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Food Crime: Deterrence of a Potential Money Laundering Typology Through Blockchain and Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)
Get PDFFood fraud and associated criminalities pose significant challenges to market integrity,public health, and consumer confidence, with annual costs estimated at USD 10–15 billionglobally. Recent literature outlines intricate relationships between criminal activities inthe food industry and financial incentives (Rizzuti, 2022b), situating this sector both as asource for illicit proceeds and a conduit for money laundering (Milon & Zafarullah, 2023;Tiwari, 2023, 2024). This paper evaluates how emerging technologies, such as blockchain(Chuah, 2022) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), especially large languagemodels (LLMs) (Clercq et al., 2024; Ma et al., 2024), could aid in deterring wrongdoingin the food sector. Utilising a structured literature review methodology, we analysed 31studies employing Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic modelling combined withFaff’s (2015) pitching research template for qualitative assessment, supplemented by bibliometric analysis of 517 publications. The quantitative assessment identified five distinctthematic categories: criminological perspectives, AI and explainable methods, blockchainand supply chain solutions, analytical detection methods, and biological authenticationwith emerging applications. Findings reveal that biological authentication mechanismsand blockchain technology dominate current research, while criminological perspectiveand explainable AI methods remain underrepresented. LLMs emerge as promising frontierfor improving crime detection capabilities through analysing structured and unstructureddata, while requiring stringent oversight owing to potential misuse. These technologiescomplement each other: blockchain facilitates supply chain transparency while LLMsanalyse diverse data sources to identify illicit patterns. Despite implementation challengesincluding scalability and data quality concerns, this combination presents opportunitiesto address food authentication challenges, improve traceability, and detect indicators ofmoney laundering. However, the analysis reveals a critical disconnect between technological focus and recognition of organized crime exploitation. The present work contributessystematically by evaluating how this technological combination can disrupt food crimeas a money laundering typology
Evaluating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) derived glucose variability in athletes clinically diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
No full textINTRODUCTION: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a multifactorial clinical condition with significant long-term health and performance consequences. Although studies suggest acutely induced low energy availability (LEA) can downregulate glucose levels, particularly overnight, this has not been examined in athletes with problematic LEA. This study aimed to (1) determine if glucose variations exist and are detectable using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in females clinically diagnosed with REDs compared to matched healthy controls and (2) explore associations between dietary intake, specifically carbohydrate intake, and glucose variability in both groups.METHODS: This cross-sectional feasibility study included 19 females (Tiers 1-4, McKay et al., 2022); nine with a clinical diagnosis of REDs by a sports physician or reproductive endocrinologist (mean age 28.5 ± 6.9 years) and 10 healthy matched controls (mean age 30.4 ± 7.5 years). Four days of dietary intake and eight days of exercise and interstitial glucose data (via CGM) were collected. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, Pearson correlations, and Cohen’s d effect sizes.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups in mean interstitial glucose or glycaemic variability. However, a significant negative correlation was evident between nocturnal mean interstitial glucose and carbohydrate intake in the REDs group (r=−0.698, p=0.037), while a moderate positive (non-significant) correlation was seen in controls (r=0.415, p=0.233). Similarly, an opposing correlation was observed for carbohydrate intake and nocturnal mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (MAGE) (REDs r=-0.592, p=0.093, control r=0.716, p=0.020.DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Athletes with prolonged LEA did not exhibit lower glucose concentrations, including nocturnally, compared to healthy controls. However, opposing correlations between carbohydrate intake and nocturnal glucose levels in the REDs versus control groups were unexpected. These findings suggest possible adaptive homeostatic mechanisms in REDs participants in response to chronic LEA. Given the lack of group differences and the complex correlation patterns, CGM does not currently appear to be an applicable identification or monitoring tool for athletes with problematic LEA.<br/
Pre-operative pain catastrophising and resilience correlate with function and pain outcomes following total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review
Get PDFBackground: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, yet up to 20 % of patients report dissatisfaction with surgery. Pre-operative psychological factors may be associated with post-operative outcomes, yet their relationship remains unclear.Objectives: To examine the correlation between pre-operative pain catastrophising and resilience with postoperative outcomes in primary total knee arthroplasty patients.Design: Systematic literature review.Method: Five databases were searched until July 2024. Studies investigating correlations between pre-operative pain catastrophising or resilience and post-operative outcomes were included. Study selection was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results of individual studies were extracted and described through narrative and tabular synthesis. Study comparisons between pre-operative psychological measures and post-operative outcomes were grouped and reported on.Results: Fourteen studies (2,506 patients) were included. Pain catastrophising showed consistent correlations with post-operative pain intensity and self-reported function in most studies. Lower pre-operative resilience was associated with reduced post-operative self-reported function and physical performance in some studies. However, neither pain catastrophising nor resilience demonstrated correlations with physical performance, analgesic requirements, psychometric outcomes, or length of hospital stay.Conclusions: This review found that pre-operative pain catastrophising consistently correlates with post-operative pain and functional outcomes, while the association with resilience was less conclusive. These findings suggest potential value in pre-operative psychological screening, particularly for pain catastrophising, to identify patients who may benefit from targeted interventions
Optimal implementation of antimicrobial stewardship in general practice: protocol for a feasibility study and evaluation of a digital AMS Toolbox
Get PDFBackground:Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem caused by the inappropriate use of antibiotics. In Australia, antibiotics are frequently prescribed in general practice (primary care) settings for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) despite these infections most commonly being caused by viruses. The Optimal Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in General Practice (OptimasGP) study aims to provide implementation support for effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions for ARIs. The current study will examine if a redesigned workflow, and an AMS Toolbox containing AMS resources, is an acceptable way to access AMS interventions and clinical data collected in general practice settings.Methods:A mixed-methods approach will be applied using a single-arm, pragmatic exploratory study. Data will be collected for a period of 3 months. Data collection from general practice settings in New South Wales, Australia, will involve the participation of 4 to 6 practices, 12 general practitioners (GPs), and 6 to 8 practice staff. We also aim to recruit 50–100 patients to complete surveys and 12 patients to participate in focus group discussions. Participating GPs and practice staff will be provided with an online AMS Toolbox to facilitate access to AMS resources. Two hours of online training and a reminder card will also be provided. The AMS Toolbox will contain AMS resources for shared decision-making, clinical decision support (including point-of-care testing), and delayed antibiotic prescribing in patients with ARIs. The primary outcome of the study will be the acceptability of the AMS Toolbox to GPs, practice staff, and patients. Secondary outcomes will include recruitment and completion rates, qualitative findings from the focus group discussions, resource use and antibiotic prescription rates, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported experience measures (PREMS).Discussion: AMS interventions are needed to help reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARIs in general practice settings. The findings of this study will inform a hybrid type 3 implementation trial.Trial registration:Registered prospectively with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12624001011572) on 20 August 2024
Exploring the effectiveness of Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) in paediatric populations: A systematic scoping review
Get PDFAims:1. Define CME2. Determine the therapeutic claims of CME3. Identify the effects of CME4. Outline the perceptions and beliefs surrounding CME5. Investigate adverse events associated with CME.Design:Systematic scoping review.Method:A systematic search of eight databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, CINAHL,Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google-Scholar), using pre-defined search-termswas completed March 2024. Critical appraisal tools: MMAT and JBI. Relevantquantitative and qualitative data were extracted, descriptively synthesised, thematicallyanalysed and reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.Results:From 238 records screened, 110 were included; 17 research articles/reviews and 93grey literature items. Four case reports and a single non-randomised controlled trialwith poor methodological-quality ratings (20-40%) provided CME intervention andreported associated outcomes. CME was defined as intensive therapy intervention using specialised equipment toprevent developmental delay in patients with various conditions, and claims to improvemotor skills, motor control, posture, gait, and mobility. There was a paucity of reportingof adverse events from CME in the empirical literature.Conclusion:At the present time, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the effectiveness of CME.Key practice points:• Clinicians who continue to use CME without evidence of effectiveness, should work with researchers to establish evidence and transparently report adverse events to their registration body.• Clinicians should meet their clinical practice obligations to utilise evidence-informed practice and share with parents, the lack of evidence for effectiveness of CME during shared decision-making conversations about treatment
Association of anxiety and depression history with Arthrofibrosis following primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Get PDFAim: To (1) identify patient characteristics and peri-operative variables associated with arthrofibrosis (AF) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) evaluate outcomes following arthroscopic intervention. Design: Retrospective cohort study Methods: A 10-year, single-surgeon dataset of 50 patients who developed AF following primary ACLR was analysed. Variables included demographics, sporting level, surgical factors, clinical presentation (including anxiety/depression status), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessed pre- and post-arthroscopy. Results: Among 1491 patients, 50 (3.5%) required arthroscopy for AF following ACLR. The AF cohort had a mean age of 31 years (52% male), with mean BMI of 25.9. Revision arthroscopy occurred at mean 1.2 years post-ACLR. Primary symptoms included extension deficit (52%), catching sensation (38%), and pain (32%). Most procedures (90%) utilized hamstring autograft with tightrope fixation (70%). Concomitant procedures included meniscal repair (58%) and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (24%). Patients primarily participated in recreational running (32%) or national elite sport (22%), with 38% reporting anxiety/depression history. Post-arthroscopy, Lysholm scores improved by 19.7 points, satisfaction by 30%, and pain decreased by 20%. Conclusion: Pre-ACLR anxiety and depression prevalence in this cohort exceeded national averages, suggesting a potential risk factor for AF development following ACLR. Arthroscopic intervention demonstrated significant improvements in clinical presentation and PROMs
Social Prescribing in the Australian Context: A National Feasibility Study Report
No full textThis report summarises the findings of a national feasibility study commissioned by the AustralianGovernment Department of Health and Aged Care (now the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)to assess the viability of implementing social prescribing in the Australian context. The aims of the feasibilitystudy were to:• collate and review the most up-to-date Australian and international social prescribing evidence, includingpeer-reviewed research, programmatic evaluations and other relevant literature;• analyse the key features and shared characteristics of successful international and Australian socialprescribing initiatives;• determine which social prescribing models are most applicable and appropriate in the Australian contextfor connecting primary healthcare patients to non-clinical interventions and community supports; and• identify barriers and enablers to the effective, systematic implementation of social prescribing as anadjunct to primary healthcare in Australia
From withering to flourishing: repairing academia through holistic and sustainable care practices
Get PDFWe are scholars and educators committed to embracing care while working within colonialist, neoliberal, and performative academic environments, and we are withering. Our withering is balanced against our inner strength, a fierce belief in connection and community, and a commitment to harnessing the power of transformation. In this essay, we advocate for a radical openness and embracing of care-based practices to reshape our learning and teaching spaces and places. To achieve this aim, we identify three themes which represent existing harm-inducing dominant practices within higher education; these include educators’ (often unintentional) enactment of: (1) “business as usual,” (2), technocratic extractivism, and (3) the “normalization of disconnection.” The themes sit as juxtapositions against seven interconnected care-based prompts for action we share within them. Our prompts for action encourage educators to reclaim their agency and create learning and teaching environments which prioritize respect, reciprocity, accountability, belonging, connection, and repair. By challenging dominant paradigms and highlighting the power of micro-emancipations, we call both to ourselves and other educators to shift from competitive and disconnected learning models to inclusive care-driven practices. It is our hope that this essay will inspire educators to authentically engage in journeys of healing while embracing care-based actions which address systemic inequalities and foster meaningful, holistic, and sustainable transformational change
Caregivers’ Perspectives on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC)
No full textThis scoping review explores caregivers’ perspectives on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), focusing on foster and kinship care. The project aims to identify current evidence, barriers, and facilitators to TIC, with implications for trauma-informed practice and future research
Understanding health information needs: An evaluation of co-design video-Assisted education
No full textPeople with cancer and their families are often provided with a range of complex written and verbal information to help them manage treatment and side effects at home. This study explored the health information needs of patients and family members and investigated the influence of video-assisted health education on their understanding of the information. A co-design framework with health consumers and clinicians was used to identify concepts and create videos. Qualitative interviews with a thematic analysis explored their health information needs and the influence of the videos. The sample was persons affected by brain, head and neck and gastrointestinal cancer. Eleven interviews were conducted with patients and family members, aged between 39 and 82 years. The health literacy levels reported by participants highlighted the need for help with medical information and forms. Four themes were developed: sorting through information, acceptability of videos, information presentation and balance of caring. Providing health information in multiple formats and tailoring it to individuals’ health literacy levels can reinforce key messages from health professionals and contribute to improved health outcomes. Video-assisted health education enhances patients’ and families’ understanding and supports informed decision-making about cancer treatment and self-care at home. While digital resources offer a promising avenue for improving comprehension, access and usability are influenced by varying levels of digital literacy, an area that warrants further investigation