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Multi-modal deep learning approaches to semantic segmentation of mining footprints with multispectral satellite imagery
No full textExisting remote sensing applications in mining are often of limited scope, typically mapping multiple mining land covers for a single mine or only mapping mining extents or a single feature (e.g., tailings dam) for multiple mines across a region. Many of these works have a narrow focus on specific mine land covers rather than encompassing the variety of mining and non-mining land use in a mine site. This study presents a pioneering effort in performing deep learning-based semantic segmentation of 37 mining locations worldwide, representing a range of commodities from gold to coal, using multispectral satellite imagery, to automate mapping of mining and non-mining land covers. Due to the absence of a dedicated training dataset, we crafted a customized multispectral dataset for training and testing deep learning models, leveraging and refining existing datasets in terms of boundaries, shapes, and class labels. We trained and tested multimodal semantic segmentation models, particularly based on U-Net, DeepLabV3+, Feature Pyramid Network (FPN), SegFormer, and IBM-NASA foundational geospatial model (Prithvi) architecture, with a focus on evaluating different model configurations, input band combinations, and the effectiveness of transfer learning. In terms of multimodality, we utilized various image bands, including Red, Green, Blue, and Near Infra-Red (NIR) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), to determine which combination of inputs yields the most accurate segmentation. Results indicated that among different configurations, FPN with DenseNet-121 backbone, pre-trained on ImageNet, and trained using both RGB and NIR bands, performs the best. We concluded the study with a comprehensive assessment of the model's performance based on climate classification categories and diverse mining commodities. We believe that this work lays a robust foundation for further analysis of the complex relationship between mining projects, communities, and the environment.</p
Protecting historically marginalized groups or targeted marketing? A computational analysis of individuals engaging with public and protected cigar-branded tweets
No full textIntroduction: Swisher Sweets, a leading brand of little cigars and cigarillos in the United States, switched its Twitter account to protected status, limiting access to its tweets. This study examines how the protected status of Swisher Sweets tweets influences post engagement, aiming to inform regulatory strategies for branded tobacco promotions on social media. Method: Using natural language processing, we predicted the demographics of individuals replying to Swisher Sweets' public and protected tweets. Engagement with public versus protected tweets was compared using a Mann-Whitney U test, and a mixed-effects logistic regression assessed the likelihood of different demographics replying to each tweet type. Chi-square analyses examined word frequencies related to any flavor, concept flavors, and characterizing flavor in replies to public and protected tweets. Results: Overall, 16 % of individuals replying to Swisher Sweets' tweets were predicted to be under 21, and 65 % were Black. No significant difference was found in average reply counts to public versus protected tweets (p = .78). Black individuals were 2.61 times more likely than White individuals to engage with protected tweets after the status change (OR = 2.61, 95 % CI [1.36, 5.06], p = .004). Replies to protected tweets contained more words related to any flavor (adjusted p < .001) and concept flavors (adjusted p < .001) compared to public tweet replies. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the protected status on Twitter was ineffective in preventing underage engagement with Swisher Sweets’ branded tweets and may facilitate targeted marketing among Black individuals. Implications: More stringent age verification procedures and promotional regulatory measures are needed to prevent targeted tobacco brand marketing on social media.</p
“Me dancing”:An intrinsic case study of primary school girls’ understandings of movement and dance through their drawings
No full textChildren’s drawings powerfully illuminate their views and opinions about movement experiences in a range of environments. For younger children it is more pertinent to seek their ideas via their drawings. Using the voices and images of primary school age girls, we examine their understandings of movement and dance. Using an intrinsic case study method, two classes of eight-to-ten-year-old girls in a suburban primary school in Melbourne Australia were asked to produce a drawing of “me dancing.” Each child was invited to expand on their drawing in a short open-ended interview. The drawings were analysed in different ways and compared with the children’s explanations. We probed the oral and visual viewpoints of child-dancers. The findings reveal many different interpretations of the meaning of movement and dance in young girls’ lives. There are implications for future dance education which may improve dance teaching and learning within this age group.</p
Developing a resilient workforce in the context of organisational change:the role of employee assistance programmes
No full textEmployee assistance programmes (EAPs) are helpful human resource management (HRM) practices to develop a resilient workforce under drastic organisational change. However, there is limited research that explores the underlying mechanisms through which EAPs function as part of HRM strategies to foster well-being and resilience in the context of organisational change. Drawing on conservation of resources theory and social exchange theory, this study theorises and tests a model to examine whether, how, and when EAPs impact employee openness to organisational change and well-being. A two-wave time-lagged survey of 513 employees from eight private and two public organisations in China indicates that EAPs strengthen employee resilience under organisational change, which fosters employee well-being and openness to organisational change. Moreover, we verify perceived organisational justice as a critical boundary condition such that the resource exchange orientation of perceived organisational justice crowds out the positive effects of EAPs on well-being and openness to organisational change. This study empirically consolidates the strategic function of EAPs in developing a resilient workforce under organisational change and provides practical insights for management to improve EAP efficacy.</p
The Global Third Nuclear Age:Clashing Visions for a New Era in International Politics
No full textThis book provides an in-depth examination of the technological, geopolitical and normative pressures driving the world into a new, more complex and potentially more dangerous Third Nuclear Age. By adopting an innovative framework for analysis, the book challenges the constrained focus of much of the existing literature by explaining that the pathways to nuclear security for different actors across the globe will vary considerably in this new context. It argues that the Third Nuclear Age will be defined by friction and conflict between “Nuclear Traditionalists,” “Technological Transformers,” “Hedgers and Balancers” and “Activists and Protestors,” as different interests and visions of the nuclear future clash. The book draws on dozens of interviews and non-English language sources to provide a global approach and looks at the security politics driving the political debate in 20 different countries across the globe. This book will be of much interest to students of nuclear politics, security studies and International Relations.</p
What facilitates a sense of belonging amongst Australian teachers?
No full textObjective: Enhancing a sense of belonging among teachers could be key to mitigating global teacher shortages. This study aimed to investigate teachers' sense of belonging in the Australian educational context. Method: A sample of 3,206 teachers answered a survey with open-ended questions that were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis identified six key themes influencing teachers' sense of belonging: Interpersonal relationships (peer relationships, student and parent relationships); Support and collaboration (providing and receiving support; team dynamics and collaborative efforts); Professional and personal growth (influence and contribution to society, professional learning opportunities, individual professional identity and characteristics); Institutional factors (leadership support, positive school environment, employment stability), Motivators (teaching passion, acknowledgment and appreciation); and External networks (engagement in professional networks). Conclusions: The findings provide insights into strategies for enhancing teacher belonging, with potential implications for improving retention and addressing teacher shortages.</p
Deterrence in networks
No full textWe propose a deterrence mechanism that utilizes insider information acquired by criminals through customary practices. Under this mechanism, a suspect caught committing a criminal act can nominate a peer who has committed a similar offense, with only the more severe offender facing penalties. Theoretical analyses indicate that, under general conditions, our mechanism drives the best-response dynamic downwards compared to the commonly used regulatory practice of penalizing only the first suspect. Experimental data confirms the mechanism's deterrence effect, but unveils deviations from equilibrium predictions: the deterrence effect is weaker than anticipated and insensitive to network structures summarizing insider knowledge. To understand this, we analyze post-experiment questionnaire responses and find evidence that some participants employ level-k rather than Nash strategies. Structural estimation confirms that the level-k specification better fits the data than Nash. These findings inform policymakers of the potential usefulness and constraints of the peer-informed audit mechanism.</p
Bubbles, Seekers, and Servers:A Metaphor Analysis of Jewish Identity Construction
No full textQuantitative studies of contemporary Jewry have primarily focused on Jewish identity, examining the categories that differentiate Jewish self-conceptions, and their implications for belief, behavior, and belonging. In contrast, qualitative studies have deepened this understanding by exploring the process of identity construction. However, significant gaps remain in our knowledge about how identity is understood, particularly regarding how young people perceive agency and self-awareness when reflecting on their identity-related choices. Metaphor analysis offers insights into conceptual frameworks shaping attitudes and behaviors. This method is especially well suited for examining young people’s beliefs about identity construction and the ways these beliefs are expressed. In our study of young Australian Jews, participants used rich metaphors to describe their Jewish identities. Three dominant metaphors—the bubble, the seeker, and the server—capture participants’ Jewish identity, shaped by upbringing, milestones, and communal ties. By illuminating these metaphors, metaphor analysis enhances our understanding of the lived experience of identity construction. It offers a novel lens for studying how young Jews conceptualize their developing sense of self within a Jewish context.</p
Public understanding of climate change in malaysia:results of a national survey
No full textThe Malaysia National Survey of Climate Change Concern and Behaviour is the first of its kind to provide insights into the Malaysian public’s understanding of climate change. This is crucial for Malaysia, a country experiencing weather disruptions and climate-induced disasters. This nationally representative survey (n = 1063) assessed climate change awareness, literacy levels, policy support, motivations for change, individual actions and media preferences. It also deployed an audience segmentation tool to support the design of targeted communications about both the impacts and risks of climate change and the roll out of climate solutions. The research finds that the Malaysian public has a high level of alarm or concern over climate change (81%). 40-56% of respondents understand the commonly used terminologies (e.g., greenhouse gas, low carbon technology, mitigation and renewable energy). It also finds that Malaysians have adopted greener choices (65-79%) in a range of energy, consumer and waste-related behaviours to address climate change. Results also show that ‘easier’ behaviours are more commonly adopted, such as reducing electricity use, while measures that cost money or time such as installing solar panels and using public transport are less likely to be adopted. Our findings show that Malaysians are worried about climate change, but effective communication strategies are required to help the shift to ‘harder’ change. Such strategies will be crucial for better disaster and health responses and policy support for the transition to a net zero future.</p
Unattended children in vehicles:exploring risks, attitudes, and technology adoption among Australian parents/caregivers
No full textIntroduction: Leaving children unattended in motor vehicles presents significant risks, particularly in Australia's harsh climate. This study investigated the frequency, context, and demographic factors associated with parental practices involving children aged 12 years and younger being left unattended in vehicles. Method: A survey was conducted with 1742 parents and caregivers (mean age = 36.2 years, SD = 5.6; 85.7% female) to examine their behaviours and attitudes regarding leaving children unattended in vehicles. The survey collected data on the frequency of this practice, the context in which it occurs, and the demographic characteristics of those who reported engaging in it. Results: The findings revealed that either ‘never’ (38.0%) or ‘rarely’ (40.9%) left their child unattended. However, those who did leave their children unattended typically did so for short durations while running errands. The data showed that parents or caregivers who left their children unattended were more likely to be male, younger, have a lower education level, and have a lower annual income. Despite being aware of risks such as heatstroke and unauthorised access, these demographic factors correlated with a higher likelihood of engaging in this risky behaviour. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted educational campaigns and interventions that address specific demographic groups to enhance child safety. The findings support the development of parent/caregiver education programs and the implementation of technological solutions to prevent incidents of children being left unattended in vehicles. Tailored strategies are essential for reducing the risks associated with this practice in Australia, ultimately contributing to better child safety outcomes.</p