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Southeast Asian mainland archaeological science 1964–2034: Multiscalar relations between individuals, communities and neighbouring populations during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages (early-3rd mill. BC to late-1stmill. AD)
Full text linkIn this paper we seek to summarise the past, present and future applications, impacts and potential of archaeological science methodologies in late prehistoric Mainland Southeast Asian archaeology. The region is large and hosts significant cultural, biological and environmental diversity, throughout its territory and including its bordering areas with China and India. Reconstructing variable and potentially multi-directional intra and inter-regional cultural and biological interactions during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, spanning the early-3rd mill. BC to late-1st mill. AD is critical to understanding Mainland Southeast Asia's historical trajectory as a distinct varied and vibrant cultural entity. These broad research objectives have driven a great deal of archaeological scientific investigation over the past six decades, which we review with particular respect to material culture evidence from high-temperature technologies (ceramics, glass and metals) and bioarchaeological data from a range of sub-disciplines. Following that, we propose some suggestions for how Mainland Southeast Asian archaeological science might develop over the next decade, in a way that strictly and systematically benefits regional scholars and students, and integrates the efforts of newer interested parties, with the over-riding aim of making more accurate and nuanced historical syntheses
Preservice Science Teachers' Epistemic Cognition during Online Searching
No full textScience teachers are increasingly using internet sources for lesson planning, science content, and designing classroom activities. With the prevalence of disinformation online, there is potential for school students to learn ineffective internet search strategies and integrate disinformation into their knowledge. Science education fit for the future requires teachers who can navigate online information effectively and develop these capabilities in their students. In this study, we address the ways in which Australian preservice science teachers engage their cognitions about knowledge and knowing when searching and evaluating online information. Using concurrent think-aloud protocols we studied preservice science teachers’ cognitions while completing internet search and evaluation tasks for science lesson content on socioscientific issues. Through subsequent interviews, we captured further dimensions of participants’ knowledge and understanding of search and evaluation processes. We contribute new knowledge by providing a novel conceptual framework used for data analysis and empirical evidence about the cognitions (aims, value, ideals, and relied upon processes) that preservice science teachers engage when searching and evaluating online information. Implications for research and practice are discussed
CRNet: Convolutive Recurrent Network for Suspect Face Identification
No full textIdentifying suspects in critical situations-particularly when they are wearing scarves, masks, or are in environments with light obstructions and concealed facial expressions-poses significant challenges. To address these issues, a method known as the Convolutive Recurrent Network (CRNet) for suspect face identification is proposed. CRNet utilises deep neural networks, specifically the Residual Network-50, leveraging a transfer learning approach for efficient feature extraction. In addition, Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) layers are employed to capture spatial and recurrent features, with BiLSTM layers serving as the core component of the model. CRNet is designed to overcome the limitations of current models in managing complex situations, such as scarves, spectacles, high illumination, and varied expressions. CRNet fills this gap by integrating mechanisms that provide flexibility for ambiguous features and variable lighting conditions. Experimental and comparative analysis demonstrates that CRNet significantly outperforms existing methods, providing notable improvements in both accuracy and reliability. This approach introduces a rapid feature-learning method for precise suspect identification by integrating spatial dependencies, enhancing versatility across various computer vision domains. The model’s potential impact on criminal investigations is substantial due to its fast bidirectional feature processing. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness and adaptability of CRNet, achieving accuracy rates of 97.46% on the Extended Cohn-Kanade dataset, 98.08% on the Augmented Reality dataset, and 99.58% on the Extended Yale B dataset-substantially surpassing the baseline accuracy of 46.00%
The anti-DEI agenda: navigating the impact of Trump’s second term on diversity, equity and inclusion
No full textPurpose: This article aims to critically analyse and critique the impact of President Donald Trump’s second term on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States of America and beyond. It aims to document the policy changes enacted under Trump, explore the resulting consequences for various sectors (government, higher education and private sectors) and assess the broader implications for social justice and global conversations around equity. The article also serves as a call to action, urging continued advocacy and resistance against the rollback of DEI progress.
Design/methodology/approach:This viewpoint article offers a range of perspectives on the impact of the anti-DEI agenda from several DEI scholars who edit the journal. This critical approach draws from multiple sources of information to enrich and provide a more nuanced understanding on the impact of Trump’s policies on DEI.
Findings: President Trump’s anti-DEI agenda had a profound and far-reaching impact on DEI efforts, creating a climate of fear, exacerbating existing inequalities, intensifying political polarization and having ramifications beyond the borders of the United States of America. The paper also highlights the indirect and unintended consequences, such as the chilling effect on private sector DEI initiatives and the rise of “shadow” DEI programs.
Research limitations/implications: The article draws from secondary sources (news articles, policy documents and existing research). The authors’ scholarships on DEI and the Trump administration’s negative stance towards DEI might influence their perspectives and conclusions.
Practical implications: The authors close with a strong call to action, encouraging continued advocacy and resistance to the erosion of DEI progress. This pragmatic approach moves beyond simple criticism and offers concrete steps for future action. They suggest that the current anti-DEI sentiment represents a temporary setback in the long-term progress towards equity and inclusion.
Social implications: President Trump’s anti-DEI policies have global implications, influencing policy and practice in other countries and impacting international conversations around fairness and equity.
Originality/value: The article provides a valuable record of the significant shift in DEI policy and practice under the second Trump administration. This account will be a crucial resource for future researchers studying this period and its impact. This critical analysis also provides valuable insights for both scholars and activists working to advance DEI
Mental health among Chinese university students during COVID-19: 28-month, ten-wave longitudinal study
Full text linkBackground: The cumulative effects of long-term exposure to pandemic related stressors and the severity of social restrictions may have been important determinants of mental distress in the time of COVID-19.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate mental health among a cohort of Chinese university students over a 28-month period, focusing on the effects of lockdown type.
Methods: Depression, anxiety, stress and fear of COVID-19 infection were measured ten times among 188 Chinese students (females 77.7%, mean age = 19.8, s.d. age = 0.97), every 3 months: from prior to the emergence of COVID-19 in November 2019 (T1) to March 2022 (T10).
Results: Initially depression, anxiety and stress dipped from T1 to T2, followed by a sudden increase at T3 and a slow upward rise over the remainder of the study period (T3 to T10). When locked down at university, participants showed greater mental distress compared with both home lockdown (d = 0.35–0.48) and a no-lockdown comparison period (d = 0.28–0.40). Conversely, home lockdown was associated with less anxiety and stress (d = 0.19 and 0.21, respectively), but not with depression (d = 0.13) compared with a no-lockdown period.
Conclusions: This study highlights the cumulative effects of exposure to COVID-19 stressors over time. It also suggests that the way in which a lockdown is carried out can impact the well-being of those involved. Some forms of lockdown appear to pose a greater threat to mental health than others
The underlying career values of young adults' protean and traditional career orientations
Full text linkAlthough young people espouse a range of career values, the extent to which traditional career values inter-mix with protean values is unclear. We interviewed a group of young university students in Australia (N = 24, MAge 19.4 years; 50% young men) and examined the full range of traditional and protean values held. Employing applied thematic analysis, we found that freedom/autonomy and fit to self were dominant in protean career themes, while they strongly expressed a desire for job security in a traditional career. The results inform theory development in the career development area and can assist university career counselors
Mental Healthcare Providers Understanding and Experiences of Palliative Care: A Qualitative Analysis
Full text linkObjective: To understand the experiences and perceptions of mental health providers about palliative care. Background: Little attention is paid to the experience of people with chronic persistent mental illness (CPMI) and life-threatening diseases and how their dying experience might differ from those without a CPMI.
Methods: Interpretive description informed the project. Sixteen mental health care providers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview template. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a reflexive, inductive-deductive thematic approach, guided by Braun & Clarke's framework for thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes were identified from the data: intersectionality, limited collaboration, misconceptions about palliative care, and relationships. Mental health providers identified gaps in their knowledge of palliative care practices along with their knowledge of death and dying
Antimicrobial efficacy of Odontopaste in endodontics: a systematic review
Full text linkAIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Odontopaste in reducing the microbial load in endodontics compared to other intracanal medicaments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was electronically searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Ovid Medline and Web of Science. In-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo studies that evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of Odontopaste were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for In Vitro Studies.
RESULTS: A total of four in-vitro studies were included in the systematic review. One study showed that Odontopaste had significantly more microbial cell growth on roots in all dentine depths compared to other medicaments or test agents. Another study found that Odontopaste significantly decreased colony-forming units compared to propolis and chlorhexidine. Further results showed that Odontopaste did not significantly decrease microbial numbers when used in isolation. Additionally, combining Odontopaste and calcium hydroxide did not enhance the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide. The studies had a medium to high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION: There is insufficient high-quality evidence to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of Odontopaste compared to other intracanal medicaments. Further research is required to determine Odontopaste’s efficacy as an antimicrobial medicament in endodontics
Sun safety in young Queensland adults: behaviours, knowledge, and responses to health-based and appearance-based text messages.
Full text linkObjective: High melanoma rates in Queensland, Australia suggest that sun protection campaign message content may require revision. The aim of this experimental study was to explore young Queensland adults’ sun-related exposure and knowledge level, before investigating the effectiveness of five text health messages at improving sun protection intentions.
Methods: Ninety-five young adults aged 17 to 24 years participated in the study. Most intervention content was modelled on Protection Motivation Theory. The texts allowed for the comparison of fear appeals with and without efficacy messages, health-versus appearance-based messages, and the exploration of understudied, appearance-based message content alluding to melanoma surgery scarring.
Results: Proportionally, significantly more females (60.34%) sunbathed compared to males [26.47%, χ2 (1, n = 92) = 8.55, p = .003, phi = -.33], and females (M = 16.03) had significantly greater knowledge levels than males [M = 12.81, t(89), -.3.99, p < .001, η2 = .01]. There was no difference between health and appearance-based messages on participants’ sun protection intentions as assessed by the Protection Motivation Theory χ2 (5, n = 94) = 2.97, p = .704.
Conclusions: Future research should contribute to the debates surrounding fear appeals and health-versus appearance-based messages with different communication modalities. Health promotion campaigns on sun protection should target message content to audiences
Connecting care in a community forgotten: a poetic representation of tuberculosis prevention, detection, and treatment for women in East Kwaio, Solomon Islands
No full textThis found poem seeks to connect care as we work towards a fairer world. Barriers to preventing, detecting and treating tuberculosis (TB) in mountainous East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands persist, while gendered issues remain largely unexplored. A qualitative study explored women’s experience of TB in East Kwaio, using the Melanesian method of tok stori. Twenty-four women and 12 men shared about women’s experience of living with TB and caring for someone with TB. Tok storis were audio recorded and orally analysed. While cultural concepts of love and community promote support, systematic health system exclusion and geographic isolation compound health challenges. These findings are presented in a found poem