University of the Sunshine Coast
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Survival, molting pattern, and growth of early blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, juveniles fed diets containing varying levels of cholesterol
No full textThis study examined the effects of dietary cholesterol on the survival, molting pattern, and growth of early juveniles of the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus. Seven isocaloric diets were formulated to contain cholesterol at 0 (basal diet), 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 g/kg diet dry weight. Survival ranged from 20 to 47.5%, with the highest survival recorded for crabs fed the diet supplemented with 10 g/kg cholesterol, while the lowest survival was demonstrated by crabs fed the basal diet. The highest occurrence of molt death syndrome was found for crabs fed the diet with cholesterol supplementation of 15 g/kg. A general trend of decreasing development time to the crab 3 (C3) stage was observed with increasing dietary cholesterol supplementation up to a level of 10 g/kg, but this then decreased as dietary cholesterol level was increased to 12.5 and 15 g/kg. The specific growth rates of crabs, calculated for dry weight, carapace width, and carapace length, followed a similar trend. Our results suggest that, under the current feeding conditions, a dietary cholesterol level of 10 g/kg appears to be optimal for the culture of early juveniles of P. pelagicus
An evaluation of pathologists' application of the diagnostic criteria from the San Diego definition of SIDS and unclassified sudden infant death
No full textDespite being widely used, few studies have assessed the utility of the San Diego definition of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate pathologists’ application of the San Diego definition in all cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) that occurred in Queensland, Australia, between 2010 and 2014. Key coronial documents of 228 cases of SUDI were reviewed independently by three reviewers and classified according to the San Diego definition. Clear guidance regarding the evidentiary threshold for classification and interpretation of the San Diego definition was provided. All reviewers classified cases identically in 202 cases (88.6%). Consensus was achieved on the classification of the remaining 26 deaths following case discussion. After review, 79 cases were classified as SIDS, a one third reduction compared with the original classification, mainly due to a high probability of accidental asphyxia. The number of cases classified as undetermined (USID) almost doubled (75/228, 32.9%), and there was more than a fivefold increase in cases classified as asphyxia (43/228, 18.9%). Natural conditions decreased by approximately one third (21/228, 9.2%). This study demonstrates that with clear guidelines for interpretation, the San Diego definition can be applied reliably, with discrepancies resolved through a process of peer review
Differential media effects on male body satisfaction and mood
No full textObjective:
Previous research has shown that idealised images of men in the media have the capacity to trigger body dissatisfaction in male viewers. However, little is known about these effects across diverse media types. This study compared the effects of different media on men's body satisfaction and mood within a social comparison theory framework.
Method:
Young adult men (N = 110) were randomly assigned to view images of scenery or idealised depictions of males across four media conditions including television commercials, music video clips, still images where the model was posed, or still images where the model was active. Men completed pre‐ and post‐test measures of state body satisfaction and mood, and a post‐test measure of social comparison.
Results:
Men who viewed television commercials reported a significant drop in body satisfaction and greater social comparison. No effects were found across the other media types.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that televised depictions may be particularly detrimental to men's body image, which may be due to increased social comparison processes
Individual differences predict endorsement of water resilience
No full textIn the epoch of the Anthropocene change, complexity, and uncertainty create a demand for new systems of water management and governance. One such management model that is rapidly gaining traction amongst both scholars and practitioners is the concept of water resilience. Although increasing attention has been paid to the overarching theoretical and applied issues surrounding water resilience, few have examined individual attitudes and perceptions towards this concept. In this paper, we examine to what extent individuals endorse – that is, agree with and see the importance of using - social-ecological resilience as a framework for management and governance of water resources. We approach the problem and promise of water governance in this way because individuals’ mindsets (and shifts in mindsets) offers one of the most effective leverage points for larger system change. To explore water resilience endorsement, we developed a scale (i.e., a water resilience scale) that was designed to capture individual endorsement of each of the seven principles of social-ecological water resilience. Three additional sets of questionnaires were also used to examine whether individual characteristics (i.e., demographics, psychological factors, and environmental attitudes) predict water resilience endorsement. Overall, there was considerable societal endorsement of water resilience. However, the degree to which individuals endorsed the concept of water resilience differed as a function of demographics, psychological characteristics, and attitudes toward the environment. Future research should examine the nuances of endorsement and consider targeted approaches to influence endorsement levels by using the predictor variables as a basis for engaging and shifting mindsets
Fostering natural forest regeneration on former agricultural land through economic and policy interventions
No full textUnder suitable conditions, deforested land used for agricultural crops or pastures can revert to forest through the assisted or unassisted process of natural regeneration. These naturally regenerating forests conserve biodiversity, provide a wide array of ecosystem goods and services, and support rural economies and livelihoods. Based on studies in tropical and temperate forest ecosystems, we summarize cases where natural regeneration is occurring in agricultural landscapes around the world and identify the socio-ecological factors that favor its development and affect its qualities, outcomes and persistence. We describe how the economic and policy context creates barriers for the development, persistence, and management of naturally regenerating forests, including perverse outcomes of policies intended to enhance protection of native forests. We conclude with recommendations for specific economic and policy interventions at local, national, and global scales to enhance forest natural regeneration and to promote the sustainable management of regrowth forests on former agricultural land while strengthening rural communities and economies
An Alternative Means of Prosecuting Non-Physical Domestic Abuse: Are Stalking Laws an Under-Utilised Resource?
No full textThe criminal law traditionally has focused exclusively on physical violence and some forms of financial wrongdoing. The recent interest in non-physical abuse has led to consideration of how this harm also might be addressed. Currently, much domestic abuse—including economic and psychological abuse—is indirectly criminalised via breaches of civil orders. This chapter investigates whether that abuse can, is and should also be directly criminalised through stalking laws, particularly in the context of an ongoing intimate relationship where the partners are cohabitating. In doing so, we discuss the broader issue of whether these laws constitute an adequate mechanism for dealing with non-physical abuse. We conclude that although stalking provisions can be used to prosecute non-physical domestic violence, restricted community and expert understandings of stalking suggest that the enactment of a domestic abuse-specific offence is a more appropriate solution to comprehensively deal with this form of abuse
Should we pass on minimum passing distance laws for cyclists? Comparing a tactical enforcement option and minimum passing distance laws using signal detection theory
No full textLegislation mandating minimum distances for motorists passing cyclists is seen by advocates as a straightforward way to increase the perceived safety of cycling and thus remove a prominent barrier to the uptake of cycling. The evidence, however, is not as clear. The alternative to compliance-based enforcement via Minimum Passing Distance Laws (MPDLs) is performance-based enforcement as recently highlighted by UK Police forces under the name ‘Operation Close Pass’. This existing legislation and enforcement method relies on police officer judgement and discretion. For a MPDL to be introduced it has to show an improvement by identifying more manoeuvres that make cyclists feel unsafe, whilst at the same time not penalising drivers for manoeuvres that are benign. This study uses Signal Detection Theory to show that on almost every measure the current performance-based enforcement is preferable. Officer discretion is aligned more closely to cyclists’ real-world perceptions of risk than an objective, compliance-based MPDL. Any level of enforcement harshness can be achieved equally well, if not better, through officer discretion than through a fixed passing distance law, with the former being significantly easier to adjust if needed. Further discussion about the unintended effects of passing distance laws is discussed, such as the risk of a net loss to the effectiveness of cyclist safety because it is more difficult to prosecute and enforce manoeuvres which make cyclists feel unsafe than the performance-based alternative
Frontiers For Young Minds: Volume 7: Different ways to help those with mental illness
No full textNo abstract available
Trichinella spiralis secretes abundant unencapsulated small RNAs with potential effects on host gene expression
No full textMany organisms, including parasitic nematodes, secrete small RNAs into the extracellular environment largely encapsulated within small vesicles. Parasite secreted material often contains microRNAs (miRNAs), raising the possibility that they might contribute to pathology by regulating host genes in target cells. Here we characterise material from the parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis at two different life stages. We show that adult T. spiralis, which inhabit intestinal mucosa, secrete miRNAs within vesicles. Unexpectedly however, T. spiralis muscle stage larvae (MSL), which live intracellularly within skeletal muscle cells, secrete miRNAs that appear not to be encapsulated. Notably, secreted miRNAs include a homologue of mammalian miRNA-31, which has an important role in muscle development. Our work therefore suggests a new potential mechanism of RNA secretion with implications for the pathology of T. spiralis infection
Australian Beach Soccer: Tracing Paradoxical Narratives
No full textFor many Australians, the beach is key to leisure and pleasure, an integral part of their culture, and a symbol of their national sporting identity. There is ample evidence across a history of iconic sporting competitions, including, for instance, the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Football, or soccer, is the world’s most popular game. It has a simplicity that allows it to be played almost anywhere, even on the beach. In a country where recreational and professional sporting activities thrived, the story of beach soccer is an anomaly. This chapter considers the sport’s rapid growth outside Australia and seeks to understand why the local version has not realised a greater presence on the beaches of a self-proclaimed sporting nation’s landscape