing and behaviour of a boy with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A case study
No full textPlay and creative arts therapy offers a safe space for children to express themselves, to enable them to reach their potential. There is little evidence in the U.K. on whether this type of therapy is beneficial for ADHD. This single-case study examines the effect of play and creative arts therapy on the emotional wellbeing and behaviour of an 8-year-old boy with ADHD. The boy was referred because of difficulties to manage his anger and frustration at school and home. Twenty-three individual sessions of therapeutic play were delivered at school. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess hyperactivity, peer, conduct and emotional problems, pre-therapy, mid-therapy and post-therapy. In addition, data from parent and teacher interviews alongside clinical observations of sessions were analysed pre-therapy, mid-therapy and post-therapy. Data from the SDQ, interviews and clinical observations were triangulated via supervision. Themes from the clinical sessions were in line with child-centred play therapy principles and indicated therapeutic growth. Results showed a 50% reduction in hyperactivity and a steep decrease in emotional problems post-therapy at school but not at home. Further work in supporting parents at home may be beneficial alongside individual therapy at school. Implications for theory and clinical practice are discussed
Responses of the earthworms Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea caliginosa to wheat straw provision across a range of residue sizes
No full textEarthworm mediated incorporation of soil surface applied crop residues could provide benefits to belowground ecosystem services, such as an increased rate of soil formation and carbon sequestration. In addition, increased soil organic matter within the upper soil profile can increase food availability for other soil fauna and microorganisms, with potential benefits for soil structure and health. Previous research has assessed the potential mass of surface applied organic matter that can be assimilated by earthworms; however, particle size of material may limit the rate of bioturbation and influence earthworm function and behaviour. The aims of the present study were to investigate the preference and utilisation of wheat (Triticum aestivum) straw residues at different particle sizes by two common, temperate earthworm species, Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea caliginosa. These were addressed within controlled laboratory experiments, where two different scales were tested: Expt 1; with 3 modal straw lengths, as determined from the field post-harvest (40, 20 and 1 cm); and Expt 2; micro particle sizes (1 cm and 1 mm). The effect of straw length on earthworm utilisation was tested by earthworm incubation experiments in plastic bags, where removal from the soil surface was measured over a period of 8 weeks in monocultures and mixed species treatments. Litter removal was investigated by mass depletion over time and depth of incorporation. Choice chambers were used to quantify straw selection and removal at micro particle size. Expt 1 showed straw removal (63 ± 6 %) was significantly higher with a L. terrestris monoculture and 1 cm length. The largest masses of straw were incorporated at 0–60 mm depth of soil. There was no evidence to support a facilitation effect of L. terrestris on A. caliginosa, and increased earthworm mortality was detected in mixed species treatments. The choice chambers of Expt 2 indicated a preference for 1 mm particle size by both earthworm species with a more rapid use by L. terrestris than A. caliginosa. These experiments highlight how retention of straw residues on the field, linked with tillage practices and further straw management post-harvest could have significant implications for plant protection and earthworm populations
Computational Modelling & Clinical Validation of an Alzheimer’s-Related Network in Brain Cancer: The SKM034 Model
No full textCancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) display an inverse relationship and there is a need to further explore this interplay. One key genetic contributor to AD is SORL1, the loss of which is thought to be causally related to AD development. SORL1 also appears to be implicated in cancer. To interrogate SORL1 and its network, this article simulated SORL1 and its interactions via signal-flow Boolean modelling, including in silico knockouts (mirroring in vivo loss-of-function mutations). This model (SKM034), predicted a total of 29 key changes to molecular relationships following the loss of SORL1 or another highly-connected protein (ERBB2). Literature validation demonstrated that 2 of these predictions were at least partially validated experimentally, whilst 27 were Potentially Novel Predictions (PNPs). Complementing the in-depth relationship analyses was signal flow analysis through the network’s structure, validated using cell line and cancer patient RNA-seqdata. Correct prediction rates for these analyses reached 60% (statistically significant relative to a random model). This article demonstrates clinical relevance of this Alzheimer’s-related network in a cancer context and, through the PNPs, provides a strong starting point for in vitro experimental validation. As with previously published models using similar methods, the model may be reanalysed in different contexts for further discoveries
Tracking Preeclampsia: The Role of Cerebral Biomarkers—A Narrative Review
No full textPreeclampsia (PE) is the onset of hypertension in pregnancy with systemic involvement; PE poses significant risks of cerebral complications, including eclampsia and long-term cognitive impairment. This review explores the potential of neurological biomarkers—neurofilament light chain (NfL), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100 Calcium Binding Protein B (S100B), and tau—as indicators of cerebral injury in PE. A literature search identified studies comparing biomarker levels in preeclamptic and healthy pregnancies. Findings reveal elevated plasma levels of NfL, NSE, S100B, and Tau in PE, with NfL showing the strongest association with blood–brain barrier dysfunction, cognitive symptoms, and disease severity. Variations between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels suggest impaired BBB integrity rather than increased central nervous system production. Despite promising correlations, limitations include small sample sizes, lack of standardized thresholds, and limited CSF data. While NfL emerges as a particularly promising marker for risk stratification, further research is needed to validate the clinical utility of these biomarkers in routine PE management
Barriers and Carriers to Making a Home: Cues and Codes of Environmental Deprivation after a Disaster
No full textAlmost every post-disaster rehousing project reeks of different realities of the same phenomenon, often spotted through mismatched expectations. Usually, the cause of the case is frequent, poorly managed provider and recipient interactions in rebuilding a home for survivors. Perhaps the small efforts, the most intimate investments of rebuilding a home, depend heavily on actioned outcomes of stakeholder interaction, engagements, and negotiations. In fact, disaster epidemiology characterizes many repetitive errors that result from unsettled sociocultural negotiations between individual and institutional interactions. Such errors may manifest in a different kind of disaster: unsatisfied people in unsustainable structures struggling to survive the next disaster. In this context, this chapter systematically unpacks how a process to a solution becomes an extended cause and subsequent carriers of various barriers and vice versa. This chapter interrogates the repercussions of a missed opportunity. The vulnerable do-gooders: security strategies of German aid agencies. It uses cues and codes after a disaster to streamline a series of sociocultural barriers and their carriers manifested in mismatched expectations. At the basic resolution level, proactive engagement can prepare stakeholders to be proactive and level the expectations to minimize environmental deprivations related to making a home process
A desistance practice framework to support police professionals working with people convicted of sexual convictions
No full textUnder Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in England and Wales, statutory agencies (police, probation, and prison services) are responsible for assessing and managing the risk of over 70,000 people subject to sexual notification requirements. With the majority (approximately three-quarters) of this population being managed in the community by specialist police professionals, control and containment approaches dominate policy and practice. This is of concern because risk management tactics that adopt restrictive measures in isolation can only achieve short-term goals. However, when combined with desistance-focused strategies, longer-term change is facilitated.
Desistance refers to the cessation of criminal behaviour, requiring both cognitive and behavioural change, alongside pro-social and structural support. Positive informal (e.g. family and friends) and formal (e.g. police) relationships are crucial in fostering successful desistance outcomes. But, because desistance is a meta-theory, integrating various psychological, social, and situational theories, its operationalisation is complex. To effectively address sexual reoffending, police professionals must maximise every opportunity to support the desistance process among people with sexual convictions. To this end, we introduce our Desistance Practice Framework, co-developed with police stakeholders and people with sexual convictions. We outline here our consultation process and present the theoretical foundations underpinning our model
Magnetic fields in the close neighborhood of LDN 328 core
No full textLinearly polarized dust emission traces the plane-of-sky magnetic field structure, thus allowing us to investigate the role of magnetic fields in the formation and evolution of cloud cores. In this work, we present observations of dust polarization at 850 μm wavelength toward the LDN 328 (hereafter, L328) core and its neighborhood regions, classified as R1, R2, and R3, using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) with SCUBA-2/POL-2. This study extends our previous work on magnetic fields in L328 across different spatial scales. We used the JCMT/POL-2 data in the near vicinity of the L328 core to study the magnetic fields in its nearby regions. We identified clumps in these regions using the ‘FellWalker’ algorithm and derived the dust temperature and column density by fitting the spectral energy distribution (SED) using combined JCMT and Herschel dust continuum maps. We analyzed the magnetic field morphology in the vicinity of the L328 core and employed the structure function analysis to determine the magnetic field dispersion angle. We used the modified Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi (DCF) method to estimate magnetic field strengths and also derived the mass-to-flux ratio and Alfvén Mach number