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A comprehensive review of cyber security and current practices in global mining critical infrastructure
Get PDFThe purpose of the study is to explore the reasons behind the low uptake of Information Security Management Standards (ISMS), Asset Management, and Business Continuity Plans despite increasing cyber threats to the mining sector. Mining companies need to modernize and automate to keep up with the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, driven by disruptive technology, forcing systems and technologies to become more integrated, increasing cyber attack threats. To address this, we conducted a literature review analyzing the mining industry across various regions. The research is based on a qualitative analysis of diversified literature. The results highlighted factors behind the low uptake of ISMS standards: lack of regulatory requirements, low awareness of ISO/IEC 27001 standards, shortage of IT skills and expertise, lack of senior management engagement, and reliance on insurance to mitigate cyber threats. The results suggest mining companies are gradually realizing the potential consequences of cyber threats and are considering formulating a framework to protect the industry from cyber attacks
A national survey of osteopaths’ conceptions of practice in France: Structural validity of the Osteo-TAQfr and the tendency toward technical rationality
Get PDFBackground: Despite the growing popularity of osteopathy in France, little is known about how French osteopaths conceptualise key aspects of their practice, including skills, knowledge, and decision-making. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Osteopaths\u27 Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) for use in a French osteopathic population (Osteo-TAQfr) and to examine the professional profile and core elements of clinical practice among French osteopaths. The first objective was to establish the psychometric properties of the Osteo-TAQfr within a French osteopathic population. The second aim was to explore French osteopaths’ conceptions of practice and their approach to patient care, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of the profession in France and its relevance within the discourse on allied health professions (AHPs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to (1) adapt and validate the French version of the Osteopaths\u27 Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQfr) and (2) explore osteopaths’ conceptions of practice in France. The translation and cultural adaptation process was informed by cognitive interviews to ensure linguistic and contextual appropriateness. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed to assess the factor structure in the French osteopathic context and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to test the validity of previously established constructs—Professional Artistry (PA) and Technical Rationality (TR). Internal consistency was evaluated using McDonald’s omega (ω). Results: The survey yielded 1,703 complete responses. Analysis supported a two-factor model with PA andTR subscales, both showing strong reliability estimations (PA ω = 0.882; TR ω = 0.873). Minor theory-informed adjustments improved model fit. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the PA and TR subscales (r=-0.407). Respondents with additional health professions qualifications scored lower on the PA subscale and higher on the TR subscale. Conclusions: The Osteo-TAQfr is an original tool that assesses conceptions of osteopathic practice in France. Findings reveal a predominance of TR among French osteopaths, characterised by biomedical, technique-driven approaches. These results have significant implications for aligning osteopathic education and practice with contemporary AHP paradigms, including patient-centred care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Further research should explore the transferability of the Osteo-TAQ across other healthcare systems and its potential impact on clinical outcomes and professional development
Addressing ‘wicked complex problems’: Qualitative understandings of sexual violence prevention in male-dominated industries
Get PDFGlobally there has been increased focus on the prevalence of sexual violence in workplaces, including the mining industry. In Western Australia, where this study is situated, this industry is a significant employer, predominantly male-dominated, and the prevalent use of fly-in-fly-out schedules can blur work and social life. Consequently, efforts to prevent and manage workplace sexual violence have become a priority, leading to the development and implementation of various strategies and resources. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 participants, including sexual violence prevention professionals (n = 16) and mining industry workers (n = 18). Reflexive thematic analysis identified systemic and behavioural considerations that may be transferrable to other male-dominated workplaces. Participants emphasised the importance of primary prevention training programmes that included engaging activities, realistic scenarios, careful use of language, humour and inspirational facilitators. Genuine consultation with workers is critical to ensure key messages are appropriately received. Prevention interventions also need to be supported by appropriate reporting mechanisms and support processes for victim/survivors. This research aims to provide an understanding of current sexual violence prevention initiatives within the Australian mining sector, offering recommendations for future approaches tailored to industries and contexts with similar dynamics
Assessment practices for dietetic students: An updated systematic review (2017–2024)
Get PDFAim: Evaluate assessment practices and outcomes for dietetic students and compare findings with those from a previous systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was conducted whereby four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Education Resources Information Centre) were searched on 11 October 2023 with terms related to dietetics, students, and assessment. The search was repeated on 8 January 2025 to identify new publications. Eligibility criteria were primary research published after 1 June 2017 reporting at least one assessment method for dietetic students with an assessment-related outcome. Assessment practices and outcomes were evaluated using Miller\u27s Pyramid, the New World Kirkpatrick\u27s Hierarchy, and the principles of programmatic assessment. Results: From 5701 search results, 22 were identified, revealing new assessment practices, including entrustable professional activities, e-portfolios, and programmatic assessment, localised to Australia and Singapore. Compared to publications prior to 2017, a greater proportion conceptualised assessment as part of a system (46% compared to 28%) with a sustained higher prevalence of does and shows levels of Miller\u27s Pyramid. Evaluation continued to focus on reaction, learning, and behaviour. Conclusions: Findings indicate a transition towards programmatic approaches to systems of assessment within dietetics, though this shift was not observed globally. Such a shift is crucial for ensuring the profession\u27s agility in responding to modern disruptors and maintaining the delivery of high-quality education
Immediate versus delayed exercise on health-related quality of life in patients initiating androgen deprivation therapy: Results from a year-long randomised trial
Get PDFBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: An array of treatment-related toxicities result from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa), compromising function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Exercise has been demonstrated to counter a number of these adverse effects including decreased HRQoL; however, when exercise should be initiated is less clear. This study aims to examine whether commencing exercise when ADT is initiated rather than later during treatment is more effective in countering adverse effects on HRQoL. METHODS: Men with PCa (48-84 yr) initiating ADT were randomised to immediate exercise (IMEX; n = 54) or delayed exercise (DEL; n = 48) for 12 mo. IMEX consisted of 6 mo of supervised resistance/aerobic/impact exercise commenced at the initiation of ADT with 6 mo of follow-up. DEL consisted of 6 mo of usual care followed by 6 mo of the same exercise programme. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 at baseline and 6 and 12 mo. Intention to treat was utilised for the analyses that included group × time repeated-measures analysis of variance using log transformed data. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: There were a significant group × time interaction for the physical functioning domain (p = 0.045) and physical component summary score (p = 0.005), and a significant time effect for bodily pain (p \u3c 0.001) and vitality domains (p \u3c 0.001), with HRQoL maintained in IMEX and declining in DEL at 6 mo. Exercise in DEL reversed declines in vitality and in the physical component summary score, with no differences at 12 mo compared with baseline. Limitations include treatment alterations during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Concurrently initiating exercise and ADT in patients with PCa preserves HRQoL, whereas exercise initiated while on established ADT regimens reverses declines in some HRQoL domains. PATIENT SUMMARY: To avoid initial treatment-related adverse effects on health-related quality of life, exercise medicine should be initiated at the start of treatment
Inter-individual differences in the blood pressure lowering effects of dietary nitrate: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled replicate crossover trial
Get PDFPurpose: Dietary nitrate supplementation increases nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and reduces blood pressure (BP). Inter-individual differences in these responses are suspected but have not been investigated using robust designs, e.g., replicate crossover, and appropriate statistical models. We examined the within-individual consistency of the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on NO biomarkers and BP, and quantified inter-individual response differences. Methods: Fifteen healthy males visited the laboratory four times. On two visits, participants consumed 140 ml nitrate-rich beetroot juice (~ 14.0mmol nitrate) and, on the other two visits, they consumed 140 ml nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (~ 0.03mmol nitrate). Plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations were measured 2.5 h post-supplementation. BP was measured pre- and 2.5 h post-supplementation. Between-replicate correlations were quantified for the placebo-adjusted post-supplementation plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and pre-to-post changes in BP. Within-participant linear mixed models and a meta-analytic approach estimated participant-by-condition treatment response variability. Results: Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation elevated plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and reduced systolic (mean:-7mmHg, 95%CI: -3 to -11mmHg) and diastolic (mean:-6mmHg, 95%CI: -2 to -9mmHg) BP versus placebo. The participant-by-condition interaction response variability from the mixed model was ± 7mmHg (95%CI: 3 to 9mmHg) for systolic BP and consistent with the treatment effect heterogeneity t = ± 7mmHg (95%CI: 5 to 12mmHg) derived from the meta-analytic approach. The between-replicate correlations were moderate-to-large for plasma nitrate, nitrite and systolic BP (r = 0.55 to 0.91). Conclusions: The effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on NO biomarkers and systolic BP varied significantly from participant to participant. The causes of this inter-individual variation deserve further investigation. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05514821
Nivolumab plus chemotherapy or ipilimumab in gastroesophageal cancer: Exploratory biomarker analyses of a randomized phase 3 trial
Get PDFFirst-line nivolumab-plus-chemotherapy demonstrated superior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival versus chemotherapy for advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma with programmed death ligand 1 combined positive score ≥ 5, meeting both primary end points of the randomized phase 3 CheckMate 649 trial. Nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab provided durable responses and higher survival rates versus chemotherapy; however, the prespecified OS significance boundary was not met. To identify biomarkers predictive of differential efficacy outcomes, post hoc exploratory analyses were performed using whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Nivolumab-based therapies demonstrated improved efficacy versus chemotherapy in hypermutated and, to a lesser degree, Epstein–Barr virus-positive tumors compared with chromosomally unstable and genomically stable tumors. Within the KRAS-altered subgroup, only patients treated with nivolumab-plus-chemotherapy demonstrated improved OS benefit versus chemotherapy. Low stroma gene expression signature scores were associated with OS benefit with nivolumab-based regimens; high regulatory T cell signatures were associated with OS benefit only with nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab. Our analyses suggest that distinct and overlapping pathways contribute to the efficacy of nivolumab-based regimens in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Progressing gender equity in senior leadership: A systematic literature review
Get PDFPurpose: This study aim to review and compile the latest research in women’s leadership internationally and across multiple sectors and industries to understand how to fast-track gender equality. As an outcome of this review, this paper presents an actionable universal framework for organisations to use to bolster their gender equity efforts. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review methodology resulted in 36 articles dedicated to research on women in senior leadership interventions across countries and organisational types. Thematic analysis identified a series of enablers and barriers that influence women’s progression into senior roles. Findings: Research since 2020 has shown a significant shift from an individualised approach to improving women’s advancement to senior leadership roles, to a systematic one, acknowledging that there are entrenched behaviours resulting in a lack of equity. Research limitations/implications: Systematic literature reviews, although reducing bias, must still be acknowledged to have inherent bias due to the inclusion and exclusion criteria used. There is a need for future research to provide more theoretical underpinnings to advance knowledge and for implementation and review of the proposed EQUAL framework developed from this study. Originality/value: The authors highlight the continuing issues at play in organisations that act as barriers to women’s progress into senior leadership. This paper suggest that organisations may need to consider ways to move past a “business case” approach towards gender equity becoming embedded at all levels. Their proposed EQUAL framework provides a practical set of evidence-based activities to enhance this approach
Parents’ knowledge, understanding, and mediation practices of digital device use among children
No full textChildren are increasingly engaging with digital devices at an early age in both home and school settings, largely due to the portability and interactivity of these technologies, and with access fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. As primary educators, parents play a crucial role in mediating their children’s digital device use. However, many parents lack awareness of the impact of digital devices and effective strategies to manage them. This thesis aimed to investigate the complex dynamics of parental mediation in children’s digital device use, focussing on how parental self-efficacy, societal pressures, and access to information influence parental decisions. The research responds to the growing concerns over children’s screen time and the challenges parents face in managing digital interactions, aiming to identify strategies that can support parents in fostering healthy digital habits for their children. The thesis is structured around four distinct studies, each contributing to a comprehensive exploration of digital parenting. Study One presented a scoping review that examines the relationship between parental self-efficacy and children’s screen time, identifying gaps in the existing literature and offering theoretical recommendations. The review highlights the crucial role of self-efficacy, showing that parents with higher confidence in managing screen time report lower levels of digital device use among their children. Study Two reported on a pilot study that explores parental perceptions of the impact of digital device use on child behaviour and executive functioning. The findings revealed that increased digital device use, particularly on weekends, is associated with negative behaviours and difficulties in task initiation and working memory. Despite employing various mediation strategies, parents often face challenges in enforcing screen time limits, leading to family conflict and reliance on informal sources of guidance. Study Three utilised a mixed-methods approach to delve into the psychological dynamics of shame, self-stigma, and self-efficacy in digital parenting. The study found that societal pressures significantly influence parental self-efficacy, with feelings of shame and fear of judgment impacting how they regulate screen time. These findings supported the need for interventions that address psychological barriers and build parental confidence in managing digital device use. Study Four adopted a qualitative approach using Bronfenbrenner’s Person-Process-Context-Time (PPCT) model to understand the broader contextual challenges in digital parenting. This study highlighted the impact of societal norms, cultural expectations, and educational demands on parental practices, emphasising the need for supportive frameworks that empower parents to navigate these complexities. Integrating the findings across these studies provides a holistic understanding of the factors influencing digital parenting. The thesis argues for the development of tailored educational resources and policy initiatives that consider the diverse needs of families, address societal pressures, and promote digital literacy. The thesis provides a solid foundation for developing evidence-based interventions that align school and home expectations particularly in the context of increased screen-based activities accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic
Business model innovation through AI adaptation: The role of strategic human resources management
Get PDFWhile artificial intelligence (AI) requires business model innovation, it simultaneously poses persistent operational, regulatory and strategic challenges, highlighting the importance of researching AI adaptation to appropriate organizational value. AI adaptation is not monolithic, and its nature and consequent value appropriation processes may vary due to external factors and an organization\u27s strategic approach to innovation and resource management. Accordingly, a taxonomy of AI adaptation and its link with value appropriation can yield a theoretical understanding and practical implications of why and how organizations vary in leveraging strategic human resource management to shape business innovation led by AI adaptation. In this paper, we address this issue by applying adaptive structuration theory and conducting interviews with top management personnel from 51 companies based in India. Based on our findings, we develop a novel taxonomy of AI adaptation (exploitive, exploratory, emancipatory and expedient), structured within a 2 × 2 matrix and a robust model of value appropriation within a dynamic business environment