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Healthcare Access and Utilisation among African Refugee and Immigrant Women in Australia: A Scoping Review
No full textExisting literature has reported inequities in access to Canadian health care services among immigrants. The aim of this scoping review was (a) to explore research regarding Canadian immigrants’ unique experiences in accessing healthcare, and (b) to provide suggestions for future research and programming considering the identified immigrant-specific service gaps in health care. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, following the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework. The review’s findings suggest unmet health care access needs specific to immigrants in Canada, with the most common access barriers including communication, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers. The scoping review expands on the immigrant health care experiences and accessibility factors through a thematic analysis. Findings suggest that developing community-based programming, improving training for health care providers in culturally competent care, and policies that address the social determinants of health can improve health care accessibility among immigrants
Deep Learning-enabled RIS Massive MIMO Systems for Industrial IoT: A Joint Communication and Computation Approach
No full textAccurate estimation and detection, along with phase shift optimization, are vital for implementing reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-enabled multi-antenna systems in highly disruptive industrial IoT environments. Motivated by the remarkable capabilities of deep learning (DL) techniques, this paper introduces a pioneering approach to address challenges in channel estimation, channel correlation prediction, and symbol detection for industrial IoT. We develop an optimization framework for large-scale IoT deployments to maximize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) while minimizing transmit power. We also propose a transformer-based channel correlation predictor for IoT devices, which enables adaptive pilot retransmissions and reduces training overhead through a co-design approach that integrates communication, computation, and control. Extensive simulations under realistic, time-varying industrial IoT channel conditions demonstrate the superiority of our DL-driven approach, achieving significant improvements in detection accuracy and SINR
Prevalence of Cysticercosis in Pigs and Risk Assessment Among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Benue State, Nigeria
No full textAim: Cysticercosis is a key zoonotic disease burden, posing significant public health challenges. Neurocysticercosis, a sequela associated with the larval stage of Taenia solium, is a recognised cause of late-onset epilepsy in humans, thereby highlighting the need for robust epidemiological data. This study investigated the prevalence of cysticercosis in slaughtered pigs within Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, to contribute to understanding the disease’s local epidemiology and associated risk factors.
Methods: From January to August 2019, we examined pig carcasses at four abattoirs: Utyondomarket, Wurukumabattoir, Modern market, and Railway abattoirs. Structured questionnaires were administered to butchers, pig farmers, and civil servants to gather information on disease knowledge. A total of 2,176 pig carcasses were examined.
Results: Among the examined carcasses, 24 (1.1%) were infected. Of these, 18 (0.83%) were boars, and 6 (0.28%) were sows. The highest prevalence was observed in Utyondo market (2.75%), followed by Wurukum (0.77%) and Railway markets (0.65%). The diaphragm (odds ratio (OR) = 0.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.70) and the tongue (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.81) were less likely to be infected compared to the shoulder. Knowledge of cysticercosis was relatively high across all participants (71.72%, 95% CI: 61.77-80.31).
Conclusion: Our findings indicate the endemicity of porcine cysticercosis in Makurdi abattoirs. While knowledge of the disease seems relatively widespread among exposed populations, gaps exist in understanding transmission routes. A collaborative One Health approach involving studies on occupationally exposed individuals is recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the disease burden and to develop targeted control strategies
A dataset of Antarctic ecosystems in ice-free lands: classification, descriptions, and maps
No full textAntarctica, Earth’s least understood and most remote continent, is threatened by human disturbances and climate-related changes, underscoring the imperative for biodiversity inventories to inform conservation. Antarctic ecosystems support unique species and genetic diversity, deliver essential ecosystem services and contribute to planetary stability. We present Antarctica’s first comprehensive ecosystem classification and map of ice-free lands, which host most of the continent’s biodiversity. We used latent variables in factor analyses to partition continental-scale abiotic variation, then biotic variation represented in spatial models, and finally recognised regional-scale variation among biogeographic units. This produced a spatially explicit hierarchical classification with nine Major Environment Units (Tier 1), 33 Habitat Complexes (Tier 2) and 269 Bioregional Ecosystem Types (Tier 3) mapped at 100 m resolution and aligned with ‘level 4’ of the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology. This comprehensive ecosystem inventory provides foundational data to inform protected area designation under the Antarctic Treaty’s Environmental Protocol and track risks to Antarctic ecosystems. Its tiered structure and workflow accommodate data scarcity and facilitate updates, promoting robustness as knowledge builds
National Patient Satisfaction Survey as a Predictor for Quality of Care and Quality Improvement – Experience and Practice
No full textBackground: Patient satisfaction is an important predictor of quality of care and hospital services. Patient satisfaction survey provides not only valuable insight into patient experience of care but also evidence that guides quality improvement in both system and organization levels. The paper aims to prove the value of system-wide satisfaction survey of patients and demonstrate whether data collected from a national patient satisfaction survey in three-year period can predict trends in patient experience of care.
Methods: Patient satisfaction data of 148 hospitals were extracted from the annual National Public Hospital Patient Satisfaction Survey (NPHPSS) for Shandong Province between 2019 and 2021. Pearson test or Spearman test was performed to clarify the differences in satisfaction and relationship between variables. A linear regression model was established to describe the impact of variables on satisfaction.
Results: From 2019 to 2021, there was a significant enhancement in overall patient satisfaction, particularly in communication areas, for both outpatients and inpatients (p = 0.000). A strong and positive correlation between outpatient and inpatient satisfaction was observed over three years (p = 0.000). However, outpatients reported lower satisfaction than inpatients regarding the hospital environment and communication (p < 0.05). Patient care experiences also varied across different hospital categories. In addition, the maturity of the Health Information Management System (HIMS) positively influenced inpatient satisfaction (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: A nationwide patient satisfaction survey can predict benefits of quality improvement initiatives and identify changing trends in the quality of hospital care. The strong correlation between outpatient and inpatient satisfaction underscores the importance of consistent medical service quality across the hospitals. HIMS upgrades are a worthwhile investment in enhancing patient experiences in public hospitals. Tailoring service improvement strategies to specific hospital contexts, such as type, location, and patient demographics, is crucial
Measuring the Swimming Skills of Adults Attending Swimming Lessons in Australia as a Drowning Prevention Measure
No full textIntroduction
Swimming and water safety skills are essential for reducing drowning. Swimming and water safety programs primarily focus on children, despite adults accounting for over 80% of fatal drowning in Australia. This study aims to identify types of adult swimming programs in Australia, who attends these programs, and measure their swimming skill achievement against national benchmarks.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study of adults attending swimming programs between 2018 and 2021 was conducted. Participant assessment records were analysed against the [Australian] National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and national benchmarks to be achieved by 6 and 12 years old. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were undertaken.
Results
Of 4914 adults attending swimming lessons, 44% were female, median age was 38 years, and 40% were from high socioeconomic areas. On average, adults attended nine lessons, averaging 4.5 h in the water. At their final assessment, 69% could swim at least 5 m (6-year-old benchmark), and 8% could swim 50 m continuously (12-year-old benchmark).
Conclusions
Adults of all ages are learning to swim; however, only 8% are achieving the 12-year-old benchmark of swimming 50 m. An equity issue exists, with adults from lower socioeconomic areas and men less likely to be attending swimming programs. Developing and maintaining water safety skills throughout the lifespan is vital for reducing drowning risk among adults.
So What?
Adults are spending time, money and effort learning to swim, however, more is needed to ensure that participants stay in lessons long enough to develop the necessary skills needed to be safe in the water
Characterization of unsaturated coarse-grained railway embankment fill: Water retention and dilatancy
No full textThis study investigated the hydraulic and mechanical behaviors of unsaturated coarse-grained railway embankment fill materials (CREFMs) using a novel unsaturated large-scale triaxial apparatus equipped with the axis translation technique (ATT). Comprehensive soil-water retention and constant-suction triaxial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of initial void ratio, matric suction, and confining pressure on the properties of CREFMs. Key findings reveal a primary suction range of 0–100 kPa characterized by hysteresis, which intensifies with decreasing density. Notably, the air entry value and residual suction are influenced by void ratio, with higher void ratios leading to decreased air entry values and residual suctions, underscoring the critical role of void ratio in hydraulic behavior. Additionally, the critical state line (CSL) in the bi-logarithmic space of void ratio and mean effective stress shifts towards higher void ratios with increasing matric suction, significantly affecting dilatancy and critical states. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the mobilized friction angle and modulus properties depend on confining pressure and matric suction. A novel modified dilatancy equation was proposed, which enhances the predictability of CREFMs' responses under variable loading, particularly at high stress ratios defined by the deviatoric stress over the mean effective stress. This research advances the understanding of CREFMs' performance, especially under fluctuating environmental conditions that alter suction levels
Special issue editorial: Advanced partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) applications in business research
No full textThis special issue comprises a series of advanced applications of and methodological developments concerning PLS-SEM in business research. PLS-SEM,1 introduced by Wold, 1975, Wold, 1982 and Lohmöller (1989), models the structural relationships between constructs (i.e., the latent variables) as empirical approximations of theoretical concepts. Each construct is operationalized by a measurement model with a set of indicators (i.e., observed variables). The PLS-SEM method estimates the entire model with the aim of maximizing the explained variance of the dependent constructs in the structural model and of the indicators in the constructs’ measurement models (Lohmöller, 1989, Wold, 1982).
Allied Health student led clinics: An opportunity for Workforce development
No full textObjective: The project aimed to evaluate multidisciplinary allied health student placements co-located within a rural general practice clinic.
Methods: Occupational therapy, social work and speech pathology placement students under discipline-specific supervision led an allied health clinic model servicing MMM 4–6 regions in Queensland, servicing clients with diverse health needs.
Design: A cross-sectional survey design recording interventions, student and stakeholder experiences and client satisfaction was applied.
Setting and Participants: Between February and July 2024, ten students completed placements within the student-led clinic, working with clients at a rural General Practice Clinic
Main outcomes Measure: Descriptive statistics was used to summarise clients’ demographics, satisfaction and the services provided using SPSS version 29.0. Qualitative survey responses were analysed using Nvivo.
Results: Student-led allied health services co-located within a General Practice clinic benefited rural communities by providing increased access to allied health services and a holistic approach to health care. Student-led allied health services alleviated the work burden for General Practitioners [GPs] in a rural health care setting.
Conclusion: Multidisciplinary allied health student placements within a rural GP clinic benefited rural and remote communities through increased access to allied health services. Further research is needed to investigate interdisciplinary models of care and sustainable funding streams
The anti-DEI agenda: navigating the impact of Trump’s second term on diversity, equity and inclusion
No full textPurpose: This article aims to critically analyse and critique the impact of President Donald Trump’s second term on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States of America and beyond. It aims to document the policy changes enacted under Trump, explore the resulting consequences for various sectors (government, higher education and private sectors) and assess the broader implications for social justice and global conversations around equity. The article also serves as a call to action, urging continued advocacy and resistance against the rollback of DEI progress.
Design/methodology/approach:This viewpoint article offers a range of perspectives on the impact of the anti-DEI agenda from several DEI scholars who edit the journal. This critical approach draws from multiple sources of information to enrich and provide a more nuanced understanding on the impact of Trump’s policies on DEI.
Findings: President Trump’s anti-DEI agenda had a profound and far-reaching impact on DEI efforts, creating a climate of fear, exacerbating existing inequalities, intensifying political polarization and having ramifications beyond the borders of the United States of America. The paper also highlights the indirect and unintended consequences, such as the chilling effect on private sector DEI initiatives and the rise of “shadow” DEI programs.
Research limitations/implications: The article draws from secondary sources (news articles, policy documents and existing research). The authors’ scholarships on DEI and the Trump administration’s negative stance towards DEI might influence their perspectives and conclusions.
Practical implications: The authors close with a strong call to action, encouraging continued advocacy and resistance to the erosion of DEI progress. This pragmatic approach moves beyond simple criticism and offers concrete steps for future action. They suggest that the current anti-DEI sentiment represents a temporary setback in the long-term progress towards equity and inclusion.
Social implications: President Trump’s anti-DEI policies have global implications, influencing policy and practice in other countries and impacting international conversations around fairness and equity.
Originality/value: The article provides a valuable record of the significant shift in DEI policy and practice under the second Trump administration. This account will be a crucial resource for future researchers studying this period and its impact. This critical analysis also provides valuable insights for both scholars and activists working to advance DEI