Showing papers by "Edith Cowan University published in 2023"

Why do employees respond differently to corporate social responsibility? A study of substantive and symbolic corporate social responsibility

Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays an increasingly significant role in business and can impact organizational performance and sustainability. However, the degree to which stakeholders see the organization as legitimate may depend on the perceived authenticity of CSR processes and practices. As internal stakeholders, employees have a strong influence on organizational outcomes. CSR, in turn, has been found to positively influence several employee outcomes. To examine the mechanisms of this relationship, this study questioned when and how CSR enhances employees' perceptions and results in affective commitment. Drawing on a time-lagged sample of 317 full-time employees in Australia, we found that substantive CSR is positively associated with affective commitment mediated by meaningfulness through work and strengthened with embeddedness, while symbolic CSR is not. Through assessing and controlling for endogeneity threats in analysis, this study provides more accurate empirical insights into the importance of CSR authenticity, offers theoretical contributions to the field, and presents practical implications for organizations in enhancing their CSR planning and practice.

Are we levelling the playing field? A qualitative case study of the awareness, uptake and relevance of the IOC consensus statements in two countries

Abstract: Objectives Research evidence is commonly compiled into expert-informed consensus guidelines intended to consolidate and distribute sports medicine knowledge. Between 2003 and 2018, 27 International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statements were produced. This study explored the policy and practice impact of the IOC Statements on athlete health and medical team management in two economically and contextually diverse countries. Methods A qualitative case study design was adopted. Fourteen face-to-face interviews were conducted with purposively selected interviewees, seven participants from Australia (higher economic equality) and seven from South Africa (lower economic equality), representing their national medical commissions (doctors and physiotherapists of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth teams). A framework method was used to analyse interview transcripts and identify key themes. Results Differences across resource settings were found, particularly in the perceived usefulness of the IOC Statements and their accessibility. Both settings were unsure about the purpose of the IOC Statements and their intended audience. However, both valued the existence of evidence-informed guidelines. In the Australian setting, there was less reliance on the resources developed by the IOC, preferring to use locally contextualised documents that are readily available. Conclusion The IOC Statements are valuable evidence-informed resources that support translation of knowledge into clinical sports medicine practice. However, to be fully effective, they must be perceived as useful and relevant and should reach their target audiences with ready access. This study showed different contexts require different resources, levels of support and dissemination approaches. Future development and dissemination of IOC Statements should consider the perspectives and the diversity of contexts they are intended for.

The Love Ethic: Love and Activism for Ecosocial Justice

Abstract: In “The Love Ethic: Love and Activism for Ecosocial Justice,” Godden and Peter position themselves as part of a growing movement of social work practitioners and scholars who claim love as an ethic and praxis; particularly in the spaces of critical activism, community work, and ecosocial work. They contend that love assists activists to understand the complex relationships and interconnectedness among humans and between humans and nature and to spur inclusive activism for justice and wellbeing for all species. They explore the love ethic as activism for structural change. They examine the teachings of bell hooks, Thich Nhat Hanh, and other scholars and activists, and propose the Love Ethic, drawing on Godden’s research about love-based community work in Timor-Leste, Australia, and Peru. Peter then shares a case study that demonstrates how the Love Ethic could be practiced to address the challenges faced by transnational social workers in their transition to host countries. They argue that love provides a powerful framework for ecosocial activists to resist and transform structures of injustice in solidarity with communities and ecological systems for a fairer world.

Micro-credentialing Models and Practice

Abstract: Micro-credentials can range from MOOCs and short courses to alternative credentials that can also be complementary to an award. While they can be offered in person, micro-credentialing lends itself very well to virtual environments due to its flexibility and portability. This is important as the student demographic for these courses tends to be the lifelong learning target market. Lifelong learners are likely to be working in jobs and need flexible modes of study, with onsite education generally a challenge due to time and travel constraints. Options a virtual university can provide are desirable to this growing cohort. With the right value proposition and support, a global student cohort is also achievable especially with travel restrictions that have recently come into place with the COVID-19 pandemic. While the potential for micro-credentials as successful offerings in a virtual university is nascent, it is not clear what success metrics can be used to ensure relevancy and remain contemporary. This chapter will examine micro-credential models and practice and suggests strategies that can contribute to some of these approaches. These strategies are grounded in the student experience and success of the lifelong and global learner demographic. There will be a particular emphasis in Australasia as the author has conducted surveys on the state of micro-credentialing in the region on behalf of the Australasian Council on Open, Distance and e-Learning (ACODE). The author also suggests evidence-based measures of success that can be used to implement and sustain a successful approach to micro-credentials particularly in a virtual university.

Agreement in Squat Jump Force-Time Characteristics Between Smith Machine and Free-Weight Squat Jump Force-Time Characteristics

Abstract: Kotani, Y, Lake, J, Guppy, SN, Poon, W, Nosaka, K, and Haff, GG. Agreement in squat jump force-time characteristics between Smith machine and free-weight squat jump force-time characteristics. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The purpose of this study was to determine whether squat jump (SJ) force-velocity (FV) and load-velocity (LV) profiles created using free-weights agree with profiles created with a Smith machine. Fifteen resistance-trained male subjects (age = 26.4 ± 2.5 years; height = 1.75 ± 0.09 m; body mass = 82.6 ± 13.4 kg) participated in this study. All subjects completed 2 familiarization and 2 experimental sessions using both the Smith machine and free-weight SJs each separated by 48 hours. During the experimental trials, progressively loaded SJs were performed in a quasi-randomized block order with loads between 21 kg and 100% of the subject's body mass. Agreement between exercise mode was determined with a weighted least products regression analysis. No fixed or proportional bias was noted between exercise modes when using peak velocity (PV) and mean velocity (MV) to create an FV profile. There was no fixed and proportional bias present for the LV profile when the profile was created with PV. When the LV profile was calculated from MV, fixed and proportional bias were present, indicating that MVs were significantly different between exercise modes. In addition, the free-weight FV and LV profiles exhibited poor to good relative and good to poor absolute reliability. Furthermore, when created using the Smith machine, both profiles exhibited poor to moderate relative and absolute reliability. Based on these data, caution should be used when interpreting LV and FV profiles created with these 2 methods.

Performance of urinary phenyl-γ-valerolactones as biomarkers of dietary flavan-3-ol exposure

Abstract: Phenyl-γ-valerolactones (PVLs) have been identified as biomarkers of dietary flavan-3-ol exposure, though their utility requires further characterisation. We investigate the performance of a range of PVLs as biomarkers indicative of flavan-3-ol intake. We report results of two companion studies: a 5-way randomised cross-over trial (RCT) and an observational cross-sectional study. In the RCT [World Health Organisation, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1236-7988], 16 healthy participants consumed flavan-3-ol rich interventions (of either apple, cocoa, black tea, green tea, or water [control]) for one day each. First morning voids and 24-hour urines were collected with diet standardised throughout. For each participant, one intervention period was extended (to two days) to monitor PVL kinetics following repeat exposure. In the cross-sectional study, 86 healthy participants collected 24-hour urines and concurrent weighed food diaries from which flavan-3-ol consumption was estimated using Phenol-Explorer. A panel of 10 urinary PVLs was quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. In both studies, two urinary PVLs [5-(3ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-4ʹ-sulfate and putatively identified 5-(4ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-3ʹ-glucuronide] were the principal compounds excreted (>75%). In the RCT, the sum of these PVLs was significantly higher than the water (control) following each intervention; individually, there was a shift from sulfation towards glucuronidation as the total excretion of PVLs increased across the different interventions. In the extended RCT intervention period, no accumulation of these PVLs was observed after consecutive days of treatment, and following withdrawal of treatment on the third day, there was a return towards negligible PVL excretion. All results were consistent, whether compounds were measured in 24-hour urine or first morning voids. In the observational study, the sum of the principal PVLs correlated dose-dependently (Rs = 0.37, P = 0.0006) with dietary flavan-3-ol intake, with similar associations for each individually. Urinary 5-(3ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-4ʹ-sulfate and putatively identified 5-(4ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-3ʹ-glucuronide are recommended biomarkers for dietary flavan-3-ol exposure.

The Effects of a 6-Week Unilateral Strength and Ballistic Jump Training Program on the Force-Velocity Profiles of Sprinting

Abstract: Bettariga, F, Maestroni, L, Martorelli, L, Turner, A, and Bishop, C. The effects of a 6-week unilateral strength and ballistic jump training program on the force-velocity profiles of sprinting. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2022—The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the effects of a unilateral training program, compared with a control group, on a force-velocity (F-V) profile in soccer players and (b) to explore such effects on linear speed. Twenty-four soccer players, randomly assigned to a 6-week unilateral strength and ballistic jump training (UNI) (n = 12) or a control group (CON) (n = 12), performed 30-meter linear sprint test. Findings showed small-to-moderate improvements (p < 0.05) in linear speed time (g = 0.66–0.81) and in most F-V variables: maximal running velocity (V0) (g = 0.81), maximal power output (Pmax) (g = 0.49), maximal ratio of force (RFmax) (g = 0.55), optimal velocity (Vopt) (g = 0.83), and maximal speed (g = 0.84) from pre- to post-intervention in the UNI group, whereas no meaningful changes were found in the CON group. The between-group comparison indicated small to large significant changes in V0 (g = 0.95), RFmax (g = 0.48), Vopt (g = 0.95), maximal speed (g = 0.98), and linear speed time performance (g = 0.42–1.02), with the exception of the 0–5 meter distance, in favor of the UNI group. Thus, a unilateral strength and ballistic jump training program can be used to improve the F-V profile and linear speed performance of amateur soccer players.

Protecting and Promoting Young People’s Social and Emotional Health in Online and Offline Contexts

Abstract: Young people’s use of mobile phones and access to the Internet has increased dramatically in the last decade, especially among those aged 9–15 years. Young people now rely on information and communication technology for much of their social interaction, which can have both positive and negative effects on their social and emotional well-being. Of particular concern is the extent to which digital technology (DT) provides opportunities for cyberbullying. This chapter provides an overview of these issues, before reviewing research suggesting that positive social and emotional learning (SEL) opportunities could enhance young people’s online and offline relationships, as well as their academic performance. Among young people, supportive relationships with peers, parents, and teachers are associated with less bullying perpetration and victimization, fewer psychological health problems, and more effective coping strategies and with positive academic performance and positive social/emotional adjustment. Finally, this chapter highlights the importance of whole-community approaches to enhancing young people’s social and emotional skills and to address negative online behaviors. Findings from a large-group randomized controlled trial addressing these issues, the Cyber Friendly Schools Project, are discussed. This study identified whole-school policy and practices that appear to enhance young people’s online and offline peer relationships and well-being.

Acute Performance, Daily Well-Being, and Hormone Responses to Water Immersion After Resistance Exercise in Junior International and Subelite Male Volleyball Athletes

Abstract: Horgan, BG, Tee, N, West, NP, Drinkwater, EJ, Halson, SL, Colomer, CME, Fonda, CJ, Tatham, J, Chapman, DW, and Haff, GG. Acute performance, daily well-being and hormone responses to water immersion after resistance exercise in junior international and subelite male volleyball athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-Athletes use postexercise hydrotherapy strategies to improve recovery and competition performance and to enhance adaptative responses to training. Using a randomized cross-over design, the acute effects of 3 postresistance exercise water immersion strategies on perceived recovery, neuromuscular performance, and hormone concentrations in junior international and subelite male volleyball athletes (n = 18) were investigated. After resistance exercise, subjects randomly completed either 15-minute passive control (CON), contrast water therapy (CWT), cold (CWI), or hot water immersion (HWI) interventions. A treatment effect occurred after HWI; reducing perceptions of fatigue (HWI > CWT: p = 0.05, g = 0.43); improved sleep quality, compared with CON (p < 0.001, g = 1.15), CWI (p = 0.017, g = 0.70), and CWT (p = 0.018, g = 0.51); as well as increasing testosterone concentration (HWI > CWT: p = 0.038, g = 0.24). There were trivial to small (p < 0.001-0.039, g = 0.02-0.34) improvements (treatment effect) in jump performance (i.e., squat jump and countermovement jump) after all water immersion strategies, as compared with CON, with high variability in the individual responses. There were no significant differences (interaction effect, p > 0.05) observed between the water immersion intervention strategies and CON in performance (p = 0.153-0.99), hormone (p = 0.207-0.938), nor perceptual (p = 0.368-0.955) measures. To optimize recovery and performance responses, e.g., during an in-season competition phase, postresistance exercise HWI may assist with providing small-to-large improvements for up to 38 hours in perceived recovery (i.e., increased sleep quality and reduced fatigue) and increases in circulating testosterone concentration. Practitioners should consider individual athlete neuromuscular performance responses when prescribing postexercise hydrotherapy. These findings apply to athletes who aim to improve their recovery status, where postresistance exercise HWI optimizes sleep quality and next-day perceptions of fatigue.

Embracing Intimate Civility: Love of Kith and Kin

Abstract: Intimate civility operates through an individually embraced code of conduct based on mutual respect, empathy, self-awareness, morality, and equality to guide interpersonal dynamics, yet individuals reared in homes devoid of intimate civility can be challenged to identify and promote the interest or wellbeing of their intimate counterparts and may have to seek outside help to learn these skills. The use of empathic imagination for real world relational benefits is common in traditional therapeutic practices, such as encouraging those struggling with self-compassion to imagine the presence of a kind friend or ally to support them at times of hardship. From Aristotle and Plato to Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch, friendship has been crucial in Western philosophies of love. In her chapter “Embracing Intimate Civility: Love of Kith and Kin,” Elizabeth Reid Boyd utilises kith (friendship, or philia) to expand the model of intimate civility as a resource for those for whom kin (family) represents less than loving relationships.

Protection or Protectionism? Assessing the EU’s New Investment Screening Measures Against State-Driven Foreign Investment Risks

Abstract: Foreign direct investment (FDI) can be used by sovereign states for strategic goals, including as a mechanism for exploitation, technology transfers, espionage, and political influence. The EU’s recently adopted foreign investment screening regulation (the Regulation) is a response to fears that state-led investment could strategically exploit the openness of the common market. The Regulation applies the concepts of ‘security’ and ‘public order’ as guidance to Member States restricting FDI. However, these concepts have no clear definition, raising concerns they may be abused for protectionist purposes. This article aims to contribute to the debate on whether these screening concepts are a reasonable response to state-based investment threats. It does so by taking a ‘threats-based’ approach to identifying relevant FDI risks for Member States’ economic and national security. China, the world’s second largest and heavily state-capitalist economy, is considered a key justification and yardstick for the EU’s new investment screening measures. Hence, identifying risks relating to Chinese FDI is a good starting point for assessing the Regulation. Drawing on institutional analysis of China’s economy, this article identifies unique threats arising from the country’s rule-by-law socialist system of governance, where traditional public–private distinctions are heavily blurred, if not obliterated. The nature of those risks suggests that the undefined concepts of ‘security’ and ‘public order’ are reasonable to achieve the goals of the Regulation. Furthermore, a threats-based approach to screening Chinese FDI leans towards a presumption of risk for sensitive sectors, for both SOEs and nominally private firms, due to deep institutional public–private linkages.

Developing nurse‐sensitive outcomes in acute inpatient mental health settings—A systematic review

Abstract: While nurse-sensitive outcomes (NSOs) are well established in numerous health settings, to date there is no indicator suite of NSOs for inpatient mental health settings.To assess the relationship between nursing variables and patient outcomes in acute inpatient mental health settings to determine which outcomes can be used as indicators of the quality of nursing care.Databases accessed were CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE, last searched in May 2022. The review followed the 2020 PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews. Papers published between 1995 and 2022, conducted in acute mental health care units were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. A meta-analysis was not possible because of the large number of variables and measurement inconsistencies.A total of 57 studies were reviewed. Studies were categorised according to whether they found a significant or non-significant relationship between nurse variables and patient outcomes. Seven outcomes-aggression, seclusion, restraint, absconding, pro-re-nata medications, special observations and self-harm-were identified. For each outcome, there were significant findings for several nurse variables indicating that all included outcomes could be used as NSOs. However, evidence for aggression, seclusion and restraint use as suitable NSOs was more robust than the evidence for self-harm, absconding, pro-re-nata medications and special observations.All the seven outcomes can all be used to develop an NSO indicator suite in mental health inpatient settings. More work is needed to establish high-quality studies to clearly demonstrate the relationship between these outcome measures and changes in nurse variables such as nurse staffing, skill mix, work environment, nurse education and nurse experience.Patient or public contribution was not possible because of the type of the variables being explored.

Whole fat or reduced fat dairy– which is best for kids? Results of the Milky Way Study

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Love of Process: Intimacy and Attention Within Painting, Life, and Art

Abstract: In this chapter, the authors address love of process within art and life to reveal a shifting, complex network of dynamic, volatile relations that are simultaneously visible and invisible. Love is explored here as an artistic process above/beyond self/other. This chapter draws from phenomenology as a theoretical framework—where knowledge is gained through embodied action. As practicing artists, the authors develop concepts and relations through a series of inter-related fragments; each artist draws on their own lived experience and engagement with process. In the first half of this chapter, Uhlmann recounts his solitary meditative walks into the night by the Indian Ocean and compares these walks with the act of painting in the studio; he introduces phenomenology as an attitude of embodiment which offers an opportunity to perceive the world anew and to transcend the self. In part two, Pryor develops an expansive investigation into the concept of dyadic relations, identifying a surprising correspondence between painterly and love dyads, where intimate relationships emerge between two forces.

Nurses’ understanding and management of iron deficiency in Australia: a cross-sectional, exploratory study

Abstract: To assess the experiences and knowledge of nurses in the area of iron deficiency.A cross-sectional, exploratory study using online survey.Data were collected from nurses working at various primary, secondary and tertiary Australian health practices and organisations.Australian nurses currently in practice.Australian nurses currently in practice were invited to complete an online survey about their work background, personal experiences with iron deficiency and iron-deficiency identification and treatment. The survey included a nine-item questionnaire to assess knowledge of iron-deficiency risk factors and biochemistry.A total of 534 eligible nurses participated in the survey. Participants were more likely to be female, aged 55-64 years, and working in general practice. Just under half (45.1%) reported being diagnosed with iron deficiency themselves. Unusual fatigue or tiredness was the most frequent symptom that alerted nurses to potential iron deficiency in patients (reported by 91.9% of nurses). Nurses who had participated in formal training around iron deficiency in the last 5 years demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge score (4.2±2.1) compared with those who had not or were not sure about their formal training status (3.7±1.9, p=0.035). Knowledge around the understanding of functional iron deficiency was limited.Nurses report personal experiences of iron deficiency and show good knowledge of symptoms, demonstrating the potential for them to take a leading role in managing iron deficiency in patients. Educational programmes are required to address knowledge gaps and should be offered via various methods to accommodate a diverse nurse cohort. Our research highlights the potential for an expanded scope of practice for nurses in the primary care setting in the area of iron deficiency.

Thinking globally, acting locally: Supporting systems change within communities to enhance food security action

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