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Wearing their heart on a wall: The World's Biggest Comic
No full textAn arts-based project, using a community development approach engaging people in a community of place to address suicide prevention, is potentially powerful. This involves linking community development and mental health promotion practice. The challenge in doing this is that, conceptually, the integration between the two is incomplete and there is a lack of guidance about effective community processes. This paper analyses community development processes to create the World's Biggest Comic (WBC). The WBC was an innovative, large scale public art project engaging local artists, some with a lived experience of mental illness, to tell a story of Will and Hope. A 15-part comic story, printed on vinyl canvas panels and mounted on buildings, covered 600 m2. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=217471332673743 Conducted in a small rural South Australian community by the local volunteer Suicide Prevention Network, the WBC aimed to raise awareness, break down stigma, and prompt life-saving conversations. Results of a mixed method impact evaluation are presented using a community development framework that considers 'people', 'space', and 'place'. The use of sociological concepts about community and the community field, the value of relationships, and listening to the voices of those with a lived experience of mental illness, may assist practice. Some potential learnings and pitfalls in using a community development approach in mental health promotion are discussed
A balanced approach to the potential of octopus aquaculture
No full text[Extract] Octopus aquaculture has become a subject of debate. Some critics have expressed the opinion that it raises significant ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and poses ecological risks [1]. This opinion has led to the prohibition of octopus aquaculture in the states of California and Washington during 2024, and there is currently a bill before the US Senate proposing to ban it across the United States [2]
Prevalence of vector-borne pathogens Ehrlichia canis, Babesia spp. and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Townsville, far north Queensland
No full textEhrlichia canis, Babesia spp. and Dirofilaria immitis are blood-borne pathogens transmitted to dogs by arthropods. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of E. canis, Babesia spp. and D. immitis in domestic dogs, aged 6 months or older, in Townsville, in far north Queensland, Australia. Dogs were recruited through convenience sampling, with the assistance of local veterinary clinics and James Cook University staff and students. Up to 3 ml of blood was collected per dog, into EDTA vacutainer tubes. Testing for E. canis and Babesia spp. was performed through qPCR, with a second PCR used to identify the species in Babesia-positive cases. Testing for D. immitis was performed using a commercial antigen detection kit and the modified Knott's test (MKT); microfilariae identity was confirmed by morphological features and qPCR. Of 301 dogs sampled, none tested positive for E. canis, whereas 9 (3.0%, 95% CI 1.1–4.9%) tested positive for Babesia vogeli, and 15 (5.0%; 95% CI 2.5–7.5%) tested positive for D. immitis, based on the combined antigen and MKT results
Investigating corruption in Papua New Guinea through the patron-client structure: the citizens' perceptions
No full textTeddy Winn investigated the impact of clientelism on corruption, and how it influenced PNG’s public sector. He hopes that this study will contribute to a better understanding of corruption in PNG from an anthropological perspective, and will therefore be useful for designing anti-corruption agendas that are appropriate for PNG
Nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside serves as a source of iron supporting Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation
No full textBiofilm dispersal agents, like nitric oxide (NO), restore antimicrobial effectiveness against biofilm infections by inducing bacteria to shift from a biofilm to a planktonic state, thereby overcoming the antimicrobial tolerance typically associated with biofilms. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a widely used NO donor for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying NO-mediated biofilm dispersal in the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the biofilm effects of SNP are variable depending on the in vitro experimental conditions, with some studies reporting enhanced growth in both planktonic and biofilm forms instead of dispersal. These discrepancies suggest that SNP affects P. aeruginosa biofilm-residing cells beyond the release of NO. In this study, we compared SNP with another NO donor, Spermine NONOate, to systematically contrast their effects on biofilm and planktonic cultures of P. aeruginosa. We found that SNP, but not Spermine NONOate, increased the biomass of P. aeruginosa biofilms in microplate cultures. This effect was also observed when biofilm cultures were supplemented with iron. Additionally, supplementation with SNP rescued the planktonic growth of P. aeruginosa in iron-depleted media similarly to FeSO₄, suggesting that SNP may serve as an iron source. Our findings indicate that the use of SNP as an NO donor in biofilm dispersal may be compromised by its role in promoting both biofilm and planktonic growth through its iron center. Our study cautions investigators using SNP for studying NO-mediated biofilm dispersal
Heavy metals and radioactivity assessment of the coastal sediments at Abu Ghusun, southern Red Sea, Egypt
No full textCoastal sediments act as both sinks and secondary sources of pollutants, making their assessment essential for understanding ecological and human health risks in sensitive marine environments. This study evaluated the concentrations of nine trace metals and natural radionuclides in surface sediments from Abu Ghusun, south Red Sea to assess their ecological, radiological, and health implications. Sediment texture, organic matter, and metal concentrations were analyzed, followed by application of international sediment quality guidelines and multiple ecological risk indices. The results showed that Pb, Cr, Ba, Cu, and Ni exceeded the Effect Range Median (ERM) thresholds, suggesting potential adverse effects on benthic organisms. Cr and V also surpassed Canadian soil quality guidelines and global upper crust values. Enrichment Factor analysis indicated significant enrichment of Pb and Ni, while contamination indices revealed considerable to elevated contamination for most metals, particularly Zn and Pb. Geo-accumulation (Igeo) values > 5 identified areas of severe contamination. Despite this, the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indicated low ecological threat (<150), though the mean ERM quotient suggested a medium–high priority risk. Toxicological risk assessment showed moderate toxicity potential, while human health evaluation revealed negligible non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The activity concentrations of 232Th (12.1 ± 6.42 Bq/kg), 226Ra (24.53 ± 5.65 Bq/kg), and 40K (337.06 ± 64.98 Bq/kg) were below gobal safety limits, indicating no radiological hazards. This study offers the first integrated assessment of trace metals and radionuclides in Abu Ghusun sediments, combining ecological, radiological, and health risk indices to reveal localized Pb, Ni, and Zn enrichment. Continuous monitoring is recommended to track pollutant inputs, particularly from anthropogenic activities. Remediation strategies and stricter regulation of potential metal sources should be implemented to protect the Red Sea ecosystem
Basic psychological needs satisfaction: an international examination of invariance across 22 languages and 32 countries
No full textBasic psychological needs are purported to be essential ingredients to human well-being. In recent years, the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) has arguably emerged as the most widely used measure of Basic Psychological Needs. Since its original publication in 2015, the BPNSFS has been translated across multiple languages, applied in numerous settings, and adapted to various contexts. Nonetheless, limited research has examined the psychometric qualities of the scale in a global context. Accordingly, the present work sought to establish the measurement invariance of the BPNSFS across 32 countries and 22 languages. Additionally, this study examined such invariance across gender and sexual orientation. Using data (N = 76,597) from a recently collected international consortium (The International Sex Survey), the structure and psychometric properties of the BPNSFS were evaluated. Across nationalities, languages, sexual orientations, and gender identity, the original, 6-factor structure of the BPNSFS was found to demonstrate partial-to-strong measurement invariance. Collectively, these results provide support for the 6-factor structure of the inventory and suggest that the measure is a reliable measure of basic psychological needs across the globe, further illustrating the cross-cultural utility of the scale
Dietary Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) Extract Enhances Resistance to Infectious Myonecrosis Virus in Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the immune response of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to prevent infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) infection by incorporating Lonicera japonica water extract into artificial feed. A total of 180 whiteleg shrimp were used in four treatment groups (triplicate) receiving different doses of L. japonica extract in their feed, including treatment A (1% w/w), B (2% w/w), C (3% w/w), and D (without supplementation/control). The dietary treatments were applied twice daily for two weeks. On the 15th day, the shrimp were injected intramuscularly at the fifth abdominal segment with IMNV isolates (100 µL/shrimp) and observed for seven days post-infection (dpi). The parameters observed included hemolymph profile, survival rate, gross clinical signs, and water quality. IMNV infection was confirmed through both external clinical signs and PCR tests. The results showed that the addition of L. japonica water extract to the feed improved the survival rate and immune responses of whiteleg shrimp following the IMNV challenge test. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of L. japonica water extract at a concentration of 2% w/w in artificial feed could serve as a preventive agent against IMNV infection in whiteleg shrimp
Building Health Commissioning Capability of Australia’s Primary Health Networks –Service Providers’ Perspective
No full textIntroduction: Australia’s health system is strong, but fragmented across primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were established to streamline non-hospital-based health services and improve service effectiveness and efficiency across Australia, which can be achieved by fostering strong relationships with providers to build commissioning capabilities. Successful commissioning depends on the providers’ ability to respond to commissioning opportunities. Objective: This study aimed to identify capability development opportunities that support service provider organisations commissioned by PHN to deliver effective and efficient services in primary care. Methods: A mixed-method case study approach was used, including an anonymous online survey and a focus group discussion. Results: The study confirmed the key factors for health commissioning success in the following four dimensions: workforce development, effective engagement, support and guidance, and strong relationships. The study further recommends seven key strategies for capability development, highlighting the need for PHNs to focus on building the capability of primary care organisations to establish strong markets and successfully commission services. Discussion: Building strong relationships through effective engagement that features support and guidance for service provider organisations is critical for PHNs’ commissioning success. All organisations must work collaboratively and fully appreciate the unique limitations constraining PHNs that impact community needs and health outcomes. Given the variations in the size and function of commissioned service providers, factors such as locally developed service models, program differences, and regional needs should be considered when planning specific capability building activities. Conclusion: Understanding the challenges faced by provider organisations to support commissioning capability development is imperative for PHNs to successfully commission health and social care services. Identifying key actions to support capability development while building strong relationships and learning from the insights produced by this study will enhance service co-design and collectively strengthen the market’s ability to meet the growing health needs of local communities
Our Ideas, Their Memory: Ownership Beyond the Digital Firewall
No full textThis is a runner-up in James Cook University's 2025 HDR Open Access Advocate Competition. The competition was open to all JCU Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, with a prize awarded for the best scholarly poster that answered the question: Who Owns Our Knowledge