50716 research outputs found
Sort by
From Portland cement to alkali-activated system:advances in wood-cement composites for sustainable building applications
No full textThis paper presents a detailed review of wood-cement composites, focusing on their material characteristics, mechanical performance, and evolution as a class of sustainable and cleaner construction material. Formed by combining wood particles with cementitious binders, these composites offer a unique alternative to conventional building materials by utilising renewable resources, supporting cleaner production practices, and reducing embodied carbon. The review is based on an extensive compilation of experimental data drawn from the literature, covering a wide range of studies that examine the effects of wood species, binder types, fabrication methods, and testing protocols on composite performance. Particular attention is given to the influence of binder composition, wood particle size, and mix ratios on key mechanical properties, including compressive strength, flexural strength, density, and toughness. These parameters are critically assessed to establish their role in governing the structural reliability and functional suitability of the composites. The review also addresses production techniques and standardised testing methods, identifying common challenges such as the chemical incompatibility between lignocellulosic materials and cement hydrates, and summarising approaches developed to mitigate these issues. Recent developments, including the use of alkali-activated binders, are examined for their potential to enhance material performance and support cleaner material development. By consolidating existing research and identifying gaps in current knowledge, this paper aims to support further technical advancement and inform the practical implementation of wood-cement composites in environmentally responsible construction.</p
A Decolonising Critical Discourse Analysis Framework for Positive Behaviour Support Plans
Full text linkPositive Behaviour Support Plans (Plans) are documents written by practitioners about and for Service Users who are exhibiting “challenging behaviours”, which may risk harm to the self or others. These Service Users are subject to restrictive practices, including physical or environmental restraints, seclusion, and psychotropic medication. This article presents a Decolonising Critical Discourse Analysis (DCDA) Framework for the analysis of Plans and other disability-related texts, iteratively developed through analysis of 16 Plans, conversations with disability stakeholders, reflexive team discussions, and a review of the literature. The aims of the research discussed in this article are to document and analyse discourses evident in the sample Plans and to inform critical and socially just Plan authorship practices. The purpose of this article is to report on the Framework development and offer an analysis of early findings. Plans are viewed as texts that create and maintain a complex interplay between macrolevel forces (discourse and policy) and microlevel practices of plan writing. The DCDA Framework emphasises decolonising language, making Whiteness visible, enacting disability justice and neurodivergent-affirming practice, and upholding a body politic analysis. This methodological Framework is applicable to a range of texts and contexts to explore how language can be utilised to construct Service User identities. IMPLICATIONS A Decolonising Critical Discourse Analysis (DCDA) Framework and method can be applied effectively to analyse Positive Behaviour Support Plans (Plans). Recognition is needed that risk–centric language pathologises neurodivergence and frames Service Users as requiring close regulation. Psychotropic medication is a frequently utilised restrictive practice. Cultural identity is not well–considered in this sample of Plans. Social workers have a responsibility to use their advocacy skills to critically engage with the power of language and to disrupt dominant narratives about disabled Service Users.</p
‘What do you need?’ An observational, cross-sectional study of the holistic healthcare needs of culturally and linguistically diverse Australian women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
No full textBackground Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most rapidly rising type of diabetes in Australia. Women of certain ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected, experiencing poorer health outcomes. The holistic healthcare needs of these women are not well understood Aim To compare the GDM Holistic Healthcare Needs Scale results between women who primarily speak English and those speaking another language at home. Methods All pregnant women with GDM, residing in Australia and registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme were invited to participate in this observational, cross-sectional study. Participation involved completing the web-based GDM Holistic Healthcare Needs Scale, from 4 May 2023. Results are presented as simple proportions, with the Chi-square test for independence comparing needs between the two groups. Findings Of the 342 participants, 282 (82.5 %) primarily spoke English and 60 (17.5 %) spoke mainly another language at home. Women speaking other languages had a significantly higher need for ‘information about managing GDM that takes account of your culture’ (P < 0.001) and ‘information provided in a language or words that you can understand’ (P = 0.03). Conversely, primarily English-speaking women reported a significantly higher need for ‘consistent information and advice from different healthcare providers’ (P = 0.04), and ‘not always feeling ‘high risk’’ (P = 0.05). Discussion Resources for women with GDM should be comprehensive and culturally appropriate, using words and language that can be easily understood. The GDM Holistic Healthcare Needs Scale is a useful instrument for measuring holistic healthcare needs of women from diverse backgrounds. Conclusion The holistic healthcare needs of women with GDM should be considered throughout service and care planning to promote optimal outcomes for women and babies.</p
Midwifery student experiences in continuity and public hospital models of care:A cross-sectional survey
No full textBackground Midwifery professional practice experience (MPE) is critical to student learning. Midwifery education standards in Australia prescribe that students must complete midwifery continuity of care experiences across pregnancy, birth and postnatally for ten women. Midwifery Professional Experience (MPE) can occur in partnering health facilities and in midwifery continuity of care models. Aim To compare the MPE experiences of midwifery students in public hospital maternity and continuity of midwifery care models using the validated Mid wifery St udents' E xperience of P ractice (MidSTEP) Tool. Methods Recruitment was via university learning management systems. Data were collected via REDCap using the validated MidSTEP tool. Demographics, program information and 26 Likert-style responses were included. Categorical data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Likert responses were dichotomised and compared between public hospital maternity care and midwifery continuity of care using McNemar’s test (significance 0.05). Open text questions were thematically analysed. Findings 92 responses were received, 96.7 % MPE was in public maternity models of care and 3.3 % in a midwifery continuity of care model. Midwifery student responses to the MidSTEP scale favoured learning experiences through midwifery continuity of care. Open text responses were coded into four themes, culture, implicit values of the maternity service, support for students and experiences with midwifery continuity of care models. Conclusion This study demonstrates learning in MPE is optimised when students are embedded within continuity of midwifery care models. Prioritising student feedback using the MidSTEP tool aligns with midwifery philosophy and should be prioritised.</p
Perspectives of World-Class Endurance Coaches on the Evolution of Athlete Training and Performance
No full textPurpose: To provide insights into the key practices driving the evolution of endurance training and performance. Methods: A total of 78 world-class coaches (73 men, 5 women), representing 14 endurance sports, and 18 nations, participated in a digital survey comprising open-ended questions about recent trends and projected future developments. Results: Qualitative thematic analysis revealed 8 key drivers of change: (1) individualized and sport-specific training strategies, (2) precision in training execution, (3) load-management procedures, (4) strategic use of environmental stressors, (5) optimized nutrition, (6) holistic recovery practices, (7) health and injury prevention, and (8) equipment and technology-driven innovation. To provide a clearer conceptual framework, these themes were grouped into 3 overarching categories: training methodologies (themes 1–4), recovery and health management (themes 5–7), and technological innovation (theme 8). Conclusions: World-class endurance coaches describe a continuing shift toward more individualized training strategies, characterized by detailed sport-specific considerations, training plans aligned with physiological profiles, greater precision in training execution, refined load management, and strategic use of environmental stressors. In this context, advanced monitoring technologies are viewed as essential for optimizing training adaptations while minimizing the risk of maladaptation and injury. Coaches also emphasized the importance of enhanced health and recovery strategies to support training adaptations, including sleep quality, stress management, life balance, and targeted nutritional interventions, particularly carbohydrate availability. Finally, the rapid development of new equipment and technologies is transforming training and coaching practices, thereby contributing to improved endurance performance.</p
A taxonomy of the process in implementation science:the Global Impact Analytics Framework (GIAF)
No full textBACKGROUND: Despite growing global efforts to evaluate the impact of research, there remains a lack of practical, standardised tools to assess implementation in the real-world.AIM: This study introduces a comprehensive implementation taxonomy for use in impact evaluations based on onto-terminology principles.METHODS: This work is part of the Global Impact Analytics Framework (GIAF) program. An international expert panel of 32 members developed the taxonomy using nominal group techniques and an iterative refinement process. The design was informed by the Technology Readiness Levels for Implementation Sciences (TRL-IS) to ensure its relevance and application across the life cycle of implementation. Case studies have been conducted in ten countries and the knowledge gained from practical experiences has been incorporated into the taxonomy.RESULTS: The GIAF taxonomy outlines 82 subdomains organised across 15 domains and three sequential implementation phases. The Initiation phase captures early preparatory steps before real-world use, including planning, engagement, and pre-readiness. The Maturity phase focuses on early implementation and real-world demonstration studies, covering the initiative's readiness (from demonstration to release), dissemination, usability, adoption, and uptake. The Evolution phase refers to later-stage activities once the intervention or tool is fully implemented, with domains encompassing sustainability, diffusion, prolongation, expansion, diversification, exporting, and de-implementation. The taxonomy is supported by tools including a glossary and practical checklists to guide consistent application.CONCLUSIONS: The GIAF taxonomy offers a structured, detailed, and flexible toolkit for evaluating implementation processes using mixed methods and across diverse projects and settings. It supports both quantitative scoring and qualitative insight to inform cross-context comparison and learning. By clearly defining and measuring these processes, it enhances the rigour, replicability, and comparability of implementation research and practice. The taxonomy also supports comparative effectiveness analyses of implementation strategies. This comprehensive approach addresses a critical gap in the implementation science field, contributing to stronger evidence-based practices, health and social care programs, and research globally. The GIAF toolkit provides researchers, evaluators, and other decision-makers with a practical resource for assessing implementation impact. It can also support planning processes and, through learnings from assessment results, help improve future implementation efforts.</p