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Refining aquifer heterogeneity and understanding groundwater recharge sources in an intensively exploited agrarian dominated region of the Ganga Plain
No full textDensely populated region of Ganga Plain is facing aquifer vulnerability through waterborne pollutants and groundwater stress due to indiscriminate abstraction, causing environmental and socio-economic instabilities. To address long-term groundwater resilience, it is crucial to understand aquifer heterogeneity and connectivity, groundwater recharge sources, effects of groundwater abstraction etc. In this context, present study aims to understand factors responsible for vertical and spatial variability of groundwater chemistry and to identify groundwater recharge sources in an intensively exploited agrarian region of the Ganga Plain. Interpretation of chemometric, statistical, and isotopic analysis categorises the alluvial aquifer into zone 1 (G1; ground surface to 100 m) and zone 2 (G2; >100 m-210 m). The group G1 samples are characterized by a wide variation in hydrochemical species, noted with pockets of F– and NO3– rich groundwater, and fresh to more evolved water types, while group G2 groundwater is characterized by a sharp increase in freshwater types and limited variation in their isotopic and hydrochemical species. The G1 groundwater chemistry is governed by soil mineralogy, local anthropogenic inputs (SO42-, Cl -, and NO3–), and manifested by multiple recharge sources (local precipitation, river, canal water, pond). The G2 group is dominated by geogenic processes and mainly recharged by the local precipitation. Geospatial signatures confirm more evolved water type for group G1 in northwestern region, while freshwater type covers the rest of the study area. Fluoride rich groundwater is attributed to sodic water under alkaline conditions and enriched δ18O values emphasizing role of evaporation in F- mobilization from micas and amphiboles abundant in the soil. The findings provide insight into potential groundwater vulnerability towards inorganic contaminants, and groundwater recharge sources. The outcome of this study will help to develop aquifer resilience towards indiscriminate groundwater extraction for agricultural practices and aim towards sustainable management strategies in a similar hydrogeological setting
Mental health and mental health help-seeking behaviors among first-generation voluntary African migrants : a systematic review
No full textPurpose Mental health challenges are highly prevalent in African migrants. However, understanding of mental health outcomes in first-generation voluntary African migrants is limited, despite the unique challenges faced by this migrant subgroup. This review aimed to synthesize the literature to understand the mental health challenges, help-seeking behavior, and the relationship between mental health and mental health help-seeking behavior in first-generation voluntary African migrants living outside Africa. Methods Medline Complete, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsychINFO were searched for studies published between January 2012 to December 2023. Retrieved articles were processed, data from selected articles were extracted and synthesized to address the study aims, and included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. Results Eight studies were included, including four quantitative and four qualitative studies, which focused on women with postnatal depression. Mental health challenges reported in the quantitative studies were depression, interpersonal disorders, and work-related stress. Risk (e.g., neglect from health professionals and lack of social/spousal support) and protective (e.g., sensitivity of community services and faith) factors associated with mental health were identified. Barriers (e.g., cultural beliefs about mental health and racial discrimination) and facilitators (sensitizing African women about mental health) of mental health help-seeking behavior were also identified. No significant relationship was reported between mental health and mental health help-seeking behavior, and the risk of bias results indicated some methodological flaws in the studies. Conclusion This review shows the dearth of research focusing on mental health and help-seeking behavior in this subgroup of African migrants. The findings highlight the importance of African migrants, especially mothers with newborns, examining cultural beliefs that may impact their mental health and willingness to seek help. Receiving countries should also strive to understand the needs of first-generation voluntary African migrants living abroad and offer mental health support that is patient-centered and culturally sensitive
The role of digital health technology interventions in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus : a systematic review
No full textObjectives: Diabetes in the 21st century presents one of the greatest burdens of disease on the global population. Digitally mediated interventions have become imperative in alleviating this disease epidemic. We aimed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different health technologies for preventing Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and their efficacy in decreasing diabetes risk-related outcomes in at-risk patients in comparison to standard care.Methods: Five electronic databases were searched between October 2021 and December 2022. Studies including digital health technology interventions used for preventing diabetes development by reducing diabetes risk-related outcomes in at-risk adults (>= 18 years) were identified. Data on glycemic levels, incidence of T2DM, weight, and intervention descriptions were extracted, and the risk of bias (ROB) was assessed.Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and 5 studies (56%) achieved clinically significant outcomes in at least one of the following: decreased weight (22%), glycemic levels (22%), or incidence of T2DM (11%). Two of the 3 (67%) computer-based interventions effectively reduced the HbA1c levels and mean weight of their study population, and 3 of 6 (50%) mobile based interventions (text messages, mobile app, and telehealth) decreased the incidence of T2DM and HbA1c levels. Four studies each had an overall low ROB and one had a high ROB due to attrition.Conclusion: Preliminary evidence identified in our review demonstrated that health technologies for diabetes prevention are effective for improving diabetes risk-related outcomes. Future research into digital technology protocol and studies of longer duration and more diverse populations are needed for clinical feasibility.
Role of Digital technology in Diabetes preventionIn the 21st century, diabetes has become a major health challenge globally. To address this, we conducted a systematic review, looking at studies that used digital interventions to prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and how effective they are compared to standard care. In this study, we searched electronic databases from October 2021 to December 2022 and identified 9 studies that met our criteria. These studies focused on adults aged 18 and above who were at risk of developing diabetes. We looked at outcomes like glucose concentrations, T2DM incidence, and weight, and assessed the risk of bias in each study. The results showed that more than half of the studies showed significant outcomes. For instance, some interventions led to decreased weight, lower glucose concentrations, or reduced incidence of T2DM. Computer-based interventions and mobile-based interventions (including text messages, mobile apps, and telehealth) were particularly effective in improving these outcomes. In conclusion, our review suggests that digital health technologies can be effective in preventing diabetes and improving related outcomes. However, we note that more research is needed, especially looking at diverse populations and longer study durations, to confirm the clinical feasibility of these digital interventions for diabetes prevention. This is a promising step forward in using technology to tackle the growing diabetes epidemic, offering new ways to support individuals at risk and improve their health outcomes
Australian case : black summer bushfires
No full textThe extreme Black Summer Bushfires in 2019–2020 originated in the Blue Mountains near Sydney and spread throughout several rural regions within New South Wales, increasing the country's vulnerability to severe fire incidents. In response, initiatives were launched to create and disseminate retrofit guides to mitigate risks associated with property protection. These efforts were financially supported by government agencies and resulted in the development of various methodologies and national programmes adhering to the building standards. However, the predominant extent of damage to residential structures was observed in dwellings built prior to the 1990s, before improved building codes for bushfire resilience were introduced. Further, 34% of Australians over 65 live in rural and remote areas, with a higher risk of bushfire exposure. Elderly Australians face multiple challenges, such as health status and mobility limitations, communication barriers, and access to resources that impede their capacity to engage in home retrofitting and property maintenance activities, especially in the absence of a centralised resource to guide the improvement of bushfire resilience. The multiple case study methodology was employed in this research, explicitly emphasising two geographic areas: the Bega Valley Shire in New South Wales and the Noosa Shire in Queensland. The data collection included focus groups, site visits, and interviews, which helped develop the tailored bushfire retrofit assessment toolkit. These methods were utilised to investigate various dimensions, including personal heritage considerations, accessible design principles, building and construction, and landscape. The findings form the foundation for informed decision-making and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals in fire-prone areas
Introducing Australian students to British history and research methods via digital sources
No full textThis chapter explores a pedagogical experiment: the development and impact of a unit on ‘Britain in the Age of Botany Bay, 1760–1815’ (BABB), taught at Western Sydney University (WSU) in Australia, from the perspective of the instructor and a former student. The unit, a third-year BA class in the History and Political Thought (HPT) specialism, taught in 2014 and 2016, attempted to capitalise on the ready availability of digital resources for studying eighteenth- and early nineteenth- century history. Its key assessment outcome was a 3,500–4,000-word extended essay based on original research using online primary sources. The unit operated across a fifteen-week semester, comprising thirteen teaching weeks, a one-week mid-term break and a study week. This presented various teaching, learning and assessment challenges for students and staff. The ways in which we
addressed these challenges, and lessons arising from their mixed success, have wider applicability for teaching digital history and the provision of practical primary research to undergraduate students
[In Press] Digital life story work : linking identity and security for young people in out-of-home care
No full textWhile every young person in Out-Of-Home Care (OOHC) has their own unique story, what they do have in common is the experience of a disrupted life. As they move through placements and assigned case workers change roles, young people frequently lack access to important records and memorabilia. A disjointed personal narrative can undermine a young person’s sense of identity and, given this cohort is already at great risk of poor general outcomes when transitioning to adulthood, can put their physical and mental wellbeing at risk. This paper examines the role digital technology can play in supporting identity for young people in OOHC. It does so through consideration of a new Australian digital app called CaringLife and argues for the benefits of future Life Story Work (LSW) in a digital format in conjunction with more conventional formats. We argue that a digital format for life storying has strong potential to address the higher than usual critical issues this group face: unemployment, homelessness, and mental illness
Molecular and phylogenetic evidence of parallel expansion of anion channels in plants
No full textAluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) and slow anion channels (SLACs) are important in various physiological processes in plants, including stomatal regulation, nutrient uptake, and in response to abiotic stress such as aluminum toxicity. To understand their evolutionary history and functional divergence, we conducted phylogenetic and expression analyses of ALMTs and SLACs in green plants. Our findings from phylogenetic studies indicate that ALMTs and SLACs may have originated from green algae and red algae, respectively. The ALMTs of early land plants and charophytes formed a monophyletic clade consisting of three subgroups. A single duplication event of ALMTs was identified in vascular plants and subsequent duplications into six clades occurred in angiosperms, including an identified clade, 1-1. The ALMTs experienced gene number losses in clades 1-1 and 2-1 and expansions in clades 1-2 and 2-2b. Interestingly, the expansion of clade 1-2 was also associated with higher expression levels compared to genes in clades that experienced apparent loss. SLACs first diversified in bryophytes, followed by duplication in vascular plants, giving rise to three distinct clades (I, II, and III), and clade II potentially associated with stomatal control in seed plants. SLACs show losses in clades II and III without substantial expansion in clade I. Additionally, ALMT clade 2-2 and SLAC clade III contain genes specifically expressed in reproductive organs and roots in angiosperms, lycophytes, and mosses, indicating neofunctionalization. In summary, our study demonstrates the evolutionary complexity of ALMTs and SLACs, highlighting their crucial role in the adaptation and diversification of vascular plants
A comprehensive review on fresh and rheological properties for 3D printable cementitious composites
No full textThe undeniable potential of 3D printing technology to revolutionize global manufacturing processes has led to the emergence of advanced, digitalized, and fully automated construction techniques. Despite the growing interest in this technology, a significant challenge still exists in the development of cement-based printing material due to the complex interaction of various fresh and rheological property parameters. This review comprehensively explores fundamental fresh properties (flowability, buildability, extrudability, pumpability and open time) and rheological properties (static yield stress, dynamic yield stress, plastic viscosity) essential for the formulation of 3D printable cementitious composites, with and without fibres. The results obtained from different rheometers for successful 3D printed mixes are also summarized, high-lighting variation in recorded values. Moreover, the review thoroughly investigates factors affecting both fresh and rheological properties, such as the type of supplementary cementitious materials, fibre type and dosage, superplasticizer, and viscosity-modifying admixture. It also identifies the clear impact of these parameters and further recommends the optimal range of some properties, such as a flowability value between 160 and 200 mm, to achieve desirable 3D printability of cementitious composites. Overall, this review offers valuable insights for developing new mix compositions suitable for 3D printing and serves as a useful tool in establishing guidelines for 3D printable cementitious composite materials, which are currently lacking but crucial for research, development, and application in this field
Building urban community resilience against hazards through public-private partnerships : a review of critical resilience strategies
No full textThe need for governments and stakeholders to find urgent solutions to address the destructive effects of disasters in urban areas has led to the call for cross-sector collaborations such as public-private partnerships to assist with the development of urban community resilience in this modern era. This paper comprehensively reviews studies on the critical strategies in using public-private partnerships as a collaboration mechanism in building urban community resilience. Through a two-stage systematic literature review process, 83 publications related to PPPs and urban community resilience were retrieved for thorough content analysis. Based on an analysis of the literature, 35 critical resilience strategies for using PPPs in building urban community resilience were derived. These strategies were further categorized into nine major groupings. These groups include vulnerability and risks assessment, information gathering, database, legal, monitoring and evaluation, resilience capacity, communication and coordination, financial incentives, and business continuity. Furthermore, a theoretical framework was developed. These resilience strategies can be adopted by states and communities that intend to use the PPP concept to build the resilience of their urban communities. It also opens the international debate on the suitability of the PPP model for community resilience building
PIPE-CovNet+ : a hyper-dense CNN for improved pipe abnormality detection
No full textIn this letter, we propose a PIPE-CovNet+ model that is based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with multiple kernel sizes, gradient boosting techniques, and hyper- densely connected layers for abnormality detection in wastewater pipe infrastructure. The PIPE-CovNet+ model achieved 85% accuracy and 84% F1-score following assessment utilizing an open-source dataset, overcoming the constraints of imbalanced data and over-fitting issues. Furthermore, it showed greater efficacy when compared against other relevant models, displaying 3% higher accuracy and F1-score than our prior work under ideal test settings. Installing PIPE-CovNet+ into a robot system can alleviate the limitations of being tedious, laborious, and prone to human error in closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections