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Identity leadership: a systematic literature review and critical analysis
No full textAs the significance of identity in organizations grows, particularly as diverse identities intersect and diverge, identity leadership has gained prominence as a valuable lens for understanding how leaders influence, align, and mobilize people through shared identities. However, much of its potential remains underexplored in current research. To address this gap, a review is both vital and timely to map the current empirical landscape of identity leadership and contribute to a deeper understanding of the concept. This study makes three key contributions to the leadership literature. First, it reviews existing identity leadership research to highlight the methods, contexts, and associated constructs that have shaped the field. Second, it examines why identity leadership can produce both positive and negative outcomes by identifying the underlying assumptions in current theorizing. Third, it outlines a future research agenda aimed at supporting more pluralistic and reflexive explorations of identity leadership. This review also offers several practical steps for organizations and managers to harness the advantages of identity leadership while mitigating its potential drawbacks.</p
Between flood vulnerability and watery pedagogies: A critical review of children and young people’s voices and experiences
No full textThis critical review explores how child and youth voices have been largely overlooked or “submerged” within existing scholarly literature on floods and education. It considers whether children’s experiences might be recuperated or recovered by including intersectional, decolonial, place-based and child-centred approaches to understanding the confluence of education and climate-induced disasters. We engage a political ecology framework to review literature from a diverse range of fields, primarily disaster studies focusing on floods and education, and childhood/youth studies and education/pedagogy research focusing on children’s relationships with water. We find that modernist epistemologies operating in disaster studies provide important insights about risk, vulnerability, and disaster prevention but largely overlook children’s voices and experiences. Alternatively, in the childhood, youth, and pedagogical literatures, we find richly detailed studies of children and young people’s relations with water, but minimal engagement with the severe consequences of climate-intensified floods. In response to these findings, we propose a research agenda calling for scholarship that can adequately theorise children’s educational lives as unfolding amidst complex social, economic, cultural and political relations with floods and other catastrophic waters across local and global scales.</p
Exploring Underlying Features in Hidden Layers of Neural Network
No full textThe black box nature of artificial neural networks limits the understanding of internal mechanisms and processes that happen inside hidden layers. The introduction of deep neural networks and efficient layer-wise training methods has enabled researchers to study how features are learnt through different layers of neural networks. However, there has been limited research on mapping input features to neural network weights in order to understand how features are represented in the layers. This research proposes a novel component model to establish the relationship between input features and neural network weights. This will aid in optimizing transfer learning models by only extracting relevant weights instead of all the weights in the layers. The proposed model is evaluated using standard IRIS and a set of modified IRIS datasets. Classification experiments are conducted, and the results are evaluated to verify the quality of the dataset. A visualization of input features and components through the proposed model is presented using t-SNE to indicate the impact of changes in the input features. From the results, it is concluded that the proposed component model provides core knowledge in the form of weights representing the input features that are learnt through training. The proposed work will aid in designing component-based transfer learning, which would improve the speed. Also, the components could be used as pretrained testing models for similar work with large datasets.</p
Creative Ecologies in Borderline Personality Disorder Research: Just What the Doctor Ordered
No full textThis article draws on the power of creative methods to call for a more collaborative, ecological approach to awareness, education, and research analysis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Drawing on affect theory and empirical research using a co-creation methodology, we advocate for the power of peer-directed support provision for those experiencing BPD. Through recognition and advocacy for this emerging area, the article advances the ways in which more holistic, ecological protocols can help shift research into BPD from a deficit-framed diagnostic approach to a more strengths-based agentic approach that recognizes the wider context and multiple factors beyond the individual.</p
Housing Context Analysis, Solomon Islands
No full textThis report, commissioned by Habitat for Humanity (Australia), documents the key housing issues in the
Solomon Islands offering an overview of the broad and intersectional contexts of housing in the country. It
specifically builds on applied research carried out by a multi-disciplinary team from RMIT University,
including the Honiara Urban Resilience and Climate Action Plan (2016), an Inclusive and Disaster
Resilient Shelter Guide (2022), and the Climate Resilient Honiara project (2019 - 2025). In addition to
drawing on 10 years of applied research experience in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province, this report is
also informed by a series of community workshops, interviews with key stakeholders, field visits to two
representative Provinces in October 2024 (Malaita and Isabel), and a comprehensive desktop literature
review. The main findings were validated by stakeholder workshop held in Honiara in July 2024. Land availability / access was considered a major challenge, followed by limited enforcement for compliance to building standards, and a lack of financial support for housing as banks loans are not accessible by the urban poor. Capacity building and technical knowledge sharing with different levels of Government,
NGOs, the national university, and communities, were also identified as a priority need. Moreover, the
workshop also uncovered the gendered nature of land and finance for housing rights. Based on this
knowledge, several recommendations for local partnerships and pilot interventions (i.e. knowledge
sharing, skills training, and involvement with demonstration building as physical interventions), conclude this report; indicating possible pathways to develop a programme of housing initiatives that are
appropriate for the Solomon Islands context.</p
The Influence of Social and Individual Factors on Medication-related Outcomes in Older Adults
No full textBackground:Medication safety is a significant concern, particularly among Australians aged 65 years and older. Despite the implementation of numerous national strategies aimed at improving medication safety, medication-related hospital admissions remain a persistent challenge within the healthcare system. Given the substantial burden associated with medication-related harm, the inappropriate and suboptimal use of medicines in older adults represents a significant safety issue requiring further attention. Identifying the underlying contributors to suboptimal medicine use is essential to mitigating these risks and improving therapeutic outcomes.While inappropriate medicine use can contribute to suboptimal use, emerging research suggests that a range of additional factors may influence medication-taking behaviours. Among these are socioeconomic disadvantage, limited health literacy, and beliefs, which may all correlate with non-adherence and inappropriate medicine use. However, despite these findings, current research has yet to comprehensively investigate the influence of these various factors on medication use and safety among older adults. This gap in understanding is particularly critical in light of the increased vulnerability of this population to medication-related harm.As a result, there remains a critical gap in the literature concerning the extent to which these social and individual factors influence medication use among older adults. Further investigation into the role of modifiable influences, such as beliefs and health literacy, is warranted. Addressing this gap is vital to informing strategies that improve safety and reduce adverse outcomes in this population. A more nuanced understanding of these factors may support the development of targeted, patient-centred interventions designed to address the underlying causes of suboptimal medicine use and minimise the risk of medication-related harm in older adults.Aim:The aim of this research was to explore the social and individual factors (including beliefs, and health literacy) that may be influencing medication-related outcomes in older adults aged 65 years and older.Methods:A systematic review was initially conducted to identify and synthesise quantitative research examining the influence of beliefs about medicines on suboptimal medication use among older adults. This review summarised current findings in the literature and identified significant gaps, which informed the direction of subsequent investigations (Chapter 2).Building upon these findings, a descriptive study was conducted to quantitatively explore social and individual factors, including beliefs, experiences, and health literacy, that may influence medication use in older adults. Patterns of suboptimal medication use, including polypharmacy, non-adherence, under-prescribing, and the use of potentially inappropriate medications, were identified. Variables such as beliefs and health literacy were measured using validated instruments, including the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and Health Literacy Questionnaire. These factors were descriptively analysed in relation to patterns of suboptimal medication use (Chapter 3). Findings from this study informed a larger cross-sectional investigation designed to provide more robust and generalisable insights (Chapter 4).The cross-sectional study employed structured surveys to examine associations between beliefs, health literacy, and suboptimal medication use. Statistical analyses included multivariate regression and Pearson’s correlation to assess the strength and significance of these relationships. To explore the stability of these variables over time, a follow-up longitudinal study was undertaken to investigate changes in beliefs and health literacy, and their relationship with suboptimal medication use, hospitalisations, and falls over a six-month period among older adults (Chapter 5).Finally, findings from the preceding studies collectively informed the final phase of the research: a qualitative Delphi study (Chapter 6). This study aimed to develop a Risk Factor Index to assist clinicians in identifying older adults at risk of inappropriate medication use and adverse medication-related outcomes. The Delphi process involved two rounds of surveys distributed to a panel of experts to gather consensus on key risk factors for inclusion.Results:Stronger beliefs in the necessity of medicines and fewer concerns were generally associated with improved adherence among older adults, as identified in the systematic review. However, the relative contribution of necessity and concern beliefs remained unclear. Limited literature addressing the influence of beliefs on polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use highlighted the need for further investigation (Chapter 2). Descriptive findings indicated that further research involving larger cohorts was warranted to yield more generalisable results on the influence of beliefs, experiences, and health literacy on medication use among older adults (Chapter 3). Findings from a larger cohort demonstrated that stronger necessity beliefs were significantly associated with polypharmacy and greater adherence. Additionally, necessity beliefs exerted a more pronounced influence on adherence than concern beliefs. Although higher health literacy correlated positively with adherence, its effect on polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use was limited (Chapter 4). With respect to changes over time, necessity and concern beliefs remained stable over the six-month follow-up period, indicating resistance to temporal fluctuations. Improvements in health literacy over-time, particularly regarding comprehension of health information, were associated with better adherence. Polypharmacy was also correlated with increased utilisation of potentially inappropriate medications. However, no significant associations were identified between falls or hospitalisations and the variables assessed (Chapter 5).Through expert consensus, key factors beyond beliefs and health literacy were identified as contributors to adverse health outcomes and inappropriate medication use (Chapter 6). These factors included age-related functional decline, multimorbidity, barriers to understanding, economic and financial concerns, healthcare interactions, and suboptimal medicine use. In response, a Risk Factor Index was developed to assist clinicians in proactively identifying older adults at elevated risk. Conclusion:Evaluations of medication use require consideration of individual and social determinants, particularly beliefs about medicines and health literacy. Stronger necessity beliefs are associated with greater adherence, suggesting that older adults who view their medicines as essential are more likely to follow prescribed regimens. Similarly, greater health literacy, particularly the ability to comprehend health information, is associated with improved adherence. Additional contributing factors, including age-related functional decline, multimorbidity, healthcare interactions, and suboptimal medicine use, also influence medication safety and use. These findings support the integration of validated tools into routine care to assess beliefs and health literacy, alongside structured reviews and patient-centred communication. This approach may enable more appropriate prescribing and safer medication use among older adults. Overall, the findings provide a foundation for future research focused on embedding patient-level factors into routine decision-making to optimise outcomes in this population.</p
Revive: The Place of Music and Education in the Australian Cultural Policy
No full textIn February 2023 the Australian government released National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place. This is the first articulated cultural policy released by a national government since 1994. With changing governments and differing priorities and agendas there have been lost opportunities and a reduction in focus and funding on the arts and culture in Australia. The policy is a five-year plan built around five pillars: 1. First Nations First, 2. A Place for Every Story, 3. Centrality of the Artist, 4. Strong Cultural Infrastructure, 5. Engaging the Audience. This paper presents a content analysis and discussion of the policy through the lens of the arts, music and music education. While identifying the key component of the policy, links are drawn between the government’s policies of culture and education, and their implementation in the arts and cultural sectors and education across the different levels.</p
Leadership in neoliberal organizations: Theory and empirical illustrations
No full textThis study examines how neoliberal rationalities shape leadership practices within organizations. To explore this phenomenon, we first review existing literature to develop a conceptual framework identifying four key categories: neoliberal organizations, neoliberal principles, leadership power, and leader subjectivity. Drawing on interviews with leaders and workers, we then illustrate how leadership is enacted through mobilization of power and construction of desired subjects in neoliberal organizations. The research participants also offer insights into the limits of such leadership and how it might not work smoothly or as intended. Overall, this study contends that leadership often exerts seductive influence, such as using aspirational narratives and empowerment tactics, to cultivate positive sentiments and make individuals willingly conform to neoliberal subjugation. In doing so, it controls both body and mind to maximize productivity, all while giving individuals the illusion of freedom.</p
The current state in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods for quantifying kynurenine pathway metabolites in biological samples: a systematic review
No full textKynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites are implicated in various disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Simultaneous measurement of multiple KP metabolites offers valuable insight into the pathway's role in health and disease, would improve this relatively undeveloped field. This systematic review aim was to summarize the state of the art for measuring the eight key KP metabolites, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), explicitly focusing on whether methods were validated using established guidelines with superior sensitivity and selectivity. We undertook a comprehensive review of the literature using the PRISMA guidelines. Our search uncovered 66 publications, and 39 qualified the defined key criteria. We summarized each publication's method development parameters, analytical design, and method performance specifications. We found notable variability in sample preparation techniques and analytical design across biological matrices, underscoring a lack of universally established and validated methods for KP metabolite quantification. We also identified significant gaps in the basic method evaluation. Our findings highlight that no single method has been evaluated for quantifying the eight key KP metabolites across three or more biological sample types, revealing a critical gap in the field. Our review emphasizes the need for robust analytical methods to quantify KP metabolites across multiple biological matrices, facilitating a better understanding of their roles in health and disease. Given the diversity of disorders involving the KP in the clinical testing lab, developing such methods will reduce diagnostic errors and advance KP metabolite research, supporting more precise, and personalized medical care.</p
Modulation of Host Erythrocyte and Reticulocyte Cell Signalling During Infection with Plasmodium spp
No full textDespite decades of global intervention, malaria remains a significant global public health burden, exacerbated by increasing resistance to front-line antimalarial therapies such as artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs). This thesis investigates host-directed therapy (HDT) as an alternative strategy to address malaria infection by targeting host erythrocyte and reticulocyte signalling pathways during Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium falciparum infection. This study employs a comprehensive approach that integrates antibody microarrays, western blotting, and bioinformatics, to uncover key host signalling responses altered by malaria parasites during infection. A total of 878 host protein signals were analysed across infected and uninfected blood cells at different time points.Principal component and clustering analyses revealed distinct temporal and cell-type-specific modulation of host signalling pathways. Components of the MAPK signaling cascade, including MEK1, ERK1/2, and upstream kinases such as HGK and NEK2, were significantly active in infected cells, indicating their potential as therapeutic targets. Reticulocytes demonstrated significant expression of stress and survival signalling proteins, including VEGFRs and Akt2, while infected erythrocytes showed enriched activation of ILK1, c-Jun, and ZAP70. These findings demonstrate a dynamic, parasite-induced remodelling of host intracellular pathways that supports parasite development. To validate these molecular insights, NEK2—a host cell serine/threonine kinase with the highest log2 fold change following infection—was selected for in vitro functional characterisation. Western blot analysis confirmed altered NEK2 expression and phosphorylation in P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes, consistent with a possible role in host response modulation. The findings reinforce the notion that Plasmodium spp. exploit host kinase networks to facilitate their intracellular lifecycle and immune evasion. The data also highlight the therapeutic potential of repurposing kinase inhibitors—originally developed for oncology—to selectively target host pathways essential for parasite survival, thereby mitigating drug resistance risks associated with parasite-encoded targets. This thesis makes a substantial contribution to malaria research by offering the first comparative analysis of host signalling in reticulocytes versus erythrocytes during P. knowlesi infection and validating HDT as a feasible alternative to conventional therapies. The findings from this research will pave the way for the design of novel host-targeted antimalarial strategies with broad species applicability and reduced resistance profiles in future studies.</p