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Exporting, ownership status and energy efficiency: A micro-level study in the Indian manufacturing sector
No full textWe study the relationship between export status and ownership status and energy efficiency of firms in the Indian manufacturing sector. Our panel data estimation reveals that exporters are more energy efficient than non-exporters. The quantile regression results further note that exporters in the higher quantiles are more energy efficient than their lower quantile counterparts. We also find that foreign firms are more energy efficient in India than domestic firms. The study further identifies the threshold levels of economic growth, investment and use of renewable energy to improve firms’ energy efficiency. The observed non-linear relationship offers important policy suggestions.</p
Quality indicators for lifestyle or behavioural management for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in primary care: a systematic review
No full textBACKGROUND: Monitoring lifestyle or behavioural risk factors using quality indicators is critical for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).AIM: To summarise indicators for monitoring lifestyle risk factors for the primary prevention of CVD.DESIGN & SETTING: A systematic review of quality indicators in primary care.METHOD: Four research databases and grey literature were searched to identify articles (indicator sets) used to monitor lifestyle risk factors. Articles were assessed for methodological quality using the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation instrument. Articles with strong methodological quality, scoring≥50% in each domain (ie, relevance, stakeholder involvement, scientific evidence, and usage) were included. Indicators were categorised into assessment of lifestyle risk factors or advice on healthy lifestyle.RESULTS: We identified 39/282 (14%) articles including indicators to monitor lifestyle risk factors from a full-text review. Of these,19/39 (49%) articles with strong methodological quality, comprising 90 unique indicators, were included. Most of the indicators were on assessing smoking status (21%), body weight (18%); advice on smoking cessation (13%), immunisation (9%), and advice on physical activity (8%). Assessment alcohol consumption (3%) and healthy eating (2%) were the least reported. When comparing assessment vs. advice indicators, we found gaps in monitoring smoking status (41% assessment vs. 27% advice) and body weight (35% vs.14%). Notably, there were more indicators for advice on (16%), than assessment of (4%) healthy eating. CONCLUSION: We identified several indicators for the monitoring of lifestyle risk factors. However, there is a need to ensure an appropriate mix of indicators on assessment vs. advice
Towards More Sustainable Planning Decisions Around Airports: Investigating Global Airport Classifications and Proposing a Four-Tiered System for Australia
Get PDFAirports differ vastly in purpose, scale, land use and activities. Although several criteria and definitions have been used to classify airports worldwide, no universally accepted classification currently exists. The lack of standardisation means an airport could fall under multiple overlapping categories, creating confusion and obscuring its actual role. Australia also lacks an official system that reflects the diverse nature of its airports. This paper addresses that gap by proposing a holistic and integrated four-tiered classification framework for Australian airports. Drawing on an international literature review and comparative policy analysis, the classification is based on four criteria: airport location, governance, network function and passenger profile. To illustrate its practical application, the system is applied to case studies of selected airports representing each tier, as well as airports that overlap between tiers. The proposed classification has the potential to enable more strategic, coordinated and sustainable infrastructure investment and land use decision-making around airports
Principles for embedding learning and adaptation into New Zealand health system functioning: the example of the Viable System Model
No full textThis article makes the case for taking a model-based management approach, specifically using the Viable System Model (VSM), to embed learning and adaptation into the New Zealand health system so it can function as a learning health system. We draw on a case study of a specialist clinical service where the VSM was used to guide semi-structured interviews and workshops with clinicians and managers and to guide analysis of the findings. The VSM analysis revealed a lack of clarity of organisational functioning, and of the systems, processes and integrated IT infrastructure necessary to support the fundamental requirements of a learning health system. We conclude that model-based management, specifically using the VSM, has significant potential for embedding the requirements for a learning health system into core functioning, including identifying technology infrastructure requirements. In addition, the VSM holds promise for improving clinical engagement and enhancing the health system’s ability to achieve financial sustainability, high performance, distributed decision making and efficiency. © 2025, Pasifika Medical Association Group. All rights reserved
The effects of Tai Chi on pain and other health indicators in people with osteoarthritis: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
No full textObjective: To update and critically examine evidence on the effects of Tai Chi on pain and other health indicators in adults with osteoarthritis (OA). The secondary objective was to assess possible dose-response relationships between Tai Chi and changes in health indicators. Design: A literature search of 9 major English and Chinese databases (completed in December 2024) retrieved randomized trials on the effects of Tai Chi in adults with OA. Methodological and evidence quality were assessed using standard tools. Meta-analyses were performed using Stata (version 16.0). Results: Twenty-eight studies with 1676 OA participants were included. Compared with non-exercise comparators, meta-analyses showed Tai Chi significantly improved pain (Cohen's d −0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.96 to −0.34; n=11 studies), mobility (−0.58; 95% CI −0.84 to −0.31; n=7), self-reported physical function (−0.74; 95% CI −1.11 to −0.38; n=11) and stiffness (−0.73; 95% CI −1.19 to −0.27; n=10) (all p<0.01). Compared with controls, each unit increase in weekly frequency and in overall program duration was associated with a small improvement in pain. Compared with exercise comparators, meta-analyses showed there was no significant difference between Tai Chi and the other forms of exercise on pain, self-reported function or stiffness. More than 70% of the studies had good methodological quality, and the evidence quality for most of the outcomes was moderate. Conclusions: Tai Chi benefits pain, mobility, self-reported function and stiffness, and has similar effects to other forms of exercise on these indicators (except mobility) in participants with OA
Impact of large language model (ChatGPT) in healthcare: an umbrella review and evidence synthesis
Get PDFBackground: The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a Large Language Model (LLM), in healthcare promises to reshape patient care, clinical decision-making, and medical education. This review aims to synthesise research findings to consolidate the implications of ChatGPT integration in healthcare and identify research gaps. Main body:The umbrella review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until February 2024. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, no quantitative analysis was performed. Instead, information was extracted, summarised, synthesised, and presented in a narrative form. Two reviewers undertook title, abstract, and full text screening independently. The methodological quality and overall rating of the included reviews were assessed using the A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) checklist. The review examined 17 studies, comprising 15 systematic reviews and 2 meta-analyses, on ChatGPT in healthcare, revealing diverse focuses. The AMSTAR-2 assessment identified 5 moderate and 12 low-quality reviews, with deficiencies like study design justification and funding source reporting. The most reported theme that emerged was ChatGPT's use in disease diagnosis or clinical decision-making. While 82.4% of studies focused on its general usage, 17.6% explored unique topics like its role in medical examinations and conducting systematic reviews. Among these, 52.9% targeted general healthcare, with 41.2% focusing on specific domains like radiology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, public health dentistry, and ophthalmology. ChatGPT’s use for manuscript review or writing was mentioned in 17.6% of reviews. Promising applications include enhancing patient care and clinical decision-making, though ethical, legal, and accuracy concerns require cautious integration. Conclusion: We summarise the identified areas in reviews regarding ChatGPT's transformative impact in healthcare, highlighting patient care, decision-making, and medical education. Emphasising the importance of ethical regulations and the involvement of policymakers, we urge further investigation to ensure the reliability of ChatGPT and to promote trust in healthcare and research
Voice: A Third Space in Archaeology to Advance Indigenous Emancipation
Get PDFWe discuss the standpoint theory of Indigenism and introduce its principles as relevant to the philosophy of research with, by, and for, Indigenous people. This philosophy is a pillar of Indigenist archaeology since it is a core basis of theorising methods of Indigenous epistemology. We introduce the concept of a ‘third space’ and discuss its purpose as the critique of scientism, a discourse claiming epistemological supremacy for Western science in archaeological research. We defend pluralism in archaeology and provide an example of ‘epistemic disconcertment’ to illustrate the complexity of inclusive archaeology
Critical leadership studies
No full textCritical leadership studies seeks to understand leadership with sensitivity to how power shapes its social construction. Critical leadership theorists tend not to see leadership existing in any objective sense but are instead more concerned with how people characterise, negotiate, and enact what they call ‘leadership’. An introduction is provided into a range of literature that contributes to critical leadership studies.</p
Nutrition for concussion – practices and perspectives from sports dietitians employed within elite-level Australian collision sports
No full textIntroduction: Concussion is common in collision sports such as Rugby League and Australian Rules Football, and can negatively affects athletes’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Nutrition strategies may convey preventative benefits and/or support recovery following concussion. Sports dietitians are uniquely positioned to provide tailored nutrition care, yet limited guidance exists within consensus guidelines. This study explored the practices and perspectives of sports dietitians working in elite-level Australian collision sports regarding nutrition for concussion.Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews (~30 minutes) were conducted via an online platform. Fourteen sports dietitians employed as Head of Nutrition in Australian Rules Football (n=7), Rugby League (n=5), and Rugby Union (n=3) codes participated; one worked across two codes. Both men’s and women’s squads were represented. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results: Five themes were identified. Theme 1 (Dietitian Role in Concussion Management): Dietitians supported recovery and prevention of concussion but were not involved diagnosis or coordination of care, unlike other health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists). Theme 2 (Nutrition Strategies for Concussion): Nutrition strategies were implemented to mitigate the symptoms (e.g., nausea, low appetite) and sequalae of concussion, and achieve metabolic requirements. Common practices included altered quantity/timing of dietary provision, and implementation of supplemental protocols (e.g., creatine monohydrate, omega-3’s and/or vitamin B2). Theme 3 (Barriers and Enablers to Recommendations): barriers included poor food provision at-home (particularly in younger players), limited dietitian workload, and extensive symptoms. Enablers included readily available supplements, support from other staff (e.g., High Performance Manager), and dietitians’ reinforcement of nutrition’s importance. Theme 4 (Difference in Care Between Squads and Codes): Male squads received greater resourcing, while female and developing squads had limited access to dietitian time, food provision, and supplements. Theme 5 (Confidence in Management of Concussion): Dietitians felt confident applying non-specific strategies for concussion management (e.g., strategies to reduce nausea), but less confident providing individualised evidence-based recommendations for concussion. Conclusion: Sports dietitians are important members of the multidisciplinary team that supports athletes with concussion. They are proactively managing athletes’ concussion through nutrition strategies and navigating the complexities of implementation. Guidance from consensus concussion guidelines regarding the best practice for dietitians is needed
Integrating disordered eating, eating disorder and body image content within dietetics’ curricula in Australia: A qualitative exploration of student perceptions
Get PDFBackgroundDietetic programs in Australia provide limited disordered eating and eating disorders content, contributing to dietitians lacking confidence to provide care to this population. Targeted learning opportunities within university programs can support the future workforce to feel competent to provide eating disorder care.ObjectiveTo examine how exploring their own relationship with food and body influences students’ professional identity and preparedness to provide care to people with eating disorders, and to understand students’ perceptions of including this content within their dietetics program.DesignA pragmatic, qualitative multimethod approach was used to explore dietetics students’ perspectives of a 2-week collaborative education initiative to include disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image content within curricula. Data were collected via an online survey and focus groups/individual interviews.ParticipantsAll 2023 Griffith University Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics students (N = 230) were invited to participate in an online seminar. All students enrolled in the Food and Society course during September 2023 (n = 54) completed the new course content. Following the online seminar, 48 students (years 1 through 4) completed the online survey, and 25 students participated in focus groups (n = 15) and individual interviews (n = 10).Data AnalysisSurvey data were analyzed using content analysis, and focus group and interview data were analyzed using the Framework Method.ResultsFour themes and 12 subthemes were inductively identified from the data. Themes included awareness of the intertwined nature of personal and professional identities, valuing the complexity and the need to have a healthy relationship with food and self, the influence of studying nutrition so deeply, and pedagogical implications for new content and future curricula approaches.ConclusionsThis qualitative study highlights the value of including disordered eating and eating disorder content in dietetics programs. Students shared challenges with current content and offered practical considerations for enhancing future eating disorder curricula