University of Worcester

Abstract Purpose Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal disorder, with up to 70% developing CAI, linked to mechanical and functional insufficiencies such as reduced DFROM and disrupted afferent transmission. Joint mobilisations improve DFROM, increase afferent input, enhance dynamic balance, and self-reported function in those with ankle sprains. However, research on the combined effect of mobilisation and home-based exercises is limited. The study determines if home-based rehabilitation can enhance functional improvements in WB-DFROM and dynamic postural control, following Grade IV anterior-to-posterior ankle joint mobilisation in females with CAI. Methods The study adopted a randomised comparative intervention design. Forty-eight female athletes (age 22.5 ± 3.5 years) with unilateral CAI were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. All participants received three 120-s Grade IV anterior-to-posterior talar joint mobilisation sessions, 48 h apart. The intervention group then completed 4 weeks of home-based rehabilitation exercises, with the control group maintaining normal activities. WB-DFROM and SEBT (ANT, PM, PL) were measured bilaterally before the first session, after the third, and weekly during rehabilitation. The uninjured limb served as a control. Data were analysed using mixed model ANOVAs and effect sizes with Hedge’s g. Results Significant differences were found after initial mobilisation in both groups ( p ≤ 0.001) with ‘huge’ effect sizes. The intervention group showed significant improvements in WB-DFROM, PM, and PL across all 4 weeks, and in ANT for weeks 1, 2, and 3. Conclusion Joint mobilisation followed by home-based rehabilitation effectively treats CAI in females. An effective protocol includes three 120-s joint mobilisations in the first week, followed by 2 weeks of daily exercises targeting self-mobilisation and dynamic postural control.

ABSTRACT The banking sector plays a critical role in fostering sustainability by directing capital toward environmentally and socially responsible projects. Yet, there is a perceived need for studies that shed some light on their activities in this field. This Communication sheds some light on the contribution of the banking sector to support the development of small organizations toward SDG 9.

Introduction: This study analyses the applicability of validated work stress and resilience assessment tools to the Occupation Therapy (OT) workplace, and OT’s understanding and experiences of the meaning of work stress and resilience, to inform current OT leadership and management approaches to work stress and resilience. Method: The study utilises mixed quantitative and qualitative methods involving a self-completed online questionnaire ( n = 36), the completion of three standardised work stress assessment tools and further qualitative semi-structured interviews ( n = 15) with thematic analysis of the transcriptions. Findings: Findings from the mixed methods data indicated divergence between the results from the validated tools and the Occupational Therapist’s actual experiences of resilience. Quantitative data indicated participants as having a ‘normal’ level of self-efficacy and resilience in the workplace with many of the stressors being reflected as positive and motivational pressures rather than harmful stress. However, findings from the qualitative data related negative experiences that system constraints and demands are having on participants’ self-efficacy, professional identity, integrity and consequently resilience. Conclusion: The findings highlight three key interrelated issues which inform current OT leaders and managers’ use of validated work stress and resilience tools, towards the development of a service resilience framework to better meet the needs of the OT workforce.

ABSTRACT This study characterizes Terribacillus aidigensis strain KB25, a novel halotolerant isolate from a thermal spring, exhibiting potent antifungal activity against the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans . Whole-genome sequencing and electron microscopy revealed significant physiological adaptations to salt stress and a rich genomic repertoire encoding secondary metabolites. Metabolomic profiling of the bacteria-fungus interaction demonstrated upregulated cofactor biosynthesis and energy metabolism, specifically identifying antimicrobial terpene derivatives as key inhibitory agents. Complementary molecular docking studies provided mechanistic insights, predicting high-affinity binding between bacterial sporulenol and the P. infestans RxLR effector. Notably, the analysis indicated a strong structural interaction between the bacterial ABC-type proline/glycine betaine permease and the glutamate receptor, suggesting a mechanism for mediating plant stress tolerance. These findings validate the dual efficacy of KB25 which indicates direct pathogen suppression via bioactive metabolite secretion and the potential modulation of host stress signalling. Integrated genomic-metabolomic analysis was also proved our findings. Consequently, T. aidigensis KB25 represents a promising, sustainable biocontrol agent for managing late blight, particularly within saline agro-ecosystems. Graphical abstract

Abstract This review examines the perceptions of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in England regarding the impact of their leadership status on their role enactment using a Rapid Systematized Review methodology. The most recent Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice outlines specific strategic leadership duties for SENCOs but does not mandate their membership in the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This lack of clarity regarding SENCOs' necessity in the SLT has elicited reactions from researchers and SENCOs, leading to inconsistencies in how the role is carried out in schools across England. The aim of the review is to generate insights into how SENCOs perceive the impact of leadership status on their role by synthesizing relevant qualitative findings. By employing a Thematic Synthesis technique, the review combines and integrates findings from eight qualitative studies, resulting in the identification of five key analytical themes—‘legislative clout’, securing collaborative effort, making a difference, resource management and extended workload and time pressure—that address the central question of the review. The findings of this review contribute to current understanding of SENCOs' leadership status. Furthermore, the research has the potential to guide SENCOs, school leaders, and policymakers in reassessing the importance of SENCOs' leadership status and the alignment of this with the responsibilities outlined in national SEND policy.

This study determines the impact that psychological evaluations of cognitive and affective factors have on fitness club membership retention. This study employs the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework to determine the impact of the cognitive factors (service quality and brand identity attractiveness) and affective factors (rapport and state anxiety) on satisfaction (organism) and ultimately, cancellation intention. A quantitative questionnaire was distributed to fitness club members (n = 635) and followed up with cancellation outcome data 12-months later to assess the predictive validity of intentions on cancellation outcome. Active users with validated cancellation intentions were included in the analysis (n = 544), through which a mediation model based on the SOR was tested using the PROCESS Macro. The SOR approach was validated, due to satisfaction mediating the influences of service quality, brand identity attractiveness, rapport and state anxiety, on cancellation intention. State anxiety was partially mediated, due to having both a mediated and direct influence over cancellation intention. This paper provides the first validation of the SOR framework in predicting fitness club membership retention and demonstrates the importance of assessing both cognitive and affective factors, especially state anxiety, when seeking to predict membership retention.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present insights into how extra care housing (ECH) can support couples, where at least one partner is living with dementia. ECH is a model of housing with flexible care and support that supports older people to live independently. Couples are enabled to continue to live together in a self-contained flat or apartment with additional support for either or both parties as required. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on findings from a large study of living with dementia in ECH (DemECH) that involved qualitative interviews with ECH residents affected by dementia, ECH staff and adult social care professionals were conducted across eight ECH schemes in England. Findings Data offer insight into how ECH can support couples might navigate their relationship, maintain a sense of togetherness and adapt to the challenges posed by changing care and support needs and cognitive decline. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are based on a small sample with limited diversity, which is not claimed to be representative. Participants were identified by gatekeepers at each research site, which may have presented some selection bias. Originality/value This paper provides novel insights into the living experiences of couples residing in ECH where at least one partner is living with dementia. Couples’ experiences in ECH have been little considered in research thus far.

Briefly charting the journey of the Craiova International Shakespeare Festival (CISF) from a post-communist venture, in 1994, to a leading global Shakespeare festival, this introduction examines its 30th anniversary edition, ‘Communities Build Festivals’, both in terms of continuity and innovation, focusing on new programming and community engagement initiatives. It explores the Festival's mission, as articulated by director Vlad Drăgulescu, and its emphasis on a ‘Shakespeare for everyone’ by fostering community building and challenging the traditional roles of audience and artists. Finally, it reflects on how festivals build communities and collaborations, highlighting the CISF's role as a cultural incubator, an international platform, a space for artistic expression and community support, particularly for artists from Ukraine and Moldova, and as a catalyst of new festival initiatives.