Experienced teacher educators hunting assumptions to examine their pedagogy : an international collaborative study
- Brandenburg, Robyn, Garbett, Dawn, Ovens, Alan, Thomas, Lynn
- Authors: Brandenburg, Robyn , Garbett, Dawn , Ovens, Alan , Thomas, Lynn
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Education Vol. 7, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: The research presented in this article focuses on an international collaboration conducted by four experienced teacher educators who used assumption identification and examination to advance pedagogical practice. It describes and examines how teacher educators deliberately undertook reflective practices to inform and enhance teaching. Four vignettes are described and analyzed—Practica woes and Modelling practice—and examined using the simple, complicated, and complex teaching framework. The key outcomes include the impact and role of assumption definition, identification, and examination as powerful reflective tools. Researching practice in teacher education is an effective way to advance pedagogical knowledge and practice and a disposition of inquiry is necessary to enhance knowledge at all stages of teacher educator experience. This international collaboration highlights the importance of problematizing teaching, continually inquiring into and interrogating practice and grasping the teachable moments. Copyright © 2023 Brandenburg, Garbett, Ovens and Thomas.
- Authors: Brandenburg, Robyn , Garbett, Dawn , Ovens, Alan , Thomas, Lynn
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Education Vol. 7, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The research presented in this article focuses on an international collaboration conducted by four experienced teacher educators who used assumption identification and examination to advance pedagogical practice. It describes and examines how teacher educators deliberately undertook reflective practices to inform and enhance teaching. Four vignettes are described and analyzed—Practica woes and Modelling practice—and examined using the simple, complicated, and complex teaching framework. The key outcomes include the impact and role of assumption definition, identification, and examination as powerful reflective tools. Researching practice in teacher education is an effective way to advance pedagogical knowledge and practice and a disposition of inquiry is necessary to enhance knowledge at all stages of teacher educator experience. This international collaboration highlights the importance of problematizing teaching, continually inquiring into and interrogating practice and grasping the teachable moments. Copyright © 2023 Brandenburg, Garbett, Ovens and Thomas.
Explainable reinforcement learning for broad-XAI: a conceptual framework and survey
- Dazeley, Richard, Vamplew, Peter, Cruz, Francisco
- Authors: Dazeley, Richard , Vamplew, Peter , Cruz, Francisco
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 23 (2023), p. 16893-16916
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- Description: Broad-XAI moves away from interpreting individual decisions based on a single datum and aims to provide integrated explanations from multiple machine learning algorithms into a coherent explanation of an agent’s behaviour that is aligned to the communication needs of the explainee. Reinforcement Learning (RL) methods, we propose, provide a potential backbone for the cognitive model required for the development of Broad-XAI. RL represents a suite of approaches that have had increasing success in solving a range of sequential decision-making problems. However, these algorithms operate as black-box problem solvers, where they obfuscate their decision-making policy through a complex array of values and functions. EXplainable RL (XRL) aims to develop techniques to extract concepts from the agent’s: perception of the environment; intrinsic/extrinsic motivations/beliefs; Q-values, goals and objectives. This paper aims to introduce the Causal XRL Framework (CXF), that unifies the current XRL research and uses RL as a backbone to the development of Broad-XAI. CXF is designed to incorporate many standard RL extensions and integrated with external ontologies and communication facilities so that the agent can answer questions that explain outcomes its decisions. This paper aims to: establish XRL as a distinct branch of XAI; introduce a conceptual framework for XRL; review existing approaches explaining agent behaviour; and identify opportunities for future research. Finally, this paper discusses how additional information can be extracted and ultimately integrated into models of communication, facilitating the development of Broad-XAI. © 2023, The Author(s).
- Authors: Dazeley, Richard , Vamplew, Peter , Cruz, Francisco
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 23 (2023), p. 16893-16916
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- Description: Broad-XAI moves away from interpreting individual decisions based on a single datum and aims to provide integrated explanations from multiple machine learning algorithms into a coherent explanation of an agent’s behaviour that is aligned to the communication needs of the explainee. Reinforcement Learning (RL) methods, we propose, provide a potential backbone for the cognitive model required for the development of Broad-XAI. RL represents a suite of approaches that have had increasing success in solving a range of sequential decision-making problems. However, these algorithms operate as black-box problem solvers, where they obfuscate their decision-making policy through a complex array of values and functions. EXplainable RL (XRL) aims to develop techniques to extract concepts from the agent’s: perception of the environment; intrinsic/extrinsic motivations/beliefs; Q-values, goals and objectives. This paper aims to introduce the Causal XRL Framework (CXF), that unifies the current XRL research and uses RL as a backbone to the development of Broad-XAI. CXF is designed to incorporate many standard RL extensions and integrated with external ontologies and communication facilities so that the agent can answer questions that explain outcomes its decisions. This paper aims to: establish XRL as a distinct branch of XAI; introduce a conceptual framework for XRL; review existing approaches explaining agent behaviour; and identify opportunities for future research. Finally, this paper discusses how additional information can be extracted and ultimately integrated into models of communication, facilitating the development of Broad-XAI. © 2023, The Author(s).
Explainable robotic systems : understanding goal-driven actions in a reinforcement learning scenario
- Cruz, Francisco, Dazeley, Richard, Vamplew, Peter, Moreira, Ithan
- Authors: Cruz, Francisco , Dazeley, Richard , Vamplew, Peter , Moreira, Ithan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 25 (2023), p. 18113-18130
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- Description: Robotic systems are more present in our society everyday. In human–robot environments, it is crucial that end-users may correctly understand their robotic team-partners, in order to collaboratively complete a task. To increase action understanding, users demand more explainability about the decisions by the robot in particular situations. Recently, explainable robotic systems have emerged as an alternative focused not only on completing a task satisfactorily, but also on justifying, in a human-like manner, the reasons that lead to making a decision. In reinforcement learning scenarios, a great effort has been focused on providing explanations using data-driven approaches, particularly from the visual input modality in deep learning-based systems. In this work, we focus rather on the decision-making process of reinforcement learning agents performing a task in a robotic scenario. Experimental results are obtained using 3 different set-ups, namely, a deterministic navigation task, a stochastic navigation task, and a continuous visual-based sorting object task. As a way to explain the goal-driven robot’s actions, we use the probability of success computed by three different proposed approaches: memory-based, learning-based, and introspection-based. The difference between these approaches is the amount of memory required to compute or estimate the probability of success as well as the kind of reinforcement learning representation where they could be used. In this regard, we use the memory-based approach as a baseline since it is obtained directly from the agent’s observations. When comparing the learning-based and the introspection-based approaches to this baseline, both are found to be suitable alternatives to compute the probability of success, obtaining high levels of similarity when compared using both the Pearson’s correlation and the mean squared error. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.
Explainable robotic systems : understanding goal-driven actions in a reinforcement learning scenario
- Authors: Cruz, Francisco , Dazeley, Richard , Vamplew, Peter , Moreira, Ithan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 25 (2023), p. 18113-18130
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Robotic systems are more present in our society everyday. In human–robot environments, it is crucial that end-users may correctly understand their robotic team-partners, in order to collaboratively complete a task. To increase action understanding, users demand more explainability about the decisions by the robot in particular situations. Recently, explainable robotic systems have emerged as an alternative focused not only on completing a task satisfactorily, but also on justifying, in a human-like manner, the reasons that lead to making a decision. In reinforcement learning scenarios, a great effort has been focused on providing explanations using data-driven approaches, particularly from the visual input modality in deep learning-based systems. In this work, we focus rather on the decision-making process of reinforcement learning agents performing a task in a robotic scenario. Experimental results are obtained using 3 different set-ups, namely, a deterministic navigation task, a stochastic navigation task, and a continuous visual-based sorting object task. As a way to explain the goal-driven robot’s actions, we use the probability of success computed by three different proposed approaches: memory-based, learning-based, and introspection-based. The difference between these approaches is the amount of memory required to compute or estimate the probability of success as well as the kind of reinforcement learning representation where they could be used. In this regard, we use the memory-based approach as a baseline since it is obtained directly from the agent’s observations. When comparing the learning-based and the introspection-based approaches to this baseline, both are found to be suitable alternatives to compute the probability of success, obtaining high levels of similarity when compared using both the Pearson’s correlation and the mean squared error. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.
Exploring adaptations to the clinical reasoning cycle for forensic mental health nursing : a qualitative enquiry
- Maguire, Tessa, Garvey, Loretta, Ryan, Jo, Levett-Jones, Tracy, Olasoji, Michael, Willetts, Georgina
- Authors: Maguire, Tessa , Garvey, Loretta , Ryan, Jo , Levett-Jones, Tracy , Olasoji, Michael , Willetts, Georgina
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Vol. 32, no. 2 (2023), p. 544-555
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- Description: Forensic mental health nurses (FMHN) provide care to address the needs of people who have mental illnesses across a range of diverse settings. The Clinical Reasoning Cycle (CRC) has been identified as a potential framework to assist FMHNs; however, adaptations were required to reflect the unique nature of the clinical setting. This study aimed to explore adaptations made to determine suitability prior to implementation in practice. Nominal Group Technique was used to explore suggested adaptations determined from a previous study and reach a consensus on the changes. Fourteen senior nurses from a state-wide Forensic mental Health (FMH) service participated. A consensus was reached for two proposed changes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were interpreted from the data; FMH adaptations are warranted, the focus of the CRC, and who owns the cycle? Nurses in this study considered the need to include offence and risk issues due to the impact these factors have on the therapeutic relationship and cognitive bias; however, they also identified the need to focus on recovery-oriented care while engaging in clinical reasoning. Nurses in this study also expressed some reluctance for nursing to ‘own' the model, due to concern that ownership may cause division among the team or result in inconsistency in care. However, some participant's suggested the CRC with adaptations assisted FMH nurses to articulate their specialist skills and knowledge to others and highlight the nursing contribution to care. Further work is needed to finalize adaptations with a focus on engaging the consumer carer workforce and interdisciplinary team. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
- Authors: Maguire, Tessa , Garvey, Loretta , Ryan, Jo , Levett-Jones, Tracy , Olasoji, Michael , Willetts, Georgina
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Vol. 32, no. 2 (2023), p. 544-555
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Forensic mental health nurses (FMHN) provide care to address the needs of people who have mental illnesses across a range of diverse settings. The Clinical Reasoning Cycle (CRC) has been identified as a potential framework to assist FMHNs; however, adaptations were required to reflect the unique nature of the clinical setting. This study aimed to explore adaptations made to determine suitability prior to implementation in practice. Nominal Group Technique was used to explore suggested adaptations determined from a previous study and reach a consensus on the changes. Fourteen senior nurses from a state-wide Forensic mental Health (FMH) service participated. A consensus was reached for two proposed changes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were interpreted from the data; FMH adaptations are warranted, the focus of the CRC, and who owns the cycle? Nurses in this study considered the need to include offence and risk issues due to the impact these factors have on the therapeutic relationship and cognitive bias; however, they also identified the need to focus on recovery-oriented care while engaging in clinical reasoning. Nurses in this study also expressed some reluctance for nursing to ‘own' the model, due to concern that ownership may cause division among the team or result in inconsistency in care. However, some participant's suggested the CRC with adaptations assisted FMH nurses to articulate their specialist skills and knowledge to others and highlight the nursing contribution to care. Further work is needed to finalize adaptations with a focus on engaging the consumer carer workforce and interdisciplinary team. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
Exploring CBD retail performance, recovery and resilience of a smart city following COVID-19
- Fieger, Peter, Prayag, Girish, Dyason, David, Rice, John, Hall, C. Michael
- Authors: Fieger, Peter , Prayag, Girish , Dyason, David , Rice, John , Hall, C. Michael
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sustainability Vol. 15, no. 10 (2023), p. 8300
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- Description: The city of Christchurch, New Zealand, incurred significant damage due to a series of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The city had, by the late 2010s, regained economic and social normalcy after a sustained period of rebuilding and economic recovery. Through the concerted rebuilding effort, a modern central business district (CBD) with redesigned infrastructure and amenities was developed. The Christchurch rebuild was underpinned by a commitment of urban planners to an open and connected city, including the use of innovative technologies to gather, use and share data. As was the case elsewhere, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant disruptions to social and economic life in Christchurch. Border closures, lockdowns, trading limitations and other restrictions on movement led to changes in traditional consumer behaviors and affected the retail sector’s resilience. In this study, we used CBD pedestrian traffic data gathered from various locations to predict changes in retail spending and identify recovery implications through the lens of retail resilience. We found that the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdowns have driven a substantive change in the behavioral patterns of city users. The implications for resilient retail, sustainable policy and further research are explored.
- Authors: Fieger, Peter , Prayag, Girish , Dyason, David , Rice, John , Hall, C. Michael
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sustainability Vol. 15, no. 10 (2023), p. 8300
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The city of Christchurch, New Zealand, incurred significant damage due to a series of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The city had, by the late 2010s, regained economic and social normalcy after a sustained period of rebuilding and economic recovery. Through the concerted rebuilding effort, a modern central business district (CBD) with redesigned infrastructure and amenities was developed. The Christchurch rebuild was underpinned by a commitment of urban planners to an open and connected city, including the use of innovative technologies to gather, use and share data. As was the case elsewhere, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant disruptions to social and economic life in Christchurch. Border closures, lockdowns, trading limitations and other restrictions on movement led to changes in traditional consumer behaviors and affected the retail sector’s resilience. In this study, we used CBD pedestrian traffic data gathered from various locations to predict changes in retail spending and identify recovery implications through the lens of retail resilience. We found that the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdowns have driven a substantive change in the behavioral patterns of city users. The implications for resilient retail, sustainable policy and further research are explored.
Exploring efficient techniques to decrease phosphorus levels in previously farmed land to promote the revival of indigenous grassland
- Shakir, Shakir, Florentine, Singarayer, Schultz, Nicholas
- Authors: Shakir, Shakir , Florentine, Singarayer , Schultz, Nicholas
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Vol. 5, no. 2 (2023), p. 371-376
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- Description: Restoration of native grasslands is challenging due to high soil phosphorus levels. Cultivation of plants with high phosphorus (P) absorption is an optimal solution to remove and decrease P from the soil. It has been demonstrated that native grassland taxa (species) of the genus Ptilotus have significant P-uptake. In a glasshouse study, Ptilotus macrocephalus and Ptilotus polystachyus were tested for their ability to reduce the amount of soil phosphorus that was readily available. Lupinus albus, a third species with a reputation for high phosphorus uptake, served as a comparison species, and a further treatment included Phoslock®, a soil additive that could bind soil phosphorus into insoluble forms. The findings revealed that phosphorus in the soil was absorbed at a high level via Ptilotus macrocephalus and Ptilotus polystachyus showed a maximum reduction of P (-2.58 and -2.55 ppm). It is argued that several years of planting and harvesting these plants will offer a workable method for lowering soil phosphorus levels. However, this only happened at high concentrations of 1500 g/m2 and when soil phosphorus concentrations were very high. Despite, the Phoslock®'s effectiveness in lowering soil-accessible phosphorus. At concentrations often observed in former agriculture paddocks, it proved less effective. The study's findings have improved our existing comprehension of reclaiming abandoned grassland. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Shakir, Shakir , Florentine, Singarayer , Schultz, Nicholas
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Vol. 5, no. 2 (2023), p. 371-376
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Restoration of native grasslands is challenging due to high soil phosphorus levels. Cultivation of plants with high phosphorus (P) absorption is an optimal solution to remove and decrease P from the soil. It has been demonstrated that native grassland taxa (species) of the genus Ptilotus have significant P-uptake. In a glasshouse study, Ptilotus macrocephalus and Ptilotus polystachyus were tested for their ability to reduce the amount of soil phosphorus that was readily available. Lupinus albus, a third species with a reputation for high phosphorus uptake, served as a comparison species, and a further treatment included Phoslock®, a soil additive that could bind soil phosphorus into insoluble forms. The findings revealed that phosphorus in the soil was absorbed at a high level via Ptilotus macrocephalus and Ptilotus polystachyus showed a maximum reduction of P (-2.58 and -2.55 ppm). It is argued that several years of planting and harvesting these plants will offer a workable method for lowering soil phosphorus levels. However, this only happened at high concentrations of 1500 g/m2 and when soil phosphorus concentrations were very high. Despite, the Phoslock®'s effectiveness in lowering soil-accessible phosphorus. At concentrations often observed in former agriculture paddocks, it proved less effective. The study's findings have improved our existing comprehension of reclaiming abandoned grassland. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.
Exploring emotional and social competencies in undergraduate students: Perspectives from CALD and non-CALD students
- Yu, Mong-Lin, Brown, Ted, Hewitt, Alana, Cousland, Robert, Lyons, Carissa, Etherington, Jamie
- Authors: Yu, Mong-Lin , Brown, Ted , Hewitt, Alana , Cousland, Robert , Lyons, Carissa , Etherington, Jamie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Educational Researcher Vol. 50, no. 3 (2023), p. 601-624
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- Description: With the internationalisation of higher education, students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds represent a significant proportion of the university student body in Australia. Research literature indicates that the unique cultural and linguistic challenges experienced by these students may adversely impact their academic performance and social integration in university settings. However, less is known about how the socio-emotional competencies of undergraduate CALD and non-CALD domestic English-speaking students compare. This cross-sectional quantitative study compares the emotional and social competencies in a cohort of CALD and non-CALD occupational therapy undergraduates. Data were collected at one Australian university from a group of 360 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) course. Participants completed the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory– University edition (ESCI-U). Multivariate regression analyses were used to compare between CALD and non-CALD students, controlling for students’ year level of study, age, and gender. Key findings from the regression analysis included the observation of indicate that non-CALD students having significant higher scores than CALD students on all the ESCI-U socio-emotional subscales, especially the Emotional Self-control, Achievement Orientation, Empathy and Teamwork from western perspectives. No difference was found between CALD and non-CALD student on two cognitive competencies- systems thinking and pattern recognition. These findings should be interpreted with caution considering CALD students may interpret the questions differently and demonstrate the competencies in different ways. Specific emotional and social competencies that need to be strengthened in students are discussed and recommendations are made to inform the preparation of evidence-based curricula.
- Authors: Yu, Mong-Lin , Brown, Ted , Hewitt, Alana , Cousland, Robert , Lyons, Carissa , Etherington, Jamie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Educational Researcher Vol. 50, no. 3 (2023), p. 601-624
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: With the internationalisation of higher education, students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds represent a significant proportion of the university student body in Australia. Research literature indicates that the unique cultural and linguistic challenges experienced by these students may adversely impact their academic performance and social integration in university settings. However, less is known about how the socio-emotional competencies of undergraduate CALD and non-CALD domestic English-speaking students compare. This cross-sectional quantitative study compares the emotional and social competencies in a cohort of CALD and non-CALD occupational therapy undergraduates. Data were collected at one Australian university from a group of 360 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) course. Participants completed the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory– University edition (ESCI-U). Multivariate regression analyses were used to compare between CALD and non-CALD students, controlling for students’ year level of study, age, and gender. Key findings from the regression analysis included the observation of indicate that non-CALD students having significant higher scores than CALD students on all the ESCI-U socio-emotional subscales, especially the Emotional Self-control, Achievement Orientation, Empathy and Teamwork from western perspectives. No difference was found between CALD and non-CALD student on two cognitive competencies- systems thinking and pattern recognition. These findings should be interpreted with caution considering CALD students may interpret the questions differently and demonstrate the competencies in different ways. Specific emotional and social competencies that need to be strengthened in students are discussed and recommendations are made to inform the preparation of evidence-based curricula.
Exploring hospital inpatients’ awareness of their falls risk : a qualitative exploratory study
- Dabkowski, Elissa, Cooper, Simon, Duncan, Jhodie, Missen, Karen
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Cooper, Simon , Duncan, Jhodie , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Patient falls in hospital may lead to physical, psychological, social and financial impacts. Understanding patients’ perceptions of their fall risk will help to direct fall prevention strategies and understand patient behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences that influence a patient’s understanding of their fall risk in regional Australian hospitals. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted in wards across three Australian hospitals. Participants were aged 40 years and over, able to communicate in English and were mobile prior to hospital admission. Participants were excluded from the study if they returned a Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score of less than 18 when assessed by the researcher. A total of 18 participants with an average age of 69.8 years (SD ± 12.7, range 41 to 84 years) from three regional Victorian hospitals were interviewed for this study. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis identifying three major themes; (1) Environment (extrinsic) (2) Individual (intrinsic), and (3) Outcomes, as well as eight minor themes. Participants recognised the hazardous nature of a hospital and their personal responsibilities in staying safe. Falls education needs to be consistently delivered, with the focus on empowering the patient to help them adjust to changes in their clinical condition, whether temporary or permanent. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Cooper, Simon , Duncan, Jhodie , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Patient falls in hospital may lead to physical, psychological, social and financial impacts. Understanding patients’ perceptions of their fall risk will help to direct fall prevention strategies and understand patient behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences that influence a patient’s understanding of their fall risk in regional Australian hospitals. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted in wards across three Australian hospitals. Participants were aged 40 years and over, able to communicate in English and were mobile prior to hospital admission. Participants were excluded from the study if they returned a Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score of less than 18 when assessed by the researcher. A total of 18 participants with an average age of 69.8 years (SD ± 12.7, range 41 to 84 years) from three regional Victorian hospitals were interviewed for this study. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis identifying three major themes; (1) Environment (extrinsic) (2) Individual (intrinsic), and (3) Outcomes, as well as eight minor themes. Participants recognised the hazardous nature of a hospital and their personal responsibilities in staying safe. Falls education needs to be consistently delivered, with the focus on empowering the patient to help them adjust to changes in their clinical condition, whether temporary or permanent. © 2022 by the authors.
Exploring the effects of perioperative and preoperative exercise therapy for prostate, colorectal and breast cancer patients
- Authors: Hennessy, Declan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Cancer is a prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Exercise interventions implemented before, during, or after cancer-based surgeries have shown promising benefits in improving fitness, postoperative complications, and quality of life. This thesis comprises three original research chapters aimed at investigating the effect of perioperative and preoperative 'prehabilitation' exercise in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients. The first study focused on exploring exercise therapy interventions and their impact on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control) revealed a small but significant improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.32; p < 0.05) with exercise interventions, although no significant impact on 30-day postoperative outcomes was observed. In the second study, various exercise types, including aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and mind-body exercises (alone or in combination), were compared in terms of their effect on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control). The network meta-analysis findings indicated that engaging in aerobic exercise alone (SMD = 0.30) or a combination of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises (SMD = 0.57) yielded the most significant improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness. The final study examined the efficacy of pre-surgical aerobic exercise (prehabilitation) therapy in relation to post-operative cardio-respiratory fitness, quality of life, and 30-day postoperative outcomes in the Grampians Region of Victoria. The prehabilitation (PREHAB) group included a supervised aerobic based program which would see patients exercise every two/three days for a minimum of 2 weeks. A total of 11 PREHAB and 9 usual care (UCARE) patients were enrolled and analysed. The study showed that a prehabilitation exercise program resulted in small clinical improvements in some markers of cardio-respiratory fitness (+1.5% and +1.2% for absolute and relative V̇O2peak, respectively) and is safe and feasible. However, no significant improvements were observed in quality of life and 30-day postoperative outcomes. While the overall findings demonstrate some positive effects of perioperative and specifically prehabilitation exercise, it is important to consider the magnitude of these effects and any specific factors contributing to their success, if applicable. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of exercise before, during and after surgery in this patient population.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hennessy, Declan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Cancer is a prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Exercise interventions implemented before, during, or after cancer-based surgeries have shown promising benefits in improving fitness, postoperative complications, and quality of life. This thesis comprises three original research chapters aimed at investigating the effect of perioperative and preoperative 'prehabilitation' exercise in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients. The first study focused on exploring exercise therapy interventions and their impact on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control) revealed a small but significant improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.32; p < 0.05) with exercise interventions, although no significant impact on 30-day postoperative outcomes was observed. In the second study, various exercise types, including aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and mind-body exercises (alone or in combination), were compared in terms of their effect on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control). The network meta-analysis findings indicated that engaging in aerobic exercise alone (SMD = 0.30) or a combination of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises (SMD = 0.57) yielded the most significant improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness. The final study examined the efficacy of pre-surgical aerobic exercise (prehabilitation) therapy in relation to post-operative cardio-respiratory fitness, quality of life, and 30-day postoperative outcomes in the Grampians Region of Victoria. The prehabilitation (PREHAB) group included a supervised aerobic based program which would see patients exercise every two/three days for a minimum of 2 weeks. A total of 11 PREHAB and 9 usual care (UCARE) patients were enrolled and analysed. The study showed that a prehabilitation exercise program resulted in small clinical improvements in some markers of cardio-respiratory fitness (+1.5% and +1.2% for absolute and relative V̇O2peak, respectively) and is safe and feasible. However, no significant improvements were observed in quality of life and 30-day postoperative outcomes. While the overall findings demonstrate some positive effects of perioperative and specifically prehabilitation exercise, it is important to consider the magnitude of these effects and any specific factors contributing to their success, if applicable. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of exercise before, during and after surgery in this patient population.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Exploring the experiences of frontline nurses during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic : an integrated literature review
- Jackson, Megan, Porter, Joanne, Mesagno, Christopher
- Authors: Jackson, Megan , Porter, Joanne , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nursing Open Vol. 10, no. 5 (2023), p. 2705-2719
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- Description: Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of frontline nurses caring for patients during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: The JBI manual for evidence synthesis and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting. Data sources: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Scopus (Elsevier). Review Methods: The JBI Mixed Methods Data Extraction Tool following a Convergent Integrated Approach. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the review, comprising eight countries and 2525 frontline nurses. Six themes emerged encompassing frontline nurses' COVID-19 experiences including emotional experiences, physical symptoms, ethical and moral challenges, professional impact, risk factors for negative emotional experiences and protective factors for future pandemic events. Conclusion: Frontline nurses have faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing frontline nurses with the required resources and support to perform their roles in global healthcare crises allows for an empowered and resilient workforce ensuring nurses remain in their chosen profession. © 2022 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Jackson, Megan , Porter, Joanne , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nursing Open Vol. 10, no. 5 (2023), p. 2705-2719
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of frontline nurses caring for patients during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: The JBI manual for evidence synthesis and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting. Data sources: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Scopus (Elsevier). Review Methods: The JBI Mixed Methods Data Extraction Tool following a Convergent Integrated Approach. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the review, comprising eight countries and 2525 frontline nurses. Six themes emerged encompassing frontline nurses' COVID-19 experiences including emotional experiences, physical symptoms, ethical and moral challenges, professional impact, risk factors for negative emotional experiences and protective factors for future pandemic events. Conclusion: Frontline nurses have faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing frontline nurses with the required resources and support to perform their roles in global healthcare crises allows for an empowered and resilient workforce ensuring nurses remain in their chosen profession. © 2022 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
EYE : End of year exhibition 2023
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Artwork
- Full Text: false
- Description: SAT 11 NOV - SAT 25 NOV 2023 This important annual End of Year Exhibition (EYE) showcases work created by graduating students from Federation University’s Bachelor of Visual Arts, Diploma of Graphic Design and Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design, Ballarat, and Bachelor of Fine Arts, Gippsland. For our emerging regional artists, EYE is the culmination of their studies; a showcase of the skills, concepts and level of understanding acquired throughout their degree course. Guided by staff, final year students also assist with the publicity, curation and installation of their work in the gallery environment as a form of art industry practice, professionally exhibiting their work to family, friends and the broader community. Outstanding student achievement awards, generously donated by special award sponsors, will be announced at the opening event at each campus. EYE (Post Office Gallery) Ballarat Formal opening: Fri 10 Nov @ 6pm Open: Wed to Sun 12 - 5pm EYE (Switchback Gallery) Gippsland 9 Nov to 23 Nov 2023 Formal opening: Wed 8 Nov @ 5pm Open: Tue to Thu 10am - 4pm, by appointment Contact: Julie Reed Henderson 03 5122 6050 Image: Sarah Mischker Creatures of Change, 2023 handbuilt glazed mid-fired stoneware H50 x W20 x D20 cm Courtesy the artist
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Artwork
- Full Text: false
- Description: SAT 11 NOV - SAT 25 NOV 2023 This important annual End of Year Exhibition (EYE) showcases work created by graduating students from Federation University’s Bachelor of Visual Arts, Diploma of Graphic Design and Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design, Ballarat, and Bachelor of Fine Arts, Gippsland. For our emerging regional artists, EYE is the culmination of their studies; a showcase of the skills, concepts and level of understanding acquired throughout their degree course. Guided by staff, final year students also assist with the publicity, curation and installation of their work in the gallery environment as a form of art industry practice, professionally exhibiting their work to family, friends and the broader community. Outstanding student achievement awards, generously donated by special award sponsors, will be announced at the opening event at each campus. EYE (Post Office Gallery) Ballarat Formal opening: Fri 10 Nov @ 6pm Open: Wed to Sun 12 - 5pm EYE (Switchback Gallery) Gippsland 9 Nov to 23 Nov 2023 Formal opening: Wed 8 Nov @ 5pm Open: Tue to Thu 10am - 4pm, by appointment Contact: Julie Reed Henderson 03 5122 6050 Image: Sarah Mischker Creatures of Change, 2023 handbuilt glazed mid-fired stoneware H50 x W20 x D20 cm Courtesy the artist
Factors that promote a positive childbearing experience : a qualitative study
- Hall, Helen, Fooladi, Ensieh, Kloester, Joy, Ulnang, Arijanti, Sinni, Suzanne, White, Colleen, McLaren, Meredith, Yeganeh, Ladan
- Authors: Hall, Helen , Fooladi, Ensieh , Kloester, Joy , Ulnang, Arijanti , Sinni, Suzanne , White, Colleen , McLaren, Meredith , Yeganeh, Ladan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health Vol. 68, no. 1 (2023), p. 44-51
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Experiences of pregnancy and birth are important and have long-term impacts on the well-being of women and their families. Perinatal services should aim for care that promotes a positive childbearing experience, as well as optimizing health outcomes for the woman and newborn. This study aimed to understand the health system factors that promote a positive childbearing experience. Methods: Women who had a positive experience and had given birth in Australia in the previous 12 months were recruited for individual semistructured interviews. The interview guide focused on health system factors that participants credited with contributing to their positive experience of perinatal care. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Data from 36 interviews were thematically analyzed, and 4 major themes were generated: health care provider attributes, health system attributes, communication and decision-making, and experience of care. The salient factors that promoted positive experiences included care that was respectful and individualized with effective communication, access to midwifery continuity of care models, and good integration between services. Competent and professional health care providers who facilitated shared decision-making were also essential. Discussion: Although women often sought out care that promoted physiologic birth, they emphasized that the way they were cared for was more important than fulfilling specific birth aspirations. Quality maternity care has the capacity to support a woman's confidence in her own abilities and promote a positive, and sometimes transformative, childbearing experience. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).
- Authors: Hall, Helen , Fooladi, Ensieh , Kloester, Joy , Ulnang, Arijanti , Sinni, Suzanne , White, Colleen , McLaren, Meredith , Yeganeh, Ladan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health Vol. 68, no. 1 (2023), p. 44-51
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Experiences of pregnancy and birth are important and have long-term impacts on the well-being of women and their families. Perinatal services should aim for care that promotes a positive childbearing experience, as well as optimizing health outcomes for the woman and newborn. This study aimed to understand the health system factors that promote a positive childbearing experience. Methods: Women who had a positive experience and had given birth in Australia in the previous 12 months were recruited for individual semistructured interviews. The interview guide focused on health system factors that participants credited with contributing to their positive experience of perinatal care. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Data from 36 interviews were thematically analyzed, and 4 major themes were generated: health care provider attributes, health system attributes, communication and decision-making, and experience of care. The salient factors that promoted positive experiences included care that was respectful and individualized with effective communication, access to midwifery continuity of care models, and good integration between services. Competent and professional health care providers who facilitated shared decision-making were also essential. Discussion: Although women often sought out care that promoted physiologic birth, they emphasized that the way they were cared for was more important than fulfilling specific birth aspirations. Quality maternity care has the capacity to support a woman's confidence in her own abilities and promote a positive, and sometimes transformative, childbearing experience. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).
Fasting triglycerides are positively associated with cardiovascular mortality risk in people with diabetes
- Wang, Yutang, Fang, Yan, Magliano, Dianna, Charchar, Fadi, Sobey, Christopher, Drummond, Grant, Golledge, Jonathan
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Fang, Yan , Magliano, Dianna , Charchar, Fadi , Sobey, Christopher , Drummond, Grant , Golledge, Jonathan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cardiovascular Research Vol. 119, no. 3 (2023), p. 826-834
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims We investigated the association of fasting triglycerides with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Methods and results This cohort study included US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1988 to 2014. CVD mortality outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the National Death Index records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of triglycerides for CVD mortality. The cohort included 26 570 adult participants, among which 3978 had diabetes. People with higher triglycerides had a higher prevalence of diabetes at baseline. The cohort was followed up for a mean of 12.0 years with 1492 CVD deaths recorded. A 1-natural-log-unit higher triglyceride was associated with a 30% higher multivariate-adjusted risk of CVD mortality in participants with diabetes (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08–1.56) but not in those without diabetes (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83–1.07). In participants with diabetes, people with high triglycerides (200–499 mg/dL) had a 44% (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.85) higher multivariate-adjusted risk of CVD mortality compared with those with normal triglycerides (<150 mg/dL). The findings remained significant when diabetes was defined by fasting glucose levels alone, or after further adjustment for the use of lipid-lowering medications, or after the exclusion of those who took lipid-lowering medications. Conclusion This study demonstrates that fasting triglycerides of
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Fang, Yan , Magliano, Dianna , Charchar, Fadi , Sobey, Christopher , Drummond, Grant , Golledge, Jonathan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cardiovascular Research Vol. 119, no. 3 (2023), p. 826-834
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims We investigated the association of fasting triglycerides with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Methods and results This cohort study included US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1988 to 2014. CVD mortality outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the National Death Index records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of triglycerides for CVD mortality. The cohort included 26 570 adult participants, among which 3978 had diabetes. People with higher triglycerides had a higher prevalence of diabetes at baseline. The cohort was followed up for a mean of 12.0 years with 1492 CVD deaths recorded. A 1-natural-log-unit higher triglyceride was associated with a 30% higher multivariate-adjusted risk of CVD mortality in participants with diabetes (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08–1.56) but not in those without diabetes (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83–1.07). In participants with diabetes, people with high triglycerides (200–499 mg/dL) had a 44% (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.85) higher multivariate-adjusted risk of CVD mortality compared with those with normal triglycerides (<150 mg/dL). The findings remained significant when diabetes was defined by fasting glucose levels alone, or after further adjustment for the use of lipid-lowering medications, or after the exclusion of those who took lipid-lowering medications. Conclusion This study demonstrates that fasting triglycerides of
Fire responses by bird guilds and species in heathy dry forests in central Victoria, Australia
- Kuchinke, Diana, di Stefano, Julian, Loyn, Richard, Gell, Peter, Palmer, Grant
- Authors: Kuchinke, Diana , di Stefano, Julian , Loyn, Richard , Gell, Peter , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Forest Ecology and Management Vol. 535, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Predicted increases in fire frequency and extent are being realised across Australia, bringing changes to the fire regime which may influence the availability of essential resources required by birds. However, few studies have examined either the impacts of fire frequency on birds or the impacts from both wildfire and planned burns, com bined. Birds were surveyed eight times across 84 sites in heathy dry forests in central Victoria, south-east Australia, from 2012 to 2014. Fire history records were retrieved from the 1970’s onwards, the time from which accurate planned burn records were kept. We developed mixed models to investigate how birds responded to time-since-fire and fire frequency, analysing total bird abundance, ten foraging guilds and 30 individual species. We found distinct responses by all modelled guilds and species to time-since-fire, along with evidence for responses to fire frequency. The greatest shifts in species’ abundances occurred during the first ten years post fire, with bird species commonly present across the stages greater than ten years since fire. For total bird abundance there was no statistically detectible difference between recently burnt forest (0-6 months) and other age classes. However, some guilds showed a significant drop in abundance in newly burnt vegetation (e.g. bark foragers, damp ground insectivores, those that feed on seeds close to the ground, tall shrub foragers). It is with guild and species’ responses that more differences across vegetation age classes became apparent. Significant increases in abundance were apparent in both the regrowth and new growth vegetation age classes, compared with older habitat (e.g. canopy foragers, damp ground insectivores, tall shrub foragers); open ground foragers were especially common in post-fire regrowth but then significantly declined. Other responses were more complex, with species’ preferences reflecting their foraging ecology. Some birds showed preferences across two age classes: sites that were young post-fire regrowth (6 months–2.5 years since fire) along with sites of old habitat (>35 years since fire), (e.g. Crimson Rosella, Scarlet Robin, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo), while some ground-foraging species became scarce in dense new-growth vegetation that appears 2.5–10 years post fire (e.g. Australian Magpie, Laughing Kookaburra and White-winged Chough). Such species may deserve specific management strategies to maintain populations in forests where substantial areas are burnt by wildfire or planned burns, over short periods of time. The model for total bird abundance showed a significant fire frequency response with birds preferring sites twice burnt within 35 years (e.g. bark and canopy-foraging guilds). Four guilds demonstrated a preference for sites frequently burnt, increasing in abundance as number of burns increased (nectarivores, open-ground foragers, seeds in trees foragers, tall shrub foragers). In contrast, two species appeared to prefer sites that had experienced low fire frequencies, a response not common to their guilds. Laughing Kookaburra (carnivore) and White-winged Chough (forages on open ground among trees) generally declined in abundance with increasing fire frequency. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
- Authors: Kuchinke, Diana , di Stefano, Julian , Loyn, Richard , Gell, Peter , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Forest Ecology and Management Vol. 535, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Predicted increases in fire frequency and extent are being realised across Australia, bringing changes to the fire regime which may influence the availability of essential resources required by birds. However, few studies have examined either the impacts of fire frequency on birds or the impacts from both wildfire and planned burns, com bined. Birds were surveyed eight times across 84 sites in heathy dry forests in central Victoria, south-east Australia, from 2012 to 2014. Fire history records were retrieved from the 1970’s onwards, the time from which accurate planned burn records were kept. We developed mixed models to investigate how birds responded to time-since-fire and fire frequency, analysing total bird abundance, ten foraging guilds and 30 individual species. We found distinct responses by all modelled guilds and species to time-since-fire, along with evidence for responses to fire frequency. The greatest shifts in species’ abundances occurred during the first ten years post fire, with bird species commonly present across the stages greater than ten years since fire. For total bird abundance there was no statistically detectible difference between recently burnt forest (0-6 months) and other age classes. However, some guilds showed a significant drop in abundance in newly burnt vegetation (e.g. bark foragers, damp ground insectivores, those that feed on seeds close to the ground, tall shrub foragers). It is with guild and species’ responses that more differences across vegetation age classes became apparent. Significant increases in abundance were apparent in both the regrowth and new growth vegetation age classes, compared with older habitat (e.g. canopy foragers, damp ground insectivores, tall shrub foragers); open ground foragers were especially common in post-fire regrowth but then significantly declined. Other responses were more complex, with species’ preferences reflecting their foraging ecology. Some birds showed preferences across two age classes: sites that were young post-fire regrowth (6 months–2.5 years since fire) along with sites of old habitat (>35 years since fire), (e.g. Crimson Rosella, Scarlet Robin, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo), while some ground-foraging species became scarce in dense new-growth vegetation that appears 2.5–10 years post fire (e.g. Australian Magpie, Laughing Kookaburra and White-winged Chough). Such species may deserve specific management strategies to maintain populations in forests where substantial areas are burnt by wildfire or planned burns, over short periods of time. The model for total bird abundance showed a significant fire frequency response with birds preferring sites twice burnt within 35 years (e.g. bark and canopy-foraging guilds). Four guilds demonstrated a preference for sites frequently burnt, increasing in abundance as number of burns increased (nectarivores, open-ground foragers, seeds in trees foragers, tall shrub foragers). In contrast, two species appeared to prefer sites that had experienced low fire frequencies, a response not common to their guilds. Laughing Kookaburra (carnivore) and White-winged Chough (forages on open ground among trees) generally declined in abundance with increasing fire frequency. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Food safety considerations in the production of traditional fermented products : Japanese rice koji and miso
- Allwood, Joanne, Wakeling, Lara, Post, Laurie, Bean, David
- Authors: Allwood, Joanne , Wakeling, Lara , Post, Laurie , Bean, David
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Food Safety Vol. 43, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: While established in Asia, rice koji and miso are fermented foods that are becoming more popular in western countries. They have been shown to contain a variety of microorganisms, consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungal species. Many contemporary miso varieties are not pasteurized as consumers are looking for more natural products, and/or have the desire to consume fermented foods containing live microorganisms. While correctly prepared fermented foods are rarely associated with food safety outbreaks, incidences have been recorded. On these occasions, pathogenic, or spoilage microorganisms were introduced into the products from external sources such as the raw material or the processing environment. Consequently, hygiene and fermentation conditions need to be carefully monitored to ensure food safety. Furthermore, many of the production steps during koji and miso manufacture do not fit into contemporary food safety guidelines for foods. Although pH is a required food safety hurdle for fermented foods, this does not apply to nonacidic foods such as koji or miso. This review focuses on control of microbial pathogens and discusses the processes of miso fermentation, and how fermentation of rice koji and miso fits with current food safety hurdles in western countries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Food Safety published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Authors: Allwood, Joanne , Wakeling, Lara , Post, Laurie , Bean, David
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Food Safety Vol. 43, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: While established in Asia, rice koji and miso are fermented foods that are becoming more popular in western countries. They have been shown to contain a variety of microorganisms, consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungal species. Many contemporary miso varieties are not pasteurized as consumers are looking for more natural products, and/or have the desire to consume fermented foods containing live microorganisms. While correctly prepared fermented foods are rarely associated with food safety outbreaks, incidences have been recorded. On these occasions, pathogenic, or spoilage microorganisms were introduced into the products from external sources such as the raw material or the processing environment. Consequently, hygiene and fermentation conditions need to be carefully monitored to ensure food safety. Furthermore, many of the production steps during koji and miso manufacture do not fit into contemporary food safety guidelines for foods. Although pH is a required food safety hurdle for fermented foods, this does not apply to nonacidic foods such as koji or miso. This review focuses on control of microbial pathogens and discusses the processes of miso fermentation, and how fermentation of rice koji and miso fits with current food safety hurdles in western countries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Food Safety published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Food security and wellbeing project evaluation 2022-2023
- Porter, Joanne, Simic, Megan, Miller, Elizabeth, Bransgrove, Natalie, Barbagallo, Michael, Peck, Blake, Unsworth, Carolyn, Hewitt, Alana, Soldatenko, Daria, Hualda, Luis, My, Sambath, Prokopiv, Valerie
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Simic, Megan , Miller, Elizabeth , Bransgrove, Natalie , Barbagallo, Michael , Peck, Blake , Unsworth, Carolyn , Hewitt, Alana , Soldatenko, Daria , Hualda, Luis , My, Sambath , Prokopiv, Valerie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Technical report , Report
- Full Text:
- Description: Although the country is transitioning out of COVID-19 lockdowns and easing restrictions, Australians are now facing increased costs of living. Global political unrest, interest rate rises, and inflation have seen the prices of fuel, food and household bills surge, increasing the strain on individuals and families. Fruit and vegetables have seen cost increases by almost 7% from last year, with this figure only estimated to rise. During the same period, however, takeaway food prices increased marginally by 0.7%, potentially due to government subsidy and voucher systems introduced post COVID-19 lockdowns. The strain of food prices is felt even more greatly by those living in regional, rural and remote Australia, with prices increasing due to freight costs. The Morwell Neighbourhood House (MNH) Food Bank provides emergency relief without requiring an appointment and is unrestricted by postcode or healthcare card status. The Food Bank is supported by St Vinnies Morwell, which provides $12,000 annually towards the cost of food, and by numerous community organisations, individuals and businesses. Demand for the Food Bank has increased steadily and particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate precursor to the People’s Kitchen was a 2019 project named Cooking for a Purpose. That involved GippsTAFE VCAL students preparing nutritious frozen meals using ingredients provided by MNH. The availability of frozen home-cooked meals has ensured that Food Bank clients have at least one nutritious hot meal per day. The CERC was commissioned to explore the activities of the MNH, gaining an insight into how the whole of person approach to food security was being implemented. This understanding was gained through the perspective of those who were paid employees, Volunteers or accessed the MNH services, outlining the benefits, barriers and future suggestions for the MNH operations when addressing food security in the Latrobe Valley. Data were collected between 2022 - 2023 using a mixed methods approach to understand the impact of the MNH services on participants. Participants included MNH stakeholders, staff, Volunteers, secondary school students and people who accessed the MNH services. In addition to this, a comprehensive literature review was performed to understand the global landscape of food insecurity, exploring how people access Food Banks, the opportunities that arise from engaging with food security service activities and the perspectives of employees who ran these services.
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Simic, Megan , Miller, Elizabeth , Bransgrove, Natalie , Barbagallo, Michael , Peck, Blake , Unsworth, Carolyn , Hewitt, Alana , Soldatenko, Daria , Hualda, Luis , My, Sambath , Prokopiv, Valerie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Technical report , Report
- Full Text:
- Description: Although the country is transitioning out of COVID-19 lockdowns and easing restrictions, Australians are now facing increased costs of living. Global political unrest, interest rate rises, and inflation have seen the prices of fuel, food and household bills surge, increasing the strain on individuals and families. Fruit and vegetables have seen cost increases by almost 7% from last year, with this figure only estimated to rise. During the same period, however, takeaway food prices increased marginally by 0.7%, potentially due to government subsidy and voucher systems introduced post COVID-19 lockdowns. The strain of food prices is felt even more greatly by those living in regional, rural and remote Australia, with prices increasing due to freight costs. The Morwell Neighbourhood House (MNH) Food Bank provides emergency relief without requiring an appointment and is unrestricted by postcode or healthcare card status. The Food Bank is supported by St Vinnies Morwell, which provides $12,000 annually towards the cost of food, and by numerous community organisations, individuals and businesses. Demand for the Food Bank has increased steadily and particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate precursor to the People’s Kitchen was a 2019 project named Cooking for a Purpose. That involved GippsTAFE VCAL students preparing nutritious frozen meals using ingredients provided by MNH. The availability of frozen home-cooked meals has ensured that Food Bank clients have at least one nutritious hot meal per day. The CERC was commissioned to explore the activities of the MNH, gaining an insight into how the whole of person approach to food security was being implemented. This understanding was gained through the perspective of those who were paid employees, Volunteers or accessed the MNH services, outlining the benefits, barriers and future suggestions for the MNH operations when addressing food security in the Latrobe Valley. Data were collected between 2022 - 2023 using a mixed methods approach to understand the impact of the MNH services on participants. Participants included MNH stakeholders, staff, Volunteers, secondary school students and people who accessed the MNH services. In addition to this, a comprehensive literature review was performed to understand the global landscape of food insecurity, exploring how people access Food Banks, the opportunities that arise from engaging with food security service activities and the perspectives of employees who ran these services.
Freeze–thaw resistance and sorptivity of fine-grained alkali-activated cement concrete
- Tekle, Biruk, Ly, Tran, Hertwig, Ludwig, Holschemacher, Klaus
- Authors: Tekle, Biruk , Ly, Tran , Hertwig, Ludwig , Holschemacher, Klaus
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Structural Concrete Vol. 24, no. 3 (2023), p. 4286-4296
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The paper investigates the freeze–thaw resistance and sorptivity behavior of fine-grained alkali-activated concrete cured at ambient temperature. A blended binder system containing fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and silica fume was used. A combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate was used as an activator. The freeze–thaw resistance was evaluated based on mass loss (scaling), and the extent of internal damage was assessed by testing the ultrasonic time at different cycles. Initial and secondary sorptivity coefficients were calculated based on the cumulative water absorption values at different time intervals. Alkali content, sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio, and water to binder ratio were investigated. The experimental results showed that water to binder ratio is the most significant parameter for the scaling; higher ratios result in higher scaling. In terms of internal damage, alkali content is the most significant. The increase of alkali increased the amount of internal damage in the concrete. The initial sorptivity coefficient increased with the water and alkali content and decreased with the silicate content. The secondary sorptivity coefficient showed no significant change with the investigated parameters. © 2022 The Authors. Structural Concrete published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation for Structural Concrete.
- Authors: Tekle, Biruk , Ly, Tran , Hertwig, Ludwig , Holschemacher, Klaus
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Structural Concrete Vol. 24, no. 3 (2023), p. 4286-4296
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The paper investigates the freeze–thaw resistance and sorptivity behavior of fine-grained alkali-activated concrete cured at ambient temperature. A blended binder system containing fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and silica fume was used. A combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate was used as an activator. The freeze–thaw resistance was evaluated based on mass loss (scaling), and the extent of internal damage was assessed by testing the ultrasonic time at different cycles. Initial and secondary sorptivity coefficients were calculated based on the cumulative water absorption values at different time intervals. Alkali content, sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio, and water to binder ratio were investigated. The experimental results showed that water to binder ratio is the most significant parameter for the scaling; higher ratios result in higher scaling. In terms of internal damage, alkali content is the most significant. The increase of alkali increased the amount of internal damage in the concrete. The initial sorptivity coefficient increased with the water and alkali content and decreased with the silicate content. The secondary sorptivity coefficient showed no significant change with the investigated parameters. © 2022 The Authors. Structural Concrete published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation for Structural Concrete.
From impacts to dependencies : a first global assessment of corporate biodiversity risk exposure and responses
- Carvalho, Sergio, Cojoianu, Theodor, Ascui, Francisco
- Authors: Carvalho, Sergio , Cojoianu, Theodor , Ascui, Francisco
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Business Strategy and the Environment Vol. 32, no. 5 (2023), p. 2600-2614
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is growing awareness that biodiversity loss poses a significant risk to the global economy, but a lack of clarity on what this means for corporations, and how they are responding. This study provides a first quantitative assessment of biodiversity risk exposure across the world's largest listed companies, compared with their adoption of biodiversity policies, through analysis of disclosures from a sample of 11,812 companies from 2004 to 2018. We find that companies have started responding strategically to biodiversity risk, with 29% having adopted a biodiversity policy by 2018. However, around $7.2 trillion of total enterprise value remains exposed to unmanaged biodiversity risk. Companies in sectors with material impacts on biodiversity tend to have high levels of response, but there is poorer responsiveness to material biodiversity dependency risks. A natural-capital-based view (NCBV) of the firm is proposed to theorise how corporations are constrained by both their impacts and dependencies on natural capital. © 2022 The Authors. Business Strategy and The Environment published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Carvalho, Sergio , Cojoianu, Theodor , Ascui, Francisco
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Business Strategy and the Environment Vol. 32, no. 5 (2023), p. 2600-2614
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is growing awareness that biodiversity loss poses a significant risk to the global economy, but a lack of clarity on what this means for corporations, and how they are responding. This study provides a first quantitative assessment of biodiversity risk exposure across the world's largest listed companies, compared with their adoption of biodiversity policies, through analysis of disclosures from a sample of 11,812 companies from 2004 to 2018. We find that companies have started responding strategically to biodiversity risk, with 29% having adopted a biodiversity policy by 2018. However, around $7.2 trillion of total enterprise value remains exposed to unmanaged biodiversity risk. Companies in sectors with material impacts on biodiversity tend to have high levels of response, but there is poorer responsiveness to material biodiversity dependency risks. A natural-capital-based view (NCBV) of the firm is proposed to theorise how corporations are constrained by both their impacts and dependencies on natural capital. © 2022 The Authors. Business Strategy and The Environment published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Geochemical characteristics and structural setting of lithium–caesium–tantalum pegmatites of the Dorchap Dyke Swarm, northeast Victoria, Australia
- Hines, Benjamin, Turnbull, D., Ashworth, Luisa, McKnight, Stafford
- Authors: Hines, Benjamin , Turnbull, D. , Ashworth, Luisa , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 70, no. 6 (2023), p. 763-800
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Dorchap Dyke Swarm hosts the first recorded occurrence of lithium–caesium–tantalum (LCT) pegmatites in Victoria, Australia. Syn-orogenic emplacement of pegmatite dykes occurred along a northwest-trending shear system during the Benambran Orogeny. Pegmatites are derived from fractionated melt associated with the Mount Wills Granite, which is an S-type, peraluminous granite originating from supracrustal melting of Ordovician sedimentary sequences. A distinct, eastward-oriented fractionation trend across the Dorchap Dyke Swarm has highlighted a 20 × 8 km highly fractionated zone in the northeastern Dorchap Range, which includes spodumene- and petalite-bearing pegmatites. A distinct pattern of elemental enrichment (P > Cs > Be > Nb
- Authors: Hines, Benjamin , Turnbull, D. , Ashworth, Luisa , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 70, no. 6 (2023), p. 763-800
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Dorchap Dyke Swarm hosts the first recorded occurrence of lithium–caesium–tantalum (LCT) pegmatites in Victoria, Australia. Syn-orogenic emplacement of pegmatite dykes occurred along a northwest-trending shear system during the Benambran Orogeny. Pegmatites are derived from fractionated melt associated with the Mount Wills Granite, which is an S-type, peraluminous granite originating from supracrustal melting of Ordovician sedimentary sequences. A distinct, eastward-oriented fractionation trend across the Dorchap Dyke Swarm has highlighted a 20 × 8 km highly fractionated zone in the northeastern Dorchap Range, which includes spodumene- and petalite-bearing pegmatites. A distinct pattern of elemental enrichment (P > Cs > Be > Nb
Germination strategy of chenopodium acuminatum Willd. under Fluctuating Salinity Habitats
- Tian, Yu, Li, Yang, Zhang, Hongxiang, Tennakoon, Kushan, Sun, Zewei
- Authors: Tian, Yu , Li, Yang , Zhang, Hongxiang , Tennakoon, Kushan , Sun, Zewei
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agronomy Vol. 13, no. 11 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Germination events of plants often occur after rainfall in saline environments where the soil salinity is diluted, viz recovery germination. Previous germination studies have rarely considered the duration of exposure to salt stress, and none of them have investigated recovery germination under low-salt concentration, other than in distilled water. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity, exposure duration and low-salt recovery solutions on seed germination of the weed Chenopodium acuminatum to get a clear insight about the germination strategy exhibited by this species in a saline habitat. Seeds were initially exposed to 0–400 mM NaCl for 10, 20 and 30 d. The subsequent recovery experiment was conducted differently. For those initially treated with 100 and 200 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, while for those initially treated with 300 and 400 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, at 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Results showed that the recovery germination percentage and rate significantly decreased when the exposure duration extended. Seeds could subsequently recover to germinate at high percentages at recovery salt solution concentrations for a short duration, but the recovery percentages and rates in high salinity, combined with high exposure duration and relatively high recovery salt concentrations, were remarkably lower. More than 30% of the ungerminated seeds were viable after the recovery experiment. We suggest that Ch. acuminatum exhibits a ‘cautious’ strategy of germination to avoid injury from long-term salt stress and ensure survival for the subsequent continuation of its population under unfavorable saline conditions. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Tian, Yu , Li, Yang , Zhang, Hongxiang , Tennakoon, Kushan , Sun, Zewei
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agronomy Vol. 13, no. 11 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Germination events of plants often occur after rainfall in saline environments where the soil salinity is diluted, viz recovery germination. Previous germination studies have rarely considered the duration of exposure to salt stress, and none of them have investigated recovery germination under low-salt concentration, other than in distilled water. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity, exposure duration and low-salt recovery solutions on seed germination of the weed Chenopodium acuminatum to get a clear insight about the germination strategy exhibited by this species in a saline habitat. Seeds were initially exposed to 0–400 mM NaCl for 10, 20 and 30 d. The subsequent recovery experiment was conducted differently. For those initially treated with 100 and 200 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, while for those initially treated with 300 and 400 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, at 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Results showed that the recovery germination percentage and rate significantly decreased when the exposure duration extended. Seeds could subsequently recover to germinate at high percentages at recovery salt solution concentrations for a short duration, but the recovery percentages and rates in high salinity, combined with high exposure duration and relatively high recovery salt concentrations, were remarkably lower. More than 30% of the ungerminated seeds were viable after the recovery experiment. We suggest that Ch. acuminatum exhibits a ‘cautious’ strategy of germination to avoid injury from long-term salt stress and ensure survival for the subsequent continuation of its population under unfavorable saline conditions. © 2023 by the authors.