61871 research outputs found
Sort by
GS-2: A novel broad-spectrum agent for environmental microbial control
Full text linkThe environmental control of microbial pathogens currently relies on compounds that do not exert long-lasting activity on surfaces, are impaired by soil, and contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. This study presents the scientific development and characterization of GS-2, a novel, water-soluble ammonium carboxylate salt of capric acid and L-arginine that demonstrates activity against a range of bacteria (particularly Gram-negative bacteria), fungi, and viruses. In real-world surface testing, GS-2 was more effective than a benzalkonium chloride disinfectant at reducing the bacterial load on common touch-point surfaces in a high-traffic building (average 1.6 vs. 32.6 CFUs recovered from surfaces 90 min after application, respectively). Toxicology testing in rats confirmed GS-2 ingredients were rapidly cleared and posed no toxicities to humans or animals. To enhance the time-kill against Gram-positive bacteria, GS-2 was compounded at a specific ratio with a naturally occurring monoterpenoid, thymol, to produce a water-based antimicrobial solution. This GS-2 with thymol formulation could generate a bactericidal effect after five minutes of exposure and a viricidal effect after 10 min of exposure. Further testing of the GS-2 and thymol combination on glass slides demonstrated that the compound retained bactericidal activity for up to 60 days. Based on these results, GS-2 and GS-2 with thymol represent a novel antimicrobial solution that may have significant utility in the long-term reduction of environmental microbial pathogens in a variety of settings
Renewal of academic psychiatry without addressing gender equity will render it Jurassic rather than endangered
No full textWhile two editorials have raised concerns about the decline in Australian academic psychiatry, for a genuine rejuvenation to ever occur, we will need to re-examine how women can be better included in this important endeavour. While attainment of fellowship has reached gender parity, academic psychiatry has disappointingly lagged, with 80% of its senior leadership roles across Australia and New Zealand still held by men, with a similar situation in the United Kingdom and the United States as well as many other countries. Encouraging women into academic psychiatry is not only critical to progress as a profession but also will help address the current blindness to sex differences in biological psychiatry, as well the social impact of restrictive gender norms and the effects of gender-based violence on mental health. This potentially creates opportunities for significant gains and insights into mental disorders. However, addressing the barriers for women in academia requires tackling the entrenched disparities across salaries, grant funding, publications, teaching responsibilities, keynote invitations and academic promotions alongside the gender-based microaggressions, harassment and tokenism reported by many of our female academics. Many women must grapple with not just a ‘second shift’ but a ‘third shift’, making the burden of an academic career unreasonable and burnout more likely. Addressing this is no easy task. The varied research in academic medicine reveals no quick fixes, although promoting gender equity brings significant potential benefits. Areas such as academic psychiatry need to recognise our community’s growing discomfort with workplaces that choose to maintain status quo. Gender equity must be a critical part of any quest to revive this important area of practice for our profession
Green core competence and firm performance in a post‐conflict country, Iraq
No full textGreen core competence theory proposes that green core competence is needed for green innovation performance and, in turn, firm performance. We demonstrate that this theory applies in post-conflict Iraq where green innovation performance was conditional on commitment to sustainable management and development of green technology and skills. Data from 238 Iraqi executives showed that green product and process innovation performance increased with green core competence, but only when the firm invested in people and R&D or, in the case of green process innovation, top management demonstrated authentic commitment to sustainable practices. The moderation effects of R&D investment and top management commitment reflect the national context in Iraq, where R&D investment is low and management is often constrained by inflexible bureaucracy. As countries emerge from conflict, investment in modernization of companies' internal structure, management, and capacity for continuous improvement is required if core competence is to be translated into innovation performance
Characterization of ‘QTL-hotspot’ introgression lines reveals physiological mechanisms and candidate genes associated with drought adaptation in chickpea
Full text link‘QTL-hotspot’ is a genomic region on linkage group 04 (CaLG04) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) that harbours major-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for multiple drought-adaptive traits, and it therefore represents a promising target for improving drought adaptation. To investigate the mechanisms underpinning the positive effects of ‘QTL-hotspot’ on seed yield under drought, we introgressed this region from the ICC 4958 genotype into five elite chickpea cultivars. The resulting introgression lines (ILs) and their parents were evaluated in multi-location field trials and semi-controlled conditions. The results showed that the ‘QTL-hotspot’ region improved seed yield under rainfed conditions by increasing seed weight, reducing the time to flowering, regulating traits related to canopy growth and early vigour, and enhancing transpiration efficiency. Whole-genome sequencing data analysis of the ILs and parents revealed four genes underlying the ‘QTL-hotspot’ region associated with drought adaptation. We validated diagnostic KASP markers closely linked to these genes using the ILs and their parents for future deployment in chickpea breeding programs. The CaTIFY4b-H2 haplotype of a potential candidate gene CaTIFY4b was identified as the superior haplotype for 100-seed weight. The candidate genes and superior haplotypes identified in this study have the potential to serve as direct targets for genetic manipulation and selection for chickpea improvement
Six cups of tea: Yarning, language use and the third space
No full textThis presentation considers the fact that the globalised world of the 21st century is a synchronicity of events and experiences - post colonialism, increased immigration, the establishment of overseas conglomerates, expanding trade, climate change and the aftermath of a worldwide pandemic. All of these require intercultural exchange and cultural adaptability. As a result, many people find themselves living in what Bhabha (1994, 2012) labelled the third space, a convergence of two worlds. This space is often a cultural interface between Indigenous knowledge, values and differing worldviews, all of which are communicated via language (Nakata, 2002, 2007). The plethora of cultures and languages that share this space need a form of communication that bridges cultural gaps.
The imposition of anglicised systems of education has established English as the world lingua franca. But is English the answer to cultural communication? We ask, through this presentation, more pointedly:
How do educators and researchers navigate this complex multilingual/ multicultural world?
How do educators and researchers enable those living in the third space to have a voice and to share their knowledge?
Regardless of language, the establishment of relationship is paramount. In this sense, yarning and circular talk enable exchange, regardless of language preference
Investigating short structural variants within FUS, RAB27B and TARDBP for associations with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
No full textOver the past decade, 90% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials have failed. Furthermore, 90% of sporadic cases have unknown genetic cause. Short structural variants (sSVs) are repetitive genomic regions implicated in complex diseases, with the potential to be utilised for clinical trial enrichment. The purpose of this study was to investigate sporadic ALS (sALS) missing heritability via interrogating novel sSVs, and to determine their potential as genetic biomarkers. This project aimed to develop assays for characterisation and high-throughput genotyping of sSVs within ALS-linked genes FUS and TARDBP, and the novel gene, RAB27B, to perform case-control analyses. Three loci; FUS rs34242298, TARDBP rs34839760 and RAB27B rs3060044, were selected using an sSV evaluation algorithm. Polymorphic nature was characterised via polymerase chain reaction-based assays and Sanger sequencing. High-throughput genotyping of sALS patients and healthy controls was undertaken via capillary electrophoresis, followed by case-control analyses in RStudio to identify statistically significant (p17GT repeats) (p<0.05), driven by the 21GT allele (p=0.00625). Analysis of rs34839760 revealed the 20A allele was associated with bulbar-onset phenotype (p<0.05), while rs34242298 was not associated with sALS. This exploratory study reinforces the requirement for sSV investigation in complex diseases. Two novel sALS genetic loci were identified; rs3060044 and rs34839760, which enhance our understanding of the aetiology and pathomechanisms underlying sALS. This data is the first to implicate RAB27B as an sALS gene, presenting a tantalising direction for future sALS exploration. Replication studies and functional investigations are warranted to explore the role of each sSV in sALS pathology. Ultimately, these genomic markers could be useful as patient stratification tools, which may enable the identification of responders to precision therapeutics
Accounting for Dilution of SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater Samples Using Physico-Chemical Markers
Full text linkMost sewer networks collect domestic wastewater and a variable proportion of extraneous water, such as rainwater, through surface runoff and industrial discharges. Accounting for wastewater dilution is essential to properly quantify wastewater particle loads, whether these are molecular fragments of SARS-CoV-2, or other substances of interest such as illicit drugs or microplastics. This paper presents a novel method for obtaining real-time estimates of wastewater dilution and total daily volume through wastewater treatment works, namely when flow data is not available or unreliable. The approach considers the levels of several physico-chemical markers (ammonia, electrical conductivity, and orthophosphate) in the wastewater against their dry-weather levels. Using high-resolution data from the national Wastewater Surveillance Programme of Wales, we illustrate how the method is robust to spikes in markers and can recover peaks in wastewater flow measurements that may have been capped by hydraulic relief valves. We show the method proves effective in normalising SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in wastewater samples and discuss other applications for this method, looking at wastewater surveillance as a vital tool to monitor both human and environmental health
Improving the economic performance of anaerobic digestion by integrating lactic acid recovery into two-stage food waste digestion
Full text linkThe global production of food waste (FW) is of significant economic and environmental concern, having been estimated to produce 8% of globally produced anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and result in the loss of nearly USD1 trillion each year. Consequently, the correct disposal and recovery of value from FWs is a global challenge and responsibility. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a capable technology which can recycle FW to produce renewable energy and recover nutrients. However high capital, operational, and management costs and low value of biogas and digestate lead to questionable economic benefit. As a result, the AD technology heavily relies on subsidies and policy incentives for feasibility. Integration of lactic acid (LA) production technologies into AD could convert the low-value process into a high-value LA-AD biorefinery, reducing reliance on government support.
This study aims to address the above by exploring the integration of LA production to AD within the FW context. This involved detailed investigations into the production of LA from FWs, including within the commercial FW context, and integration of FW fermentation for LA into existing AD facilities. Accordingly, following optimisation of LA fermentation, and exploring the feasibility of recovering LA along with its impact on downstream AD, multiple integration scenarios were proposed detailing the potential economic benefits from integrating LA production into FW AD.
The assessment of LA production within the FW context was first explored. For this, LA production within a pre-fermenter at a commercial two-stage FW AD facility was monitored, exploring the impact of environmental conditions, feedstock composition, and operational procedures on LA production performance and stability. Results showed standard operation of the pre-fermenter, favoured the formation of LA leading to LA being the dominant organic acid produced from fermentation. Furthermore, standard operation of the AD facility led to the selective dominance of Lactobacillus, a bacterium commonly associated with LA production. While LA production fluctuated over the monitoring period, the LA concentration was surprisingly stable, especially considering the variation in process variables (pH, temperature, retention time, feed rate, and feed composition). Even so, it was outlined that there would be significant opportunity to improve LA production performance, and consequently, economic performance by targeted process optimisation and control.
Optimisation of LA fermentation showed the commercially adapted inoculum was capable of high LA yields and selectivities. In addition, the results showed optimal conditions promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, while alternative flanking microorganisms were inhibited. Moreover, optimisation effectively eliminated the conversion of LA to butyrate, allowing the sustained accumulation of LA. Further study of the commercial inoculum showed LA production could be effectively enhanced by supplementing FW with a simple carbohydrate (sucrose) and implementing partial digestate recirculation. While digestate enhanced LA production, it also increased microbial diversity which promoted the production of alternate organic acids. However, the effects of digestate could be effectively controlled through sucrose addition, which promoted the growth of Lactobacillus and inhibited the growth of the flanking community.
Following optimisation of fermentation, the feasibility of recovering LA from complex fermentation media and its impact on downstream AD performance was explored. While real commercial broth reduced LA uptake, compared to pure LA solutions, LA was effectively recovered from highly complex fermentation media. Moreover, LA recovery only led to a minor reduction in methane production following the AD of the solid and liquid extraction residues. In this respect, LA production could outweigh the loss in methane production in terms of relative value, indicating the LA-AD biorefinery concept could be commercially attractive. A technoeconomic assessment indeed showed the benefit of integrating LA production into two-stage FW AD, yielding a highly profitable scenario. Furthermore, while integration scenarios were most profitable, Greenfield LA-AD biorefinery scenarios showed significantly higher profitability estimates compared to sole FW AD.
Finally, the insight achieved into different aspects of the LA-AD biorefinery led to a series of recommendations for future research in the context of the FW biorefinery concept
Adaptation of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) to Australian Environments
Full text linkQuinoa is being evaluated in cropping systems in many countries outside of its natural range of South America. Very few attempts have been made by farmers or researchers to grow or evaluate quinoa under Australian environments. Given the growing popularity of quinoa with consumers, new commercial opportunities for farmers and international interest in the crop, it was timely to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the potential of quinoa in Australia. Two advanced selections and nine germplasm lines (six of Chilean and three of Bolivian origin) identified in an earlier project were tested in 23 field trials at 14 locations on mainland Australia. Targets included irrigated sites in tropical, Mediterranean, semi-arid and desert climates, and rain-fed sites of south-western Australia with a Mediterranean climate. The field experiments were either a randomised complete block design (RBCD) or a split plot/factorial design with 2–4 replicates, and a linear mixed model was used to compare the treatment lines. Seed yield of quinoa was highest when grown in winter and spring under rain-fed conditions in Geraldton, in spring and summer under irrigation at Bool Lagoon, and summer, autumn and winter under irrigation at Leeton. The highest seed yield achieved was 3 t/ha for a germplasm line from Chile, while the highest yield for a germplasm line from Bolivia was 2.6 t/ha. Advanced selections from Australia yielded well in comparison at most trial sites. Declining seed yield was associated with mean daily temperatures during seed development increasing above 17 °C, mean daily temperatures during flowering declining below 15 °C, and rainfall during seed development under rain-fed conditions falling below 50 mm. Seed produced at Bool Lagoon was the closest in colour to white quinoa imported from Peru; however, it was more than noticeably different. Seed produced at Geraldton and Leeton was significantly larger than from other field sites; however, none were larger than 2 mm in diameter as found in Royal white quinoa from Bolivia. Superior seed colour and seed size were associated with dry conditions at maturity and cool conditions during seed development, respectively. We conclude that quinoa can become a potential crop option for Australian agriculture by exploiting genetic diversity and supplementing with suitable management practices matched to agro-climatic environments. There are reasonable prospects to raise the seed yield potential in areas in all states, especially in the regions where quinoa grew well in our experiments
Evaluation of global composite collection reveals agronomically superior germplasm accessions for chickpea improvement
Full text linkThe rich genetic diversity existing within exotic, indigenous, and diverse germplasm lays the foundation for the continuous improvement of crop cultivars. The composite collection has been suggested as a gateway to identifying superior germplasm for use in crop improvement programs. Here, a chickpea global composite collection was evaluated at five locations in India over two years for five agronomic traits to identify agronomically superior accessions. The desi, kabuli, and intermediate types of chickpea accessions differed significantly for plant height (PLHT) and 100-seed weight (100 SW). In contrast, the intermediate type differed substantially from kabuli for days to maturity (DM). Several highly significant trait correlations were detected across different locations. The most stable and promising accessions from each of the five locations were prioritised based on their superior performance over the best-performing check cultivar. Accordingly, the selected germplasm accessions of desi type showed up to 176% higher seed yield (SY), 29% lower flowering time, 21% fewer maturity days, 64% increase in PLHT, and 183% larger seeds than the check cultivar JG11 or Annigeri. The prioritised kabuli accessions displayed up to 270% more yield, 13% less flowering time, 8% fewer maturity days, 111% increase in PLHT, and 41% larger seeds over the check cultivar KAK2. While the intermediate type accessions had up to 169% better yield, 1% early flowering, 3% early maturity, 54% taller plants, and 25% bigger seeds over the check cultivar JG 11 or KAK2. These accessions can be utilised in chickpea improvement programs to develop high-yielding, early flowering, short duration, taller, and large-seeded varieties with a broad genetic base