Digital Commons Network^™

Physiological Evidence Of Escalating Stress During Covid-19: A Longitudinal Assessment Of Child Welfare Workers, Austin Griffiths, Kim Link, Kara Haughtigan, Oliver W.J. Beer, Lindsey Powell, David Royse

School of Health Professions

Studies have shown that stress has contributed to employee turnover and retention problems for agencies, and at the individual level, chronic stress has been associated with coronary heart disease, anxiety, depression, and many other negative effects. In the past, the extent of stress one has felt has been measured by subjective paper-and-pencil instruments; however, recent technological advances have improved our ability to obtain accurate biofeedback assessments from wearable instruments. The Kentucky Child Welfare Workforce Wellness Initiative is the first known study to explore physiological stress in a sample (n = 32) of child welfare professionals using biometric technology (Firstbeat Bodyguard …

Shift In Algal Blooms From Micro‐ To Macroalgae Around China With Increasing Eutrophication And Climate Change, Yuan Feng, Yonglong Xiong, Jm Hall‐Spencer, Kailin Liu, John Beardall, K Gao, Jingke Ge, Juntian Xu, G Gao

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Blooms of microalgal red tides and macroalgae (e.g., green and golden tides caused by Ulva and Sargassum) have caused widespread problems around China in recent years, but there is uncertainty around what triggers these blooms and how they interact. Here, we use 30 years of monitoring data to help answer these questions, focusing on the four main species of microalgae Prorocentrum donghaiense, Karenia mikimotoi, Noctiluca scintillans, and Skeletonema costatum) associated with red tides in the region. The frequency of red tides increased from 1991 to 2003 and then decreased until 2020, with S. costatum red tides exhibiting the highest rate …

Lessons Learned: Facilitating A Health And Wellness Intervention For Frontline Child Welfare Workers During Covid-19, Kara Haughtigan, Austin Griffiths, Kim Link, Oliver Beer, Lindsey Powell

School of Health Professions

Child maltreatment is one of the nation’s most significant public health concerns. The estimated annual economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States is more than $292 billion (Peterson et al., 2018). In 2021, approximately four million referrals were made to child protective service agencies alleging the maltreatment of more than seven million children (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2023). The primary mechanism for evaluating these referrals is the frontline child welfare workforce. Frontline child welfare workers (FCWWs) engage families and make decisions about the safety of children that directly impact children’s futures (Edwards & Wildeman, …

Beyond Surgery: Navigating Postoperative Care For Cauda Equina Syndrome Through A Scoping Review, Krithika Anil, Sandra Olmesdahl, Jack Read, Sam Hughes, Marcus Drake, Ingrid Hoeritzauer, Julie Woodfield, Holly Roy

School of Health Professions

Objective: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a serious neurological injury that can result in permanent disability. Our objective was to review the evidence for rehabilitation strategies for CES in a scoping review.Methods: A scoping review of the literature to identify rehabilitation strategies and their outcomes was performed. The search strategy used was: (Cauda equina syndrome) AND (treatment OR management OR intervention OR physio* OR bladder* OR neuro* OR stem cell OR repair OR rehab*) AND ("post?operat* OR post?surgical OR surgery"). MEDLINE, CINHAL, Prospero, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Web of Science, PEDro, and eThos were searched.Results: Eight studies of rehabilitation for CES …

Specialist Physiotherapy For Functional Motor Disorder In England And Scotland (Physio4fmd): A Pragmatic, Multicentre, Phase 3 Randomised Controlled Trial, Physio4fmd Study Group, Glenn Nielsen, Jon Stone, Teresa C. Lee, Laura H. Goldstein, Louise Marston, Rachael Maree Hunter, Alan Carson, Kate Holt, Jon Marsden, Marie Le Novere, Irwin Nazareth, Hayley Noble, Markus Reuber, Ann Marie Strudwick, Beatriz Santana Suarez, Mark J. Edwards, Emily Beaves, David Breen, Christine Burness, Simone Caddy, Hannah Callaghan, Andrew Carberry, Luke Chetham, Andrea Clyne, Susie Cobb, Jan Coebergh, Lewis Cook, Patrick Cookson

School of Health Professions

Background: Functional motor disorder—the motor variant of functional neurological disorder—is a disabling condition that is commonly associated with poor health outcomes. Pathophysiological models have inspired new treatment approaches such as specialist physiotherapy, although evidence from large randomised controlled trials is absent. We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of a specialist physiotherapy intervention for functional motor disorder compared with treatment as usual. Methods: In this pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3 randomised controlled trial at 11 hospitals in England and Scotland, adults with a clinically definite diagnosis of functional motor disorder, diagnosed by a neurologist, were included. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1, …

The Application Of Protease In Aquaculture: Prospects For Enhancing The Aquafeed Industry, Shiyou Chen, Sahya Maulu, Jie Wang, Xiaoze Xie, Xiaofang Liang, Hao Wang, Junjun Wang, Min Xue

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Low-fishmeal and protein-saving diets are two prominent nutritional strategies utilized to address challenges related to the scarcity and sustainability of protein sources in aquaculture. However, these diets have been associated with adverse effects on the growth performance, feed utilization, and disease resistance of aquatic animals. To mitigate these challenges, exogenous protease has been applied to enhance the quality of diets with lower protein contents or fishmeal alternatives, thereby improving the bioavailability of nutritional ingredients. Additionally, protease preparations were also used to enzymatically hydrolyze fishmeal alternatives, thus enhancing their nutritional utilization. The present review aims to consolidate recent research progress on …

An Ecosystem Of Knowledge: Relationality As A Framework For Teachers To Infuse Indigenous Perspectives In Curriculum, Maryanne Macdonald, Sarah Booth, Libby Jackson-Barrett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

New data is presented from two studies involving thirteen practising secondary teachers and twelve pre-service early childhood, primary and secondary teachers in Australia. The first study explored how non-Indigenous practising teacher identities, shaped by external and policy discourse, create obstacles to teachers’ willingness and confidence in infusing Indigenous perspectives in curriculum. With this knowledge in hand, the researchers utilised a Design-Based Research methodology to conduct a second study with pre-service (ITE) teachers, exploring the power of relationality as a framework to re-shape non-Indigenous pre-service teachers’ conceptualisation of racial and place-based identity. By enabling non-Indigenous pre-service teachers to construct an authentic …

A Systematic Review Of Dementia Research Priorities, Manonita Ghosh, Pelden Chejor, Melanie Baker, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Patient involvement is a critical component of dementia research priority-setting exercises to ensure that research benefits are relevant and acceptable to those who need the most. This systematic review synthesises research priorities and preferences identified by people living with dementia and their caregivers. Methods: Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, we conducted a systematic search in five electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. The reference lists of the included studies were also manually searched. We combined quantitative and qualitative data for synthesis and descriptive thematic …

Opportunities And Challenges Posed By Disruptive And Converging Information Technologies For Australia's Future Defence Capabilities: A Horizon Scan, Pi-Shen Seet, Anton Klarin, Janice Jones, Mike Johnstone, Helen Cripps, Jalleh Sharafizad, Violetta Wilk, David Suter, Tony Marceddo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The research project's objective was to conduct a comprehensive horizon scan of Network Centric Warfare (NCW) technologies-specifically, Cyber, IoT/IoBT, AI, and Autonomous Systems. Recognised as pivotal force multipliers, these technologies are critical to reshaping the mission, design, structure, and operations of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), aligning with the Department of Defence (Defence)’s offset strategies and ensuring technological advantage, especially in the Indo-Pacific's competitive landscape.

Research process: Employing a two-pronged research approach, the study first leveraged scientometric analysis, utilising informetric mapping software (VOSviewer) to evaluate emerging trends and their implications on defence capabilities. This approach facilitated a broader understanding …

Reimagining The Language Of Engagement In A Post-Stakeholder World, Mark S. Reed, Bethann G. Merkle, Elizabeth Cook, Caitlin Hafferty, Adam P. Hejnowicz, Richard Holliman, Ian D. Marder, Ursula Pool, Christopher M. Raymond, Kenneth E. Wallen, David Whyte, Marta Ballesteros, Sadiq Bhanbhro, Siniša Borota, Marnie L. Brennan, Esther Carmen, Elaine A. Conway, Rosie Everett, Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs, Eric Jensen, Gerbrand Koren, Jenny Lockett, Pedi Obani, Seb O'Connor, Laurie Prange, Jon Mason, Simon Robinson, Priya Shukla, Anna Tarrant, Alessandro Marchetti, Mascha Stroobant

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely used, yet little attention is paid to the possibility that its use may inadvertently perpetuate colonial narratives and reinforce systemic inequities. In this article, we critically examine the limitations of the stakeholder concept and its ambiguity, normativity, and exclusionary implications. We emphasise the importance of using language that gives a voice to marginalised groups, promotes inclusion and equity, and fosters meaningful and reflexive participation in decision-making processes. In critiquing the use of the term and calling for alternative practices, we aim to contribute to the decolonisation of …

Further Development Of The Reflective Practice Questionnaire, Shane L. Rogers, Lon Van Winkle, Nicole Michels, Cherie Lucas, Hassan Ziada, Eduardo J. Da Silva, Amit Jotangia, Sebastian Gabrielsson, Silje Gustafsson, Lynn Priddis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This article provides an update of the Reflective Practice Questionnaire (RPQ). The original RPQ consisted of 40-items with 10-sub-scales. In this article, the RPQ is streamlined into a 10-item single reflective practice construct, and a 30-item extended version that includes additional sub-scales of confidence, uncertainty/ stress, and work satisfaction. Methods: A total of 501 university students filled out an online questionnaire that contained the original Reflective Practice Questionnaire, and two general measures of reflection: The Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire. Results: Based on factor analysis, the RPQ was streamlined into a brief 10-item version, and an …

Host Organizations' Perceptions To Providing Safe And Inclusive Work-Integrated Learning Programs For Students With Disability, Tanya Lawlis, Tamieka Mawer, Thomas Bevitt, Tom Arthur, Lesley Andrew, Ruth Wallace, Ros Sambell, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Inclusive work-integrated learning (WIL) requires collaboration between universities, host organizations and students, particularly, when designing and delivering WIL for students with disabilities. Host organizations, however, are not often included in the collaborations. This study explored host organization knowledge, capacity and challenges to providing WIL experiences for students with disability. A case study multi-method approach comprising an online survey and focus groups was undertaken. Host organizations, represented by supervisors, providing WIL to students enrolled in health courses at two Australian higher education institutions participated. The perceived need for student disclosure, office building limitations, and host organization limited knowledge of WIL expectations, …

Public Regulation Urgency In Cryptocurrency Based On Administrative Reform For Bali Sustainable Tourism, Ni W. Widhiasthini, Nyoman S. Subawa, Melissa Fong Emmerson, Ni K. W. Yanti, Made S. M. Utami, Putu S. A. J. Kusuma, Putu P. Dewi, Kadek J. A. Sudharma

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research aimed at contributing on the urgency of formulating public regulation about cryptocurrency based on administrative reform, providing critical thinking about the use of cryptocurrency on economic activity in supporting sustainable tourism. Instead of focusing on economic, it focuses on the public administration to formulate the regulation of cryptocurrency circulation in Indonesia. It was underlying on descriptive qualitative method with postpositivism approach. It was conducted in Bali as the world tourism destination, and relied on tourism. The distribution of cryptocurrency is banned in Indonesia including Bali, regulated on Law No. 7 year 2011 about currency. It found the hegemony …

A Systematic Review Of K-12 Cybersecurity Education Around The World, Ahmed Ibrahim, Marnie Mckee, Leslie F. Sikos, Nicola F. Johnson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper presents a systematic review of K-12 cybersecurity education literature from around the world. 24 academic papers dated from 2013-2023 were eligible for inclusion in the literature established within the research protocol. An additional 19 gray literature sources comprised the total. A range of recurring common topics deemed as aspects of cybersecurity behavior or practice were identified. A variety of cybersecurity competencies and skills are needed for K-12 students to apply their knowledge. As may be expected to be the case with interdisciplinary fields, studies are inherently unclear in the use of their terminology, and this is compounded in …

Airway Epithelium Respiratory Illnesses And Allergy (Aerial) Birth Cohort: Study Protocol, Elizabeth Kicic-Starcevich, David G. Hancock, Thomas Iosifidis, Patricia Agudelo-Romero, Jose A. Caparros-Martin, Yuliya V. Karpievitch, Desiree Silva, Lidija Turkovic, Peter N. Le Souef, Anthony Bosco, David J. Martino, Anthony Kicic, Susan L. Prescott, Stephen M. Stick

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Recurrent wheezing disorders including asthma are complex and heterogeneous diseases that affect up to 30% of all children, contributing to a major burden on children, their families, and global healthcare systems. It is now recognized that a dysfunctional airway epithelium plays a central role in the pathogenesis of recurrent wheeze, although the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. This prospective birth cohort aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the influence of intrinsic epithelial dysfunction on the risk for developing respiratory disorders and the modulation of this risk by maternal morbidities, in utero exposures, and respiratory exposures …

An Athlete's Perspective: Comparing Talent Development Environments For Boys And Girls In Western Australia Youth Soccer, Mikayla J. Lyons, Jenny A. Conlon, Sophia Nimphius, Brad S. Keller, Christopher Joyce

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to compare the perceptions of boys and girls regarding their gender-specific talent development environments (TDEs) in state-level youth soccer. Seventy-one players (girls, n = 35; boys, n = 36) aged 11–18 years completed the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ-5), Sports Motivation Scale (SMS-6), Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q), and Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectancies (SEOE) of strength training questionnaire. Mann–Whitney U tests and Hedges’s g effect sizes were used to identify group differences. Boys scored higher for TDEQ-5 subdimensions: long-term development focus, alignment of expectations, and holistic quality preparation. For the CART-Q, boys perceived greater coach commitment, whilst girls …

Parent Implementation Of A Treatment For Late Talkers Based On Cross-Situational Statistical Learning Principles: Treatment Fidelity And Acceptability, Suzanne J. Meldrum, Jennifer Fisk, Jennifer Stopher, Emily F. Hunt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

Early intervention based on principles of cross-situational statistical learning (CSSL) for late-talking children has shown promise. This study explored whether parents could be trained to deliver this intervention protocol with fidelity and if they found the intervention to be acceptable.

Method:

Mothers of four English-speaking children aged 18–30 months who scored < 10th centile for expressive vocabulary were recruited to an 8-week group training program. Parents were taught principles of CSSL and asked to perform 16 home treatment sessions (30 minutes each) in total, providing auditory bombardment of target words in full sentences at high dose number and syntactic variability, using a range of physical exemplars. Home diaries and two videotaped sessions measured treatment fidelity. Pre- and post-treatment questionnaires measured acceptability. Result: One parent discontinued the study after the second group training session. Three parents completed 15/16 group training sessions and reported completing 87% of home sessions. Two parents demonstrated implementing the intervention as per the target dose number by the first fidelity session (Weeks 2/3), and the third parent was very close to meeting target dose number by the second fidelity session (Weeks 7/8).

Conclusion:

Parents can be trained to deliver an intervention based on cross-situational statistical learning principles.

Perceived Skill Outcomes Among Coursework And Research Graduates And Evolution Over Time, Denise Jackson, Ian Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study explores perceived skill outcomes among graduates of 39 Australian higher education institutions in the short- to medium-term after course completion. While acknowledging important dimensions of graduate employability beyond the skills-based approach, we investigated graduate perspectives on their industry-relevant skill outcomes from university, in preparation for employment. Using national data, we build on earlier research by examining the viewpoints of 24,044 research and coursework graduates, at all levels, at six months and three years post-graduation. We found that as graduates progressed in their careers, perceived skill outcomes from university became less favourable, particularly among coursework graduates. Further, we observed …

Queering Primary Initial Teacher Education, David Rhodes, Matt Byrne, Jason Boron

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research was designed to raise awareness, access and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual/aromantic and others who sit outside of the heteronormative binary (LGBTIQA+), inclusion for pre-service educators studying in Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Primary) ITE courses in one Australian university. The project involved the production of three video resources intended for inclusion in existing teacher education units. Whilst originally conceptualized as ’bite-sized‘ resources intended for use by pre-service educators, initial survey data from academic staff indicated the need to first develop the collective understanding of primary education LGBTIQA+ inclusion for the …

Recidivism Outcomes For Young People Who Have Committed A Sexual Offence And Received Treatment: A Systematic Narrative Review Of Studies Conducted In Australia And New Zealand, James L. Finney, Natalie Gately, Suzanne Rock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Young people who have committed a sexual offence present unique and serious challenges to the criminal justice systems of Australia and New Zealand. To understand the current state of existing literature, we systematically collated and critically appraised studies using narrative synthesis, examining the recidivism outcomes of young people who have committed a sexual offence and received treatment. Eight studies were identified utilising a sample of 1528 young people. Recidivism was higher among participants who did not complete treatment, compared to those who completed treatment, but highest in those who commenced but subsequently “dropped out”. Our findings highlight a need for …

Student Employability-Building Activities: Participation And Contribution To Graduate Outcomes, Denise Jackson, Claire Lambert, Ruth Sibson, Ruth Bridgstock, Matalena Tofa

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Employability development has become a central concern of higher education, with many students attending university to enhance their employability and career development. Universities offer a range of curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular employability-building activities, including work-integrated learning, mentoring and career counselling. However, participation in these activities, barriers to engagement and their impact on employability are unclear. This paper examines student engagement in diverse employability-building activities, barriers impeding participation and their perspectives on how activities develop aspects of employability. The methodological approach encompassed an online survey of recent bachelor graduates (n = 324) from two Australian universities and focus groups to further …

The Development And Validation Of A Self-Audit Survey Instrument That Evaluates Preservice Teachers’ Confidence To Use Technologies To Support Student Learning, Michael D. Carey, David A. Martin, Natalie Mcmaster

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Internationally, university teacher educators are responding to the requirement that preservice teachers (PSTs) need to be confident, operational users of a broad range of technologies, and that they can apply their technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK). TPACK is a framework representing the complex interactions of teachers’ technological content knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge with their pedagogical content knowledge; the interaction of the three domains is believed to produce effective teaching with technology. The challenge is designing an instrument that can validly and reliably evaluate whether PSTs have this wide range of knowledge, and if not, what their learning needs …

Expanding Australia's Defence Capabilities For Technological Asymmetric Advantage In Information, Cyber And Space In The Context Of Accelerating Regional Military Modernisation: A Systemic Design Approach, Pi-Shen Seet, Anton Klarin, Janice Jones, Michael N. Johnstone, Violetta Wilk, Stephanie Meek, Summer O'Brien

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction. The aim of the project was to conduct a systemic design study to evaluate Australia'sopportunities and barriers for achieving a technological advantage in light of regional military technological advancement. It focussed on the three domains of (1) cybersecurity technology, (2) information technology, and (3) space technology.

Research process. Employing a systemic design approach, the study first leveraged scientometric analysis, utilising informetric mapping software (VOSviewer) to evaluate emerging trends and their implications on defence capabilities. This approach facilitated a broader understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of defence technologies, identifying key areas for further exploration. The subsequent survey study, engaging 828 …

An Innovative And Meaningful Scaffolded Curriculum Approach To Environmental Health Education In Western Australia, Jacques Oosthuizen, Edmore Masaka, Sally Anne Doherty, Kerry Staples, Gary Dine, Gerard Vance, Ruth Wallace

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

There has been a critical shortage of qualified Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) both globally and in Australia that has plagued the profession for decades. At Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth, Western Australia, an undergraduate degree in Environmental Health (EH) was developed in 2006, however, viability was problematic, and the course was under threat of closure. In 2016 both the EH and occupational safety and health (OSH) majors were due for re-accreditation and since there was significant overlap between the two courses both majors were revised and combined into one (Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety). This new qualification has subsequently …

Athlete Monitoring Perspectives Of Sports Coaches And Support Staff: A Scoping Review, Wouter P. Timmerman, Chris R. Abbiss, Nathan G. Lawler, Mandy Stanley, Annette J. Raynor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To map and summarise the sports coaches’ and support staff's perspectives on athlete monitoring to explore the breadth of literature, identify knowledge gaps and inform future research. Design: Scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Methods: SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and Embase databases were searched in English until 6 September 2022. The inclusion criteria were (1) coach(es) and/or support staff were explicitly questioned about their knowledge, perceptions, understanding, opinions, and/or applied practice of athlete monitoring; (2) results could be directly attributed to coach(es) and/or support staff; (3) primary research projects that are available as full-text. Exclusion …

Business Models Of Multisided Platforms For In-Destination Tours And Activities: A Morphological Analysis Approach, Jafar Bapiri, Kourosh Esfandiar, Peter O’Connor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In-destination tours and activities multisided platforms (T&A MSP) are growing ventures at the forefront of digitalizing tour and activity sector. While these platforms are transforming this sector, understanding of their business models and how they create, deliver and capture value is limited. To address this gap, we developed a morphological matrix to facilitate alternative business model exploration and discovery. Derived from three iterations, this visually represents and describes the characteristics of T&A MSP business models. Utilizing this tool, T&A MSP can evaluate and make transformative adjustments to their business models, thereby enhancing performance, adapting to evolving tourists’ preferences and generating …

Characteristics Of Proliferating Cryptocurrencies: A Comparative Study Between Stable And Non-Stable Cryptocurrencies, Cheuk Hang Au, Gerrard Li, Wen Shou Hsu, Po Hsu Shieh, Kris M.Y. Law

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The emergence of cryptocurrencies has caught the attention worldwide. Some parties have considered issuing cryptocurrencies an excellent opportunity to raise capital and other businesses. However, the factors that foster the proliferation of cryptocurrency are not fully explored. This paper documented a comparative case study of USDT (a successful stablecoin) and EOS (a successful non-stable cryptocurrency). Based on our findings and previous literature, we suggested a Technology-Institution-Market (TIM) framework for cryptocurrency proliferation. We also elaborated on previous FinTech product development and adoption theories and provided some practical implications for cryptocurrency investors, issuers and regulators.

Contested Spaces: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Lyndall Adams, Nicola Kaye, Marcella Polain, Emma Jayakumar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The world in 2020 presented Australia with a world on fire, in lock down, and in environmental ruin, with potentially unprecedented social dislocation, homelessness, unemployment and mental health issues. Four artists reaction was to collaborate in an attempt to make sense of the complex COVID-19 context that was unfolding in front of them. Their interdisciplinary collaboration resulted in the multimedia artwork: Contested Spaces. Two iterations of the artwork (2020 and 2021) were exhibited as the artists navigated the unfolding spaces inhabited as they learnt to live and cope under the strictures of COVID-19. The 2021 iteration, was part of a …

From A Role-Playing Game (Rpg) To A Brand: Strategic Implications From An Over-Two-Decade Case, Cheuk Hang Au, Chih Yuan Chou, Kevin K.W. Ho

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

By offering a delightful experience, role-playing games (RPGs) have attracted many players. However, their development has been challenged by issues such as the emergence of online/mobile games and the proliferation of pirate copies. Therefore, RPG developers should consider different strategies to sustain the RPG series. We conducted a case study on “Chinese Paladin,” an RPG series that has been successful for over two decades in the Greater China region. We identified four strategies for an RPG to sustain itself and develop into a brand, namely (1) timeline-moving strategy, (2) crossover strategy, (3) sublimation strategy, and (4) cross-media strategy. We also …

Ghanaian Values In Motion: A Content Analysis Of Slogans On Commercial Vehicles In Accra, Abraham Kenin, Vivian Dzokoto, Annabella Osei-Tutu, Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Slogans on commercial vehicles are a common sight in Ghana. These material artefacts can provide insight into beliefs and values about the sociocultural, spiritual, and political experiences of life in the contemporary Ghanaian context. In this study, we collected and analysed a total of 438 commercial vehicles’ slogans from 5 main transportation terminals in the Accra metropolitan area. Our thematic analysis of these slogans shows a major emphasis on religious and spiritual values to the extent that most of the recorded slogans serve as positive affirmations of religious values and sources of spiritual encouragement. The dominance of religious references in …