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Foregrounding Displacement and Evacuations in the Proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters
Get PDFTowards an emotive-relational model of FLP: mapping the connections between family language policy and parental wellbeing
Get PDFThis paper addresses the emotive-relational dimensions of family language policy (FLP), in the context of Hungarian families in Australia. The study explored parental experiences of family language policy implementation efforts and challenges. The research used an online survey (N = 80) which collected quantitative and qualitative data. Survey data were analysed using SPSS software to generate descriptive and t-test statistics. The results demonstrate that parents experienced emotional challenges around all three elements of family language policies: (i) ideologies; (ii) language practices and (iii) language management. This paper identifies six main emotive-relational dimensions of FLP: (i) linguistic-ideological, (ii) discursive; (iii) personal/relational; (iv) socio-relational; (v) agentive and (vi) pragmatic. The methods and the results of this study can be useful for researchers investigating the interconnectedness of language maintenance and parental subjective wellbeing. The findings inform current theoretical models and methods of researching family language policy and its complex dimensions. This paper concludes with an empirically tested emotive-relational model of FLP, which informs future research directed at exploring the emotional aspects of FLP from parents’ point of view as language planners
Mass Engineered Timber Construction in Southeast Asia: An Analysis of Obstacles, Drivers and Opportunities in Hot and Humid Cities
No full textMass engineered timber (MET) construction has prevailed in western countries in recent years, but Asia is seriously lagging behind. While Asia needs to provide more buildings due to rapid urbanization, building construction also creates significant carbon emissions. MET construction is considered able to tackle both issues, because it is a modern method of construction and timber has lower embodied carbon than conventional building materials. This thesis examines the reasons why MET is not gaining any prominence in Asia.
Currently, there is research on MET in hot and humid climates. There are also studies identifying the drivers and barriers to MET adoption, including people’s perceptions. However, these studies rarely focus on Asia. There is also a lack of cross-country comparison.
This thesis conducted research into the hot and humid Southeast Asian cities of Singapore and Hong Kong, comparing them with Brisbane in Australia, to systematically evaluate the major parameters that are impacting MET adoption in these cities. The research questions are, firstly, to identify the current drivers and obstacles to MET adoption; and secondly, to assess whether MET projects can be feasible in the three cities, and what might constitute viable project opportunities. This research is therefore significant in reducing the knowledge gap by comparing these cities at different stages of adoption, and to help learn from early adopters.
The thesis used a mixed-method research approach in four steps: a background literature review of MET development; a quantitative questionnaire survey of practitioners’ perceptions worldwide; a literature review of key parameters of the three cities; and qualitative case studies with interviews of stakeholders in selected projects within the cities.
The thesis followed the innovation diffusion theory (Rogers 2003) and developed a theoretical framework for analysis. It was found that the drivers and obstacles identified can be grouped into eight key parameters, classified into enabling parameters (1 to 4) and decision-making parameters (5 to 8). These can largely explain the different status of MET adoption.
Using the three cities as examples, this theoretical framework is flexible enough to be used for analysis in other regions/cities, so that the forerunners can demonstrate their path of adoption, which will help other regions/cities to determine whether MET construction is appropriate for their own circumstances
Dementia risk prediction: A comparative analysis of the ANU-ADRI, CAIDE, CogDrisk, LIBRA, and LIBRA2 indices in the HUNT study
No full textBACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Dementia is a major global health concern, necessitating effective risk assessment tools and early intervention. This study compared the performance of five modifiable dementia risk indices - ANU-ADRI, CAIDE, CogDrisk, LIBRA, and LIBRA2 and a "demographics-only" (age, education) model. METHODS: We analyzed data from 5247 Norwegian participants in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4 70+, 2017-2019) and dementia risk indices from baseline data in HUNT3 (2006-2008). Logistic regression models assessed associations between standardized index scores and all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) across age group (<65 vs. ≥65 years), sex, and APOE4 status. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up of 10.6 (9.3-12.3) years (SD=0.74), all indices significantly predicted dementia and AD, though none outperformed the demographics-only model. CogDrisk showed significantly better discriminative ability than all other indices (0.76, 95 % CI:0.74-0.78; DeLong p < 0.05), followed by LIBRA (0.75, 95 % CI:0.72-0.77) and ANU-ADRI (0.74, 95 % CI:0.72-0.76). LIBRA2 (0.69, 95 % CI:0.66-0.71) and CAIDE (0.59, 95 % CI:0.56-0.61) had significantly lower accuracy (DeLong p < 0.001). Removing demographics maintained rank order but reduced accuracy across all indices. Stratified analyses showed stronger performance in those ≥65 years and females at HUNT3, while APOE4 status did not affect performance. CONCLUSION: All indices were associated with dementia risk, with CogDrisk performing best across all conditions, and LIBRA2 and CAIDE performing weakest. No index outperformed a model including age and education only. Future research should refine risk indices for age- and sex-specific applications and assess whether simpler demographic models may suffice in some contexts
Adolescent to Parent Violence in the Wake of Domestic and Family Violence: Practitioner Insights
No full textPurpose: Adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) is increasingly recognized as a social problem and is correlated with exposure to other types of violence in the family. Some young people using violence against parents have been exposed to domestic and family violence (DFV) and many of them are boys and most victims are mothers. Increasingly practitioners are being asked to respond to this issue yet relatively little specific services exist and knowledge on how best to respond is embryonic. Children are direct victims of DFV whether it be through being a target or through exposure to violence against their mothers, siblings, and pets; trying to intervene in the abuse; being caught in the middle of violence directed at mothers; and by being manipulated into participating in the abuse. These exposures can have range of trauma effects such as attachment problems and anxiety. This paper reports on the findings of an evaluation of an innovative intervention aiming to address APV, specifically son-to-mother violence, in the context of adult perpetrated DFV delivered in Queensland (Australia). This paper addresses a gap in the literature by reporting on practitioner perspectives regarding the knowledge, skills and process required to engage sons aged 12–17 years in APV interventions aimed at reducing violence, rebuilding attachment and addressing trauma. Methods: This paper draws on data an evaluation of an APV program. Thematic analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 14 practitioners who delivered either psychoeducation or therapeutic interventions within the program. Results: Key themes from the study indicate that practitioners advocate for the use of a trauma-informed lens and outreach approach to engage young people around the violence they have experienced, and to subsequently build engagement to address the young persons’ use of violence. There was recognition of the important relationships between Young People’s Workers and Women’s Advocates to ensure both young people’s and mothers’ voices guided the intervention. Conclusion: The findings can inform practice in encouraging behaviour change and recovery for young people using violence who have been exposed to DFV and provides suggestions for both clinical interventions and future research in APV
Regional Variation in Alcohol Consumption in the Northern Territory: An Update
No full textIntroduction: Alcohol consumption is higher in the Northern Territory (NT) than the rest of Australia. There is large regional variation in alcohol policy implementation, but no contemporary basic epidemiological data demonstrating variation in consumption. This study replicates and updates Gray and Chikritzhs' work from 2000, which showed substantial regional differences. Methods: Quarterly wholesale data was provided by NT Liquor Licensing for 2022 and 2023. Per capita alcohol consumption of adults (15 years+) by beverage type was estimated across four regions (Top End, Lower Top End, Barkly and Central). We used independent t-tests to compare mean quarterly litres of pure alcohol consumption between Top End (the most populated region) and other regions. We also compared the proportion of beverage types. Results: Since Gray and Chikritzhs' work, consumption has fallen in all regions, by between 4.94% and 34.4%. Mean quarterly per capita consumption was significantly lower in Central (2.65 L) compared to Top End (3.24 L). Across all regions there were clear seasonal trends, with lowest consumption in Quarter 1 (January–March) and highest consumption in Quarter 3 (July–September). Despite reductions, in most NT regions alcohol consumption remains higher per capita than the national average. Cask wine consumption has notably decreased since previous estimates. Discussion and Conclusions: The decrease in cask wine is likely attributable to policies which targeted this beverage specifically. Per capita consumption in the Central Australian region is now lower than the national average, which is inconsistent with the greater rates of alcohol-related harms, and further investigation of moderating factors is warranted
Electrostatically Induced Intercalation of Layered Double Hydroxide in Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage
No full textGraphene-based materials have great potential for electrochemical energy storage applications, but their performance is often limited by the restacking of nanosheets, which restricts ion accessibility. In this study, a straightforward method to fabricate reduced graphene oxide (rGO) laminates intercalated with magnesium–aluminium layered double hydroxide (MgAl-LDH) nanosheets is presented. Due to electrostatic interactions, the positively charged LDH nanosheets strongly bind to the negatively charged rGO layers, forming a stable, alternating laminar structure with well-defined nano-capillaries. Detailed characterization confirms the intended architecture of the rGO-LDH hybrid. Electrochemical analysis shows nearly ideal electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) behavior, with the rGO-LDH reaching a specific capacitance of up to 410 F g¯¹ at 1 A g¯¹. This work highlights the vital role of LDH nanosheets as interlayer spacers that effectively prevent restacking, providing new insights into designing 2D materials for high-performance supercapacitors and energy storage systems
Factors Influencing Tuberculosis Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia
No full textA roadmap for intelligent contract development: Identifying automation opportunities for construction contract administration
No full textPurpose – This study identifies and validates opportunities for automation of problematic construction contract administrative tasks and processes. Through the evaluation of identified automation opportunities, system features are proposed and prioritised to form a development roadmap for future intelligent contract (iContract) creation and evolution. Design/methodology/approach – This study applies a qualitative approach to draw on experienced construction practitioners with direct knowledge of contract administration practices. Thematic mapping and co-occurrence analysis of interview data identify “Contract Process Automation Opportunities” (CPAOs) which are then evaluated and prioritised to inform a development roadmap. Findings – The study establishes ten evaluation criteria, specific to contract processes and identifies eight novel CPAOs. Ten iContract system features, along with the technological and environment requirements to facilitate development, are then synthesised into the novel iContract development roadmap. Research limitations/implications – An “iContract system requirements identification model” is developed by adapting established process automation theoretical frameworks. This guided the structured selection of suitable automatable contractual processes, based on both theoretical and practical insights. The roadmap offers a practical guide for iContract developers for an initial artefact and future researchers aiming to overcome the evolutionary challenges highlighted. Practical implications – The roadmap offers a practical guide for iContract developers for an initial artefact and future researchers aiming to overcome the evolutionary challenges highlighted. Originality/value – This study contributes a unique and founding iContract system development roadmap, in an embryonic field, that has been borne and validated by industry practitioners. It identifies the initial functions to successfully develop an iContract artefact and highlights the evolution of the concept towards an autonomous solution
The future of military medical evacuation: literature analysis focused on the potential adoption of emerging technologies and advanced decision-analysis techniques
No full textA fundamental component of any military medical support system is medical evacuation. The main goal of evacuation is to reduce mortality among critically injured combat casualties. To achieve this goal, several decision problems including, the location of medical treatment facilities, relocation, dispatching, and routing have to be effective across all levels (tactical, operational, and strategic). This study concentrates on the three key types of medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) systems—forward, tactical, and strategic—and the related decision problems. Even though, over the last few years, some review papers have discussed the different topics of MEDEVAC systems (e.g., the evolution of MEDEVAC, evacuation timelines, and types of injuries), no research has been conducted on the full range (i.e., total care pathway) of MEDEVAC systems and the adoption of emerging technologies to improve future MEDEVAC. In this paper, a systematic review of the literature is described, including the decision problems involved in the total military medical evacuation process. This paper also reviews forecast challenges of future MEDEVAC and potential emerging technologies, concepts, and advanced decision-analysis methods to tackle these challenges. In future MEDEVAC processes, emerging technologies and concepts will be important to support improved medical capability; however, military planners will also need to adopt advanced decision-support techniques to efficiently employ these technologies