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PeaceMaker: Using an online educational game on Middle East politics as an ‘Object To Think With’ (OTTW) in a Masters-level public policy course
(Cardiff University Press, 2024-05) Richardson, Anthony; Bowell, Tracy; Pepperell, Nicole; Richardson, Anthony; Corino, Maria-Teresa
Teaching tertiary students about causality in complex adaptive systems can be challenging for two primary reasons. The first challenge is to present and explore the relevant concepts (such as tipping points, emergence, nonlinearity, path dependency and feedback). But the second challenge is often harder: helping students unpack the implications of the radical uncertainty, in terms of policy, decision making and management that such concepts imply. In the words of one student: “Ok, this is all very interesting… but what does it mean for me in my department, trying to make and implement policy? What am I meant to actually do?” At the same time, while there is a growing acceptance in the academic literature that games and simulations are educationally valuable, there is there is still no solid consensus around the learning theories or game design principles that underpin this value. For example, a ‘behaviorist’ approach to educational gaming (building competency through repetition) does not deal well with the nonlinearity and emergence found in complex systems. Instead, a more constructivist approach to games theory and design, and in particular a focus on games as “objects-to-think-with” (OTTWs) (Holbert & Wilensky, 2019), seems a better fit. I taught a Masters-level Public Policy course on policy evaluation at an Australian university in 2019 and used the online game Peacemaker (an interactive digital game from Israel designed to introduce the complexity of Israeli/Palestinian politics to high school students from both communities) in class as an OTTW: exploring some of the challenges and implications of policy design and implementation within complex adaptive systems (such as dynamic public policy environments). Holbert, N. & Wilensky, U. (2019) ‘Designing Educational Video Games to Be Objects-to-Think-With’, Journal of the Learning Sciences, 28:1, pp. 32-72, DOI: 10.1080/10508406.2018.1487302
Investigating stroke risk factors: A cross-cultural network analysis
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Olsen, Kelly J.; Medvedev, Oleg N.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major source of disability, with well-documented, complex risk factors. While stroke risk factors have been studied in their respective fields, research on how biological, psychological, and social factors interact remains limited, and no studies have explored whether patterns vary across ethnic groups. This study used network analysis to explore the unique associations and directional probabilities among known stroke risk factors across different ethnic groups. Data from 15,460 participants across 134 countries were collected via the Stroke Riskometer mobile application, classified into six ethnic groups (White/European, African, Asian, Indian, Latin American/Hispanic, Other). Bayesian Gaussian Graphical Models (BGGM) showed that 78-84% of associations were stable across ethnicities, indicating that most stroke risk relationships are consistent across cultures, with some unique differences. Associations between cardiovascular and non-modifiable risk factors of age, TBI and stroke history were identified cross-culturally, consistent with literature and confirming the viability of the networks. The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) revealed probable risk pathways stemming from non-modifiable risk factors such as age, stroke history, parental stroke, TBI, and sex, leading to psychological distress, with cardiovascular and lifestyle factors acting as powerful mediators, and resulting in poor memory and diabetes identified as terminal outcomes. These findings suggest that stroke risk develops through multiple biopsychosocial pathways. While non-modifiable risk factors have substantial upstream influence, the DAG identified modifiable factors, such as psychological distress, cardiovascular conditions, and lifestyle factors, that can be targeted for prevention. Stroke prevention should be multifaceted, reflecting the network’s dynamic interconnections and hierarchical nature. Overall, these results highlight a diverse but largely consistent cross-cultural network of stroke risk factors.
Patient-reported outcome measure comparison of two cemented primary total hip arthroplasty implant combinations for osteoarthritis: A regional New Zealand study
(Springer, 2026-04-02) Pearce, Amy; Joshi, Chaitanya; Chan, Georgina; Lamberton, Tony; MacLean, Simon; Vane, Andrew; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Purpose Compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of two cemented implants in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis in a New Zealand regional joint registry. Identify patient predictors of poorer PROMs. Methods We analysed observational data from primary THA surgeries for osteoarthritis performed between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2023, with at least one recorded PROM (n = 1365) from a regional joint registry. We compared preoperative, 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year PROMs in the cemented, highly crosslinked polyethylene Exeter® X3 Rimfit cup (Rimfit) and its conventional polyethylene predecessor, the Exeter® Contemporary Flanged cup (ECF) with the same cemented Exeter® V40 stem. We investigated six patient factors and their influence on physical function, and mental and physical health PROMs. Results No significant difference in physical function PROMs were noted between implants at any timepoint. Both implant combinations exhibited excellent (> 41) mean postoperative Oxford hip scores based on published thresholds (Rimfit: mean 41.30 ± SD 8.46; ECF: mean 41.64 ± SD 8.67). Mental health was significantly better preoperatively and at 1-year and 5-year with the Rimfit based on Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Public funding was a significant and clinically meaningful predictor of poorer preoperative outcomes in all PROMs and in both cohorts, followed by comorbidity status. The strongest significant predictor of poorer postoperative PROMs was poorer preoperative PROMs, followed by Māori ethnicity. Conclusion Both implant combinations demonstrated similar PROMs up to 10 years, but the Rimfit exhibited superior mental health. Public funding, comorbidity status, and Māori ethnicity were predictors of statistically significant and clinically meaningful poorer preoperative and postoperative PROMs.
Structure and function of the Achilles tendon and plantarflexors after non-surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture: A cross-sectional study
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Briggs-Price, Samuel; Yates, Tom; Mangwani, Jitendra; Bhatia, Maneesh; Jones, Annette; Mielcarek, Klaudia; Solaini, Amy; Leung, Shing Yan; Gravare Silbernagel, Karin; Hébert-Losier, Kim; de Vos, Robert-Jan; Millar, Neal L.; Vicenzino, Bill; O'Neill, Seth
Background Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) impacts the structure and function of the tendon and triceps surae. We aimed to describe recovery at different time points after injury using ultrasound imaging, strength testing and patient reported outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional study design, collecting data from 15 different non-surgically managed participants at six independent rehabilitation time points (week 0, 8, 10, 16, 26, 52 post ATR). Outcomes included ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC), isometric plantarflexor strength, Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS), Euroqol 5-dimension, hospital anxiety and depression scale and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. UTC echo type percentage is reported as aligned fibrillar structure (AFS) and disorganised fibrillar structure (DFS). Findings Participants mean (SD) age was 48 years (15.8), 91 % male, body mass index 29kg/m2 (4.3) and 54 % was white British. Primary mechanism of injury was sport (71 %). Ruptured tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) was 303.55 mm² (90.43) at 10 weeks and 218.18 mm² (61.82) at 52 weeks post ATR. For the ruptured tendon, later assessment time points were associated with decreased AFS but had no association with DFS. Isometric plantarflexor strength on the ruptured limb at 52 weeks was 61.3 kg (20.8) or 0.7x bodyweight (BW). Non-ruptured plantarflexor strength was 93.3 kg (29.5) or 1.1x BW. Leg symmetry index at 52 weeks was 67 %. ATRS at 52 weeks was 75.1 (16.5). Conclusion Substantial tendon remodelling may occur during the initial 52 weeks post ATR, CSA was 28 % lower from 10 weeks to 52 weeks. At 52 weeks there was persistence of fibrillar disorganisation, isometric plantarflexor weakness and reduced function.
The unwritten notes: Exploring extemporization strategies for classical pianists and their reciprocal impact on interpretive depth
(The University of Waikato, 2025) Villani, Flavio; Williams, Michael F.; Austin, Katherine
Since the late 19th century, the gradual disappearance of improvisation from Western Art Music (WAM) pedagogy has contributed to a narrowing of expressive possibilities in classical performance. Once considered a vital skill for a complete musician, improvisation – especially as a practice grounded in the language, syntax, and forms of WAM – was replaced by a focus on textual fidelity and interpretation. This research aims to address that loss by exploring practical pathways for the reintegration of improvisation into classical performance training, with particular attention to pianists. The study takes an action-research approach, combining personal practice, teaching experience, and comparative fieldwork in Europe to investigate and apply two complementary models of learning: the “natural schemes” approach exemplified by David Dolan’s work (rooted in embodied, intuitive musical flow), and the “learned schemes” framework represented by Emilio Molina’s IEM method (based on analysis, pattern recognition, and applied theory). Both models draw inspiration from historical pedagogies, such as partimento, and offer fertile ground for re-establishing improvisation as a natural, expressive extension of interpretation. Through case studies, classroom observation, transcription of improvisatory exercises, and the creation of original pedagogical materials (including my own collection of 24 reimagined Kabalevsky miniatures), this research examines how improvisation can support deeper audiation (the ability “to hear inwardly with meaning the sounds as [we] are making them on an instrument or voice”), harmonic fluency, formal awareness, and stylistic sensitivity. Drawing on Kratus' developmental model of improvisation, the thesis outlines methods for progressing from exploratory improvisation to structured, stylistic invention. Ultimately, this project seeks not only to advocate for the return of improvisation to classical training, but to demonstrate how it can foster a more holistic musicianship; one in which interpretation, analysis, composition, and spontaneous creativity coexist dynamically. By reconnecting performers with the generative processes of music-making, this research contributes to a broader rethinking of what it means to perform Western Art Music today.