University of the Sunshine Coast
USC Research Bank - University of the Sunshine CoastNot a member yet
28663 research outputs found
Sort by
Supporting parents of children aged 2–13 with toileting difficulties: Group‐based workshops versus individual appointments
No full textIntroduction: Toileting is a key activity of daily living and an important milestone in children’s development. Difficulties with this process can cause stress to both child and parents and negatively affect their wellbeing. This study compared the perceived parental competence and child wellbeing of families attending a group‐based workshop on toileting issues with families attending an individual appointment at a continence clinic.
Methods: All parents attending the workshops and attending the clinic between July 2016 and December 2017 were invited to participate in the study. The children were aged between 2 and 13 years. Three measures were used: 1) Parenting Sense of Competence Scale; (2) the Revised Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (KINDLR) and (3) Parent self‐assessment of information and support needs. Participants completed all measures at three points: prior to intervention, 1 week and 1 month post‐intervention.
Results: Data were collected from 89 parents attending the workshops and 46 parents attending the clinic. Children were not assessed. Non‐parametric tests were used to examine between group differences. Within group changes overtime were examined using Friedman’s two‐way analysis of variance. Parents who attended the workshop showed significant increases in parenting sense of competence and perceived child quality of life post‐intervention.
Although there were significant differences between and pre‐ and post‐measures for workshop attendees, there were no significant differences found between the two groups indicating that both forms of intervention had beneficial results.
Conclusion: These results suggest that group‐based workshops can positively impact parents’ perceived competence in managing their child’s toileting issues and wellbeing. Further research is recommended to explore the relationship between parenting competence and child wellbeing and to determine which aspects of the workshops were most beneficial
Mental health consumer involvement in occupational therapy education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textIntroduction Recovery-oriented practice policies and occupational therapy education accreditation standards require that consumers are engaged in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula. This consumer involvement (sometimes referred to as service-user involvement or patient involvement in other contexts) should go beyond consumers simply 'telling their stories' to more meaningful collaboration in curricula. This study was designed to map the current patterns of consumer involvement in occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Method A survey was distributed to all occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey included questions related to: (a) perceived enablers and barriers to consumer involvement in education; (b) organisational structures and support; (c) ways in which consumer are involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula; (d) access to remuneration for consumers; (e) overall ratings of the level of consumer involvement in curricula; and (f) academic confidence in working with consumers. Results Usable responses were received for 23 programs from 19 universities (83% response rate). Every program reported some consumer involvement in the curriculum. Consumer participation tended to be mainly focussed on curriculum delivery with less frequent involvement in curriculum design or evaluation. The most common barrier to consumer involvement in curricula was 'funding/remuneration for consumers' and the most common enabler of consumer involvement was 'positive attitudes of teaching staff'. Conclusion In comparison to previous reports, consumer involvement in occupational therapy curricula has increased over the past decade. However, ongoing effort is required to support true collaboration in all aspects of curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. While this will require attention and effort from academic teams, changes at a university level to establish systems to engage and effectively remunerate consumers for their involvement (especially in design and evaluation elements) are also required
The effect of thin and average-sized models on women’s appearance and functionality satisfaction: Does pose matter?
No full textIdealised imagery depicting the functionality of a model’s body (e.g., in fitness contexts) can trigger negative effects in viewers similar to, or worse than, traditionally posed images of models. Thus far, most of this research has been conducted on images of thin models. Building upon previous research, we examined the effect of pose (active versus posed) and body size (thin versus average-sized) on women’s body satisfaction. In an online study, 379 women aged 17–30 years completed pre-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction before viewing models across one of five conditions: Thin Posed, Thin Active, Average Posed, Average Active, or Scenery images. Post-test measures were taken of body satisfaction and social comparison across appearance and functionality domains. Planned contrasts showed that exposure to thin models produced poorer appearance and functionality satisfaction and more upward comparison than exposure to average-sized models or scenery. Model pose was important only when the model had an average body size. Images of active average-sized models produced poorer appearance satisfaction and triggered more upward functionality-based comparison than when the average-sized models were posed. These findings suggest that although the thinness of the model is influential, how the body is presented can also affect satisfaction and comparison
SimMan 3G™: Manikin-Led Simulation Orientation
No full textBackground: Orientation to scenario equipment, including manikin function and capability, is a pre-paratory requirement for simulation. Orientating large number of participants can be a significantlytime-consuming process.Methods: Using SimMan software, the authors developed a program that uses SimMan 3GÔsensorycapacity to initiate and facilitate a manikin-led orientation. The program is initiated by touch and usesvoice changer to record dialogue that is uploaded into a scenario designed to explain manikin featuresand engage students in orientation activities.Results: This innovations article provides instructions on how the manikin-led orientation was devel-oped, its use, and the challenges and opportunities for everyday use in simulation preparation.Conclusion: This initiative presents a cost-effective orientation method that is simple to implementand highly effective for preparing students for simulations that involve manikins. The process is simpleto tailor to any induction scenario, and there are opportunities to apply the concept to address otherteaching situations
Reforestation and smallholder livelihoods in the humid tropics
No full textSmallholder livelihoods and the restoration of tropical forests are intimately intertwined. To address the question of how reforestation affects livelihoods and how they in turn affect reforestation, a meta-synthesis was undertaken of 339 scientific publications identified from a systematic literature search. This study is focused on smallholders in the humid tropics, and uses the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, which was developed by the UK Department for International Development as the framework for analysis. The links between reforestation and livelihoods are found to be diverse and highly interconnected. Reforestation is only one of a smallholder’s activities and typically forms part of a mosaic of land uses across a landscape. Therefore, reforestation should be designed, managed and evaluated under the perspective of a diverse livelihood portfolio, and not as a single activity isolated from other portfolio components, especially under current landscape approaches. It is important for reforestation to be a complementary rather than a competitive livelihood activity. Reforestation has great potential to address poverty, and to increase smallholder socio-ecological resilience and local social equity. However, reforestation outcomes are often suboptimal. Assessing smallholder capacity and the surrounding environment prior to reforestation, and addressing limiting local capacities and conditions in a timely manner, may enhance the likelihood of optimal benefits
Positive psychology and tourist well-being: A systematic literature review
No full textThis paper examines the current state of research on well-being from tourism from the lens of positive psychology. A systematic review of 82 peer-reviewed articles published in English-language tourism journals indicate that tourist well-being is predominantly examined as a consequence of travel, rather than linked to tourism marketing and management. This study presents a conceptual framework of the antecedents, episodes and consequences of tourist well-being. Practically, results suggest strategies on how well-being can be used to generate better outcomes for tourism marketers and managers. By mapping what is known in the intersection between positive psychology and tourist well-being, this study identifies existing gaps and opportunities for future research in this area
Intercellular Conduction Optimizes Arterial Network Function and Conserves Blood Flow Homeostasis During Cerebrovascular Challenges
No full textObjective:
Cerebral arterial networks match blood flow delivery with neural activity. Neurovascular response begins with a stimulus and a focal change in vessel diameter, which by themselves is inconsequential to blood flow magnitude, until they spread and alter the contractile status of neighboring arterial segments. We sought to define the mechanisms underlying integrated vascular behavior and considered the role of intercellular electrical signaling in this phenomenon.
Approach and Results:
Electron microscopic and histochemical analysis revealed the structural coupling of cerebrovascular cells and the expression of gap junctional subunits at the cell interfaces, enabling intercellular signaling among vascular cells. Indeed, robust vasomotor conduction was detected in human and mice cerebral arteries after focal vessel stimulation: a response attributed to endothelial gap junctional communication, as its genetic alteration attenuated this behavior. Conducted responses were observed to ascend from the penetrating arterioles, influencing the contractile status of cortical surface vessels, in a simulated model of cerebral arterial network. Ascending responses recognized in vivo after whisker stimulation were significantly attenuated in mice with altered endothelial gap junctional signaling confirming that gap junctional communication drives integrated vessel responses. The diminishment in vascular communication also impaired the critical ability of the cerebral vasculature to maintain blood flow homeostasis and hence tissue viability after stroke.
Conclusions:
Our findings highlight the integral role of intercellular electrical signaling in transcribing focal stimuli into coordinated changes in cerebrovascular contractile activity and expose, a hitherto unknown mechanism for flow regulation after stroke
A centrifugation-assisted visual detection of SNP in circulating tumor DNA using gold nanoparticles coupled with isothermal amplification
No full textDetection of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is challenging because of the large DNA fragmentation (∼150 nt) and the strong background of normal cell free DNA (cfDNA). Here we developed a rapid centrifugation-assisted colorimetric assay using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coupled with isothermal amplification to detect a SNP (G to C mutation) in KRAS, p.G13D in ctDNA. Compared to conventional AuNP aggregation assays, our assay contains four unique design concepts. Firstly, a centrifugation step is introduced at the end of the reaction that significantly enhances the colorimetric readout by providing visually distinct precipitation for the SNP ctDNA. Secondly, to achieve a fast turnover rate for clinical pM demand, a “critical linker concentration” concept is introduced to the assay. Thirdly, in order to achieve an unambiguous differentiation of the SNP ctDNA from wild type cfDNA and the control sample without DNA, a “color code conversion” strategy is employed, where a complementary sequence of the linker DNA is introduced to manipulate the AuNP aggregation. Finally, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is used for enzyme inactivation only at room temperature while stabilizing the AuNP solution from unwanted aggregation. Our assay coupling two amplification strategies (isothermal amplification and centrifugation-assisted assembly) is capable of both quantitative and qualitative differentiation of SNP in ctDNA of ∼150 nt at a clinically relevant concentration and 67 pM limit of detection and in the presence of 99% normal cfDNA background. This assay can be used for point-of-care colon cancer diagnosis and prognosis with a fast turnover time (<2 h)
Consistent Identification and Traceability of Objects as an Enabler for Automation in the Steel Processing Industry
No full textThis open access book explores the concept of Industry 4.0, which presents a considerable challenge for the production and service sectors. While digitization initiatives are usually integrated into the central corporate strategy of larger companies, smaller firms often have problems putting Industry 4.0 paradigms into practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess neither the human nor financial resources to systematically investigate the potential and risks of introducing Industry 4.0. Addressing this obstacle, the international team of authors focuses on the development of smart manufacturing concepts, logistics solutions and managerial models specifically for SMEs. Aiming to provide methodological frameworks and pilot solutions for SMEs during their digital transformation, this innovative and timely book will be of great use to scholars researching technology management, digitization and small business, as well as practitioners within manufacturing companies. [Book Synopsis
Transformational change leadership and dialogue between groups
No full textSocial workers are called upon to shift from a human-centric bias to an ecological ethical sensibility by embracing love as integral to their justice mission and by extending the idea of social justice to include environmental and species justice. This book presents the love ethic model as a way to do eco-justice work using public campaigns, research, community arts practice and other nonviolent, direct action strategies. The model is premised on an active and ongoing commitment to the eco-values of love, eco-justice and nonviolence for the purpose of upholding the public interest. The love ethic model is informed by the stories of eco-activists who used nonviolent actions to address ecological issues such as: pollution; degradation of the environment; exploitation of farm animals; mining industry overriding First Nation Peoples’ land rights; and human health and social costs related to the natural resource industries, private land developments and government infrastructure projects. Informed by practice insights by activists from a range of eco-justice concerns, this innovative book provides new directions in social work and environmental studies involving transformational change leadership and dialogical group work between interest groups. It should be considered essential reading for social work students, researchers and practitioners as well as eco-activists more generally. [Book Synopsis