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Assessing Detection Probability and Survey Frequency for the Threatened Magnificent Broodfrog, Pseudophryne covacevichae
No full textDifficulty in detecting species' presence is a common issue when surveying threatened species. This is particularly relevant when target species occur in remote regions, have small populations, are difficult to detect, or sampling effort is limited. This can lead to underestimation of a species' true occurrence, which can be an issue where developments are proposed that could impact populations through habitat loss or fragmentation. We aimed to identify the environmental variables influencing the probability of detecting the magnificent broodfrog (Pseudophryne covacevichae), determine environmental triggers for survey initiation and estimate the number of surveys required to provide confidence in the species' true absence at a location. We analysed repeat site survey data from 13 locations where the species was known to occur. Single-season occupancy models identified volumetric soil moisture to be the most influential environmental variable in detection, followed by a combination of volumetric soil moisture and accumulated rainfall in the 5 days prior to a survey. These two variables were used to classify survey conditions into poor, average and excellent, defined by their 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles, to estimate the relationship between survey conditions and survey effort. Cumulative detection probability under ‘poor’ environmental conditions remained low, with less than 40% cumulative detection probability following six surveys and high uncertainty in posterior distributions. In contrast, under ‘average’ conditions, detection probability increased to 96% following three surveys, and in ‘excellent’ conditions, a single survey resulted in 98% probability of detection, and certainty in the posterior distributions increased in both instances. These results demonstrate that targeting surveys under good to optimal environmental conditions can improve detection probability, maximise the efficiency of surveys and reduce the likelihood of false absences
Biomechanical Determinants of Change of Direction Performance: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: The ability to change direction rapidly is crucial for enhancing performance in multidirectional sports. Evidence suggests that several biomechanical variables are associated with faster change of direction (COD) completion times. However, while it is understood that biomechanical factors influence COD performance, the evidence remains unclear because of the diverse range of biomechanical factors, inconsistent findings and potential influences from various moderating factors (e.g. sex, training experience).
Objective: The primary aim of this systematic review was to identify the biomechanical determinants of COD performance while the secondary aim was to examine the impact of moderating factors on the determinants. The findings of this review could assist practitioners in designing effective training and coaching strategies to improve COD performance.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across the electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Studies were considered eligible if they involved healthy participants, considered biomechanical determinants of COD performance via correlational analyses and reported COD performance (i.e. time to completion). The quality of the study was assessed via the Kmet scale while study findings were collated. Results: A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and analysed 45–180° COD tasks involving 374 participants. Kmet scores ranged from 73 to 96%, indicating good-to-excellent methodological quality of studies. Several biomechanical variables were identified as contributors to quicker COD completion times, including shorter ground contact time, higher approach and exit velocities, increased braking and propulsive forces, greater trunk inclination angle, lower centre-of-mass height, and increased moments and power at the hip, knee and ankle. With respect to moderating factors, included studies utilised various COD tasks (45–180°), examined mostly male participants (79.4%) with inconsistent reporting of playing/training experience and all consisted of a pre-planned COD task only.
Conclusions: Our findings identified several key biomechanical variables that were important determinants of faster COD performance. However, the impact of moderating factors on COD performance was minimally examined in prior studies and requires further investigation. Recommendations are provided in this paper focussing on biomechanical contributors (e.g. ground contact time, approach velocity, braking forces), which may assist coaches with relevant training modalities to enhance COD performance
Dichlorido(crown ether)lanthanoid(III) tetrachloroaluminate complexes
No full textReactions between LnCl3, AlCl3 and a crown ether (18-crown-6 and dibenzo18-crown-6) in MeCN have led to the isolation of four new lanthanoid halide crown ether complexes, [PrCl(μ-Cl)(18-crown-6)]2[AlCl4]2·2MeCN (1), [YbCl2(18-crown-6)][AlCl4]·MeCN (2), and [LnCl(μ-Cl)(dibenzo18-crown-6)}2][AlCl4]2·6.5MeCN (Ln = La, 3, Pr, 4). 1 was also obtained by unexpected halide transfer on addition of 18-crown-6 (18C6) to MeCN solutions of [Pr(MeCN)9][AlCl4]3. Complexes 1, 3 and 4 have dinuclear chloride-bridged nine-coordinate cations, and 2 has an eight coordinate mononuclear cation
Volatile organic compounds in regular and organic vaping liquids: a public health concern
No full textElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a growing public health concern. Vaping liquids used in e-cigarettes emit a range of chemicals, including potentially hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOCs is associated with adverse effects including asthma attacks, neurological disorders, and increased risk of cancer. This study investigated the VOCs emitted into the headspace of a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer from e-cigarette vaping liquids, identified potentially hazardous compounds, and compared emissions between regular and organic versions. Vaping liquids (n = 25) were randomly selected from the market and analysed for their volatile emissions using headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The products were available for sale in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, and included regular (flavoured and flavourless) and organic (flavoured) versions. Results revealed that the vaping liquids collectively emitted 162 VOCs with 47 classified as potentially hazardous. Notably, all of the flavoured vaping liquids (regular and organic) emitted one or more VOCs classified as potentially hazardous. Further, among the 47 VOC occurrences classified as potentially hazardous, none were listed on any vaping liquid label or related product website. We found no significant difference in VOCs emitted between the regular (flavoured) and organic (flavoured) vaping liquids, and 40% of the hazardous VOCs detected were the same among these regular and organic versions. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that vaping liquids are a source of exposure to numerous volatile compounds, including potentially hazardous VOCs such as benzene, toluene and xylene. Moreover, the long-term health effects of vaping liquids are not well understood, highlighting the need for improved information on ingredients and health risks
WPS at 25: National Action Plans as Mechanisms for Implementation of a Diverse Agenda
No full textUnited Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 was adopted in October 2000, marking a historic commitment to advancing women’s participation in peace and security governance, preventing gender-based violence, protecting women’s rights and safety, and ensuring their needs are addressed in post-conflict relief and recovery efforts (Cohn, Kinsella, and Gibbings 2004). Four years after adoption of Resolution 1325, the President of the UN Security Council made a statement applauding “the efforts of Member States in implementing Resolution 1325 (2000) at the national level, including the development of national action plans” and encouraging states “to continue to pursue such implementation” (United Nations Security Council 2004, 3). National action plans (NAPs) are domestic policy documents that articulate their commitments to the implementation of the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda,1 providing insight into the WPS interests and priorities of states
Radio engagement and older adult well-being
No full text“Oh, I’ve been listening to your show on the radio/ And you seem like a friend to me”
- Charlie Dore, “Pilot of the airwaves”
Given the radio is accessible and broadcasts a wide variety of content, it is well placed to contribute to the promotion of well-being. However, compared to the arts and music listening in particular, less is known specifically about how engaging with radio facilitates the well-being of older adults. In this presentation, I will detail findings from three recent studies focused on older adults’ everyday radio engagement and associated explicit and implicit well-being benefits. It is notable that both radio personnel and listeners regard the purpose of radio as multi-faceted: it is to stay informed (e.g., news and information), for entertainment (e.g., music), and for perceived social purposes (e.g., communion, social connection, company, and companionship). Through consideration of its purpose, the implicit and explicit ways in which radio facilitates well-being in older age are highlighted. Importantly, it is the perceived relationships individual presenters, programs, and stations built and sustained over time through repeated engagement that underpin radio’s ability to support older adult well-being. Radio’s capacity to create a sense of company and companionship suggests that it can function as a social surrogate, or substitute for social connection when direct social interaction is not possible. Additionally, while the radio is not considered a “new” technology, its versatility in technological access supports its continued use – especially amongst older adults and those living in residential aged care. Based on how radio engagement can support individual and community well-being, I will also discuss how the radio may function as a cultural immunogen to promote quality of older life
More than supervision: Mentor characteristics and behaviours promote student researcher development
No full textBackground Participation in Undergraduate Research Experiences enhances student confidence, skill development, and career readiness. While the student–mentor relationship is presumed to be central to these outcomes, there is limited understanding of how mentor characteristics (i.e., confidence, experience) and behaviours (i.e., communication style) shape the student–mentor relationship and may, therefore, impact student participation and development.
Aim This qualitative case study examined student and staff perceptions of participating in the James Cook University Undergraduate Research Internship (URI). The study was guided by asking, how do students and staff perceive the impact of mentor characteristics and behaviours on (1) the mentor–mentee relationship and (2) students’ confidence in research?
Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted via zoom with 24 participants (18 students, 6 staff) after they participated in the URI program. Interviews were then transcribed and analysed in Excel using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results Two overarching themes were identified: exposure to real-world research and mentor–mentee relationships. With the first theme, students described outcomes from participating in the URI including increased research knowledge and the development of transferable skills. The second theme speaks to the mentor-mentee relationships and included sub-themes pertaining to mentor expertise (e.g., years of supervision, perceived value of experience), communication style (tone, frequency, mode), participation outcomes (e.g., student confidence, mentor development, professional identity), and effective pairing (e.g., shared interests, personality fit). In line with past research, more experienced mentors foster stronger relationships. However, less experienced mentors provide peer-like relatability. Moreover, a mentor's confidence can transfer to students, such that their confidence and professional identity is increased.
Conclusion The findings advance our understanding of mentor characteristics and their impact on mentor– mentee relationships and student outcomes in UREs. Most critically, this research highlights the importance of selecting, training, and supporting confident, communicative mentors
A new species of Lampropholis skink (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from Scawfell Island, mid-east Queensland, Australia
No full textA targeted reptile survey of Scawfell Island, approximately 50 km offshore from Mackay, revealed a species of Lampropholis skink that could not be assigned to any described species. Here I describe this as a new species, Lampropholis isla sp. nov., based on morphological differences and genetic divergence from congeners. Subsequent assessment of museum specimens revealed that Lampropholis had been previously collected from Scawfell Island (in 1994, but assumed to be the widespread species L. delicata). Lampropholis isla sp. nov. is restricted to rainforest areas on Scawfell Island and appears to be endemic to the island. Surveys on nearby islands of the South Cumberland Group, and islands to the north in the Whitsunday Islands Group, have failed to find any Lampropholis skinks. Suitable habitat is patchy on Scawfell Island but based on detection in all closed canopy sites surveyed, high density at most of these, and a lack of known threats, the conservation assessment of L. isla sp. nov. is Least Concern. Fire is a potential threat but impacts on rainforest habitat are limited due to rocky substrate in these areas. The island is protected within South Cumberland National Park. Lampropholis isla sp. nov. is the second endemic reptile species described for Scawfell Island, which is a higher number of vertebrate endemics than any other island off the coast of eastern Queensland. I discuss the general lack of rainforest-associated lizard species and genera on islands of this region
Patient satisfaction with healthcare services influences health-related quality of life in patients living with HIV/AIDS in urban Uganda
No full textThis study aimed to determine whether higher patient satisfaction with healthcare was associated with improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes among adult patients living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART). This cross-sectional study was conducted at a specialised clinic in Kampala, Uganda, in July–August 2015. The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System (CAHPS) instrument was used to measure patient satisfaction, and the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health survey (MOS-HIV) was used to determine Physical and Mental Health Summary scores (PHS and MHS, respectively) of HRQoL. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to examine associations between patient satisfaction and PHS and MHS scores. Higher scores on PHS and MHS were reported by 364 (79%) and 320 participants (70%), respectively. Patient satisfaction with the facility was independently associated with higher PHS (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.60–4.33) and MHS (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.27–3.06), and promoters of the clinic had higher scores on PHS (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.06–2.87) and MHS (OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 2.33–5.93). Patient satisfaction with the facility was associated with higher HRQoL, suggesting that strengthening service quality could bolster patient satisfaction and HRQoL among PLWHA receiving ART
Health workforce policy in Queensland: mapping the state government landscape
No full textObjective
This study aimed to systematically map the scope, focus, and distribution of Queensland’s health workforce (HWF) policies and examine their alignment with strategic HWF objectives.
Methods
A descriptive policy review was conducted using documents sourced from the Queensland Health and Health Workforce Queensland websites between January and May 2025. Documents were coded by policy type (system-level, individual-level, employment), document type, strategic domain (supply, distribution, performance), health profession, policy author, and publication year.
Results
A total of 275 policy documents were identified. Among 11 major policy groupings, most policies related to ‘general HWF’ and ‘medical doctors and specialists’ with minimal policy attention to pharmacists, physician assistants, paramedics, and aged care workers. Employment-focused policies accounted for 52% of all documents, compared with 38% focused on individual career development and only 10% on system-level strategic objectives. Most documents addressed workforce performance (65%), with fewer addressing supply (39%) or distribution (11%). Employment policy documents were largely authored by human resources and industrial relations bodies, reflecting the prominence of these actors in the HWF policy landscape.
Conclusions
Despite a high volume of HWF policy in Queensland, the policy architecture is fragmented. Profession-specific siloes, a strong emphasis on employment and industrial policy, and uneven focus across supply, distribution and performance domains suggest coordination and alignment challenges when it comes to addressing broader workforce goals. Further work is needed to understand whether and how these patterns may constrain the development of integrated, equitable workforce strategies capable of addressing persistent system-wide planning issues such as skills mix, retention and rural maldistribution