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The effect of alcohol on subsequent sleep in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textAlcohol is commonly consumed prior to bedtime with the belief that it facilitates sleep. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the impact of alcohol on the characteristics of night-time sleep, with the intent to identify the influence of the dose and timing of alcohol intake. A systematic search of the literature identified 27 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Changes in sleep architecture were observed, including a delay in the onset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and a reduction in the duration of REM sleep. A dose-response relationship was identified such that disruptions to REM sleep occurred following consumption of a low dose of alcohol (≤0.50 g∙kg−1 or approximately two standard drinks) and progressively worsened with increasing doses of alcohol. Reductions in sleep onset latency and latency to deep sleep (i.e., non-rapid eye movement stage three (N3)) were only observed following the consumption of a high dose of alcohol (≥0.85∙g kg−1 or approximately five standard drinks). The effect of alcohol on the remaining characteristics of sleep could not be determined, with large uncertainty observed in the effect on total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset. The results of the present study suggest that a low dose of alcohol will negatively impact (i.e., reduce) REM sleep. It appears that high doses of alcohol may shorten sleep onset latency, however this likely exacerbates subsequent REM sleep disruption. Future work on personal and environmental factors that affect alcohol metabolism, and any differential effects of alcohol due to sex is encouraged.</p
Distributed minimum spanning tree approach for critical load restoration using microgrid formation in resilient distribution systems
No full textPower grid is a vital infrastructure for society that can be severely damaged when facing high-impact and low-probability (HILP) events. Following these events, the power supply to critical infrastructures, known as critical loads (CLs), is often interrupted. This interruption can result in substantial financial, social, and security damage. Therefore, it is crucial to quickly restore de-energized CLs based on their priority and importance to society. This paper presents a distributed heuristic algorithm using a Distributed Minimum Spanning Tree (DMST) approach to restore CLs. The proposed algorithm offers several advantages over centralized optimization solutions, including robustness to single-point failures, scalability to large-scale networks, and reduced computational burden. In this algorithm, each controllable distributed generator (CDG), which has a restoration ancillary service contract with the distribution system, individually forms an islanded microgrid to restore CLs. The restoration process aims to maximize the number of restored CLs, enhance post-restoration reliability, and adjust restoration times. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through several case studies on the IEEE 123-bus test system. The results show that the algorithm successfully restores the maximum number of CLs.</p
Effect of early gut microbiota intervention using pre-designed poultry microbiota substitute on broiler health and performance
No full textContext: The designer gut microbiota in broiler chickens is a novel concept involving post-hatch inoculation of chicks with beneficial or commensal non-pathogenic bacteria as an inoculum. This process aims to control gut colonisation by administering desirable microbiota to prevent access to harmful and pathogenic bacteria via competitive exclusion. Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of one such intervention on broiler gut microbiota, microbial diversity and growth performance. Methods: The intervention involved spraying the newly hatched chicks with a commercially available mix of non-pathogenic bacterial species isolated from chicken intestine. Key results: Bodyweight gain was significantly higher in the treated group, and performance measures showed improvement. Beta diversity analysis showed a significant difference in the gut microbiota between the control and treatment groups. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the effects and potential benefits of early intervention to influence gut microbial composition and improve the uniformity across the flock and enhance broiler health and performance. Implications: This study has highlighted the complexity of microbiota dynamics and the need for further research to fully understand the implications of designer gut microbiota in poultry production.</p
People power: How Australian referendums are lost and won
No full textBook review of People power: How Australian referendums are lost and won by David Hume and George Williams</p
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of occupational therapists in promoting oral health: A protocol for mixed-methods systematic review
No full textBackground/Objectives: Poor oral health is a significant global public health concern that adversely affects an individuals’ overall health and general well-being. Occupational therapists are well-suited to promote oral health by supporting activities of daily living (ADLs), thereby improving clients’ oral health outcomes. However, there is limited evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of occupational therapists regarding oral health, as well as the barriers and facilitators they face in delivering oral healthcare. Methods: This paper outlines a protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review aimed at synthesizing the current evidence on the KAPs of occupational therapists related to oral health, as well as the barriers and facilitators they encounter in promoting it. The upcoming systematic review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for mixed-methods systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach to synthesis and integration. The review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies that report on KAP, barriers, and facilitators associated with occupational therapists’ involvement in oral healthcare. A comprehensive search will be conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), SCOPUS, EMBASE (Ovid), and OTseeker to identify relevant studies. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies for eligibility, assess their methodological quality, and extract key data for synthesis. The protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024522136). Results: The findings from the planned systematic review are expected to provide valuable insights into the role of occupational therapists in promoting oral health, addressing barriers and facilitators, and shaping policies, training programs, and clinical practices. Conclusions: Ultimately, these findings aim to enhance the integration of oral health into occupational therapy and improve client outcomes.</p
Rumin8 Response of yearling steers to the inclusion of stabilized water soluble tribromomethane in the drinking water
No full textThe primary aim of the study is to evaluate water delivery of a synthetic tribromomethane (TBM) additive to reduce enteric methane production and increase liveweight (LW) gain (LWG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of cattle. The secondary aims are to compare water delivery with feed delivery of TBM and to determine the concentration of TBM in tissue samples after withdrawal of TBM from the water and feed. Rumin8 has developed a proprietary approach to formulating synthetic TBM and delivering via feed or water to fit modern cattle production systems. To date, Rumin8 has performed multiple proof of principle studies to define dosage and measure methane production, yield, and intensity in controlled cattle and sheep experiments. This study will evaluate new formulations of proprietary products for inclusion in total mixed rations as well as products designed for delivery in medicating water delivery systems.</p
blockchain for superannuation
No full textDespite government safeguards, issues like unpaid superannuation, fund misuse, and incorrect reporting by employers persist. This study investigates the superannuation challenges and presents an innovative process model. By using a simulated blockchain-based smart contract, this study demonstrates how emerging technologies can enhance transparency, accountability, and compliance in managing superannuation contributions.</p
Young people's justice-related concerns in regional Australia: Insights from a participatory action research project on youth-led communication on health and justice
No full textYoung people living in regional Australia tend to have little opportunity to voice their concerns about the challenges they confront on a day-to-day basis. In Australia, the tyranny of distance means that their voices are often unheard and unconsidered. This paper draws on a participatory action research project that aimed to improve justice, health, and well-being outcomes for young people in regional Queensland, Australia. The project revealed the impact of personal and community tragedies associated with substance use in regional Australia. In addition, the attitudes of the young people who participated in the project towards police were characterised by fear and hostility. The cohort was also vulnerable to victimisation through cyberbullying. Exploring these issues provides valuable insights into the diverse justice-related challenges faced by rural youth and an opportunity to identify recommendations for future strategies to empower and support young people to avoid entanglement with the justice system.</p
A population viability analysis of K'gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)
No full textSmall, isolated populations such as those found on islands are at an increased risk of extinction. This includes K'gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes). Although aspects of wongari ecology and behaviour are well documented, much about population dynamics remains uncertain. Even where relevant research has been conducted (e.g. population abundance), results remain equivocal. We conducted a population viability analysis (PVA) to investigate the influence of different abundance estimates, along with variable rates of mortality, carrying capacity, catastrophes and breeding success on extinction probability. In favourable, undisturbed conditions, modelling showed a high probability of population persistence over 50 and 100 years. Consistently high levels of mortality resulted in increased extinction probabilities, especially at low- and mid-level population sizes. Promiscuous breeding behaviour, higher female breeding success, and higher male availability reduced extinction probabilities. Our approach demonstrated the utility of population viability analysis for identifying important factors that meaningfully contribute to wongari extinction risk. However, inferences and actionable recommendations for managers were limited owing to a paucity of information for certain, critical parameters. Our findings highlighted the need for better data on wongari reproduction and mortality to help fill significant knowledge gaps required to accurately predict the long-term survival of this iconic population.</p
Commercial Hatchery Trial
No full textThis is a CTR vs AVG trial conducted at a commercial hatchery. DNA extraction was performed from all the samples that were collected. The DNA library was sequenced and analysed using Rstudio.
Histomorphological analysis was performed.
Performance data was also analysed.</p