“It’s just men taking an interest’: Obscuring understanding and recognition of coercive control

This article, grounded in feminist empirical research, explores women’s perceptions of domestic violence and their routes to help-seeking, irrespective of personal experiences with domestic violence and abuse. It highlights how societal norms reinforce women’s subjugation through seemingly harmless ideas like "men just taking an interest" or a "woman’s desire to please." In line with Kirkwood’s (1993) concept of the "distortion of a woman’s subjective reality," the study reveals how women often unknowingly adapt their lives through unrecognised elements of coercive control. Deeply ingrained gendered norms perpetuate this control by subtly manipulating women's daily routines, obscuring abusive behaviour in intimate heterosexual relationships. The article argues that this manipulation starts early, making coercive control harder to recognise and resist. Ultimately, the study concludes that despite feminist efforts, societal norms continue to reinforce traditional gender roles, limiting women’s autonomy and sustaining patriarchal dominance. Concluding that unless there is a shift in these norms women's independence in such relationships will remain constraint

Netball: Adapted Teaching Games for Understanding (England)

The Game-based Approaches in Physical Education: International Applications presents 22 chapters, including 18 teaching units to be applied in physical education or youth sport, divided into four categories of games and an additional category of performance activities. This book combines the pedagogical, academic, and practical knowledge of a team of experts in the global game-based approaches community. Sharing some common universal principles about game-based physical education teaching, this book innovates by offering unique cultural perspectives and diversity in the pedagogical interpretations made in different continents and countries of the original Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach. Each unit includes a framework of tactical content of increasing complexity, a teaching unit outline (between 9 and 20 lessons), and the respective game-based activities and learning tasks. By covering key themes in contemporary sports pedagogy and physical education, including lesson content, tactical questioning, task design, assessment, and game modifications, this book is essential reading both for all prospective and in-service physical education teachers and sports coaches working with children and youth and their teacher and coach educators. Chapter 4 Abstract: Teaching Games for Understanding (Bunker and Thorpe, 1982) is a game-based approach to physical education, which prioritizes the problem-solving and decision-making aspects of games. The learner is placed in the center of a sequential process of introducing games requiring increasing levels of tactical understanding. The Teaching Games for Understanding approach incorporates the Curriculum Model with four pedagogical principles (Thorpe, Bunker & Almond, 1986), supported by the games classification system (Almond, 1986) which categorizes games based on their fundamental tactical aims of play. Through contextual gameplay the player firstly learns ‘what to do’ and ‘when to do it’, and only learning ‘how to do it’ at the point when the skill is required for the game. The pedagogical principles provide a framework for game modification, so they are developmentally appropriate for the players. This can challenge the commonly held misconception about Teaching Games for Understanding as only suitable for higher ability or older pupils. This chapter describes the teaching of games in schools in England with particular reference to introducing less experienced pupils to the tactics required for the invasion game, netball

A cluster randomised feasibility trial assessing an interactive film intervention to improve wellbeing of young people in school settings in the North of England

Background Adolescence is a critical period for the onset of mental illness. A partnership of a health and care network and filmmakers developed an interactive film for youth wellbeing. While such films have potential as a cost-effective preventative tool, their effectiveness remains unproven. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial of the interactive film intervention to improve wellbeing in school-aged youth. Methods In a mixed-methods cluster randomised feasibility trial in North East England (2021-2022), students in Years 10 (14-15 years) and 12 (16-17 years) from three schools were recruited and randomised to the following conditions: 1) watching the film in class, 2) watching the film in class with support from youth workers or 3) regular class activities. Feasibility outcomes included willingness of schools to participate, participant recruitment, and retention, which was accessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Data were analysed descriptively and with the use of thematic analysis. Results School recruitment targets were met, although this was challenging due to resource constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic. Questionnaires were completed before watching the film by 172 students (48% of the recruitment target). Follow-up targets for retention were met at 3-months (n=138) and 6-months (n=136). Retention of Year 10 students was high (96%), but Year 12 students had lower retention (60%). Qualitative findings showed students and teachers supported the intervention and trial and measurements however, consent-taking required more time. Communication and resource issues within schools were challenging and need addressing before moving to a larger trial. Conclusion Although some trial aspects were feasible and acceptable, particularly the intervention, others, such as recruitment, retention and school communication, posed challenges. We recommend future feasibility studies should address barriers such as randomisation, communication with schools, recruitment of older students (16-18 years), consent and measurement alignment before moving to a larger-scale trial

The culture of 'One belt, One road': a critical review of China's enterprise internationalisation - through the lens of Resource-Based View Theory

China's announcement of “One belt, One road” initiative has encouraged Chinese enterprises to actively engage in international trade. The OBOR strategy was aimed at alleviating its overcapacity of production to further stimulate its economic growth and to reassure the global market that their food products were ‘fit for purpose’ from historic food safety breaches. Utilising the ‘Resourced-based view’ theory, this paper critically explores how Chinese dairy producers have responded to their government’s initiatives to further stimulate the Chinese economy. A qualitative approach was adopted, via 28 business executives and senior management within the dairy sector and governmental organisations. The research identified core barriers in terms of resource capacity, internationally recognised food safety management systems and cultural engagement for corporate international expansion. This paper aims to provide feasible strategic analysis and recommendations for the international expansion of Chinese dairy companies, based on the resource-based view theory and current government policies

Victimisation and mate crime: A conversation with Dr Amy Pearson (The Portal Podcast)

In this episode of The Portal Podcast, hosts Professor Sarah Lonbay and Dr Lesley Deacon speak with Dr Amy Pearson, a developmental psychologist at Durham University’s Centre for Neurodiversity and Development. Amy shares her research journey from a traditional, deficit-based view of autism to a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, informed by both her professional work and personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. The conversation explores how autism has historically been defined, critiquing outdated concepts such as the “triad of impairments” and gendered interpretations like the “extreme male brain” theory. Amy discusses how the deficit model still dominates many services, despite pockets of progress, and emphasises the need for co-designed, up-to-date training led by neurodivergent people. A substantial part of the episode focuses on Amy’s “Mate Crime” research, which examines the victimisation of autistic people by those they know, including friends, romantic partners, and family members. She explains how compliance-based interventions can unintentionally teach autistic people to override their own boundaries, increasing vulnerability to abuse. The discussion highlights issues such as poly-victimisation, normalisation of violence, structural barriers to accessing support, and the need for accessible relationship education. Other topics covered include the dominance of autism within neurodiversity discourse, broad versus narrow definitions of the term “neurodivergent”, the links between autism and eating disorders, misdiagnosis of conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder, and the societal challenges facing neurodivergent people today. The episode closes with a vision for a more inclusive society and the importance of small, incremental changes in shifting systems and attitudes

Cognition in virtual reality: assessing user acceptability and feasibility of virtual reality cognitive screening for older adults

Abstract 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 Exfoliation of Van der Waals–Based Magnetic Nanocomposites for Hyperthermia Applications

We present the development of novel nanocomposites consisting of van der Waals (vdW) materials (WS₂, MoS₂, MoSe₂, TiS₂, and graphene), maghemite nanoparticles (MNPs), and a gum arabic (GA) matrix, optimized for magnetic hyperthermia applications. These superparamagnetic nanocomposites were comprehensively investigated using a range of advanced characterization techniques. It was found that the incorporation of MNPs enhances the exfoliation efficiency of vdW materials. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the MNPs, with an average diameter of 〈DTEM〉 = 8.3 ± 0.1 nm, are nearly spherical and uniformly anchored on the surfaces of the vdW material flakes. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic 2D material signatures and verified the formation of magnetic nanocomposites with varying layer numbers. Zeta potential measurements indicated high colloidal stability, which is essential for biomedical applications. Magnetic measurements confirmed the superparamagnetic nature of the vdW-integrated nanocomposites, showing reduced saturation magnetization, increased coercivity, and a shifted blocking temperature due to dipole–dipole interactions influenced by the presence of vdW materials. The highest specific absorption rate (SAR) values recorded were 21.4 W/g for Graphene@GA@MNPs, 20.6 W/g for WS₂@GA@MNPs, and 23.3 W/g for TiS₂@GA@MNPs. Magnetic hyperthermia tests demonstrated efficient heat generation under alternating magnetic fields, reinforcing their potential for biomedical applications

Quantifying the cost savings and health impacts of improving colonoscopy quality: an economic evaluation

Objective: To estimate and quantify the cost implications and health impacts of improving the performance of English endoscopy services to the optimum quality as defined by post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) rates. Design: A semi-Markov state-transition model was constructed, following the logical treatment pathway of individuals who could potentially undergo a diagnostic colonoscopy. The model consisted of three identical arms, each representing a high-, middle-, or low-performing trust’s endoscopy service, defined by PCCRC rates. A cohort of 40-year-old individuals was simulated in each arm of the model. The model’s time-horizon was when the cohort reached 90-years of age and the total costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated for all trusts. Scenario and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results: A 40-year-old individual gains 0.0006 QALYs and savings of £6.75 over the model lifetime by attending a high performing trust compared to attending a middle-performing trust and gains 0.0012 QALYs and savings of £14.64 compared to attending a low-performing trust. For the population of England aged between 40 and 86, if all low- and middle-performing trusts were improved to the level of a high-performing trust, QALY gains of 14,044 and cost savings of £249,311,295 are possible. Higher quality trusts dominated lower quality trusts; any improvement in the PCCRC rate was cost-effective. Conclusion: Improving the quality of endoscopy services would lead to QALY gains amongst the population, in addition to cost savings to the healthcare provider. If all middle- and low-performing trusts were improved to the level of a high-performing trust, our results estimate that the English NHS would save approximately £5million per year. Key words: Colorectal cancer; Colonoscopy; Quality; Health economic

The Impact of FinTech Integration on the Accessibility and Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions: A Case Study Approach

This chapter investigates the impact of FinTech integration on the accessibility and sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) using a case study approach and secondary data. The chapter examines how the use of FinTech solutions by MFIs have enhanced the accessibility of microfinance services by the poor and financially excluded individuals and groups. The chapter also evaluates the potential impact of FinTech integration on the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of MFIs. The chapter identifies key challenges of microfinance-FinTech integration such as high initial investment costs, cybersecurity risks, regulatory complexities, and the potential for over- indebtedness. This investigation provides insights into the opportunities and challenges that MFIs face in adopting FinTech solutions to achieve their aim of enhancing financial inclusion and long- term sustainability in the evolving digital landscape

Twelve-Week Structured Physical Training Improves Occupational Role-Related Fitness and Physical Function in U.K. Specialist Police Officers

Physical performance is crucial to enable police officers to complete occupation-related tasks effectively. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a twelve-week un-supervised structured exercise training programme across a range of fitness measures. 23 UK firearms officers underwent initial physical assessments then completed a 12-week training intervention that included exercises that targeted aerobic and anaerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. For cardiovascular fitness, officers were advised to complete 3 d.wk-1, 10 minutes per session starting at an intensity of 7-8 (RPE) with a work to rest ratio of 1:1 progressing to RPE level 8-9 and work to rest ratio of 1:2 and then to RPE level 9-10 with a work to rest ratio of 1:3. For resistance-related training, officers were advised to complete a minimum 1 d.wk-1, 10 minutes per session. Physical assessments were reassessed and analysed to identify if significant (p≤0.05) changes due to the intervention occurred. The training intervention produced moderate significant increases in VO2 max of 1.7 ml·kg-1·min-1 (d=1.12; p<0.001), grip strength of 8.1 kg (d=0.89; p=0.002), and reaction score of 2.7 strikes (d=0.73; p=0.007). The firearms officers had a good level of muscular endurance at the beginning of the assessment, which stayed relatively stable after the training intervention. The outcomes of this study suggest that a twelve-week structured non-supervised exercise training programme can improve a range of beneficial physical and fitness measures