List of Titles

Biodiesels from three feedstock : The effect of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles diesel engine parameters fuelled with biodiesel

- Hoseini, Seyed, Najafi, Gholamhassan, Ghobadian, Barat, Ebadi, Mohammad, Mamat, Rizalman, Yusaf, Talal

Authors: Hoseini, Seyed , Najafi, Gholamhassan , Ghobadian, Barat , Ebadi, Mohammad , Mamat, Rizalman , Yusaf, Talal
Date: 2020
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Renewable Energy Vol. 145, no. (2020), p. 190-201
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Physicochemical characteristics of three type biodiesel feedstock and diesel engine parameters fuelled with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles addition in diesel/biodiesel blends have been investigated. Three types of oilseeds, namely Evening primrose (Oenothera lamarckiana), the fruit of Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Camelina (Camelina sativa), were selected as suitable resources for Iran. The result showed that the Tree of heaven contains 38% oil which is higher than the Evening primrose (26%) and Camelina (29%). Physicochemical properties of the oils showed that the viscosity of the Camelina oilseeds was less than the Tree of heaven oilseeds and Evening primrose oilseeds. Therefore, in terms of viscosity, the Camelina oilseeds is preferable. Experimental results showed that the biodiesel from all three types of oilseeds are consistent with the ASTM biodiesel standards. However, Camelina biodiesel has better physicochemical properties than another feedstock. Therefore, biodiesel of Camelina oil can be an appropriate alternative to diesel fuels in Iran. Performance and emission parameters of diesel engine fuelled with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles addition in three biodiesel resources compared with diesel. A reduction in UHCs, CO, and BSFC with a penalty of increased NOx emissions was realized with all graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles addition in diesel/biodiesel blends. Also, with Camelina biodiesel, the power increased.

"It Doesn't Make Sense for Us Not to Have One" - Understanding reasons why community sports organizations chose to participate in a funded automated external defibrillator program

- Fortington, Lauren, Bekker, Sheree, Morgan, Damian, Finch, Caroline

Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Bekker, Sheree , Morgan, Damian , Finch, Caroline
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine Vol. 29, no. 4 (2019), p. 324-328
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Objective: Implementation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in community sports settings is an important component of emergency medical planning. This study aimed to understand motivations for why sports organizations participated in a government-funded program that provided AEDs and associated first-aid training. Design: Face-to-face interviews. Setting: Community sports organizations in Victoria, Australia. Participants: Representatives from 14 organizations who participated in a government-funded AED program. Main Outcome Measures: Motivations to participate in the AED program were explored using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Two overarching themes emerged: awareness of the program and decision to apply. Awareness was gained indirectly through grant advertising in newsletters/emails/web sites and directly through their sporting associations. For most organizations, there was no decision process per se, rather, the opportunity to apply was the key determinant for participating in the program. A duty of care also emerged as a key driving factor, with recognition of AEDs as a valuable asset to communities broadly, not just the participants' immediate sports setting. Reflecting on participation in the program, these participants identified that it was important to increase awareness about AED ownership and use. The program benefits were clearly summed up as being best prepared for a worst-case scenario. Discussion: This study provides new understanding of why community sports organizations apply for an AED and training. The strongest reason was simply the opportunity to acquire this at no cost. Therefore, for wider implementation of AEDs, additional funding opportunities, targeted awareness of these opportunities, and continued promotion of AED importance are recommended.

"My Country all gone the white men have stolen it" : The invasion of Wadawurrung Country 1800-1870

- Cahir, David (Fred)

Authors: Cahir, David (Fred)
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Book
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: "The Wadawurrung are the Aboriginal people whose Country includes the cities now known as Ballarat and Geelong. Fred Cahir examines the contact history in the period 1800-1870 of the Wadawurrung and the ngamadjidj (generally translated as white stranger belonging to the sea). Divided into chronological and thematic section, the book chronicles three waves of invasion: the early invasion period incorporating trespassers predominately from the sea, the sheepherders or squatters who followed in their wake and usurped the Wadawurrung of all their Country for sheep runs, and the third wave of invaders - the gold seekers. This historical study is transformative as it presents a compelling argument of how the Wadawurrung were active agents of change and sought cultural enrichment in the midst of the frontier war on their Country." --back cover.

Quick View

'EYE' : the End of Year Exhibition 2019

Date: 2019
Type: Text , Artwork , Visual art work
Full Text: false
Description: 16th-24th November 2019. The Arts Academy at Federation University Australia presents the formal opening of ‘EYE’: the 2019 End of Year Exhibition, showcasing the extraordinary breadth and talent of the graduating visual arts and communication design students. Passionate, contemporary, challenging and visionary, audiences will navigate a highly diverse and eclectic exhibition, a feast of contemporary art that will excite and ignite Ballarat’s Mining Exchange. The annual EYE Exhibition represents an opportunity for the Ballarat community to step into the creative hothouse of the Arts Academy and explore the future of contemporary art in Australia. The Arts Academy strives for excellence in the visual and performing arts and prides itself as a centre for culture and artistic practice. The exhibiting students are emerging artists who continue to broaden their horizons by immersing themselves into the wider world of the Arts and the community in general.

'In a blink of an eye your life can change ' : Experiences of players sustaining a rugby-related acute spinal cord injury

- Badenhorst, Marelise, Verhagen, Evert, Lambert, Michael, van Mechelen, Willem, Brown, James

Authors: Badenhorst, Marelise , Verhagen, Evert , Lambert, Michael , van Mechelen, Willem , Brown, James
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 25, no. 4 (2019), p. 313-320
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Background Though rare, rugby union carries a risk for serious injuries such as acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI), which may result in permanent disability. Various studies have investigated injury mechanisms, prevention programmes and immediate medical management of these injuries. However, relatively scant attention has been placed on the player's experience of such an injury and the importance of context. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the injury experience and its related context, as perceived by the catastrophically injured player. Methods A qualitative approach was followed to explore the immediate, postevent injury experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 (n=48) players who had sustained a rugby-related ASCI. Results Four themes were derived from the data. Participants described the context around the injury incident, which may be valuable to help understand the mechanism of injury and potentially minimise risk. Participants also described certain contributing factors to their injury, which included descriptions of foul play and aggression, unaccustomed playing positions, pressure to perform and unpreparedness. The physical experience included signs and symptoms of ASCI that is important to recognise by first aiders, fellow teammates, coaches and referees. Lastly, participants described the emotional experience which has implications for all ASCI first responders. Significance All rugby stakeholders, including players, first responders, coaches and referees, may gain valuable information from the experiences of players who have sustained these injuries. This information is also relevant for rugby safety initiatives in shaping education and awareness interventions.

'To die, to sleep' - assisted dying legislation in Victoria : A case study

- Gilbert, Julia, Boag, Jane

Authors: Gilbert, Julia , Boag, Jane
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Nursing Ethics Vol. 26, no. 7-8 (2019), p. 1976-1982
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Background: Assisted dying remains an emotive topic globally with a number of countries initiating legislation to allow individuals access to assisted dying measures. Victoria will become the first Australian state in over 13 years to pass Assisted Dying Legislation, set to come into effect in 2019. Objectives: This article sought to evaluate the impact of Victorian Assisted Dying Legislation via narrative view and case study presentation. Research design: Narrative review and case study. Participants and research context: case study. Ethical considerations: This legislation will provide eligible Victorian residents with the option to request access to assisted dying measures as a viable alternative to a potentially painful, protracted death. Findings: This legislation, while conservative and inclusive of many safeguards at present, will form the basis for further discussion and debate on assisted dying across Australia in time to come. Discussion: The passing of this legislation by the Victorian parliament was prolonged, emotive and divided not only the parliament but Australian society. Conclusion: Many advocates for this legislation proclaimed it was well overdue and will finally meet the needs of contemporary society. Protagonists claim that medical treatment should not provide a means of ending life, despite palliative care reportedly often failing to relieve the pain and suffering of individuals living with a terminal illness.

'You Beauty' Alex Jesaulenko An historical exploration of the migrant who became a legend

- Eddy, Daniel

Authors: Eddy, Daniel
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
Full Text: false
Description: The Austrian-born Alex Jesaulenko played football in the Victorian Football League (VFL) from 1967 to 1981. His rise to national prominence emerged during a period of great change within both Australian society and Australian rules football. This thesis, through a critical biographical approach, examines for the first time Jesaulenko’s early life, looking at his migrant experience and the role that Australian rules football played in aiding his integration into Australian society. It is not a kick-and-handball analysis of Jesaulenko’s entire football career; that has been extensively covered within copious amounts of primary and secondary sources. Instead, it explores his migrant journey – an important aspect of Jesaulenko’s life which has been largely overlooked – and the key developmental years of sporting education prior to emerging as a VFL champion. It concludes with one of, if not the most, iconic moments in the game’s history: Jesaulenko’s mark in the 1970 VFL grand final, which cemented his name within the Australian sporting consciousness. Australian rules football, and sport more generally, holds a unique place within society. Footballers, it can be argued, are archetypes for our daily dreams and aspirations; exalted figures that we afford status which few will experience in their everyday lives. Therefore, it is through the prism of Jesaulenko’s journey that we can learn more about the role Australian rules football has played for migrants integrating into Australian society.
Description: Doctor of Philosophy

10 tips for using video analysis more effectively in physical education

- Beseler, Brad, Plumb, Mandy

Authors: Beseler, Brad , Plumb, Mandy
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 90, no. 1 (2019), p. 52-56
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: In order for video replay to be an effective assessment and teaching tool, a number of steps need to be followed. This article provides some useful tips for physical educators to ensure they are implementing this video technology effectively when teaching the overarm throw.

A 2-year prospective study of injury epidemiology in elite Australian rugby sevens : Exploration of incidence rates, severity, injury type, and subsequent injury in men and women

- Toohey, Liam, Drew, Michael, Finch, Caroline, Cook, Jill, Fortington, Lauren

Authors: Toohey, Liam , Drew, Michael , Finch, Caroline , Cook, Jill , Fortington, Lauren
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: American Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 47, no. 6 (2019), p. 1302-1311
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Background: Injuries are common in rugby sevens, but studies to date have been limited to short, noncontinuous periods and reporting of match injuries only. Purpose: To report the injury incidence rate (IIR), severity, and burden of injuries sustained by men and women in the Australian rugby sevens program and to provide the first longitudinal investigation of subsequent injury occurrence in rugby sevens looking beyond tournament injuries only. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Ninety international rugby sevens players (55 men and 35 women) were prospectively followed over 2 consecutive seasons (2015-2016 and 2016-2017). All medical attention injuries were reported irrespective of time loss. Individual exposure in terms of minutes, distance, and high-speed distance was captured for each player for matches and on-field training, with the use of global positioning system devices. The IIR and injury burden (IIR × days lost to injury) were calculated per 1000 player-hours, and descriptive analyses were performed. Results: Seventy-three players (81.1%) sustained 365 injuries at an IIR of 43.2 per 1000 player-hours (95% CI, 43.0-43.3). As compared with male players, female players experienced a lower IIR (incidence rate ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.91). Female players also sustained a higher proportion of injuries to the trunk region (relative risk, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.28-2.40) but a lower number to the head/neck region (relative risk, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.93; P =.011). The majority (80.7%) of subsequent injuries were of a different site and nature than previous injuries. A trend toward a reduced number of days, participation time, distance, and high-speed distance completed before the next injury was observed after successive injury occurrence. Conclusion: Female players have a lower IIR than male players, with variation of injury profiles observed between sexes. With a surveillance period of 2 years, subsequent injuries account for the majority of injuries sustained in rugby sevens, and they are typically different from previous types of sustained injuries. After each successive injury, the risk profile for future injury occurrence appears to be altered, which warrants further investigation to inform injury prevention strategies in rugby sevens.

A computational model to investigate the influence of electrode lengths on the single probe bipolar radiofrequency ablation of the liver

- Cheong, Jason, Yap, Shelley, Ooi, Ean Tat, Ooi, Ean Hin

Authors: Cheong, Jason , Yap, Shelley , Ooi, Ean Tat , Ooi, Ean Hin
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Vol. 176, no. (2019), p. 17-32
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Background and objectives: Recently, there have been calls for RFA to be implemented in the bipolar mode for cancer treatment due to the benefits it offers over the monopolar mode. These include the ability to prevent skin burns at the grounding pad and to avoid tumour track seeding. The usage of bipolar RFA in clinical practice remains uncommon however, as not many research studies have been carried out on bipolar RFA. As such, there is still uncertainty in understanding the effects of the different RF probe configurations on the treatment outcome of RFA. This paper demonstrates that the electrode lengths have a strong influence on the mechanics of bipolar RFA. The information obtained here may lead to further optimization of the system for subsequent uses in the hospitals. Methods: A 2D model in the axisymmetric coordinates was developed to simulate the electro-thermophysiological responses of the tissue during a single probe bipolar RFA. Two different probe configurations were considered, namely the configuration where the active electrode is longer than the ground and the configuration where the ground electrode is longer than the active. The mathematical model was first verified with an existing experimental study found in the literature. Results: Results from the simulations showed that heating is confined only to the region around the shorter electrode, regardless of whether the shorter electrode is the active or the ground. Consequently, thermal coagulation also occurs in the region surrounding the shorter electrode. This opened up the possibility for a better customized treatment through the development of RF probes with adjustable electrode lengths. Conclusions: The electrode length was found to play a significant role on the outcome of single probe bipolar RFA. In particular, the length of the shorter electrode becomes the limiting factor that influences the mechanics of single probe bipolar RFA. Results from this study can be used to further develop and optimize bipolar RFA as an effective and reliable cancer treatment technique. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quick View

A computer-aided unit process sustainable modelling for manufacturing processes : Case for extrusion process

- Singh, Karmjit, Sultan, Ibrahim

Authors: Singh, Karmjit , Sultan, Ibrahim
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Production and Manufacturing Research-an Open Access Journal Vol. 7, no. 1 (2019), p. 143-160
Full Text:
Reviewed:
Description: Sustainable manufacturing assessment is meant to ensure that products are manufactured such that negative environmental impacts are reduced by conserving energy and managing the use of natural resources as well as ensuring economical soundness for the process. The main objective of this work is to introduce sustainable development methodology/models for manufacturing processes. For this purpose, the paper utilizes background data, develops a computer model and presents detailed case studies. This paper will identify and adopt key performance indicators (KPIs) and utilize these to assess the sustainability of extrusion process and their designs. Different manufacturing parameters such as material types, product specifications and manufacturing tools are considered in the process of measuring sustainability. The proposed computer model is verified with data obtain from actual aluminium extrusion plants.

A content analysis of cross-cultural motivational studies in tourism relating to nationalities

- Soldatenko, Daria, Backer, Elisa

Authors: Soldatenko, Daria , Backer, Elisa
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management Vol. 38, no. (2019), p. 122-139
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: The importance of outbound markets to a host country has increased scholars' interest in understanding motivational factors. Motivation is a basic determinant of tourists' behaviour and has a fundamental role in tourism. The awareness of motivational differences among tourists from main generating markets is a prerequisite for effective and successful destination marketing programs. However, cross-cultural motivation comparisons of tourists from different cultural backgrounds has received relatively little research attention. In addition, there has not been a content analysis undertaken on this topic. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine and synthesise previous studies on cross-cultural tourist motivation comparison, reveal the gaps in the literature and indicate the future research trends. A review of 71 publications covering a period of 30 years, from 1988 to 2017, was conducted. This study focuses on both subject areas and research methods used. The findings of this content analysis identified a recent growth in cross-cultural comparison studies. The analysis also revealed an increase in more advanced analysis including multiple variables such as motivations, satisfaction, segmentation of visitors, intention behaviours, and information search behaviour. The analysis of nationalities compared in the reviewed studies indicated the shift of research interest towards Asian countries. In the case of research methods, quantitative design is more common for cross-cultural motivation studies.

A content analysis of CSR research in hotel industry, 2006-2017

- Moyeen, Abdul, Kamal, Shahnawaz, Yousuf, Mohammad

Authors: Moyeen, Abdul , Kamal, Shahnawaz , Yousuf, Mohammad
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Book chapter
Relation: Responsibility and Governance: The Twin Pillars of Sustainability (part of the Aproaches to Global Sustainability, Markets, and Governance book series) p. 163-179
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Despite the progress of the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in recent decades, the knowledge of CSR has been very limited in hospitality and tourism industry in general and in hotel industry in particular. A literature search revealed that scholarly research in the area of CSR in hotel industry began in mid-2000 and it has grown in recent years. However, there has been no review of literature conducted covering CSR issues exclusively in hotel industry. Given the growth of publications in CSR research in hotel industry, it was felt that a content analysis of research would be valuable to scholarship. The present study aims to contribute to this end by presenting a review of articles published in scholarly journals until mid-2017. The findings suggest that the initial focus of CSR research in hotel industry was in the area of CSR practices (economic, social and environmental), impact and importance of CSR, perceptions of CSR by consumers and managers. Interestingly, with the growth of research in recent years, the focus has shifted more towards CSR communication/reporting, green/environmental responsibility and sustainability area. This paper is perhaps the first content analysis of CSR research in hotel industry—an industry that is often blamed for irresponsible use of environmental resources and hence responsible for environmental un-sustainability. It is envisaged that this paper will stimulate further research into CSR in hotel industry and therefore to contribute to advance the field.

Quick View

A counterexample to De Pierro's conjecture on the convergence of under-relaxed cyclic projections

- Cominetti, Roberto, Roshchina, Vera, Williamson, Andrew

Authors: Cominetti, Roberto , Roshchina, Vera , Williamson, Andrew
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article , acceptedVersion
Relation: Optimization Vol. 68, no. 1 (2019), p. 3-12
Full Text:
Reviewed:
Description: The convex feasibility problem consists in finding a point in the intersection of a finite family of closed convex sets. When the intersection is empty, a best compromise is to search for a point that minimizes the sum of the squared distances to the sets. In 2001, de Pierro conjectured that the limit cycles generated by the ε-under-relaxed cyclic projection method converge when ε ↓ 0 towards a least squares solution. While the conjecture has been confirmed under fairly general conditions, we show that it is false in general by constructing a system of three compact convex sets in R3 for which the ε-under-relaxed cycles do not converge. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

A difference of convex optimization algorithm for piecewise linear regression

- Bagirov, Adil, Taheri, Sona, Asadi, Soodabeh

Authors: Bagirov, Adil , Taheri, Sona , Asadi, Soodabeh
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization Vol. 15, no. 2 (2019), p. 909-932
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: The problem of finding a continuous piecewise linear function approximating a regression function is considered. This problem is formulated as a nonconvex nonsmooth optimization problem where the objective function is represented as a difference of convex (DC) functions. Subdifferentials of DC components are computed and an algorithm is designed based on these subdifferentials to find piecewise linear functions. The algorithm is tested using some synthetic and real world data sets and compared with other regression algorithms.

A dynamic content distribution scheme for decentralized sharing in tourist hotspots

- Kaisar, Shahriar, Kamruzzaman, Joarder, Karmakar, Gour

Authors: Kaisar, Shahriar , Kamruzzaman, Joarder , Karmakar, Gour
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Network and Computer Applications Vol. 129, no. (2019), p. 9-24
Full Text: false
Reviewed:
Description: Decentralized content sharing (DCS) is emerging as a suitable platform for smart mobile device users to generate and share contents seamlessly without the requirement of a centralized server. This feature is particularly important for places that lack Internet coverage such as tourist attractions where users can form an ad-hoc network and communicate opportunistically to share contents. Existing DCS approaches when applied for such type of places suffer from low delivery success rate and high latency. Although a handful of recent approaches have specifically targeted improvement of content delivery service in tourist spot like scenario, these and other DCS approaches do not focus on contents’ demand and supply which vary considerably due to visitor in-and-out flow and occurrence of influencing events. This is further compounded by the lack of any content distribution (replication) scheme. The content delivery service will be improved if contents can be proactively distributed in strategic positions based on dynamic demand and supply and medium access contention. In this paper, we propose a dynamic content distribution scheme (DCDS) considering these practical issues for sharing contents in tourist attractions. Simulation results show that the proposed approach significantly improves (7

Quick View

A framework for sustainability performance assessment for manufacturing processes

- Singh, Karmjit

Authors: Singh, Karmjit
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
Full Text:
Description: Sustainable manufacturing methods make it possible to develop products in ways which minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve energy and save natural resources whilst being economically sound. The concepts of sustainability in manufacturing being are still fairly broad, in scope, and need to be more focused and firmly established at the process, machine or factory levels. This project proposes a structure for manufacturing with a main objective to develop a sustainability framework which encompasses various production processes. Structured information models for the seamless flow of information across the design and manufacturing domains, for selected manufacturing processes, are defined. The thesis work identifies key performance indicators (KPIs) for the assessment of manufacturing sustainability and performs analysis of selected unit manufacturing processes and their sub-processes with the aim of proposing a methodology for determining science-based measurements of the manufacturing processes affecting these KPIs. The theoretical foundations established are then used to develop a model that could evaluate sustainability of selected manufacturing processes and their respective process plans providing a basis for inter-process comparison and selection of the most sustainable process plan. The proposed framework is presented in form of a manufacturing planning computer-based package which is designed to to consider different influencing factors such as product information, part geometry, material related physical and processing properties and the manufacturing equipment operating data. The thesis presents a number of case studies which have been published in international journals. The case studies present estimates of the manufacturing sustainability KPIs for a number of production methods. These estimates have been verified with available shop floor data. The work in the thesis makes it possible to establish manufacturing industry equipped to deal the challenges of the future when sustainability will be the major factor up on which the quality of success will be determined.
Description: Doctor of Philosophy

Quick View

A lightweight integrity protection scheme for low latency smart grid applications

- Jolfaei, Alireza, Kant, Krishna

Authors: Jolfaei, Alireza , Kant, Krishna
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Computers and Security Vol. 86, no. (2019), p. 471-483
Full Text:
Reviewed:
Description: The substation communication protocol used in smart grid allows the transmission of messages without integrity protection for applications that require very low communication latency. This leaves the real-time measurements taken by phasor measurement units (PMUs) vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, and hence makes high voltage to medium voltage (HV/MV) substations vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In this paper, a lightweight and secure integrity protection algorithm has been proposed to maintain the integrity of PMU data, which fills the missing integrity protection in the IEC 61850-90-5 standard, when the MAC identifier is declared 0. The rigorous security analysis proves the security of the proposed integrity protection method against ciphertext-only attacks and known/chosen plaintext attacks. A comparison with existing integrity protection methods shows that our method is much faster, and is also the only integrity protection scheme that meets the strict timing requirement. Not only the proposed method can be used in power protection applications, but it also can be used in emerging anomaly detection scenarios, where a fast integrity check coupled with low latency communications is used for multiple rounds of message exchanges. This paper is an extension of work originally reported in Proceedings of 14th International Conference on Security and Cryptography (Jolfaei and Kant, 2017).

Quick View

A mixed-methods case study exploring the impact of participation in community activity groups for older adults on physical activity, health and wellbeing

- Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle, Eime, Rochelle, O'Sullivan, Grant, Harvey, Jack, van Uffelen, Jannique

Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
Date: 2019
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Bmc Geriatrics Vol. 19, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-15
Full Text:
Reviewed:
Description: Background Regular physical activity (PA) has many health benefits but declines with age. Community multi-activity groups offering volunteer-led socially-oriented activity programs could provide an opportunity for older people to maintain or increase PA levels and promote their health. The aim of this study was to examine the potential effect of becoming a member of an existing community activity group on PA levels, physical and mental health-related quality of life (HR QoL), comparing any impacts associated with participation in physical activity or social activity programs. Methods This mixed-methods case study, combining a longitudinal quantitative-survey with qualitative focus groups to contextualise the survey results, focused on an Australian community organisation called Life Activities Clubs (LACs). LACs provide various physical activities (e.g. walking, cycling, dancing) and social activities (e.g. book groups, dine-outs, craft). Data were collected using a self-report survey administered at baseline, six and twelve-months after joining and group differences between participants of PA programs (PA group) and social programs (social group) were analysed using linear mixed-models. Two focus groups with LAC members were held, one representing each activity type and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Results 35 people (mean age 67) completed the surveys and 11 people participated in the focus groups. PA levels and physical health-related QoL were maintained over 1 year in the PA group, and declined between baseline and 12-months in the social group. Focus groups suggested social aspects of PA programs increased motivation to maintain regular attendance and do more PA than participants would on their own and that physical activities provided health benefits. Mental HR QoL did not change in either group, focus groups suggested this was because the social aspects of both types of program provide benefits relating to mental health including stress relief, enjoyment and adapting to major life events, to prevent a decline in QoL. Conclusions Community PA programs appear to maintain PA levels and physical HR QoL in older adults, and both social and PA programs may maintain mental HR QoL. Incorporating both types of program into one organisation may also encourage less physically active members to try physical activities.

Showing items 1 - 20 of 10470