38139 research outputs found
Sort by
Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery 2025 Symposium
No full textIntroduction: The representation of First Nations’ peoples in the academic workforce, particularly within nursing and midwifery, is crucial for fostering diversity, equity, and culturally safe practices in healthcare education. Despite ongoing efforts, challenges related to recruitment and retention persist, necessitating a comprehensive synthesis of existing strategies and their effectiveness.
Aim: To identify and synthesise the recruitment and retention strategies for First Nations’ nursing and midwifery academics globally, to identify transferrable recommendations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic workforce.
Methods: This scoping review was guided by six stages of Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and reported using the PRISMA-Scr guidelines. Databases searched included- Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Emcare, and PubMed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified and guided the review. Data were charted and synthesised to identify key theme.
Results: The review yielded four articles. Seven key themes were identified: intention, relationships between communities, the university and curriculum, clear pathways from undergraduate to academic leader, inclusive and culturally safe workplace culture, mentoring and support, positive management practices, and institutional change and support.
Discussion: This review highlights the critical need for more comprehensive and culturally safe approaches to support First Nations’ academics. Addressing structural racism within educational institutions and providing ongoing professional development focused on cultural safety and competence are essential. The themes generated provide a schema for organisational self-evaluation and future strategy development to improve recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery academic workforce.
Conclusion: The review underscores the significant gap in Australian research on this topic and calls for further studies to explore the long-term impact of these strategies
Techno-economic analysis and dynamic operation of green hydrogen-integrated microgrid: An application study
No full textThe shift to renewable energy sources requires systems that are not only environmentally sustainable but also cost-effective and reliable. Mitigating the inherent intermittency of renewable energy, optimally managing the hybrid energy storage, efficiently integrating the microgrid with the power grid, and maximizing the lifespan of system components are the significant challenges that need to be addressed. With this aim, the paper proposes an economic viability assessment framework with an optimized dynamic operation approach to determine the most stable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound system for a specific location and demand. The green integrated hybrid microgrid combines photovoltaic (PV) generation, battery storage, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel cell, tailored for deployment in remote areas with limited access to conventional infrastructure. The study’s control strategy focuses on managing energy flows between the renewable energy resources, battery, and hydrogen storage systems to maximize autonomy, considering real-time changes in weather conditions, load variations, and the state of charge of both the battery and hydrogen storage units. The core system’s components include the interlinking converter, which transfers power between AC and DC grids, and the decentralized droop control approach, which adjusts the converter’s output to ensure balanced and efficient power sharing, particularly during overload conditions. A cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform has been employed, allowing continuous monitoring and data analysis of the green integrated microgrid to provide insights into the system's health and performance during dynamic operation. The results presented in this paper confirmed that the proposed framework enabled the strategic use of energy storage, particularly hydrogen systems. The optimal operational control of green hydrogen-integrated microgrid can indeed mitigate voltage and frequency fluctuations caused by variable solar input, ensuring stable power delivery without reliance on the main grid or fossil fuel backups
Phosphorus-Free Flame-Retardant Strategies for Epoxy Resins
No full textDriven by the principles of sustainable development and green chemistry, phosphorus-free flame-retardant systems have become a key focus in the development of high-performance polymers because they feature improved ecological safety relative to phosphorus-based systems. This review focuses on two main phosphorus-free flame-retardant strategies: (i) additive phosphorus-free flame retardants and (ii) intrinsically phosphorus-free flame-retardant epoxy resins. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemical structure and comprehensive properties, including flame retardancy, thermal properties, and mechanical performance. The flame-retardant modes-of-action for the phosphorus-free flame-retardant epoxy systems are also summarized. Finally, current challenges and future development opportunities are presented. This work is expected to facilitate the development of phosphorus-free flame-retardant systems
First Nations’ allies: How is allyship understood through an Australian First Nations perspective?
No full textFirst Nations peoples across the globe face an enduring struggle for selfdetermination and recognition of their sovereignty, while also leading the difficult path towards decolonisation. As members of culturally and politically marginalised groups, First Nations peoples continue to endure oppression, racism and discrimination. However, since early colonisation and right up to the present day, there have been non-Indigenous people willing to take on the role of allies in support of Australia’s First Peoples. In terms of allyship, there is broad consensus within the literature that an ally is a member of a dominant group who seeks to challenge the prejudice and oppression experienced by members of non-dominant groups. In a liberal democracy where the majority rules, such as in Australia, non-Indigenous allies provide crucial support to First Nations peoples, who represent just 3.8% of the total population. An improved understanding of First Nations’ allyship is invaluable to informing genuine reconciliation and cultural safety and humility training, as well as supporting the selfdetermination and advancement of First Australians. Research and literature concerned with allyship has typically been informed by the dominant group and excluded First Nations perspectives. This project has redressed this imbalance. A scoping review was conducted to locate allyship literature specific to the First Nations context, revealing a significant lack of Australian-based literature and the absence of research on allyship informed exclusively by First Australians, highlighting the importance and value of this research. Through the use of First Nations informed yarning methodology, this qualitative study amplified the voices of 12 First Nations participants to gain a clearer understanding of genuine allyship through a uniquely Australian First Nations lens. Reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted to identify key research themes, providing insights into the qualities, mindset and actions of authentic First Nations’ allies, with focus given to allyship in the context of the 2023 Voice Referendum. A key finding of this research is that First Nations’ allyship offers ‘support’, rather than ‘solutions’, and is grounded in a ‘with us, not for us’ approach. This research culminates in the presentation of a First Nations’ Allyship Framework, comprising nine research-informed principles, to guide best practice for non-Indigenous allies. Significantly, these guidelines are informed exclusively by First Australians. This paper concludes with a call to action for existing and potential First Nations’ allies
Rethinking clinical placements: A response to changing healthcare demands
No full textClinical placements allow students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and become workforce ready. Demand for clinical placements from education providers already exceeds supply. As healthcare workforce shortages continue, the need for increasing numbers of graduates will generate additional strain, and policymakers targeting health workforce shortages must be cognisant of their impact on the education and health sectors. At the same time, clinical placements must be fit for purpose and meet the learning needs of students. The diverse array of placement models has been compounded by rapid developments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges and considerations include labour intensity, need for capacity building, importance of engagement at institutional and local supervisor levels, cost (including that to students), planetary impact, availability and equity. The future of high-quality clinical placements needs to be secured and built on a sustainable framework to support future clinical placement capacity
'Screaming dumpster fire crazy': first-year students illustrate hope in the midst of isolation and chaos
No full textManagerialised universities perpetuate students as consumers, structures that physically and virtually separate the university community from one another, and relegate quality teaching as secondary to research output. This study reveals more of the impact of this by evoking a deeper view of embodied, unspoken first-year student experiences. Using an arts-based methodology (novel in this field), the struggles, perseverance, and hope during the first semester of study are seen. Not because of support from the managerialised university, but in spite of it. Social support from family and friends plays a peripheral part in this early stage, but their first semester is an experience of navigating their student lives alone. Students come to study with deep emotional reasons, not purely rational and financial ones. University leaders and academics should pay attention to an absence of social connection to the university community when transactional, managerialised conditions treat students as consumers – not learners
Lines in the landscape
No full textDitches (linear constructions which store and/or move water where humans prefer it to go), via irrigation, drainage, and power, have helped drive the development of human societies. Now, ditches and other linear channels, typically carrying water, are numerous and found on every continent. Their form varies widely with use, which includes land drainage, irrigation, transportation, and boundary marking. Ditches support and shape biogeochemical cycles, biotic communities, and human societies, at multiple spatiotemporal scales. However, ditches are frequently overlooked by researchers in many disciplines. Here, we review the largely unrecognized role that ditches play in environmental processes and human societies. The effects of ditches can be both positive (e.g., biodiversity refuges, water for food production, nutrient retention) and negative (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, dispersal of pollutants). We call for future management to consider and enhance the multifunctional role that ditches can deliver at the landscape-scale
Fungal biocatalytic valorization of sorghum: an integrated bottom-up and top-down framework for sustainable fermentable sugar production
Get PDFThis study presents an innovative research and optimization framework for maximizing fermentable sugar production from sorghum without any commercial media and chemical pre-treatment. It utilizes bottom-up and top-down approaches to establish a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable sorghum-based biorefinery. Leveraging the biocatalytic potential of Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus oryzae, solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF) processes enhanced sugar yield. SSF emerged as the superior fermentation strategy, yielding an unprecedented total reducing sugar (TRS) concentration of 304.83 g/L (609.74 mg/g, db) from sorghum grain (particle size 1.18–0.6 mm) using A. awamori at 60 °C after 72 h of saccharification, achieving a saccharification efficiency of 83.17%. Optimized particle sizes of grain (1.18–0.6 mm) and bran (<0.6–0.3 mm) facilitated maximum TRS (304.83 g/L), α-amylase (982.5 ± 7.45 U/g), glucoamylase (10.93 ± 0.58 U/mL), and protease (168.05 ± 4.35 U/g, dry basis) production using A. awamori under solid-state fermentation. Notably, increasing saccharification temperature from 30 °C to 60 °C enhanced TRS yield 5.4-fold using SSF. Saccharification using fungal mash outperformed commercial enzyme cocktails, producing 1.2-fold higher TRS, demonstrating a low-cost alternative. Additionally, sorghum bran, a by-product constituting approximately 25% of the seed, exhibited substantial protease production (847.09 U/g, dry basis) by A. oryzae using bran particle sizes <0.6-0.3 mm, representing an 8.6-fold increase compared to A. awamori under solid-state fermentation (SSF). These findings demonstrate the transformative potential of fungal biotechnology in valorizing lignocellulosic biomass, fostering circular bioeconomy strategies, and renewable energy solutions. The proposed framework provides a scalable, green bioprocess for future industrial applications, contributing to sustainable agriculture and global energy security
Digital pedagogies: Developing teacher confidence and proficiency
No full textEducational technology as a tool for learning has been prevalent in Australian classrooms for 20 years. In recent years, research has identified a variety of barriers and enablers for the use of technology in learning contexts. Moreover, teachers continue to experience difficulties integrating educational technology, such as mobile devices, into learning contexts. This research sought to clarify and understand what conditions are required for teachers to improve the integration of technology into their classroom teaching and learning practices in regional and rural settings. This context is one that often sees a greater number of early career teachers and lack of access to professional learning opportunities. Using a mixed methods approach, the research investigated levels of teacher confidence and proficiency in integrating technology for learning over a three-year project. The project included a supported approach to professional learning and knowledge development. It was found that, with supportive networks and the development of collective efficacy, teachers were able to feel more confident and proficient in overcoming barriers to enhance the use of technology in learning contexts. Through the research process, previously identified barriers and enablers were considered, and new examples were identified, such as competing priorities. The development of a professional learning network within the group to assist in knowledge and skills development and practice provided opportunities for teachers to expand and share their knowledge and skills. With support from the school leadership team, positive shifts in confidence and proficiency were identified. The results of this research indicate that providing teachers with support networks and specific professional learning opportunities is beneficial
Flow-through ag hollow fibre gas diffusion electrodes for electrochemical CO2 reduction
No full textThe challenge of global warming associated with anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has attracted a great deal of attention around the world, driving the pursuit of technologies to protect the environment for future generations. Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a promising approach to achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development, enabling the conversion of CO2 into fuels and high-value products through renewable energy resources. Over the past decade, significant research has focused on the development of efficient electrocatalyst materials, suitable electrolytes, and optimal electrocatalytic operations. To achieve the desired efficiency and selectivity of products, electrodes should combine with high activity and selectivity, affordability, and robust stability. Gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) exhibit significant potential for achieving high performance of CO2RR as they reduce the distance of gas diffusion paths and provide high reactant concentration to electrocatalytic surfaces. Hollow fibre GDEs (HFGDE) have recently gained much attention as a novel electrode configuration, primarily due to their simple fabrication, and tubular geometry, which provides an expanded active surface area. In this thesis, we focused on the development of Ag-based HFGDE with high selectivity and activity for CO2 conversion in aqueous electrolytes under high current densities, aiming for industrial applications. Initially, the nano/microparticles surface of Ag HFGDE was fabricated through in-situ reconstruction, significantly improved the selectivity of CO production. Then, the microenvironment at the electrode/electrolyte interface on HFGDEs during CO2 conversion processes was modulated by introducing cationic surfactant, which effectivity suppressed the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and promoted the selectivity of CO production. Finally, we integrated surface reconstruction with local reaction microenvironment regulation on Ag HFGDE, achieved their application at industrially relevant current densities in acidic electrolyte. These findings provide a pathway for optimising electrode design and reaction conditions to achieve more efficient and selective CO2 conversion at industrial scales, which has significant implications for sustainable energy production and carbon conversion technologies