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An Evaluation of the Financial Sustainability of Remote Australian Local Councils
No full textSpatial remoteness in the sense of great distances between population centres and limited access to public services is an on-going problem in Australian local government, where there exist large, sparsely populated regions dominated by the ’tyranny of distance’. From a public policy perspective, it is important to understand the impact of remoteness on local authorities. Accordingly, in this paper, we estimate the relationship between remoteness and financial sustainability using a 2014–2018 sample of Australian local governments. In general, we find only limited empirical evidence for a relationship between geographical remoteness and financial sustainability as we have proxied it
Three decades of quantum science: how quantum chemistry transformed thermochemical database generation for benchmarking DFT and machine learning
No full textIn celebration of the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking 100 years since the development of quantum mechanics, this review highlights how accurate quantum mechanical calculations have transformed gas-phase thermochemistry. In particular, the developments of high-level composite ab initio methods over the past 30 years enable the calculations of thermochemical properties with confident chemical accuracy (i.e. with 95% confidence intervals ≤1 kcal mol−1) for molecules with up to 12 non-hydrogen atoms. Lower-level composite ab initio methods can be applied to molecules containing up to ~50 nonhydrogen atoms; however, they cannot achieve confident chemical accuracy in terms of 95% confidence intervals. Over the past three decades, hundreds of composite ab initio methods have been developed, covering different theoretical frameworks, levels of accuracy and computational costs. To guide users in selecting an appropriate composite ab initio method for a given system size and level of accuracy, we present a general approach for categorising the accuracy of these methods. This approach places composite ab initio methods on four rungs of Jacob’s Ladder. Lower rungs offer less accuracy but are applicable to larger systems, and higher rungs offer greater accuracy but are applicable to smaller systems. Each consecutive rung of this ladder represents an improvement in the treatment of the one-particle space, n-particle space, or both, leading toward the exact solution of the relativistic Schrödinger equation. The Jacob’s Ladder of composite ab initio methods can be considered as an extension to the Jacob’s Ladder of density functional theory (DFT), which leads from ‘Hartree Hell’ to the ‘Heaven’ of double-hybrid DFT methods
Interleukin‑6 serves as a critical factor in various cancer progression and therapy
No full textInterleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-infammatory cytokine, plays a crucial role in host immune defense and acute stress responses. Moreover, it modulates various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and differentiation. These efects are facilitated by various signaling pathways, particularly the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). However, excessive IL-6 production and dysregulated signaling are associated with various cancers, promoting tumorigenesis by infuencing all cancer hallmarks, such as apoptosis, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, and notably, metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that selective inhibition of the IL-6 signaling pathway yields therapeutic benefts across diverse malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, prostate, colorectal, renal, ovarian, and lung cancers. Targeting key components of IL-6 signaling, such as IL-6Rs, gp130, STAT3, and JAK via monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or small molecules, is a heavily researched approach in preclinical cancer studies. The purpose of this study is to ofer an overview of the role of IL-6 and its signaling pathway in various cancer types. Furthermore, we discussed current preclinical and clinical studies focusing on targeting IL-6 signaling as a therapeutic strategy for various types of cancer
Estimating body composition using CT scans of cross-bred lambs fed at 2 feeding levels and 2 stages of maturity to inform predictive growth models
No full textLivestock producers would benefit from more precise predictions of the growth response from nutrients consumed. Previously published models are often limited by the realities of data collection and are unable to account for alterations to body composition, due in part to the response of visceral organs to an alternate diet. The computerized tomography (CT) scanning of lambs enables the analysis of changes in body composition of individual animals over time, potentially supporting better model development and testing. The aim of this experiment was to develop a repeatable method for the analysis of live lamb body composition using CT scans. A secondary aim was to compare the data collected from CT scanning during a feeding trial to 2 predictive lamb growth models. Cross-bred lambs were fed 2 feeding levels at 2 stages of maturity, with CT scans at the beginning and end of each 8-wk feeding period. The CT scan-derived values for body composition taken at the beginning of feeding periods were used as inputs for 2 existing lamb growth models. Predictions of body composition were compared with CT scan-derived values at the end of feeding periods. The CT scan analysis method used a proportion of images from each lamb to reduce manual image editing. The method was developed by comparing the estimated mass and volume of empty body components using all available CT scans to estimated values using a reduced number of scans from 12 lambs. The CT scan-derived lean tissue mass aligned with model predictions at the end of each feeding period, however, CT scan-derived fat mass was greater than predictions by both models especially for the high feeding level at the later stage of maturity. These results highlight that the analysis of body composition using CT scans requires further validation, particularly for the viscera, and that models likely require refinement to better predict the efficiency of energy utilization by different tissues. The use of live animal CT scans can provide more accurate predictions of the growth of saleable products than measuring liveweight alone and will enable ruminant growth models to better adapt to different genetics and changing diets than comparative slaughter. To replicate the current data using comparative slaughter would require 4 times the animals, as individual lambs were CT scanned 4 times in this study, demonstrating the potential value of CT scanning in live animal research
Unveiling Shadows: Challenges Encountered by Mental Health Nurses and Health Cadres in the Delivery of Care to Persons With Mental Illness in Indonesia
No full textMental health nurses and health cadres in Indonesia who provide care to persons with mental illness (PWMI) report encountering several challenges and obstacles to the delivery of quality care. At present, there is a paucity of research on this topic. The objective of this study was to examine the challenges encountered by mental health nurses and health cadres in their interactions with the families of PWMI in the community. This descriptive qualitative study employed focus group discussions, conducted in three Indonesian cities: Banda Aceh, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data. The study revealed that the theme of this research is nurses and health cadres experienced challenging family behaviours toward a PWMI. The initial subtheme of family behaviour is 'concealing the PWMI.' This subtheme encompasses instances where families attempted to hide the mental health condition of the PWMI. The second subtheme is 'unsupportive families'. This subtheme is characterised by reluctance to engage in treatment or outright rejection of hospital care. This is often due to factors such as familial busyness. The third subtheme is 'poor parenting styles'. This subtheme highlights how inadequate parenting practices, domestic violence and lack of family support contribute to stress and exacerbation of mental disorders in PWMI. The fourth subtheme is 'hidden motive related to wills and testaments', which reveals how families may attempt to manipulate treatment to remove the inheritance rights of PWMI. The fifth subtheme is 'abandonment by family', which describes scenarios where families completely neglect PWMI, leading to inadequate care and medication adherence. The final subtheme, 'removal of PWMI from family units', describes instances where families sent PWMI to mental health facilities for permanent separation, sometimes even relocating to another city. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is required that considers both the affected individuals and their families. An understanding of the motivations behind these behaviours is essential for the development of targeted interventions that promote family support, reduce stigma and improve the overall mental health environment in communities
Understanding Australian Aboriginal experiences of giftedness through the lens of a case study
No full textLittle research has been undertaken into high achieving (school-based) gifted Aboriginal students. This is particularly true for those gifted students that reside in remote Aboriginal communities, where there is often a need for the young person to navigate the demands of their educational aspirations with their desire to remain culturally connected. This article will present a case study that aimed to shed light on the experience of being a gifted Yolŋu (a remote Aboriginal group in East Arnhem Land) young person. This case study includes the perspective of a gifted Yolŋu student, a member of their family, as well as one of their teachers. Findings emphasised the student’s love of learning, and tensions between their educational aspirations and cultural life
Declinism, nihilism and conflictavoidance in the novels of MichelHouellebecq
No full textThroughout his novels, Michel Houellebecq depicts capitalist society as individualistic and unfulfilling. Despite the unsatisfying nature of the Houellebecquian universe, his characters rarely fight for change, avoiding conflict and apathetically accepting their circumstances. This article seeks to make sense of this apathy by situating Houellebecq's novels within the discourse of declinism, a mouvance which, like Houellebecq's writing, has been labelled as nihilistic. This article will explore the validity of these labels, identifying clear parallels between declinist thinking and Nietzsche's nihilism, and building on existing scholarship which suggests that Houellebecq's writing is an example of passive nihilism; proposing that the conflict avoidance in Houellebecq's novels reflects a nihilistic declinist resignation that positive change in western society is not even possible
Calcium doped graphane as a hydrogen storage material
No full textOn the basis of first principle density functional theory, we have studied the stability, electronic structure, and hydrogen storage capacity of a monolayer calcium doped graphane (CHCa). The stability of CHCa was further investigated using the ab initio molecular dynamics study. The binding energy of Ca on graphane sheet was found to be higher than its bulk cohesive energy, which indicates the stability of CHCa. It was observed that with a doping concentration of 11.11% of Ca on graphane sheet, a reasonably good H2 storage capacity of 6 wt. % could be attained. The adsorption energies of H2 were found to be 0.1 eV, within the range of practical H2 storage applications
Withania coagulans root powder effect on growth, hematology, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, serum immune response, and tolerance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Common Carp
No full textObjective: The use of plant-derived products in aquaculture has garnered considerable attention due to their potential benefits. This study investigated the impact of supplementing Withania coagulans root powder (WCRP) in the diet of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio on various parameters, including growth performance, digestive enzymes, hematology, antioxidant activity, and immunological aspects. Methods: Common Carp (mean weight ± standard deviation=11.69±0.48 g) were divided into four groups in triplicate, receiving different WCRP concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%; labeled as WCRP0, WCRP1.0, WCRP1.5, and WCRP2.0, respectively) over a 60-day period, followed by an experimental challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila to assess the relative percentage survival (RPS) over 14days. Result: Results showed that Common Carp receiving WCRP1.5 and WCRP2.0 demonstrated significantly improved growth performance, with reduced feed conversion ratios (FCRs) being particularly evident in WCRP1.5. Polynomial contrasts indicated significant linear and quadratic effects on weight gain and FCR. Additionally, WCRP1.5 and WCRP2.0 supplementation led to significantly higher activity of digestive enzymes (lipase and protease). Hematological parameters, including white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, were significantly elevated in fish that were fed WCRP1.5 and WCRP2.0 compared to the control group. Moreover, serum parameters, such as total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozyme, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total immunoglobulins, were significantly enhanced in WCRP1.5- and WCRP2.0-treated fish. Notably, the WCRP1.5 group showed the lowest serum cortisol levels. The RPS was highest in WCRP1.5 (73.77%), followed by WCRP2.0 (70.43%), compared to the other groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, supplementation with WCRP1.5 and WCRP2.0 effectively improved both growth and health parameters in Common Carp