University of the Sunshine Coast
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The Role of Social Infrastructure in Achieving Inclusive Liveable Communities: Voices from Regional Australia
No full textWhat makes liveable communities inclusive is an important question for planning research, policy and practice, yet one that has not received significant attention. This article explores this question through the lived experiences of two spatially marginalised groups – people with disabilities and seniors. Using the photovoice technique, the findings visually and textually demonstrate the importance of universally accessible social infrastructure in enabling inclusion and active participation in a community in regional Australia. The findings suggest that inclusion should be a central focus of liveability, along with co-design processes with people experiencing spatial marginalisation to achieve inclusive liveable communities
Crustacean Nuclear Localization Signals Help Facilitating the Delivery of DNA into Australian Red-claw Crayfish Cells
No full textCrustacean aquaculture is rapidly expanding, and demands are supported through the application of novel technologies. One such application is the oral administration of foreign DNA, which expresses genes of interest to promote growth, health and superior quality traits. To date, there has not been any report of a viable method for large-scaled oral delivery of foreign DNA into crustaceans, although these methodologies have expanded in utilization across many plant and animal species. DNA delivery requires a thorough understanding of the transcription machinery of the host species to which it is administered. This knowledge is still unavailable in crustaceans, where the mechanism to enable nuclear entry is obscure. In this study we utilized a bioinformatics approach to shortlist Nuclear Localisation Signals (NLSs), and designed crustacean-specific NLSs to enhance the delivery of DNA into the nucleus via active transport. The NLS-plasmid complex, carrying GFP and IAG genes was transfected into Australian redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) primary cultured cells, resulting in protein expression of the introduced genes. These NLSs also increased the transfection efficiency in mammalian cells from 0.6% to 9% in suboptimal conditions. Hence, this integrated approach of bioinformatics and in vitro studies could help in developing a novel biotechnology to enable the large-scaled oral DNA delivery in the crustacean aquaculture industry
The QuantiPhage assay: A novel method for the rapid colorimetric detection of coliphages using cellulose pad materials
No full textAssessment of viral contamination is essential for monitoring the microbial quality of water and protection of public health, as human virus presence is not accurately determined using bacterial indicators. Currently, the time required for conventional viral testing means that water contaminated with human pathogens may be used (e.g. for drinking, recreation or irrigation) days before results are available. Here we report a new rapid method for coliphage enumeration, the QuantiPhage (QP) assay. The novelty of the assay is the use of cellulose absorbent pad materials to support coliphage growth and colorimetric detection, in place of agar that is used in the plaque assay. In addition to saving time associated with agar preparation and tempering, the QP assay enabled enumeration of somatic coliphages in 1.5–2 h and F+ coliphages in 2.5–3 h. The assays were highly sensitive, with a lower detection limit of 1 plaque forming unit (PFU) per mL where 1 mL sample volumes were analysed, and 1 PFU per 10 mL where 10 mL sample volumes were analysed. This is the first rapid culture assay to enable low numbers of coliphages to be reliably detected and to produce directly equivalent results to agar-based plaque assays. A novel gelatin-immobilisation method is also reported, that reduces time to prepare bacterial cells from ∼20 h to 40–60 min (depending on the assay format), and provides a ready to use form of cells, that is compatible with rapid detection and kit formats. When applied to analysis of somatic coliphages in wastewater samples and surface water samples, mean differences in results of the QP assay and the conventional plaque assay were not statistically significant (mean difference ≤ 0.15 log10 PFU/L and 0.5 PFU/10 mL respectively, P > 0.05). The QP is a valuable tool for assessing microbial water quality, which may assist in improving the management of water resources
Simulation-based learning for patient safety: The development of the Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation methodology for nursing education
No full textBackground: Since the ground-breaking report ‘To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health Care System’ was published nearly two decades ago, patient safety has become an international healthcare priority. Universities are charged with the responsibility of preparing the future nursing workforce to practise in accordance with relevant patient safety standards. Consequently, simulation-based learning is increasingly used for developing the technical and non-technical skills graduates require to provide safe patient care. Aim: Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation is a pragmatic group-based approach that enhances nursing students’ knowledge and skills in the provision of safe patient care. The aim of this paper is to describe the Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation methodology and illustrate its key features with reference to a medication safety scenario. Methods: Informed by the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and the Patient Safety Competency Framework for Nursing Students, Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation methodology actively engage large numbers of nursing students in critical conversations around every day clinical encounters which can compromise patient safety. Conclusion: Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation is a novel simulation methodology that enhances nursing students’ skills and knowledge, fosters critical conversations, and has the potential to enhance students’ resilience and capacity to speak up for safe patient care
IQSEC2 mutation update and review of the female‐specific phenotype spectrum including intellectual disability and epilepsy
No full textThe IQSEC2‐ related disorders represent a spectrum of X‐chromosome phenotypes with intellectual disability (ID) as the cardinal feature. Here, we review the increasing number of reported families and isolated cases have been reported with a variety of different pathogenic variants. The spectrum of clinical features is expanding with early‐onset seizures as a frequent comorbidity in both affected male and female patients. There is a growing number of female patients with de novo loss‐of‐function variants in IQSEC2 have a more severe phenotype than the heterozygous state would predict, particularly if IQSEC2 is thought to escape X‐inactivation. Interestingly, these findings highlight that the classical understanding of X‐linked inheritance does not readily explain the emergence of these affected females, warranting further investigations into the underlying mechanisms
Star power and box office revenues: evidence from China
No full textUsing data over the 2009–2016 period, this paper examines the impact of star power on box office revenues in China. Unlike most existing studies, we measure star power as a continuous variable based on the number of registered fans of movie stars on the most popular microblogging website in China (Sina Weibo). We also examine the impact of star power on box office revenues through three important channels (industry recognition, internet media evaluation, and internet media buzz). Estimation of log-linear specifications shows that directors play an important role in the financial success of movies in China. The direct effect of star power on the financial success of movies is negative, and the same applies to the direct effect of internet media evaluation. The indirect quality effect of star power through industry recognition is positive but insignificant. The marginal effect of industry recognition becomes significantly positive only when the level of star power reaches the second quartile of its distribution. The indirect signal effect of star power through internet media evaluation is negative and statistically significant. However, the indirect signal effect through internet media buzz is positive and significant at all levels of star power and this effect dominates the negative direct effect of star power once it reaches a threshold level. Endogeneity-corrected estimation results confirm that the total effect of star power on box office revenues in China is positive and significant. The Chinese movie industry, which appears to be dominated by low-quality movies, can benefit from further reforms
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
No full textThis practical manual of freshwater ecology and conservation provides a state-of-the-art review of the approaches and techniques used to measure, monitor, and conserve freshwater ecosystems. It offers a single, comprehensive, and accessible synthesis of the vast amount of literature for freshwater ecology and conservation that is currently dispersed in manuals, toolkits, journals, handbooks, 'grey' literature, and websites. Successful conservation outcomes are ultimately built on a sound ecological framework in which every species must be assessed and understood at the individual, community, catchment and landscape level of interaction. For example, freshwater ecologists need to understand hydrochemical storages and fluxes, the physical systems influencing freshwaters at the catchment and landscape scale, and the spatial and temporal processes that maintain species assemblages and their dynamics. A thorough understanding of all these varied processes, and the techniques for studying them, is essential for the effective conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems. [Book Synopsis
Optimizing stocking density and microalgae ration improves the growth potential of tropical black-lip oyster, Saccostrea echinata, larvae
No full textThe combined effects of stocking density and microalgae ration on survival and size of Saccostrea echinata larvae were studied in two-factor experiments for the major developmental stages: D-veliger (1-day posthatch [dph], Experiment 1), umbonate (12 dph, Experiment 2), and eyed (19 dph, Experiment 3) larvae. Larvae were stocked into replicate sets of four 10-L aquaria with ambient 1-μm filtered sea water (28 ± 1.5°C and 36 ppt) and cultured for four days at densities of 0.5, 2, 5, 7, or 10 larvae/mL and provided with microalgae rations at each of five densities (cells larvae−1 day−1); 0, 1, 3, 5, or 8 × 103 (D-veliger larvae, Experiment 1); 0, 5, 12, 18, or 25 × 103 (umbonate larvae, Experiment 2); and 0, 15, 30, 40, or 60 × 103 (eyed larvae, Experiment 3). Microalgae rations for each larval life stage were selected on the basis of increasing food requirement with larval size and comprised a 2:1:1 mixture of Chaetoceros calcitrans, Tisochrysis lutea, and Pavlova spp., calculated on an equal dry-weight basis. Contour plots were generated from larval survival and larval size (dorso-ventral measurement [DVM]) data to determine optimal culture conditions. Larvae showed high survival (54–100%) over a wide range of both treatment parameters across all life stages, confirming broad tolerance limits for this species. The interaction effects of larval stocking density and microalgae ration on larval size were significant (p 80 μm), at 2–8 larvae/mL and fed 11–25 × 103 cells larvae−1 day−1 for umbonate larvae (mean DVM > 190 μm), and at 1–4 larvae/mL and fed 15–40 × 103 cells larvae−1 day−1 for eyed larvae (mean DVM >230 μm). Results will help refine current hatchery methods for S. echinata supporting further development toward commercial aquaculture production of this species
Gait velocity and joint power generation after stroke: contribution of strength and balance
No full textObjective:
To assess the degree to which isometric strength of multiple lower limb muscle groups and balance is associated with gait velocity and joint power generation during gait after stroke.
Design:
Sixty-three participants in a multi-site, multi-national cross-sectional, observational study underwent assessment of gait velocity (10m walk test), standing balance (computerised posturography), and isometric strength (hand-held dynamometry). Twenty-seven participants had joint power generation assessed (three-dimensional gait analysis). Bivariate associations were examined using Spearman’s correlations. Regression models with partial F-tests were used to compare the contribution to gait between measures.
Results:
While all muscle groups demonstrated significant associations with gait velocity (rho = 0.40-0.72), partial F-tests identified that ankle plantarflexor and hip flexor strength made the largest contribution to gait velocity. Ankle plantarflexor strength also had strong associations with habitual and fast paced ankle power generation (rho = 0.65 and 0.75). Balance had significant associations with habitual and fast gait velocity (rho = -0.57 and -0.53), with partial F-tests showing the contribution was independent of strength.
Conclusion:
Ankle plantarflexor and hip flexor strength had the largest contribution to gait velocity. Future research may wish to refocus strength assessment and treatment to target the ankle plantarflexors and hip flexors
Social Networks, Problem-Solving, Managers: Police Officers in Australia and the USA
No full textThis article compares the role of management on the effectiveness of social networks for police officers and implications for engagement using survey data from 575 police officers in the USA and 193 police officers in Australia. Analysis included capturing frequencies, correlations, ANOVAs, structural equation modelling (SEM) for quantitative data, and thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The findings show that 5% of police officer in the USA sample and 12% of police officer in Australian sample had no support for problem-solving; police officers in the USA had bigger social networks; the reasons given for not identifying their line manager as part of their social support included ‘the unapproachability of managers’ and ‘poor managers/bullying’ and SEM showed a significant relationship between perceived organizational support (from management), social networks, and employee engagement. The findings have implications for internal security (employee well-being and productivity) and external security (public safety)