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Temperature alters reproduction and maternal provisioning in a fish ectoparasite
No full textCarton, AG ORCiD: 0000-0003-4052-0839This study quantified the effects of temperature on reproduction and maternal provisioning of the fish ectoparasite, Neobenedenia girellae (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea), a species known to cause detrimental impacts to aquaculture species in tropical and subtropical environments worldwide. At 20 and 25 ºC, parasites exhibited relatively slower production of larger eggs that were energy-dense. In contrast, parasites at 30 °C attained sexual maturity faster, were reproductively active over a
shorter period, grew to a smaller size and laid smaller, less energy-rich eggs at a faster rate. As such, parasites exhibited two distinct reproductive patterns in response to temperature: parasites at lower temperatures produced larger eggs with higher energy content, while those at the higher temperature had a higher rate of egg production.
Larger eggs produced in cooler conditions were better provisioned with energetic reserves and important, membrane-bound lipids that would likely facilitate larval longevity and development success. This is commensurate with previous observations of epizootics of this parasite species in aquaculture systems during winter. Meanwhile, eggs produced at 30 °C contained higher proportions of saturated fatty acids compared
to polyunsaturated fatty acids, likely reflecting metabolic regulation of cell membrane fluidity, which is necessary for larvae to survive warm conditions. This study demonstrates that fish ectoparasites have evolved substantial reproductive and metabolic flexibility to maximise infection success in variable environmental conditions
Generalizability of a biomathematical model of fatigue’s sleep predictions
No full textDawson, D ORCiD: 0000-0001-7385-5630Introduction: Biomathematical models of fatigue (BMMF) predict fatigue during a work-rest schedule on the basis of sleep-wake histories. In the absence of actual sleep-wake histories, sleep-wake histories are predicted directly from work-rest schedules. The predicted sleep-wake histories are then used to predict fatigue. It remains to be determined whether workers organize their sleep similarly across operations and thus whether sleep predictions generalize. Methods: Officers (n = 173) enrolled in the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study were studied. Officers’ sleep-wake behaviors were measured using wrist-actigraphy and predicted using a BMMF (FAID Quantum) parameterized in aviation and rail. Sleepiness (i.e. Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) ratings) was predicted using actual and predicted sleep-wake data. Data were analyzed using sensitivity analyses. Results: During officers’ 16.0 ± 1.9 days of study participation, they worked 8.6 ± 3.1 shifts and primarily worked day shifts and afternoon shifts. Across shifts, 7.0 h ± 1.9 h of actual sleep were obtained in the prior 24 h and associated peak KSS ratings were 5.7 ± 1.3. Across shifts, 7.2 h ± 1.1 h of sleep were predicted in the prior 24 h and associated peak KSS ratings were 5.5 ± 1.2. The minute-by-minute predicted and actual sleep-wake data demonstrated high sensitivity (80.4%). However, sleep was observed at all hours-of-the-day, but sleep was rarely predicted during the daytime hours. Discussion: The sleep-wake behaviors predicted by a BMMF parameterized in aviation and rail demonstrated high sensitivity with police officers’ actual sleep-wake behaviors. Additional night shift data are needed to conclude whether BMMF sleep predictions generalize across operations. © 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Out of the storm: Extreme weather resilience for community homelessness
No full textThis paper reports on the outcomes of a collaborative, strengths-based program developed to improve the preparedness of people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather in South Australia. The program, Out of the Storm, provided resources for dealing with heat, cold and storms that were co-designed by people experiencing homelessness, emergency services and health provider representatives and volunteer graphic designers. The program employed peer outreach workers who delivered 278 emergency kits and maps and who conducted 466 conversations about extreme weather with other people in experiencing homelessness in South Australia. This paper outlines the Out of the Storm program, including how principles of Trauma-Informed Extreme Weather Resilience Education were incorporated. This evaluation demonstrated that the Out of the Storm activities gave people access to relevant information and weatherprotection items and built confidence, opportunities and social connections within the community and with emergency services organisations and health providers. © 2020 Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience
A study on consumer spending behaviours to improve business modelling strategy in the Australian app market
No full textZubaydi, MS ORCiD: 0000-0002-4338-7108The mobile app market is one of the fastest growing markets in the modern technological age. This market started with the introduction of the iPhone to the mobile device market; the iPhone revolutionised smartphones in terms of technology and ease of use, and therefore became an instant hit that dominated the market for many years.
Based on popular demand from the software developer community, Apple allowed third party developers to build native applications on iPhone, by creating a software development kit (SDK) and a distribution market for developers to create and sell apps directly to customers. Through these actions, Apple democratised the sale of software by allowing independent developers to sell their own software, and this move attracted hundreds of thousands of developers to the mobile app industry. Today, Apple, and also Android, platforms boast large developer communities and supply over three billion smartphone users worldwide.
The mobile app markets have enabled developers to become direct app sellers to customers. However, this has created new challenges for the app sellers. Besides building quality apps, developers now need to determine the right business model for their products or services, determine price, conduct market research, and handle all app promotion. App sellers that have evolved into developer studios with specialised staff have coped better with app market challenges. However, small and independent developers still struggle with the business end of their operation, and as a result suffer low earnings in a highly competitive market.
In the mobile app marketplace, business modelling strategy depends, in part, on understanding consumer spending behaviour. Developers need to distinguish and monitor consumers’ spending behaviour patterns that are associated with their products and continuously adapt their business models. Therefore, consumer spending behaviour studies are necessary to inform the market of what consumers like in mobile apps and how they spend money on apps.
This study aims to address one of the most important business challenges that developers face, by producing business modelling guidelines based on app product characteristics, which help developers select business models that are more suited for consumer spending behaviour associated with their products, and as a result better monetise their products in the mobile app marketplace.
The study paradigm of this research is rooted in positivism, in which quantitative research is conducted to obtain objective truth. Hypotheses regarding associations between pleasure, utility, peer interaction, currency models, and the perception of price and willingness to spend money on the app product are tested using statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, paired t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The tests will address research gaps on what drives users to purchase apps by measuring consumer spending (defined in Section 1.3 and explained in Section 3.3) when buying mobile apps.
Study findings showed that mobile app users prefer spending on functional apps rather than entertainment apps; however, they become more willing to spend on entertainment apps the longer they use them. Findings also showed that the use of native currency in apps is associated with more willingness by users to spend money. Results indicated no association between social status or social competition and willingness to spend money, which means that peer influence in mobile game networks does not influence consumers’ willingness to spend money.
Further analysis showed that female mobile app gamers are more conservative towards app spending than male mobile app gamers despite reporting their economic means to be statistically equal. Network game players and high-income professionals spend the most time playing mobile app games and are also the most excessive spenders among all sociodemographic groups.
Finally, this study’s main contribution is the proposed business model, which is based on factors which influence consumers’ spending behaviours. The study’s practical contribution consists of a set of guidelines and a decision flowchart that classifies Google Play platforms’ monetisation models by earning potential and guides developers into selecting the most appropriate model based on the expected user behaviour of their products
Living with bushfires on the urban-bush interface
No full textDue to the attractiveness of living in a natural environment, more people are likely to reside in urban-bush interface areas that expose them to dangers from bushfires. Surveys conducted after fires over 2009-2015, indicated that many residents in urban-bush interface areas under-estimate their bushfire risk and do not prepare adequately for these events. For this study, householders living in urban-bush interface areas of Melbourne completed an online survey that showed that the attractiveness of the natural environment setting was the major reason for living in the location. The majority of respondents indicated bushfires as a negative feature of living in the urban-bush-interface. Compared with findings from post-bushfire surveys during 2009-2015, a greater number of respondents had a bushfire survival plan to evacuate as well as being prepared to evacuate if threatened. However, one in eight householders planned to 'wait and see' how a fire developed before taking action. Also, levels of activities to reduce house vulnerability to bushfire were low. For some householders, this was because they believed such preparations would be ineffective and, thus, pointless. This unpreparedness presents challenges to emergency management organisations and, in particular, fire agencies. © 2020 Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience
Measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement
No full textSardesai, AV ORCiD: 0000-0001-6794-4549Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine prominent issues and knowledge contributions from research exploring measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement. This paper also provides an overview of the other papers presented in this AAAJ Special Issue and draws from their findings to scope out future impactful research opportunities in this area.
Design/methodology/approach – Consists of a review and examination of the prior literature and the other papers published in this AAAJ Special Issue.
Findings – The paper identifies and summarises three key research themes in the extant literature: research productivity of accounting academics; the rise of the ‘Corporate University’ and commodification of research; and, the benefits and limitations of Research Assessment Exercises. It draws upon work within these research themes to set out four broad areas for future impactful research.
Research limitations/implications – The value of this paper rests with collating and synthesising several important research themes on the nature and impact of measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement, and in prompting future extensions of this work through setting out areas for further innovative research in the area.
Practical implications – The research examined in this paper and the future research avenues proposed are highly relevant to university academics, administrators and regulators/policy makers. They also offer important insights into matters of accounting measurement, accountability, and control more generally
Australian clinical facilitator professional development needs: A cross-sectional study
No full textMcallister, MM ORCiD: 0000-0003-1181-1610; Ryan, CL ORCiD: 0000-0002-1126-3901Background: Registered Nurses are recruited from clinical positions to work as clinical facilitators, supervising nursing students' clinical learning. Few studies have reported on the capabilities of the group, nor offered clinical facilitators validated tools to support their professional development. Objective: To test the validated Capabilities of Nurse Educator (CONE) questionnaire with expert clinical facilitators. To use the modified CONE to investigate the Australian clinical facilitator capability for the role. Design: Cross-sectional survey design. Participants: A purposive sample of 235 Australian clinical facilitators. Method: Face validity testing was completed with five members of the target group. The modified CONE was emailed to the 235 Australian nurses with a link for the CONE to complete online. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied to the aggregate data. Results: All 93 items and six subscales remained in the modified CONE following minor rewording, of some items. Eight-one (n = 81) participants responded. Clinical facilitators are committed to supporting students to learn, and to their own life-long learning, however the survey results identified gaps in leadership and research capabilities. Conclusion: The modified CONE is suitable for use with clinical facilitators as both a self-assessment tool and for understanding group professional development needs. The results of this study will be beneficial in the design of future professional development for clinicians working with students in clinical settings. © 2020 Elsevier Lt
Object biography and its potential in creative writing
No full textBrien, DL ORCiD: 0000-0002-9005-3645While biographies are generally understood to narrate the lives of people, the biographical form can also be used to write the life histories of objects of material culture. This article investigates the object biography (sometimes referred to as the ‘artefact biography’) and proposes that this is a form with rich potential for creative writing practitioners and researchers. As well as defining the object biography and its use in various disciplinary contexts, the article also profiles how this form of life writing has been utilised by creative writers, in order to consider its capacity to contribute to practice and research in the discipline of creative writing. Contemporary writers discussed include Edmund de Waal, Bambi Ward and Marele Day, with reference also made to the work of Hans Christian Andersen, Charlotte Brontë, Eliza Cook, Elizabeth Gaskell and Anna Sewell
Reliability assessment of wind-solar PV integrated distribution system using electrical loss minimization technique
No full textDas, NK ORCiD: 0000-0002-3396-4194This article presents the Reliability Assessment (RA) of renewable energy interfaced Electrical Distribution System (EDS) considering the electrical loss minimization (ELM). ELM aims at minimizing the detrimental effect of real power and reactive power losses in the EDS. Some techniques, including integration of Renewable Energy Source (RES), network reconfiguration, and expansion planning, have been suggested in the literature for achieving ELM. The optimal RES integration (also referred to as Distributed Generation (DG)) is one of the globally accepted techniques to achieve minimization of electrical losses. Therefore, first, the locations to accommodate these DGs are obtained by implementing two indexes, namely Index-1 for single DG and Index-2 for multiple DGs. Second, a Constriction Factor-based Particle Swarm Optimization (CF-PSO) technique is applied to obtain an optimal sizing(s) of the DGs for achieving the ELM. Third, the RA of the EDS is performed using the optimal location(s) and sizing(s) of the RESs (i.e., Solar photovoltaic (SPV) and Wind Turbine Generator (WTG)). Moreover, a Battery Storage System (BSS) is also incorporated optimally with the RESs to further achieve the ELM and to improve the system’s reliability. The result analysis is performed by considering the power output rating of WTG-GE’s V162-5.6MW (IECS), SPV-Sunpower’s SPR-P5-545-UPP, and BSS-Freqcon’s BESS-3000 (i.e., Battery Energy Storage System 3000), which are provided by the corresponding manufacturers. According to the outcomes of the study, the results are found to be coherent with those obtained using other techniques that are available in the literature. These results are considered for the RA of the EDS. RA is further analyzed considering the uncertainties in reliability data of WTG and SPV, including the failure rate and the repair time. The RA of optimally placed DGs is performed by considering the electrical loss minimization. It is inferred that the reliability of the EDS improves by contemplating suitable reliability data of optimally integrated DGs
Flight zone as an alternative temperament assessment to predict animal efficiency
No full textFleury Azevedo Costa, D ORCiD: 0000-0001-8118-8380Animal temperament evaluation can be included in the cattle selection program also because of an existing correlation with performance. However, there are different assessment methods such as flight speed (time and speed that an animal takes to leave the crush) and exit score (indicating in which pace it does). Flight zone (FZ) refers to the distance that an animal allows human proximity without signs of fear (e.g. moving away and/or aggression) and it was used in this study as an alternative approach to measure temperament without putting cattle through the crush. Apparently, there is no study correlating FZ with performance. Therefore, a pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the correlation between average daily gain (AVG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of ten Brahman steers. Steers were classified into temperament groups (Docile <2 m; Moderate between 2 to 2.9 m; and Lively ≥3 m). Even though no significant differences were found for ADG (P=0.65), DMI (P=0.36), and FCR (P=0.46), the docile group gained 133 grams/day more than lively counterparts, most likely because of the extra 50 grams consumed. Furthermore, lively steers required an extra 1 kg of feed per kg of gain in comparison to docile animals, 8.24 vs. 7.28 kg FCR, respectively. These results are promising and indicate that FZ could be an efficient way to measure temperament in cattle. Thus, in order to confirm these findings, a new experiment with a more representative number of steers (n=30) will be conducted