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Intuitive Psychology in an AI Age: The Evolving Landscape of Child Development in the Presence of Artificial Intelligence
This article examines intuitive psychology, the subconscious ability to infer others' emotions and beliefs,
its development in children, and the impact of AI. As AI becomes an "external other," children encounter
new social dynamics, influencing their understanding of mental states, social cognition, and critical thinking.
AI systems like chatbots and robots mimic human responses, raising concerns about distinguishing real
from artificial interactions. While AI offers developmental opportunities, it also presents challenges related
to empathy, digital literacy, and over-reliance. The paper proposes a comparative study of children in North
Yorkshire, UK, and South East Queensland, Australia, to explore AI's effects. It highlights ethical issues,
such as AI bias and evolving human-AI relationships, emphasising the importance of responsible AI
integration to support children’s social and emotional growth
GP referral to rapid diagnostic centres for non-specific cancer symptoms: a qualitative study
Background
Diagnosing cancer can be challenging, especially when patients present to GPs with serious, but non-specific symptoms. Rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs) have been introduced in England as diagnostic pathways for patients with non-specific symptoms where cancer is suspected, but they do not meet existing cancer pathway criteria.
Aim
To investigate GP perspectives on referral to an RDC pathway for patients with non-specific symptoms and suspected cancer.
Design & setting
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with GPs, within the catchment area of an acute NHS trust in the UK.
Method
GP interviews focusing on experiences of using the RDC pathway. A thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts.
Results
GPs reported the RDC pathway as a game changer. It offered faster referral, reduced anxiety for GPs and patients, and reduced the need for GPs to ‘ game the system ’ when patients do not meet criteria for cancer-specific pathways. The narrative required on referral appeared to legitimise GP gut feelings and expertise. RDC results (if not cancer) gave GPs space to treat patients without concern of a missed cancer, while ensuring onward referral for those with cancer or other serious conditions. Some access barriers, especially related to travel and time, were identified especially for patients in rural areas.
Conclusion
This cancer pathway fills a referral gap for GPs and patients with non-specific potential cancer symptoms. It has an important signposting function, helping identify patients requiring treatment for cancer or other serious conditions, and others whose symptoms can be treated safely within primary care
Global burden of 292 causes of death in 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
Sustainable Development Policy Interventions: Stakeholder Engagement and Environmental Policy in Practice
This study critically examines the global landscape of policy interventions for sustainable development by pursuing three interrelated objectives: (1) to map the intellectual terrain and thematic evolution of sustainability‐oriented policy research; (2) to analyze the governance and institutional factors that shape the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and (3) to propose a coherent research agenda and conceptual framework for integrated, adaptive, and context‐sensitive policy design. Using a Bibliometric–Systematic Literature Review (B‐SLR), the study synthesizes evidence from 1862 peer‐reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2024, identified through a structured, two‐track search strategy and PRISMA‐guided screening, and interpreted through Governance Theory, Institutional Theory, Systems Thinking, and Circular Economy perspectives. The findings map how SDG‐aligned policy interventions are framed within holistic governance models, robust institutional arrangements, and collaborative stakeholder platforms, including public–private partnerships. However, some gaps remain in adaptive governance, institutional innovation, and cross‐sectoral policy coherence, particularly in underrepresented contexts. To address these challenges, the study develops an Integrated Theoretical Framework that links governance mechanisms, institutional capacity, and systems‐based design to guide transformative policy action. The research presents a future research agenda targeting the following four domains: environmental–economic policy integration, public health and social equity, resource governance, and institutional coordination for SDG implementation. By advancing theoretical synthesis and highlighting practical implications for policymakers, development practitioners, and managers, the study provides a conceptual roadmap for designing inclusive, responsive, and sustainable policy interventions in a complex global environment. Limitations relate to database and language scope, which should be considered when interpreting coverage and generalizability
The worker-priests: care as a composition of love and solidarity
This article explores the moral lessons organization studies can draw from the worker-priest movement of the 1940s and 1950s. The first section gives an account of the worker-priests and their organization in France. The second section, drawing on the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard, Emmanuel Levinas and Leonardo Boff, identifies in this organization a resonance of care that operates via four techniques: proximity; self-divestment; radical giving; and collective particularity. These techniques establish a synthesis between love and solidarity that aims at bringing justice into the world as care. The article concludes with a discussion of what this account might bring to a critical spirituality of organization that is centred on the precariousness of existence – and its demand for care
Academics’ psychological contract. Applying discretionary effort
Limited research has been conducted on the academic psychological contract and the role it plays in influencing academic behaviour. This qualitative study investigated the impact that the psychological contract has on 18 academics working across 9 university business schools, by understanding how they perceive the employment relationship, and how this perception influences their work activities with a particular focus on the application of discretionary effort. The research conducted followed an interpretivist design using semi-structured questions to seek out the lived experience of the academics. Findings suggest that discretionary effort is focused on what individuals perceive as being or not being academic work, but is not readily recognised as such, instead it is considered part of the job suggesting that perhaps it may be considered induced and is an outcome of increased managerialism in the sector. The outcomes of this research provide an interesting insight into the workings of academics and as such should enable improvements in the employment relationship between academics and their host University. The research investigates the construct of the psychological contract from a different perspective
Banking for a greener future: a systematic review of sustainable initiatives in South Asia
The expanding role of green banking in South Asia is examined in this study, with an emphasis on how financial institutions
are balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Natural resource depletion and climate change are two major environmental issues facing South Asian nations, which is why banks in the region are embracing green practices like ecofriendly loans, green investments, and sustainable products. The effectiveness of these measures is investigated, as are the particular challenges that banks encounter, such as legal constraints and striking a balance between environmental goals and economic expansion. This study offers insights into the many green banking tactics, the function of central banks and regulatory agencies, and the wider effects of these activities on sustainability by completing a thorough literature analysis.Key findings highlight the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, enhanced risk assessment mechanisms, and tailored green banking products that address the region’s specific needs. This study further identifies policy gaps and recommends future research directions to strengthen South Asia’s green finance landscape, emphasizing resilience against climate-related financial risks. Ultimately, the findings aim to guide policymakers, financial institutions and stakeholders in fostering a sustainable and resilient banking sector in South Asia, aligning with global environmental goals while addressing regional priorities