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How does strength of ties influence project performance in Chinese megaprojects? A conflict-based perspective
No full textZhao, X ORCiD: 0000-0003-0153-5173Purpose - This study aims to investigate how the strength of ties (i.e. strong ties and weak ties) in megaproject networks influences project performance in terms of types of conflicts.
Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire survey was undertaken with professionals in Chinese megaprojects and 445 valid responses were received. A conflict-based theoretical model was developed and tested with structural equation modeling.
Findings - The results indicated that task conflict had a constructive effect on project performance, whereas relationship conflict and process conflict had destructive effects. Both strong and weak ties positively affected project performance, and that weak ties exerted greater effects on performance. The introduction of conflicts significantly weakened the effect of strong ties on project performance. Strong ties indirectly affected project performance via task conflict and relationship conflict, whereas weak ties affected performance only through task conflict. Task conflict had a constructive effect on project performance, whereas relationship conflict and process conflict had destructive impact.
Research limitations/implications - This study identified the positive effect of strength of ties on project performance as well as the constructive and destructive roles of conflicts. Furthermore, the findings provided evidence that strength of ties and conflicts were critical factors for project performance. While, there are still limitations. There are other attributes of megaproject networks, such as network nodes’ characteristics and network structure, which may influence conflicts and project performance. Future research would be conducted to explore the role of these variables. Meanwhile, because different types of conflicts may mutually transform under certain conditions, future research would also address this issue in megaprojects.
Practical implications - As for the management strategies, project stakeholders should know the existence of project networks, exactly assess their resource endowment, especially their external and internal relationship network. In accordance with changes of the project network, stakeholders should share knowledge and learn techniques about how to respond to relationship disturbances, thus reducing relationship conflict and process conflict. Furthermore, stakeholders should place an emphasis on fostering and reinforcing communication and trust, thus effectively resolving task conflict, ambiguity and uncertainty engendered from network ties in a megaproject network.
Originality/value - The main contribution of this study is threefold. First, this study will enrich the literature on strength of ties by accentuating the roles of conflicts in megaproject context. Second, this study contributes to the theoretical development of a conceptual model for explaining the interrelationships among strength of ties, conflicts and project performance. Third, this study will respond to the call “which dimension, i.e. strong ties or weak ties, is more influential” by exploring the direct and indirect effects of strength of ties on project performance.Associated Grant:National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaAssociated Grant Code:7197201
A structure and process evaluation of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention model
No full textJohnston-Devin, CM ORCiD: 0000-0003-2632-5383© 2020 Background: The positive effect of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) model, on the outcomes of frail older adults, is established. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the structures and processes required for the effective delivery of the GEDI model to assist in its potential translation into emergency departments in Australia and overseas. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with emergency department staff and GEDI doctors and nurses from a regional hospital in Queensland, Australia. An a priori framework guided interview questions and analysis. Results: Structures required for successful model deployment included having an emergency department physician champion and nurses with gerontology experience, adequate funding, and geriatric specific resources. Processes identified as fundamental to the GEDI model included having a targeted approach to assessment, a patient-centred approach to care, and staff with inter-facility, intra-facility and inter-personal communication skills. Conclusions: The GEDI model addresses the specific care needs of our aging population. For optimal performance of the model, key structures and processes require identification and acknowledgement. Research involving qualitative methodology is vital for successful translation and integration of emergency department models of care
Doppler correction in moving narrowband ultrasonic ranging sensors for small-scale motion tracking
No full textJayasuriya, AU ORCiD: 0000-0003-4908-0809; Khyam, MO ORCiD: 0000-0002-1988-2328Narrowband ultrasonic sensors can be used for motion tracking and small-scale localization. Moving sensor nodes emitting ultrasonic waves produce a Doppler shift in the received signals. Doppler correction methods in
narrowband ultrasonic motion tracking systems are explained in this letter. Two methods are suggested for Doppler
compensation for small-scale localization using ultrasonic sensors. One of the methods requires a pilot carrier to be
added to the transmitted signal and the other method exploits range-Doppler coupling for Doppler correction. In the
simulation experiments, we compare the performance of the two methods with the traditional methods. We implement
both the methods on hardware and compare the performance of the methods for ranging and localization in the presence
of Doppler shift
Tourists' concerns with the state of the Great Barrier Reef
No full textPabel, A ORCiD: 0000-0003-1409-5496; Thompson, MM ORCiD: 0000-0002-7909-3523This research reports on concerns held by tourists about climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia and what implications this may have for coral reef dependent destinations such as Cairns. The findings showed a high level of concern (60%) that the GBR will become extinct in the next several decades, while 90% are worried about the future health of the GBR. Overall, the results point to a high level of concern about the GBR and pessimism about its future. These findings indicate a need to consider alternative tourism experiences, but Cairns appears to be locked-into a path that remains focused on the GBR. From a destination perspective, the research highlights the need to consider ‘next steps’ required to address the likely flow-on effects of a decline in the GBR, including building community resilience and identifying opportunities to develop alternative tourism strategies
The Nominal Group Technique: Generating consensus in nursing research
No full textHenderson, AJ ORCiD: 0000-0003-0564-3243; Reid-Searl, KA ORCiD: 0000-0001-5808-9296; Ryan, CL ORCiD: 0000-0002-1126-3901The purpose of this article is to describe the Nominal Group Technique and its application as a consensus-generating approach in nursing research. The approach incorporates face-to-face meetings to explore opinions, generate ideas and determine priorities. We illustrate and explain the Nominal Group Technique process based on a study designed to develop a nursing student clinical placement (clinical practicum) evaluation tool. Advantages of the approach include creative face-to-face discussions with minimal resource demands. The Nominal Group Technique is beneficial and can be used to achieve consensus in nursing research, but a lack of anonymity may preclude the process in some investigations
Molecular characterisation of acanthocephalans from Australian marine teleosts: Proposal of a new family, synonymy of another and transfer of taxa between orders
No full textWarner, LR ORCiD: 0000-0002-1587-8129We provide molecular data (cox1, 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA) for 17 acanthocephalan species and 20 host-parasite combinations from Australian marine teleosts collected from off Queensland, Australia. Fourteen of these acanthocephalans are characterised with molecular data for the first time and we provide the first molecular data for a species of each of the genera Heterosentis Van Cleave, 1931, Pyriproboscis Amin, Abdullah & Mhaisen, 2003 and Sclerocollum Schmidt & Paperna, 1978. Using 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, the phylogenetic position of each newly sequenced species is assessed with both single-gene and concatenated 18S+28S maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. Additional phylogenetic analyses focusing on the genus Rhadinorhynchus Lühe, 1912 and related lineages are included. Our phylogenetic results are broadly consistent with previous analyses, recovering previously identified inconsistencies but also providing new insights and necessitating taxonomic action. We do not find sufficient evidence to recognise the Gymnorhadinorhynchidae Braicovich, Lanfranchi, Farber, Marvaldi, Luque & Timi, 2014 as distinct from the Rhadinorhynchidae Lühe, 1912. The family Gymnorhadinorhynchidae and its sole genus, Gymnorhadinorhynchus Braicovich, Lanfranchi, Farber, Marvaldi, Luque & Timi, 2014, are here recognised as junior synonyms of Rhadinorhynchidae and Rhadinorhynchus, respectively. The two species currently assigned to Gymnorhadinorhynchus are recombined as Rhadinorhynchus decapteri (Braicovich, Lanfranchi, Farber, Marvaldi, Luque & Timi, 2014) n. comb. and Rhadinorhynchus mariserpentis (Steinauer, Garcia-Vedrenne, Weinstein & Kuris, 2019) n. comb. In all of our analyses, Rhadinorhynchus biformis Smales, 2014 is found basal to the Rhadinorhynchidae + Transvenidae Pichelin & Cribb, 2001, thus resulting in a paraphyletic Rhadinorhynchidae. It appears that R. biformis may require a new genus and family; however, morphological data for this species are currently insufficient to adequately distinguish it from related lineages, thus we defer the proposal of any new higher-rank names for this species. Species of the genus Sclerocollum, currently assigned to the Cavisomidae Meyer, 1932, are found nested within the family Transvenidae. We transfer the genus Sclerocollum to the Transvenidae and amend the diagnosis of the family accordingly. The genera Gorgorhynchoides Cable & Linderoth, 1963 and Serrasentis Van Cleave, 1923, currently assigned to the Rhadinorhynchidae, are supported as sister taxa and form a clade in the Polymorphida. We transfer these genera and Golvanorhynchus Noronha, Fabio & Pinto, 1978 to an emended concept of the Isthomosacanthidae Smales, 2012 and transfer this family to the Polymorphida. Lastly, Pyriproboscis heronensis (Pichelin, 1997) Amin, Abdullah & Mhaisen, 2003, currently assigned to the Pomphorhynchidae Yamaguti, 1939, falls under the Polymorphida in our analyses with some support for a sister relationship with the Centrorhynchidae Van Cleave, 1916. As this species clearly does not belong in the Pomphorhynchidae and is morphologically and molecularly distinct from the lineages of the Polymorphida, we propose the Pyriprobosicidae n. fam. to accommodate it. © 2020, Springer Nature B.V
Base station assisted relay selection in device-to-device communications
No full textGordon, SD ORCiD: 0000-0003-4090-1199The performance of cooperative cellular networks can be enhanced by using social information of users in the network. This paper presents a social-aware midpoint relay selection scheme that increases average throughput of D2D communication between users in the network leveraging social trust among nodes while selecting a relay node. The selection of a relay node is such that it has strong social link with the source and also located near to the midpoint of the distance between the source and the destination. Calculation of average throughput via simulation shows that our proposed scheme outperforms existing hybrid relay selection scheme by Pan and Wang by upto 14%. In addition, our proposed introduction of probe limit and wise selection of social threshold value can further enhance the throughput when social trust among nodes are high. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd
Flip-flops do not alter the neuromuscular function of the gastrocnemius muscle and tendon during walking in children
No full textBarber, LA ORCiD: 0000-0002-3220-3078Introduction/Aim: Flip-flops are a popular choice of footwear for children. However, their inherent design provides minimal support to the foot and ankle and has been suggested to increase the work performed by muscle and tendon structures, potentially predisposing them to injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the length change behaviour of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle fascicles and muscle tendon unit (MTU) and their mechanical function at the ankle and subtalar joints in children during walking with and without flip-flop. Methods: Eight healthy children walked barefoot and with flip-flops whilst 3D gait analysis and simultaneous B-mode ultrasound images of the MG fascicles during level walking were collected. Joint kinematics, kinetics and MTU lengths were analysed using musculoskeletal modelling and fascicle lengths using a semi-automated tracking algorithm. Results: The muscles and tendons across the ankle absorbed greater amounts of power during barefoot walking compared to flip-flop walking. The muscle activations of the lateral gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis anterior remained invariant across the conditions as did the activation, and fascicle length change behaviour of the medial gastrocnemius. In the barefoot condition, there was a trend of greater MTU lengthening, to potentially absorb greater amounts of power, although no differences in shortening was observed during late stance. Conclusion: Walking with flip-flops does not increase the mechanical work performed by the MG muscle at the ankle and subtalar joints, suggesting that flip-flops do not increase the stresses and strains of the Achilles tendon and hence its predisposition to strain induced injury. Instead, our results suggest that flip-flops, act as a compliant surface and absorb energy during contact and hence the strain experienced by the Achilles tendon. © 2020 Elsevier B.V
Addressing self-injury in schools, Part 1: Understanding nonsuicidal self-injury and the importance of respectful curiosity in supporting youth who engage in self-injury
No full textMcallister, MM ORCiD: 0000-0003-1181-1610Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as the deliberate, self-inflicted damage of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially or culturally sanctioned. School nurses are often a first point of contact for young people experiencing mental health challenges, and yet they often report they lack knowledge and training to provide care for persons who engage in NSSI. In the first of two parts, this article provides school nurses with a better understanding of NSSI and the distinctions between NSSI and suicidal behaviors, discusses the role of nurses' knowledge and attitudes on their ability to care for their patients' mental health needs, and discusses approaches for developing a respectful, empathic manner for working with and supporting youth who engage in self-injury. Part 2 will offer a strategy for brief assessment of NSSI and reflect on two case studies and their implications for school nursing practice
Efficacy of organic amendments to control Meloidogyne spp. in crops: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBrown, PH ORCiD: 0000-0001-6272-5507 0000-0002-4033-6719; Li, YJ ORCiD: 0000-0003-3807-7110; Paramullage, US ORCiD: 0000-0001-8967-341XPurpose: The aim of this meta-analysis and review study was to identify the original research works done on use of organic amendments against root-knot nematodes and to quantitatively analyse the effect of different organic amendment types, such as animal manure, composts, plant derivatives and plant residues, on root-knot nematodes in crops. Materials and methods: The original studies conducted on RKN control using organic amendments were identified using database and literature searches. The articles were screened and data were extracted. The publication bias of the studies was calculated. The soil amendments used in experiments were identified into four main organic amendment categories: plant residues, composts, animal manure and plant derivatives (powders, pellets or extracts produced from plant or plant parts). A meta-analysis was performed calculating the response ratios (effect size) of different organic amendments against RKN favouring plant performances. Results and discussion: All the amendment types, i.e. plant residues, composts, animal manures and plant derivatives, were found to be effective against RKN. Plant-based derivatives were the most effective against all RKN damage attributes followed by application of compost and animal manure. Poultry manure was the only effective animal manure to control RKN consistently based on the results. Plant residues were found to be the least effective against RKN; amongst these groups of organic amendments, the family Poaceae produced the most effective residues to control RKN. Conclusions: Organic amendment application generally reduced the RKN population and damage by 63 compared to untreated conditions. © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature