18397 research outputs found
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'What others are now, I could become': A poetic inquiry into Indonesian EFL beginning teachers' identity construction
Understanding teacher identity is important because it could become one of the factors why teachers stay or leave the profession. This study explored the construction of identities of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) beginning teachers who graduated from an Islamic teacher education program in Indonesia. The findings revealed that teachers' identities were dynamic and changing, affected by emotional experiences as pre-service teachers and as early career teachers. The participants' religious background and future hopes also influenced the way they viewed themselves and the teaching profession. This study findings provide some insights for teacher education programs in preparing future teachers
Study of γ-rays, pair production, and high harmonic generation in ultra-intense laser-plasma interactions
In this thesis, we delve into the production of x-rays, γ-rays, and electron-positron pairs in plasma through particle-in-cell simulations. Our investigations revolve around γ-ray emissions in laser-solid interactions involving different target shapes and laser conditions. To enhance laser absorption by electrons and γ-rays, we propose a compact target structure scheme, which aids in improving laser conversion efficiency. We also examine the laser energy’s influence on the energy of γ-rays and pair production. We discover that bremsstrahlung is the dominant process for γ-ray emissions in high Z materials. In contrast, NCS prevails in low Z materials
Wrinkles in Sexual Behaviour: Factors Associated with Sexual Reoffending Among Older Offenders
The social cost of sexual offending is significant, requiring specific attention and targeted resources to identify and enact strategies to ensure community protection. Over the last 50 years, research has been conducted into treatment, assessment and management of men who have been convicted of sexually harmful behaviour. While there has been advancement in approaches to risk assessment, which has significantly contributed to targeting intervention resources, these tools have been assumed equally reliable when used with older adults convicted of offending sexually. The results of this research were similar to other research findings. Further research to investigate specific factors that are related to older men who sexually offend and risk of recidivism
Using the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) Model to Inform Policing of Family Violence
This thesis not only offers validation of the applicability of an evidence-based risk assessment approach within the policing context, but also underscores the necessity for an effective multifaceted application of this framework to cater to the complex and diverse nature of family violence incidents. It was found that using the evidence-based risk assessment was effective in reducing the probability of subsequent severe family violence. The thesis findings underscore the potential for more effective risk-management strategies by adopting a more integrated and collaborative approach, thereby fostering a safer environment for individuals and families at risk of severe family violence
The Role of Artificial Intelligence for Business Value: A Hong Kong Case Study
This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to business value, through a case study of Hong Kong organizations. It presents a model illustrating how AI creates business value through the development of process-oriented dynamic capabilities and highlights the role of AI orientation, an organization's commitment to AI research and development, as well as the acquisition and application of AI, in the investment in AI assets and the development of AI capabilities. The research addresses a gap in understanding the impact of AI on business value and offers a framework that assists practitioners in leveraging AI resources and capabilities
An explorative study on the use of coarse-grained protein models in structure-based virtual screening
This research aimed to evaluate whether data from coarse-grained modeling could match explicit solvent molecular dynamics in virtual screening. By comparing protein models from both simulations using parameters such as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and enrichment factor (EF), the study found that coarse-grained models shouldn't be dismissed in virtual screening. It suggests further research to clarify the role and potential of coarse-grained modeling in this field
Prototyping in Smart Product Development: Exploring New Approaches for Low-Fidelity Prototyping to Enhance Communication Across Disciplines
This research investigates the challenges in designing smart products arising from advancements in technology and the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration. It focuses on improving low-fidelity prototyping tools to support communication among designers from different disciplines. By proposing a framework to compare designers' preferences for prototyping tools and developing a new approach based on their needs, the study enhances understanding of how different disciplines collaborate effectively in smart product development. This contributes to facilitating interdisciplinary communication and advancing the field of smart product design in the early stages, benefiting both researchers and practitioners in creating innovative and user-centred products
Towards a critical realism synthesis of configurational and middle-range theorising
Purpose: We present configurational theorising as a novel approach to developing middle-range theory in two steps: (1) we illustrate configurational theorising as a new form of supply chain inquiry by connecting its philosophical assumptions with a methodological execution, and (2) we generate new insights underpinning a middle-range theory for supply chain resilience. Design/methodology/approach: We synthesise information from a range of sources and invoke ‘critical realism” to suggest a five-phase configurational theorising roadmap to develop middle-range theory. We demonstrate this roadmap to explain supply chain resilience by analysing qualitative data from 22 organisations within the Australian food supply chain. Findings: Coopetition and supply chain collaboration are necessary causal conditions, but they need to combine with either supply chain agility or multi-sourcing strategy to build supply chain resilience. Asymmetrical analyses showed that the simultaneous absence of supply chain collaboration, supply chain agility and multi-sourcing results in low supply chain resilience, but coopetition was indifferent to low supply chain resilience. Similarly, high supply chain resilience is possible with the non-presence of supply chain agility and multi-sourcing. Research limitations/implications: The configurational middle-range theorising roadmap presented and empirically tested in this paper constitutes a substantial advancement to both theory and the methodological domain. Originality/value: This is the first attempt at developing a middle-range theory for supply chains by explicitly drawing on configurational theorising
Intersections of phenomenology, voice beliefs and distress in bipolar disorder: a comparison with schizophrenia
Background: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), or voice-hearing, can be a prominent symptom during fluctuating mood states in bipolar disorder (BD). Aims: The current study aimed to: (i) compare AVH-related distress in BD relative to schizophrenia (SCZ), (ii) examine correlations between phenomenology and voice beliefs across each group, and (iii) explore how voice beliefs may uniquely contribute to distress in BD and SCZ. Method: Participants were recruited from two international sites in Australia (BD=31; SCZ=50) and the UK (BD=17). Basic demographic-clinical information was collected, and mood symptoms were assessed. To document AVH characteristics, a 4-factor model of the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale and the Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire-Revised were used. Statistical analyses consisted of group-wise comparisons, Pearson's correlations and multiple hierarchical regressions. Results: It was found that AVH-related distress was not significantly higher in BD than SCZ, but those with BD made significantly more internal attributions for their voices. In the BD group, AVH-related distress was significantly positively correlated with malevolence, omnipotence and resistance, However, only resistance, alongside mania and depressive symptoms, significantly contributed to AVH-related distress in BD. Discussion: Our findings have several clinical implications, including identification of voice resistance as a potential therapeutic target to prioritise in BD. Factoring in the influence of mood symptoms on AVH-related distress as well as adopting more acceptance-oriented therapies may also be of benefit
Process Optimization on Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) for Alleviating the Post-polishing Substrate-platen Adhesion
This study addresses a common problem in disk production where disks stick to machines after polishing. The research identifies key factors that reduce this sticking issue and improve product quality. The study reveals that polishing surface speed significantly influences disk adhesion. This discovery offers a practical solution to a widespread industry challenge, potentially enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing product waste. The research also introduces a new method to measure the impact of polishing speed on disk sticking, paving the way for future improvements in disk production processes.</p