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One size does not fit all: pluralistic practice for long-term work with a premiership rugby player
Full text linkIn this article, we illustrate the service delivery with a 26-year-old, male, professional rugby union player, who over our two-and-a-half-year working relationship brought a multitude of different challenges to sessions. In the initial 6 months of the work presented in this case, the sport psychology practitioners (SPPs; both authors) codelivered sessions. We offer details of this codelivery period, as well as the role that the supervisor (second author) played in the latter 2 years of work. The SPPs worked from a pluralistic philosophy, which acknowledges that different clients need different things at different points in time. As such, we outline how the SPPs engaged in an ongoing process of metacommunication and shared decision making to establish the client’s goals and preferences and how this was renegotiated over time. We also depict the different approaches that the SPPs were required to take to meet the client’s needs, including referring to another practitioner when appropriate. We conclude by sharing several reflections on our service delivery and offer applied recommendations for SPPs who seek to use pluralistic approaches in their work
Rob's vignette - the Chichester practice-based MBA: emphasising relational learning
Full text linkSeveral years ago, I designed an MBA programme to run as part of the UK Government’s apprenticeship scheme for senior leaders. As of 2025 it is now on its eighth cohort and has a loyal following with several local employers. The aim was to bring relational critical thinking alive in a programme of practice-based learning.
In looking at other MBAs on the market I was concerned that many did not treat leadership and management as a practice that people do as part of their day to day lives. For example, there would be discreet subjects like HR, finance, strategy and the like. As a manager I knew that they did not sit in isolation, instead leadership/management was a holistic practice that included intellect, emotion, artistry, communication and so on in the practical real world of unfolding and unpredictable events. I became sceptical of the ‘case study’ that put students on the touchline of experience that encouraged them to think ‘why on earth would anyone …’, a privileged position that was divorced from their reality. I was also concerned by the focus of treating leadership and management as an academic subject, as opposed to a practice. For example, whilst I enjoy reading critical management studies papers, with their sharp critical theory and post-modern analysis, I do wonder how these insights help.
In building a masters programme up from scratch I had the opportunity to weave relational critical thinking into the entire fabric. I must admit, I did not call it ‘relational critical thinking,’ or the methods ‘practice-based learning’ at the time. The words and practice followed in working with students, colleagues and particularly James Traeger on various organisation development programmes, research and books. I therefore do not take credit, but this is an explanation of my practice
Machine learning-based intrusion detection and prevention using cross-layer features in Internet of Things (IoT) networks
Full text linkThe IoT has emerged as a significant target for cyber-attacks, particularly with a focus on the routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks (RPL) within Wireless Sensor
Networks (WSNs). These attacks can disrupt network topologies and compromise data transmission. Early detection of routing attacks is crucial, particularly in resource-constrained RPL networks. This study employed a simulated dataset encompassing Hello Flood, Version Number, and Worst Parent attacks to develop a robust detection model for resource-based routing attacks in IoT networks. In this research, a novel cross-layer feature analysis was conducted, identifying 12 key features crucial for distinguishing between normal and malicious nodes within the network out of the 29 features examined. Various machine learning algorithms, including random forest, CatBoost, and extreme gradient boosting, were evaluated for precise classification. The optimized CatBoost model, a gradient-boosting decision tree (DT)
algorithm, demonstrated outstanding performance with a 99% of detection rate, 0.8% of false positive rate, 98% of sensitivity, and 98% of positive predictive values on an independent test
dataset. Furthermore, an advanced intrusion prevention algorithm leveraging cross-layer feature-induced intrusion detection was introduced to effectively combat prevalent routing attacks. This study significantly contributes to enhancing cybersecurity in IoT networks, particularly in smart cities, by offering robust intrusion detection and prevention mechanisms
Machine learning-based position detection using hall-effect sensor arrays on resource-constrained microcontroller
Full text linkThis paper presents an electromagnetic levitation system that stabilizes a magnetic body using an array of electromagnets controlled by a Hall-effect sensor array and TinyML-based position detection. Departing from conventional optical tracking methods, the proposed design combines finite-element-optimized electromagnets with a microcontroller-optimized neural network that processes sensor data to predict the levitated object’s position with 0.0263–0.0381 mm mean absolute error. The system employs both quantized and full-precision implementations of a supervised multi-output regression model trained on spatially sampled data (40 × 40 × 15 mm volume at 5 mm intervals). Comprehensive benchmarking demonstrates stable operation at 850–1000 Hz control frequencies, matching optical systems’ performance while eliminating their cost and complexity. The integrated solution performs real-time position detection and current calculation entirely on-board, requiring no external tracking devices or high-performance computing. By achieving sub 30 μm accuracy with standard microcontrollers and minimal hardware, this work validates machine learning as a viable alternative to optical position detection in magnetic levitation systems, reducing implementation barriers for research and industrial applications. The complete system design, including electromagnetic array characterization, neural network architecture selection, and real-time implementation challenges, is presented alongside performance comparisons with conventional approaches
Brilliant blue
No full textA collection of short stories.
'Welcome to the infamous Duncock estate on the South coast if England. It is a place where identity matters; where people hold down jobs and do their best. Where taboos are broken, adultery is committed, and problems can't be wished away. But even tragedy can be tinged with fragile hopes and humour.
Community sport coaching and youth work: relatability and effective practice in the context of austerity
No full textThe recent UK policy of austerity has resulted in significant funding reductions for a wide range of leisure services. Indeed, specific preventative services that operate within the context of participants’ leisure activities, such as community sport coaching and youth work that focus on positively intervening and preventing anti-social behaviour, have continued to decline, thus resulting in a range of negative consequences for disadvantaged young people. Given that both fields share a history and objectives by using leisure and recreational activities to support behavioural change, this paper explores the potential for shared good practices, methods, and possible guidelines/recommendations for practitioners through examining parallels in applied practice between community sport coaching and youth work. Using a qualitative method, data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 10 community sport coaches and youth workers. The findings suggest that both fields share significant similarities in approach and practice, and that meaningful approaches to facilitating engagement with service users can be made through actively promoting empathy and “relatability”, including sharing experiences, jointly constructing interactions, and regularly monitoring and supporting young service users
A qualitative exploration of sport and exercise psychology practitioners’ perceptions and experiences of using Think Aloud in applied practice
Full text linkAims: Think aloud (TA) is a tool that has been used within sport and exercise psychology research and applied contexts to understand participants’ cognitions. We aimed to explore ASEPs’ perceptions of using TA within their applied practice. Method: Following a workshop on TA, 10 ASEPs engaged in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of using TA with clients. Data were analysed via content analysis. Results: TA was used as part of the needs analysis process, and to facilitate reflection and evaluation. Considerations were highlighted: client factors (e.g., individual differences); consulting factors (i.e., teaching participants how to TA); and the client-consultant relationship (i.e., strength of the working alliance). Conclusion: This is the first study to consider ASEPs perspectives on how TA can be used within applied practice and offers considerations to ASEP’s on the use of TA as a tool within service delivery
Effect of one-week New Zealand blackcurrant extract on rowing performance and cognitive function in National team male rowers
Full text linkThe present study examined the ergogenic effects of seven days of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC)BC extract on 2000-meter rowing ergometer performance and cognitive function. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover-study design, 9 trained male rowers from Iran's national team were recruited to participate in three sessions with NZBC extract (600 mg∙day−1), placebo (PL) and control (CL) treatments for 7 days with a 14 days washout period. Participants completed a 2000-meter ergometer performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) immediately, and cognitive function test was measured five minutes after the rowing test. The results revealed that 7 days of NZBC extract supplementation despite showing a small effect size (Cohens d=0.23) with the smallest worthwhile change to be 2.96 s, had no statistical ergogenic effects (420 ± 12 s, 95%CI [411, 430] compared to PL (424 ± 15 s, 95%CI [412, 435] and CL (423 ± 14s, 95%CI [412, 434 s] in rowing performance. Notably, 6 of the 9 participants exhibited an non-significant enhancement in rowing performance with NZBC extract. For other parameters, there were no differences between the NZBC extract, PL, and CL conditions (p > 0.05). Seven days of NZBC extract supplementation did not improve rowing performance, cognitive function, or RPE among national team rowers
Innovating dementia support: an evaluation of cost‐effectiveness and wellbeing outcomes of the Sage House Model
Full text linkBackground: Today, nearly one million people live with dementia (PLWD) in the UK, a number projected to rise to 1.7 million with estimated costs of £90 billion by 2040. 1–4 These projections highlight the necessity to develop cost‐effective solutions to providing care. Multicomponent supportive care approaches (MSCA) integrate tailored support and psychosocial interventions to enable a personalised support package, 5 showing promise in enhancing wellbeing for PLWD and care partners, while offering cost‐effective care solutions. 5, 6 However, these approaches are underutilised due to the additional implementation complexities inherent with multifaceted intervention strategies. The Sage House Model is a MSCA that has overcome these challenges by utilising a collaborative approach between the voluntary and healthcare sectors, integrating a range of specialised dementia services into an accessible community‐based centre. The present study aimed to investigate the wellbeing and economic impact of the Sage House Model of dementia support. Method: A natural experiment was run comparing wellbeing (QoL, Wellbeing, Life Satisfaction) and economic outcomes (Health and Social Care Engagement) between a group of participants with access to the Sage House Model and a group receiving standard care. The sample included 132 PLWD (Mage 74.64, SD 8.30) and 129 care partners (Mage 67.23, SD 9.84). Result: It was observed that PLWD with access to the Sage House Model reported higher QoL (p = .004, ω2 = .06), wellbeing (p = .044, ω2 = .03) and life satisfaction (p = .004, ω2 = .07) as compared to the group receiving standard care. Care partners with access also reported greater needs‐based QoL (p = .005, ω2 = .07) relating to improved access to support and information. It was also observed that participants with access to the Sage House Model cost health and social care less over a three‐month period (p = .038, ω2 = .02) and had greater Health Related QoL (p = .004, ω2 = .03). After incorporating costs associated with funding access, the model continued to demonstrate cost‐effectiveness. Conclusion: Overall, this study provides initial evidence that suggests that the Sage House Model offers a scalable, community‐driven approach to improving dementia care outcomes and supporting PLWD and care partners, while reducing economic strain on health systems
The writing workshop: teaching students to rest easy with uncertainty
No full textThis chapter, written by Karen Stevens, describes the aims and ethos of the BA (honours) creative writing programme at the University of Chichester (UK), where Stevens has taught for more than twenty years. In keeping with the programme’s four essential components—which include reading like a writer, completing writing exercises, workshopping, and critiquing—Stevens argues for the value of creative writing pedagogy that “lean[s] into the exploratory,” nurturing an investigative attitude among students. To accomplish this, she encourages teaching students to feel comfortable with uncertainty. In workshop discussions and written feedback (as demonstrated in her commentary on a sample student story included at the end of the chapter), Stevens seeks to open possibilities for development and in this way guide students toward constructive rewriting