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Robust blind equalization for NB-IoT driven by QAM signals
No full textThe expansion of data coverage and the accuracy of decoding of the narrowband-internet of things (NB-IOT) mainly depend on the quality of channel equalizers. Without using training sequences, blind equalization is an effective method to overcome adverse effects in the internet of things (IoT). The constant modulus algorithm (CMA) has become a favorite blind equalization algorithm due to its least mean square (LMS)-like complexity and desirable robustness property. However, the transmission of high-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals in the IoT can degrade its performance and the convergence speed. This paper investigates a family of modified constant modulus algorithms for blind equalization of IoT using high-order QAM. Our theoretical analysis for the first time illustrates that the classical CMA has the problem of artificial error using high-order QAM signals. In order to effectively deal with these issues, a modified constant modulus algorithm (MCMA) is proposed to decrease the modulus matched error, which can efficiently suppress the artificial error and misadjustment at the expense of reduced sample usage rate. Moreover, a generalized form of the MCMA (GMCMA) is developed to improve the sample usage rate and guarantee the desirable equalization performance. Two modified Newton methods (MNMs) for the proposed MCMA and GMCMA are constructed to obtain the optimal equalizer. Theoretical proofs are presented to show the fast convergence speed of the two MNMs. Numerical results show that our methods outperform other methods in terms of equalization performance and convergence speed
Phosphorus recovery from hydroponics waste nutrient solution and its economic potential
No full textNutrient management, particularly phosphorus, is crucial for global food security due to its limited availability. This study investigates the extraction of phosphorus from hydroponic waste nutrient solutions (HWNS) using samples from various hydroponic farms. The results display elevated phosphorus levels, peaking at 70 mg/L and a median of 20 mg/L, in conjunction with a high median calcium concentration of 220 mg/L. This combination enhances the potential for efficient calcium phosphate precipitation. At a pH of 9.5, phosphorus removal reached consistently high levels, exceeding 94 % and achieving a median value of 97.6 %. The economic value of the recovered phosphorus was then compared to rock phosphates. Through chemical precipitation with microcalcium phosphate, economic evaluations determined that to achieve production costs comparable to or below the market value of calcium phosphate, HWNS should contain a phosphorus concentration of at least 16 mg P/L and 12.4 mg P/L in the context of Australian and international markets, respectively
Evaluation of alternate image capturing devices for recording fingermarks at crime scenes
No full textThis project evaluated the fingermark imaging ability of several alternate image capturing devices selected for their potential to assist with the recording of fingermarks in difficult-to-reach locations commonly encountered at crime scenes, e.g. the inside surface of door handles. Four small form-factor non-DSLR camera systems — intraoral camera, borescope, fibre-optic camera and an iPhone — were evaluated under controlled conditions for their ability to image fingermarks with sufficient detail for identification. Evaluation was conducted using black powdered fingermarks and standard photographic test targets. A qualitative visual evaluation approach was also developed to gauge whether image quality was appropriate for fingermark identification. The results obtained indicated that most of the systems were capable of capturing fingermark details suitable for identification in controlled environments; however, the inherent contrast of the fingermark had an impact on the success of various imaging devices. The practicality and capability of alternate camera devices for fingermark recovery in pseudo-operational conditions is part of ongoing research
[In Press] How a critical care environment influences nurses' health and working capacity : a scoping review
No full textBackground: Internationally, the nursing workforce is ageing. Chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent amongst the ageing nursing workforce. With an increase in chronic conditions and an ageing nursing workforce, understanding environmental influences on nurses' health and work capacity is vital to supporting this workforce. Aim: A scoping review was conducted to explore the influence of a critical care environment on nurses' health and work capacity. Design: A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Methods: Database extraction occurred in June 2023 and included MEDLINE Complete, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted internationally with sample sizes from 20 to 500 critical care nurses (CCNs). Conclusions: Findings identified the critical care environment had an impact on nurses' health and working capacity. Many CCNs self-reported having a chronic condition that influenced their nursing practice. Further research is needed to explore how to mitigate the influence of a chronic condition to support this valuable workforce
Douglas and Jones's Administrative Law
No full textFully revised and updated to include the latest administrative law decisions, Douglas and Jones is a leading text on administrative law. Already notable for its accessibility and background material, the authorship of the 9th edition has been extended to a new generation of administrative law educators, who have helped trim and modernise the material. Professor Michael Head and Associate Professor Yee-Fui Ng are joined by two younger accomplished educators, Dr Jason Donnelly and Michael Morgan
Effect of hybrid fibres on mechanical behaviour of magnesium oxychloride cement-based composites
No full textMagnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) as a green cement has superior mechanical properties such as high strength and quick gain of early strength, however the inherent brittleness has limited its applications where ductility is crucial. To enhance the strength and ductility, a novel hybrid fibre-reinforced MOC-based composite (FRMOC) is developed for the first time using polyethylene (PE) fibres and basalt fibres (BF) to reinforce the MOC. A systematic investigation of the effect of fibre dosage on the flowability, rheological properties, compressive strength, and tensile properties of the developed FRMOC is conducted in this study. The results revealed that the addition of fibre reduces flowability while increasing the yield stress and plastic viscosity. The 1-day compressive strength of the FRMOC reached 68.2–85.4% of the corresponding value at 28 days, demonstrating its high early strength characteristic. The mix with 1.25% PE and 0.75% BF exhibited the maximum compressive strength at all curing ages. All the mixes consistently demonstrated excellent tensile strength and tensile strain capability (ductility), with the tensile strength and tensile strain capacity of 10.95 MPa and 4.41% achieved for the mix of 2% PE fibre, and 8.49 MPa and 2.43% for the mix of 1.25% PE and 0.75% BF respectively. Moreover, a decline in strength characteristics and strain capacity was observed as BF percentages increased. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was further employed to investigate the morphological changes in the FRMOC matrix at the microscale to discover the fibre reinforcing mechanism
Interpreting tax treaties : the importance of post-treaty commentary to the OECD Model Tax Convention for achieving uniformity and ensuring the success of the new international tax order
No full textDespite the fact that courts worldwide construe tax treaties in a more liberal manner than domestic legislation and, as an aid to interpretation commonly turn to the Commentary which explains the operation of the various articles of the OECD Model Tax Convention on which many tax treaties are modelled, this article finds the application of the Commentary by Australian superior courts to be highly problematic. As will appear, the narrow, strictly literal construction of tax treaty terms and the minor significance ascribed to the OECD Commentary expounding taxation of hybrid entities and double tax relief, frustrates treaty purpose and is akin to treaty override that could well threaten the success of multilateral efforts to promote tax certainty and tackle base erosion and profit shifting by multinational enterprises. To better promote uniformity and the new international tax order, this article advocates for the adoption of either the nuanced Canadian approach or the pragmatic UK approach for the use of post-treaty Commentary
Perceptions and experiences of paramedics managing people with non-traumatic low back pain : a qualitative study of Australian paramedics
No full textBackground Paramedics are often first providers of care to patients experiencing non-traumatic low back pain (LBP), though their perspectives and experiences with managing these cases remain unclear. Objectives This study explored paramedic views of the management of non-traumatic LBP including their role and experience with LBP management, barriers to referral and awareness of ambulance service guidelines. Design Qualitative study using semistructured interviews conducted between January and April 2023. Setting New South Wales Ambulance service. Participants A purposive sample of 30 paramedics of different specialities employed by New South Wales Ambulance were recruited. Results Paramedic accounts demonstrated the complexity, challenge, frustration and reward associated with managing non-traumatic LBP. Paramedics perceived that their primary role focused on the assessment of LBP, and that calls to ambulance services were often driven by misconceptions surrounding the management of LBP, and a person's pain severity. Access to health services, patient factors, defensive medicine, paramedic training and education and knowledge of guidelines influenced paramedic management of LBP. Conclusion Paramedics often provide care to non-traumatic LBP cases yet depending on the type of paramedic speciality find these cases to be frustrating, challenging or rewarding to manage due to barriers to referral including access to health services, location, patient factors and uncertainty relating to litigation. Future research should explore patient perspectives towards ambulance service use for the management of their LBP
Clinician and student perspectives on gender and sexuality curriculum in medical school
No full textIntroduction/Background LGBTQIA+ communities face health disparities due to social and cultural understanding of gender and sexuality. Additionally, lack of physician understanding of gender and sexuality and bias negatively influence quality of care, ultimately affecting health outcomes of LGBTQIA+ communities. Despite the importance of gender and sexuality teaching, significant gaps exist in medical schools globally resulting in underprepared graduates. Better teaching of gender and sexuality can improve students’ future clinical practice and ensure students deliver patient-centred care. This project explores inputs from clinicians who treat LGBTQIA+ communities and current medical students on improving gender and sexuality curriculum through codesign with multiple stakeholders. Methods Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven medical students and nine clinicians. Data collection focused on how prepared participants felt to treat LGBTQIA+ people, recommendations to improve gender and sexuality curricula and potential barriers to codesigning curricula. Data were thematically analysed. Results/Evaluation Clinicians and medical students (including those who identified as sexuality diverse) felt underprepared to treat LGBTQIA+ communities during medical school. Both groups highlighted the need for consistent engagement and clinical exposure to these communities during medical training. While both groups were enthusiastic about codesigning curricula, time constraints, prior negative community experiences, and lack of clinical opportunities in treating LGBTQIA+ communities were cited as barriers. Discussion Lack of confidence and preparedness in treating LGBTQIA+ communities in current and former medical students illustrates gaps in teaching gender and sexuality across different Australian medical schools. Clinicians reiterated the need for reflective practice and empathetic communication during medical training, promoting concepts such as equity and allophilia as critical to student preparedness to treat LGBTQIA+ communities. Improving gender and sexuality curricula through codesigning with clinicians, medical students and stakeholders including academics and community members provides a collaborative, holistic approach to curriculum codesign. Findings are adaptable for medical schools in diverse settings
Shifts in plant resource use strategies across climate and soil gradients in dryland steppe communities
No full textBackground and aims: Despite being Earth’s largest biome and a key contributor to global energy budgets, arid regions (or drylands) are critically understudied relative to mesic ecosystems. Here we clarify how dryland species vary in their functional traits across environmental gradients. Methods: We measured nine traits reflecting resource use for 68 species inhabiting dryland steppe communities across northwestern China. We tested predictions from various theoretical frameworks including the leaf economics spectrum, leaf energy balance theory and least-cost optimality theory. Results: Species on drier or sunnier sites had smaller leaves with higher LMA, higher leaf nitrogen concentration per area (Narea), and a greater drawdown of CO2 during photosynthesis (i.e., lower Ci:Ca) suggesting higher photosynthetic water use efficiency. Leaf nitrogen per mass and plant height (typically < 1.4Â m for all species) did not vary with climate or with soil properties. Trait-trait relationships showed little patterning in relation to climate or soil. Traits of forbs were more strongly influenced by environmental properties than those of the shrubs, trees, or grasses sampled. Conclusion: We investigated variation in plant traits that influence carbon economy, water use and competitive interactions, and found that in dry and low fertility environments, dryland steppe species exhibited a mixture of resource acquisitive (e.g. high Narea) and conservative leaf traits (e.g. high LMA). Our results demonstrate the utility of applying multiple theoretical frameworks to better understand variation in resource use strategies among co-occurring species