20588 research outputs found
Sort by
Return serve: Exploring the dialogism of the Australia-China relationship in media coverage between 2020-2022
Full text linkAustralia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have a dynamic bilateral relationship that is defined by interdependency and mutual political scepticism. This thesis provides an analysis of Australian and Chinese news media perspectives on this relationship. Via an in-depth examination of opinion pieces from national press, I map the significant developments of a period of deteriorating relations between 2020 and 2022. My study captures the more prominent, parochial and vitriolic media coverage of the unravelling relationship, and investigates the motivations, developments, differences, and similarities in the online publications of Australia’s national daily newspaper The Australian, and China’s Global Times. I use Mikhail Bakhtin’s theoretical framework of dialogism and Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis to examine the transformation of national discourses at a critical juncture in the Australia-China relationship.
The motivations and developments within these discourses were illustrated through contrasting, and at times resonating, perspectives on political and ideological contestations. Together, these narratives developed in a way that is symbolic of the nature of the Australia[1]China relationship, in the sense that it is a union defined by an enduring cyclical paradigm of mutual scepticism and interdependency. This thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of how Australia and China’s political and cultural perspectives are intertwined with news production, and offers a new depth of understanding the intricacies of a delicate yet interdependent relationship between two important regional partners. With this in mind, this research will be of particular significance to scholars focused on Australia-China relations across the fields of Media studies, Communications, and International Relations, and more broadly for policy makers and legislators that rely on in-depth critical analysis to make strategic decisions in this arena
AI agents and agentic systems: A multi-expert analysis
No full textThe emergence of AI agents and agentic systems represents a significant milestone in artificial intelligence, enabling autonomous systems to operate, learn, and collaborate in complex environments with minimal human intervention. This paper, drawing on multi-expert perspectives, examines the potential of AI agents and agentic systems to reshape industries by decentralizing decision-making, redefining organizational structures, and enhancing cross-functional collaboration. Specific applications include healthcare systems capable of creating adaptive treatment plans, supply chain agents that predict and address disruptions in real-time, and business process automation that reallocates tasks from humans to AI, improving efficiency and innovation. However, the integration of these systems raises critical challenges, including issues of attribution and shared accountability in decision-making, compatibility with legacy systems, and addressing biases in AI-driven processes. The paper concludes that while agentic systems hold immense promise, robust governance frameworks, cross-industry collaboration, and interdisciplinary research into ethical design are essential. Future research should explore adaptive workforce reskilling strategies, transparent accountability mechanisms, and energy-efficient deployment models to ensure ethical and scalable implementation
A critical review of the theory of planned behaviour in tourism research
Full text linkThe Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has received considerable attention across various academic disciplines and remains one of the most widely applied–yet increasingly critiqued–theoretical frameworks in tourism research. Despite its widespread use, there is a notable lack of critical reflection on its adequacy in capturing the complexity of tourist behaviour and a limited exploration of alternative theoretical pathways. This paper addresses this gap by critically evaluating the appropriateness and limitations of the TPB in tourism research. Special attention is given to the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit (TRGP), a recent extension of the TPB, alongside complementary frameworks from parent disciplines and emerging methodological innovations. The paper concludes that an overreliance on the TPB may constrain theoretical advancement in the field. Future research on tourist decision-making and human behaviour should therefore consider broader, interdisciplinary approaches that more effectively account for emotional, contextual, and cognitive complexities
Circus-specific extension of the 6th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport
Full text linkWhile sport-related concussion (SRC) is a known risk in circus arts, no published guidelines exist to guide post-concussion return to circus, contributing to inadequate management in this population. The Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) published the 6th international consensus statement in 2023, providing updated guidance and assessment tools for the management of SRC. Sport and dance organisations have adapted these recommendations for their specific settings. The aim of this extension statement was to extend the CISG guideline to the circus arts training and performance context. Development included a review of literature, creation of the initial drafts by the working group, feedback from external reviewers and integration of the feedback into a final draft approved by the working group. This statement includes circus-specific recommendations for: (1) baseline testing; (2) immediate postinjury management including adapted Maddocks questions; (3) a criterion-based return-to-circus progression including guidance by circus discipline; (4) prognostic considerations; (5) risk reduction/prevention. While ongoing research specific to SRC in circus is needed, this guideline supports and advises circus organisations to develop concussion management protocols and policies. It also informs clinicians to assist their understanding of the unique aspects and demands of circus arts to provide tailored clinical care in the rehabilitation of circus artists as they return to training and performance following SRC
Elizabeth Usher memorial lecture 2024: Speech-language pathology practice in Aboriginal spaces: A journey of learning and unlearning
Full text linkIn this paper I describe learnings gained from 15 years collaboration with Aboriginal colleagues in Australia, in endeavours to improve rehabilitation services for Aboriginal people with brain injury and their families. Colleagues include Aboriginal researchers, clinicians, and people with communication and other disorders associated with brain injury and their families. My research journey in this field has been made possible through the work, mentoring, and support of these colleagues who introduced me to Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing. My journey has involved challenging and un-learning some widely accepted Western tenets of speech-language pathology practice in order to explore culturally acceptable practices. The notion of learning, while at the same time unlearning and relearning is discussed in this paper along with several crucial ingredients of working cross-culturally in an Aboriginal space. These include ongoing relationships, collaboration, and the concept of cultural security. Clinical yarning as a method to be employed in both clinical and research contexts is also discussed as it has been applied to particular projects undertaken to date. The paper encourages the unpacking of aspects related to evidence-based practice, accepted research methodologies, and assessment and treatment processes in brain injury rehabilitation and in speech-language pathology, generally
Increased nitrate intake from beetroot juice over 4 weeks changes the composition of the oral, but not the intestinal microbiome
Full text linkInorganic dietary nitrate, metabolized through an endogenous pathway involving nitrate reducing bacteria, improves cardiovascular health, but its effects on the oral and intestinal microbiomes of older adults with treated hypertension are unknown. Our study investigated the effects of nitrate from beetroot juice on the oral and intestinal microbiomes of this population. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted with 15 participants (age range: 56–71 years), who consumed nitrate-rich or nitrate-depleted (placebo) beetroot juice for 4 weeks. The oral microbiome analysis revealed an increase in Neisseria and a decrease in Veillonella relative abundance (for both, PERMANOVA p \u3c 0.001), with no significant changes in the intestinal microbiome composition. Our findings suggest that an increased dietary nitrate intake from a vegetable source may selectively modulate the oral microbiome and promote an increased abundance of nitrate-reducing species, which was previously associated with improved cardiovascular health outcomes
Possibilities for climate change adaptation investments in Ghana: Exploring private sector concerns and perceptions about policy incentives
Full text linkPolicy incentives can significantly boost private sector investment in climate change adaptation, especially in developing countries. Leveraging private sector resources, including human capital, financial assets, and technological innovations, is crucial for enhancing adaptation efforts. However, many private entities are reluctant to invest due to the perceived business risks associated with climate change. This hesitancy increases vulnerability in developing nations. This study examines the private sector\u27s views in Ghana on policy incentives for climate adaptation investments and the barriers impeding their involvement. The findings show that corporate social responsibility, financial requirements, and access to relevant information are key motivators for private sector participation in climate adaptation. However, challenges such as inadequate public sector support, weak partnerships, and a preference for reactive rather than proactive strategies hinder progress. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted policies to address these barriers, fostering stronger private sector participation in climate change adaptation and reducing climate-related vulnerabilities in developing countries
Young people’s perceptions of harm from accessing online sexual content
Full text linkHarm—and the ways in which it is interpreted, negotiated, discussed, and unpacked by adolescents themselves—is a key term in almost all debates about young people’s experiences with online pornography. This essay situates the topic of this special issue—adolescents’ perceptions of harm from accessing online sexual content—within a broader context of the discourses and practices that inform research in this field. We show how discourses of harm and risk circulate around the figure of the innocent child in need of protection and argue for more nuanced understandings of and research about childhood that take into account the lived experiences and perspectives of young people themselves. The papers in this special issue cover a range of academic perspectives and reflect diverse epistemological, methodological, and academic cultures. The special issue underscores the complex nature of the topic and the need for nuanced, rigorous, and robust empirical research
Topical versus systemic antibiotics for chronic suppurative otitis media
No full textBackground: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), sometimes referred to as chronic otitis media, is a chronic inflammation and often polymicrobial infection of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, characterised by ear discharge (otorrhoea) through a perforated tympanic membrane. The predominant symptoms of CSOM are ear discharge and hearing loss. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for CSOM, and aim to kill or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms that may be responsible for the infection. Antibiotics can be administered both topically and systemically, and can be used alone or in addition to other treatments for CSOM, such as ear cleaning (aural toileting). This is the first update of a review published in 2021. The update found no new studies. It is one of a suite of seven Cochrane reviews evaluating the effects of non-surgical interventions for CSOM. Objectives: To assess the benefits and harms of topical versus systemic antibiotics for people with CSOM. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane ENT Register, CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and five other databases. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). The latest search date was 15 June 2022. Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with at least a one-week follow-up involving adults and children who had chronic ear discharge of unknown cause or CSOM, where the ear discharge had continued for more than two weeks. The studies compared topical antibiotics versus systemic (oral, injection) antibiotics. The two main comparisons were the same type of antibiotic in both treatment groups and different types of antibiotics in each group. Within each comparison, we separated studies into 1. those in which both groups of participants had received aural toileting in addition to the antibiotics, and those where neither group had received aural toileting, and 2. those in which both groups received some other concomitant treatment (such as topical antiseptics) and those with no such concomitant treatment. Data collection and analysis: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Our primary outcomes were: resolution of ear discharge or \u27dry ear\u27 (whether otoscopically confirmed or not, measured at between one week and up to two weeks, two weeks up to four weeks, and after four weeks), health-related quality of life using a validated instrument, and ear pain (otalgia) or discomfort or local irritation. Secondary outcomes were hearing, serious complications, and ototoxicity. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. Main results: This update did not find any new studies. We included six studies (445 participants), all with high risk of bias. Three studies included participants with confirmed CSOM, where perforation of the ear drum was clearly documented. None of the studies reported results for resolution of ear discharge after four weeks or health-related quality of life. 1. Topical quinolone versus systemic quinolone. Four studies (325 participants) compared topical versus systemic (oral) administration of ciprofloxacin. Topical administration may slightly increase resolution of ear discharge at one to less than two weeks (risk ratio (RR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 1.84; 2 studies, 210 participants; low-certainty evidence). These studies either did not mention aural toileting or limited it to the first visit. Three studies (265 participants) reported that they did not suspect ototoxicity in any participants, but it is unclear how this was measured (very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported the outcomes of resolution after four weeks, health-related quality of life, ear pain, or serious complications. No studies reported results for hearing, despite it being measured in three studies. 2. Topical quinolone versus systemic aminoglycosides. One study (60 participants) compared topical ciprofloxacin versus gentamicin injected intramuscularly. No aural toileting was reported. Resolution of ear discharge was not measured at one to two weeks. The study did not report any side effects from which we assumed that no ear pain, suspected ototoxicity, or serious complications occurred (very low-certainty evidence). The study stated that no worsening of the audiometric function related to local or parenteral therapy was observed. . 3. Topical quinolone versus systemic penicillin plus beta-lactamase inhibitor. One study (60 participants) compared topical ofloxacin versus oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid with all participants receiving suction ear cleaning at the first visit. Oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid may increase the resolution of ear discharge at one to less than two weeks compared to topical ofloxacin, but the evidence is very uncertain. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effects of topical ofloxacin compared with oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid on ear pain, hearing, or suspected ototoxicity (all very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported the outcomes of resolution after four weeks, health-related quality of life, and serious complications. Authors\u27 conclusions: There was a limited amount of low- or very low-quality evidence available, from studies completed over 15 years ago, to determine whether topical or systemic antibiotics are more effective in achieving resolution of ear discharge for people with CSOM. This was mostly due to high risk of bias in the studies and imprecision. However, amongst this uncertainty, there is some evidence to suggest that the topical administration of quinolone antibiotics may be slightly more effective than systemic administration of antibiotics in achieving resolution of ear discharge (dry ear). There is limited evidence available regarding different types of topical antibiotics. It is not possible to determine with any certainty whether topical quinolones are better or worse than systemic aminoglycosides. These two groups of compounds have different adverse effect profiles, but there is insufficient evidence from the included studies to make any comment about these. In general, harmful effects were poorly reported. Limitations of the review include lack of recency in data, and limited information on certain population groups or interventions
Supply chain innovation: A framework of public procurement as a demand-side innovation driver
Full text linkPurpose: Much of the supply chain innovation (SCI) literature has focused on innovation as driven by supply-side factors that often lead to incremental product changes. Such marginal innovation outcomes make suppliers less responsive to government buyers’ innovation needs for addressing societal challenges. Building on this observation, this article conceptualises how a demand-side innovation driver, namely public procurement, influences SCI radically and incrementally from downstream. Design/methodology/approach Employing the conceptual research approach and following established guidelines for building theory and conceptual development in management and supply chain research, we re-examine the SCI literature for existing assumptions about government innovation procurement and explain how public procurement may spur radical and incremental innovation across a supply chain. The article draws on network theory lenses to propose a framework that enhances government’s innovation-oriented procurement role in SCI. Findings Our supply chain innovation-oriented procurement (SCIP) framework explains that government buyers, through demand articulation (i.e. precise, or outcome-based), may stimulate focal suppliers’ responsiveness to generate their desired innovation – incremental or radical. While precise demand articulation often leads to incremental innovation, clear outcome-based demands favour radical innovation more as they allow for creative and alternative solutions. Radical and incremental innovation are not mutually exclusive and automatic. Their relationship with demand articulation is mediated by suppliers’ responsiveness (i.e. supply size and absorptive capacity), whose effect on innovation outcome is further moderated by network complexities. Practical implications Purchasing managers may use the proposed SCIP framework to determine the relevant demand articulation for their innovation procurements based on the nature and degree of innovation desired. Buyers will understand the crucial role of high absorptive capacity for supplier responsiveness and radical innovation even in complex supply networks. Also, buyers may better manage suppliers’ tendency to avoid innovation risks and costs associated with innovation-oriented contracts by facilitating their access to complementary innovation resources. Originality/value The article addresses a gap in the SCI literature with new insight into how innovation procurement as a demand-side innovation driver influences SCI in the context of the downstream supply chain in addressing societal problems. We also propose a SCIP framework that helps manage SCI efforts in innovation procurement