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Proposed Retrospective Law Interferes with Live Class Action for the Benefit of Two Australian Banks
No full textThere are certain principles in law that are sacrosanct. They underpin the integrity of our legal system, the rule of law, and ensure access to justice for those most vulnerable. These principles include the fundamental concept of separation of powers between the state and the judiciary. In layperson’s terms, the government should not interfere with the independence of the courts and, in particular, it should not use its power to interfere with active litigation pending before the courts. Alarmingly, National MP and Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Honourable Scott Simpson, has recently tabled a Bill in the New Zealand Parliament that runs afoul of this principle implicating the fundamental tenets of our legal system.The Bill contains a retrospective law that would severely impact rights owed to current class members in a live class action and could have collateral consequences for the viability of litigation funding which increases access to justice for those most vulnerable. The relevant class action has been on foot since 2021 and has already been considered by the Supreme Court on interlocutory matters. Who benefits from this retrospective law? The two defendants in the class action, who are Australian-owned banks, ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited and ASB Bank Limited, and who reported profits of approximately NZD1.4 billion last year alone respectively (and whose parent companies recorded profits of AUD9.5 billion last year respectively).Who suffers from the amendment in the Bill? The consumer class member plaintiffs, amounting to approximately 170,000 customers, and the litigation funders who are paying the class members’ costs for the litigation to hold the big banks to account. The wording of the Bill appears to soften the blow to some extent; however, the reasons for tabling the amendment are not convincing and the collateral consequences are grave. This article unpacks these concerns in detail
Swirl-stabilized Flame Macrostructures in Mesoscale Combustors
No full textThe growing demand and production of portable devices such as smartphones, UAVs, and microsatellites led to a surge in the need for high-power density portable electric generation systems. Conventional battery sources are insufficient for high-demand applications requiring prolonged period of consistent power supply. Fuel-based power generation offer a promising solution due to its two-fold higher power densities compared to conventional sources. However, these small-scale systems face technical challenges, including high heat-loss-to-generation ratio and low residence times.
This research addresses these challenges by incorporating swirled flow in miniaturized combustion systems. Swirl enhances flame stabilization through improved mixing and increased flow residence time. The flame stabilization and macrostructure in swirled burners are associated with the onset of instabilities of the system, therefore understanding them is crucial for combustor performance and reliability.
Previous studies on swirled flames in mesoscale burners (length scale < 10mm) have been limited, particularly on flame macrostructure changes with operating parameters. This research fills these gaps through comprehensive experimental and numerical investigations.
Experiments showed the linear relationship between flame extinction stretch rate and the global flow strain rate. Additionally, multiple flame shape regimes appear in mesoscale combustor as equivalence ratio and volume flow rate are varied. Furthermore, an unexpected intermediate M-V flame transition regime occurs at intermediate flow rates, while the expected shape transitions appear at high flow rates. Comprehensive tests also determined the varying effects of thermochemistry, hydrodynamics and geometric parameters on flame stabilization and macrostructures.
Numerical investigations revealed the dependence of the flame stabilization on vorticity source and sink terms. The onset of M-V flame shape transitions was also associated with the overall structure of the vorticity transport generated by vortex stretching and tilting, as well as positive vorticities by flow compression due to the presence of a flame in the corner recirculation zone.
This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual influence of operating parameters on combustion performance and a novel perspective on the governing properties affecting flame shape transitions in swirled mesoscale combustors
Detecting Graphical and Digraphical Regular Representations in Groups of Squarefree Order
No full textA necessary condition for a Cayley digraph Cay to be a regular representation is that there are no non-trivial group automorphisms of that fix setwise. A group is DRR-detecting or GRR-detecting if this condition is also sufficient for all Cayley digraphs or graphs on the group, respectively. In this paper, we determine precisely which groups of squarefree order are DRR detecting, and which are GRR-detecting
The effect of vitamin supplementation on neurodevelopmental and clinical outcomes in very low birth weight and very preterm infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textNutrition is vital for preterm infant development. Vitamins play key roles as cofactors and gene regulators for metabolic and immune functions and are common added components of preterm infant nutrition. However, information on how vitamins impact in-hospital and neurodevelopmental outcomes is sparse. We aimed to determine the effect of fat- and water-soluble vitamin supplementation on clinical outcomes during neonatal care and later neurodevelopment of very preterm (≤32 weeks' gestation) and very low birth weight (≤1500 g) infants. 4 databases and 3 clinical trial registries were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model for each vitamin subgroup. Data are presented as risk ratios [95% confidence intervals]. Of 4074 references identified, 43 studies were included in the review. Only 2 reported neurodevelopment at 2 years, and only 4 were studies of water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C, 3 studies; B12 and folate, 1 study). Survival free from neurodisability was not affected by supplementation of vitamin A (0.89 [0.74-1.08], n = 538, very low certainty of evidence) or vitamin D (0.76 [0.46-1.27], n = 78, very low certainty of evidence). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was decreased by vitamins D (0.58 [0.41-0.83]) and C (0.59 [0.37-0.93]), very low certainty of evidence), retinopathy of prematurity was decreased by vitamins A (0.77 [0.61-0.98]) and E (0.10 [0.01-0.80]), very low to low certainty of evidence) and intraventricular haemorrhage was decreased by vitamin E (0.70 [0.52-0.92], moderate certainty of evidence). Culture-proven sepsis was decreased by vitamin A (0.88 [0.77-0.99], moderate certainty of evidence). There are few and inconclusive data on the effect of vitamin supplementation in preterm infants on later neurodevelopment. Evidence for shorter-term outcomes is mostly of low certainty. Together with substantial heterogeneity in trial design, it therefore is difficult to recommend a specific supplementation regimen. Registry and Registry Number: This systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO, ID CRD42023418552, available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023418552
English-medium instruction (EMI) language policy and implementation in China’s higher education system: Growth, challenges, opportunities, solutions, and future directions
No full textThis review explores the English-medium instruction (EMI) language policy and implementation in China’s higher education (HE) system over the last two decades. It traces the rise, promotion, and "turn" of the EMI system. It points out the limitations in EMI language policies and implementation in China's conventional universities. Drawing on a research framework informed primarily by Spolsky (Citation2004) and Liddicoat and Taylor-Leech (Citation2015) along with empirical studies, we highlight the gaps between the national and institutional language policies, stakeholders’ language ideologies, attitudes, management, and practices. These gaps obstruct the dual pedagogical goals of teaching English and academic subjects that ostensibly underpin EMI in conventional universities. More recently, new opportunities for EMI in China's HE have been provided by joint-venture universities. We examine how these joint-venture universities developed different EMI policies and implementation strategies. Thus, we claim that a ‘binary EMI system’ is emerging in China. We conclude with concrete suggestions that stakeholders take to (better) achieve EMI’s pedagogical goals. We also recommend solutions to the current limitations of EMI and suggest directions for future research
Mechanical and Electrochemical Performance of Lightweight Multi-Component Alloys
No full textIn recent years, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become the most widely used commercial energy storage systems. However, with the growth of energy demand, the scarcity, uneven distribution, high cost, and environmental impact of lithium resources have made traditional Li-ion batteries unsustainable as a long-term solution. Therefore, exploring new and alternative energy storage technologies has become imperative.
Multi-component alloys, as a novel material concept, have gained widespread attention in recent years due to their unique high-entropy effect, outstanding mechanical properties, and excellent electrochemical stability. Meanwhile, magnesium-air (Mg-air) batteries, as an emerging energy storage technology, have shown great potential due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, in practical applications, the corrosion of Mg anodes has hindered further development. One effective solution to address this issue is to optimize the anode performance through alloying. Although extensive research has been conducted on multi-component alloys to improve traditional material properties, their application as metal-air battery and Li-ion battery anodes remains largely unexplored.
Therefore, this study designed and prepared two multi-component alloys—20 wt.% Mg-Al-Zn-Sn-Bi (MB) and 45 wt.% Mg-15Al-15Zn-15Sn-10Ca (MX)—to research their electrochemical performance in Metal-air batteries and as anode materials in Li-ion batteries. The results show that both alloys exhibit poorer performance compared to pure Mg anodes in Mg-air batteries, characterized by lower discharge voltages and significant hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Among them, the overall performance of the MX alloy is better than that of the MB alloy. In their application as anode materials for Li-ion batteries, both alloys experience rapid capacity decay after the first cycle, primarily due to microcracks and the reduction of active sites caused by repeated volume expansion and contraction during charge and discharge cycles. Furthermore, the high density and uneven morphology of the materials exacerbate the growth of Li dendrites, limiting the stability of electrochemical reactions. Nevertheless, the MB alloy demonstrates superior capacity compared to the MX alloy, indicating greater potential for application
法律感知、慈善组织信任与个人捐赠——基于厦门市的实证研究 [Legal Perception, Trust of Charitable Organizations and Individual Donation: An Empirical Study Based on Xiamen City ]
No full text《慈善法》的出台与实施有助于国家实现第三次分配目标与社会
的高质量发展,也有助于研究者将“人”与“法”共同纳入行动中,进一步完
善个人捐赠的解释路径与机制。基于法律感知与个人捐赠的研究假设,实
证结果发现,法律感知能够促进个体捐赠行为的发生,增加个体捐赠的金
额和次数;并且,公众对慈善组织的信任在法律感知与个人捐赠的关系中
发挥部分中介作用。上述结论延伸了现有研究中对《慈善法》条例与效用
的讨论,深入分析了行为主体的认知因素对法律施行所产生的影响。未来
可以通过向公众普及《慈善法》、培养公众对慈善组织的信任,来推动我国
慈善捐赠事业的健康有序发展
A View from Within: The Adoption of Somatic Principles into the Delivery of Tap Dance Lessons for Learners with Vision Impairment
No full textThis study explores how somatic awareness can be integrated into tap dance instruction for learners with vision impairments to support concept development and enhance body confidence. By fostering an embodied understanding of how to control and coordinate their movements, these learners gain greater autonomy in dance classes, reducing reliance on physical guidance from others (Gibbons, 2020). Research indicates that individuals with vision impairments benefit from intentional, experiential learning methods that engage listening and touch (Stobbs & Jones, 2005). Building on these exteroceptive modalities, this study proposes that anatomical awareness, along with enhanced proprioception further supports confidence in movement and balance for all learners.
Utilising a phenomenological, narrative approach this study explored the experiences of a dance teacher with sight, and a group of seven learners with vision impairments, aged 18-21 years. The key question asked: How does incorporating the principles of somatic practice into inclusive dance pedagogy inform the delivery of tap dance classes for learners with vision impairments? Bartenieff’s Developmental Movement Patterns (Hackney, 2020) were explored during beginner-level tap dance lessons held over 6 weeks. Participant experiences were gathered through an accessible online questionnaire (Patton, 2015), and thematically analysed alongside critical teaching reflections and researcher observations, to create narratives which revealed several pedagogical considerations. The findings demonstrate that the use of concrete objects enhances concept development and deepens embodied understanding of anatomical connections. They also highlight the significance of cross-lateral connection in supporting movement flow and balance. The findings also indicated that relevant and relatable movement descriptions and vocabulary, assisted by modified physical guidance tools, contribute to effective learning.
This study encourages inclusive dance educators, to consider incorporating a somatic approach into their teaching practice. By guiding learners to focus on how movement is sensed internally, rather than on external aesthetics, we can facilitate successful dance learning opportunities for individuals of all abilities
Novel approaches for targeting the FGFR pathway in cancer to improve the therapeutic index
No full textThe fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signalling pathway is critical for tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation is found in approximately 7% of all human cancers. While FGFR-targeted therapies show promise, they are limited by dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) from systemic FGFR inhibition in normal tissue, particularly hyperphosphatemia affecting 60-80% of patients due to the disruption of FGFR1-mediated phosphate homeostasis. To address these limitations, this thesis explores two strategies for treating FGFR-driven cancers.
The first approach involves the synthesis and evaluation of two hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) designed to release a novel irreversible pan-FGFR inhibitor, SN37689, selectively within the tumour microenvironment. Initially, the cognate TKI itself (SN37689) was evaluated and displayed potent and selective inhibition of FGFR1-3, with equivalent or superior efficacy compared to approved agents. The irreversible binding mechanism resulted in prolonged target inhibition with activity maintained against clinically relevant FGFR kinase mutations.
SN37689 was then reacted with two different 4-nitroimidazole trigger precursors, affording the prodrugs SN38180 and SN40791. Each prodrug showed high metabolic stability and significantly reduced aerobic potency, with a reversible mechanism of target engagement. The prodrugs were rapidly metabolised to yield the pan-FGFR inhibitor SN37689 under hypoxic conditions, with the rate and O2-dependence of SN40791 metabolism slower and more relaxed than SN38180. These findings highlight potential differences in the spatial and temporal kinetics of prodrug activation and reliance on the bystander effect for therapeutic activity.
The second approach involves the design of novel FGFR4-selective inhibitors. A scaffold-hopping strategy resulted in the development of a library of nearly 80 compounds. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations led to the identification of reversible-covalent inhibitor 2zj and covalent inhibitor 3w. Both compounds demonstrated potent and selective inhibition of FGFR4-dependent cancer cell lines, along with prolonged target suppression in cellular assays. Activity was also observed against FGFR4 gatekeeper mutations associated with clinical drug resistance.
Overall, this thesis provides strategies to potentially improve the therapeutic index of FGFR-targeted therapies. By mitigating systemic toxicities whilst maintaining efficacy against FGFR-driven cancers, these approaches hold promise for more effective and better tolerated treatments in clinical settings
Long-term effects of dietary protein and carbohydrate quality on prediabetes remission: results from the PREVIEW randomised multinational diabetes prevention trial
No full textAims/hypothesisRecent studies advocate prediabetes remission as a goal in diabetes prevention, but the optimal dietary composition for prediabetes remission over the long term is unknown. We aimed to examine the long-term effects on prediabetes remission of a prudent diet with moderate protein and a moderate glycaemic index (GI) (akin to general dietary guidelines) vs a high-protein, low-GI diet.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of PREVIEW, which is a 3 year, multicentre, parallel, randomised trial. Adults with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 and 2 or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively) and prediabetes (fasting glucose 5.6-6.9 mmol/l and/or 2 h glucose 7.8-11.0 mmol/l determined using an OGTT) were recruited. Eligible participants underwent an 8-week rapid weight loss programme comprising a low-energy diet, followed by a 3 year weight maintenance phase comprising lifestyle intervention. At baseline, participants were randomly assigned to a high-protein (25% of energy from protein), low-GI (GI56). The primary outcome of the current analysis was the number of participants who achieved prediabetes remission (i.e. a return to normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance) at 1 year or 3 years. Secondary outcomes were changes in body weight and composition over 3 years (continuous variables) and maintenance of a ≥8% weight loss target (binary variable). Modified intention-to-treat analyses were performed on all participants who received the dietary intervention (n=1856). Risk ratios and 95% CI for prediabetes remission and maintaining the weight loss target in each diet group were estimated using multilevel modified Poisson regression adjusted for age and sex. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the dietary effects on changes in body weight and composition.ResultsThe moderate-protein, moderate-GI group (n=923) had a higher rate of remission than the high-protein, low-GI group (n=933) at both 1 year (rate of remission 26.3% vs 20.7%; RR 1.26; 95% CI 1.04, 1.53; p=0.025) and 3 years (20.6% vs 15.5%; RR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06, 1.50; p=0.015). However, body weight and composition changes were similar for participants on the moderate-protein, moderate-GI vs high-protein, low-GI diet at 1 year (54.0% vs 57.3% of participants met the weight loss maintenance target [≥8% of initial body weight]; p=0.215) and 3 years (31.4% vs 30.4%, respectively; p=0.793). The differences in remission rates of the two dietary patterns were independent of body weight and composition changes.Conclusions/interpretationFollowing rapid weight loss, a prudent diet with moderate protein and moderate GI was more effective for long-term prediabetes remission than a high-protein, low-GI diet, irrespective of weight change.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01777893