‘A double‐edged tool’: A psychological needs perspective of generative AI and postgraduate international students' engagement in UK higher education

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) in higher education is reshaping student engagement, yet its impact on postgraduate international students remains underexplored. This study examines how generative AI shapes postgraduate international students' engagement through a psychological needs perspective. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 27 participants, this research explores how generative AI facilitates autonomy, competence and relatedness, shaping engagement across behavioural, cognitive, emotional, social and agentive dimensions. The findings, divided into three main themes—'navigating autonomy and adaptation’, ‘augmented competence and AI‐Halo effect’ and ‘fostering relatedness and emotional resilience’—reveal that generative AI enhances self‐directed learning, academic confidence and inclusivity, particularly by bridging linguistic and cultural barriers. However, challenges such as over‐reliance and ethical uncertainties underscore the need for institutional and external support mechanisms to balance AI‐driven engagement. Ultimately, this study advances the digital technology and student engagement literature by exploring the intersection of technology and education and proposes a psychological needs framework of generative AI that offers critical insights into its evolving role in higher education

Midwives’ insights into birth trauma and awareness of compassionate listening services after birth

Background/Aims Birth trauma can have long-lasting effects on women's quality of life, influencing emotional wellbeing, intimate and family relationships and, in some cases, adverse cognitive outcomes for children. This study's aim was to explore community midwives’ awareness of birth trauma, wider support and barriers to supporting those in need. Methods A purposive sample of 17 community midwives were interviewed about their knowledge of signs and symptoms of birth trauma, including experiences and barriers to identifying and support. Data were analysed thematically within the COM-B framework to explore participants’ capability, opportunity and motivation in caring for women with birth trauma. Results Participants’ knowledge of the signs and symptoms of birth trauma and identifying and supporting individuals with birth trauma was broadly good. However, some limitations in information and resources were identified. Conclusions The participants were strongly motivated to support those with birth trauma. Nevertheless, they experienced barriers including time constraints and reduced continuity of care affecting the midwife–mother relationship. Cultural, social and language barriers further limited the participants’ ability to identify and support individuals with birth trauma or enable some women to disclose. Implications for practice Birth trauma training, resources and support for midwives are required, considering cultural sensitivities and working patterns. Changes to maximise continuity may enable community midwives to effectively support those with birth trauma

“I felt like trash...I needed help!” - A Discussion of Black Women’s Activism in the Carceral Space

Bringing together diverse perspectives from research, lived experience and frontline practice, this collection considers the central role of relationships for criminalised women, including motherhood, family, peer, romantic and professional relationships

Advancing practice radiography education in the UK: An analysis of themes from higher education programmes

Introduction The development of radiographers to the enhanced, advanced and consultant levels relies on appropriate post-registration education to develop capabilities across four pillars of practice. In an evolving landscape, higher education institutions (HEIs) need to ensure provision is viable, meets demand, and aligns with professional frameworks. This study aimed to scope the current UK post-registration radiography provision to support advancing practice and explore future directions and challenges in delivery. Methods The multi-method qualitative study comprised two stages. Content analysis was undertaken of online information pertaining to programmes. Semi-structured online interviews were undertaken with HEI representatives from programme teams. Content and frequency analysis of education provision and thematic analysis of interviews using Braun and Clark’s methodology was undertaken. Results 49 post-registration radiography programmes, at 25 HEIs, were identified during content analysis. Ultrasound, projectional radiograph reporting, and breast imaging were well provided for, yet options in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and DXA were limited, especially outside of England. 16 (64 %) of HEIs were represented at interview and four key themes were identified; sustainability and viability of provision, fragmentation of provision, ambiguity of levels of practice and accreditation, and addressing the four pillars of practice. Conclusion HEIs have identified significant challenges to viability of provision, placing programmes at significant risk. Saturation of some areas of practice, uncertain funding streams, and low student numbers were perceived to present a challenge to the sustainability of UK post-registration radiography education. The provision, and how it meets the requirements of the advancing practice workforce, presents a very mixed picture. Implications for practice Without a sustainable and collaborative approach to post-registration radiography education, support for the future advancing practice workforce is under threat, particularly in some discipline areas

Medium‐Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Three Metallic Materials and a Welded Steel Following Gaseous Hydrogen Soaking

This study investigates the impact of hydrogen soaking on the medium‐cycle fatigue behavior of various metallic materials commonly used in gas transmission pipelines. The tested materials include ex‐service gray cast iron, ex‐service X52 carbon steel, brass, and welded X52 carbon steel. A comprehensive fatigue testing program was conducted on both as‐received and hydrogen‐soaked specimens. Rigorous statistical analysis of the results revealed minimal impact of hydrogen on fatigue life for the materials and hydrogen charging conditions studied. The experimental data for hydrogen‐soaked specimens aligned closely with baseline scatter bands from as‐received specimens. This work suggests that, for the specific hydrogen‐charging procedure and fatigue testing conditions employed, additional considerations for hydrogen effects in fatigue design may not be necessary for the materials examined

Entrepreneurial resilience in the digital era: The role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and passion

Although digitalization has garnered a growing body of research, our understanding of when and how the adoption of digital technologies leads to more resilient entrepreneurial outcomes is limited. We draw on social cognitive theory to develop a moderated mediation model in which digital technologies indirectly promote entrepreneurial resilience through self-efficacy. We further propose that entrepreneurial passion serves as a key boundary condition that influences the strength of this indirect effect. Using data obtained from 300 SME owners/managers in the UK, the results suggest that entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediates the digitalization-resilience nexus, while entrepreneurial passion moderates this mediated relationship. We contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by highlighting that digitalization alone is insufficient to help entrepreneurs sustain their ventures in challenging conditions. Our results have significant implications for both practitioners and policymakers

Women’s participation in a disease management intervention for podoconiosis in northern Rwanda: understanding the context of women’s lives

Background Podoconiosis is a Neglected Tropical Disease which leads to foot and leg swelling (lymphoedema) and, ultimately, severe disability. People suffering from podoconiosis often cannot continue their economic or social roles for prolonged periods of time and experience stigmatisation. Research points towards women being more affected by podoconiosis and podoconiosis disease management interventions being less effective for women. Women’s participation in a podoconiosis disease management intervention in northern Rwanda was the focus of this study. The benefits women experienced when taking part in the intervention, and the challenges they faced when trying to follow intervention advice were explored. Methods This study is based on a focused ethnography which applied several qualitative research methods, including in-depth and key informant interviews, focus group discussions, transect walks, and observations. Women’s experiences with participating in a disease management intervention for podoconiosis in northern Rwanda were analysed through the lens of structural violence. Results Our findings demonstrate that while the disease management intervention provided significant benefits to women suffering from podoconiosis, five, often intersecting, contextual domains made it difficult for them to participate optimally. These domains were - the cultural construction of podoconiosis, geographical conditions, personal situations, resource challenges, and intervention implementation limitations. Gender emerged as a cross-cutting factor across all these domains. Women’s precarious lives and power imbalances between the women and the intervention provider impacted women’s ability to optimally engage with the disease management intervention for podoconiosis. Conclusions The context of women’s lives crucially impacted their ability to participate in a podoconiosis disease management intervention as intended. The differing needs and challenges of women affected by podoconiosis should be considered when designing and delivering health interventions to achieve more equitable health outcomes

Effects of neuromuscular warm-up on athletes’ change-of-direction performance and knee isokinetic muscle strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Neuromuscular warm-up is a structured protocol containing at least three of the following exercise types: resistance, dynamic stability, core strength, plyometrics, and agility. Neuromuscular warm-up holds significant clinical value for enhancing athletic performance and reducing injury risk. However, current evidence remains limited regarding its effects on change-of-direction (COD) performance and knee isokinetic muscle strength—two physical qualities critically associated with performance outcomes and injury prevention in multidirectional sports. Furthermore, a comprehensive synthesis is lacking on how to tailor warm-up protocols to optimally improve these two interrelated domains. Objective: This review aims to: 1) evaluate the effects of neuromuscular warm-up on COD performance and knee isokinetic muscle strength, and 2) systematically analyze moderating effects of warm-up protocols (number of exercise, frequency, sets, repetitions, duration, and metrics), athlete level, and study designs (randomized vs. non-randomized trials). Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science (Core Collection), Embase, and Scopus on 5 May 2025, and updated on 15 May 2025. Pooled effects for each outcome were summarized using standardized mean difference (Hedges’ g) through a three-level meta-analysis model, subgroup and regression analyses were used to explore moderators. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: From 25,251 records, 19 studies (n = 810) were included, with a mean PEDro score of 6.00 (high quality). Neuromuscular warm-up significantly improved COD performance (g = 0.46 [0.09, 0.82], I2-2 = 33.7%; I2-3 = 37.7%, Moderate GRADE) and knee isokinetic muscle strength (g = 0.72 [0.39, 1.04], I2-2 = 69.5%; I2-3 = 5.2%, High GRADE) versus controls (regular or dynamic warm-up). Meta-regression analysis indicated that sets in neuromuscular warm-up protocols significantly moderate COD performance. Subgroup analyses indicated that warm-up protocols (neuromuscular warm-up frequency and metrics), athlete levels, and study designs significantly influenced both COD performance and knee isokinetic muscle strength (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Neuromuscular warm-up significantly enhances COD performance and knee isokinetic muscle strength compared to the control group, moderated by warm-up protocols (frequency, sets, and metrics), athlete level, and study designs. Systematic Review Registration: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as CRD420251046324