18624 research outputs found
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‘I don’t know how to properly deal with challenging and complex behaviour’ : initial teacher education for pre-service teachers on behaviour management
Full text linkThe education sector in Australia is in crisis, struggling to retain teachers in the profession, with dealing with challenging and complex behaviour a major concern for new teachers. Previous research has shown that Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) can assist teachers in managing complex and challenging behaviours in the classroom, however, FBA is not always employed or conducted effectively. This research employed a mixed methods approach through a pre- and post- survey to measure pre-service teachers’ perceived self-efficacy in managing complex behaviours. This was after participating in a third-year undergraduate course focusing on curriculum regarding functional behaviour and positive behaviour support. This new course was designed to offer multiple means of engagement and opportunity to develop self-efficacy in the course curriculum, including case studies, podcasts, activities, critical reflections, and role-plays, as a result of the recommendations from the recent Teacher Education Expert Panel Report (TEEP). Findings indicated that participants perceived self-efficacy were higher for managing complex and challenging behaviours in the classroom after undertaking this course. Implications for future practice are discussed. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Decentralized management of unbalanced multi-agent distribution systems : a transactive approach leveraging ADMM framework
Full text linkThe emergence of multi-agent systems and significant integration of distributed energy sources (DESs) are transforming distribution networks. This necessitates a decentralized management strategy for unbalanced operation in multi-agent distribution systems (MADSs) due to the autonomous nature and potential for unbalanced injection of single-phase DESs. Accordingly, this paper proposes a novel approach for decentralized management of unbalanced operation in MADSs. The approach leverages a customized alternating direction method of multipliers to facilitate decentralized decision-making, while incorporating transactive energy signals aligned with the alternating direction method of multiplier framework to enable independent agent operation. In this scheme, independent agents would optimize their operating costs considering the announced transactive signals, which model the power prices and power loss in the grid. The decentralized structure enables agents to apply stochastic and condition value at risk methods to address the uncertainty and associated risk in scheduling resources. Furthermore, without violating the privacy concerns of agents, the developed transactive-based scheme facilitates minimizing the asymmetrical condition, caused by the unbalanced integration of DESs, in the power request at the connection point of MADSs and transmission networks. Finally, the proposed methodology is simulated on 37-bus and 123-bus test-systems to study its effectiveness in managing the MADSs with unbalanced integration of DESs. © 2025 The Author(s). IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Blockchain technology (BCT) for cyber defence and cybersecurity : a systematic review
No full textCyber defence and cybersecurity are crucial components in protecting digital assets and information in today's interconnected world. Due to rise of sophisticated cyber-attacks, the existing cyber defence technology has become less effective in providing robust defence and security to the cyberspace. Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a promising solution for various industries including cryptocurrency, supply chain management, healthcare, financial services, voting system, and many more. It also has the potential to revolutionize cyber defence, cybersecurity and implementing effective countermeasures against the cyber threats. In a digital world where cyber-attacks are getting more sophisticated and frequent, the blockchain offer uniquely capable capabilities to improve safety, resilience, and trust in today's electronic systems. This chapter explores the techniques, solutions, and applications of BCT in the context of cyber defence and cybersecurity. The chapter reviews existing research and industry practices to identify the potential applications of BCT in cyber defence. It examines how blockchain can be utilized for secure identity management, decentralized access control, secure data sharing, and tamper-proof logging and auditing. The chapter delves into the challenges and limitations associated with implementing blockchain in cyber defence and discusses scalability concerns, regulatory considerations, and the need for interoperability with existing systems. The practical implications of BCT in cyber defence are illustrated through real-world use cases and case studies. Finally, this chapter presents a comprehensive examination of the techniques, solutions, and applications of BCT in the field of cyber defence, cybersecurity, and countermeasures. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Naresh Kshetri, Purnendu Shekhar Pandey and Mohiuddin Ahmed; individual chapters, the contributors
Global impoverishment of natural vegetation revealed by dark diversity
No full textAnthropogenic biodiversity decline threatens the functioning of ecosystems and the many benefits they provide to humanity1. As well as causing species losses in directly affected locations, human influence might also reduce biodiversity in relatively unmodified vegetation if far-reaching anthropogenic effects trigger local extinctions and hinder recolonization. Here we show that local plant diversity is globally negatively related to the level of anthropogenic activity in the surrounding region. Impoverishment of natural vegetation was evident only when we considered community completeness: the proportion of all suitable species in the region that are present at a site. To estimate community completeness, we compared the number of recorded species with the dark diversity—ecologically suitable species that are absent from a site but present in the surrounding region2. In the sampled regions with a minimal human footprint index, an average of 35% of suitable plant species were present locally, compared with less than 20% in highly affected regions. Besides having the potential to uncover overlooked threats to biodiversity, dark diversity also provides guidance for nature conservation. Species in the dark diversity remain regionally present, and their local populations might be restored through measures that improve connectivity between natural vegetation fragments and reduce threats to population persistence. © The Author(s) 2025. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Nick Schultz is provided in this record*
The opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a national soil data repository from public and private actors
No full textTrusted data is increasingly critical in many industries seeking to remain competitive, demonstrate their environmental credentials and gain access to global markets. In this context, Visualising Australasia's Soils (VAS) is a novel spatial knowledge system, showing both public and private soil data in an online portal for use by the Australian agriculture industry. Following its launch in 2021, VAS continues its phased development towards an established, independent and enduring soil research data federation. Organisations partnering on VAS from the agriculture industry are contributing data to the portal. Research was conducted to explore the motivations for VAS partners in joining the soil data federation and to understand their value propositions for the VAS soil data federation. Qualitative research offers a unique, empirical evidence-base for documenting the initial perceptions about VAS in federating soil data for Australia's agriculture. In-depth interviews (N = 14) were conducted with staff from partner organisations to understand their perceptions, experiences and expectations of VAS, including the challenges and opportunities for soil data sharing. Analysis of the interview data reveals limited but growing interaction and use of the VAS system, and broad agreement that it is meeting expectations. Anticipated opportunities were associated with improved data management and storage for organisations, and the potential contributions of data to new knowledge leading to industry advancement. However, the potential of VAS is yet to be fully realised, constrained by numerous challenges. These include concerns about sharing sensitive and private data in the VAS system, and the integration of vast amounts of complex and unique metadata and contextual soil data. Addressing these challenges will be essential if VAS is to succeed and deliver better data for better industry decisions. To this end, the value proposition must be fully articulated for data custodians to secure the long-term success of the VAS soil data federation and the application of data for industry-wide benefit. Actions to address current challenges and develop the value of the VAS soil data federation are being implemented during the next phase of VAS, together with ongoing research to gain important insights about the role of the VAS in supporting the industry, over time. These research findings will guide future data federations, informed through an understanding of the experiences of data custodians who are pivotal in these initiatives. © 2025 The Author(s). Soil Use and Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Society of Soil Science
Gendered dimensions of migration and conviviality: a virtual space for autoethnographic explorations of ‘finding home’
No full textGendered dimensions of migration although mainstream current research, there is less attention given to migrant women’s social interaction and convivial experiences. As three transnational women living and working in Melbourne, we have our social lives outside work and family. During COVID-19 lockdowns, we found ourselves isolated with restrictions on social interaction and convivial gatherings. In this paper, we discuss how we experienced ‘conviviality’ while sharing our stories of ‘finding home’ in a virtual space. We engaged on Zoom to tour an exhibition about migrant stories–The Unending Absence (2017) at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. We listened to migrants’ audio stories of ‘finding home’, then paused to write our individual experiences of migratory moves. Collaborative autoethnography facilitated our writing and reflexive dialoguing providing a safe and convivial space to share our experiences infused with emotions. Discussing our gendered migration journeys we found similarities and differences in cultural heritage, ethnicity, and belonging along with personal and professional identities structuring our choices, decisions, norms, and opportunities of ‘finding home’. Through reciprocal triadic lenses, we highlight how social interactions and being convivial are important to our ongoing well-being, whether we interact with others in person or using a virtual space. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Characterization of energy profile and load flexibility in regional water utilities for cost reduction and sustainable development
Full text linkWater utilities use a significant amount of electrical energy due to the rising demand for wastewater treatment driven by environmental and economic reasons. The growing demand for energy, rising energy costs, and the drive toward achieving net-zero emissions require a sustainable energy future for the water industry. This can be achieved by integrating onsite renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage, demand management, and participation in demand response (DR) programs. This paper analyzes the energy profile and load flexibility of water utilities using a data-driven approach to reduce energy costs by leveraging RESs for regional water utilities. It also assesses the potential for DR participation across different types of water utilities, considering peak-load shifting and battery storage installations. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as bushfires, heatwaves, droughts, and prolonged cold and wet season floods, regional water industries in Australia serve as a relevant case study of sectors already impacted by these challenges. First, the data characteristics across the water and energy components of regional water industries are analyzed. Next, barriers and challenges in data acquisition and processing in water industries are identified and recommendations are made for improving data coordination (interoperability) to enable the use of a single platform for identifying DR opportunities. Finally, the energy profile and load flexibility of regional water industries are examined to evaluate onsite generation and battery storage options for participating in DR operations. Operational data from four regional sites across two regional Australian water utilities are used in this study. © 2025 by the authors
A little boat flopping about on the ocean: the lived experience of transitioning early career nurses
Full text linkAims: To explore the lived experiences of transitioning from a student to a nurse while navigating the workplace in their first two years within the profession. Design: A qualitative exploratory study employing Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology to inform the interpretive approach, thereby reinforcing the philosophical foundations of the research. Methods: Twenty-six early career nurses who participated in an initial study as students were followed up and interviewed 18–24 months after graduating between 2020 and 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data and were thematically analysed. COREQ guidelines were followed. Results: Three themes emerged encompassing: Navigating the New World, where early career nurses felt like imposters and ill-prepared to practise; The real world, where early career nurses are pushed to their limits; and A support network, where early career nurses relied on each other and other key members of the professional team to make it through the transitional period of being a new nurse. Conclusion: An examination of early career nurses' experiences centred around support, where differences between anticipated and actual support fostered imposter syndrome and feelings of being overwhelmed. While further research to explore the deeper dynamics of the relationships between peers is required, there also remains further research to understand the mechanisms that inform the flow of recently registered nurses out of the workplace or profession altogether. There are opportunities to better link early career nursing peers and capitalise on the empathic nature of these relationships as one solution to workplace and professional turnover. Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. © 2025 The Author(s). Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Exploring the utility of the model for understanding inpatient aggression for general mental health settings
Full text linkA comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to aggression within mental health inpatient units is necessary to generate timely preventative interventions. In practice however, the focus is dominated by consideration of factors that are intrinsic to patients. The Model for Understanding Inpatient Aggression (“the model”) was developed for use in a forensic mental health service to understand and help prevent aggression by exploring distal and proximal intrinsic patient-level ‘personal’ factors and extrinsic ‘contextual’ factors'- structural, organisational and interpersonal. The model also incorporates exploration of ‘near miss events’ when aggression does not occur, to learn about aggression and support early use of effective intervention strategies. This study explored whether the model is suitable for use in civil/general mental health inpatient settings. Fifteen people (n = 14 nurses, and n = 1 lived and living experience expert) participated in one of four focus groups. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were constructed from the data: (1) Focus remains on intrinsic factors and post event exploration and not early intervention and prevention; (2) “Turning the mirror” on ourselves: The importance of considering and addressing contextual factors; and (3) ‘For us it might fill a gap’: Benefits of using the Model for Understanding Inpatient Aggression. Participants also suggested additions to the model so that it aligns with practice in general mental health inpatient units. In conclusion, understanding and preventing aggression remains a constant challenge. Intervention efforts may be broadened when a wide range of contributing factors is considered, beyond proximal intrinsic/personal patient characteristics. © 2025 The Author(s). International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
The opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a national soil data repository from public and private actors
Full text linkTrusted data is increasingly critical in many industries seeking to remain competitive, demonstrate their environmental credentials and gain access to global markets. In this context, Visualising Australasia's Soils (VAS) is a novel spatial knowledge system, showing both public and private soil data in an online portal for use by the Australian agriculture industry. Following its launch in 2021, VAS continues its phased development towards an established, independent and enduring soil research data federation. Organisations partnering on VAS from the agriculture industry are contributing data to the portal. Research was conducted to explore the motivations for VAS partners in joining the soil data federation and to understand their value propositions for the VAS soil data federation. Qualitative research offers a unique, empirical evidence-base for documenting the initial perceptions about VAS in federating soil data for Australia's agriculture. In-depth interviews (N = 14) were conducted with staff from partner organisations to understand their perceptions, experiences and expectations of VAS, including the challenges and opportunities for soil data sharing. Analysis of the interview data reveals limited but growing interaction and use of the VAS system, and broad agreement that it is meeting expectations. Anticipated opportunities were associated with improved data management and storage for organisations, and the potential contributions of data to new knowledge leading to industry advancement. However, the potential of VAS is yet to be fully realised, constrained by numerous challenges. These include concerns about sharing sensitive and private data in the VAS system, and the integration of vast amounts of complex and unique metadata and contextual soil data. Addressing these challenges will be essential if VAS is to succeed and deliver better data for better industry decisions. To this end, the value proposition must be fully articulated for data custodians to secure the long-term success of the VAS soil data federation and the application of data for industry-wide benefit. Actions to address current challenges and develop the value of the VAS soil data federation are being implemented during the next phase of VAS, together with ongoing research to gain important insights about the role of the VAS in supporting the industry, over time. These research findings will guide future data federations, informed through an understanding of the experiences of data custodians who are pivotal in these initiatives. © 2025 The Author(s). Soil Use and Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Society of Soil Science