University of the Sunshine Coast
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The simultaneous preparation of nano cupric oxide (CuO) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin in one system: aimed to apply as wood adhesives
No full textTo reduce the cost of nano copper oxide (CuO) modified phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin, the PF resin synthesis and the preparation of the nano CuO were carried out simultaneously in one system. The modified PF resins were evaluated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS), and thermogravimetry (TG). Physical and mechanical properties of oriented strand board (OSB) prepared using these modified PF resins were also evaluated. XPS results proved that nano CuO was present in the modified PF resin. XRD data showed that the derived nano CuO has a face-centered cubic structure. The minimum particle size of nano CuO was below 10 nm and the distribution of CuO was uniform as seen in TEM and EDXS images. TG analysis illustrated that the main degradation peak of the modified PF resins narrowed and shifted to a lower temperature by introducing nano CuO. Though the physical and mechanical properties of OSB decreased slightly, values were still within the requirements set by the appropriate Chinese Standard; this means that the modified PF resin has potential to be applied in engineered wood composites manufacturing
The effect of age on cerebral blood flow responses during repeated and sustained stand to sit transitions
No full textINTRODUCTION: Aging is associated with impaired cerebrovascular blood flow and function, attributed to reduced vasodilatory capacity of the cerebrovascular network. Older adults may also have an impaired relationship between changes in blood pressure and cerebral blood flow; however, previous reports conflict. This study aimed to compare the blood pressure and cerebral blood flow responses to both repeated and sustained stand-to-sit transitions in young and older adults, and to assess the relationship with cerebrovascular reactivity. METHODS: In 20 young (age: 24 ± 4 years) and 20 older (age: 71 ± 7 years) adults we compared middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MCAv), end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PET CO2 ), and blood pressure (mean arterial blood pressure [MAP]) during repeated stand-to-sit (10 s standing and 10 s sitting) and sustained stand-to-sit (3 min standing followed by 2 min sitting) transitions. Cerebrovascular reactivity to changes in carbon dioxide levels was assessed using a repeated breath-hold test. RESULTS: The % change in MCAv per % change in MAP (%∆MCAv/%∆MAP) was higher in the older adults than in the young adults during repeated stand-to-sit transitions. During the sustained protocol the %∆MCAv/%∆MAP response was similar in both age groups. A high %∆MCAv/%∆MAP response during the repeated stand-to-sit protocol was associated with low cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 (r = -.39; p < .01), which was significantly lower in the older adults. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the higher %∆MCAv/%∆MAP during repeated stand-sit transitions was associated with impaired cerebrovascular reactivity. Impairments in endothelial function and vascular stiffness with age may contribute to the altered transient cerebral pressure-flow responses in older adults
Role of Microbiomes and Oral DNA Delivery in Finfish and Shellfish Aquaculture Development
No full textIn order to fulfill the domestic demand as well as exploitation without breaking the wild-catch limitation, aquaculture productivity needs to be boosted by adopting state-of-art biotechnology solutions. At this stage, the Australian aquaculture industry has invested in scientific research to adopt advanced technologies to understand the obstacles at the scientific level. However, there are still demands for practical solutions that are simple and applicable in on a large scale. In this thesis, I investigated two perspectives to help boost productivity: delivery of DNA and peptides to support physiological functions that are inhibited in captivity, and explore the huge potential of gut microbiota and their relationship with the host phenotype of interest.Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2020
Trichogramma spp. as potential augmentative biocontrol agents of Poinciana looper, Pericyma cruegeri (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
No full textPoinciana looper, Pericyma cruegeri (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an endemic Australasian defoliator of iconic Poinciana (Delonix regia) trees. Poincianas, despite being exotic, are of significant urban value in subtropical and tropical Australia for their attractive form, flamboyant blooms and popular utility as shade and amenity trees. Poinciana looper larvae can cause extensive defoliation, reduced flowering, and become a nuisance to residents as caterpillars drop from trees, while in an urban setting, chemical control options are limited. The suitability of P. cruegeri eggs as a host for the commercially-available egg parasitoids Trichogramma carverae, Trichogramma pretiosum and Trichogramma nr. finiculatum was evaluated to determine their potential as augmentative biological control agents. One female of each of these Trichogramma species was exposed to ten P. cruegeri eggs and left for one hour to oviposit. The suitability of looper eggs as a host for each wasp species was measured by time for initial host acceptance, subsequent development time, emergence rates, egg mortality and sex ratios. All three Trichogramma species successfully utilised P. cruegeri eggs as hosts, causing an average 58 % reduction in P. cruegeri larval emergence. Female wasps generally accepted P. cruegeri eggs within one minute of introduction, and this did not differ between parasitoid species. Development time differed significantly between all three species, with T. pretiosum emerging after 14 days, and T. carverae requiring 18 days for development. Significantly more T. nr. finiculatum emerged compared with the other two species, partially due to multiple wasps emerging per host egg. P. cruegeri is a suitable host for all three Trichogramma species, but further research is required prior to embarking on a biocontrol program using these species
‘Masters of your fate and the captains of your soul’: media representations of the 2018 Invictus Games
No full textThe Invictus Games was established by Prince Harry in London in 2014 and Sydney hosted the fourth version in 2018. Due to the profile of Prince Harry and the growth of the Games, the media has played a major role in delivering news and information about the event and its competitors, as well as highlighting broader themes of rehabilitation and inclusion. This descriptive study investigates the media coverage of the 2018 Invictus Games to identify key narratives underpinning the representations of the event. This paper employs a quantitative and qualitative content analysis to examine similarities and differences in reporting from four Australian media organisations across print, online and television. The findings are based on the examination of 176 articles and more than eight hours of television and multimedia content. The results highlight a greater focus on the event, as well as celebrity and entertainment elements, than those who were competing
Thinking outside the plot: monitoring forest biodiversity for social-ecological research
No full textProtecting biodiversity, either for its own sake or for its value to humanity, is a principal goal of conservation efforts worldwide. For this reason, many studies on the social science of resource management and governance seek to quantify biodiversity outcomes. Here, we focus on the International Forestry Resources and Institutions program to demonstrate some of the challenges of quantitative biodiversity assessment and suggest ways to overcome them. One of this program’s research goals is to understand the causes of biodiversity loss, which is explicitly assessed using plot-based forest sampling. Plot-based methods to capture biodiversity changes require huge amounts of data. Even if sampling is sufficient, existing protocols can only capture changes in the types of species actually sampled, typically trees. Other elements of biodiversity are not censused, including animals, herbs, shrubs, fungi, and epiphytes that may provide medicine, food, wildlife habitat, trade items, or cultural goods. Using case studies of two sites in Uganda, we demonstrate that more spatially extensive surveys targeting multiple types of data can give a broader picture of forest status and changes than can plot-based sampling alone; many relevant variables can be observed while traveling among plot points with little additional effort. Reviewing the ecological literature, we identify correlates of forest status that can supplement plot-based sampling. These include large trees, epiphyte-laden trees, culturally or commercially valuable species, large stumps, and evidence of hunting and trapping. Further, data elicited from local resource users can play an important role in biodiversity monitoring. These findings suggest that effective biodiversity monitoring may be within easier reach than previously thought, although robust comparisons among sites remains a challenge, especially when climate, soils, or site history differ greatly
Program Design and the Development of Students’ Global Perspectives in Faculty-Led Short-Term Study Abroad
No full textThis study explores connections between design features of faculty-led short-term study abroad programs and resulting changes in students’ global perspectives. Over 2,000 students provided data for this study, completing the Global Perspective Inventory (GPI) before and after studying abroad. Results indicated that program features such as participation in an internship and opportunities for reflection are positively associated with global perspective development while abroad, whereas features such as number of students traveling together and coursework in English are negatively associated with such development. Given the increasing numbers of students who participate in faculty-led short-term abroad programs, research that provides evidence-based recommendations concerning program design is essential to enhancing global perspectives through study abroad
An integrated landscape approach for socially inclusive peatland restoration
No full textSuccessful restoration and fire prevention in peat landscapes require full rewetting and permanent revegetation for optimal water retention. The ecological and socio-economic heterogeneity of these landscapes calls for integrated approaches based on participatory zonation and locally appropriate business models. Primary activities in deep-peat core zones are blocking of drainage canals and revegetation; in shallow-peat buffer zones, forestry and agroforestry on fully rewetted peat, aquaculture, and duck farming; while on surrounding non-peat mineral soils, more intensive tree plantations and agriculture. Community-oriented enterprises require private investment, including microfinance. Blended public and private investment is needed for core-zone restoration. Assuming restoration costs of USD 250-1,000 per ha on moderately drained peat, with emissions of 40tCO2/ha/year, carbon finance could pay for the cost of restoration in under 10 years if emissions are fully or largely abated. To stimulate investment in multiple peatland landscapes we propose a provincial ‗enabling platform‘ to support participatory zoning, project design, and monitoring based on common standards and methodologies; technical assistance and incubation for project start-up; multi-stakeholder support for enabling policies, plans and institutions; strengthened finance mechanisms and bundled investments for large and small enterprises; and robust scientific support and knowledge exchange
Digital technologies in undergraduate and postgraduate education in occupational therapy and physiotherapy: a scoping review
No full textObjective:
The objective of this scoping review was to map research in the use of digital technologies in occupational therapy and physiotherapy education in terms of the type of digital technology used, how the digital technology is applied, as well as the author-reported outcomes of digital technology use.
Introduction:
The ubiquitous nature of digital technology has influenced higher education, offering benefits of integrating digital technologies into curricula. However, the extent of the application of digital technologies in higher education in occupational therapy and physiotherapy warrants investigation. This scoping review mapped the reported applications of digital technology in both undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy education.
Inclusion criteria:
Research studies on the use of digital technology in undergraduate and/or postgraduate education in occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy were considered for inclusion in this scoping review.
Methods:
The JBI scoping review methodology guided this review. The protocol related to this scoping review was published in the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. A comprehensive search strategy using multiple databases was employed to find relevant studies. Keywords and the derivatives of “digital technology”, “education”, “occupational therapy” and “physiotherapy” were used. The databases searched included: MEDLINE via PubMed, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), EBSCOhost Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost ERIC, EBSCOhost MasterFILE Premier, EBSCOhost CINAHL Complete, OT Database, OT Seeker and Scopus. Google Scholar was also searched. The filter “humans” was applied, where possible. Peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative research studies were considered for inclusion. Owing to the rapid development of technologies, studies that were published in the last six years from January 2013 to April 2019 were included. This review only included papers available in English. The relevant studies and their reported outcomes were organized and analyzed thematically.
Results:
The initial search yielded 2853 articles. Title, abstract and full text review yielded 52 suitable papers meeting criteria. The final data set represented 4038 participants. Data were analyzed according to three main categories, namely, type of technology used, application of digital technology and author-reported outcomes. The review showed that occupational therapy and physiotherapy educators have used a wide variety of digital technologies, including quizzes, videos, social media, learning management systems and content repositories. Digital technologies have been applied in a range of learning and teaching contexts, including feedback and assessment, clinical skills and techniques, professional behaviors, clinical reasoning and fieldwork supervision. Author-reported outcomes varied between studies and were associated with student factors (e.g. anxiety, self-efficacy), technical difficulties when implementing digital technology, as well as financial costs.
Conclusion:
A wide variety of digital technologies can support learning and teaching across many contexts in occupational therapy and physiotherapy education. Technology should not be used in isolation and must be aligned to the proposed learning outcomes. Studies highlight the need for face-to-face contact with lecturers and fellow students in addition to the use of digital technology
Older adults’ evaluations of the standard and modified pedometer-based Green Prescription
No full textINTRODUCTION: The Green Prescription is a primary care programme designed to increase physical activity in individuals with low activity levels. Older adults tend to engage in insufficient physical activity to obtain health-related gain. AIM: To examine participants’ ratings of the Healthy Steps intervention and to assess how participants rated the use of a pedometer-based Green Prescription in aiding their physical activity. METHODS: In total, 330 community-dwelling older adults who have low levels of activity were randomised to receive either a standard time-based Green Prescription or a modified pedometerbased Green Prescription. Post-intervention, 259 participants completed the participant evaluation questionnaire via postal survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analyses. RESULTS: The standard components of the Green Prescription (general practitioner consultations and telephone counselling) received similar and higher ratings across both allocation groups than the use of print materials. A pedometer-based Green Prescription was rated as being helpful in aiding physical activity. DISCUSSION: This study supports the importance of general practitioners’ initial role in prescribing physical activity for older adults and of ongoing telephone support for longer-term adherence. Incorporating a pedometer can be effective in helping low-active older adults initiate and maintain regular physical activity