University of the Sunshine Coast
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Duplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Achromobacter spp.
No full textSeveral members of the Gram-negative environmental bacterial genus, Achromobacter, are associated with serious infections in immunocompromised individuals, of which Achromobacter xylosoxidans is the most common. Despite their pathogenic potential, comparatively little is understood about these intrinsically drug-resistant bacteria and their role in disease, leading to suboptimal diagnosis and management of Achromobacter infections. Here, we performed comparative genomics of 158 Achromobacter spp. genomes to robustly identify species boundaries, to reassign several incorrectly speciated taxa, and to identify genetic sequences specific for the Achromobacter genus and for A. xylosoxidans. Next, we developed a Black Hole Quencher probe-based duplex real-time PCR assay, Ac-Ax, for the rapid and simultaneous detection of Achromobacter spp. and A. xylosoxidans from both purified colonies and polymicrobial clinical specimens. Ac-Ax was tested on 119 isolates identified as Achromobacter spp. using phenotypic or genotypic methods. In comparison to these routine diagnostic methods, the duplex assay showed superior identification of Achromobacter spp. and A. xylosoxidans, with five Achromobacter isolates failing to amplify with Ac-Ax confirmed to be different genera according to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Ac-Ax quantified both Achromobacter spp. and A. xylosoxidans down to ∼110 genome equivalents, and detected down to ∼12 and ∼1 genome equivalent/s, respectively. In silico analysis, and laboratory testing of 34 non-Achromobacter isolates and 38 adult CF sputa, confirmed duplex assay specificity and sensitivity. We demonstrate that the Ac-Ax duplex assay provides a robust, sensitive, and cost-effective method for the simultaneous detection of all Achromobacter spp. and A. xylosoxidans, and will facilitate the rapid and accurate diagnosis of this important group of pathogens
Seed Networks for Upscaling Forest Landscape Restoration: Is It Possible to Expand Native Plant Sources in Brazil?
No full textIn this paper, we explore how diverse community networks in Brazil have locally advanced seed production and institutional systems to enhance a restoration economy. By focusing on the experiences of the six major native seed suppliers in Amazonia, the Cerrado, and the Atlantic Forest, we estimate the capacity to scale-up community-based systems to meet a large-scale restoration target as a rural development strategy. Over one decade, 1016 collectors traded 416.91 tonnes of native seeds representing, on average, 31.41 kilos yearly and USD 256.5 as household income. Based on this well documented empirical evidence, we estimate that Brazil’s restoration goal would require from 3.6 to 15.6 thousand tonnes of native seeds depending on the share of each restoration method adopted with potential work opportunities for 13.2 to 57.1 thousand collectors yearly and total income from USD 34 to 146 million. We argue that community networks represent feasible arrangements for increasing the availability of plant material sources which provide high socio-economic benefits. For scaling up native seed sources, we suggest the following key strategies: (i) government incentives and subsidies; (ii) enforcement of ecosystem restoration; (iii) community participation; (iv) adaptation of the seed regulations; (v) technological development; and (vi) seed market diversification
Meta-design Knowledge for Clinical Decision Support Systems
No full textKnowledge gained from a Decision Support Systems (DSS) design should ideally be reusable by DSS designers and researchers. The majority of existing DSS research has mainly focused on empirical problem solving rather than on developing principles that could inform solution approaches for other user contexts. Design Science Research (DSR) has contributed to effective development of various innovative DSS artifacts and associated knowledge development, but there has been limited progress on new knowledge development from a practical problem context, going beyond product and process descriptions. For DSS applications such as Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) design and development, relevant reusable prescriptive knowledge is of significance not only to understand mutability but also to extend application of theory across domains. In this paper, we develop new design knowledge abstracted from the approach taken in a representative case of innovative CDSS development, specified as an architecture and six design principles. The CDSS design artifact was initially designed for a specific clinical need is shown to be flexible for meeting demands of knowledge production both for diagnosis and treatment. It is argued that the proposed general strategy is applicable to designing CDSS artifacts in similar problem domains representing an important contribution of design knowledge both in DSS and DSR fields
Bringing fish life back to Noosa: restoring lost oyster reef habitats in the Noosa Biosphere. Final Report
No full textNo abstract available
Course Development: Feedback and video to improve teaching capacity
No full textThis chapter discusses the impact of feedback as dialogue and video use in a new science methods course that was created to meet new governmental requirements. National demands increased the evidence required by preservice teachers to demonstrate quality teaching and learning in initial teacher education programs impacting on program and course design. This led to increasing reflective opportunities and demonstrating knowledge of subject content for preservice teachers in one small metropolitan university. The ability of 32 preservice teachers to reflect on teaching strategies and their subject knowledge as part of a video teaching assignment with peers in a university classroom is described and discussed. Results indicated high participation in dialogue and dialogic feedback. Personal reflections revealed preservice teachers' understanding of teaching strategies, pedagogies, and subject knowledge improved with support. This has implications for final year preservice teacher progress where they need to demonstrate graduate requirements to transition into the profession
Community climate resilience in Cambodia
No full textBuilding resilience is a critical response to climate change. Developing countries are the most vulnerable to climate change, yet planning rarely considers how broader community development interventions can enhance resilience and support development. One solution is resilience assessment. However, few assessment frameworks exist that are sufficiently simple to empower communities to build resilience and take ownership of adaptation efforts. This article provides an example of a 27-question framework applied with two Cambodian communes (communities) to assess and understand trends in resilience over time. It is structured around community development outcomes of economic development, environmental quality, infrastructure that matches demands, community self-reliance and capacity to adapt to climate change; it also assesses how inputs and planning contribute to these outcomes. Longitudinal analyses reveal improvements over time driven primarily by commodity values. However, the sustainability of some of these improvements is questionable given volatile commodity markets and land degradation. Oversensitivity in the assessment is acknowledged as awareness increases over time, which can be conflated with poor performance. Maladaptive pathways may be unavoidable without building resilience by attending to broader community development issues, e.g. psychological wellbeing and education on alternative livelihoods. This article makes a significant contribution to community resilience by providing a simple resilience assessment framework that has demonstrably empowered communes to adapt to change. It is novel in the use of assessment design and process principles that build reflection on the drivers of resilience and development. Critical issues remain in the power dynamics of aid dependence, weakening of family bonds and patron-client relationships that affect resilience building in Cambodia
Conceptualising the role of the practicum coordinator in Queensland state primary schools: A grounded theory study
No full textIt is generally accepted that the school-based professional experience of pre-service teachers, also known as the practicum, is a crucial part of initial teacher training and is valued highly by pre-service teachers (TEMAG, 2015). Literature on the practicum has, however, focussed largely on the pre-service teachers, mentor teachers and the university coordinator. The role of the Practicum Coordinator (PC), usually undertaken by a member of the school leadership team or classroom teachers, has received little consideration, although research has demonstrated that PCs have a vital role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality practicum experiences. Research (Le Cornu, 2012; Martinez & Coombs, 2001; Mutton & Butcher, 2007; Pell, 1997; Utley, Basile, & Rhodes, 2003) undertaken prior to this study reveals a paucity of knowledge in understanding how PCs generally, and in Queensland state schools particularly, conceptualise their role in the absence of an external role definition. The aim of this study was, thus, to examine the basis for the construction of the PC role by the PCs, from their personal perspectives, in order to develop a substantive theory that explains the conceptualisation of the role by the practicum coordinators. A total of 16 PC participants (five males and 11 females) participated in the study. The participant group comprised of eight members from school leadership teams (ADMN) and eight classroom teachers (CT), with four participants (two each of ADMN and CT PCs) in each of the four iterations.Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2020
Listening to children: Using children's perspectives to inform the provision of responsive environmental education at the 'Children's Trail', Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha: Final Report
No full textBrisbane City Council seek to upgrade and improve the existing Children’s Trail walk. Changes at the Botanical Gardens over the last decade have shifted the original focus and intent of the trail and the experience children subsequently have of the trail. Responsive research was needed to understand children’s current experiences so that changes made to the existing trail support children’s interests and connections with the natural world. The overall aim of the project was to fill a current gap in knowledge about how children are experiencing the Children’s Trail. The project offered opportunities for children to communicate their experiences and perspectives of interacting with nature within the Children’s Trail
These 5 images show how air pollution changed over Australia’s major cities before and after lockdown
No full textNo abstract available
The influence of communication and participation on realised strategy: a micro foundational approach
No full textCommunication and participation are vital for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), however, how these important concepts may be utilised for an NPO’s advantage has rarely been explored. Over the past two decades NPOs have dramatically grown in number and size. They have also expanded the level of social services they provide and are being recognised as an increasing economic force. While the literature on strategic management is vast, NPOs have rarely been the focus of these studies. Yet, many social service NPOs are challenged with realising successful strategies. The challenges range from staff and skill shortages, to intangible missions that complicate performance assessment, to funders requiring use of strategic management techniques, which are commonly disliked by NPO staff, as these techniques were tailored mostly for profit-maximisation. Therefore, NPOs are challenged with advancing their mission, the reason for their organisations’ existence. Since the non-profit literature recurrently emphasises the significance of communication and participation for NPOs, the astute use of these concepts provides a promising avenue to assist NPOs with realising mission advancing strategies. Therefore, this study explored the research question: How do communication and participation influence strategies that are realised as deliberate?Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2020