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Dynamic Linkages between Chinese Financial Market and Global Emerging Markets: An Empirical Assessment of China’s Growing Influence and its Role in the International Financial Architecture
No full textIn the context of increasing global financial market integration, the dynamic linkages between China's financial markets and emerging global markets have garnered significant attention. With the rapid advancement of information technology and continuous financial innovation, the transmission of returns and volatility between markets now occurs at unprecedented speed and scale, creating a complex web of interconnections. These linkages not only reflect the profound impact of globalisation but also suggest that financial market operations will become increasingly integrated in the future. It is anticipated that this trend will deepen over time, with the relationships between markets becoming more diverse and complex, presenting new opportunities and challenges for investors, regulators, and scholars alike.
In this evolving global financial landscape, China, as the world's second-largest economy and stock market, plays a pivotal role. The market capitalisation of China's stock market is second only to that of the United States, making it a key venue for global capital formation. In recent years, the attractiveness of China's markets to global investors has grown, driven by the increasing openness of its financial markets and the internationalisation of the CNY. Simultaneously, China's economic restructuring and industrial upgrading have provided abundant investment opportunities for both domestic and international investors. Given China's critical position in the global economy and its growing financial influence, understanding the linkages between China's markets and global markets is not only of academic importance but also has significant implications for global financial stability and economic policy coordination.
This study aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by using advanced econometric techniques to comprehensively examine the dynamic linkages between China's financial markets and emerging global markets. We employ a series of financial econometric models and extended frameworks to analyse the time-series behaviour of volatility in China's stock market, providing a more thorough and flexible description of the characteristics of financial market series. The scope of this paper extends beyond emerging stock markets to include futures markets, cryptocurrency markets, and green finance markets. This multi-market research framework enables a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationships between China and key global emerging markets, reflecting the interplay between various financial instruments and markets.
One of the key perspectives of this study is the focus on the temporal evolution of inter-market dependencies. Financial markets are dynamic systems, with structures and behavioural patterns that may change significantly due to shifts in fundamentals, structural breaks, or exogenous shocks. This implies that past research findings may lose explanatory power over time. Recognising this, the paper places particular emphasis on capturing the dynamic nature of market relationships. Techniques such as rolling window analysis are employed to dynamically track the evolution of inter-market linkages. This approach not only enhances market transparency but also helps identify key events and turning points influencing these relationships.
The motivation for selecting this research topic stems from its unique perspective and broad potential applications. By examining volatility between markets as a proxy for risk spillovers and dynamic linkages, we gain deep insights into the operational mechanisms of financial markets, revealing the complex interdependencies between different markets. This research not only allows us to dissect the internal dynamics of financial markets from a micro perspective but also provides a scientific basis for identifying market opportunities and managing investment risk. For investors, understanding these dynamic linkages helps optimise asset allocation and improve risk-adjusted returns. For policymakers, the findings can assist in better evaluating policy transmission mechanisms, predicting policy outcomes, and formulating more targeted regulatory measures.
In terms of methodology, this study adopts a multidimensional and multi-layered analytical framework to comprehensively grasp the complex dynamic relationships between China's financial markets and global emerging markets. First, advanced time-series analysis techniques, such as multivariate GARCH models and copula methods, are employed to capture non-linear dependencies and extreme risk transmission between markets. Second, network analysis methods are introduced to study the transmission of systemic risks between markets. By constructing a financial market network, we can identify key nodes, risk propagation pathways, and the evolution of the network structure over time. Moreover, this paper pays particular attention to the impact of major events and policy changes on market co-movements, such as Sino-US trade tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and China's financial liberalisation policies.
In terms of theoretical contributions, this paper bridges several important research fields. It combines the microstructure theory of financial markets with macroeconomic theory in international finance, exploring how micro-level market interactions influence macro-level international capital flows and exchange rate dynamics. Furthermore, it connects research on emerging market finance with studies of the global financial system, examining the role of emerging markets, particularly China, in reshaping the global financial landscape. Lastly, it links financial liberalisation theory with research on financial stability, investigating how to maintain financial stability while advancing financial liberalisation.
Regarding policy implications, the findings of this paper will provide valuable insights for decision-making at multiple levels. For Chinese policymakers, this paper can help in better assessing the effects and risks of financial liberalisation policies, optimising the pace and path of liberalisation. For other emerging market countries, the study offers valuable lessons, helping them formulate more targeted strategies in their interactions with China and global markets. For international financial organisations and global policy coordination bodies, this paper provides empirical evidence that can support the improvement of global financial governance frameworks and the strengthening of cross-border financial regulatory cooperation.
For investors, this paper offers important insights for investment decision-making. By gaining a deeper understanding of the interlinkages between China's markets and other emerging markets, investors can more accurately assess the risks and returns of cross-market investments and optimise asset allocation strategies. This is particularly valuable for international investors seeking to access other emerging markets through China's markets, as the paper offers insights into market selection and timing.</p
The scientific development of badminton shuttlecocks: Review paper
No full textThis paper reviews published works of the field of badminton research within the past 50 years, focusing primarily on the design and flight dynamics of shuttlecocks to identify any knowledge gap. With regards to shuttlecock research, various methodologies involving empirical and theoretical studies including: wind tunnel testing, simulation, shuttlecock design and prototyping, have been presented. To improve the readability, studies are discussed collectively based on the nature of the investigation according to whether empirical and/or combinations of theoretical approaches have been implemented. Upon reviewing the current body of literature, it is believed that there is a lack of emphasis in correlating the structural and aerodynamics aspects of the badminton shuttlecock. Further investigation into the structural mechanics of the bird feathers used for natural feather shuttlecocks may serve as an inspiration in the development of subsequent synthetic shuttlecock designs.</p
Identification of inhibitors from a functional food-based plant perillae folium against hyperuricemia via metabolomics profiling, network pharmacology and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations
No full textIntroduction: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder caused by purine metabolism dysfunction in which the increasing purine levels can be partially attributed to seafood consumption. Perillae Folium (PF), a widely used plant in functional food, has been historically used to mitigate seafood-induced diseases. However, its efficacy against HUA and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.Methods: A network pharmacology analysis was performed to identify candidate targets and potential mechanisms involved in PF treating HUA. The candidate targets were determined based on TCMSP, SwissTargetPrediction, Open Targets Platform, GeneCards, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, and DrugBank. The potential mechanisms were predicted via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) analyses. Molecular docking in AutoDock Vina and PyRx were performed to predict the binding affinity and pose between herbal compounds and HUA-related targets. A chemical structure analysis of PF compounds was performed using OSIRIS DataWarrior and ClassyFire. We then conducted virtual pharmacokinetic and toxicity screening to filter potential inhibitors. We further performed verifications of these inhibitors’ roles in HUA through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, text-mining, and untargeted metabolomics analysis.Results: We obtained 8200 predicted binding results between 328 herbal compounds and 25 potential targets, and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) exhibited the highest average binding affinity. We screened out five promising ligands (scutellarein, benzyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside, elemol, diisobutyl phthalate, and (3R)-hydroxy-beta-ionone) and performed MD simulations up to 50 ns for XDH complexed to them. The scutellarein-XDH complex exhibited the most satisfactory stability. Furthermore, the text-mining study provided laboratory evidence of scutellarein’s function. The metabolomics approach identified 543 compounds and confirmed the presence of scutellarein. Extending MD simulations to 200 ns further indicated the sustained impact of scutellarein on XDH structure.Conclusion: Our study provides a computational and biomedical basis for PF treating HUA and fully elucidates scutellarein's great potential as an XDH inhibitor at the molecular level, holding promise for future drug design and development.</p
Piloting a language translation device for Mandarin-speaking patients presenting for radiotherapy treatment—assessing patient and radiation therapist perspectives
No full textAbstract
Purpose
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients report unmet informational and emotional needs when receiving radiotherapy (RT). This feasibility study aimed to evaluate the clinical use of an instant translation device (ITD) to facilitate communication between Mandarin-speaking patients and radiation therapists (RTTs) within the Australian public RT setting. The primary aim was to assess the ability to convey information relating to daily patient care and build rapport using the device.
Methods
A single-arm prospective interventional trial was employed with patient and RTT participants. Eligible patient participants were aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with cancer, referred for RT with self-reported Mandarin as the primary language spoken at home. Patients who had previously received RT were excluded. Consenting patient participants completed a baseline assessment of health literacy (REALM-SF) and English proficiency (LexTALE). Surveys were administered to patients and consenting RTTs at the cessation of treatment, forming two distinct participant groups. Descriptive statistics were used to compare participant groups.
Results
Eleven patients and 36 RTTs were recruited to the study. Descriptive statistics demonstrated participant group agreement in conveying treatment instructions, though differing experiences were reported against general conversation. Although the reporting of technical difficulties was inconsistent, both groups recommended the application of the ITD within the RT domain.
Conclusion
This feasibility study demonstrated encouraging accounts of patients and RTTs with regard to ITD use in the context of RT treatment. Expanded, multi-institutional recruitment is required to yield statistical significance, inform the impact of the device, and determine requisite training requirements.
Trial registration
HREC reference number: LNR/18/PMCC/115 (18/100L). HREC approval date: 10 July 2018.</p
Development and Studies of Isotropic Coal tar Pitch-based Carbon Fibers
No full textCarbon fibers have emerged as a pivotal material due to their exceptional properties, including high mechanical strength, lightweight, chemical resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and low thermal expansion. These attributes make them invaluable in diverse applications such as aerospace, defence, sports equipment, wind turbines, construction, marine components, and medical devices, increasingly replacing metals and alloys. Currently, ~90% of carbon fibers in the market are produced from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursors, which are costly and limit their broader use in general-purpose applications where cost-effectiveness is crucial.
To address this issue, isotropic coal tar pitch-based carbon fibers present a promising alternative. Coal tar pitch, a by-product from the iron and steel industries, offers high carbon content, broad softening point, graphitizability, and melt-spinnability, making it suitable for general-purpose carbon fiber production. To synthesize carbon fibers from isotropic coal tar pitch, various steps are involved such as precursor synthesis, melt-spinning, stabilization, and carbonization. Each step significantly influences the processing and final properties of the carbon fibers. Therefore, this research is focused on modifying various processing steps to optimize the synthesis process and enhance the properties of carbon fibers.
In this study, various isotropic pitch precursors were synthesized from coal tar pitch and characterized for different properties. Subsequently, precursor was selected based on properties such as softening point, toluene insoluble content, and carbon content required for the synthesis of carbon fibers. During the synthesis of carbon fibers, carbonization plays a pivotal role in transforming the pitch structure into a carbonized form through the evolution of gases and molecular rearrangement via polymerization reactions. This arrangement significantly influences the final mechanical properties of carbon fibers. Therefore, the carbonization conditions were optimized by varying the heating rate and holding time at the carbonization temperature. It was found that a slower heating rate and shorter holding time at carbonization temperature improved crystalline alignment, promoted crystallite growth, and reduced defect concentrations. In contrast, longer holding time at carbonization temperature adversely affected microstructural and mechanical properties of carbon fibers.
Furthermore, the stabilization step is crucial for converting the thermoplastic state of pitch to a thermosetting state, preventing fiber melting during carbonization. However, this step is time and energy-intensive, requiring long hours. To address this limitation, a new stabilization method was introduced which involve nitric acid treatment of pitch fibers prior to carbonization. In this study, various concentration of nitric acid including 5%, 10%, 15%, 30%, 40%, and 50% (v/v) were used for chemical treatment. The fibers were soaked for 15 min, followed by direct carbonization. The carbonization was performed using previously optimized conditions. The results revealed that optimal concentrations of HNO3 at 15% and 30% (v/v) yielded carbon fibers with superior microstructural, morphological, and mechanical properties. These concentrations enhance cross-linking among aromatic compounds, thereby increasing fiber stabilization. Lower HNO3 concentrations failed to retain fiber shape due to insufficient oxidation, while higher concentrations introduced defects through over-oxidation. This systematic study concludes that optimal HNO3 concentrations significantly enhance pitch fiber stabilization, improving the properties of resultant carbon fibers.
Next, the improvement in the spinnability of pitch precursors was addressed which is directly linked with the constitutional molecular structure of pitch. High molecular weight complex compounds contribute to high carbon content in pitch structures which are beneficial for the properties of carbon fibers. However, these structures exhibit poor spinnability due to their resistance to flow behaviour. Specifically, pitches with linear aliphatic and polycondensed chains of aromatic hydrocarbons are the most suitable precursors for good spinnability. Methods reported in the literature for synthesizing spinnable pitches involve expensive solvents, time-consuming processes, and corrosive solutions, highlighting the need for an easier and cost-effective approach. In this context, the spinnability of isotropic coal pitch was enhanced using a simple and economical process. Small amounts of petroleum pitch, a waste product of petroleum refineries, were utilized to modify the precursors through a ball-milling process. The isotropic coal tar pitch was blended with varying proportions of petroleum pitch including 5%, 10%, and 20% (w/w), and flow behaviour were analyzed using rheological measurements. During melt-spinning of these precursors, it was observed that increasing the amount of petroleum pitch remarkably improved their spinnability. However, the distinct constitutional properties of petroleum pitch also contributed to alterations in both the stabilization and carbonization processes of fibers. Carbon fibers derived from 10% petroleum pitch (10PP) exhibited the highest measured tensile strength of ~784 MPa and a modulus of ~47 GPa. The effect of petroleum pitch content on the stabilization and carbonization behaviour, as well as on the resultant microstructural and mechanical properties of carbon fibers, was thoroughly investigated.
Subsequently, the potential of best performing isotropic pitch-based carbon fibers as skin materials for sandwich composites was thoroughly examined, with a focus on their mechanical performance and cost efficiency. For this, the sandwich composites were prepared through a two-step process involving vacuum-assisted resin infusion moulding. Initially, a middle syntactic foam core was fabricated using hollow glass microspheres, followed by the integration of syntactic foam as the middle core with carbon fiber layers as the upper and lower skins using the same resin infusion technique. Subsequently, the flexural and in-plane compressive properties of these composites were evaluated. In this study, a comparison with commercially available PAN-based carbon fibers and recycled carbon fibers was carried out. Results indicated that isotropic pitch-based carbon fibers showed approximately four times better material efficiency in compressive properties compared to commercial PAN-based carbon fibers and twice the performance index. Their flexural properties were also comparable to those of both commercial and recycled carbon fibers. The study also emphasized the relevance of recycled carbon fibers in promoting sustainability and reducing costs in composite manufacturing. Despite this, the superior performance of the pitch-based carbon fibers highlights their potential as a more viable option for various applications, especially where cost efficiency is essential.
In conclusion, various processing steps have been undertaken to simplify the overall carbon fiber production process and enhance the properties of carbon fibers. Finally, their practical applications have been explored, and the efficiency of isotropic coal tar pitch-based fibers has been compared with others.</p
Becoming Relational with Aboriginal Peoples, Country, and Knowledges in Everyday Situated Moments. A Critical Reflection for Social Work and Gerontology
No full textDia Dhuit, Paulene is ainm dom. My name is Paulene Mackell, and I was born in Baile Átha Cliatha, which in Gaelic language, describes the Place of the Hurdled Ford, also known as the city of Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. I am the eldest of three daughters. I migrated to Gadigal Country when I was eleven years old with my family, and since then I have lived on many other Countries across this continent recently known as Australia. My thesis shares my experiences of undergoing a series of onto-epistemological transformations through becoming relational with Indigenous Peoples, Countries, and knowledges. I would like to Acknowledge Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara Countries, and their Elders past and present. I also Acknowledge Bunuba, Nyikina, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri and Wangkajungka Countries and pay my respect for their Elders past and present. I am privileged to have undertaken my PhD with Tjanpi Desert Weavers and Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency over several years. My thesis aims to value, strengthen and be accountable to the relationships I formed during my research. By valuing, strengthening, and being accountable to my relationships, I am aiming to practise respect for, rather than claim to understand these knowledge systems. I do this by unsettling and reorientating myself from familiar ways of undertaking and sharing knowledge that dominate Australian gerontology and social work, the field and discipline I have worked in for over two decades. My reorientation has included re-connecting my onto-epistemology through positioning myself, cultivating relationships, surfacing ethical tensions, practising humility and vulnerability, and unsettling hegemonic form. Engaging with critical, creative, feminist and Indigenous scholarship, I have developed an emergent methodology through drawing and writing, to illustrate everyday situated moments as sites of rich learning and ethical, onto-epistemological transformation. My thesis is therefore an exploration of what this type of methodological endeavour involved, as well as a product of my exploration. In doing so, I contribute to an emerging body of literature across a range of disciplines and fields, to leave a trail for people like me, who have dominant positionalities, have trained in Western Institutions, and are living and working on Aboriginal Country. I offer it in the hope it might encourage others to unsettle and reorientate their practice towards onto-epistemic justice.</p
Investigating factors influencing the attrition of women in the cyber security workforce: interview analysis
No full textThis report details the findings of a qualitative study investigating the factors that contribute to the low retention and recruitment of women in the cyber security sector in Australia.
In the first section of this report, the authors detail the gendered barriers in cyber security in Australia including both gendered workplace barriers and gendered professional barriers.
In the second section of the report, the authors highlight the gendered enablers – both workplace and professional – that can enhance gender equity in the cyber security sector in Australia. Overall there is a need for more inclusive work practices, strengthened professional development, and targeted recruitment strategies to make cyber security more attractive to women. However, changing mindsets, especially among younger generations, is also crucial
Mapping the Pathways From Growth Mindset to Workplace Learning – A Mixed-Method Study in Vietnam’s Banking and Retail Industries
No full textIn today’s knowledge-driven economy, workplace learning (WPL), or the ability of individuals to continuously expand their knowledge base and develop their competences, is crucial not only for the employability and professional success of those individuals but also for sustainable competitive advantages in organisations. However, despite significant investments in learning initiatives, participation rates in WPL often do not meet the expected or necessary levels, particularly in self-regulated, informal settings. This discrepancy underscores the need for more in-depth research into the factors influencing WPL engagement.
Several personal traits, particularly positive psychological attributes such as growth mindset, self-efficacy, and mastery goal orientation, have emerged as key determinants of success in educational outcomes. However, the majority of research in this area has remained focused on educational settings, with less emphasis on their applicability in the workplace. In particular, despite theoretical indications linking these traits with workplace outcomes, the specific connections between psychological characteristics like growth mindset and WPL are still largely unexplored, representing a gap in the literature.
To address these gaps, this sequential explanatory mixed-method study develops and validates a conceptual framework that investigates how psychological attributes interact with and influence WPL through both direct and indirect pathways. The primary aim is to provide a detailed understanding of the psychological mechanisms that facilitate the translation of growth mindset and related psychological states into effective WPL behaviours and outcomes. This understanding is intended to help organisations devise strategies that foster an environment conducive to continuous learning and improvement.
Utilising Tynjälä’s (2013) 3-P model of WPL, the study integrates psychological factors (Presage), both formal and informal WPL (Process), and KSAOs (Product). Theoretical underpinnings from implicit self-theory, social cognitive theory, and goal orientation theory are integrated to expand the Mindset Meaning System framework, providing a robust conceptual model for the research.
A sequential explanatory ‘QUAN → qual’ mixed-methods research design is employed, combining quantitative SEM-fsQCA analysis with qualitative insights. In the quantitative phase, the results from a hybrid SEM-fsQCA analysis using large samples (n = 546 and 976) of Vietnamese retail and banking employees underscore the importance of positive psychological attributes in accompanying learning activities for cultivating competencies. Specifically, growth mindset is found to indirectly and significantly affect WPL through the full sequential mediation of occupational self-efficacy and mastery goal orientation, emphasising the indispensable role of the Mindset Meaning System. Both SEM and fsQCA confirm the critical roles of occupational self-efficacy and mastery goal orientation in enhancing learning as direct antecedents as well as individual and sequential mediators, thereby uncovering various pathways through which psychological attributes can combine to lead to WPL and KSAOs. Interestingly, fsQCA indicates that the Mindset Meaning System, composed solely of psychological attributes, can surpass the influence of WPL processes in developing KSAOs. Moreover, informal WPL is found to be a stronger predictor of KSAOs than formal WPL processes.
The qualitative findings from 26 semi-structured interviews then enrich the quantitative results by uncovering nuanced contextual factors and underlying reasons for such psychological-WPL pathways, providing deeper insights into the practical implementation and variability of psychological impacts. All triangulated insights lead to a practical, actionable framework for organisations to foster and sustain WPL and KSAOs through strategic interventions targeting each psychological touchpoint within the Mindset Meaning System.
Theoretically, this study pioneers a novel framework that connects a growth mindset with WPL and the development of KSAOs, applying robust psychological theories such as implicit self-theory, social cognitive theory, and goal orientation theory to the relatively underexplored field of WPL. This integration not only validates the relevance of these theories in modern organizational settings but also deepens our understanding of their role in competency development. The research introduces the application of the Mindset Meaning System in a business context, offering a fresh perspective from a non-Western viewpoint. This fills a significant gap in the literature regarding Eastern perspectives on these theories and sets a foundation for future comparative studies between Western and Eastern contexts. The study’s exploration of both formal and informal learning types concurrently—an area often overlooked in the literature—highlights their differential impacts on KSAOs, with informal learning showing greater effectiveness. Additionally, the use of a sequential explanatory design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses, enhances theoretical contributions by providing a more nuanced understanding of the relationships among psychological constructs and learning outcomes.
Practically, this research offers significant insights for organizational leaders and HR practitioners, providing a validated and actionable framework to enhance workplace learning and develop KSAOs effectively. This is especially pertinent in Vietnam, where the study’s insights help address the challenges of cultivating an effective learning culture amid burgeoning industrial growth and rapidly changing market dynamics.</p
Developing a new tool to capture the nature dose to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life
No full textRecognition of the health benefits of nature contact has increased. Simultaneously, growing numbers of people worldwide experience loneliness. There is a movement towards prescribing nature-based activities to improve/promote social connections, health, and quality of life. Yet, what constitutes a therapeutic nature dose is not well understood, due in part, to the lack of instruments that capture the characteristics of nature-based activities and measure ‘nature dose.’ We created a nature dose measurement tool to fill this gap by capturing various aspects of contact with nature and perceptions regarding park access, quality, naturalness, psychological distance to nature, and biodiversity. This tool will facilitate greater understanding of how natural areas, nature-based activities, and nature exposure reduce loneliness and promote health-related quality of life. Measuring nature dose with standardized tools and documenting benefits will generate the evidence base needed to design, implement and evaluate nature-based social interventions for improving health and quality of life. • This tool captures the nature dose to reduce loneliness and promote quality of life. • Constructs range from park quality and access, to mood, to biodiversity perceptions. • The standardized nature dose tool will help design nature-based social interventions.</p
Extrusion 3D Printing of Intrinsically Fluorescent Thermoplastic Polyimide: Revealing an Undisclosed Potential
No full textThermoplastic polyimides (TPIs) are promising lightweight materials for replacing metal components in aerospace, rocketry, and automotive industries. Key TPI attributes include low density, thermal stability, mechanical strength, inherent flame retardancy, and intrinsic fluorescence under UV light. The application of advanced manufacturing techniques, especially 3D printing, could significantly broaden the use of TPIs; however, challenges in melt-processing this class of polymer represent a barrier. This study explored the processability, 3D-printing and hence mechanical, and fluorescence properties of TPI coupons, demonstrating their suitability for advanced 3D-printing applications. Moreover, the study successfully 3D-printed a functional impeller for an overhead stirrer, effectively replacing its metallic counterpart. Defects were shown to be readily detectable under UV light. A thorough analysis of TPI processing examining its rheological, morphological, and thermal properties is presented. Extruded TPI filaments were 3D-printed into test coupons with different infill geometries to examine the effect of tool path on mechanical performance. The fluorescence properties of the 3D-printed TPI coupons were evaluated to highlight their potential to produce intricately shaped thermally stable, fluorescence-based sensors.</p