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Developing a generic fuzzy multi-attribute analysis model for EPC contractor selection
Full text linkPurpose: This study introduces a novel fuzzy multi-attribute analysis (FMAA) model to enhance decision-making in engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contractor selection by effectively addressing the complexities and uncertainties inherent in these processes. Design/methodology/approach: The FMAA model was developed through a comprehensive methodology comprising an extensive literature review to identify challenges and criteria in contractor selection, expert consultations to refine the model framework, and validation via in-depth interviews with experienced EPC project managers. Key steps include defining selection criteria, determining appropriate weights, and employing fuzzy set theory to manage uncertainties.Findings: Compared to traditional methods, the FMAA model offers a structured and scalable approach to contractor selection, effectively reducing uncertainty and enhancing decision-making accuracy. Validation through expert interviews confirmed its practical relevance and adaptability across diverse EPC project contexts. Research limitations/implications: While the model provides valuable insights, further research utilizing quantitative validation methods and case studies is essential to assess its applicability across various construction sectors and geographical regions. Practical implications: By adopting the FMAA model, project managers can systematically evaluate contractors, ensuring the selection of candidates best suited to achieve long-term project success and sustainability. Social implications: Structured decision-making frameworks like the FMAA model promote improved project outcomes and sustainable practices, contributing to enhanced performance within the construction industry. Originality/value: This study advances contractor selection methodologies by integrating contemporary decision-making approaches with empirical validation, addressing critical gaps in managing the complexity and uncertainty inherent in EPC projects
To Achieve Cultural Change in Health Care Focus on Power and Agency, Process, and Relationships
No full textLaw Enforcement Training in the United States of America: A Narrative Review
No full textThe United States has over 17,500 local, regional, and state law enforcement (LE) agencies with initial (academy) training occurring across 822 local academies operated by academic entities (usually community or technical colleges), local LE agencies, regional training centers, and state academies. Numerous federal agencies with LE powers also conduct academy training across numerous sites. At the same time, the United States does not possess one unified set of selection, curriculum (content or hours), training, exit, injury surveillance, or training methodology laws, regulations, or enforceable standards. Each state sets its own standards with many academies adding to state minimums. This results in LE recruitment and training that is extremely diverse, challenging, evolving, complex, multifaceted, and mostly driven at and across local (city, county, and state) levels. As a result, those responsible for recruit physical fitness development must possess a deep level of understanding of these diverse populations, protocols, and rules. This narrative review provides a snapshot of the extremely complex combination of factors associated with LE and LE training as, for those involved in LE training, failure to understand these factors will impend any human performance initiatives.</p
Creativity in Darwin's diagram of the evolutionary process
Full text linkAs part of a larger project that describes how time is visually represented to meet people’s needs within different domains, this research describes Charles Darwin’s creativity in designing his diagram of the evolutionary process or natural selection. The visual representation of time is an important area of study since time itself required invention. Time, which can be described as our perception of change or as events occurring in succession, is a complex cognitive construct for which cultures needed thousands of years to develop designs to represent and measure it. Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which he first published in 1859, is especially complex so he needed to take great care in creating a diagram that would complement his written text and be accessible to the public. Therefore, to create the diagram – which he acknowledged as imperfect -- Darwin relied upon familiar visual systems including trees of life, a generational timescale like those in family trees, the geological timescale, and a Cartesian coordinate system. In theory, the results of this research mean that innovators may combine visual signs from a range of domains to communicate their ideas. The results also show, however, that once a structure is created, it is difficult to change. For example, Ernst Haeckel’s famous upwardly moving tree of life still impacts upon evolutionary tree designs even though people do not conceive of time as moving in the vertical direction. Researchers have continued to explore how evolution occurs, and they continue to use elements from Darwin’s and others’ designs to visually present their findings. This research explains the visual elements in Darwin’s diagram and how researchers rely on his diagram and theory to present findings of their own. The most effective ways to visually represent the evolutionary process are still being researched
Corrigendum to “Modelling time-varying volatility spillovers across crises Evidence from major commodity futures and the US stock market” [Energy Economics Volume 143, March 2025, 108225] (Energy Economics (2025) 143, (S0140988325000489), (10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108225))
Full text linkThe replication package was not published with the paper. It is now included. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused.</p
Relationships Akin to Employment and Vicarious Liability: The High Court's Rejection in Bird v DP (A Pseudonym)
No full textThis article considers the recent High Court decision which, by majority, rejected the suggestion that vicarious liability could apply to relationships that were sufficiently 'akin' to employment. One of the reasons given for doing so was that it would be more consistent with prior High Court authority. Though no previous High Court authority had directly considered the question, this article considers what was said in cases prior to Bird that might shed light on the issue
Trauma activation criterion as predictors of major traumatic injuries: A systematic review
No full textIntroduction:Trauma team activation criteria (TTAC) are used within Trauma Activation Systems (TAS) to facilitate the rapid identification of patients with major traumatic injuries requiring a hospital trauma system response, including the attendance of a multidisciplinary trauma team. The value of individual activation criteria available at the time a decision to activate the system response is made is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review to identify TTAC associated with the presence of major traumatic injuries in adult trauma patients. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL (01–01–2000 to 5–07–2024) for studies using multivariable methods to evaluate associations between physiological, anatomical and mechanism of injury variables available or obtained at emergency department triage and the presence of major traumatic injuries. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPs tool, meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects approach, and certainty of evidence assessed using GRADE. Results: We included 7 studies from major trauma centres in North America (n = 3), Australia (n = 2), Israel (n = 1) and Italy (n = 1). Studies were predominantly retrospective, evaluated a wide range of activation criteria, and used varying definitions of major trauma. We demonstrated with moderate certainty that low Glasgow Coma Score (OR 9.4 95 %CI 4.6–19.3), systolic hypotension (OR 4.4 95 %CI 2.2–8.8), abnormal vital signs (OR 3.7 95 %CI 2.6–5.3) and multi-region trauma (OR 4.7 95 %CI 3.5–6.5) were associated with the presence of major trauma. The certainty of evidence for the association between mechanism of injury and other physiological criteria and major trauma was low or very low. Conclusion: Low GCS, systolic hypotension, abnormal vital signs at emergency department triage and the presence of multi-region trauma predict the presence of major trauma in adult trauma patients. These criteria could form the foundation of evidence-based TTAC. Remaining TTAC should reflect the trauma population and local major trauma response capabilities, with audit and revision necessary for optimal TTAC
Physiological stress accumulation in law enforcement officers across a multi-day active shooter training course
Full text link•Research on training scenarios in law enforcement officers (LEOs) has previously focused on officer performance (decision making, accuracy, etc.) rather than the physiological demand of the activity (2).•Active shooter training is designed to prepare officers to respond to various scenarios in which they receive reports of an armed suspect.• This course is required to be completed, at minimum, every five years for incumbent officers and before academy graduation for recruits in this municipality.•Heart rate variability (HRV) has often been used as an indicator of physiological stress in tactical populations (3).•Higher HRV is used as an indicator of “readiness”, though there hasbeen debate as to what cutoff point constitutes a high HRV
Gen AI and Post-entry Language Assessment (PELA): Where are we now?
Full text linkPost-entry language assessments (PELAs) have been commonly used in the Australian andNew Zealand university contexts to identify students who may require academic languageand literacies support (for review, see Read, 2015). PELAs have been proven to be effective,valid instruments in achieving their aims. However, several PELAs, such as Bond EnglishLanguage Assessment (BELA; Lydster, 2024), often require students to submit a piece ofacademic writing and are self-administered by students online. This raises potential academicintegrity concerns, especially given the increasing development and use of Generative AI(Gen AI) amongst students. This poster presents two iterations of PELAs created in response to the use of Gen AI, such as Chat GPT, Copilot, and Perplexity, namely BELA-AI and Bond Essay Skills Task (BEST). BELA-AI, a formative assessment item incorporating Gen AI, was developed for the Bachelor of Medicine program. The 60-minute assessment requires students to write an academic essay, generate an essay and, finally, write a brief critical reflection analysing the two essays. BEST, in contrast, is integrated into the core subject, Critical Thinking & Communication and requires students to write an academic essay with reference to at least one of two prompts on a controversial topic. BEST Essays are written via Cadmus, a platform embedded into the learning management system of the subject, providing integrity assurance by allowing stakeholders to view integrity analytics and work behaviours of students. Although further research is necessary, initial discussions with stakeholders suggest preliminary evidence that the two PELAs have reduced academic integrity concerns regarding the original BELA, whilst continuing to be the initial “conversation starter” for students with advisors at the Academic Skills Centre
Leadership, Thought and Succession in the CCP
No full textThis article explores the dynamics of leadership and succession within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), focusing on Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power and the implications for China’s future. It examines the historical evolution of leadership thought, surveillance, and control mechanisms, and the role of purges in maintaining authority. As China faces economic instability, demographic decline, and geopolitical tensions, questions arise about the resilience of Xi’s governance and the prospects for succession. Potential successors, including Wang Yang, are discussed amid speculation about the Party’s strategic direction. The CCP’s opaque leadership transition process remains central to China’s domestic and global trajectory