Germination strategy of chenopodium acuminatum Willd. under Fluctuating Salinity Habitats
- Tian, Yu, Li, Yang, Zhang, Hongxiang, Tennakoon, Kushan, Sun, Zewei
- Authors: Tian, Yu , Li, Yang , Zhang, Hongxiang , Tennakoon, Kushan , Sun, Zewei
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agronomy Vol. 13, no. 11 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Germination events of plants often occur after rainfall in saline environments where the soil salinity is diluted, viz recovery germination. Previous germination studies have rarely considered the duration of exposure to salt stress, and none of them have investigated recovery germination under low-salt concentration, other than in distilled water. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity, exposure duration and low-salt recovery solutions on seed germination of the weed Chenopodium acuminatum to get a clear insight about the germination strategy exhibited by this species in a saline habitat. Seeds were initially exposed to 0–400 mM NaCl for 10, 20 and 30 d. The subsequent recovery experiment was conducted differently. For those initially treated with 100 and 200 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, while for those initially treated with 300 and 400 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, at 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Results showed that the recovery germination percentage and rate significantly decreased when the exposure duration extended. Seeds could subsequently recover to germinate at high percentages at recovery salt solution concentrations for a short duration, but the recovery percentages and rates in high salinity, combined with high exposure duration and relatively high recovery salt concentrations, were remarkably lower. More than 30% of the ungerminated seeds were viable after the recovery experiment. We suggest that Ch. acuminatum exhibits a ‘cautious’ strategy of germination to avoid injury from long-term salt stress and ensure survival for the subsequent continuation of its population under unfavorable saline conditions. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Tian, Yu , Li, Yang , Zhang, Hongxiang , Tennakoon, Kushan , Sun, Zewei
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agronomy Vol. 13, no. 11 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Germination events of plants often occur after rainfall in saline environments where the soil salinity is diluted, viz recovery germination. Previous germination studies have rarely considered the duration of exposure to salt stress, and none of them have investigated recovery germination under low-salt concentration, other than in distilled water. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity, exposure duration and low-salt recovery solutions on seed germination of the weed Chenopodium acuminatum to get a clear insight about the germination strategy exhibited by this species in a saline habitat. Seeds were initially exposed to 0–400 mM NaCl for 10, 20 and 30 d. The subsequent recovery experiment was conducted differently. For those initially treated with 100 and 200 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, while for those initially treated with 300 and 400 mM NaCl, the recovery solution was distilled water, at 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Results showed that the recovery germination percentage and rate significantly decreased when the exposure duration extended. Seeds could subsequently recover to germinate at high percentages at recovery salt solution concentrations for a short duration, but the recovery percentages and rates in high salinity, combined with high exposure duration and relatively high recovery salt concentrations, were remarkably lower. More than 30% of the ungerminated seeds were viable after the recovery experiment. We suggest that Ch. acuminatum exhibits a ‘cautious’ strategy of germination to avoid injury from long-term salt stress and ensure survival for the subsequent continuation of its population under unfavorable saline conditions. © 2023 by the authors.
Global burden of chronic respiratory diseases and risk factors, 1990–2019: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
- Momtazmanesh, Sara, Moghaddam, Sahar, Ghamari, Seyyed-Hadi, Rad, Elaheh, Rezaei, Negar, Shobeiri, Parnian, Aali, Amirali, Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen, Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab, Abdelmasseh, Michael, Abdoun, Meriem, Abdulah, Deldar, Md Abdullah, Abu, Abedi, Aidin, Abolhassani, Hassan, Abrehdari-Tafreshi, Zahra, Achappa, Basavaprabhu, Adane, Denberu, Adane, Tigist, Addo, Isaac, Adnan, Mohammad, Adnani, Qorinah, Ahmad, Sajjad, Ahmadi, Ali, Ahmadi, Keivan, Ahmed, Ali, Ahmed, Ayman, Rashid, Tarik, Al Hamad, Hanadi, Alahdab, Fares, Ur Rahman, Mohammad Hifz, oh, oi, oj, ok;, Rahman, Mosiur, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Momtazmanesh, Sara , Moghaddam, Sahar , Ghamari, Seyyed-Hadi , Rad, Elaheh , Rezaei, Negar , Shobeiri, Parnian , Aali, Amirali , Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen , Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab , Abdelmasseh, Michael , Abdoun, Meriem , Abdulah, Deldar , Md Abdullah, Abu , Abedi, Aidin , Abolhassani, Hassan , Abrehdari-Tafreshi, Zahra , Achappa, Basavaprabhu , Adane, Denberu , Adane, Tigist , Addo, Isaac , Adnan, Mohammad , Adnani, Qorinah , Ahmad, Sajjad , Ahmadi, Ali , Ahmadi, Keivan , Ahmed, Ali , Ahmed, Ayman , Rashid, Tarik , Al Hamad, Hanadi , Alahdab, Fares , Ur Rahman, Mohammad Hifz , oh, oi, oj, ok; , Rahman, Mosiur , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eClinicalMedicine Vol. 59, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CRDs and their attributable risks from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and incidence of CRDs, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis, and other CRDs, from 1990 to 2019 by sex, age, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. Deaths and DALYs from CRDs attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to relative risks, risk exposure, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level input. Findings: In 2019, CRDs were the third leading cause of death responsible for 4.0 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 3.6–4.3) with a prevalence of 454.6 million cases (417.4–499.1) globally. While the total deaths and prevalence of CRDs have increased by 28.5% and 39.8%, the age-standardised rates have dropped by 41.7% and 16.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. COPD, with 212.3 million (200.4–225.1) prevalent cases, was the primary cause of deaths from CRDs, accounting for 3.3 million (2.9–3.6) deaths. With 262.4 million (224.1–309.5) prevalent cases, asthma had the highest prevalence among CRDs. The age-standardised rates of all burden measures of COPD, asthma, and pneumoconiosis have reduced globally from 1990 to 2019. Nevertheless, the age-standardised rates of incidence and prevalence of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis have increased throughout this period. Low- and low-middle SDI countries had the highest age-standardised death and DALYs rates while the high SDI quintile had the highest prevalence rate of CRDs. The highest deaths and DALYs from CRDs were attributed to smoking globally, followed by air pollution and occupational risks. Non-optimal temperature and high body-mass index were additional risk factors for COPD and asthma, respectively. Interpretation: Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, death, and DALYs rates of CRDs have decreased, they still cause a substantial burden and deaths worldwide. The high death and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlights the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for tobacco control, enhancing air quality, reducing occupational hazards, and fostering clean cooking fuels are crucial steps in reducing the burden of CRDs, especially in low- and lower-middle income countries. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2023 The Authors
- Authors: Momtazmanesh, Sara , Moghaddam, Sahar , Ghamari, Seyyed-Hadi , Rad, Elaheh , Rezaei, Negar , Shobeiri, Parnian , Aali, Amirali , Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen , Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab , Abdelmasseh, Michael , Abdoun, Meriem , Abdulah, Deldar , Md Abdullah, Abu , Abedi, Aidin , Abolhassani, Hassan , Abrehdari-Tafreshi, Zahra , Achappa, Basavaprabhu , Adane, Denberu , Adane, Tigist , Addo, Isaac , Adnan, Mohammad , Adnani, Qorinah , Ahmad, Sajjad , Ahmadi, Ali , Ahmadi, Keivan , Ahmed, Ali , Ahmed, Ayman , Rashid, Tarik , Al Hamad, Hanadi , Alahdab, Fares , Ur Rahman, Mohammad Hifz , oh, oi, oj, ok; , Rahman, Mosiur , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eClinicalMedicine Vol. 59, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CRDs and their attributable risks from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and incidence of CRDs, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis, and other CRDs, from 1990 to 2019 by sex, age, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. Deaths and DALYs from CRDs attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to relative risks, risk exposure, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level input. Findings: In 2019, CRDs were the third leading cause of death responsible for 4.0 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 3.6–4.3) with a prevalence of 454.6 million cases (417.4–499.1) globally. While the total deaths and prevalence of CRDs have increased by 28.5% and 39.8%, the age-standardised rates have dropped by 41.7% and 16.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. COPD, with 212.3 million (200.4–225.1) prevalent cases, was the primary cause of deaths from CRDs, accounting for 3.3 million (2.9–3.6) deaths. With 262.4 million (224.1–309.5) prevalent cases, asthma had the highest prevalence among CRDs. The age-standardised rates of all burden measures of COPD, asthma, and pneumoconiosis have reduced globally from 1990 to 2019. Nevertheless, the age-standardised rates of incidence and prevalence of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis have increased throughout this period. Low- and low-middle SDI countries had the highest age-standardised death and DALYs rates while the high SDI quintile had the highest prevalence rate of CRDs. The highest deaths and DALYs from CRDs were attributed to smoking globally, followed by air pollution and occupational risks. Non-optimal temperature and high body-mass index were additional risk factors for COPD and asthma, respectively. Interpretation: Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, death, and DALYs rates of CRDs have decreased, they still cause a substantial burden and deaths worldwide. The high death and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlights the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for tobacco control, enhancing air quality, reducing occupational hazards, and fostering clean cooking fuels are crucial steps in reducing the burden of CRDs, especially in low- and lower-middle income countries. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2023 The Authors
Global challenges : South African and Australian students’ experiences of emergency remote teaching
- Joubert, Michelle, Larsen, Ana, Magnuson, Bryce, Waldron, David, Sabo, Ellen, Fletcher, Anna
- Authors: Joubert, Michelle , Larsen, Ana , Magnuson, Bryce , Waldron, David , Sabo, Ellen , Fletcher, Anna
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice Vol. 20, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic forced universities worldwide to move their teaching online within an unprecedentedly short timeframe. Whilst the move online learning has increased the reach of tertiary educational delivery it has also raised significant issues of equity, accessibility and student engagement. This includes concerns around access to technology and reliable internet connectivity, academic and digital literacy, and other factors such as mental health and work-life balance. This paper examines two studies of student engagement with online learning during 2020 when then pandemic began. One study was conducted in South Africa the other in a small regional university in South-Eastern Australia. A mixed method approach was used in both studies and then student responses were analysed using the student engagement framework presented by Kahu and Nelson (2018). A key focus in this analysis is the critical importance the educational interface and shared mutually formative experience of learning between students and universities. Findings show that despite the two different contexts, student concerns around digital literacy and engagement in an online learning environment share many similarities. © 2023, University of Wollongong. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Joubert, Michelle , Larsen, Ana , Magnuson, Bryce , Waldron, David , Sabo, Ellen , Fletcher, Anna
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice Vol. 20, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic forced universities worldwide to move their teaching online within an unprecedentedly short timeframe. Whilst the move online learning has increased the reach of tertiary educational delivery it has also raised significant issues of equity, accessibility and student engagement. This includes concerns around access to technology and reliable internet connectivity, academic and digital literacy, and other factors such as mental health and work-life balance. This paper examines two studies of student engagement with online learning during 2020 when then pandemic began. One study was conducted in South Africa the other in a small regional university in South-Eastern Australia. A mixed method approach was used in both studies and then student responses were analysed using the student engagement framework presented by Kahu and Nelson (2018). A key focus in this analysis is the critical importance the educational interface and shared mutually formative experience of learning between students and universities. Findings show that despite the two different contexts, student concerns around digital literacy and engagement in an online learning environment share many similarities. © 2023, University of Wollongong. All rights reserved.
Global diversity and antimicrobial resistance of typhoid fever pathogens : insights from a meta-analysis of 13,000 Salmonella Typhi genomes
- Carey, Megan, Dyson, Zoe, Ingle, Danielle, Amir, Afreenish, Aworh, Mabel, Chattaway, Marie, Chew, Ka, Crump, John, Feasey, Nicholas, Howden, Benjamin, Keddy, Karen, Maes, Mailis, Parry, Christopher, Van Puyvelde, Sandra, Webb, Hattie, Afolayan, Ayorinde, Alexander, Anna, Anandan, Shalini, Andrews, Jason, Ashton, Philip, Basnyat, Buddha, Bavdekar, Ashish, Bogoch, Isaac, Clemens, John, da Silva, Kesia, De, Anuradha, de Ligt, Joep, Diaz Guevara, Paula, Dolecek, Christiane, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Carey, Megan , Dyson, Zoe , Ingle, Danielle , Amir, Afreenish , Aworh, Mabel , Chattaway, Marie , Chew, Ka , Crump, John , Feasey, Nicholas , Howden, Benjamin , Keddy, Karen , Maes, Mailis , Parry, Christopher , Van Puyvelde, Sandra , Webb, Hattie , Afolayan, Ayorinde , Alexander, Anna , Anandan, Shalini , Andrews, Jason , Ashton, Philip , Basnyat, Buddha , Bavdekar, Ashish , Bogoch, Isaac , Clemens, John , da Silva, Kesia , De, Anuradha , de Ligt, Joep , Diaz Guevara, Paula , Dolecek, Christiane , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eLife Vol. 12, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium was established to bring together the typhoid research community to aggregate and analyse Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Typhi) genomic data to inform public health action. This analysis, which marks 22 years since the publication of the first Typhi genome, represents the largest Typhi genome sequence collection to date (n=13,000). Methods: This is a meta-analysis of global genotype and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants extracted from previously sequenced genome data and analysed using consistent methods implemented in open analysis platforms GenoTyphi and Pathogenwatch. Results: Compared with previous global snapshots, the data highlight that genotype 4.3.1 (H58) has not spread beyond Asia and Eastern/Southern Africa; in other regions, distinct genotypes dominate and have independently evolved AMR. Data gaps remain in many parts of the world, and we show the potential of travel-associated sequences to provide informal ‘sentinel’ surveillance for such locations. The data indicate that ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility (>1 resistance determinant) is widespread across geographies and genotypes, with high-level ciprofloxacin resistance (=3 determinants) reaching 20% prevalence in South Asia. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid has becomedominant in Pakistan (70% in 2020) but has not yet become established elsewhere. Ceftriaxone resistance has emerged in eight non-XDR genotypes, including a ciprofloxacin-resistant lineage (4.3.1.2.1) in India. Azithromycin resistance mutations were detected at low prevalence in South Asia, including in two common ciprofloxacin-resistant genotypes. Conclusions: The consortium’s aim is to encourage continued data sharing and collaboration to monitor the emergence and global spread of AMR Typhi, and to inform decision-making around the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) and other prevention and control strategies. © Carey et al. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Andrew Greenhill” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Carey, Megan , Dyson, Zoe , Ingle, Danielle , Amir, Afreenish , Aworh, Mabel , Chattaway, Marie , Chew, Ka , Crump, John , Feasey, Nicholas , Howden, Benjamin , Keddy, Karen , Maes, Mailis , Parry, Christopher , Van Puyvelde, Sandra , Webb, Hattie , Afolayan, Ayorinde , Alexander, Anna , Anandan, Shalini , Andrews, Jason , Ashton, Philip , Basnyat, Buddha , Bavdekar, Ashish , Bogoch, Isaac , Clemens, John , da Silva, Kesia , De, Anuradha , de Ligt, Joep , Diaz Guevara, Paula , Dolecek, Christiane , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eLife Vol. 12, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium was established to bring together the typhoid research community to aggregate and analyse Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Typhi) genomic data to inform public health action. This analysis, which marks 22 years since the publication of the first Typhi genome, represents the largest Typhi genome sequence collection to date (n=13,000). Methods: This is a meta-analysis of global genotype and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants extracted from previously sequenced genome data and analysed using consistent methods implemented in open analysis platforms GenoTyphi and Pathogenwatch. Results: Compared with previous global snapshots, the data highlight that genotype 4.3.1 (H58) has not spread beyond Asia and Eastern/Southern Africa; in other regions, distinct genotypes dominate and have independently evolved AMR. Data gaps remain in many parts of the world, and we show the potential of travel-associated sequences to provide informal ‘sentinel’ surveillance for such locations. The data indicate that ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility (>1 resistance determinant) is widespread across geographies and genotypes, with high-level ciprofloxacin resistance (=3 determinants) reaching 20% prevalence in South Asia. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid has becomedominant in Pakistan (70% in 2020) but has not yet become established elsewhere. Ceftriaxone resistance has emerged in eight non-XDR genotypes, including a ciprofloxacin-resistant lineage (4.3.1.2.1) in India. Azithromycin resistance mutations were detected at low prevalence in South Asia, including in two common ciprofloxacin-resistant genotypes. Conclusions: The consortium’s aim is to encourage continued data sharing and collaboration to monitor the emergence and global spread of AMR Typhi, and to inform decision-making around the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) and other prevention and control strategies. © Carey et al. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Andrew Greenhill” is provided in this record**
Global variation in diabetes diagnosis and prevalence based on fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c
- Zhou, Bin, Sheffer, Kate, Bennett, James, Gregg, Edward, Danaei, Goodarz, Singleton, Rosie, Shaw, Jonathan, Mishra, Anu, Lhoste, Victor, Carrillo-Larco, Rodrigo, Kengne, Andre, Phelps, Nowell, Heap, Rachel, Rayner, Archie, Stevens, Gretchen, Paciorek, Chris, Riley, Leanne, Cowan, Melanie, Savin, Stefan, Vander Hoorn, Stephen, Lu, Yuan, Pavkov, Meda, Imperatore, Giuseppina, Aguilar-Salinas, Carlos, Ahmad, Noor, Anjana, Ranjit, Davletov, Kairat, Farzadfar, Farshad, González-Villalpando, Clicerio, Charchar, Fadi
- Authors: Zhou, Bin , Sheffer, Kate , Bennett, James , Gregg, Edward , Danaei, Goodarz , Singleton, Rosie , Shaw, Jonathan , Mishra, Anu , Lhoste, Victor , Carrillo-Larco, Rodrigo , Kengne, Andre , Phelps, Nowell , Heap, Rachel , Rayner, Archie , Stevens, Gretchen , Paciorek, Chris , Riley, Leanne , Cowan, Melanie , Savin, Stefan , Vander Hoorn, Stephen , Lu, Yuan , Pavkov, Meda , Imperatore, Giuseppina , Aguilar-Salinas, Carlos , Ahmad, Noor , Anjana, Ranjit , Davletov, Kairat , Farzadfar, Farshad , González-Villalpando, Clicerio , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nature Medicine Vol. 29, no. 11 (2023), p. 2885-2901
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are both used to diagnose diabetes, but these measurements can identify different people as having diabetes. We used data from 117 population-based studies and quantified, in different world regions, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes, and whether those who were previously undiagnosed and detected as having diabetes in survey screening, had elevated FPG, HbA1c or both. We developed prediction equations for estimating the probability that a person without previously diagnosed diabetes, and at a specific level of FPG, had elevated HbA1c, and vice versa. The age-standardized proportion of diabetes that was previously undiagnosed and detected in survey screening ranged from 30% in the high-income western region to 66% in south Asia. Among those with screen-detected diabetes with either test, the age-standardized proportion who had elevated levels of both FPG and HbA1c was 29–39% across regions; the remainder had discordant elevation of FPG or HbA1c. In most low- and middle-income regions, isolated elevated HbA1c was more common than isolated elevated FPG. In these regions, the use of FPG alone may delay diabetes diagnosis and underestimate diabetes prevalence. Our prediction equations help allocate finite resources for measuring HbA1c to reduce the global shortfall in diabetes diagnosis and surveillance. © 2023, The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Fadi Charchar" is provided in this record**
- Authors: Zhou, Bin , Sheffer, Kate , Bennett, James , Gregg, Edward , Danaei, Goodarz , Singleton, Rosie , Shaw, Jonathan , Mishra, Anu , Lhoste, Victor , Carrillo-Larco, Rodrigo , Kengne, Andre , Phelps, Nowell , Heap, Rachel , Rayner, Archie , Stevens, Gretchen , Paciorek, Chris , Riley, Leanne , Cowan, Melanie , Savin, Stefan , Vander Hoorn, Stephen , Lu, Yuan , Pavkov, Meda , Imperatore, Giuseppina , Aguilar-Salinas, Carlos , Ahmad, Noor , Anjana, Ranjit , Davletov, Kairat , Farzadfar, Farshad , González-Villalpando, Clicerio , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nature Medicine Vol. 29, no. 11 (2023), p. 2885-2901
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are both used to diagnose diabetes, but these measurements can identify different people as having diabetes. We used data from 117 population-based studies and quantified, in different world regions, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes, and whether those who were previously undiagnosed and detected as having diabetes in survey screening, had elevated FPG, HbA1c or both. We developed prediction equations for estimating the probability that a person without previously diagnosed diabetes, and at a specific level of FPG, had elevated HbA1c, and vice versa. The age-standardized proportion of diabetes that was previously undiagnosed and detected in survey screening ranged from 30% in the high-income western region to 66% in south Asia. Among those with screen-detected diabetes with either test, the age-standardized proportion who had elevated levels of both FPG and HbA1c was 29–39% across regions; the remainder had discordant elevation of FPG or HbA1c. In most low- and middle-income regions, isolated elevated HbA1c was more common than isolated elevated FPG. In these regions, the use of FPG alone may delay diabetes diagnosis and underestimate diabetes prevalence. Our prediction equations help allocate finite resources for measuring HbA1c to reduce the global shortfall in diabetes diagnosis and surveillance. © 2023, The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Fadi Charchar" is provided in this record**
Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
- Ong, Kanyin, Stafford, Lauryn, McLaughlin, Susan, Boyko, Edward, Vollset, Stein, Smith, Amanda, Dalton, Bronte, Duprey, Joe, Cruz, Jessica, Hagins, Hailey, Lindstedt, Paulina, Aali, Amirali, Abate, Yohannes, Abate, Melew, Abbasian, Mohammadreza, Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab, Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen, ElHafeez, Samar, Abd-Rabu, Rami, Abdulah, Deldar, Abdullah, Abu, Abedi, Vida, Abidi, Hassan, Aboagye, Richard, Abolhassani, Hassan, Abu-Gharbieh, Eshetie, Abu-Zaid, Ahmed, Adane, Tigist, Adane, Denberu, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Ong, Kanyin , Stafford, Lauryn , McLaughlin, Susan , Boyko, Edward , Vollset, Stein , Smith, Amanda , Dalton, Bronte , Duprey, Joe , Cruz, Jessica , Hagins, Hailey , Lindstedt, Paulina , Aali, Amirali , Abate, Yohannes , Abate, Melew , Abbasian, Mohammadreza , Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab , Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen , ElHafeez, Samar , Abd-Rabu, Rami , Abdulah, Deldar , Abdullah, Abu , Abedi, Vida , Abidi, Hassan , Aboagye, Richard , Abolhassani, Hassan , Abu-Gharbieh, Eshetie , Abu-Zaid, Ahmed , Adane, Tigist , Adane, Denberu , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Lancet Vol. 402, no. 10397 (2023), p. 203-234
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and affects people regardless of country, age group, or sex. Using the most recent evidentiary and analytical framework from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), we produced location-specific, age-specific, and sex-specific estimates of diabetes prevalence and burden from 1990 to 2021, the proportion of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in 2021, the proportion of the type 2 diabetes burden attributable to selected risk factors, and projections of diabetes prevalence through 2050. Methods: Estimates of diabetes prevalence and burden were computed in 204 countries and territories, across 25 age groups, for males and females separately and combined; these estimates comprised lost years of healthy life, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; defined as the sum of years of life lost [YLLs] and years lived with disability [YLDs]). We used the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) approach to estimate deaths due to diabetes, incorporating 25 666 location-years of data from vital registration and verbal autopsy reports in separate total (including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and type-specific models. Other forms of diabetes, including gestational and monogenic diabetes, were not explicitly modelled. Total and type 1 diabetes prevalence was estimated by use of a Bayesian meta-regression modelling tool, DisMod-MR 2.1, to analyse 1527 location-years of data from the scientific literature, survey microdata, and insurance claims; type 2 diabetes estimates were computed by subtracting type 1 diabetes from total estimates. Mortality and prevalence estimates, along with standard life expectancy and disability weights, were used to calculate YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs. When appropriate, we extrapolated estimates to a hypothetical population with a standardised age structure to allow comparison in populations with different age structures. We used the comparative risk assessment framework to estimate the risk-attributable type 2 diabetes burden for 16 risk factors falling under risk categories including environmental and occupational factors, tobacco use, high alcohol use, high body-mass index (BMI), dietary factors, and low physical activity. Using a regression framework, we forecast type 1 and type 2 diabetes prevalence through 2050 with Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and high BMI as predictors, respectively. Findings: In 2021, there were 529 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 500–564) people living with diabetes worldwide, and the global age-standardised total diabetes prevalence was 6·1% (5·8–6·5). At the super-region level, the highest age-standardised rates were observed in north Africa and the Middle East (9·3% [8·7–9·9]) and, at the regional level, in Oceania (12·3% [11·5–13·0]). Nationally, Qatar had the world's highest age-specific prevalence of diabetes, at 76·1% (73·1–79·5) in individuals aged 75–79 years. Total diabetes prevalence—especially among older adults—primarily reflects type 2 diabetes, which in 2021 accounted for 96·0% (95·1–96·8) of diabetes cases and 95·4% (94·9–95·9) of diabetes DALYs worldwide. In 2021, 52·2% (25·5–71·8) of global type 2 diabetes DALYs were attributable to high BMI. The contribution of high BMI to type 2 diabetes DALYs rose by 24·3% (18·5–30·4) worldwide between 1990 and 2021. By 2050, more than 1·31 billion (1·22–1·39) people are projected to have diabetes, with expected age-standardised total diabetes prevalence rates greater than 10% in two super-regions: 16·8% (16·1–17·6) in north Africa and the Middle East and 11·3% (10·8–11·9) in Latin America and Caribbean. By 2050, 89 (43·6%) of 204 countries and territories will have an age-standardised rate greater than 10%. Interpretation: Diabetes remains a substantial public health issue. Type 2 diabetes, which makes up the bulk of diabetes cases, is largely preventable and, in some cases, potentially reversible if identified and managed early in the disea e course. However, all evidence indicates that diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide, primarily due to a rise in obesity caused by multiple factors. Preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes remains an ongoing challenge. It is essential to better understand disparities in risk factor profiles and diabetes burden across populations, to inform strategies to successfully control diabetes risk factors within the context of multiple and complex drivers. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Ong, Kanyin , Stafford, Lauryn , McLaughlin, Susan , Boyko, Edward , Vollset, Stein , Smith, Amanda , Dalton, Bronte , Duprey, Joe , Cruz, Jessica , Hagins, Hailey , Lindstedt, Paulina , Aali, Amirali , Abate, Yohannes , Abate, Melew , Abbasian, Mohammadreza , Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab , Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen , ElHafeez, Samar , Abd-Rabu, Rami , Abdulah, Deldar , Abdullah, Abu , Abedi, Vida , Abidi, Hassan , Aboagye, Richard , Abolhassani, Hassan , Abu-Gharbieh, Eshetie , Abu-Zaid, Ahmed , Adane, Tigist , Adane, Denberu , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Lancet Vol. 402, no. 10397 (2023), p. 203-234
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and affects people regardless of country, age group, or sex. Using the most recent evidentiary and analytical framework from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), we produced location-specific, age-specific, and sex-specific estimates of diabetes prevalence and burden from 1990 to 2021, the proportion of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in 2021, the proportion of the type 2 diabetes burden attributable to selected risk factors, and projections of diabetes prevalence through 2050. Methods: Estimates of diabetes prevalence and burden were computed in 204 countries and territories, across 25 age groups, for males and females separately and combined; these estimates comprised lost years of healthy life, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; defined as the sum of years of life lost [YLLs] and years lived with disability [YLDs]). We used the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) approach to estimate deaths due to diabetes, incorporating 25 666 location-years of data from vital registration and verbal autopsy reports in separate total (including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and type-specific models. Other forms of diabetes, including gestational and monogenic diabetes, were not explicitly modelled. Total and type 1 diabetes prevalence was estimated by use of a Bayesian meta-regression modelling tool, DisMod-MR 2.1, to analyse 1527 location-years of data from the scientific literature, survey microdata, and insurance claims; type 2 diabetes estimates were computed by subtracting type 1 diabetes from total estimates. Mortality and prevalence estimates, along with standard life expectancy and disability weights, were used to calculate YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs. When appropriate, we extrapolated estimates to a hypothetical population with a standardised age structure to allow comparison in populations with different age structures. We used the comparative risk assessment framework to estimate the risk-attributable type 2 diabetes burden for 16 risk factors falling under risk categories including environmental and occupational factors, tobacco use, high alcohol use, high body-mass index (BMI), dietary factors, and low physical activity. Using a regression framework, we forecast type 1 and type 2 diabetes prevalence through 2050 with Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and high BMI as predictors, respectively. Findings: In 2021, there were 529 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 500–564) people living with diabetes worldwide, and the global age-standardised total diabetes prevalence was 6·1% (5·8–6·5). At the super-region level, the highest age-standardised rates were observed in north Africa and the Middle East (9·3% [8·7–9·9]) and, at the regional level, in Oceania (12·3% [11·5–13·0]). Nationally, Qatar had the world's highest age-specific prevalence of diabetes, at 76·1% (73·1–79·5) in individuals aged 75–79 years. Total diabetes prevalence—especially among older adults—primarily reflects type 2 diabetes, which in 2021 accounted for 96·0% (95·1–96·8) of diabetes cases and 95·4% (94·9–95·9) of diabetes DALYs worldwide. In 2021, 52·2% (25·5–71·8) of global type 2 diabetes DALYs were attributable to high BMI. The contribution of high BMI to type 2 diabetes DALYs rose by 24·3% (18·5–30·4) worldwide between 1990 and 2021. By 2050, more than 1·31 billion (1·22–1·39) people are projected to have diabetes, with expected age-standardised total diabetes prevalence rates greater than 10% in two super-regions: 16·8% (16·1–17·6) in north Africa and the Middle East and 11·3% (10·8–11·9) in Latin America and Caribbean. By 2050, 89 (43·6%) of 204 countries and territories will have an age-standardised rate greater than 10%. Interpretation: Diabetes remains a substantial public health issue. Type 2 diabetes, which makes up the bulk of diabetes cases, is largely preventable and, in some cases, potentially reversible if identified and managed early in the disea e course. However, all evidence indicates that diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide, primarily due to a rise in obesity caused by multiple factors. Preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes remains an ongoing challenge. It is essential to better understand disparities in risk factor profiles and diabetes burden across populations, to inform strategies to successfully control diabetes risk factors within the context of multiple and complex drivers. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
Global, regional, and national incidence of six major immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019
- Wu, Dongze, Jin, Yingzhao, Xing, Yuhan, Abate, Melsew, Abbasian, Mohammadreza, Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen, Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab, Abd-Allah, Foad, Abdelmasseh, Michael, Abdollahifar, Mohammad-Amin, Abdulah, Deldar, Abedi, Aidin, Abedi, Vida, Abidi, Hassan, Aboagye, Richard, Abolhassani, Hassan, Abuabara, Katrina, Abyadeh, Morteza, Addo, Isaac, Adeniji, Kayode, Adepoju, Abiola, Adesina, Miracle, Adnani, Qorinah, Afarideh, Mohsen, Aghamiri, Shahin, Agodi, Antonella, Agrawal, Anurag, Arriagada, Constanza, Ahmad, Antonella, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Alif, Sheikh
- Authors: Wu, Dongze , Jin, Yingzhao , Xing, Yuhan , Abate, Melsew , Abbasian, Mohammadreza , Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen , Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab , Abd-Allah, Foad , Abdelmasseh, Michael , Abdollahifar, Mohammad-Amin , Abdulah, Deldar , Abedi, Aidin , Abedi, Vida , Abidi, Hassan , Aboagye, Richard , Abolhassani, Hassan , Abuabara, Katrina , Abyadeh, Morteza , Addo, Isaac , Adeniji, Kayode , Adepoju, Abiola , Adesina, Miracle , Adnani, Qorinah , Afarideh, Mohsen , Aghamiri, Shahin , Agodi, Antonella , Agrawal, Anurag , Arriagada, Constanza , Ahmad, Antonella , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Alif, Sheikh
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eClinicalMedicine Vol. 64, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The causes for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are diverse and the incidence trends of IMIDs from specific causes are rarely studied. The study aims to investigate the pattern and trend of IMIDs from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We collected detailed information on six major causes of IMIDs, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, between 1990 and 2019, derived from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in number of incidents and age standardized incidence rate (ASR) on IMIDs, by sex, age, region, and causes, were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Findings: In 2019, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease accounted 1.59%, 36.17%, 54.71%, 0.09%, 6.84%, 0.60% of overall new IMIDs cases, respectively. The ASR of IMIDs showed substantial regional and global variation with the highest in High SDI region, High-income North America, and United States of America. Throughout human lifespan, the age distribution of incident cases from six IMIDs was quite different. Globally, incident cases of IMIDs increased with an AAPC of 0.68 and the ASR decreased with an AAPC of
- Authors: Wu, Dongze , Jin, Yingzhao , Xing, Yuhan , Abate, Melsew , Abbasian, Mohammadreza , Abbasi-Kangevari, Mohsen , Abbasi-Kangevari, Zeinab , Abd-Allah, Foad , Abdelmasseh, Michael , Abdollahifar, Mohammad-Amin , Abdulah, Deldar , Abedi, Aidin , Abedi, Vida , Abidi, Hassan , Aboagye, Richard , Abolhassani, Hassan , Abuabara, Katrina , Abyadeh, Morteza , Addo, Isaac , Adeniji, Kayode , Adepoju, Abiola , Adesina, Miracle , Adnani, Qorinah , Afarideh, Mohsen , Aghamiri, Shahin , Agodi, Antonella , Agrawal, Anurag , Arriagada, Constanza , Ahmad, Antonella , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Alif, Sheikh
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eClinicalMedicine Vol. 64, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The causes for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are diverse and the incidence trends of IMIDs from specific causes are rarely studied. The study aims to investigate the pattern and trend of IMIDs from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We collected detailed information on six major causes of IMIDs, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, between 1990 and 2019, derived from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in number of incidents and age standardized incidence rate (ASR) on IMIDs, by sex, age, region, and causes, were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Findings: In 2019, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease accounted 1.59%, 36.17%, 54.71%, 0.09%, 6.84%, 0.60% of overall new IMIDs cases, respectively. The ASR of IMIDs showed substantial regional and global variation with the highest in High SDI region, High-income North America, and United States of America. Throughout human lifespan, the age distribution of incident cases from six IMIDs was quite different. Globally, incident cases of IMIDs increased with an AAPC of 0.68 and the ASR decreased with an AAPC of
Graph learning for anomaly analytics : algorithms, applications, and challenges
- Ren, Jing, Xia, Feng, Lee, Ivan, Noori Hoshyar, Azadeh, Aggarwal, Charu
- Authors: Ren, Jing , Xia, Feng , Lee, Ivan , Noori Hoshyar, Azadeh , Aggarwal, Charu
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: ACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology Vol. 14, no. 2 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Anomaly analytics is a popular and vital task in various research contexts that has been studied for several decades. At the same time, deep learning has shown its capacity in solving many graph-based tasks, like node classification, link prediction, and graph classification. Recently, many studies are extending graph learning models for solving anomaly analytics problems, resulting in beneficial advances in graph-based anomaly analytics techniques. In this survey, we provide a comprehensive overview of graph learning methods for anomaly analytics tasks. We classify them into four categories based on their model architectures, namely graph convolutional network, graph attention network, graph autoencoder, and other graph learning models. The differences between these methods are also compared in a systematic manner. Furthermore, we outline several graph-based anomaly analytics applications across various domains in the real world. Finally, we discuss five potential future research directions in this rapidly growing field. © 2023 Association for Computing Machinery.
- Authors: Ren, Jing , Xia, Feng , Lee, Ivan , Noori Hoshyar, Azadeh , Aggarwal, Charu
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: ACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology Vol. 14, no. 2 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Anomaly analytics is a popular and vital task in various research contexts that has been studied for several decades. At the same time, deep learning has shown its capacity in solving many graph-based tasks, like node classification, link prediction, and graph classification. Recently, many studies are extending graph learning models for solving anomaly analytics problems, resulting in beneficial advances in graph-based anomaly analytics techniques. In this survey, we provide a comprehensive overview of graph learning methods for anomaly analytics tasks. We classify them into four categories based on their model architectures, namely graph convolutional network, graph attention network, graph autoencoder, and other graph learning models. The differences between these methods are also compared in a systematic manner. Furthermore, we outline several graph-based anomaly analytics applications across various domains in the real world. Finally, we discuss five potential future research directions in this rapidly growing field. © 2023 Association for Computing Machinery.
Head, neck, and facial injuries in Australian cricket
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries are a significant concern in cricket due to the nature of the game and the potential impact of fast-moving balls and collisions. These types of injuries occur as a result of direct hits from the cricket ball, accidental collisions between players or falls during fielding or batting. HNF injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe concussions, fractures, or dental trauma. While some HNF injuries in cricket can be career-ending and severe, others may not be as catastrophic. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of HNF injuries in elite-level cricket, and the tragic death of an Australian test cricketer in 2014 from a head injury heightened awareness of the seriousness and potential fatality of such injuries in the sport. To mitigate the risk of serious injuries, cricket players are encouraged to wear protective equipment such as helmets and neck guards. At the elite level of the sport, stringent safety protocols and regulations are enforced to prioritise player wellbeing, ensuring that immediate medical attention is available during training or games. Further, routine injury surveillance at the elite level has proven effective in monitoring and reducing the likelihood of serious HNF injuries. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research investigating HNF injuries among cricket participants, particularly at the community level. This lack of reporting hampers the identification and implementation of effective strategies to minimise the risk of such injuries. This thesis seeks to bridge this research gap by examining HNF injuries in community-level cricket under two broad objectives, providing valuable insights for injury prevention and risk mitigation strategies. The first objective of this thesis was to develop a comprehensive understanding of HNF cricket injury epidemiology and the reporting of helmet usage. A systematic review was conducted, analysing 29 studies to determine the incidence, nature, and mechanisms of HNF injuries in cricket, the reported use of helmets and ‘gold standard’ definitions. Facial fractures and concussions were the most frequently specified types of injuries, and the impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. Only three studies (10%) reported the use of helmets. The systematic review highlighted the lack of evidence regarding the reporting of HNF cricket injuries according to international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the limited data on helmet usage at the time of injury. Additionally, the review identified gaps in evidence concerning HNF injuries across different age groups, levels of play and diverse populations, along with discrepancies in reporting injury-specific mechanisms. Community-level HNF cricket injuries that required hospitalisation in Victoria, Australia, over a decade, spanning from 2007/8 to 2016/17 were also reviewed under the first objective. During this period, Victorian hospitals treated 3,907 HNF cricket injuries. Male participants accounted for a higher number of injuries than female participants, and the age group most commonly requiring hospital treatment was 10–14 years. Open wounds were the most frequent type of injury (30%), and the primary mechanism for HNF cricket injuries during this decade was being hit, struck, or crushed (86%). Our literature review and the hospital study form the ideal platform for injury prevention efforts by establishing HNF injury prevalence and common injury mechanisms. The second broad objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of cricket helmets among cricket participants, to study the ability of Australian cricket participants to perceive injury risk and to explore the knowledge and awareness of concussion assessment and management. An online survey was conducted to address each facet of our second objective. Over 90% of the players and 50% of the officials reported wearing a helmet during the 2018/19 cricket season, but most did not use a neck protector. Most of the helmets used met the recommended British Standards, and the most common brand used was Masuri. For most of the players and officials who participated in our survey, comfort, and ability to prevent HNF injuries were the two most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a cricket helmet. More than 80% of players and almost 50% of officials expressed the belief that helmets were not necessary for activities such as bowling and fielding at a distance from the batter. Yet, the fact that more than 80% of all participants expressed their willingness to keep using helmets under compulsory regulations indicates that implementing mandatory helmet rules might result in a significant increase in helmet adoption and enhance the overall safety of the sport. Over 70% of our survey participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of knowledge regarding concussion assessment and management. These findings suggest that the potential for severe complications stemming from concussions related to cricket could be reduced, particularly in light of the limited availability of qualified medical professionals at the community-level. The strong understanding of concussion guidelines among our survey participants implies that they would be inclined to prioritise safety and choose helmets that align with the recommended safety standards. In summary, this PhD research has achieved its objective of making the first large-scale scientific contribution to enhance safety and prevent HNF injuries among participants of community-level cricket in Australia. Additionally, this research effectively assessed the participants’ knowledge, comprehension and attitudes regarding utilising protective helmets and the importance of following Cricket Australia’s concussion guidelines.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Kodikara, Dulan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Head, neck and facial (HNF) injuries are a significant concern in cricket due to the nature of the game and the potential impact of fast-moving balls and collisions. These types of injuries occur as a result of direct hits from the cricket ball, accidental collisions between players or falls during fielding or batting. HNF injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe concussions, fractures, or dental trauma. While some HNF injuries in cricket can be career-ending and severe, others may not be as catastrophic. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of HNF injuries in elite-level cricket, and the tragic death of an Australian test cricketer in 2014 from a head injury heightened awareness of the seriousness and potential fatality of such injuries in the sport. To mitigate the risk of serious injuries, cricket players are encouraged to wear protective equipment such as helmets and neck guards. At the elite level of the sport, stringent safety protocols and regulations are enforced to prioritise player wellbeing, ensuring that immediate medical attention is available during training or games. Further, routine injury surveillance at the elite level has proven effective in monitoring and reducing the likelihood of serious HNF injuries. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research investigating HNF injuries among cricket participants, particularly at the community level. This lack of reporting hampers the identification and implementation of effective strategies to minimise the risk of such injuries. This thesis seeks to bridge this research gap by examining HNF injuries in community-level cricket under two broad objectives, providing valuable insights for injury prevention and risk mitigation strategies. The first objective of this thesis was to develop a comprehensive understanding of HNF cricket injury epidemiology and the reporting of helmet usage. A systematic review was conducted, analysing 29 studies to determine the incidence, nature, and mechanisms of HNF injuries in cricket, the reported use of helmets and ‘gold standard’ definitions. Facial fractures and concussions were the most frequently specified types of injuries, and the impact of the ball was reported as the most common mechanism for sustaining HNF injuries in cricket. Only three studies (10%) reported the use of helmets. The systematic review highlighted the lack of evidence regarding the reporting of HNF cricket injuries according to international cricket consensus injury definitions, as well as the limited data on helmet usage at the time of injury. Additionally, the review identified gaps in evidence concerning HNF injuries across different age groups, levels of play and diverse populations, along with discrepancies in reporting injury-specific mechanisms. Community-level HNF cricket injuries that required hospitalisation in Victoria, Australia, over a decade, spanning from 2007/8 to 2016/17 were also reviewed under the first objective. During this period, Victorian hospitals treated 3,907 HNF cricket injuries. Male participants accounted for a higher number of injuries than female participants, and the age group most commonly requiring hospital treatment was 10–14 years. Open wounds were the most frequent type of injury (30%), and the primary mechanism for HNF cricket injuries during this decade was being hit, struck, or crushed (86%). Our literature review and the hospital study form the ideal platform for injury prevention efforts by establishing HNF injury prevalence and common injury mechanisms. The second broad objective of this thesis was to investigate the use of cricket helmets among cricket participants, to study the ability of Australian cricket participants to perceive injury risk and to explore the knowledge and awareness of concussion assessment and management. An online survey was conducted to address each facet of our second objective. Over 90% of the players and 50% of the officials reported wearing a helmet during the 2018/19 cricket season, but most did not use a neck protector. Most of the helmets used met the recommended British Standards, and the most common brand used was Masuri. For most of the players and officials who participated in our survey, comfort, and ability to prevent HNF injuries were the two most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a cricket helmet. More than 80% of players and almost 50% of officials expressed the belief that helmets were not necessary for activities such as bowling and fielding at a distance from the batter. Yet, the fact that more than 80% of all participants expressed their willingness to keep using helmets under compulsory regulations indicates that implementing mandatory helmet rules might result in a significant increase in helmet adoption and enhance the overall safety of the sport. Over 70% of our survey participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of knowledge regarding concussion assessment and management. These findings suggest that the potential for severe complications stemming from concussions related to cricket could be reduced, particularly in light of the limited availability of qualified medical professionals at the community-level. The strong understanding of concussion guidelines among our survey participants implies that they would be inclined to prioritise safety and choose helmets that align with the recommended safety standards. In summary, this PhD research has achieved its objective of making the first large-scale scientific contribution to enhance safety and prevent HNF injuries among participants of community-level cricket in Australia. Additionally, this research effectively assessed the participants’ knowledge, comprehension and attitudes regarding utilising protective helmets and the importance of following Cricket Australia’s concussion guidelines.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Health literacy among children living with a long-term condition : ‘what I know and who I tell’
- Peck, Blake, Bray, Lucy, Dickinson, Annette, Blamires, Julie, Terry, Daniel, Carter, Bernie
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Bray, Lucy , Dickinson, Annette , Blamires, Julie , Terry, Daniel , Carter, Bernie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Journal Vol. 82, no. 5 (2023), p. 487-504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Little is known about the health literacy of children living with long-term conditions. This study aimed to gain insight into the life of children with a long-term condition in the context of health literacy, specifically their understanding of their health and the barriers and facilitators to sharing information about their condition with others. Design: Child-centred qualitative arts-based approach with children aged 6–12 years. Setting: Children participating in the study came from three countries – the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Method: A participatory arts-based qualitative child-centred approach prompted children to draw, label and use stickers, body-outlines and collage to describe elements central to health literacy. This encompassed their long-term condition, their understanding of their condition, its management and decision-making associated with sharing information about their condition with others. The sessions were audio-recorded, and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Four central themes related to key elements of child health literacy: (1) pragmatic understanding – what it feels like and what happens in my body; (2) management regime – what do I have to do to keep on going; (3) information sharing – I don’t tell random people; and (4) benefits of sharing – they’ve got my back. Conclusion: Children indicated a pragmatic or process type understanding of their condition and its management. Children were discerning about who they shared information about their condition with, but tended to establish a network of well-informed peers capable of providing support if needed. Despite gaps in children’s health literacy, parents and families have an important role to play in checking children’s understandings and developing critical health literacy. © The Author(s) 2023.
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Bray, Lucy , Dickinson, Annette , Blamires, Julie , Terry, Daniel , Carter, Bernie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Journal Vol. 82, no. 5 (2023), p. 487-504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Little is known about the health literacy of children living with long-term conditions. This study aimed to gain insight into the life of children with a long-term condition in the context of health literacy, specifically their understanding of their health and the barriers and facilitators to sharing information about their condition with others. Design: Child-centred qualitative arts-based approach with children aged 6–12 years. Setting: Children participating in the study came from three countries – the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Method: A participatory arts-based qualitative child-centred approach prompted children to draw, label and use stickers, body-outlines and collage to describe elements central to health literacy. This encompassed their long-term condition, their understanding of their condition, its management and decision-making associated with sharing information about their condition with others. The sessions were audio-recorded, and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Four central themes related to key elements of child health literacy: (1) pragmatic understanding – what it feels like and what happens in my body; (2) management regime – what do I have to do to keep on going; (3) information sharing – I don’t tell random people; and (4) benefits of sharing – they’ve got my back. Conclusion: Children indicated a pragmatic or process type understanding of their condition and its management. Children were discerning about who they shared information about their condition with, but tended to establish a network of well-informed peers capable of providing support if needed. Despite gaps in children’s health literacy, parents and families have an important role to play in checking children’s understandings and developing critical health literacy. © The Author(s) 2023.
Hermeneutic constructivism : one ontology for authentic understanding
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Mummery, Jane
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Inquiry Vol. 30, no. 2 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nursing and nurses rely upon qualitative research to understand the intricacies of the human condition. Acknowledging the subjective nature of reality and commonly founded in a constructivist epistemology, qualitative approaches offer opportunities for uncovering insights from the perspective of the individual participants, the insider's view, and the construction of representations that maintain an intimacy with the subject's realities. Debate continues, however, about what is needed for a qualitative construction to be considered an authentic understanding of a subject's realities. Authenticity in the context of qualitative research has been described as entailing consideration of a number of well‐trodden dimensions: fairness, ontological, educative, catalytic and tactical. Taking these dimensional requirements as key, this paper argues that authenticity may not always be as well‐developed through some of the standard practices in qualitative research as perhaps expected. In particular, qualitative understandings of authenticity stress that participants should not be merely reported on but instead should be dynamically involved in and changed by the constructions and interpretations of data developed throughout the research process. As this paper illustrates, such engagements appear problematic for qualitative research approaches that are beholden to designative commitments in the context of language and meaning‐making and which tend to prioritise commonality and generality at the expense of individual authenticity. An alternative qualitative approach, Hermeneutic Constructivism, is proposed as better able to achieve the requirements of the dimensions of authenticity. As outlined, this approach is well‐placed to present an understanding of human experience through a genuinely expressivist approach and transcends the stress upon the common or the general that can be pervasive and problematic.
- Authors: Peck, Blake , Mummery, Jane
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Inquiry Vol. 30, no. 2 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nursing and nurses rely upon qualitative research to understand the intricacies of the human condition. Acknowledging the subjective nature of reality and commonly founded in a constructivist epistemology, qualitative approaches offer opportunities for uncovering insights from the perspective of the individual participants, the insider's view, and the construction of representations that maintain an intimacy with the subject's realities. Debate continues, however, about what is needed for a qualitative construction to be considered an authentic understanding of a subject's realities. Authenticity in the context of qualitative research has been described as entailing consideration of a number of well‐trodden dimensions: fairness, ontological, educative, catalytic and tactical. Taking these dimensional requirements as key, this paper argues that authenticity may not always be as well‐developed through some of the standard practices in qualitative research as perhaps expected. In particular, qualitative understandings of authenticity stress that participants should not be merely reported on but instead should be dynamically involved in and changed by the constructions and interpretations of data developed throughout the research process. As this paper illustrates, such engagements appear problematic for qualitative research approaches that are beholden to designative commitments in the context of language and meaning‐making and which tend to prioritise commonality and generality at the expense of individual authenticity. An alternative qualitative approach, Hermeneutic Constructivism, is proposed as better able to achieve the requirements of the dimensions of authenticity. As outlined, this approach is well‐placed to present an understanding of human experience through a genuinely expressivist approach and transcends the stress upon the common or the general that can be pervasive and problematic.
High-intensity interval training for the management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis : participant experiences and perspectives
- Keating, Shelley, Croci, Ilaria, Wallen, Matthew, Cox, Emily, Coombes, Jeff, Burton, Nicola, Macdonald, Graeme, Hickman, Ingrid
- Authors: Keating, Shelley , Croci, Ilaria , Wallen, Matthew , Cox, Emily , Coombes, Jeff , Burton, Nicola , Macdonald, Graeme , Hickman, Ingrid
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology Vol. 11, no. 5 (2023), p. 1050-1060
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and Aims: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a therapeutic option for people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the perspectives and experiences of HIIT for people with NASH are unknown, limiting translation of research. We explored the experiences and perspectives of both professionally supervised and self-directed HIIT in people with NASH and evaluated participant-reported knowledge, barriers, and enablers to commencing and sus-taining HIIT. Methods: Twelve participants with NASH un-derwent 12 weeks of supervised HIIT (3 days/week, 4×4 minutes at 85–95% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 3 minutes active recovery), followed by 12-weeks of self-directed (unsupervised) HIIT. One-on-one, semistructured participant interviews were conducted by exercise staff prior to HIIT and following both supervised and self-directed HIIT to explore prior knowledge, barriers, enablers, and outcomes at each stage. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed by two independent re-searchers. Results: Four dominant themes were identified: (1) no awareness of/experience with HIIT and ambivalence about exercise capabilities; (2) multiple medical and social barriers to commencing and continuing HIIT; (3) exercise specialist support was a highly valued enabler, and (4) HIIT was enjoyed and provided holistic benefits. Conclusions: People with NASH may lack knowledge of and confidence for HIIT, and experience multiple complex barriers to commencing and continuing HIIT. Exercise specialist support is a key enabler to sustained engagement. These factors need to be addressed in future clinical programs to augment the uptake and long-term sustainability of HIIT by people with NASH so they can experience the range of related benefits. © 2023 The Author(s).
- Authors: Keating, Shelley , Croci, Ilaria , Wallen, Matthew , Cox, Emily , Coombes, Jeff , Burton, Nicola , Macdonald, Graeme , Hickman, Ingrid
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology Vol. 11, no. 5 (2023), p. 1050-1060
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and Aims: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a therapeutic option for people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the perspectives and experiences of HIIT for people with NASH are unknown, limiting translation of research. We explored the experiences and perspectives of both professionally supervised and self-directed HIIT in people with NASH and evaluated participant-reported knowledge, barriers, and enablers to commencing and sus-taining HIIT. Methods: Twelve participants with NASH un-derwent 12 weeks of supervised HIIT (3 days/week, 4×4 minutes at 85–95% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 3 minutes active recovery), followed by 12-weeks of self-directed (unsupervised) HIIT. One-on-one, semistructured participant interviews were conducted by exercise staff prior to HIIT and following both supervised and self-directed HIIT to explore prior knowledge, barriers, enablers, and outcomes at each stage. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed by two independent re-searchers. Results: Four dominant themes were identified: (1) no awareness of/experience with HIIT and ambivalence about exercise capabilities; (2) multiple medical and social barriers to commencing and continuing HIIT; (3) exercise specialist support was a highly valued enabler, and (4) HIIT was enjoyed and provided holistic benefits. Conclusions: People with NASH may lack knowledge of and confidence for HIIT, and experience multiple complex barriers to commencing and continuing HIIT. Exercise specialist support is a key enabler to sustained engagement. These factors need to be addressed in future clinical programs to augment the uptake and long-term sustainability of HIIT by people with NASH so they can experience the range of related benefits. © 2023 The Author(s).
High-intensity interval training is safe, feasible and efficacious in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis : a randomized controlled trial
- Keating, Shelley, Croci, Ilaria, Wallen, Matthew, Cox, Emily, Thuzar, Moe, Pham, Uyen, Mielke, Gregore, Coombes, Jeff, Macdonald, Graeme, Hickman, Ingrid
- Authors: Keating, Shelley , Croci, Ilaria , Wallen, Matthew , Cox, Emily , Thuzar, Moe , Pham, Uyen , Mielke, Gregore , Coombes, Jeff , Macdonald, Graeme , Hickman, Ingrid
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Digestive Diseases and Sciences Vol. 68, no. 5 (2023), p. 2123-2139
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves bursts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with lower-intensity exercise recovery. HIIT may benefit cardiometabolic health in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aims: We aimed to examine the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of 12-weeks of supervised HIIT compared with a sham-exercise control (CON) for improving aerobic fitness and peripheral insulin sensitivity in biopsy-proven NASH. Methods: Participants based in the community [(n = 14, 56 ± 10 years, BMI 39.2 ± 6.7 kg/m2, 64% male), NAFLD Activity Score 5 (range 3–7)] were randomized to 12-weeks of supervised HIIT (n = 8, 4 × 4 min at 85–95% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 3 min active recovery; 3 days/week) or CON (n = 6, stretching; 3 days/week). Safety (adverse events) and feasibility determined as
- Authors: Keating, Shelley , Croci, Ilaria , Wallen, Matthew , Cox, Emily , Thuzar, Moe , Pham, Uyen , Mielke, Gregore , Coombes, Jeff , Macdonald, Graeme , Hickman, Ingrid
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Digestive Diseases and Sciences Vol. 68, no. 5 (2023), p. 2123-2139
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves bursts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with lower-intensity exercise recovery. HIIT may benefit cardiometabolic health in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aims: We aimed to examine the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of 12-weeks of supervised HIIT compared with a sham-exercise control (CON) for improving aerobic fitness and peripheral insulin sensitivity in biopsy-proven NASH. Methods: Participants based in the community [(n = 14, 56 ± 10 years, BMI 39.2 ± 6.7 kg/m2, 64% male), NAFLD Activity Score 5 (range 3–7)] were randomized to 12-weeks of supervised HIIT (n = 8, 4 × 4 min at 85–95% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 3 min active recovery; 3 days/week) or CON (n = 6, stretching; 3 days/week). Safety (adverse events) and feasibility determined as
How to raise a ghost : the haunted house as a metaphor for the haunted self
- Authors: Proposch, Melissa
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This investigation takes an artistic autoethnographic journey in search of the haunted self. As an entangled form of research, it weaves the narrative and analytical into reciprocal relationships. Its methodology and conclusions tell a ghost story. An investigation of one’s haunted self is by nature an examination of personal ghosts and family shadows. This research documents a process of discovery, of looking for and finding my interior haunted house and the psychic home of family trauma and secrets. An examination of this tender and volatile site calls for intuitive and caring exploration and reading. Confinement during Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns further brought into focus my actual home as a site of exhumed memories. There, I developed strategies for attunement to the signs and stories of family ghosts. This process led to newly imagined narrative approaches for artmaking. The story of the haunted house is dark and curious, offering a metaphor for the negative psychological space of the family home, and embracing dystopian aesthetics. Metaphors play with meaning and draw symbolic likenesses to make their language expansive. This research explores how a visual language made for ghost story telling can draw upon the symbolic and metaphorical to express the nebulous and unsettling. It also examines the inherent spectrality of some arts technologies and their capacity to cultivate space and give voice to our phantasmagoric other. This investigation has also been informed by the practice of two artists for whom invocations of the ghostly are conceptually fundamental. Through engagement with their haunted selves, Tracey Moffatt and Louise Bourgeois provide raw access to the personal, familial, and societal shadows which haunt us all. Autoethnographers prefer to reveal meaning through process rather than declarative statements. The journey into my imaginary shadowlands culminates in the retrieval of a haunted object as artwork. Invoking the smoke and mirrors of nineteenth century spiritualism, this work embodies the notion of the artist as medium, calling upon tacit experience to bring forth image, then dialogue, and therein, the communion to be found in shared meaning. Partial fulfilment of requirements for Master of Arts
- Description: Thesis
- Authors: Proposch, Melissa
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This investigation takes an artistic autoethnographic journey in search of the haunted self. As an entangled form of research, it weaves the narrative and analytical into reciprocal relationships. Its methodology and conclusions tell a ghost story. An investigation of one’s haunted self is by nature an examination of personal ghosts and family shadows. This research documents a process of discovery, of looking for and finding my interior haunted house and the psychic home of family trauma and secrets. An examination of this tender and volatile site calls for intuitive and caring exploration and reading. Confinement during Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns further brought into focus my actual home as a site of exhumed memories. There, I developed strategies for attunement to the signs and stories of family ghosts. This process led to newly imagined narrative approaches for artmaking. The story of the haunted house is dark and curious, offering a metaphor for the negative psychological space of the family home, and embracing dystopian aesthetics. Metaphors play with meaning and draw symbolic likenesses to make their language expansive. This research explores how a visual language made for ghost story telling can draw upon the symbolic and metaphorical to express the nebulous and unsettling. It also examines the inherent spectrality of some arts technologies and their capacity to cultivate space and give voice to our phantasmagoric other. This investigation has also been informed by the practice of two artists for whom invocations of the ghostly are conceptually fundamental. Through engagement with their haunted selves, Tracey Moffatt and Louise Bourgeois provide raw access to the personal, familial, and societal shadows which haunt us all. Autoethnographers prefer to reveal meaning through process rather than declarative statements. The journey into my imaginary shadowlands culminates in the retrieval of a haunted object as artwork. Invoking the smoke and mirrors of nineteenth century spiritualism, this work embodies the notion of the artist as medium, calling upon tacit experience to bring forth image, then dialogue, and therein, the communion to be found in shared meaning. Partial fulfilment of requirements for Master of Arts
- Description: Thesis
Human engagement providing evaluative and informative advice for interactive reinforcement learning
- Bignold, Adam, Cruz, Francisco, Dazeley, Richard, Vamplew, Peter, Foale, Cameron
- Authors: Bignold, Adam , Cruz, Francisco , Dazeley, Richard , Vamplew, Peter , Foale, Cameron
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 25 (2023), p. 18215-18230
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Interactive reinforcement learning proposes the use of externally sourced information in order to speed up the learning process. When interacting with a learner agent, humans may provide either evaluative or informative advice. Prior research has focused on the effect of human-sourced advice by including real-time feedback on the interactive reinforcement learning process, specifically aiming to improve the learning speed of the agent, while minimising the time demands on the human. This work focuses on answering which of two approaches, evaluative or informative, is the preferred instructional approach for humans. Moreover, this work presents an experimental setup for a human trial designed to compare the methods people use to deliver advice in terms of human engagement. The results obtained show that users giving informative advice to the learner agents provide more accurate advice, are willing to assist the learner agent for a longer time, and provide more advice per episode. Additionally, self-evaluation from participants using the informative approach has indicated that the agent’s ability to follow the advice is higher, and therefore, they feel their own advice to be of higher accuracy when compared to people providing evaluative advice. © 2022, The Author(s).
- Authors: Bignold, Adam , Cruz, Francisco , Dazeley, Richard , Vamplew, Peter , Foale, Cameron
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 25 (2023), p. 18215-18230
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Interactive reinforcement learning proposes the use of externally sourced information in order to speed up the learning process. When interacting with a learner agent, humans may provide either evaluative or informative advice. Prior research has focused on the effect of human-sourced advice by including real-time feedback on the interactive reinforcement learning process, specifically aiming to improve the learning speed of the agent, while minimising the time demands on the human. This work focuses on answering which of two approaches, evaluative or informative, is the preferred instructional approach for humans. Moreover, this work presents an experimental setup for a human trial designed to compare the methods people use to deliver advice in terms of human engagement. The results obtained show that users giving informative advice to the learner agents provide more accurate advice, are willing to assist the learner agent for a longer time, and provide more advice per episode. Additionally, self-evaluation from participants using the informative approach has indicated that the agent’s ability to follow the advice is higher, and therefore, they feel their own advice to be of higher accuracy when compared to people providing evaluative advice. © 2022, The Author(s).
Human rights for or by the people? Securing economic, social and cultural rights in a post-war/post-conflict context
- Authors: Fernando, Dinesha
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This grounded theory (GT) study explores the economic, social and cultural (ESC) conditions and associated rights in post-war Sri Lanka during the past 10 years (2009– 2019). Tamils have been left in a challenging position after the war in terms of how other citizens have been perceiving them and their uniqueness has been disputed in terms of their rights. The overall position of the Tamils in the country has changed in recent history, which is a unique situation not only for the Tamils but also for the whole country. The 30-year Sri Lankan civil war is an important example of transformations during resettlement and the transitions back to normalcy. For many years, the war produced serious loss of life, assets and property, and in addition to these losses, the majority of people were affected either directly or indirectly. It is probably without choice that over the past decades, the Sri Lankans have faced significant economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) challenges, especially in the north of the country. In the 10 years since the Sri Lankan Government brought an end to the devastating civil war, the country has seen improvements in the overall security and freedom of movement, infrastructure, investment, and growth; yet there remain many ESCR challenges. This thesis identifies the forces that have been acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka. Specifically, the thesis identifies the strategies to secure ESCR in a post-war situation when ESCR are absent or insecure. The grounded-up nature of this thesis explores capturing the ESCR-related post-war experiences, attributes and learnings rather than gathering facts and describing acts. The thesis was designed to address the research questions in a direct manner: (1) What are the forces acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka; and (2) What would be the most effective strategies for securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka? This constructivist grounded theory study collected qualitative data through in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews and observations. In an effort to chart and examine what individuals and communities do in the absence of secure ESCR, I uncovered surprising and interesting coping strategies adopted by communities in their efforts to secure ESCR. A significant aim of this study was to share the results/findings with regional policymakers, especially in the north of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, with the availability of funds, this study could be expanded to incorporate a larger context in the form of a book published to assist in improving the lives of war-affected victims’ in terms of future access, promotion, protection and enjoyment of ESCR.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Fernando, Dinesha
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This grounded theory (GT) study explores the economic, social and cultural (ESC) conditions and associated rights in post-war Sri Lanka during the past 10 years (2009– 2019). Tamils have been left in a challenging position after the war in terms of how other citizens have been perceiving them and their uniqueness has been disputed in terms of their rights. The overall position of the Tamils in the country has changed in recent history, which is a unique situation not only for the Tamils but also for the whole country. The 30-year Sri Lankan civil war is an important example of transformations during resettlement and the transitions back to normalcy. For many years, the war produced serious loss of life, assets and property, and in addition to these losses, the majority of people were affected either directly or indirectly. It is probably without choice that over the past decades, the Sri Lankans have faced significant economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) challenges, especially in the north of the country. In the 10 years since the Sri Lankan Government brought an end to the devastating civil war, the country has seen improvements in the overall security and freedom of movement, infrastructure, investment, and growth; yet there remain many ESCR challenges. This thesis identifies the forces that have been acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka. Specifically, the thesis identifies the strategies to secure ESCR in a post-war situation when ESCR are absent or insecure. The grounded-up nature of this thesis explores capturing the ESCR-related post-war experiences, attributes and learnings rather than gathering facts and describing acts. The thesis was designed to address the research questions in a direct manner: (1) What are the forces acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka; and (2) What would be the most effective strategies for securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka? This constructivist grounded theory study collected qualitative data through in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews and observations. In an effort to chart and examine what individuals and communities do in the absence of secure ESCR, I uncovered surprising and interesting coping strategies adopted by communities in their efforts to secure ESCR. A significant aim of this study was to share the results/findings with regional policymakers, especially in the north of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, with the availability of funds, this study could be expanded to incorporate a larger context in the form of a book published to assist in improving the lives of war-affected victims’ in terms of future access, promotion, protection and enjoyment of ESCR.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Human strongyloidiasis : complexities and pathways forward
- Buonfrate, Dora, Bradbury, Richard, Watts, Matthew, Bisoffi, Zeno
- Authors: Buonfrate, Dora , Bradbury, Richard , Watts, Matthew , Bisoffi, Zeno
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Clinical Microbiology Reviews Vol. 36, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Strongyloidiasis is a World Health Organization neglected tropical disease usually caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle. Globally, 300-600 million people are infected through contact with fecally contaminated soil. An autoinfective component of the life cycle can lead to chronic infection that may be asymptomatic or cause long-term symptoms, including malnourishment in children. Low larval output can limit the sensitivity of detection in stool, with serology being effectivebut less sensitive in immunocompromise. Host immunosuppression can trigger catastrophic, fatal hyperinfection/dissemination, where large numbers of larvae pierce the bowel wall and disseminate throughout the organs. Stable disease is effectivelytreated by single-dose ivermectin, with disease in immunocompromised patients treated with multiple doses. Strategies for management include raising awareness, clarifying zoonotic potential, the development and use of effectivediagnostic tests for epidemiological studies and individual diagnosis, and the implementation of treatment programs with research into therapeutic alternatives and medication safety. © 2023 American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Buonfrate, Dora , Bradbury, Richard , Watts, Matthew , Bisoffi, Zeno
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Clinical Microbiology Reviews Vol. 36, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Strongyloidiasis is a World Health Organization neglected tropical disease usually caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle. Globally, 300-600 million people are infected through contact with fecally contaminated soil. An autoinfective component of the life cycle can lead to chronic infection that may be asymptomatic or cause long-term symptoms, including malnourishment in children. Low larval output can limit the sensitivity of detection in stool, with serology being effectivebut less sensitive in immunocompromise. Host immunosuppression can trigger catastrophic, fatal hyperinfection/dissemination, where large numbers of larvae pierce the bowel wall and disseminate throughout the organs. Stable disease is effectivelytreated by single-dose ivermectin, with disease in immunocompromised patients treated with multiple doses. Strategies for management include raising awareness, clarifying zoonotic potential, the development and use of effectivediagnostic tests for epidemiological studies and individual diagnosis, and the implementation of treatment programs with research into therapeutic alternatives and medication safety. © 2023 American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.
Hybridisation rates, population structure, and dispersal of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in south-eastern Australia
- Hill, Erin, Murphy, Nicholas, Li-Williams, Scarlett, Davies, Christopher, Forsyth, David, Comte, Sebastien, Rollins, Lee, Hogan, Fiona, Wedrowicz, Faye, Crittle, Troy, Thomas, Elaine, Woodford, Luke, Pacioni, Carlo
- Authors: Hill, Erin , Murphy, Nicholas , Li-Williams, Scarlett , Davies, Christopher , Forsyth, David , Comte, Sebastien , Rollins, Lee , Hogan, Fiona , Wedrowicz, Faye , Crittle, Troy , Thomas, Elaine , Woodford, Luke , Pacioni, Carlo
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Wildlife Research Vol. 50, no. 9 (2023), p. 669-687
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Context. Introduced populations of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) are present across south-eastern Australia and are subject to local population control to alleviate their negative impacts. For management to be effective, identification of dispersal capability and management units is necessary. These species also readily hybridise, so additional investigation of hybridisation rates across their distributions is necessary to understand the interactions between the two species. Aims. Measure the hybridisation rate of sambar and rusa deer, assess broad-scale population structure present within both species and identify distinct management units for future population control, and measure the likely dispersal capability of both species. Methods. In total, 198 sambar deer, 189 rusa deer, and three suspected hybrid samples were collected across Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). After sequencing and filtering, 14 099 polymorphic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were retained for analysis. Hybridisation rates were assessed before the data were split by species to identify population structure, diversity indices, and dispersal distances. Key results. Across the entire dataset, 17 hybrids were detected. Broad-scale population structure was evident in sambar deer, but not among the sites where rusa deer were sampled. Analysis of dispersal ability showed that a majority of deer movement occurred within 20 km in both species, suggesting limited dispersal. Conclusions. Distinct management units of sambar deer can be identified from the dataset, allowing independent population control. Although broad-scale population structure was not evident in the rusa deer populations, dispersal limits identified suggest that rusa deer sites sampled in this study could be managed separately. Sambar × rusa deer hybrids are present in both Victoria and NSW and can be difficult to detect on the basis of morphology alone. Implications. Genetic analysis can identify broad-scale management units necessary for population control, and estimates of dispersal capability can assist in delineating management units where broad-scale population structure may not be apparent. The negative impacts associated with hybridisation require further investigation to determine whether removal of hybrids should be considered a priority management aim. © 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing.
- Authors: Hill, Erin , Murphy, Nicholas , Li-Williams, Scarlett , Davies, Christopher , Forsyth, David , Comte, Sebastien , Rollins, Lee , Hogan, Fiona , Wedrowicz, Faye , Crittle, Troy , Thomas, Elaine , Woodford, Luke , Pacioni, Carlo
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Wildlife Research Vol. 50, no. 9 (2023), p. 669-687
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Context. Introduced populations of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) are present across south-eastern Australia and are subject to local population control to alleviate their negative impacts. For management to be effective, identification of dispersal capability and management units is necessary. These species also readily hybridise, so additional investigation of hybridisation rates across their distributions is necessary to understand the interactions between the two species. Aims. Measure the hybridisation rate of sambar and rusa deer, assess broad-scale population structure present within both species and identify distinct management units for future population control, and measure the likely dispersal capability of both species. Methods. In total, 198 sambar deer, 189 rusa deer, and three suspected hybrid samples were collected across Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). After sequencing and filtering, 14 099 polymorphic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were retained for analysis. Hybridisation rates were assessed before the data were split by species to identify population structure, diversity indices, and dispersal distances. Key results. Across the entire dataset, 17 hybrids were detected. Broad-scale population structure was evident in sambar deer, but not among the sites where rusa deer were sampled. Analysis of dispersal ability showed that a majority of deer movement occurred within 20 km in both species, suggesting limited dispersal. Conclusions. Distinct management units of sambar deer can be identified from the dataset, allowing independent population control. Although broad-scale population structure was not evident in the rusa deer populations, dispersal limits identified suggest that rusa deer sites sampled in this study could be managed separately. Sambar × rusa deer hybrids are present in both Victoria and NSW and can be difficult to detect on the basis of morphology alone. Implications. Genetic analysis can identify broad-scale management units necessary for population control, and estimates of dispersal capability can assist in delineating management units where broad-scale population structure may not be apparent. The negative impacts associated with hybridisation require further investigation to determine whether removal of hybrids should be considered a priority management aim. © 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing.
Hybridizing five neural-metaheuristic paradigms to predict the pillar stress in bord and pillar method
- Zhou, Jian, Chen, Yuxin, Chen, Hui, Khandelwal, Manoj, Monjezi, Masoud, Peng, Kang
- Authors: Zhou, Jian , Chen, Yuxin , Chen, Hui , Khandelwal, Manoj , Monjezi, Masoud , Peng, Kang
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 11, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pillar stability is an important condition for safe work in room-and-pillar mines. The instability of pillars will lead to large-scale collapse hazards, and the accurate estimation of induced stresses at different positions in the pillar is helpful for pillar design and guaranteeing pillar stability. There are many modeling methods to design pillars and evaluate their stability, including empirical and numerical method. However, empirical methods are difficult to be applied to places other than the original environmental characteristics, and numerical methods often simplify the boundary conditions and material properties, which cannot guarantee the stability of the design. Currently, machine learning (ML) algorithms have been successfully applied to pillar stability assessment with higher accuracy. Thus, the study adopted a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and five elements including the sparrow search algorithm (SSA), gray wolf optimizer (GWO), butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA), tunicate swarm algorithm (TSA), and multi-verse optimizer (MVO). Combining metaheuristic algorithms, five hybrid models were developed to predict the induced stress within the pillar. The weight and threshold of the BPNN model are optimized by metaheuristic algorithms, in which the mean absolute error (MAE) is utilized as the fitness function. A database containing 149 data samples was established, where the input variables were the angle of goafline (A), depth of the working coal seam (H), specific gravity (G), distance of the point from the center of the pillar (C), and distance of the point from goafline (D), and the output variable was the induced stress. Furthermore, the predictive performance of the proposed model is evaluated by five metrics, namely coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), variance accounted for (VAF), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results showed that the five hybrid models developed have good prediction performance, especially the GWO-BPNN model performed the best (Training set: R2 = 0.9991, RMSE = 0.1535, VAF = 99.91, MAE = 0.0884, MAPE = 0.6107; Test set: R2 = 0.9983, RMSE = 0.1783, VAF = 99.83, MAE = 0.1230, MAPE = 0.9253). Copyright © 2023 Zhou, Chen, Chen, Khandelwal, Monjezi and Peng.
- Authors: Zhou, Jian , Chen, Yuxin , Chen, Hui , Khandelwal, Manoj , Monjezi, Masoud , Peng, Kang
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 11, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pillar stability is an important condition for safe work in room-and-pillar mines. The instability of pillars will lead to large-scale collapse hazards, and the accurate estimation of induced stresses at different positions in the pillar is helpful for pillar design and guaranteeing pillar stability. There are many modeling methods to design pillars and evaluate their stability, including empirical and numerical method. However, empirical methods are difficult to be applied to places other than the original environmental characteristics, and numerical methods often simplify the boundary conditions and material properties, which cannot guarantee the stability of the design. Currently, machine learning (ML) algorithms have been successfully applied to pillar stability assessment with higher accuracy. Thus, the study adopted a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and five elements including the sparrow search algorithm (SSA), gray wolf optimizer (GWO), butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA), tunicate swarm algorithm (TSA), and multi-verse optimizer (MVO). Combining metaheuristic algorithms, five hybrid models were developed to predict the induced stress within the pillar. The weight and threshold of the BPNN model are optimized by metaheuristic algorithms, in which the mean absolute error (MAE) is utilized as the fitness function. A database containing 149 data samples was established, where the input variables were the angle of goafline (A), depth of the working coal seam (H), specific gravity (G), distance of the point from the center of the pillar (C), and distance of the point from goafline (D), and the output variable was the induced stress. Furthermore, the predictive performance of the proposed model is evaluated by five metrics, namely coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), variance accounted for (VAF), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results showed that the five hybrid models developed have good prediction performance, especially the GWO-BPNN model performed the best (Training set: R2 = 0.9991, RMSE = 0.1535, VAF = 99.91, MAE = 0.0884, MAPE = 0.6107; Test set: R2 = 0.9983, RMSE = 0.1783, VAF = 99.83, MAE = 0.1230, MAPE = 0.9253). Copyright © 2023 Zhou, Chen, Chen, Khandelwal, Monjezi and Peng.
Identifying complementary and alternative medicine recommendations for anxiety treatment and care : a systematic review and critical assessment of comprehensive clinical practice guidelines
- Zhao, Fei-Yi, Kennedy, Gerard, Xu, Peijie, Conduit, Russell, Wang, Yan-Mei, Zhang, Wen-Jing, Wang, Hui-Ru, Yue, Li-Ping, Huang, Yu-Ling, Wang, Yin, Xu, Yan, Fu, Qiang-Qiang, Zheng, Zhen
- Authors: Zhao, Fei-Yi , Kennedy, Gerard , Xu, Peijie , Conduit, Russell , Wang, Yan-Mei , Zhang, Wen-Jing , Wang, Hui-Ru , Yue, Li-Ping , Huang, Yu-Ling , Wang, Yin , Xu, Yan , Fu, Qiang-Qiang , Zheng, Zhen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 14, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used to guide decision-making, especially regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that are unfamiliar to orthodox healthcare providers. This systematic review aimed to critically review and summarise CAM recommendations associated with anxiety management included in the existing CPGs. Methods: Seven databases, websites of six international guidelines developing institutions, and the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health website were systematically searched. Their reporting and methodological quality were evaluated using the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare checklist and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (2nd version) instrument, respectively. Results: Ten CPGs were included, with reporting rates between 51.4 and 88.6%. Seven of these were of moderate to high methodological quality. Seventeen CAM modalities were implicated, involving phytotherapeutics, mind–body practice, art therapy, and homeopathy. Applied relaxation was included in 70% CPGs, which varied in degree of support for its use in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. There were few recommendations for other therapies/products. Light therapy was not recommended for use in generalised anxiety disorder, and St John’s wort and mindfulness were not recommended for use in social anxiety disorder in individual guidelines. Recommendations for the applicability of other therapies/products for treating a specific anxiety disorder were commonly graded as “unclear, unambiguous, or uncertain”. No CAM recommendations were provided for separation anxiety disorder, specific phobia or selective mutism. Conclusion: Available guidelines are limited in providing logically explained graded CAM recommendations for anxiety treatment and care. A lack of high-quality evidence and multidisciplinary consultation during the guideline development are two major reasons. High quality and reliable clinical evidence and the engagement of a range of interdisciplinary stakeholders are needed for future CPG development and updating. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022373694, identifier CRD42022373694. Copyright © 2023 Zhao, Kennedy, Xu, Conduit, Wang, Zhang, Wang, Yue, Huang, Wang, Xu, Fu and Zheng.
- Authors: Zhao, Fei-Yi , Kennedy, Gerard , Xu, Peijie , Conduit, Russell , Wang, Yan-Mei , Zhang, Wen-Jing , Wang, Hui-Ru , Yue, Li-Ping , Huang, Yu-Ling , Wang, Yin , Xu, Yan , Fu, Qiang-Qiang , Zheng, Zhen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychiatry Vol. 14, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used to guide decision-making, especially regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that are unfamiliar to orthodox healthcare providers. This systematic review aimed to critically review and summarise CAM recommendations associated with anxiety management included in the existing CPGs. Methods: Seven databases, websites of six international guidelines developing institutions, and the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health website were systematically searched. Their reporting and methodological quality were evaluated using the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare checklist and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (2nd version) instrument, respectively. Results: Ten CPGs were included, with reporting rates between 51.4 and 88.6%. Seven of these were of moderate to high methodological quality. Seventeen CAM modalities were implicated, involving phytotherapeutics, mind–body practice, art therapy, and homeopathy. Applied relaxation was included in 70% CPGs, which varied in degree of support for its use in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. There were few recommendations for other therapies/products. Light therapy was not recommended for use in generalised anxiety disorder, and St John’s wort and mindfulness were not recommended for use in social anxiety disorder in individual guidelines. Recommendations for the applicability of other therapies/products for treating a specific anxiety disorder were commonly graded as “unclear, unambiguous, or uncertain”. No CAM recommendations were provided for separation anxiety disorder, specific phobia or selective mutism. Conclusion: Available guidelines are limited in providing logically explained graded CAM recommendations for anxiety treatment and care. A lack of high-quality evidence and multidisciplinary consultation during the guideline development are two major reasons. High quality and reliable clinical evidence and the engagement of a range of interdisciplinary stakeholders are needed for future CPG development and updating. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022373694, identifier CRD42022373694. Copyright © 2023 Zhao, Kennedy, Xu, Conduit, Wang, Zhang, Wang, Yue, Huang, Wang, Xu, Fu and Zheng.