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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
Local Adaptation Drives Leaf Thermoregulation in Tropical Rainforest Trees
No full textTropical forests play a critical role in biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation, but are increasingly affected by heatwaves and droughts. Vulnerability to warming may vary within and between species because of phenotypic divergence. Leaf trait variation can affect leaf operating temperatures—a phenomenon termed ‘limited homeothermy’ when it helps avoid heat damage in warmer conditions. However, evidence for this capacity and the relative roles of acclimation or adaptation remain limited. We measured photosynthetic heat tolerance and leaf thermal traits of three co-occurring rainforest tree species across a thermal gradient in the Australian Wet Tropics. Using a leaf energy balance model parameterised with field-measured traits, we predicted variation in leaf-to-air temperature differences (∆Ttrait) and resulting thermal safety margins. We combined this with individual-based genome-wide data to detect signals of adaptive divergence and validated findings in a glasshouse trial with provenances grown under contrasting temperature and humidity conditions. Intraspecific trait variation reduced ∆Ttrait and increased heat tolerance in warmer sites for Darlingia darlingiana and Elaeocarpus grandis, but not Cardwellia sublimis. As a result, thermal safety margins declined less steeply with increasing growth temperature in species capable of increased heat tolerance and avoidance, indicating these strategies can effectively buffer warming. All species showed genomic signals of selection, with associations to temperature and moisture variables. In E. grandis, glasshouse results confirmed a negative cline in ∆Ttrait with temperature of origin. Although contrasting growth temperature and humidity lead to acclimation of individual traits, their coordination maintained ∆Ttrait across the conditions imposed. Our findings provide evidence of limited homeothermy and suggest climate gradients have selected for trait combinations that reduce leaf temperatures at warmer sites in some but not all species. Given the rapid pace of climate change, those species with limited capacity to adjust their thermal safety margins through acclimation or adaptation may be at greater risk of local extinction
Structural Insights into the Nuclear Import of Haliotid Herpesvirus 1 Large Tegument Protein Homologue
No full textAbalone are highly susceptible to haliotid herpesvirus 1 (HaHV1), the causative agent of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG), a re-emerging disease responsible for significant mortality events in both wild and farmed populations. Currently, there are no effective antiviral treatments or preventive measures available against HaHV1, which is partly due to the limited understanding of the immune responses and viral pathogenesis in this non-model marine invertebrate. This highlights the urgent need for novel intervention strategies, including investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying HaHV1 infection. In other herpesviruses, the large tegument protein UL36 plays a crucial role in transporting the viral capsid to the host cell's nuclear pore complex (NPC), mediated by N-terminal nuclear localization signals (NLSs). However, the nuclear import mechanism of UL36 homologue (UL36h) in HaHV1 remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the NLS motif within HaHV1 UL36h and elucidated its interactions with the importin alpha (IMPα) nuclear import receptor. Through a combination of high-resolution crystallography and quantitative binding assays, we determined the key residues responsible for binding to IMPα and demonstrated isoform-specific variations in binding affinity. Our biochemical and structural analyses confirmed key interactions within the NLS that are essential for IMPα interactions. These findings advance our molecular understanding of HaHV1 host interactions and pave the way for the development of targeted antiviral strategies against abalone herpesvirus infection
Predicting Pressure Injury Prevention Education by Acute Care Nurses Within 24 h of Hospital Admission: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textAim: Predicting medical/surgical nurses' delivery of patient pressure injury prevention education within 24 h of hospitalisation. Design: A cross-sectional sub-study drawn from a larger multisite randomised controlled trial. Methods: A consecutive sub-sample of 300 randomly assigned control group participants was recruited from 20 medical and surgical wards at two major hospitals (July 2020 to August 2023) in Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured observations and chart audit data were collected, including patient education, demographic and clinical data. Binary logistic regression identified hospital site, clinical and patient predictors contributing to pressure injury prevention education delivery by nurses. Results: Seventeen (5.7%) participants received pressure injury prevention education within the first 24 h of admission. Body mass index was an independent predictor, increasing the odds of nurses delivering patient education. Conclusion: Few episodes of pressure injury prevention education were observed in this study. As a patient's body mass index rises, they are more likely to receive preventative education from nurses soon after admission. Implications for Practice and Policy: Our findings underscore the need for standardised inclusive protocols and ongoing nurse training to assess and address education needs beyond single risk factors like body mass index. Further research should explore other factors influencing patient education delivery in hospitals. Reporting Method: This study adhered to STROBE guidelines. Dr. Brett Dyer, statistician, is part of the author team. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution
Entwicklungsgeschichte der Wohnungslosendienste in australischen Notunterkünften
No full textDie Wohnungslosigkeit stellt in vielen Ländern eine bedeutende soziale Herausforderung dar, die sowohl auf individuelle Schicksale der Wohnungslosen als auch auf gesellschaftliche Missstände hinweist (Stadler, 2020). Besonders die Ausgestaltung der Notunterkünfte und der damit verbundenen Wohnungslosendienste hat sich im Laufe der Jahre in verschiedenen Ländern weiterentwickelt (Stadler, 2020). Australien ist ein Beispiel für ein Land, dessen Wohnungslosendienste in Notunterkünften eine bemerkenswerte Entwicklung durchlaufen haben . Von einfachen Notunterkünften für kurzfristige Unterbringung hin zu umfassenden, integrierten Hilfsmodellen, die auf Resozialisierung, Selbsthilfe und langfristige Integration abzielen, wurde in Australien ein breites Spektrum an innovativen Ansätzen etabliert (AHURI 2022; James et al., 2023; Brackertz, 2021; Brackertz/Davison, 2022). Diese Entwicklungsgeschichte bietet wertvolle Anregungen für die deutsche Soziale Arbeit, die in der Betreuung von Wohnungslosen ebenfalls vor der Herausforderung steht, adäquate, langfristige Lösungen zu finden. Die Verbesserung der Qualität und Nachhaltigkeit der Hilfsangebote, die Einbeziehung der Betroffenen in die Hilfeprozesse und die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit sind zentrale Themen, die sowohl in Australien als auch in Deutschland von Bedeutung sind (James et al. 2023; Brackertz, 2021; Brackertz/ Davison, 2022)
Mobility patterning during the Neolithic and the Bronze Age in north-central Myanmar
No full textThis study examines patterns of human mobility between two archaeological sites in north-central Myanmar during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age (late 2nd to early 1st millennium BC). By analysing strontium isotope ratios in an interindividual as well as an intraindividual approach, we reveal that individual mobility was more pronounced during the Neolithic period (larger range of strontium isotope ratios), likely linked to the exploitation of a broader subsistence area. In contrast, the Bronze Age shows a shift towards smaller mobility, with the majority of individuals exhibiting local strontium isotopic compositions. Notably, a small number of individuals with distinct strontium isotopic signatures were associated with unique funerary practices. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to subsistence strategies and cultural transformations between the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. This research offers valuable insights into mobility, subsistence, and social dynamics in late prehistoric Myanmar, contributing to broader discussions within the contexts of Mainland Southeast Asia and southern China
Molecular Epidemiology and Control Strategies for BVDV: A Global Systematic Review From 2000 to 2025
No full textBovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) remains a significant and highly contagious pathogen that markedly impacts production and reproductive performances of different animals worldwide. This review represents the global epidemiology of BVDV, emphasizing its genetic diversity, prevalence, host range, associated risk factors, diagnostic advancements, and control strategies. A systematic electronic search was performed to retrieve relevant published articles. A total of 248 studies published over the past 26 years (from January 2000 to March 2025) across 69 countries were included. Data showed that BVDV-1 has been detected across all the continents and comprises 25 subgenotypes (1a-1x and Chinese ZM-95), of which the predominant subgenotypes are 1a, 1b, and 1c. Multiple subgenotypes, such as BVDV-1f, 1g, 1h, 1k, 1l, 1r, 1s, 1t, 1u, and 1x, were distinct and circulating in European countries. Additionally, five subgenotypes (2a–2e) of BVDV-2 have been identified, with BVDV-2a being the most frequently reported in different geographical locations. Notably, the emergence of HoBi-like pestivirus subgenotypes (BVDV-3a–3d) has been detected in Russia, Italy, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. Overall, the high prevalence of BVDV has been reported in various European (2.9%–87.1%) and Asian countries (0.2%–89.49%). Although cattle are the primary host, BVDV infections have been documented across a wide range of domestic and wild species, including buffalo, sheep, goats, deer, bison, yak, camelids (camels, alpacas, and llamas), pigs, and wild boar. While Ag/Ab-ELISA remains a widely used diagnostic method, advanced techniques, such as RT-qPCR, CRISPR-Cas12a, RT-LAMP, and genome sequencing, are utilized for confirmatory identification and genotyping of BVDV. Introduction of persistently infected (PI) animals into herds, grazing on common pasture, animal movements, mixed farming practices, and unhygienic breeding practices were frequently documented as potential risk factors. Key measures for controlling and eradicating BVDV include culling of PI animals, prophylactic vaccination, and avoiding mixed farming practices
Multipurpose shrub and tree legumes for Northern Australian rangelands
No full textThe vast open rangelands of Australia’s Mitchell Grass Downs Bioregion are a significant producer of livestock. With changing climate and social licence regarding animal production, health and welfare, multipurpose shrub and tree legumes may play a role in providing many ecosystem services such as: drought fodder, shade, shelter, N fixation, Carbon sequestration, biodiversity and novel compounds that may have useful phenolic and or antioxidant properties.
As part of CRC P 58599 project “Legumes for the north” the seeds of a range of native and exotic shrub and tree legumes where sourced from across North Queensland, grown as tube stock and then transplanted at sites across the region to evaluate the adaptability of the species to the region. The mix of species included fast and slow growing, long lived and short-lived perennials including Acacia auriculiformis, A.holosericea, Adenanthera pavonina, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia hookeri Cajanus cajun, Gliricidia sepium, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Pongama pinnata, Sesbania sesban, Vachellia sutherlandii. Most of these species were planted at each site in the region on vertosol soils in semiarid locations with AAR from 400mm to 580mm and at least initially watered by artisan bore water until well established.
After three years of growth, our initial observation on the trees establishment phase and persistence indicates that several species across the sites show agronomic promise including but not only: the Acacia species, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia hookeri, Gliricidia sepium, Peltophorum pterocarpum and Pongamia pinnata. Several species failed to persist or have had poor growth at least at some sites including Cajanus cajun, Sesbania sesban and Adenanthera pavonina.
It is envisaged that the successful species could be planted as mixed species plantings on the open treeless grasslands radiating out along fence lines from existing bores/turkey nests with simple trickle irrigation and once established provide many of the ecosystem services outlined above