Parent-educators’ explorations of learning and role tensions during and ‘after’ Covid-19
- Goriss-Hunter, Anitra, Sellings, Peter, Walker, Amy, Claughton, Amy, Oxworth, Catherine, Robertson, Deborah, Griffiths, Katrina
- Authors: Goriss-Hunter, Anitra , Sellings, Peter , Walker, Amy , Claughton, Amy , Oxworth, Catherine , Robertson, Deborah , Griffiths, Katrina
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Issues in Educational Research Vol. 33, no. 3 (2023), p. 974-991
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- Description: This paper investigates the insights that we, as parent-educators gained from our children’s learning experiences throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and how this impacted our approaches to learning and teaching. All authors are teacher education academics working at a regional Australian university. The rapid and extensive changes in our personal and professional circumstances provided an opportunity for us to critically examine the ways in which we promoted learning for our children and our students. Our reflections on these investigations form the basis of this article. To explore these issues we drew on a method involving narrative inquiry and the Indigenous concept of yarning that we call collaborative narrative inquiry and the theoretical framework of Antonovsky’s salutogenic approach. Key findings of the research demonstrated tensions between the roles of parent and educator with a growing focus on the former and an increasing emphasis on health and well-being. These issues impacted the ways in which parent-educators facilitated learning for all students. © 2023, Western Australian Institute for Educational Research Inc.. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Goriss-Hunter, Anitra , Sellings, Peter , Walker, Amy , Claughton, Amy , Oxworth, Catherine , Robertson, Deborah , Griffiths, Katrina
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Issues in Educational Research Vol. 33, no. 3 (2023), p. 974-991
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper investigates the insights that we, as parent-educators gained from our children’s learning experiences throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and how this impacted our approaches to learning and teaching. All authors are teacher education academics working at a regional Australian university. The rapid and extensive changes in our personal and professional circumstances provided an opportunity for us to critically examine the ways in which we promoted learning for our children and our students. Our reflections on these investigations form the basis of this article. To explore these issues we drew on a method involving narrative inquiry and the Indigenous concept of yarning that we call collaborative narrative inquiry and the theoretical framework of Antonovsky’s salutogenic approach. Key findings of the research demonstrated tensions between the roles of parent and educator with a growing focus on the former and an increasing emphasis on health and well-being. These issues impacted the ways in which parent-educators facilitated learning for all students. © 2023, Western Australian Institute for Educational Research Inc.. All rights reserved.
Passion moderates the relationship between exercise identity and compulsive exercise
- Cosh, Suzanne, Loi, Natasha, McNeil, Dominic
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Loi, Natasha , McNeil, Dominic
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Asian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology Vol. 3, no. 3 (2023), p. 184-191
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- Description: There remains limited understanding and mixed results around predictors of compulsive exercise, especially outside of eating disorder populations and settings. Research is also limited by operationalisation of compulsive exercise as a unidimensional construct, despite evidence that it is best understood and examined as multi-dimensional. Given that compulsive exercise is also observed in the general exercise population, increased understanding around predictors of compulsive exercise is needed. This study examined the relationship between dimensions of compulsive exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test) with obsessive and harmonious passion (the Passion Scale) and exercise identity (the Exercise Identity Scale) in a sample of N = 1184 Australian general exercisers. Correlation, regression and moderation analyses indicated that exercise identity was associated with all dimensions of compulsive exercise, although strength and direction of relationships varied. Harmonious passion was related to several dimensions of compulsive exercise and also moderated relationships between identity with weight-control exercise, mood improvement and lack of exercise enjoyment, whereas obsessive passion moderated the relationship between identity and lack of exercise enjoyment only. Results highlight that compulsive exercise dimensions have nuanced relationships with other variables and that examination of dimensions can increase understanding around compulsive exercise. Harmonious passion predicted more aspects of compulsive exercise than obsessive passion. Individuals with high exercise identity, and those with low harmonious passion may be more at risk of poor outcomes including compulsive exercise pathology and other related outcomes. © 2023
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Loi, Natasha , McNeil, Dominic
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Asian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology Vol. 3, no. 3 (2023), p. 184-191
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- Description: There remains limited understanding and mixed results around predictors of compulsive exercise, especially outside of eating disorder populations and settings. Research is also limited by operationalisation of compulsive exercise as a unidimensional construct, despite evidence that it is best understood and examined as multi-dimensional. Given that compulsive exercise is also observed in the general exercise population, increased understanding around predictors of compulsive exercise is needed. This study examined the relationship between dimensions of compulsive exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test) with obsessive and harmonious passion (the Passion Scale) and exercise identity (the Exercise Identity Scale) in a sample of N = 1184 Australian general exercisers. Correlation, regression and moderation analyses indicated that exercise identity was associated with all dimensions of compulsive exercise, although strength and direction of relationships varied. Harmonious passion was related to several dimensions of compulsive exercise and also moderated relationships between identity with weight-control exercise, mood improvement and lack of exercise enjoyment, whereas obsessive passion moderated the relationship between identity and lack of exercise enjoyment only. Results highlight that compulsive exercise dimensions have nuanced relationships with other variables and that examination of dimensions can increase understanding around compulsive exercise. Harmonious passion predicted more aspects of compulsive exercise than obsessive passion. Individuals with high exercise identity, and those with low harmonious passion may be more at risk of poor outcomes including compulsive exercise pathology and other related outcomes. © 2023
Patient and partner perspectives of pregnancy-related counseling and information needs in women with kidney disease : an Australian national survey
- Hewawasam, Erandi, Stallard, Belinda, Orsillo, Alessandra, Boag, Jane, Green, Charmaine, Heffernan, Laura, Maistry, Carolina, Muthuramalingam, Shyamsundar, Tolic, Adela, Williamson, Amber, Jesudason, Shilpanjali
- Authors: Hewawasam, Erandi , Stallard, Belinda , Orsillo, Alessandra , Boag, Jane , Green, Charmaine , Heffernan, Laura , Maistry, Carolina , Muthuramalingam, Shyamsundar , Tolic, Adela , Williamson, Amber , Jesudason, Shilpanjali
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Kidney International Reports Vol. 8, no. 12 (2023), p. 2802-2813
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- Description: Introduction: The experiences and information needs for reproductive health counseling in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly defined, despite the known importance of pregnancy planning in this higher-risk cohort. Methods: Australian adult women with CKD and their partners or family members completed a consumer codesigned survey about experiences of and preferences for pregnancy-related counseling, support, and education. Data were analyzed descriptively and with qualitative content analysis of free-text responses. Results: Responses were received from 102 women (CKD, n = 60; dialysis, n = 11; transplant, n = 26; unsure, n = 5 ) and 17 partners/family members. Pregnancy-related discussions were initiated mostly by women themselves (60.0%) compared to nephrologists (26.7%), and only after conception in 14.7%. Women found pregnancy-related discussions satisfactory (68.0%) and useful (50.7%) but also stressful (66.7%), with only 54.7% feeling in control of decision-making. Information deficits and quality, preformed decisions, clinician-patient disconnect, and burden of decision-making contributed to usefulness and outcomes of pregnancy-related counseling. Women received insufficient information about contraception (not provided in 35.2% of cases), medication safety (40.9%), fetal complications (33.8%) and emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy (73.2%). Women preferred counseling from nephrologists (86.4%), face-to-face settings (79.6%), websites (72.7%), handouts (61.4%), and online support groups (46.6%). High-quality, multiformat information by content experts, peer support, and psychological support were also strongly desired. Conclusion: This study highlights that preconception counseling and information needs of women with CKD are currently not being met. Frameworks and tools to assist patients and clinicians, particularly nephrologists, to initiate and conduct sensitive, useful, and informed shared decision-making (SDM) about pregnancy are urgently needed. © 2023
- Authors: Hewawasam, Erandi , Stallard, Belinda , Orsillo, Alessandra , Boag, Jane , Green, Charmaine , Heffernan, Laura , Maistry, Carolina , Muthuramalingam, Shyamsundar , Tolic, Adela , Williamson, Amber , Jesudason, Shilpanjali
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Kidney International Reports Vol. 8, no. 12 (2023), p. 2802-2813
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- Description: Introduction: The experiences and information needs for reproductive health counseling in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly defined, despite the known importance of pregnancy planning in this higher-risk cohort. Methods: Australian adult women with CKD and their partners or family members completed a consumer codesigned survey about experiences of and preferences for pregnancy-related counseling, support, and education. Data were analyzed descriptively and with qualitative content analysis of free-text responses. Results: Responses were received from 102 women (CKD, n = 60; dialysis, n = 11; transplant, n = 26; unsure, n = 5 ) and 17 partners/family members. Pregnancy-related discussions were initiated mostly by women themselves (60.0%) compared to nephrologists (26.7%), and only after conception in 14.7%. Women found pregnancy-related discussions satisfactory (68.0%) and useful (50.7%) but also stressful (66.7%), with only 54.7% feeling in control of decision-making. Information deficits and quality, preformed decisions, clinician-patient disconnect, and burden of decision-making contributed to usefulness and outcomes of pregnancy-related counseling. Women received insufficient information about contraception (not provided in 35.2% of cases), medication safety (40.9%), fetal complications (33.8%) and emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy (73.2%). Women preferred counseling from nephrologists (86.4%), face-to-face settings (79.6%), websites (72.7%), handouts (61.4%), and online support groups (46.6%). High-quality, multiformat information by content experts, peer support, and psychological support were also strongly desired. Conclusion: This study highlights that preconception counseling and information needs of women with CKD are currently not being met. Frameworks and tools to assist patients and clinicians, particularly nephrologists, to initiate and conduct sensitive, useful, and informed shared decision-making (SDM) about pregnancy are urgently needed. © 2023
Patient navigation across the cancer care continuum : an overview of systematic reviews and emerging literature
- Chan, Raymond, Milch, Vivienne, Crawford-Williams, Fiona, Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi, Joseph, Ria, Johal, Jolyn, Dick, Narayanee, Wallen, Matthew, Ratcliffe, Julie, Agarwal, Anupriya, Nekhlyudov, Larissa, Tieu, Matthew, Al-Momani, Manaf, Turnbull, Scott, Sathiaraj, Rahul, Keefe, Dorothy, Hart, Nicholas
- Authors: Chan, Raymond , Milch, Vivienne , Crawford-Williams, Fiona , Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi , Joseph, Ria , Johal, Jolyn , Dick, Narayanee , Wallen, Matthew , Ratcliffe, Julie , Agarwal, Anupriya , Nekhlyudov, Larissa , Tieu, Matthew , Al-Momani, Manaf , Turnbull, Scott , Sathiaraj, Rahul , Keefe, Dorothy , Hart, Nicholas
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians Vol. 73, no. 6 (2023), p. 565-589
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1194051
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- Description: Patient navigation is a strategy for overcoming barriers to reduce disparities and to improve access and outcomes. The aim of this umbrella review was to identify, critically appraise, synthesize, and present the best available evidence to inform policy and planning regarding patient navigation across the cancer continuum. Systematic reviews examining navigation in cancer care were identified in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Epistemonikos, and Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) databases and in the gray literature from January 1, 2012, to April 19, 2022. Data were screened, extracted, and appraised independently by two authors. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Review and Research Syntheses was used for quality appraisal. Emerging literature up to May 25, 2022, was also explored to capture primary research published beyond the coverage of included systematic reviews. Of the 2062 unique records identified, 61 systematic reviews were included. Fifty-four reviews were quantitative or mixed-methods reviews, reporting on the effectiveness of cancer patient navigation, including 12 reviews reporting costs or cost-effectiveness outcomes. Seven qualitative reviews explored navigation needs, barriers, and experiences. In addition, 53 primary studies published since 2021 were included. Patient navigation is effective in improving participation in cancer screening and reducing the time from screening to diagnosis and from diagnosis to treatment initiation. Emerging evidence suggests that patient navigation improves quality of life and patient satisfaction with care in the survivorship phase and reduces hospital readmission in the active treatment and survivorship care phases. Palliative care data were extremely limited. Economic evaluations from the United States suggest the potential cost-effectiveness of navigation in screening programs. © 2023 The Authors. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Cancer Society.
- Authors: Chan, Raymond , Milch, Vivienne , Crawford-Williams, Fiona , Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi , Joseph, Ria , Johal, Jolyn , Dick, Narayanee , Wallen, Matthew , Ratcliffe, Julie , Agarwal, Anupriya , Nekhlyudov, Larissa , Tieu, Matthew , Al-Momani, Manaf , Turnbull, Scott , Sathiaraj, Rahul , Keefe, Dorothy , Hart, Nicholas
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians Vol. 73, no. 6 (2023), p. 565-589
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1194051
- Full Text:
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- Description: Patient navigation is a strategy for overcoming barriers to reduce disparities and to improve access and outcomes. The aim of this umbrella review was to identify, critically appraise, synthesize, and present the best available evidence to inform policy and planning regarding patient navigation across the cancer continuum. Systematic reviews examining navigation in cancer care were identified in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Epistemonikos, and Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) databases and in the gray literature from January 1, 2012, to April 19, 2022. Data were screened, extracted, and appraised independently by two authors. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Review and Research Syntheses was used for quality appraisal. Emerging literature up to May 25, 2022, was also explored to capture primary research published beyond the coverage of included systematic reviews. Of the 2062 unique records identified, 61 systematic reviews were included. Fifty-four reviews were quantitative or mixed-methods reviews, reporting on the effectiveness of cancer patient navigation, including 12 reviews reporting costs or cost-effectiveness outcomes. Seven qualitative reviews explored navigation needs, barriers, and experiences. In addition, 53 primary studies published since 2021 were included. Patient navigation is effective in improving participation in cancer screening and reducing the time from screening to diagnosis and from diagnosis to treatment initiation. Emerging evidence suggests that patient navigation improves quality of life and patient satisfaction with care in the survivorship phase and reduces hospital readmission in the active treatment and survivorship care phases. Palliative care data were extremely limited. Economic evaluations from the United States suggest the potential cost-effectiveness of navigation in screening programs. © 2023 The Authors. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Patient safety elements taught to preregistration nurses using simulation designs : an integrative review
- Ryan, Colleen, Kurup, Chanchal, Cant, Robyn, Reid-Searl, Kerry, Johnson, Trish, Barlow, Melanie, Heaton, Leeanne
- Authors: Ryan, Colleen , Kurup, Chanchal , Cant, Robyn , Reid-Searl, Kerry , Johnson, Trish , Barlow, Melanie , Heaton, Leeanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Clinical Simulation in Nursing Vol. 84, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: This integrative literature review aimed to examine preregistration nursing simulation-based education aligned to patient safety. Understanding quality standards and simulation best practices used to guide the simulation activities also featured. Eight data bases were searched using a standardized search strategy. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six patient safety standards featured in over 38 simulation scenarios, particularly the management of deteriorating patients. Students’ patient safety knowledge and simulated performances consistently returned significant gains following the interventions. Manikin-based, face to face delivery was the most commonly described simulation modality, followed by virtual simulation and virtual reality programmes. The evidence supports simulation as a beneficial technique for teaching patient safety in nursing education. In future, well planned controlled experimental studies are needed to deliver more evidence. Simulation design best practices aligned to international guidelines could be reported in more depth. © 2023
- Authors: Ryan, Colleen , Kurup, Chanchal , Cant, Robyn , Reid-Searl, Kerry , Johnson, Trish , Barlow, Melanie , Heaton, Leeanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Clinical Simulation in Nursing Vol. 84, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: This integrative literature review aimed to examine preregistration nursing simulation-based education aligned to patient safety. Understanding quality standards and simulation best practices used to guide the simulation activities also featured. Eight data bases were searched using a standardized search strategy. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six patient safety standards featured in over 38 simulation scenarios, particularly the management of deteriorating patients. Students’ patient safety knowledge and simulated performances consistently returned significant gains following the interventions. Manikin-based, face to face delivery was the most commonly described simulation modality, followed by virtual simulation and virtual reality programmes. The evidence supports simulation as a beneficial technique for teaching patient safety in nursing education. In future, well planned controlled experimental studies are needed to deliver more evidence. Simulation design best practices aligned to international guidelines could be reported in more depth. © 2023
Pelvic floor muscle function in women with and without breast cancer : a cross-sectional study
- Colombage, Udari, Soh, Sze-Ee, Lin, Kuan-Yin, Frawley, Helena
- Authors: Colombage, Udari , Soh, Sze-Ee , Lin, Kuan-Yin , Frawley, Helena
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Continence Vol. 5, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: Introduction: The aim of this study was to quantify PF muscle function in women with and without breast cancer using pressure manometry, digital palpation and transperineal ultrasound. Methods: This cross-sectional study included women with and without breast cancer. The primary outcome was PF muscle strength measured as maximal squeeze pressure (cmH2O). Differences between groups were analysed using independent t-tests or chi-square tests. Results: The group with breast cancer was older (mean age: 54 years) than the group without breast cancer (mean age: 38 years, p<0.0001). Participants with breast cancer had significantly weaker PF muscles as measured by maximal squeeze pressure (breast cancer group: mean 18 cmH2O, 95% CI 15, 21; control group: mean 29 cmH2O, 95% CI 27, 32; p<0.0001) and digital examination (strength rated as weak: 30% in participants with breast cancer compared to 9% in control group, p=0.0167). Relaxation ability was poorer in participants with breast cancer than control group participants (p=0.0039). Conclusion: Our cohort of women with breast cancer demonstrated reduced PF muscle strength and poorer relaxation ability compared to those without breast cancer. This finding suggests that therapies such as PF muscle training or relaxation techniques may be therapeutic targets to improve PF muscle function. © 2023 The Author(s)
- Authors: Colombage, Udari , Soh, Sze-Ee , Lin, Kuan-Yin , Frawley, Helena
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Continence Vol. 5, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: Introduction: The aim of this study was to quantify PF muscle function in women with and without breast cancer using pressure manometry, digital palpation and transperineal ultrasound. Methods: This cross-sectional study included women with and without breast cancer. The primary outcome was PF muscle strength measured as maximal squeeze pressure (cmH2O). Differences between groups were analysed using independent t-tests or chi-square tests. Results: The group with breast cancer was older (mean age: 54 years) than the group without breast cancer (mean age: 38 years, p<0.0001). Participants with breast cancer had significantly weaker PF muscles as measured by maximal squeeze pressure (breast cancer group: mean 18 cmH2O, 95% CI 15, 21; control group: mean 29 cmH2O, 95% CI 27, 32; p<0.0001) and digital examination (strength rated as weak: 30% in participants with breast cancer compared to 9% in control group, p=0.0167). Relaxation ability was poorer in participants with breast cancer than control group participants (p=0.0039). Conclusion: Our cohort of women with breast cancer demonstrated reduced PF muscle strength and poorer relaxation ability compared to those without breast cancer. This finding suggests that therapies such as PF muscle training or relaxation techniques may be therapeutic targets to improve PF muscle function. © 2023 The Author(s)
Perceptions of being a registered nurse (PRN) : development and validation of a survey tool
- Allen, Louise, Cooper, Simon, Missen, Karen
- Authors: Allen, Louise , Cooper, Simon , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Nursing Vol. 22, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Background: Nursing students enter nursing programs with idealistic perceptions of what it is to be a nurse. Upon graduation, many find these perceptions mismatched with the actual nurse’s role. This can lead to discontentment in their chosen career. These issues highlight the importance of nursing students developing an understanding of the nurse’s role during their undergraduate nursing education. One way to accomplish this is to assess perceptions and address them accordingly during the nursing program. Survey tools assessing perceptions of nursing exist but lack contemporary and multicultural foci. Aim: To develop a feasible, valid, and reliable survey tool to identify nursing students’ perceptions of being a nurse. Design/Methods: In Phase 1, a literature review and Nominal Group Technique meetings were used to generate primary survey items. Phase 2 included a pre-pilot and online pilot testing of the Perceptions of being a Registered Nurse (PRN) survey tool with 797 nursing students across all year levels at three Australian Universities. Results: The 34-item PRN survey tool uses a five-point Likert scale to measure nursing students’ perceptions of nursing, including factors influencing a nurse’s well-being, attributes and qualities of nurses, the role of the nurse, and nursing professionalism. The Item-Content validity index was high (> 0.78), and the inter-item correlation validity was identified by Pearson’s product-moment coefficient of r =.712. Internal reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83. Based upon the participation completion rate, the survey tool was deemed applicable and feasible. The majority of respondents believed that nurses have altruistic attributes; however, perceptions of nursing varied significantly when rating factors influencing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of a nurse. In later stages of training, respondents were more likely to agree that nursing is physically and emotionally demanding and that nurses experience social isolation due to shift work, finding it difficult to achieve a work-life balance. Conclusions: The PRN survey tool was found to be valid, reliable, and feasible. Future use and outcomes from PRN assessments may lead to changes to nursing curricula that enhance nursing students’ perceptions of nursing. © 2023, The Author(s).
- Authors: Allen, Louise , Cooper, Simon , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Nursing Vol. 22, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Background: Nursing students enter nursing programs with idealistic perceptions of what it is to be a nurse. Upon graduation, many find these perceptions mismatched with the actual nurse’s role. This can lead to discontentment in their chosen career. These issues highlight the importance of nursing students developing an understanding of the nurse’s role during their undergraduate nursing education. One way to accomplish this is to assess perceptions and address them accordingly during the nursing program. Survey tools assessing perceptions of nursing exist but lack contemporary and multicultural foci. Aim: To develop a feasible, valid, and reliable survey tool to identify nursing students’ perceptions of being a nurse. Design/Methods: In Phase 1, a literature review and Nominal Group Technique meetings were used to generate primary survey items. Phase 2 included a pre-pilot and online pilot testing of the Perceptions of being a Registered Nurse (PRN) survey tool with 797 nursing students across all year levels at three Australian Universities. Results: The 34-item PRN survey tool uses a five-point Likert scale to measure nursing students’ perceptions of nursing, including factors influencing a nurse’s well-being, attributes and qualities of nurses, the role of the nurse, and nursing professionalism. The Item-Content validity index was high (> 0.78), and the inter-item correlation validity was identified by Pearson’s product-moment coefficient of r =.712. Internal reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83. Based upon the participation completion rate, the survey tool was deemed applicable and feasible. The majority of respondents believed that nurses have altruistic attributes; however, perceptions of nursing varied significantly when rating factors influencing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of a nurse. In later stages of training, respondents were more likely to agree that nursing is physically and emotionally demanding and that nurses experience social isolation due to shift work, finding it difficult to achieve a work-life balance. Conclusions: The PRN survey tool was found to be valid, reliable, and feasible. Future use and outcomes from PRN assessments may lead to changes to nursing curricula that enhance nursing students’ perceptions of nursing. © 2023, The Author(s).
Perceptions of birds by urban residents in an Australian regional city and implications for conservation
- Champness, Brendan, Fitzsimons, James, Kendal, Dave, Palmer, Grant
- Authors: Champness, Brendan , Fitzsimons, James , Kendal, Dave , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Birds Vol. 4, no. 3 (2023), p. 262-276
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- Description: Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Champness, Brendan , Fitzsimons, James , Kendal, Dave , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Birds Vol. 4, no. 3 (2023), p. 262-276
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas. © 2023 by the authors.
Performance analysis of machine learning classifiers for non-technical loss detection
- Ghori, Khawaja, Imran, Muhammad, Nawaz, Asad, Abbasi, Rabeeh, Ullah, Ata, Szathmary, Laszlo
- Authors: Ghori, Khawaja , Imran, Muhammad , Nawaz, Asad , Abbasi, Rabeeh , Ullah, Ata , Szathmary, Laszlo
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing Vol. 14, no. 11 (2023), p. 15327-15342
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- Description: Power companies are responsible for producing and transferring the required amount of electricity from grid stations to individual households. Many countries suffer huge losses in billions of dollars due to non-technical loss (NTL) in power supply companies. To deal with NTL, many machine learning classifiers have been employed in recent time. However, few has been studied about the performance evaluation metrics that are used in NTL detection to evaluate how good or bad the classifier is in predicting the non-technical loss. This paper first uses three classifiers: random forest, K-nearest neighbors and linear support vector machine to predict the occurrence of NTL in a real dataset of an electric supply company containing approximately 80,000 monthly consumption records. Then, it computes 14 performance evaluation metrics across the three classifiers and identify the key scientific relationships between them. These relationships provide insights into deciding which classifier can be more useful under given scenarios for NTL detection. This work can be proved to be a baseline not only for the NTL detection in power industry but also for the selection of appropriate performance evaluation metrics for NTL detection. © 2020, The Author(s).
- Authors: Ghori, Khawaja , Imran, Muhammad , Nawaz, Asad , Abbasi, Rabeeh , Ullah, Ata , Szathmary, Laszlo
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing Vol. 14, no. 11 (2023), p. 15327-15342
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Power companies are responsible for producing and transferring the required amount of electricity from grid stations to individual households. Many countries suffer huge losses in billions of dollars due to non-technical loss (NTL) in power supply companies. To deal with NTL, many machine learning classifiers have been employed in recent time. However, few has been studied about the performance evaluation metrics that are used in NTL detection to evaluate how good or bad the classifier is in predicting the non-technical loss. This paper first uses three classifiers: random forest, K-nearest neighbors and linear support vector machine to predict the occurrence of NTL in a real dataset of an electric supply company containing approximately 80,000 monthly consumption records. Then, it computes 14 performance evaluation metrics across the three classifiers and identify the key scientific relationships between them. These relationships provide insights into deciding which classifier can be more useful under given scenarios for NTL detection. This work can be proved to be a baseline not only for the NTL detection in power industry but also for the selection of appropriate performance evaluation metrics for NTL detection. © 2020, The Author(s).
Performance and cryptographic evaluation of security protocols in distributed networks using applied pi calculus and Markov Chain
- Edris, Ed, Aiash, Mahdi, Khoshkholghi, Mohammad, Naha, Ranesh, Chowdhury, Abdullahi, Loo, Jonathan
- Authors: Edris, Ed , Aiash, Mahdi , Khoshkholghi, Mohammad , Naha, Ranesh , Chowdhury, Abdullahi , Loo, Jonathan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Internet of Things (Netherlands) Vol. 24, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The development of cryptographic protocols goes through two stages, namely, security verification and performance analysis. The verification of the protocol's security properties could be analytically achieved using threat modelling, or formally using formal methods and model checkers. The performance analysis could be mathematical or simulation-based. However, mathematical modelling is complicated and does not reflect the actual deployment environment of the protocol in the current state of the art. Simulation software provides scalability and can simulate complicated scenarios, however, there are times when it is not possible to use simulations due to a lack of support for new technologies or simulation scenarios. Therefore, this paper proposes a formal method and analytical model for evaluating the performance of security protocols using applied pi-calculus and Markov Chain processes. It interprets algebraic processes and associates cryptographic operatives with quantitative measures to estimate and evaluate cryptographic costs. With this approach, the protocols are presented as processes using applied pi-calculus, and their security properties are an approximate abstraction of protocol equivalence based on the verification from ProVerif and evaluated using analytical and simulation models for quantitative measures. The interpretation of the quantities is associated with process transitions, rates, and measures as a cost of using cryptographic primitives. This method supports users’ input in analysing the protocol's activities and performance. As a proof of concept, we deploy this approach to assess the performance of security protocols designed to protect large-scale, 5G-based Device-to-Device communications. We also conducted a performance evaluation of the protocols based on analytical and network simulator results to compare the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2023 The Author(s)
- Authors: Edris, Ed , Aiash, Mahdi , Khoshkholghi, Mohammad , Naha, Ranesh , Chowdhury, Abdullahi , Loo, Jonathan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Internet of Things (Netherlands) Vol. 24, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The development of cryptographic protocols goes through two stages, namely, security verification and performance analysis. The verification of the protocol's security properties could be analytically achieved using threat modelling, or formally using formal methods and model checkers. The performance analysis could be mathematical or simulation-based. However, mathematical modelling is complicated and does not reflect the actual deployment environment of the protocol in the current state of the art. Simulation software provides scalability and can simulate complicated scenarios, however, there are times when it is not possible to use simulations due to a lack of support for new technologies or simulation scenarios. Therefore, this paper proposes a formal method and analytical model for evaluating the performance of security protocols using applied pi-calculus and Markov Chain processes. It interprets algebraic processes and associates cryptographic operatives with quantitative measures to estimate and evaluate cryptographic costs. With this approach, the protocols are presented as processes using applied pi-calculus, and their security properties are an approximate abstraction of protocol equivalence based on the verification from ProVerif and evaluated using analytical and simulation models for quantitative measures. The interpretation of the quantities is associated with process transitions, rates, and measures as a cost of using cryptographic primitives. This method supports users’ input in analysing the protocol's activities and performance. As a proof of concept, we deploy this approach to assess the performance of security protocols designed to protect large-scale, 5G-based Device-to-Device communications. We also conducted a performance evaluation of the protocols based on analytical and network simulator results to compare the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2023 The Author(s)
Performance evaluation of rockburst prediction based on PSO-SVM, HHO-SVM, and MFO-SVM hybrid models
- Zhou, Jian, Yang, Peixi, Peng, Pingan, Khandelwal, Manoj, Qiu, Yingui
- Authors: Zhou, Jian , Yang, Peixi , Peng, Pingan , Khandelwal, Manoj , Qiu, Yingui
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Vol. 40, no. 2 (2023), p. 617-635
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rockburst prediction is crucial in deep hard rock mines and tunnels to make safer working conditions. Due to the complex interaction of many factors involved in rockburst prediction, such as multi-variable and multi-interference factors, three hybrid support vector machine (SVM) models optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO), Harris hawk optimization (HHO), and moth flame optimization (MFO) are proposed to predict rockburst hazard level (RHL). The RHL is determined according to four kinds of microseismic characteristic parameters including angular frequency ratio, total energy, apparent stress, and convexity radius. Then, six types of microseismic characteristic parameters are taken as input variables in 343 sets of data, including angular frequency ratio and total energy, etc. And the RHL is taken as the output target of rockburst prediction. The classification performance of PSO-SVM, HHO-SVM, and MFO-SVM hybrid models is evaluated by accuracy (ACC), precision (PRE), and kappa coefficient. Findings reveal that the MFO-SVM model performs best in terms of accuracy, with ACC, PRE, and kappa coefficients reaching 0.9559, 0.9063, and 0.9094 respectively, while PSO-SVM and HHO-SVM have similar performances. However, the PSO-SVM, HHO-SVM, and MFO-SVM all perform better than the unoptimized SVM model. This confirms that the three optimization algorithms significantly enhance the rockburst prediction capacity of the SVM model to help mine practitioners apply machine learning methods to rockburst prediction problems appropriately. © 2023, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc.
- Authors: Zhou, Jian , Yang, Peixi , Peng, Pingan , Khandelwal, Manoj , Qiu, Yingui
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Vol. 40, no. 2 (2023), p. 617-635
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rockburst prediction is crucial in deep hard rock mines and tunnels to make safer working conditions. Due to the complex interaction of many factors involved in rockburst prediction, such as multi-variable and multi-interference factors, three hybrid support vector machine (SVM) models optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO), Harris hawk optimization (HHO), and moth flame optimization (MFO) are proposed to predict rockburst hazard level (RHL). The RHL is determined according to four kinds of microseismic characteristic parameters including angular frequency ratio, total energy, apparent stress, and convexity radius. Then, six types of microseismic characteristic parameters are taken as input variables in 343 sets of data, including angular frequency ratio and total energy, etc. And the RHL is taken as the output target of rockburst prediction. The classification performance of PSO-SVM, HHO-SVM, and MFO-SVM hybrid models is evaluated by accuracy (ACC), precision (PRE), and kappa coefficient. Findings reveal that the MFO-SVM model performs best in terms of accuracy, with ACC, PRE, and kappa coefficients reaching 0.9559, 0.9063, and 0.9094 respectively, while PSO-SVM and HHO-SVM have similar performances. However, the PSO-SVM, HHO-SVM, and MFO-SVM all perform better than the unoptimized SVM model. This confirms that the three optimization algorithms significantly enhance the rockburst prediction capacity of the SVM model to help mine practitioners apply machine learning methods to rockburst prediction problems appropriately. © 2023, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc.
Perspectives of Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community members regarding mental health services : a qualitative analysis
- Radhamony, Reshmy, Cross, Wendy, Townsin, Louise, Banik, Biswajit
- Authors: Radhamony, Reshmy , Cross, Wendy , Townsin, Louise , Banik, Biswajit
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Vol. 30, no. 4 (2023), p. 850-864
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: What Is Known about the Subject?: Immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker populations worldwide are at high risk of mental health issues National mental health policies call for recognising Australian society's multicultural characteristics to ensure adequate mental health services to CALD communities Several barriers exist for people from CALD communities in Victoria to access and utilise mental health services Improving mental health professionals' knowledge of mental health service provision and cultural responsiveness can enhance CALD community access to services. What Does this Paper Add to Existing Knowledge?: We analysed the perspectives of people from CALD communities in Victoria regarding their needs and experiences with mental health services. Participants reported diverse perceptions and understanding of mental health issues and services Various challenges were identified regarding health service utilisation for the CALD community in Victoria, including language barriers, stigma towards mental health issues, mental health illiteracy, distrust and lack of familiarity with mainstream mental health services. These challenges were acknowledged by community members even after a long residence in Australia The data generated on the beliefs about mental health issues and consequent help-seeking behaviours highlight the importance of culturally sensitive targeted prevention and early intervention strategies and ongoing commitment to building mental health literacy in the wider community. What Are the Implications for Practice?: The information from the study can be adapted for quality improvement and culturally responsive practices The strategies for effective service delivery drawn by this paper can be a comprehensive resource tool for mental health professionals, organisations and policymakers The findings imply that CALD mental health service users and their families will likely benefit from improved service assessment and quality of mental health care and equity when MHNs undertake cultural competence training and bring that into their practice. Abstract: Introduction: Victoria is one of the most multicultural states in Australia. Many CALD communities in Victoria may have encountered complicated migration journeys and complex life stressors during their initial settlement, leading to adverse mental health concerns. This diversity necessitates public policy settings to ensure equity and access in health services planning and delivery. While the MH policies and services take cultural diversity into account, there needs to be more implementation of those components of MH policies that relate to the particular needs of various CALD communities in Victoria. Even though mental health services prevent and address mental health issues, many barriers can impair CALD community access and utilisation of mental health services. Furthermore, the recent Royal Commission inquiry into the Victorian Mental Health system drives a renewed policy imperative to ensure meaningful engagement and cultural safety of all people accessing and utilising mental health services (Department of Health, 2023). Aim: This study focused on the perspectives of people from CALD communities in Victoria regarding their mental health service needs, understandings of and experiences with mental health services to prepare an education package for mental health nurses as part of a larger multi-method research project. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect and analyse the perspectives of 21 participants in Victoria, using telephone interviews, followed by thematic analysis. Results: The themes and sub-themes identified were: Settling issues; Perceptions of understanding of mental health issues (help-seeking attitudes toward mental health issues; the need for CALD community education); perceived barriers to accessing and utilising mental health services in Victoria (socio-cultural and language barriers; stigma, labelling and discrimination; knowledge and experience of accessing health facilities); experience with mental health servi es and professionals. Discussion: Community participation, mental health professional education and robust research regarding the mental health needs of CALD people are some of the recommended strategies to improve access and utilisation of mental health services in Victoria. Implications for practice: The current study can contribute to the existing knowledge, understanding, practice and quality improvement as it vividly portrays the issues of various CALD communities in Victoria. The findings of this study imply that CALD MH service users and their families are likely to benefit in terms of improved service assessment and quality of MH care and equity when MHNs undertake CC training and bring that into their practice. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Radhamony, Reshmy , Cross, Wendy , Townsin, Louise , Banik, Biswajit
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Vol. 30, no. 4 (2023), p. 850-864
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: What Is Known about the Subject?: Immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker populations worldwide are at high risk of mental health issues National mental health policies call for recognising Australian society's multicultural characteristics to ensure adequate mental health services to CALD communities Several barriers exist for people from CALD communities in Victoria to access and utilise mental health services Improving mental health professionals' knowledge of mental health service provision and cultural responsiveness can enhance CALD community access to services. What Does this Paper Add to Existing Knowledge?: We analysed the perspectives of people from CALD communities in Victoria regarding their needs and experiences with mental health services. Participants reported diverse perceptions and understanding of mental health issues and services Various challenges were identified regarding health service utilisation for the CALD community in Victoria, including language barriers, stigma towards mental health issues, mental health illiteracy, distrust and lack of familiarity with mainstream mental health services. These challenges were acknowledged by community members even after a long residence in Australia The data generated on the beliefs about mental health issues and consequent help-seeking behaviours highlight the importance of culturally sensitive targeted prevention and early intervention strategies and ongoing commitment to building mental health literacy in the wider community. What Are the Implications for Practice?: The information from the study can be adapted for quality improvement and culturally responsive practices The strategies for effective service delivery drawn by this paper can be a comprehensive resource tool for mental health professionals, organisations and policymakers The findings imply that CALD mental health service users and their families will likely benefit from improved service assessment and quality of mental health care and equity when MHNs undertake cultural competence training and bring that into their practice. Abstract: Introduction: Victoria is one of the most multicultural states in Australia. Many CALD communities in Victoria may have encountered complicated migration journeys and complex life stressors during their initial settlement, leading to adverse mental health concerns. This diversity necessitates public policy settings to ensure equity and access in health services planning and delivery. While the MH policies and services take cultural diversity into account, there needs to be more implementation of those components of MH policies that relate to the particular needs of various CALD communities in Victoria. Even though mental health services prevent and address mental health issues, many barriers can impair CALD community access and utilisation of mental health services. Furthermore, the recent Royal Commission inquiry into the Victorian Mental Health system drives a renewed policy imperative to ensure meaningful engagement and cultural safety of all people accessing and utilising mental health services (Department of Health, 2023). Aim: This study focused on the perspectives of people from CALD communities in Victoria regarding their mental health service needs, understandings of and experiences with mental health services to prepare an education package for mental health nurses as part of a larger multi-method research project. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect and analyse the perspectives of 21 participants in Victoria, using telephone interviews, followed by thematic analysis. Results: The themes and sub-themes identified were: Settling issues; Perceptions of understanding of mental health issues (help-seeking attitudes toward mental health issues; the need for CALD community education); perceived barriers to accessing and utilising mental health services in Victoria (socio-cultural and language barriers; stigma, labelling and discrimination; knowledge and experience of accessing health facilities); experience with mental health servi es and professionals. Discussion: Community participation, mental health professional education and robust research regarding the mental health needs of CALD people are some of the recommended strategies to improve access and utilisation of mental health services in Victoria. Implications for practice: The current study can contribute to the existing knowledge, understanding, practice and quality improvement as it vividly portrays the issues of various CALD communities in Victoria. The findings of this study imply that CALD MH service users and their families are likely to benefit in terms of improved service assessment and quality of MH care and equity when MHNs undertake CC training and bring that into their practice. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Pharmaceutical pollution in marine waters and benthic flora of the southern Australian coastline
- Long, Benjamin, Harriage, Samantha, Schultz, Nick, Sherman, Craig, Thomas, Michael
- Authors: Long, Benjamin , Harriage, Samantha , Schultz, Nick , Sherman, Craig , Thomas, Michael
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental chemistry Vol. 19, no. 6 (2023), p. 375-384
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- Description: Environmental context Most human pharmaceutical waste is discharged to the environment. While the presence of pharmaceuticals in freshwater systems is well documented globally, little is known of the impact on marine ecosystems. We measured pharmaceuticals in a marine environment in south-eastern Australia and found pharmaceutical concentrations around 24 000 times higher in benthic flora than in the marine surface waters. We discuss the potential use of seaweeds as biological indicators of pharmaceutical pollution. Rationale Pharmaceuticals are emerging pollutants of concern with a range of adverse consequences for organisms and ecosystems. Their presence in freshwater and estuarine systems has been well documented, but less is known about their prevalence in open ocean, or their uptake by benthic flora. This preliminary survey of the southern Australian coastline sought to measure the concentrations of key pharmaceuticals in both surface waters and benthic flora. Methodology This study used LC-MS/MS to measure the concentration carbamazepine, tramadol and venlafaxine in (1) samples from wastewater treatment plants, (2) ocean surface waters and (3) several species of benthic flora. Surface waters and benthic flora were sampled at two sites near waste water treatment plant (WWTP) discharges, and one site away from any discharge. Results All three pharmaceuticals were detected in surface water samples with their risk assessed (via risk quotient) as medium risk (carbamazepine) or low risk (venlafaxine, tramadol). All three pharmaceuticals were also detected in benthic flora, particularly in brown macroalgae Tramadol was measured at a maximum of 34.7 ng g
- Authors: Long, Benjamin , Harriage, Samantha , Schultz, Nick , Sherman, Craig , Thomas, Michael
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental chemistry Vol. 19, no. 6 (2023), p. 375-384
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Environmental context Most human pharmaceutical waste is discharged to the environment. While the presence of pharmaceuticals in freshwater systems is well documented globally, little is known of the impact on marine ecosystems. We measured pharmaceuticals in a marine environment in south-eastern Australia and found pharmaceutical concentrations around 24 000 times higher in benthic flora than in the marine surface waters. We discuss the potential use of seaweeds as biological indicators of pharmaceutical pollution. Rationale Pharmaceuticals are emerging pollutants of concern with a range of adverse consequences for organisms and ecosystems. Their presence in freshwater and estuarine systems has been well documented, but less is known about their prevalence in open ocean, or their uptake by benthic flora. This preliminary survey of the southern Australian coastline sought to measure the concentrations of key pharmaceuticals in both surface waters and benthic flora. Methodology This study used LC-MS/MS to measure the concentration carbamazepine, tramadol and venlafaxine in (1) samples from wastewater treatment plants, (2) ocean surface waters and (3) several species of benthic flora. Surface waters and benthic flora were sampled at two sites near waste water treatment plant (WWTP) discharges, and one site away from any discharge. Results All three pharmaceuticals were detected in surface water samples with their risk assessed (via risk quotient) as medium risk (carbamazepine) or low risk (venlafaxine, tramadol). All three pharmaceuticals were also detected in benthic flora, particularly in brown macroalgae Tramadol was measured at a maximum of 34.7 ng g
Pneumococcal carriage, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility in Papua New Guinean children vaccinated with PCV10 or PCV13 in a head-to-head trial
- Orami, Tilda, Aho, Celestine, Ford, Rebecca, Pomat, William, Greenhill, Andrew, Kirkham, Lea-Ann, Masiria, Geraldine, Nivio, Birunu, Britton, Kathryn, Jacoby, Peter, Richmond, Peter, van den Biggelaar, Anita, Lehmann, Deborah
- Authors: Orami, Tilda , Aho, Celestine , Ford, Rebecca , Pomat, William , Greenhill, Andrew , Kirkham, Lea-Ann , Masiria, Geraldine , Nivio, Birunu , Britton, Kathryn , Jacoby, Peter , Richmond, Peter , van den Biggelaar, Anita , Lehmann, Deborah
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Vaccine Vol. 41, no. 37 (2023), p. 5392-5399
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Children in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are at high risk of pneumococcal infections. We investigated pneumococcal carriage rates, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility in PNG children after vaccination with 10-valent or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV10; PCV13). Methods: Infants (N = 262) were randomized to receive 3 doses of PCV10 or PCV13 at 1-2-3 months of age, followed by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPV) or no PPV at 9 months of age. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) collected at ages 1, 4, 9, 10, 23 and 24 months were cultured using standard bacteriological procedures. Morphologically distinct Streptococcus pneumoniae colonies were serotyped by the Quellung reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: S. pneumoniae was isolated from 883/1063 NPS collected at 1–23 months of age, including 820 serotypeable (64 different serotypes) and 144 non-serotypeable isolates. At age 23 months, 93.6% (95%CI 86.6–97.6%) of PCV10 recipients and 88.6% (95%CI 80.1–94.4%) of PCV13 recipients were pneumococcal carriers, with higher carriage of PCV10 serotypes by PCV10 recipients (19.8%, 95%CI 12.2–29.5) than PCV13 recipients (9.3%, 95%CI 4.1–17.3) (p = 0.049). There were no other statistically significant differences between PCV10 and PCV13 recipients and children receiving PPV or no PPV. Nearly half (45.6%) of carried pneumococci were non-susceptible to penicillin based on the meningitis breakpoint (MIC
- Authors: Orami, Tilda , Aho, Celestine , Ford, Rebecca , Pomat, William , Greenhill, Andrew , Kirkham, Lea-Ann , Masiria, Geraldine , Nivio, Birunu , Britton, Kathryn , Jacoby, Peter , Richmond, Peter , van den Biggelaar, Anita , Lehmann, Deborah
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Vaccine Vol. 41, no. 37 (2023), p. 5392-5399
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Children in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are at high risk of pneumococcal infections. We investigated pneumococcal carriage rates, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility in PNG children after vaccination with 10-valent or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV10; PCV13). Methods: Infants (N = 262) were randomized to receive 3 doses of PCV10 or PCV13 at 1-2-3 months of age, followed by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPV) or no PPV at 9 months of age. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) collected at ages 1, 4, 9, 10, 23 and 24 months were cultured using standard bacteriological procedures. Morphologically distinct Streptococcus pneumoniae colonies were serotyped by the Quellung reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: S. pneumoniae was isolated from 883/1063 NPS collected at 1–23 months of age, including 820 serotypeable (64 different serotypes) and 144 non-serotypeable isolates. At age 23 months, 93.6% (95%CI 86.6–97.6%) of PCV10 recipients and 88.6% (95%CI 80.1–94.4%) of PCV13 recipients were pneumococcal carriers, with higher carriage of PCV10 serotypes by PCV10 recipients (19.8%, 95%CI 12.2–29.5) than PCV13 recipients (9.3%, 95%CI 4.1–17.3) (p = 0.049). There were no other statistically significant differences between PCV10 and PCV13 recipients and children receiving PPV or no PPV. Nearly half (45.6%) of carried pneumococci were non-susceptible to penicillin based on the meningitis breakpoint (MIC
Pomp and peculiarity : how two portraits epitomized the repute of two eminent Australian economists
- Authors: Millmow, Alex
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: History of Economics Review Vol. 85, no. 1 (2023), p. 72-85
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- Description: Economists, it seems, should be guarded about having their likeness taken for posterity. The end product is not as predictable as the legacies they leave behind. This article discusses such possibilities with the two portraits undertaken by two different artists of the leading figures of interwar and postwar Australian economics.
- Authors: Millmow, Alex
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: History of Economics Review Vol. 85, no. 1 (2023), p. 72-85
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Economists, it seems, should be guarded about having their likeness taken for posterity. The end product is not as predictable as the legacies they leave behind. This article discusses such possibilities with the two portraits undertaken by two different artists of the leading figures of interwar and postwar Australian economics.
Potential contributions of the soil seed bank and seed rain for accelerating the restoration of riparian catchments in Australia
- Florentine, Singarayer, Milberg, Per, Westbrooke, Martin
- Authors: Florentine, Singarayer , Milberg, Per , Westbrooke, Martin
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Ecology and Conservation Vol. 47, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The quality and quantity of soil seed bank composition can play a key role in secondary succession restoration efforts such as those involved in this study, which concerned the restoration of damaged native sites in riparian environments in Victoria, Australia. The objective of this study of the restoration work was to determine the role played by naturally existing soil seed bank in the success of natural restoration in these restored and unmanaged riparian areas. In this regard, we sampled the soil seed bank, seed rain, seedlings in the field and vegetation cover from three sub catchments defined by restoration attempts which had been conducted (i) < 3 years, (ii) 4–8 years, and (iii) > 9 years previous to sampling. In addition, (iv) in order to provide comparative data, adjacent sites (iv) chosen for future restoration and (v) with remnant vegetation, were also sampled. From samples, a total of 8858 seedlings were recorded from the seed bank and the vegetation survey showed 170 species, with exotic species being more numerous than native. The seed rain (a total of 1422 seeds) was dominated by exotic species at all sites. When comparing the vegetation distribution and the seed rain composition, it was clear that whilst the seed bank was more promising as a comparative recruitment source of native species, there were still too many sites dominated by exotic species to rely on this as a long-term restoration strategy. However, this study indicated that there were significant variations in restoration potential among the sites, suggesting that some careful prior site selection for investment of restoration efforts is an important issue. As a consequence, we have recommended that a detailed understanding of the soil seed bank and seed rain species composition prior to the restoration is essential, since a positive seed bank composition with a significant relative density of native species seeds, will provide an indication of native species’ resilience and their potential for recovery. We therefore believe that the findings of this study will provide valuable information to natural resource management agencies regarding the strategy for prioritisation of restoration sites, which will be more beneficial than randomly selecting sites for habitat restoration. In addition, with successful sector restoration, it is expected that the increasing usefulness of the seed bank will allow further restoration of adjacent areas with time. © 2023 The Authors
- Authors: Florentine, Singarayer , Milberg, Per , Westbrooke, Martin
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Ecology and Conservation Vol. 47, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The quality and quantity of soil seed bank composition can play a key role in secondary succession restoration efforts such as those involved in this study, which concerned the restoration of damaged native sites in riparian environments in Victoria, Australia. The objective of this study of the restoration work was to determine the role played by naturally existing soil seed bank in the success of natural restoration in these restored and unmanaged riparian areas. In this regard, we sampled the soil seed bank, seed rain, seedlings in the field and vegetation cover from three sub catchments defined by restoration attempts which had been conducted (i) < 3 years, (ii) 4–8 years, and (iii) > 9 years previous to sampling. In addition, (iv) in order to provide comparative data, adjacent sites (iv) chosen for future restoration and (v) with remnant vegetation, were also sampled. From samples, a total of 8858 seedlings were recorded from the seed bank and the vegetation survey showed 170 species, with exotic species being more numerous than native. The seed rain (a total of 1422 seeds) was dominated by exotic species at all sites. When comparing the vegetation distribution and the seed rain composition, it was clear that whilst the seed bank was more promising as a comparative recruitment source of native species, there were still too many sites dominated by exotic species to rely on this as a long-term restoration strategy. However, this study indicated that there were significant variations in restoration potential among the sites, suggesting that some careful prior site selection for investment of restoration efforts is an important issue. As a consequence, we have recommended that a detailed understanding of the soil seed bank and seed rain species composition prior to the restoration is essential, since a positive seed bank composition with a significant relative density of native species seeds, will provide an indication of native species’ resilience and their potential for recovery. We therefore believe that the findings of this study will provide valuable information to natural resource management agencies regarding the strategy for prioritisation of restoration sites, which will be more beneficial than randomly selecting sites for habitat restoration. In addition, with successful sector restoration, it is expected that the increasing usefulness of the seed bank will allow further restoration of adjacent areas with time. © 2023 The Authors
Powered mobility device use in residential aged care : a retrospective audit of incidents and injuries
- Dickson, Natalie, Gohil, Apeksha, Unsworth, Carolyn
- Authors: Dickson, Natalie , Gohil, Apeksha , Unsworth, Carolyn
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Geriatrics Vol. 23, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Powered wheelchairs and motorised mobility scooters, collectively called powered mobility devices (PMD), are highly valued by older Australians, including those living in residential care, to facilitate personal and community mobility. The number of PMDs in residential aged care is expected to grow proportionally with that of the wider community, however, there is very little literature on supporting residents to use PMDs safely. Prior to developing such supports, it is important to understand the frequency and nature of any incidents experienced by residents whilst using a PMD. The aim of this study was to determine the number and characteristics of PMD use related incidents occurring in a group of residential aged care facilities in a single year in one state in Australia including incident type, severity, assessment, or training received and outcomes on follow-up for PMD users living in residential aged care. Methods: Analysis of secondary data, including documentation of PMD incidents and injuries for one aged care provider group over 12 months retrospectively. Follow-up data were gathered 9–12 months post incident to review and record the outcome for each PMD user. Results: No fatalities were recorded as a direct result of PMD use and 55 incidents, including collisions, tips, and falls, were attributed to 30 residents. Examination of demographics and incident characteristics found that 67% of residents who had incurred incidents were male, 67% were over 80 years of age, 97% had multiple diagnoses and 53% had not received training to use a PMD. Results from this study were extrapolated to project that 4,453 PMD use related incidents occur every year within Australian residential aged care facilities, with the potential for outcomes such as extended recovery, fatality, litigation, or loss of income. Conclusion: This is the first time that detailed incident data on PMD use in residential aged care has been reviewed in an Australian context. Illuminating both the benefits and the potential risks of PMD use emphasizes the need to develop and improve support structures to promote safe PMD use in residential aged care. © 2023, Crown.
- Authors: Dickson, Natalie , Gohil, Apeksha , Unsworth, Carolyn
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Geriatrics Vol. 23, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Powered wheelchairs and motorised mobility scooters, collectively called powered mobility devices (PMD), are highly valued by older Australians, including those living in residential care, to facilitate personal and community mobility. The number of PMDs in residential aged care is expected to grow proportionally with that of the wider community, however, there is very little literature on supporting residents to use PMDs safely. Prior to developing such supports, it is important to understand the frequency and nature of any incidents experienced by residents whilst using a PMD. The aim of this study was to determine the number and characteristics of PMD use related incidents occurring in a group of residential aged care facilities in a single year in one state in Australia including incident type, severity, assessment, or training received and outcomes on follow-up for PMD users living in residential aged care. Methods: Analysis of secondary data, including documentation of PMD incidents and injuries for one aged care provider group over 12 months retrospectively. Follow-up data were gathered 9–12 months post incident to review and record the outcome for each PMD user. Results: No fatalities were recorded as a direct result of PMD use and 55 incidents, including collisions, tips, and falls, were attributed to 30 residents. Examination of demographics and incident characteristics found that 67% of residents who had incurred incidents were male, 67% were over 80 years of age, 97% had multiple diagnoses and 53% had not received training to use a PMD. Results from this study were extrapolated to project that 4,453 PMD use related incidents occur every year within Australian residential aged care facilities, with the potential for outcomes such as extended recovery, fatality, litigation, or loss of income. Conclusion: This is the first time that detailed incident data on PMD use in residential aged care has been reviewed in an Australian context. Illuminating both the benefits and the potential risks of PMD use emphasizes the need to develop and improve support structures to promote safe PMD use in residential aged care. © 2023, Crown.
Prediction of blast-induced air overpressure using a hybrid machine learning model and gene expression programming (GEP) : a case study from an iron ore mine
- Kazemi, Mohammad, Nabavi, Zohreh, Khandelwal, Manoj
- Authors: Kazemi, Mohammad , Nabavi, Zohreh , Khandelwal, Manoj
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: AIMS Geosciences Vol. 9, no. 2 (2023), p. 357-381
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mine blasting can have a destructive effect on the environment. Among these effects, air overpressure (AOp) is a major concern. Therefore, a careful assessment of the AOp intensity should be conducted before any blasting operation in order to minimize the associated environmental detriment. Several empirical models have been established to predict and control AOp. However, the current empirical methods have many limitations, including low accuracy, poor generalizability, consideration only of linear relationships among influencing parameters, and investigation of only a few influencing parameters. Thus, the current research presents a hybrid model which combines an extreme gradient boosting algorithm (XGB) with grey wolf optimization (GWO) for accurately predicting AOp. Furthermore, an empirical model and gene expression programming (GEP) were used to assess the validity of the hybrid model (XGB-GWO). An analysis of 66 blastings with their corresponding AOp values and influential parameters was conducted to achieve the goals of this research. The efficiency of AOp prediction methods was evaluated in terms of mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R 2 ), and root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the calculations, the XGB-GWO model has performed as well as the empirical and GEP models. Next, the most significant parameters for predicting AOp were determined using a sensitivity analysis. Based on the analysis results, stemming length and rock quality designation (RQD) were identified as two variables with the greatest influence. This study showed that the proposed XGB-GWO method was robust and applicable for predicting AOp driven by blasting operations.
- Authors: Kazemi, Mohammad , Nabavi, Zohreh , Khandelwal, Manoj
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: AIMS Geosciences Vol. 9, no. 2 (2023), p. 357-381
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mine blasting can have a destructive effect on the environment. Among these effects, air overpressure (AOp) is a major concern. Therefore, a careful assessment of the AOp intensity should be conducted before any blasting operation in order to minimize the associated environmental detriment. Several empirical models have been established to predict and control AOp. However, the current empirical methods have many limitations, including low accuracy, poor generalizability, consideration only of linear relationships among influencing parameters, and investigation of only a few influencing parameters. Thus, the current research presents a hybrid model which combines an extreme gradient boosting algorithm (XGB) with grey wolf optimization (GWO) for accurately predicting AOp. Furthermore, an empirical model and gene expression programming (GEP) were used to assess the validity of the hybrid model (XGB-GWO). An analysis of 66 blastings with their corresponding AOp values and influential parameters was conducted to achieve the goals of this research. The efficiency of AOp prediction methods was evaluated in terms of mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R 2 ), and root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the calculations, the XGB-GWO model has performed as well as the empirical and GEP models. Next, the most significant parameters for predicting AOp were determined using a sensitivity analysis. Based on the analysis results, stemming length and rock quality designation (RQD) were identified as two variables with the greatest influence. This study showed that the proposed XGB-GWO method was robust and applicable for predicting AOp driven by blasting operations.
Predictors of nursing student satisfaction as a key quality indicator of tertiary students' education experience : an integrative review
- Cant, Robyn, Gazula, Swapnali, Ryan, Colleen
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Gazula, Swapnali , Ryan, Colleen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nurse Education Today Vol. 126, no. (2023), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Student satisfaction is an important quality indicator in higher education, impacting student retention and institutional rankings. Healthcare education literature lacks factors related to student satisfaction. Reporting these elements might assist educators in curriculum design that helps to retain students. This is imperative for nursing education with the current global need for graduates. Objectives: To explore, synthesize and report available evidence on conceptual elements underlying the formation of higher education students' satisfaction, with a focus on nursing education. Design: Integrative review. Data sources: Six databases were searched for learner experiences of satisfaction: MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, ERIC, APA PsychArticles, PsychInfo. Articles were screened, assessed for quality and 12 nursing student studies and 10 conceptual studies of mixed student cohorts were reviewed. Review methods: Peer-reviewed literature in English during the period 2012 to 2022 was reviewed using methods documented for an integrative review. Results: Twenty-two included studies were mostly quasi-experimental, based on statistical analysis of higher education student surveys. Antecedent elements affecting satisfaction in mixed student cohorts were Service Quality, Institutional Image and perceived Value. These studies identified up to seven dimensions underlying student satisfaction. Nursing studies were focused on the quality of service delivery related to teaching and confirmed five elements: Faculty, Learning environment, Curriculum, Social interaction and Development. Conceptual studies also reported ‘consequent’ elements, high satisfaction resulting in positive student behavioural intent, loyalty and positive word of mouth. The details of antecedent and consequent elements that underlie student satisfaction are described. Conclusion: Conceptual studies of mixed student cohorts identified nine elements that inform student satisfaction with learning experiences. Nursing student studies tested fewer variables and confirmed up to five elements forming student satisfaction. There is a need to investigate the impact of additional key elements in nursing students - perceptions of value, institutional image and administrative support. © 2023 The Authors
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Gazula, Swapnali , Ryan, Colleen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nurse Education Today Vol. 126, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Student satisfaction is an important quality indicator in higher education, impacting student retention and institutional rankings. Healthcare education literature lacks factors related to student satisfaction. Reporting these elements might assist educators in curriculum design that helps to retain students. This is imperative for nursing education with the current global need for graduates. Objectives: To explore, synthesize and report available evidence on conceptual elements underlying the formation of higher education students' satisfaction, with a focus on nursing education. Design: Integrative review. Data sources: Six databases were searched for learner experiences of satisfaction: MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, ERIC, APA PsychArticles, PsychInfo. Articles were screened, assessed for quality and 12 nursing student studies and 10 conceptual studies of mixed student cohorts were reviewed. Review methods: Peer-reviewed literature in English during the period 2012 to 2022 was reviewed using methods documented for an integrative review. Results: Twenty-two included studies were mostly quasi-experimental, based on statistical analysis of higher education student surveys. Antecedent elements affecting satisfaction in mixed student cohorts were Service Quality, Institutional Image and perceived Value. These studies identified up to seven dimensions underlying student satisfaction. Nursing studies were focused on the quality of service delivery related to teaching and confirmed five elements: Faculty, Learning environment, Curriculum, Social interaction and Development. Conceptual studies also reported ‘consequent’ elements, high satisfaction resulting in positive student behavioural intent, loyalty and positive word of mouth. The details of antecedent and consequent elements that underlie student satisfaction are described. Conclusion: Conceptual studies of mixed student cohorts identified nine elements that inform student satisfaction with learning experiences. Nursing student studies tested fewer variables and confirmed up to five elements forming student satisfaction. There is a need to investigate the impact of additional key elements in nursing students - perceptions of value, institutional image and administrative support. © 2023 The Authors
Pregnancy complications and their association with postpartum depression symptoms : a retrospective study
- Swart, Taliah, Shandley, Kerrie, Huynh, Minh, Brown, Christine, Austin, David, Bhowmik, Jahar
- Authors: Swart, Taliah , Shandley, Kerrie , Huynh, Minh , Brown, Christine , Austin, David , Bhowmik, Jahar
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 75, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Postpartum depression affects around 17% of the women worldwide and has considerable implications for maternal and child health. While some risk factors have been identified, the association between pregnancy and delivery complications and postpartum depression is less well understood. This study aims to determine whether specific pregnancy complications are associated with risk of postpartum depression symptoms (PPDS). Method: This study analysed a subset of variables collected as part of a larger study exploring pregnancy circumstances and maternal-foetal health outcomes. Mothers residing in Australia provided information on their biological children aged 3–13 years. Pregnancy complications were analysed using bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression. Results: Mothers (N = 1,926) reported on N = 3,210 pregnancies (mean number of pregnancies = 1.27, SD = 0.97). At the time of childbirth, mothers were on average 30.1 years old (SD = 5.14). Experiencing a pregnancy complication increased the risk of PPDS (X2 = 16.45, df = 1, p < 0.001) However, logistic regression analyses indicated an increased risk of PPDS was associated with the specific pregnancy complications of cytomegalovirus (AOR = 7.06, 95% CI[1.51,32.98]), emergency caesarean (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI[1.31,2.12]), foetal distress before birth (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI[1.16,1.91]), induced labour (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI[1.25,1.91]) and placenta previa (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI[1.44,4.71]). Conclusion: Specific pregnancy complications were associated with PPDS, suggesting that some complications may pose a greater risk for PPDS than others. This study contributes to the growing understanding of peripartum risk factors for postpartum depression, and suggests that early clinical identification of at-risk mothers and early prophylactic and supportive care may be warranted to reduce that risk. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Swart, Taliah , Shandley, Kerrie , Huynh, Minh , Brown, Christine , Austin, David , Bhowmik, Jahar
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Psychology Vol. 75, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Postpartum depression affects around 17% of the women worldwide and has considerable implications for maternal and child health. While some risk factors have been identified, the association between pregnancy and delivery complications and postpartum depression is less well understood. This study aims to determine whether specific pregnancy complications are associated with risk of postpartum depression symptoms (PPDS). Method: This study analysed a subset of variables collected as part of a larger study exploring pregnancy circumstances and maternal-foetal health outcomes. Mothers residing in Australia provided information on their biological children aged 3–13 years. Pregnancy complications were analysed using bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression. Results: Mothers (N = 1,926) reported on N = 3,210 pregnancies (mean number of pregnancies = 1.27, SD = 0.97). At the time of childbirth, mothers were on average 30.1 years old (SD = 5.14). Experiencing a pregnancy complication increased the risk of PPDS (X2 = 16.45, df = 1, p < 0.001) However, logistic regression analyses indicated an increased risk of PPDS was associated with the specific pregnancy complications of cytomegalovirus (AOR = 7.06, 95% CI[1.51,32.98]), emergency caesarean (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI[1.31,2.12]), foetal distress before birth (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI[1.16,1.91]), induced labour (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI[1.25,1.91]) and placenta previa (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI[1.44,4.71]). Conclusion: Specific pregnancy complications were associated with PPDS, suggesting that some complications may pose a greater risk for PPDS than others. This study contributes to the growing understanding of peripartum risk factors for postpartum depression, and suggests that early clinical identification of at-risk mothers and early prophylactic and supportive care may be warranted to reduce that risk. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.