61871 research outputs found
Sort by
Pre-service teachers’ reflections on their challenging experiences interacting with a parent avatar: Insights on deepening reflection on the simulation experience
No full textAustralian preservice teachers (PSTs) are required to show evidence that they can ‘engage with parents/carers’ (AITSL Standard 7.3). This paper reports on a pilot study of PSTs, in their final year within an Initial Teacher Education programme, in a mixed reality learning environment immersing themselves in authentic and challenging conversations with a parent avatar. Based on data drawn from a survey of 57 respondents, the paper describes emergent themes gleaned from PSTs’ comments about their interactions. The findings identify key areas of focus in PSTs’ reflections and the ensuing discussion explores practical and theoretical considerations for deepening reflection on the simulation experience. It also highlights the benefit of simulation to provide PSTs the opportunity to practise difficult conversations with parents before they encounter the experience in the real world
Bridging the gap: Short structural variants in the genetics of anorexia nervosa
Get PDFAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a devastating disorder with evidence of underexplored heritability. Twin and family studies estimate heritability (h2) to be 57%–64%, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reveal significant genetic correlations with psychiatric and anthropometric traits and a total of nine genome-wide significant loci. Whether significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms identified by GWAS are causal or tag true causal variants, remains to be elucidated. We propose a novel method for bridging this knowledge gap by fine-mapping short structural variants (SSVs) in and around GWAS-identified loci. SSV fine-mapping of loci associated with complex disorders such as schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease has uncovered genetic risk markers, phenotypic variability between patients, new pathological mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. We analyze previous investigations' methods and propose utilizing an evaluation algorithm to prioritize 10 SSVs for each of the top two AN GWAS-identified loci followed by Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis via capillary electrophoresis to characterize these SSVs for case/control association studies. Success of previous SSV analyses in complex disorders and effective utilization of similar methodologies supports our proposed method. Furthermore, the structural and spatial properties of the 10 SSVs identified for each of the top two AN GWAS-associated loci, cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) and NCK interacting protein with SH3 domain (NCKIPSD), are similar to previous studies. We propose SSV fine-mapping of AN-associated loci will identify causal genetic architecture. Deepening understandings of AN may lead to novel therapeutic targets and subsequently increase quality-of-life for individuals living with the illness
Extensive gene flow in a threatened bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia) in an arid landscape
Get PDFThe bat fauna of Australia comprises some 25% of all terrestrial species, yet we know very little of the demography, dispersal, and movement dynamics of most bat species. The Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia Pilbara form) is a threatened microbat that roosts exclusively in caves that occur in mineral rich deposits in the Pilbara region. Due to their specific roost microclimate requirements these bats cannot survive for long without a suitable roost and are sensitive to roost disturbance. Understanding the connectivity of roosts throughout the Pilbara is crucial for informed decisions to mitigate potential impacts to persistence of this species in areas under economic development. Along with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers, we used reduced representation genomic sequencing of over 150 individuals from eight roost sites throughout the Pilbara and tested for landscape-scale population differentiation associated with the two major subregions — the Hamersley and Chichester, as well as finer-scale among roost variation. We found evidence of high rates of dispersal and low population structure within the Pilbara, indicating one panmictic population, with mtDNA results suggesting evidence of some female philopatry. Our results highlight the ongoing need for detailed genetic studies to provide critical insight to species dispersal, particularly in multi-use landscapes. We discuss the importance of identifying and retaining connectivity of key habitat to maintain genetic diversity and gene flow throughout panmictic populations
Residency and use of an important nursery habitat, Raja Ampat’s Wayag Lagoon, by Juvenile Reef Manta Rays (Mobula alfredi)
Get PDFThe behaviour and spatial use patterns of juvenile manta rays within their critical nursery habitats remain largely undocumented. Here, we report on the horizontal movements and residency of juvenile reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) at a recently discovered nursery site in the Wayag lagoon, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we provide further corroborative evidence that the lagoon serves as an important M. alfredi nursery. A total of 34 juvenile rays were photo-identified from 47 sightings in the sheltered nursery between 2013–2021. Five (14.7%) of these individuals were resighted for at least 486 days (~1.3 years), including two juveniles resighted after 641 and 649 days (~1.7 years), still using the nursery. Visually estimated (n=34) disc widths (DW) of juveniles using the nursery site ranged from 150–240 cm (mean ± SD: 199 ± 19), and the DW of two juveniles measured using drones were 218 and 219 cm. Five juveniles were tracked using GPS-enabled satellite transmitters for 12–69 days (mean ± SD: 37 ± 22) in 2015 and 2017, and nine juveniles were tracked using passive acoustic transmitters for 69–439 days (mean ± SD: 182 ± 109) from May 2019–September 2021. Satellite-tracked individuals exhibited restricted movements within Wayag lagoon. The minimum core activity space (50% Utilisation Distribution-UD) estimated for these five individuals ranged from 1.1–181.8 km2 and the extent of activity space (95% UD) between 5.3–1,195.4 km2 in area. All acoustically tagged individuals displayed high residency within the nursery area, with no acoustic detections recorded outside the lagoon in the broader Raja Ampat region. These juveniles were detected by receivers in the lagoon throughout the 24 h diel cycle, with more detections recorded at night and different patterns of spatial use of the lagoon between day and night. The observed long-term residency of juvenile M. alfredi provides further compelling evidence that the Wayag lagoon is an important nursery area for this globally vulnerable species. These important findings have been used to underpin the formulation of management strategies to specifically protect the Wayag lagoon, which will be instrumental for the survival and recovery of M. alfredi populations in Raja Ampat region
The impact of fusarium crown rot of wheat in Australia
Get PDFDuring the past 20 to 30 years, Fusarium crown rot (FCR, caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum and/or F. culmorum) has become one of the most important diseases of wheat crops in Australia. As a stubble borne disease of cereals and grasses its prevalence has increased with the widespread adoption of stubble retention cropping practices and intensification of cereals in the cropping system. A recent study of the economic impact of FCR in Australia, based on inoculum levels in 5,993 fields (2015 to 2017) determined using qPCR molecular analysis (PREDICTA®B), estimated average annual losses of 6% (A$404 million) with losses of 8-10% possible across the regions. These losses were estimated using the negative relationship between pre-sowing inoculum density in the field and grain yield in seasons with hot and/or dry conditions during grain filling; with yield loss often not measured in seasons with a wetter and cooler seasonal finish. Australian growers can use PREDICTA®B testing commercially to identify fields at risk of FCR infection to plan rotations to minimise loss from this disease
Left behind: Exploring the concerns of Emergency Department staff when personnel are utilised for inter-hospital transfer
Get PDFBackground
Inter-hospital transfers (IHT) from Emergency Departments occur when a patient requires transfer to an alternative facility for speciality treatment and are often time critical. Inter-Hospital Transfer may require an escort from the referring hospital, either a Registered Nurse (RN), physician or both, leading to a sudden drop in staffing levels within the referring department. Remaining staff take on extra roles and responsibilities, potentially increasing risk to patients and staff. Scant research regarding staff members who are ‘left behind’ when an escorted IHT takes place is available. The impact of IHT on staff members with differing levels of experience and the use of decision-making protocols remains largely under explored.
Aims
This thesis aimed to understand how RNs and physicians of differing experience levels feel when they are left behind due to an IHT occurring, and their perceptions surrounding the decision-making protocols for IHT.
Method
An exploratory, narrative, qualitative approach that utilised the Lazarus Theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) of Stress and Coping, and the Broaden and Build Theory (Fredrickson, 2004) as a concept theory, was undertaken. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Semi-structured interviews were completed and data analysis utilised NVivo to generate nodes and themes.
Findings
Five themes were identified: ‘the impact of being left behind’, ‘the burden of transfer’, ‘missed care’, ‘a triangulation of competing needs and the decision-making process’ and ‘the effect of IHT on staff with different levels of experience’. Registered nurse participants with less experience felt the impact of being left behind greater than more experienced RNs. Missed care was of most concern to RNs. Physicians described concern for nursing colleagues and the vulnerability of the department. Providing cover for the hospital Medical Emergency Team and providing IHT escorts for other departments was also of concern to physicians.
Conclusion
The impact of an escorted IHT on those left behind is of serious concern and is described differently by less experienced RNs compared to their more experienced counterparts. Physicians described the department as vulnerable when an escorted IHT took place. Ad-hoc decision-making protocols are utilised with no evidence to suggest set protocols would be of benefit. Further research into the impact and safety of the removal of staff for IHT on staff and patients who are left behind is required
Linear interactions between intraocular, intracranial pressure, and retinal vascular pulse amplitude in the fourier domain
Get PDF...To compare the retinal vascular pulsatile characteristics in subjects with normal (ICPn) and high (ICPh) intracranial pressure and quantify the interactions between intraocular pressure, intracranial pressure, and retinal vascular pulse amplitude in the Fourier domain..
Nursing in a different world: Remote area nursing as a specialist–generalist practice area
Get PDFObjective
Remote area nurses provide primary health care services to isolated communities across Australia. They manage acute health issues, chronic illness, health promotion and emergency responses. This article discusses why their generalist scope of practice should be formally recognised as a specialist nursing practice area.
Design
Constructivist grounded theory, using telephone interviews (n = 24) with registered nurses and nurse practitioners.
Setting
Primary health care clinics, in communities of 150–1500 residents across Australia.
Participants
A total of 24 nurses participated in this study.
Results
Nurses' perceived their clinical knowledge and skill as insufficient for the advanced, generalist, scope of practice in the remote context, especially when working alone. Experience in other settings was inadequate preparation for working in remote areas. Knowledge and skill developed on the job, with formal learning, such as nurse practitioner studies, extending the individual nurse's scope of practice to meet the expectations of the role, including health promotion.
Conclusion
Remote area nursing requires different knowledge and skills from those found in any other nursing practice setting. This study supports the claim that remote area nursing is a specialist–generalist role and presents a compelling case for further examination of the generalist education and support needs of these nurses. Combined with multidisciplinary collaboration, developing clinical knowledge and skill across the primary health care spectrum increased the availability of health resources and subsequently improved access to care for remote communities. Further research is required to articulate the contemporary scope of practice of remote area nurses to differentiate their role from that of nurse practitioners
Microbial community biomass, production and grazing along 110°E in the eastern Indian Ocean
Get PDFWe investigated plankton biomass structure, production and grazing rates from temperate to tropical waters (39.5–11.5°S) along the historic 110°E transect in the eastern Indian Ocean (IO) during May–June 2019. The timing captures the seasonal transition from moderate productivity in the subtropical sector to seasonally high primary production in tropical waters as described in IIOE (International Indian Ocean Expedition) studies of the 1960s. Carbon-based estimates of phytoplankton production and microzooplankton grazing were determined from depth profiles of dilution incubations analyzed by flow cytometry and pigments; mesozooplankton biomass and grazing were determined from net sampling and gut fluorescence for the integrated euphotic zone. Phytoplankton biomass varied from 860 to 1740 mg C m−2, averaging 1187 mg C m−2 with no latitudinal trend. Mixed-layer C:Chla ranged from 20 to 40 in the nitrogen-rich subtropical front to 100–180 in tropical waters. Prochlorococcus increased from 141 to 915 mg C m−2 between 39.5°S and 20°S and averaged 700 mg C m−2 at lower latitudes. Synechococcus and photosynthetic eukaryotes contributed least to biomass (3.6 and 30.5%, respectively) at mid-transect locations (15.5–27.5°S). Dinoflagellates and diatoms were typically rare (28 and 6 mg C m−2, respectively). Among heterotrophs, bacteria averaged 476 mg C m−2, with a subtropical front maximum but no latitudinal trend; ciliates averaged 112 mg C m−2, and mesozooplankton increased significantly south-to-north (131–488 mg C m−2). Phytoplankton production and grazing averaged 466 and 461 mg C m−2 d−1, respectively, based on the sums for flow-cytometry measured populations, and 618 and 604 mg C m−2 d−1, respectively, based on Chla-determined rates. Our results highlight key relationships that link stocks and process rates across oceanographic provinces of the eastern IO. Production and grazing increased 6–8 fold from south to north. Prochlorococcus dominated productivity, and microzooplankton accounted for 85–89% of grazing. Production and grazing were strongly coupled and balanced on average. Over the transect, increasing growth conditions (light and temperature) mainly manifested as more rapid biomass turnover and mesozooplankton biomass accumulation
The third-generation biodiesel blends corrosion susceptibility of oxide particle-reinforced Si-rich aluminum alloy matrix composites
No full textThe study of a stir cast Al356-Nb2O5)P composite immersed in third-generation microalgal-derived biodiesel blends with enhanced plasma electrolyte oxidation surface modification revealed the corrosion susceptibility and possible by-product formation. The effect of (oxide)P reinforcement and mixed-oxide surface coatings were studied separately and cumulatively. Samples were immersed in different biodiesel and petrodiesel blends for up to 3000 h, and their corrosion and electrochemical behavior was studied. Although some weight change was recorded in all samples, the corrosion rates significantly decreased from 1.8 to 1.3 by 10 wt% Nb2O5)P reinforcement, which further decreased 10 times after surface modification. Electron microscopy revealed primary fine-grained microstructure with low porosity content of fine and needlelike dendritic structures in composites and irregular volcanic with scattered micropores and microcracks in surface-modified composites that changed to corrosion spots and flake-covered microcracks after immersion