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Analysis of the market drivers of carbon emissions for REITs in Hong Kong, China
Get PDFThe construction industry is the world’s largest consumers of energy and the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The potential long-term benefits created by the carbon reduction behaviors of enterprises can be perceived by the market as a means of obtaining a higher premium and economic motivation to implement the carbon reduction strategy. This paper analyzes the correlation between carbon emission performance and the financial performance of Hong Kong real estate investment trusts (REITs) to study the economic incentives for carbon emission reduction actions in the construction industry. The results show that (1) operating margin and Tobin’s Q Ratio are positively correlated with carbon emission performance indicators; (2) the greater the amount of carbon emissions, the better the financial performance − the carbon reduction of related REITs does receive the economic incentive of improving financial performance; (3) the reasons for the lack of carbon emission market drive are the different quality information disclosures of different REITs and the lack of public awareness of carbon emission; and (4) it is necessary to promote the driving force of the REIT carbon emission market through the guidance, incentive, and promotion of government and regulatory agencies and the active participation of micro subjects.</p
National Heart Foundation of Australia & Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand: Comprehensive Australian Clinical Guideline for Diagnosing and Managing Acute Coronary Syndromes 2025
No full textScope:This guideline makes recommendations for: assessing adults aged 18 years and older with suspected ACS managing confirmed ACS recovery after ACS and secondary prevention of future vascular events. The definition of myocardial infarction (MI) has been refined from the Fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction to align more closely with the clinical syndromes that characterise occlusive and non-occlusive MI. This guideline adopts the term acute coronary occlusion myocardial infarction which includes both atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic causes. The guideline predominantly focuses on managing people with MI due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture, ulceration, fissure, or erosion. Some recommendations presented in this guideline may be relevant to other types of MI (e.g. type 2MI), particularly with respect to initial acute treatment and post-hospital care. Specific recommendations are presented in some cases for MI due to non-atherosclerotic causes (e.g. spontaneous coronary artery dissection [SCAD]) (Figure 1).The guideline does not cover management of non-ACS presentations and non-cardiac chest pain. It does not include detailed guidance on managing related clinical conditions, such as heart failure, or comorbidities such as cancer or diabetes. Healthcare professionals should refer to existing guidance, where available
Community pharmacists' referrals to General Practice with suspected need of antibiotics: an Australian cross-sectional pilot study
Get PDFBackground:Interventions to reduce antibiotic use focus on general practitioners (GPs) and patient behaviour, not pharmacists, who may inadvertently drive antibiotic expectations by referrals to GPs. No data are available on pharmacist referrals for suspected antibiotic-requiring infections. We conducted a feasibility pilot to provide data for robust sample size calculation and identify areas for further exploration.Method:Pharmacists and GPs were recruited independently using convenience sampling. They completed prospective data collection on 20 consecutive minor ailment encounters and consultations respectively. Pharmacists recorded patient gender, age, referral reason, and any comments. GPs recorded patient age, gender, reason for visit, and origin of patient referral including self-referral. All data were analysed descriptively. Generalized estimating equation multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors that may be associated with pharmacist referral rates.Results:We recruited 19 pharmacists representing 466 minor ailments encounters, and 19 GPs representing 394 consultations. Pharmacists referred 17% (77/466) of all minor ailments encounters for suspected antibiotic-requiring infections. Comments suggested reasons included upper-respiratory tract, ear nose and throat, and urinary tract infections. Most of suspected antibiotic-requiring infections referrals were to a GP (81%; 62/77). No GP consultations for infection (n = 88) were documented as being referred by a pharmacist; the majority were self-referred (77%; 68/88).Discussion:Our pilot indicated that exploration of pharmacist referral for antibiotics is feasible and warranted. Future studies should quantify referral rates, reasons for referral, and observed differences between pharmacist and GP results. Our results should be used for the basis of a robust sample size calculation
Exceeding the guidelines: A descriptive study of exercise, pregnancy, maternal and neonatal health outcomes in elite and recreational athletes
No full textBackground:Exercise during pregnancy is associated with numerous health benefits. However, guidelines for elite and recreational athletes, who often exceed general recommendations regarding intensity, duration, and frequency are lacking, and potential risks remain unclear. The aim of the study was to describe exercise levels, pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal health outcomes in elite and recreational athletes. Method: This study was part of the Strong Mama research project, which was carried out in Oslo, Norway, between October 2022 and February 2024. Sixty athletes (10 elite and 50 recreational) participated in the study. They completed an online survey during late pregnancy and participated in a structured telephone interview six weeks postpartum. The survey and interview collected data on exercise habits, pregnancy experiences, and maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Results: The athletes maintained high exercise levels during pregnancy, with elite athletes exercising an average of 11.6 h per week (SD 3.2) and recreational athletes exercising 7.0 h per week (SD 2.4). Most athletes resumed exercising within six weeks postpartum. Almost all pregnancies were planned, including six which involved fertility treatment. Most women (76.7%) had spontaneous onset of labor and vaginal deliveries to term (between 36 and 42 weeks). The mean birthweight was 3487 (SD 519.4, range 2600–4775) grams. Two of the elite athletes were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus and two with hypertension during pregnancy. None of the 50 recreational athletes reported any pregnancy complications. Conclusion:High levels of exercise during pregnancy did not seem to negatively impact maternal or neonatal health in this descriptive sample of Norwegian elite and recreational athletes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings
Participation their way: a mixed methods study on engaging Australian adolescents in non-communicable disease prevention
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health burden, particularly affecting adolescents due to preventable risk factors. However, adolescents are frequently overlooked in NCD prevention efforts that directly impact them. This study aimed to evaluate adolescents' perspectives, experiences, perceptions, and preferences regarding their participation in NCD prevention activities.METHODS: To enable both breadth and depth, a mixed-methods study design was selected comprising cross-sectional online survey and focus groups, underpinned by community-based participatory research approach. Participants were 13-18 years and residing in Australia. Methodological integration through merging quantitative and qualitative data was employed. A weaving approach through narrative was used to report the findings. Adolescent researchers were actively engaged throughout all phases.RESULTS: Five hundred one survey participants (mean 16.0 years, SD 1.2) and 19 focus group participants (mean 17.0 years, SD 0.9) contributed to this study. Mental health disorders were identified as the most significant health concern. Those with prior volunteer experience showed greater engagement in health-promoting activities. Participants recognised their pivotal role in NCD prevention, highlighting 'influence' as crucial for health improvements. They emphasised the importance of visibility, flexibility, and authenticity in engagement methods. Despite a strong willingness to participate in future NCD prevention activities, participants cited barriers such as limited opportunities.CONCLUSION:This study highlights the importance of adolescent involvement in NCD prevention and suggests strategies to overcome participation barriers. Recommendations include promoting meaningful engagement, improving accessibility, and fostering collaboration with decision makers. These insights are crucial for guiding future efforts to tackle NCD challenges among adolescents
Exposure to ultra-processed food and risk of cardiovascular mortality: a prospective cohort study: a prospective cohort study
No full textAims:There has been a global shift from nutrient-dense diets to an ultra-processed food pattern, which is linked to adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular mortality. However, there is limited evidence in an Australian setting. Furthermore, many people in Australia have emigrated from countries with heart-healthy diets. This study explored the association between ultra-processed food exposure and cardiovascular mortality in an Australian cohort.Method and results:Data were derived from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Food frequency questionnaire data collected at baseline were used to estimate ultra-processed food consumption according to the Nova classification system. Cardiovascular deaths were identified using data linkage between baseline (1990-94) and 31 March 2019. Fine and Gray competing risk models were fitted to assess the association between energy-adjusted ultra-processed food exposure and cardiovascular mortality, accounting for other types of mortality as competing risks. We included 39,544 participants (mean age 55.1 years at baseline, 60% female). During the follow-up period, which spanned 919,379 person-years and a median follow-up of 25.1 years, 4,229 cardiovascular deaths occurred. After adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors, participants with the highest relative intake of ultra-processed food had 19% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (Hazard Ratio high (quartile 4) vs. low (quartile 1) category = 1.19, 95% Confidence Intervals: 1.09 to 1.29, p-value for trend <0.001).Conclusions:Aligning with findings from the United States and Europe, higher exposure to the ultra-processed food pattern was prospectively associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality
Deliberative spaces of elite athlete representation in transnational sport governance
No full textIn elite international sport governance, various actors engage in deliberative practices to address athletes’ concerns and interests in different democratic spaces (i.e., empowered, public, and transparent) to inform decision-making. This study examined the democratic spaces occupied by global elite athlete representatives, both independent of the Olympic Movement (OM) and within it. The findings showed OM athletes occupied the empowered space to make collective decisions. Both OM athlete and independent athlete representatives used the public and transmission spaces to help shape opinions and influence OM policy making. In practice, OM decision making was influenced by independent athlete representatives publicly criticizing OM practices, expressing different athletes’ perspectives, and using national legal systems
Relationships Among Sprint-Paddling Performance, Shoulder Function, and Upper-Body Strength, in Female Surfers
No full textParsonage, J, Webster, H, Keogh, JWL, Gosney, S, MacDonald, LA, and Minahan, C. Relationships among sprint-paddling performance, shoulder function, and upper-body strength, in female surfers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-The aim of this study was to establish the intrasession and intersession reliability of 2 water-based tests to determine sprint-paddling performance and the relationships of water-based sprint-paddling performance, upper-body strength, and shoulder function in female surfers. Ten female surfers (age = 30.0 ± 6.3 years, mass = 65.5 ± 8.7 kg, height = 170.0 ± 6.0 cm) completed 3 trials of an 8-s "tethered" and a 15-m "free" sprint-paddling test during 2 independent sessions. Dryland assessments included shoulder range of motion, shoulder isometric peak force (internal and external rotation at 90° abduction), and 1 repetition maximum pull-up. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (%CV), and typical error (TE). Excellent intrasession (ICC = 0.97, CV% = 2.98, TE = 0.04) and intersession (ICC = 0.97, CV% = 3.11, TE = 0.04) reliability was established for average force during tethered paddling, with moderate intersession (ICC = 0.59, CV% = 9.74, TE = 0.21) reliability established in measures of peak force. The 15-m free sprint-paddling test demonstrated good-to-excellent intrasession (ICC = 0.76-0.94, CV% = 1.55-2.52, TE = 0.16-0.33) and moderate-to-good intersession reliability (ICC = 0.58-0.76, CV% = 2.58-3.32, TE = 0.21-0.37) across 5, 10, and 15 m. Significant inverse associations were found between shoulder external range of motion and average sprint-paddle force (r = -0.65 to -0.69, p < 0.05), and between the nondominant arm's external shoulder rotation strength at 90° and time to 5, 10, and 15 m (r = -0.63 to -0.65, p < 0.05). Maximal pull-up strength was not associated with either paddle assessment. This study demonstrates that tethered and free sprint-paddling tests are reliable methods of assessing sprint-paddling performance in female surfers and that assessments of shoulder function require further investigation with a larger sample of strength-trained surfers.</p
AIoT-powered drones in the construction industry: a review
Get PDFThe digital revolution in construction is driving the nexus of emerging technologies. Technologies, such as the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), are transforming the sector by enhancing efficiency, promoting sustainability, and fostering innovation in construction projects. However, extant literature has failed to document integrated applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). The interface of AIoT with drones and their applications in the construction industry is underreported. To address this gap, the current study systematically reviewed literature from the Scopus and Web of Science repositories to uncover the applications of AIoT-enabled drones. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols were applied to review 33 highly relevant articles. The results show applications of AIoT-powered drones in various construction sectors such as land surveying and site selection, site layout, analytics and logistical planning, quality and progress monitoring, safety management, regulatory compliance, facility and asset management, and disaster management. Theoretical and practical implications, challenges, and future directions for research and industry to adopt AIoT-powered drones are reported. This study is a pioneering effort investigating the applications of AIoT-powered drones in the construction industry with equal benefits for researchers, academics, and industry practitioners.</p
Over the Edge of Chaos? Excess Complexity as a Roadblock to Artificial General Intelligence
No full textThis study explores the progression of artificial intelligence (AI) systems through the lens of complexity theory, challenging conventional linear projections of advancement toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). We posit the existence of critical points, akin to phase transitions, where increasing system complexity may not lead to greater capability, but rather to performance plateaus or instability. To investigate this hypothesis, we used agent-based modelling (ABM) to simulate the evolution of AI systems, using evaluation benchmark performances as a proxy for complexity. Our simulations modeled the possible characteristics that systems could exhibit when crossing a critical threshold, transitioning from predictable improvement to a regime of erratic, volatile behavior. Practically, we introduced and validated a methodology for detecting these simulated critical transitions algorithmically. We proposed a heuristic Stochastic Gradient Descent-based approach and compared it with established CUmulative SUM (CUSUM) and Lyapunov exponent techniques, to show that different signatures of instability - from abrupt shifts to gradual volatility ramps - can be identified. We contextualized these findings with real-world phenomena, arguing that the empirically observed - 'Jagged Capability Frontier' in large language models (LLMs) illustrates the kind of nonlinear performance boundaries that could be sharply accentuated by the onset of criticality. This research contributes not only a novel theoretical framework for understanding potential limits to AI scaling but also a practical, validated methodology for monitoring the systemic stability of AI systems, offering a new dimension to AGI evaluation and safety.</p