A new systemic disease mouse model for glioblastoma capable of single-tumour-cell detection
- Ware, Thomas, Luwor, Rodney, Zhu, Hong-Jian
- Authors: Ware, Thomas , Luwor, Rodney , Zhu, Hong-Jian
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cells Vol. 13, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Glioblastoma is characterised by extensive infiltration into the brain parenchyma, leading to inevitable tumor recurrence and therapeutic failure. Future treatments will need to target the specific biology of tumour recurrence, but our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms is limited. Significantly, there is a lack of available methods and models that are tailored to the examination of tumour recurrence. Methods: NOD-SCID mice were orthotopically implanted with luciferase-labelled donor U87MG or MU20 glioblastoma cells. Four days later, an unlabelled recipient tumor was implanted on the contralateral side. The mice were euthanised at a humane end-point and tissue and blood samples were collected for ex vivo analyses. Results: The ex vivo analyses of the firefly-labelled MU20 tumours displayed extensive invasion at the primary tumour margins, whereas the firefly-labelled U87MG tumours exhibited expansive phenotypes with no evident invasions at the tumour margins. Luciferase signals were detected in the contralateral unlabelled recipient tumours for both the U87MG and MU20 tumours compared to the non-implanted control brain. Remarkably, tumour cells were uniformly detected in all tissue samples of the supratentorial brain region compared to the control tissue, with single tumour cells detected in some tissue samples. Circulating tumour cells were also detected in the blood samples of most of the xenografted mice. Moreover, tumour cells were detected in the lungs of all of the mice, a probable event related to haematogenous dissemination. Similar results were obtained when the U87MG cells were alternatively labelled with gaussian luciferase. Conclusions: These findings describe a systemic disease model for glioblastoma which can be used to investigate recurrence biology and therapeutic efficacy towards recurrence. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Ware, Thomas , Luwor, Rodney , Zhu, Hong-Jian
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cells Vol. 13, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Glioblastoma is characterised by extensive infiltration into the brain parenchyma, leading to inevitable tumor recurrence and therapeutic failure. Future treatments will need to target the specific biology of tumour recurrence, but our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms is limited. Significantly, there is a lack of available methods and models that are tailored to the examination of tumour recurrence. Methods: NOD-SCID mice were orthotopically implanted with luciferase-labelled donor U87MG or MU20 glioblastoma cells. Four days later, an unlabelled recipient tumor was implanted on the contralateral side. The mice were euthanised at a humane end-point and tissue and blood samples were collected for ex vivo analyses. Results: The ex vivo analyses of the firefly-labelled MU20 tumours displayed extensive invasion at the primary tumour margins, whereas the firefly-labelled U87MG tumours exhibited expansive phenotypes with no evident invasions at the tumour margins. Luciferase signals were detected in the contralateral unlabelled recipient tumours for both the U87MG and MU20 tumours compared to the non-implanted control brain. Remarkably, tumour cells were uniformly detected in all tissue samples of the supratentorial brain region compared to the control tissue, with single tumour cells detected in some tissue samples. Circulating tumour cells were also detected in the blood samples of most of the xenografted mice. Moreover, tumour cells were detected in the lungs of all of the mice, a probable event related to haematogenous dissemination. Similar results were obtained when the U87MG cells were alternatively labelled with gaussian luciferase. Conclusions: These findings describe a systemic disease model for glioblastoma which can be used to investigate recurrence biology and therapeutic efficacy towards recurrence. © 2024 by the authors.
A survey of commercial and industrial demand response flexibility with energy storage systems and renewable energy
- Yasmin, Roksana, Amin, B.M. Ruhu, Shah, Rakibuzzaman, Barton, Andrew
- Authors: Yasmin, Roksana , Amin, B.M. Ruhu , Shah, Rakibuzzaman , Barton, Andrew
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sustainability (Switzerland) Vol. 16, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The transition from traditional fuel-dependent energy systems to renewable energy-based systems has been extensively embraced worldwide. Demand-side flexibility is essential to support the power grid with carbon-free generation (e.g., solar, wind.) in an intermittent nature. As extensive energy consumers, commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers can play a key role by extending their flexibility and participating in demand response. Onsite renewable generation by consumers can reduce the consumption from the grid, while energy storage systems (ESSs) can support variable generation and shift demand by storing energy for later use. Both technologies can increase the flexibility and benefit by integrating with the demand response. However, a lack of knowledge about the applicability of increasing flexibility hinders the active participation of C&I consumers in demand response programs. This survey paper provides an overview of demand response and energy storage systems in this context following a methodology of a step-by-step literature review covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The literature review focuses on the application of energy storage systems and onsite renewable generation integrated with demand response for C&I consumers and is presented with an extensive analysis. This survey also examines the demand response participation and potential of wastewater treatment plants. The extended research on the wastewater treatment plant identifies the potential opportunities of coupling biogas with PV, extracting the thermal energy and onsite hydrogen production. Finally, the survey analysis is summarised, followed by critical recommendations for future research. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Yasmin, Roksana , Amin, B.M. Ruhu , Shah, Rakibuzzaman , Barton, Andrew
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sustainability (Switzerland) Vol. 16, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The transition from traditional fuel-dependent energy systems to renewable energy-based systems has been extensively embraced worldwide. Demand-side flexibility is essential to support the power grid with carbon-free generation (e.g., solar, wind.) in an intermittent nature. As extensive energy consumers, commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers can play a key role by extending their flexibility and participating in demand response. Onsite renewable generation by consumers can reduce the consumption from the grid, while energy storage systems (ESSs) can support variable generation and shift demand by storing energy for later use. Both technologies can increase the flexibility and benefit by integrating with the demand response. However, a lack of knowledge about the applicability of increasing flexibility hinders the active participation of C&I consumers in demand response programs. This survey paper provides an overview of demand response and energy storage systems in this context following a methodology of a step-by-step literature review covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The literature review focuses on the application of energy storage systems and onsite renewable generation integrated with demand response for C&I consumers and is presented with an extensive analysis. This survey also examines the demand response participation and potential of wastewater treatment plants. The extended research on the wastewater treatment plant identifies the potential opportunities of coupling biogas with PV, extracting the thermal energy and onsite hydrogen production. Finally, the survey analysis is summarised, followed by critical recommendations for future research. © 2024 by the authors.
An exploration of online technoliteracy capability teaching and learning in early years classrooms
- Authors: Falloon, Garry
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Education and Information Technologies Vol. 29, no. 1 (2024), p. 625-654
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The increasing use of digital devices by young children, has led to calls for earlier teaching for information literacy. However, some research indicates reluctance to do this, due to perceived limitations of young children and notions about what is and is not ‘appropriate’ for them learn. This study examines this proposition, through analysis of 6 and 7 year olds’ application of ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities during a unit of learning about Matariki (the Maori new year). It used an updated and expanded revision of Durrant and Green’s (2000) l(IT)eracy capability model, to understand how the students applied ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities to online research and production of an information artefact for an identified audience. Although results were mixed, data was found of students’ productive engagement of ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities aligned with Durrant and Green’s dimensions, suggesting that with developmentally-appropriate curriculum and pedagogy they were capable of integrating these for meaning making, judging meaning quality, and meaning sharing and communication. Given increasingly ubiquitous access to devices from a young age, results indicate that serious consideration should be given to teaching basic ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities in early years classrooms. © 2023, Crown.
- Authors: Falloon, Garry
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Education and Information Technologies Vol. 29, no. 1 (2024), p. 625-654
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The increasing use of digital devices by young children, has led to calls for earlier teaching for information literacy. However, some research indicates reluctance to do this, due to perceived limitations of young children and notions about what is and is not ‘appropriate’ for them learn. This study examines this proposition, through analysis of 6 and 7 year olds’ application of ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities during a unit of learning about Matariki (the Maori new year). It used an updated and expanded revision of Durrant and Green’s (2000) l(IT)eracy capability model, to understand how the students applied ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities to online research and production of an information artefact for an identified audience. Although results were mixed, data was found of students’ productive engagement of ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities aligned with Durrant and Green’s dimensions, suggesting that with developmentally-appropriate curriculum and pedagogy they were capable of integrating these for meaning making, judging meaning quality, and meaning sharing and communication. Given increasingly ubiquitous access to devices from a young age, results indicate that serious consideration should be given to teaching basic ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities in early years classrooms. © 2023, Crown.
Animal models, pathogenesis, and potential treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm
- Wang, Yutang, Panicker, Indu, Anesi, Jack, Sargisson, Owen, Atchison, Benjamin, Habenicht, Andreas
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Panicker, Indu , Anesi, Jack , Sargisson, Owen , Atchison, Benjamin , Habenicht, Andreas
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 25, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16–0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1–2% of all deaths in Western countries. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified to slow TAA development and prevent TAA rupture. Large TAAs are treated with open surgical repair and less invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair, both of which have high perioperative mortality risk. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TAA development and rupture to develop new therapies. In this review, we summarize animal TAA models including recent developments in porcine and zebrafish models: porcine models can assess new therapeutic devices or intervention strategies in a large mammal and zebrafish models can employ large-scale small-molecule suppressor screening in microwells. The second part of the review covers current views of TAA pathogenesis, derived from recent studies using these animal models, with a focus on the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Panicker, Indu , Anesi, Jack , Sargisson, Owen , Atchison, Benjamin , Habenicht, Andreas
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 25, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16–0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1–2% of all deaths in Western countries. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified to slow TAA development and prevent TAA rupture. Large TAAs are treated with open surgical repair and less invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair, both of which have high perioperative mortality risk. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TAA development and rupture to develop new therapies. In this review, we summarize animal TAA models including recent developments in porcine and zebrafish models: porcine models can assess new therapeutic devices or intervention strategies in a large mammal and zebrafish models can employ large-scale small-molecule suppressor screening in microwells. The second part of the review covers current views of TAA pathogenesis, derived from recent studies using these animal models, with a focus on the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF
Crop monitoring by multimodal remote sensing : a review
- Karmakar, Priyabrata, Teng, Shyh, Murshed, Manzur, Pang, Shaoning, Li, Yanyu, Lin, Hao
- Authors: Karmakar, Priyabrata , Teng, Shyh , Murshed, Manzur , Pang, Shaoning , Li, Yanyu , Lin, Hao
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment Vol. 33, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Effective approaches to achieve food safety and security can prevent catastrophic situations. Therefore, it is required to monitor agricultural crops on a regular basis. This can be easily achieved by capturing data from various remote sensing (RS) devices followed by processing them. Most RS devices are useful in monitoring crops and analysing different stages of plant growth successfully. However, individual devices have some limitations. To overcome this, multimodal remote sensing (MRS) methods have been gradually gaining popularity. In the multimodal approach, data from more than one modality are used together to obtain a better outcome. This is because, different modalities of data when used together can complement each other to achieve the same objective by combining their strengths and reducing their limitations, simultaneously. MRS methods have been found to be particularly useful for crop monitoring as they allow for the integration of data from multiple sources, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of plant growth and development. By using MRS methods, it is possible to obtain a more accurate and detailed analysis of crop conditions, leading to improved decision-making and ultimately, better crop yields. In this paper, we will explore how MRS methods have been successfully utilised in crop monitoring and how the data obtained from these methods can provide valuable insights into the health and development of plants. © 2023 The Authors
- Authors: Karmakar, Priyabrata , Teng, Shyh , Murshed, Manzur , Pang, Shaoning , Li, Yanyu , Lin, Hao
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment Vol. 33, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Effective approaches to achieve food safety and security can prevent catastrophic situations. Therefore, it is required to monitor agricultural crops on a regular basis. This can be easily achieved by capturing data from various remote sensing (RS) devices followed by processing them. Most RS devices are useful in monitoring crops and analysing different stages of plant growth successfully. However, individual devices have some limitations. To overcome this, multimodal remote sensing (MRS) methods have been gradually gaining popularity. In the multimodal approach, data from more than one modality are used together to obtain a better outcome. This is because, different modalities of data when used together can complement each other to achieve the same objective by combining their strengths and reducing their limitations, simultaneously. MRS methods have been found to be particularly useful for crop monitoring as they allow for the integration of data from multiple sources, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of plant growth and development. By using MRS methods, it is possible to obtain a more accurate and detailed analysis of crop conditions, leading to improved decision-making and ultimately, better crop yields. In this paper, we will explore how MRS methods have been successfully utilised in crop monitoring and how the data obtained from these methods can provide valuable insights into the health and development of plants. © 2023 The Authors
Differences in anxiety, insomnia, and trauma symptoms in wildfire survivors from australia, canada, and the United States of America
- Isaac, Fadia, Toukhsati, Samia, Klein, Britt, Di Benedetto, Mirella, Kennedy, Gerard
- Authors: Isaac, Fadia , Toukhsati, Samia , Klein, Britt , Di Benedetto, Mirella , Kennedy, Gerard
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 21, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Many survivors of wildfires report elevated levels of psychological distress following the trauma of wildfires. However, there is only limited research on the effects of wildfires on mental health. This study examined differences in anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleep quality, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following wildfires in Australia, Canada, and the United States of America (USA). One hundred and twenty-six participants from Australia, Canada, and the USA completed an online survey. The sample included 102 (81%) women, 23 (18.3%) men, and one non-binary (0.8%) individual. Participants were aged between 20 and 92 years (M age = 52 years, SD = 14.4). They completed a demographic questionnaire, the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and PTSD Checklist (PCL-5). Results showed that participants from the USA scored significantly higher on the GAD-7 (p = 0.009), ISI (p = 0.003), and PCL-5 (p = 0.021) than participants from Australia and Canada. The current findings suggest a need for more international collaboration to reduce the severity of mental health conditions in Australia, Canada, and the USA. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Isaac, Fadia , Toukhsati, Samia , Klein, Britt , Di Benedetto, Mirella , Kennedy, Gerard
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 21, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Many survivors of wildfires report elevated levels of psychological distress following the trauma of wildfires. However, there is only limited research on the effects of wildfires on mental health. This study examined differences in anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleep quality, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following wildfires in Australia, Canada, and the United States of America (USA). One hundred and twenty-six participants from Australia, Canada, and the USA completed an online survey. The sample included 102 (81%) women, 23 (18.3%) men, and one non-binary (0.8%) individual. Participants were aged between 20 and 92 years (M age = 52 years, SD = 14.4). They completed a demographic questionnaire, the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and PTSD Checklist (PCL-5). Results showed that participants from the USA scored significantly higher on the GAD-7 (p = 0.009), ISI (p = 0.003), and PCL-5 (p = 0.021) than participants from Australia and Canada. The current findings suggest a need for more international collaboration to reduce the severity of mental health conditions in Australia, Canada, and the USA. © 2023 by the authors.
DQN approach for adaptive self-healing of VNFs in cloud-native network
- Arulappan, Arunkumar, Mahanti, Aniket, Passi, Kalpdrum, Srinivasan, Thiruvenkadam, Naha, Ranesh, Raja, Gunasekaran
- Authors: Arulappan, Arunkumar , Mahanti, Aniket , Passi, Kalpdrum , Srinivasan, Thiruvenkadam , Naha, Ranesh , Raja, Gunasekaran
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 34489-34504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The transformation from physical network function to Virtual Network Function (VNF) requires a fundamental design change in how applications and services are tested and assured in a hybrid virtual network. Once the VNFs are onboarded in a cloud network infrastructure, operators need to test VNFs in real-time at the time of instantiation automatically. This paper explicitly analyses the problem of adaptive self-healing of a Virtual Machine (VM) allocated by the VNF with the Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) approach. The DRL-based big data collection and analytics engine performs aggregation to probe and analyze data for troubleshooting and performance management. This engine helps to determine corrective actions (self-healing), such as scaling or migrating VNFs. Hence, we proposed a Deep Queue Learning (DQL) based Deep Queue Networks (DQN) mechanism for self-healing VNFs in the virtualized infrastructure manager. Virtual network probes of closed-loop orchestration perform the automation of the VNF and provide analytics for real-time, policy-driven orchestration in an open networking automation platform through the stochastic gradient descent method for VNF service assurance and network reliability. The proposed DQN/DDQN mechanism optimizes the price and lowers the cost by 18% for resource usage without disrupting the Quality of Service (QoS) provided by the VNF. The outcome of adaptive self-healing of the VNFs enhances the computational performance by 27% compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms. © 2013 IEEE.
- Authors: Arulappan, Arunkumar , Mahanti, Aniket , Passi, Kalpdrum , Srinivasan, Thiruvenkadam , Naha, Ranesh , Raja, Gunasekaran
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 34489-34504
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The transformation from physical network function to Virtual Network Function (VNF) requires a fundamental design change in how applications and services are tested and assured in a hybrid virtual network. Once the VNFs are onboarded in a cloud network infrastructure, operators need to test VNFs in real-time at the time of instantiation automatically. This paper explicitly analyses the problem of adaptive self-healing of a Virtual Machine (VM) allocated by the VNF with the Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) approach. The DRL-based big data collection and analytics engine performs aggregation to probe and analyze data for troubleshooting and performance management. This engine helps to determine corrective actions (self-healing), such as scaling or migrating VNFs. Hence, we proposed a Deep Queue Learning (DQL) based Deep Queue Networks (DQN) mechanism for self-healing VNFs in the virtualized infrastructure manager. Virtual network probes of closed-loop orchestration perform the automation of the VNF and provide analytics for real-time, policy-driven orchestration in an open networking automation platform through the stochastic gradient descent method for VNF service assurance and network reliability. The proposed DQN/DDQN mechanism optimizes the price and lowers the cost by 18% for resource usage without disrupting the Quality of Service (QoS) provided by the VNF. The outcome of adaptive self-healing of the VNFs enhances the computational performance by 27% compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms. © 2013 IEEE.
Dreaming of an indigenised Australia
- Authors: Tout, Dan
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Studies Vol. 48, no. 1 (2024), p. 135-151
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article offers a critical engagement with Billy Griffiths’s award-winning book Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia as a departure point towards uncovering and examining a significant tradition of Australian cultural reflection and interpretation it terms, following Anthony Moran, indigenising settler nationalism. Tracing the genealogy of the indigenising settler-nationalist tendencies that shape Deep Time Dreaming, and to which the text itself contributes, the article situates Griffiths’s contribution as a recent and notable exemplar of a longstanding historiographical tradition that responds to the continuing crisis of settler-national belonging and legitimacy by attempting to incorporate the historical depth of Indigenous occupation into its own national, nationalising narrative, and so to indigenise the settler nation itself. The tradition is not Griffiths’s alone. When read in the context of a broader indigenising settler-nationalist tradition, Griffiths’s approach is revealed as neither unusually problematic nor uniquely complicit in the dynamics the article draws attention to. On the contrary, the genealogical reading of Griffiths’s work I offer here is important precisely to the extent that it facilitates an understanding of the underlying tendencies towards settler indigenisation that continue to condition Australian settler-national/ist historiography, and culture at large. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Tout, Dan
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Studies Vol. 48, no. 1 (2024), p. 135-151
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article offers a critical engagement with Billy Griffiths’s award-winning book Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia as a departure point towards uncovering and examining a significant tradition of Australian cultural reflection and interpretation it terms, following Anthony Moran, indigenising settler nationalism. Tracing the genealogy of the indigenising settler-nationalist tendencies that shape Deep Time Dreaming, and to which the text itself contributes, the article situates Griffiths’s contribution as a recent and notable exemplar of a longstanding historiographical tradition that responds to the continuing crisis of settler-national belonging and legitimacy by attempting to incorporate the historical depth of Indigenous occupation into its own national, nationalising narrative, and so to indigenise the settler nation itself. The tradition is not Griffiths’s alone. When read in the context of a broader indigenising settler-nationalist tradition, Griffiths’s approach is revealed as neither unusually problematic nor uniquely complicit in the dynamics the article draws attention to. On the contrary, the genealogical reading of Griffiths’s work I offer here is important precisely to the extent that it facilitates an understanding of the underlying tendencies towards settler indigenisation that continue to condition Australian settler-national/ist historiography, and culture at large. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Examining the intra-rater reliability of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)-Induced Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) within and between sessions: a step towards ensuring accuracy of observed mep changes in repeated measures studies conducted by newly trained TMS operators
- Salihu, Abubakar, Hill, Keith, Zoghi, Maryam, Jaberzadeh, Shapour
- Authors: Salihu, Abubakar , Hill, Keith , Zoghi, Maryam , Jaberzadeh, Shapour
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies Vol. 11, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: An essential factor in the validity of motor evoked potential (MEP)s recorded by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over multiple times is their test-retest reliability which to a large extent depends on the accuracy and competence of the assessor (intra-rater reliability). However, intra-rater reliability is infrequently reported in TMS studies suggesting that this is rarely done. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the intra-rater within and between-session reliability of a newly trained TMS assessor prior to a main TMS study and report on the methodology used to encourage similar practice. Methods: Fourteen (10 males, 4 females; mean age: 32 ± 5.8 years) participants took part in the study. Motor evoked potentials were elicited from a relaxed, right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle three times (T1, T2 and T3) across two testing sessions at least 48 hours apart. During the first session, MEPs were recorded twice (T1 and T2) within an interval of 20 minutes to determine the within (intra) session reliability of the assessor. During the second session, a single measurement was carried out (T3) which was compared to T1 to determine the inter-session reliability. Results: Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not reveal significant difference in the amplitude of the MEPs obtained across the three time periods (P = 0.196) demonstrating agreement in the MEPs and hence the reliability of the assessor. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between T1 and T2; and T1 and T3 were 0.952 (P < 0.001) and 0.833 (P = 0.001) respectively further indicating the within and between sessions reliability of the assessor. Conclusions: The agreement between the three measured MEPs amplitude and the significant ICC demonstrates the reliability of the assessor in this study to use TMS for research. We suggest that the intra-rater reliability of new TMS operators should be established using the methodology in this report prior to main TMS studies. © 2023, Salihu et al.
- Authors: Salihu, Abubakar , Hill, Keith , Zoghi, Maryam , Jaberzadeh, Shapour
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies Vol. 11, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: An essential factor in the validity of motor evoked potential (MEP)s recorded by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over multiple times is their test-retest reliability which to a large extent depends on the accuracy and competence of the assessor (intra-rater reliability). However, intra-rater reliability is infrequently reported in TMS studies suggesting that this is rarely done. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the intra-rater within and between-session reliability of a newly trained TMS assessor prior to a main TMS study and report on the methodology used to encourage similar practice. Methods: Fourteen (10 males, 4 females; mean age: 32 ± 5.8 years) participants took part in the study. Motor evoked potentials were elicited from a relaxed, right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle three times (T1, T2 and T3) across two testing sessions at least 48 hours apart. During the first session, MEPs were recorded twice (T1 and T2) within an interval of 20 minutes to determine the within (intra) session reliability of the assessor. During the second session, a single measurement was carried out (T3) which was compared to T1 to determine the inter-session reliability. Results: Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not reveal significant difference in the amplitude of the MEPs obtained across the three time periods (P = 0.196) demonstrating agreement in the MEPs and hence the reliability of the assessor. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between T1 and T2; and T1 and T3 were 0.952 (P < 0.001) and 0.833 (P = 0.001) respectively further indicating the within and between sessions reliability of the assessor. Conclusions: The agreement between the three measured MEPs amplitude and the significant ICC demonstrates the reliability of the assessor in this study to use TMS for research. We suggest that the intra-rater reliability of new TMS operators should be established using the methodology in this report prior to main TMS studies. © 2023, Salihu et al.
Fuzzy multiplier, sum and intersection rules in non-Lipschitzian settings : decoupling approach revisited
- Fabian, Marian, Kruger, Alexander, Mehlitz, Patrick
- Authors: Fabian, Marian , Kruger, Alexander , Mehlitz, Patrick
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications Vol. 532, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP160100854
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We revisit the decoupling approach widely used (often intuitively) in nonlinear analysis and optimization and initially formalized about a quarter of a century ago by Borwein & Zhu, Borwein & Ioffe and Lassonde. It allows one to streamline proofs of necessary optimality conditions and calculus relations, unify and simplify the respective statements, clarify and in many cases weaken the assumptions. In this paper we study weaker concepts of quasiuniform infimum, quasiuniform lower semicontinuity and quasiuniform minimum, putting them into the context of the general theory developed by the aforementioned authors. Along the way, we unify the terminology and notation and fill in some gaps in the general theory. We establish rather general primal and dual necessary conditions characterizing quasiuniform
- Authors: Fabian, Marian , Kruger, Alexander , Mehlitz, Patrick
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications Vol. 532, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP160100854
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We revisit the decoupling approach widely used (often intuitively) in nonlinear analysis and optimization and initially formalized about a quarter of a century ago by Borwein & Zhu, Borwein & Ioffe and Lassonde. It allows one to streamline proofs of necessary optimality conditions and calculus relations, unify and simplify the respective statements, clarify and in many cases weaken the assumptions. In this paper we study weaker concepts of quasiuniform infimum, quasiuniform lower semicontinuity and quasiuniform minimum, putting them into the context of the general theory developed by the aforementioned authors. Along the way, we unify the terminology and notation and fill in some gaps in the general theory. We establish rather general primal and dual necessary conditions characterizing quasiuniform
Guideline for the decommissioning/abandonment of subsea pipelines
- Reda, Ahmed, Amaechi, Chiemela, Diaz Jimenez, Luis, Sultan, Ibrahim, Rawlinson, Andrew
- Authors: Reda, Ahmed , Amaechi, Chiemela , Diaz Jimenez, Luis , Sultan, Ibrahim , Rawlinson, Andrew
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Vol. 12, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The operating lifespan of pipelines is limited, defined by their specific design codes and specifications, with the economic justification for this being determined primarily by the pipeline owner. During its operational lifespan, a pipeline’s integrity is affected mainly by the quality of the hydrocarbons being transported. The integrity of a pipeline can be maintained with regular inspections and maintenance/cleaning programmes followed from installation to commissioning. As production matures and declines, operators face several decisions concerning the pipeline’s future. There are several potential scenarios, and each should be assessed on a case-by-case basis for any specific pipeline in question. The industry best practices outline the minimum requirements for the safe decommissioning of pipelines. However, there currently need to be international specifications to be followed for the decommissioning of disused offshore pipelines. This paper aims to provide insight into the decommissioning and abandonment of offshore pipelines. Also, this article provides case studies for the decommissioning of subsea pipelines. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Reda, Ahmed , Amaechi, Chiemela , Diaz Jimenez, Luis , Sultan, Ibrahim , Rawlinson, Andrew
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Vol. 12, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The operating lifespan of pipelines is limited, defined by their specific design codes and specifications, with the economic justification for this being determined primarily by the pipeline owner. During its operational lifespan, a pipeline’s integrity is affected mainly by the quality of the hydrocarbons being transported. The integrity of a pipeline can be maintained with regular inspections and maintenance/cleaning programmes followed from installation to commissioning. As production matures and declines, operators face several decisions concerning the pipeline’s future. There are several potential scenarios, and each should be assessed on a case-by-case basis for any specific pipeline in question. The industry best practices outline the minimum requirements for the safe decommissioning of pipelines. However, there currently need to be international specifications to be followed for the decommissioning of disused offshore pipelines. This paper aims to provide insight into the decommissioning and abandonment of offshore pipelines. Also, this article provides case studies for the decommissioning of subsea pipelines. © 2023 by the authors.
Interleukin-11/IL-11 receptor promotes glioblastoma cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and invasion
- Stuart, Sarah, Curpen, Peter, Gomes, Adele, Lan, Michelle, Nie, Shuai, Williamson, Nicholas, Kannourakis, George, Morokoff, Andrew, Achuthan, Adrian, Luwor, Rodney
- Authors: Stuart, Sarah , Curpen, Peter , Gomes, Adele , Lan, Michelle , Nie, Shuai , Williamson, Nicholas , Kannourakis, George , Morokoff, Andrew , Achuthan, Adrian , Luwor, Rodney
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 14, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Glioblastoma is highly proliferative and invasive. However, the regulatory cytokine networks that promote glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion into other areas of the brain are not fully defined. In the present study, we define a critical role for the IL-11/IL-11R
- Authors: Stuart, Sarah , Curpen, Peter , Gomes, Adele , Lan, Michelle , Nie, Shuai , Williamson, Nicholas , Kannourakis, George , Morokoff, Andrew , Achuthan, Adrian , Luwor, Rodney
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Brain Sciences Vol. 14, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Glioblastoma is highly proliferative and invasive. However, the regulatory cytokine networks that promote glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion into other areas of the brain are not fully defined. In the present study, we define a critical role for the IL-11/IL-11R
Lifestyle management of hypertension : International Society of Hypertension position paper endorsed by the World Hypertension League and European Society of Hypertension
- Charchar, Fadi, Prestes, Priscilla, Mills, Charlotte, Ching, Siew, Neupane, Dinesh, Marques, Francine, Sharman, James, Vogt, Liffert, Burrell, Louise, Korostovtseva, Lyudmila, Zec, Manja, Patil, Mansi, Schultz, Martin, Wallen, Matthew, Renna, Nicolás, Islam, Sheikh, Hiremath, Swapnil, Gyeltshen, Tshewang, Chia, Yook-Chin, Gupta, Abhinav, Schutte, Aletta, Klein, Britt, Borghi, Claudio, Browning, Colette, Czesnikiewicz-Guzik, Marta, Lee, Hae-Young, Itoh, Hiroshi, Miura, Katsuyuki, Akinnibosun, Olutope, Shane Thomas
- Authors: Charchar, Fadi , Prestes, Priscilla , Mills, Charlotte , Ching, Siew , Neupane, Dinesh , Marques, Francine , Sharman, James , Vogt, Liffert , Burrell, Louise , Korostovtseva, Lyudmila , Zec, Manja , Patil, Mansi , Schultz, Martin , Wallen, Matthew , Renna, Nicolás , Islam, Sheikh , Hiremath, Swapnil , Gyeltshen, Tshewang , Chia, Yook-Chin , Gupta, Abhinav , Schutte, Aletta , Klein, Britt , Borghi, Claudio , Browning, Colette , Czesnikiewicz-Guzik, Marta , Lee, Hae-Young , Itoh, Hiroshi , Miura, Katsuyuki , Akinnibosun, Olutope , Shane Thomas
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of hypertension Vol. 42, no. 1 (2024), p. 23-49
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and death. An international panel of experts convened by the International Society of Hypertension College of Experts compiled lifestyle management recommendations as first-line strategy to prevent and control hypertension in adulthood. We also recommend that lifestyle changes be continued even when blood pressure-lowering medications are prescribed. Specific recommendations based on literature evidence are summarized with advice to start these measures early in life, including maintaining a healthy body weight, increased levels of different types of physical activity, healthy eating and drinking, avoidance and cessation of smoking and alcohol use, management of stress and sleep levels. We also discuss the relevance of specific approaches including consumption of sodium, potassium, sugar, fibre, coffee, tea, intermittent fasting as well as integrated strategies to implement these recommendations using, for example, behaviour change-related technologies and digital tools. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliates “Fadi Charchar, Priscilla Prestes, Britt Klein, Colette Browning, Olutope Akinnibosun and Shane Thomas” are provided in this record**
- Description: Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and death. An international panel of experts convened by the International Society of Hypertension College of Experts compiled lifestyle management recommendations as first-line strategy to prevent and control hypertension in adulthood. We also recommend that lifestyle changes be continued even when blood pressure-lowering medications are prescribed. Specific recommendations based on literature evidence are summarized with advice to start these measures early in life, including maintaining a healthy body weight, increased levels of different types of physical activity, healthy eating and drinking, avoidance and cessation of smoking and alcohol use, management of stress and sleep levels. We also discuss the relevance of specific approaches including consumption of sodium, potassium, sugar, fibre, coffee, tea, intermittent fasting as well as integrated strategies to implement these recommendations using, for example, behaviour change-related technologies and digital tools. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliates “Fadi Charchar, Priscilla Prestes, Britt Klein, Colette Browning, Olutope Akinnibossun and Shane Thomas” are provided in this record**
- Authors: Charchar, Fadi , Prestes, Priscilla , Mills, Charlotte , Ching, Siew , Neupane, Dinesh , Marques, Francine , Sharman, James , Vogt, Liffert , Burrell, Louise , Korostovtseva, Lyudmila , Zec, Manja , Patil, Mansi , Schultz, Martin , Wallen, Matthew , Renna, Nicolás , Islam, Sheikh , Hiremath, Swapnil , Gyeltshen, Tshewang , Chia, Yook-Chin , Gupta, Abhinav , Schutte, Aletta , Klein, Britt , Borghi, Claudio , Browning, Colette , Czesnikiewicz-Guzik, Marta , Lee, Hae-Young , Itoh, Hiroshi , Miura, Katsuyuki , Akinnibosun, Olutope , Shane Thomas
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of hypertension Vol. 42, no. 1 (2024), p. 23-49
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and death. An international panel of experts convened by the International Society of Hypertension College of Experts compiled lifestyle management recommendations as first-line strategy to prevent and control hypertension in adulthood. We also recommend that lifestyle changes be continued even when blood pressure-lowering medications are prescribed. Specific recommendations based on literature evidence are summarized with advice to start these measures early in life, including maintaining a healthy body weight, increased levels of different types of physical activity, healthy eating and drinking, avoidance and cessation of smoking and alcohol use, management of stress and sleep levels. We also discuss the relevance of specific approaches including consumption of sodium, potassium, sugar, fibre, coffee, tea, intermittent fasting as well as integrated strategies to implement these recommendations using, for example, behaviour change-related technologies and digital tools. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliates “Fadi Charchar, Priscilla Prestes, Britt Klein, Colette Browning, Olutope Akinnibosun and Shane Thomas” are provided in this record**
- Description: Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) and death. An international panel of experts convened by the International Society of Hypertension College of Experts compiled lifestyle management recommendations as first-line strategy to prevent and control hypertension in adulthood. We also recommend that lifestyle changes be continued even when blood pressure-lowering medications are prescribed. Specific recommendations based on literature evidence are summarized with advice to start these measures early in life, including maintaining a healthy body weight, increased levels of different types of physical activity, healthy eating and drinking, avoidance and cessation of smoking and alcohol use, management of stress and sleep levels. We also discuss the relevance of specific approaches including consumption of sodium, potassium, sugar, fibre, coffee, tea, intermittent fasting as well as integrated strategies to implement these recommendations using, for example, behaviour change-related technologies and digital tools. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliates “Fadi Charchar, Priscilla Prestes, Britt Klein, Colette Browning, Olutope Akinnibossun and Shane Thomas” are provided in this record**
Mental health nurses’ attitudes on consumers with dual diagnosis : a thematic analysis
- Anandan, Roopalal, Cross, Wendy, Olasoji, Michael
- Authors: Anandan, Roopalal , Cross, Wendy , Olasoji, Michael
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Vol. 45, no. 1 (2024), p. 27-36
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The issue of dual diagnosis continues to be a global health concern. There is a lack of empirical research on mental health nurses’ attitudes toward consumers with dual diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to answer the following research question: How do mental health nurses describe their attitude toward consumers with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems? Design: This qualitative study employed purposive sampling to recruit participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore mental health nurses’ attitudes toward consumers with dual diagnosis. Setting: This study focused on mental health nurses employed in mental health settings. It placed a particular emphasis on mental health nurses who had experience in caring for consumers with dual diagnosis. Seventeen mental health nurses participated in the interview. Methods: Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using NVivo™ 12 Plus software. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes and themes inductively. Results: Three major themes with a total of eight sub-themes were identified: (1) satisfaction and connection, with three subthemes; (2) combating negativity in others, with two subthemes; and (3) working to improve outcomes, with three subthemes. Conclusions: Participants were concerned about their peers’ sense of fear and frustration, stigmatized language, and lack of consistency in providing dual diagnosis training for mental health nurses. There is a need to investigate effective strategies to address mental health nurses’ stigmatized attitudes, fear, and frustration toward consumers with dual diagnosis. © 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
- Authors: Anandan, Roopalal , Cross, Wendy , Olasoji, Michael
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Vol. 45, no. 1 (2024), p. 27-36
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The issue of dual diagnosis continues to be a global health concern. There is a lack of empirical research on mental health nurses’ attitudes toward consumers with dual diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to answer the following research question: How do mental health nurses describe their attitude toward consumers with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems? Design: This qualitative study employed purposive sampling to recruit participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore mental health nurses’ attitudes toward consumers with dual diagnosis. Setting: This study focused on mental health nurses employed in mental health settings. It placed a particular emphasis on mental health nurses who had experience in caring for consumers with dual diagnosis. Seventeen mental health nurses participated in the interview. Methods: Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using NVivo™ 12 Plus software. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes and themes inductively. Results: Three major themes with a total of eight sub-themes were identified: (1) satisfaction and connection, with three subthemes; (2) combating negativity in others, with two subthemes; and (3) working to improve outcomes, with three subthemes. Conclusions: Participants were concerned about their peers’ sense of fear and frustration, stigmatized language, and lack of consistency in providing dual diagnosis training for mental health nurses. There is a need to investigate effective strategies to address mental health nurses’ stigmatized attitudes, fear, and frustration toward consumers with dual diagnosis. © 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Mentors supporting nurses transitioning to primary healthcare roles : a practice improvement initiative
- Rossiter, Rachel, Robinson, Tracy, Cox, Rebekah, Collison, Lisa, Hills, Danny
- Authors: Rossiter, Rachel , Robinson, Tracy , Cox, Rebekah , Collison, Lisa , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Nursing Vol. 10, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Effective primary healthcare services have been identified by the World Health Organization as the most equitable approach to enhancing universal healthcare. Robust models of mentoring for registered nurses (RNs) transitioning to primary healthcare roles have yet to be described in the Australian context. A robust mentoring model can support RNs to fulfill their potential, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In 2015, the peak body for nurses in primary health care (PHC) began developing a transition to practice program, including embedded mentoring to support newly graduated and more experienced registered and enrolled nurses. This quality improvement study reports the experiences and perspectives of nurses participating as mentors in two separate offerings of the program delivered between 2019 and 2021. Method: A two-phase concurrent mixed methods evaluation utilized data from pre- and post online surveys and post program meetings. Quantitative items underwent descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis of free-text responses and comments was conducted independently by two researchers. Mentors voluntarily provided self-report data and were informed that data is routinely collected to support continuous quality improvement processes for all programs. An Information Sheet informed mentors of data usage, confidentiality, and options to withdraw without penalty from the program at any time. Results: Seventy-nine mentors were recruited to support two groups of nurses (N = 111). Mentor self-rated overall satisfaction with program participation was 86.67% (very or extremely satisfied). Mentors described being “witness to mentee growth,” “having facilitated access to learning” and receiving “unexpected benefits” including personal and professional growth and enhanced enthusiasm for their role in PHC. Conclusion: The embedded mentoring reported in this article combined a focus on skills acquisition and professional identity with the provision of a range of resources and support activities. Sustainable mentoring programs will be an important mechanism for supporting the expanding roles required of nurses working in primary health. © The Author(s) 2024.
- Authors: Rossiter, Rachel , Robinson, Tracy , Cox, Rebekah , Collison, Lisa , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Nursing Vol. 10, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Effective primary healthcare services have been identified by the World Health Organization as the most equitable approach to enhancing universal healthcare. Robust models of mentoring for registered nurses (RNs) transitioning to primary healthcare roles have yet to be described in the Australian context. A robust mentoring model can support RNs to fulfill their potential, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In 2015, the peak body for nurses in primary health care (PHC) began developing a transition to practice program, including embedded mentoring to support newly graduated and more experienced registered and enrolled nurses. This quality improvement study reports the experiences and perspectives of nurses participating as mentors in two separate offerings of the program delivered between 2019 and 2021. Method: A two-phase concurrent mixed methods evaluation utilized data from pre- and post online surveys and post program meetings. Quantitative items underwent descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis of free-text responses and comments was conducted independently by two researchers. Mentors voluntarily provided self-report data and were informed that data is routinely collected to support continuous quality improvement processes for all programs. An Information Sheet informed mentors of data usage, confidentiality, and options to withdraw without penalty from the program at any time. Results: Seventy-nine mentors were recruited to support two groups of nurses (N = 111). Mentor self-rated overall satisfaction with program participation was 86.67% (very or extremely satisfied). Mentors described being “witness to mentee growth,” “having facilitated access to learning” and receiving “unexpected benefits” including personal and professional growth and enhanced enthusiasm for their role in PHC. Conclusion: The embedded mentoring reported in this article combined a focus on skills acquisition and professional identity with the provision of a range of resources and support activities. Sustainable mentoring programs will be an important mechanism for supporting the expanding roles required of nurses working in primary health. © The Author(s) 2024.
Person-centred decision-making in mental health : a scoping review
- Hormazábal-Salgado, Raul, Whitehead, Dean, Osman, Abdi, Hills, Danny
- Authors: Hormazábal-Salgado, Raul , Whitehead, Dean , Osman, Abdi , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Vol. 45, no. 3 (2024), p. 294-310
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Person-centred decision-making approaches in mental health care are crucial to safeguard the autonomy of the person. The use of these approaches, however, has not been fully explored beyond the clinical and policy aspects of shared and supported decision-making. The main goal is to identify and collate studies that have made an essential contribution to the understanding of shared, supported, and other decision-making approaches related to adult mental health care, and how person-centred decision-making approaches could be applied in clinical practice. A scoping review of peer-reviewed primary research was undertaken. A preliminary search and a main search were undertaken. For the main search, eight databases were explored in two rounds, between October and November 2022, and in September 2023, limited to primary research in English, Spanish or Portuguese published from October 2012 to August 2023. From a total of 12,285 studies retrieved, 21 studies were included. These research articles, which had mixed quality ratings, focused on therapeutic relationships and communication in decision-making (30%), patients’ involvement in treatment decision-making (40%), and interventions for improving patients’ decision-making engagement (30%). While there is promising evidence for shared decision-making in mental health care, it is important that healthcare providers use their communicational skills to enhance the therapeutic relationship and engage patients in the process. More high-quality research on supported decision-making strategies and their implementation in mental health services is also required. © 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
- Authors: Hormazábal-Salgado, Raul , Whitehead, Dean , Osman, Abdi , Hills, Danny
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Vol. 45, no. 3 (2024), p. 294-310
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Person-centred decision-making approaches in mental health care are crucial to safeguard the autonomy of the person. The use of these approaches, however, has not been fully explored beyond the clinical and policy aspects of shared and supported decision-making. The main goal is to identify and collate studies that have made an essential contribution to the understanding of shared, supported, and other decision-making approaches related to adult mental health care, and how person-centred decision-making approaches could be applied in clinical practice. A scoping review of peer-reviewed primary research was undertaken. A preliminary search and a main search were undertaken. For the main search, eight databases were explored in two rounds, between October and November 2022, and in September 2023, limited to primary research in English, Spanish or Portuguese published from October 2012 to August 2023. From a total of 12,285 studies retrieved, 21 studies were included. These research articles, which had mixed quality ratings, focused on therapeutic relationships and communication in decision-making (30%), patients’ involvement in treatment decision-making (40%), and interventions for improving patients’ decision-making engagement (30%). While there is promising evidence for shared decision-making in mental health care, it is important that healthcare providers use their communicational skills to enhance the therapeutic relationship and engage patients in the process. More high-quality research on supported decision-making strategies and their implementation in mental health services is also required. © 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Temporal samples of visual information guides skilled interception
- Müller, Sean, Beseler, Bradley, Morris-Binelli, Khaya, Mesagno, Christopher
- Authors: Müller, Sean , Beseler, Bradley , Morris-Binelli, Khaya , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychology Vol. 15, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated whether performance of an interceptive skill requires an intact visual-perception-action cycle. Eleven skilled male Australian rules football athletes (Mage = 17.54, SD = 0.15) were recruited from an elite developmental pathway squad for a within-subject study. Participants were required to kick a ball directly at a goal from a 20-meter distance while wearing a pair of stroboscopic glasses. The glasses were used to create four vision conditions. Condition one kept intact the visual-perception-action cycle with uninterrupted vision of the motor skill. Three other conditions included stroboscopic vision that presented temporal samples of vision, which interrupted the perception-action cycle through progressive increases to intermittent vision occlusion of the motor skill. Goal kick error of ball position relative to a central target line within the goal and number of successful goals kicked were measured. Written report of internal and external focus of attention was also measured after each vision condition. Generalized estimating equation analysis did not reveal a significant decrement in kick target error, nor accuracy of goals scored, across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. Performance was maintained despite a shift in attention focus from external to internal across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for the visual regulation of skilled interceptive actions. Copyright © 2024 Müller, Beseler, Morris-Binelli and Mesagno.
- Authors: Müller, Sean , Beseler, Bradley , Morris-Binelli, Khaya , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Psychology Vol. 15, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated whether performance of an interceptive skill requires an intact visual-perception-action cycle. Eleven skilled male Australian rules football athletes (Mage = 17.54, SD = 0.15) were recruited from an elite developmental pathway squad for a within-subject study. Participants were required to kick a ball directly at a goal from a 20-meter distance while wearing a pair of stroboscopic glasses. The glasses were used to create four vision conditions. Condition one kept intact the visual-perception-action cycle with uninterrupted vision of the motor skill. Three other conditions included stroboscopic vision that presented temporal samples of vision, which interrupted the perception-action cycle through progressive increases to intermittent vision occlusion of the motor skill. Goal kick error of ball position relative to a central target line within the goal and number of successful goals kicked were measured. Written report of internal and external focus of attention was also measured after each vision condition. Generalized estimating equation analysis did not reveal a significant decrement in kick target error, nor accuracy of goals scored, across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. Performance was maintained despite a shift in attention focus from external to internal across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for the visual regulation of skilled interceptive actions. Copyright © 2024 Müller, Beseler, Morris-Binelli and Mesagno.
The linkedness of cubical polytopes : beyond the cube
- Bui, Hoa, Pineda-Villavicencio, Guillermo, Ugon, Julien
- Authors: Bui, Hoa , Pineda-Villavicencio, Guillermo , Ugon, Julien
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Discrete Mathematics Vol. 347, no. 3 (2024), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP180100602
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A cubical polytope is a polytope with all its facets being combinatorially equivalent to cubes. The paper is concerned with the linkedness of the graphs of cubical polytopes. A graph with at least 2k vertices is k-linked if, for every set of k disjoint pairs of vertices, there are k vertex-disjoint paths joining the vertices in the pairs. We say that a polytope is k-linked if its graph is k-linked. In a previous paper [3] we proved that every cubical d-polytope is ⌊d/2⌋-linked. Here we strengthen this result by establishing the ⌊(d+1)/2⌋-linkedness of cubical d-polytopes, for every d≠3. A graph G is strongly k-linked if it has at least 2k+1 vertices and, for every vertex v of G, the subgraph G−v is k-linked. We say that a polytope is (strongly) k-linked if its graph is (strongly) k-linked. In this paper, we also prove that every cubical d-polytope is strongly ⌊d/2⌋-linked, for every d≠3. These results are best possible for this class of polytopes.
- Description: A cubical polytope is a polytope with all its facets being combinatorially equivalent to cubes. The paper is concerned with the linkedness of the graphs of cubical polytopes. A graph with at least 2k vertices is k-linked if, for every set of k disjoint pairs of vertices, there are k vertex-disjoint paths joining the vertices in the pairs. We say that a polytope is k-linked if its graph is k-linked. In a previous paper [3] we proved that every cubical d-polytope is
- Authors: Bui, Hoa , Pineda-Villavicencio, Guillermo , Ugon, Julien
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Discrete Mathematics Vol. 347, no. 3 (2024), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP180100602
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A cubical polytope is a polytope with all its facets being combinatorially equivalent to cubes. The paper is concerned with the linkedness of the graphs of cubical polytopes. A graph with at least 2k vertices is k-linked if, for every set of k disjoint pairs of vertices, there are k vertex-disjoint paths joining the vertices in the pairs. We say that a polytope is k-linked if its graph is k-linked. In a previous paper [3] we proved that every cubical d-polytope is ⌊d/2⌋-linked. Here we strengthen this result by establishing the ⌊(d+1)/2⌋-linkedness of cubical d-polytopes, for every d≠3. A graph G is strongly k-linked if it has at least 2k+1 vertices and, for every vertex v of G, the subgraph G−v is k-linked. We say that a polytope is (strongly) k-linked if its graph is (strongly) k-linked. In this paper, we also prove that every cubical d-polytope is strongly ⌊d/2⌋-linked, for every d≠3. These results are best possible for this class of polytopes.
- Description: A cubical polytope is a polytope with all its facets being combinatorially equivalent to cubes. The paper is concerned with the linkedness of the graphs of cubical polytopes. A graph with at least 2k vertices is k-linked if, for every set of k disjoint pairs of vertices, there are k vertex-disjoint paths joining the vertices in the pairs. We say that a polytope is k-linked if its graph is k-linked. In a previous paper [3] we proved that every cubical d-polytope is
The mechanisms of student grit at the height of a major crisis : identifying key predictors when times get really tough
- Terry, Daniel, Peck, Blake, Biangone, Marianne
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Peck, Blake , Biangone, Marianne
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Open Vol. 11, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: The study aims to provide insights into the key predictors of grit both before, during and throughout a common crisis event, where other more individualised challenges may not provide these insights. Design: A repeated cross-sectional design. Methods: Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire among n = 818 (20.8% response rate) nursing students who were undertaking a three-year baccalaureate degree. Data collection occurred in the mid-year break of 2019, 2020 and 2021. The online questionnaire, which examined student demographics, personality, locus of control-4, general self-efficacy, psychological capital and grit, took 15–25 min to complete. Data were prepared and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to undertake Structural Equation Modelling. Reporting methods adhered to the STROBE guidelines. Results: The pathway models of grit prior to, at the time of, and after the global pandemic varied slightly as to their predictor variables, however, neuroticism was consistently present. Locus of control and psychological capital also varied over this period with hope having a positive impact, prior to and after the initial crisis, however, negatively impacted grit afterwards. Understanding the key drivers of grit, particularly those essential at or around the time of a crisis guides our understanding of how to better support nursing or healthcare students. These insights enable a greater focus of energies towards malleable attributes that can increase grit levels and better fortify nursing students for challenges they may encounter in practice. These insights also serve to further prepare healthcare, emergency, or other professionals who may encounter regular crises. Within months of a global pandemic occurring, the key predictors of grit were shown to fundamentally alter. Each pathway model varied slightly suggesting the timing of a crisis impacts students' capacity to manage new or novel situations, with hope as a key driver of grit throughout a crisis. © 2023 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Peck, Blake , Biangone, Marianne
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nursing Open Vol. 11, no. 1 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: The study aims to provide insights into the key predictors of grit both before, during and throughout a common crisis event, where other more individualised challenges may not provide these insights. Design: A repeated cross-sectional design. Methods: Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire among n = 818 (20.8% response rate) nursing students who were undertaking a three-year baccalaureate degree. Data collection occurred in the mid-year break of 2019, 2020 and 2021. The online questionnaire, which examined student demographics, personality, locus of control-4, general self-efficacy, psychological capital and grit, took 15–25 min to complete. Data were prepared and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to undertake Structural Equation Modelling. Reporting methods adhered to the STROBE guidelines. Results: The pathway models of grit prior to, at the time of, and after the global pandemic varied slightly as to their predictor variables, however, neuroticism was consistently present. Locus of control and psychological capital also varied over this period with hope having a positive impact, prior to and after the initial crisis, however, negatively impacted grit afterwards. Understanding the key drivers of grit, particularly those essential at or around the time of a crisis guides our understanding of how to better support nursing or healthcare students. These insights enable a greater focus of energies towards malleable attributes that can increase grit levels and better fortify nursing students for challenges they may encounter in practice. These insights also serve to further prepare healthcare, emergency, or other professionals who may encounter regular crises. Within months of a global pandemic occurring, the key predictors of grit were shown to fundamentally alter. Each pathway model varied slightly suggesting the timing of a crisis impacts students' capacity to manage new or novel situations, with hope as a key driver of grit throughout a crisis. © 2023 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Transcendental groups
- Authors: Morris, Sidney
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Topology Proceedings Vol. 63, no. (2024), p. 167-176
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- Description: In this note we introduce the notion of a transcendental group, that is, a subgroup G of the topological group C of all complex numbers such that every element of G except 0 is a transcendental number. All such topological groups are separable metrizable torsion-free abelian groups. If G
- Authors: Morris, Sidney
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Topology Proceedings Vol. 63, no. (2024), p. 167-176
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In this note we introduce the notion of a transcendental group, that is, a subgroup G of the topological group C of all complex numbers such that every element of G except 0 is a transcendental number. All such topological groups are separable metrizable torsion-free abelian groups. If G