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Estimating the topological features of manifolds that can exist in simulated four-dimensional image-type data
No full textFour-dimensional (4D) spaces are particularly interesting because they can require specific study that is separate from higher- and lower-dimensional spaces to fully understand. Unfortunately, human intuition begins to fail beyond even three dimensions. Methods for the analysis of 4D data become relevant in cases of data with four dimensions that would lose essential information if reduced to 3D or 2D. Hence, 4D data analysis is a domain that may open a range of research avenues, which may lead to improvements in applications that were previously restricted to 2D and 3D methods. This thesis will explore this problem in the context of an important class of topological spaces known as manifolds, with a particular focus on manifolds that can be represented in 4D image-type data and the tools that can be used to study them. For instance, persistent homology is a computational approach that employs algebraic topology in order to estimate topological and geometrical properties of data, and forms part of a larger tool set that is known as topological data analysis. While 3D and 4D image-type data arise in many areas of science, they can quickly become so large that directly applying tools such as persistent homology can become infeasible. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were inspired by our understanding of the neuronal organisation of the visual cortex and have demonstrated SOA{} performance in many computer vision problems; they have also shown some promise in topological applications. Broadly speaking, this project endeavours to explore how synthetic data, CNNs, and image preprocessing techniques can be used to complement persistent homology methods in the analysis of low-dimensional image-type data, with a focus on 4D data. This thesis will detail the implementation of a 4D CNN and offer a mathematically-founded approach to acquiring labelled synthetic 4D data with which it is possible to train a CNN that can `see' topological properties of these data; this approach is compared with a representative persistent homology approach. The deep learning results are supported with a demonstration that utilises a real-world derived 3D dataset and a discussion is provided to motivate several potential future lines of research
Ubuntu-led settlement: migrant aspirations for emplacement in regional Australia
No full textThe research for this thesis emerged from a community-led study conducted by and with individuals from the Great Lakes Region of Africa, living in urban Australia, whose needs were unmet by Australia’s humanitarian settlement program. In the absence of formal qualifications, and in the face of compounding urban challenges, many community members perceived that moving to regional areas would allow them to cultivate more successful settlement outcomes. Guided by these initial findings, a community-led, cross-cultural research collaboration was established, which aimed to develop an evidence base to understand the hopes and aspirations of Great Lakes community members living in Australia, and to advocate for policy change that could nourish improved outcomes. This thesis is embedded within that collaboration. Its discrete aim is to explore the relationship between African ways of knowing and being (Ubuntu) and notions of emplacement, and to understand how these relationships might inform contemporary humanitarian migrant settlement policy and practice in Australia. This research was undertaken through a performative, Ubuntu-led research process guided by more-than-human methodologies. These methodologies centred the vitality of the more-than-human world, and the social and embodied encounters of the interviews led to the emergence of the “more-than-interview”. The more-than-interview seeks to respond to the spontaneous, embodied, and often unexpected interactions, including with non-humans, which took place in the interviews. For example, uduseke—seed baskets—present in several homes played a performative role that enabled me to more deeply understand participants’ enduring connections to pre-migration life and the hopes they held for farming futures in Australia. Encounters such as this revealed the varied relationships entangled within participants’ efforts to belong in Australia or, as I came to understand it, efforts at Ubuntu-led emplacement. In this thesis, participants’ life experiences across diverse temporalities and localities are described using the themes of dislocation, repair, and hope. Dislocation reflects the harsh disjuncture experienced when participants were dis-located from the Great Lakes Region of Africa, the place where their lives had been unfolding for generations. Repair foregrounds the active ways that participants have been repairing their dislocation through practices of ubuntu, such as farming, in both urban and regional Australia. Hope looks toward the future to understand the ongoing, yet-to-be-met aspirations that participants strive for as they emplace themselves, weaving their being-becoming—a formative philosophy and practice of ubuntu—within the fabric of Australian society. Guided by the relationality and resilience of Ubuntu-led emplacement, this thesis proposes Ubuntu-led settlement as an approach to support successful settlement of Great Lakes communities in Australia
Remediation of emerging contaminants
No full textEmerging contaminants are synthetic or natural chemicals and microorganisms that are not routinely monitored but can harm ecosystems and human health. These include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, surfactants, and personal care products found in water and food sources. Endocrine disruptors, antibiotics, and various pharmaceutical compounds also fall into this category. The toxicity of many remains unstudied, and they often go untested in municipal water systems. Additionally, they may generate unknown by-products during water treatment, and biological contaminants are another significant concern. Among these emerging contaminants, per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals which have been manufactured and utilised since the 1940s. Due to their unique physico-chemical properties, they have been used in a wide range of sectors. Unfortunately, their discharge into the environment has been associated with human health and wildlife risk. PFAS demonstrate simultaneous hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, which enable them to accumulate at interfacial regions. Accordingly, they are able to transport worldwide and contaminate vadose zone far from the emission point. Although policymakers and environmental authorities have established health advisory guidelines, particularly for drinking water, environmental contamination by PFAS as an emerging contaminant still requires attention through practical remediation technologies. However, each approach comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, to make remediation technologies more practical, cost-effective, scalable, environmentally friendly, and time-efficient, further research and development are essential. The initial part of this study focuses on the adsorption process using materials typically employed to fabricate anodes for the electrochemical advanced oxidation (EAOPs) of PFAS in water. Magnéli phase titanium sub-oxide (Ti4O7), a new anode in PFAS electrooxidation, was used to elucidate the discrepancy in fluoride mass balance between the PFAS introduced before the electrooxidation process and the fluoride recovered after the reaction. The results showed that although (perfluorooctanoic acid) PFOA adsorption was inconsiderable compared to other reported adsorbents, factors such as solution pH, particle size, and ionic strength impacted the adsorption capacity. The adsorption isotherms and reaction kinetics were analysed using several commonly studied models, with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models being the best fit. The second part of this study, which is the main component of this research project, is to investigate and develop ultrasonic-based technologies to destroy different types of PFAS as well as AFFFs as representations of highly environmentally contaminated samples to evaluate the practicality of the ultrasonic technology. Firstly, the geometric features of ultrasonication, which are mostly overlooked, were considered in indirect ultrasonic methods by using two commonly used labware materials: glass and polypropylene (PP). The results showed that glass enhanced the propagation of ultrasonic waves in terms of sound velocity and intensity. After examining key factors such as frequency and power input, approximately 95% of PFOA, with an initial concentration of 1 mg/L (ppm), was defluorinated within 3 hours. In contrast, under the same operating conditions, using PP resulted in only around 46% defluorination. These results were same when other types of PFAS and AFFFs were studied. Secondly, in the context of advanced oxidation processes, which are principally based on the generation of reactive radicals to enhance the PFAS destruction, the piezo-catalytic activity of PTFE induced by ultrasonic waves was investigated. Based on data obtained from geometric studies, the defluorination of PFOA in the presence of PTFE using PP increased from approximately 46% to around 98%, indicating that radicals such as hydroxyl (OH•) contributed synergistically with the ultrasonic pyrolysis effect. Alongside investigating key parameters such as ultrasonic frequency and power input, the effect of PTFE particle size was examined. When applied to other types of PFAS and AFFFs, this method showed a significant improvement in defluorination efficiency compared to using ultrasound alone. Notably, no considerable interaction between PFOA and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was observed. Thirdly, the synergistic effect of geometric factors (reactor material) and ultrasound irradiation modes (continuous, sweep, and pulse) was utilised to enhance the generation of carbonate radicals. The sweep mode demonstrated that sound waves passing through the glass reactor led to a higher production of OH• radicals. This was confirmed when carbonate radicals were introduced into the system, acting as radical scavengers for OH• and producing carbonate radicals. Under optimised conditions (frequency = 80 kHz and 100% power setting), approximately 69% of PFOA, with an initial concentration of 15 mg/L, was defluorinated within 6 hours. Various contributing factors such as solution pH, volume, carbonate dosage, and inorganic additives were also examined. It is noteworthy that the generation of carbonate radicals was confirmed using radical probes like phenol and aniline. However, the studied method was impractical for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). However, all of these studies are served to understand, how advanced oxidation process (AOP), which is mainly based on oxidation/reduction reactions, will improve the generation of reactive radicals in the shed of ultrasonic irradiation
Utilisation of subsidised mental health services among childbearing women who experienced depression and/or anxiety in Australia
No full textDepression and anxiety are common mental disorders affecting women of all ages. The lifetime prevalence for depression in women is reported to be one in six, whereas the lifetime prevalence for an anxiety disorder in a 12-month period is reported to be one in five women. However, the chances of experiencing these common mental disorders are increased during pregnancy and the postpartum period for women, which is associated with complex maternal, infant and family outcomes. Despite the negative sequelae correlated with these disorders, a substantial number of women do not seek or access support. Understanding the factors associated with mental health service use for these disorders will help prioritise resource allocation and the development of interventions aimed at helping the most vulnerable women during this time. This research aimed to examine the uptake of subsidised mental health services provided in Australia under Medicare’s Better Access Scheme in a nationally representative longitudinal dataset of women comprising the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health 1973-78 cohort. These women have been followed for over 22 years since 1996, and data from eight surveys was utilised in this research. This thesis aimed to fill the gaps in the existing literature on the utilisation of mental health services by women in the preconception and perinatal periods in the Australian context and its impact on maternal mental health beyond. The first study looked at the utilisation impact of subsidised mental health services in the preconception period (a year prior to the conception of the first live-born child) on the perinatal mental health of the mother in women with a history of depression and/or anxiety. Using longitudinal survey data and administrative health service usage data, logistic regression analysis was performed. Women with a history of depression and/or anxiety who utilised these subsidised mental health services four or more times in the preconception period were twice more likely (95% CI = 1.01 – 4.06) to experience depression and/or anxiety in the perinatal period, than women who did not utilise these subsidised mental health services in the preconception period. The second study examined the factors associated with the utilisation of subsidised mental health services in women who experienced depression and/or anxiety in the perinatal period. Logistic regression analysis using longitudinal survey data and administrative health service usage data was performed. Women with a history of depression only, anxiety only, and depression and anxiety prior to conception were around three times more likely (95% CI = 1.45 – 5.23), four times more likely (95% CI = 1.30 – 12.81) and around seven times more likely (95% CI = 3.22 – 14.16) respectively to use Better Access services in the perinatal period. A subsequent study examined the effect of women’s uptake of mental health services in the perinatal period on the mental health of the mother beyond two to four years post-childbirth. Based on descriptive analysis, these findings indicate around 40% of women who utilised mental health services during the perinatal period experienced poor mental health two to four years after childbirth. Finally, a systematic review of the barriers and facilitators associated with the utilisation of mental health services by women who experienced depression and/or anxiety in the perinatal period was undertaken to better understand the uptake of the broad range of services available in the Australian context. The importance of the role of healthcare professionals in encouraging or discouraging women with regard to accessing mental health support services emerged as a key factor. Taken together, the findings from this research indicate the remitting and recurrent nature of depression and anxiety among a subgroup of women despite accessing mental health services. Women with a history of depression and/or anxiety further warrant increased support and care, particularly in the preconception period. In addition, women with first incidences of depression and/or anxiety in the perinatal period were less likely to access mental health services, warranting the need for increased education and awareness of the range of services available during this period. Moreover, the role of healthcare professionals in promoting the uptake of mental health services should be underscored. The insights from this research substantially contribute to the knowledge base on mental health and associated mental health service use in women during the period of transition to motherhood. These findings will aid in the review and optimisation of perinatal mental health and mental health service use policies, particularly at a time when Medicare’s Better Access is due to undergo reform. Depression and anxiety are complex mental illnesses, with a proportion of women experiencing a more chronic and recurrent form of these disorders. Putting in safeguards at multiple time points across the woman’s reproductive lifespan, from preconception to beyond the ‘one’ year postnatal period, can help alleviate these mental health disorders and promote recovery
Prey preferences of hominid groups
No full textThe common ancestor of humans diverged from our evolutionary genetic cousin the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes about six million years ago, resulting in unique hunting strategies. Over this evolutionary timeframe, humans have diverged and developed increasingly complex social structures and consistently refined technological innovations to hunt prey with ease, ultimately resulting in increased foraging success. These changes in human behaviour are likely to have led to variations in the preferences that hominids exhibit toward prey over time. Variations such as available prey species and prey body mass determine the energetic cost and benefit of each hunt with technological innovations and provide information on the key prey resources necessary for a species to persist. Using the Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT) as a framework to assess hominid hunting, we analyse the prey preferences of chimpanzees (as a proxy for ancestral humans), Neanderthals, Anatomically Modern Humans Homo sapiens, and modern human hunter-gatherers. I searched the peer-reviewed and grey literature as well as developed international collaborations to source data on the diets of each of these taxa. The actual or relative abundance of prey at sites where the dietary data was collected enabled me to ascertain prey preferences – mimicking methods that have been extensively used in terrestrial carnivorans. I calculated Jacobs’ Selectivity Index for each species (sample ≥ 3) as a metric for preference and tested these values for significant preference or avoidance using t-tests or sign tests. These preferences reflect global preferences as opposed to site-specific preferences and I readily acknowledge that different species might be preferred at individual sites, in contrast to the global perspective provided here. I also determined the preferred and accessible prey body mass thresholds using segmented models and ran generalised linear models within a maximum likelihood framework to determine the drivers of preference for each hominid species studied. Each hominid species had a different set of variables that have been selected for throughout their evolution in developing prey preferences. Chimpanzees preferred prey ≤ 7.6 kg, significantly preferring red colobus monkey species where they both occur within same environment. Neanderthals significantly preferred species like mountain gazelle Gazella gazella and steppe bison Bison priscus weighing from 21-900 kg. Anatomically Modern Humans significantly preferred species such as swans, warthogs and undetermined bovids that weighed from 0.02 to 209 kg. Those people who continue to live traditional lifestyles today prefer hunting species that are > 2.5 kg, and significantly preferred sable antelope Hippotragus niger, Cape bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus, waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus, giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla, lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris, bohor reedbuck Redunca redunca, Peter's duiker Cephalophus callipygus, greater kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros, white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari, collared peccary Pecari tajacu, and common eland Taurotragus oryx. The nature of these studies provides a holistic blueprint for conservation management of prey species. Ensuring we have a firm understanding of the evolutionary picture has the potential to implement informed conservation measures, particularly for modern hunter-gatherers. Understanding the past and present predation of megafauna, leading to their extinction, is a cautionary tale for future human and wildlife existence. Predatory behaviour, to the point of extinction, continues in chimpanzee communities where red colobus are sympatric. Protecting prey species or bolstering prey species in situ allows for a holistic approach in conservation efforts for present and future hominids. Understanding the role of humans as apex predators and their prey preferences is fundamental in reshaping anthropocentric attitudes and behavioural impacts
The interplay between epithelial-derived type-2 inflammation and rhinovirus infection in asthma
No full textRhinovirus (RV) infections are a key driver of asthma exacerbations. The airway epithelium is the main site of RV infection which orchestrates innate immune responses to limit viral replication. However, the airway epithelium in some individuals with asthma has a dysregulated antiviral response to RV infection which promotes type-2 inflammation. This thesis contains investigations into different RV-induced epithelial mediators which drive asthma exacerbations. The role of IL-25, CCL17, CCL22, interferon (IFN)-β, and IFN-λ are characterised in the host response to RV utilizing a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches. In chapter 3, transcriptional regulation of airway epithelial cells (AEC) during RV infection was investigated for the chemokines CCL17 and CCL22. STAT6 was identified as crucial for RV-induced CCL17, but dampened CCL22 secretion during models of allergic inflammation. Silencing STAT6 through siRNA enhanced CCL22 secretion from AEC. In chapter 4, regulation of RV-induced IL-25 was examined at an epithelial cell level. IL-25 was shown to negatively regulate antiviral immunity in AECs from both healthy donors and donors with asthma. AECs cultured from donors with asthma maintained the deficient IFN phenotype observed in individuals with asthma, and IL-25 blockade with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) ameliorated virus induced IFN expression. In chapter 5, the regulation of virus-induced epithelial-derived mediators and type-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) was investigated. Human ILC2 express the IFN-λ receptor IFNLR1 upon stimulation with IL-25 or IFN-β. Inversely, IFN-β reduced expression of its receptor IFNAR1 on ILC2. Both IFN-β and IFN-λ were required to reduce the frequencies of IL-13+ and IL-5+ ILC2 when cultured in the presence of IL-25. In summary, multiple approaches from investigating transcriptional regulation in AECs or treatment with an IL-25 mAb, to applying AEC-derived mediators on ILC2 were used to identify RV-induced regulation of mucosal immunity. These approaches identified limitations in our current understanding of how viral infections exacerbate individuals with asthma. Finally, they demonstrated how a novel IL-25 mAb could be used to simultaneously suppress type-2 inflammation and enhance the hosts anti-viral response during viral infection/asthma exacerbation
Prenatal and postnatal stress on neurobehavioural outcomes: understanding mechanisms and preventative therapies
No full textStressful environments in the perinatal period significantly increase the risk of behavioural and mood disorders in childhood and adolescence. The exact mechanisms by which these adverse outcomes are programmed by elevated cortisol in early life are not fully understood. However, dysregulation in myelin processes are commonly linked to children with disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. In the fetal brain, the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic pathways require tight regulation in order to promote the correct balance for neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and myelination for optimal neurodevelopment. This period of critical maturational processes is therefore particularly vulnerable to perinatal compromise. Previously, prenatal stress has been shown to alter neurosteroid pathways in the fetus and disrupt the inhibitory tone at the GABAA receptor. In these studies, we propose that excitotoxic stress through elevated cortisol exposure in vulnerable periods of development along with disruption of the trophic neurosteroid environment deleteriously programs the perinatal brain. The studies examined the proposal that dysregulation of key neurodevelopmental pathways will cause long-lasting effects on behaviour and white matter structure, at an age equivalent to childhood. The work further examined the proposal that postnatal neurosteroid supplementation therapy will provide neuroprotective effects to reduce or ameliorate negative childhood outcomes. The studies showed that the fetal brain exposed to prenatal stress displays deficits in myelin production from as early as 0.7 of gestation when myelin begins being produced, and these deficits persist until late-childhood equivalence. We reported that myelination deficits may be attributed to dysregulation of mechanisms important for MBP translation. The GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways and other key components of neurodevelopment were substantially disrupted in the neonate, suggesting an arrest of maturation of these pathways. By late-childhood equivalence overcompensation mechanisms of these pathways were apparent, with marked disruptions to the inhibitory/excitatory balance still evident. Reduced mature myelin and GABA/glut disruptions at the childhood age were associated with sex-dependent adverse behavioural outcomes – anxious-like behaviour in female offspring exposed to prenatal stress and hyperactive-like behaviour in males. Interestingly, psychosocial stress in the postnatal period following a stressful prenatal environment offered advantage to the offspring and improved outcomes. The allopregnanolone analogue ganaxolone and the translocator protein ligand emapunil were both able to restore female behavioural phenotypes to control levels after prenatal stress exposure, however adverse male behaviour remained. Emapunil improved myelin deficits in both sexes, and ganaxolone improved excitatory imbalances in the female hippocampus. Placentae of male and female fetuses displayed sex-dependent developmental expression patterns and responses to prenatal stress. These current studies have demonstrated that marked disruptions that can occur in the fetal and juvenile brain following perinatal stressors, especially stress exposure in the mid-late gestation period. The work identified this gestational age as a period of particular vulnerability. The effects of perinatal stressors on neurodevelopment delineated through the current work, and the successful effects of postnatal manipulation to reverse these outcomes, offers important insights into the complex process of stress and neurodevelopment interactions. The work highlighted how multiple pathways act in concert to promote optimal outcomes, or are dysregulated to cause abnormal development. The placental sex-dependent response to stress, the sexually dimorphic childhood behavioural outcomes and the differing response to the therapeutics are intriguing. These findings demonstrate that sex-dependent treatment regimens are essential in treatment approaches for offspring exposed to stressful in utero environments
Spinel LiMn₂O₄ cathode and carbonaceous anode material for electrochemical energy storage lithium-ion battery
No full textBattery technology is one of the most promising technology for next-generation portable electronics, electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and stationary energy storage systems. In this aspect, Li-ion batteries are the most attractive power-source candidate due to their superior high energy density as a comparison to the available rechargeable batteries. High energy density mainly depends on a high voltage and high specific capacity. Novel electrode materials research, specifically cathode plays an essential role in the development of advanced lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of active electrode material mainly relies on the crystal size and morphology. In the present study, various nanostructured cathode materials were synthesized to improve the energy density by using sol-gel assisted pechini, coating and ball milling techniques. Research reveals that nanomaterial-based cathode materials are preferable due to various advantages such as dimension reduction, faster ionic (Li+) and electronic (e-) transport and mechanical stability as compared to traditional solid-state synthesis-based materials. First, spinel-based cathode LiMn2O4 and carbon composite were studied in Li-ion battery application due to eco-environment, natural abundance, low cost with high operating potential, theoretical capacity and power density properties. In this work, step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS)/galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) is conducted on three-electrode systems, including spinel prepared by solid-state and sol-gel methods. SPECS experimental data has been fitted with planar, double planar, spherical, and Cottrell diffusional model, to elucidate the diffusional mechanisms and obtain accurate diffusivities for these materials. Theoretical models clearly illustrate that both spherical and double plane diffusion models are in excellent agreement with experimental data. LMOSS exhibits better diffusivity, with an average diffusivity closer to 10-13 -10-11 cm2/s as compared to 10-13-10-9 cm2/s for LMOSG. This work aims to develop a more comprehensive analysis technique for future work. The crystal structure, materials morphology and elemental composition were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). These experiments reveal the potential benefits of understanding Li-ion diffusion of spinel LiMn2O4 for high-power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) storage performance. Secondly, anion substitution of fluorine into spinel cathode material was designed by using the sol-gel assisted pechini method. Fluorinated based spinels show better electrochemical performance as compared to pristine spinel. The fluorine doped spinels LiMn2O3.8F0.2 and LiMn2O3.9F0.10 showed improved capacity retention of around 94% and 90% respectively as compared to 90% for the pristine LiMn2O4 at 0.1C. Finally, Electrolytic reduction of molten carbonates (Li/K/Na) has been suggested as a practical approach improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries as anode material. Herein, novel carbonaceous materials were synthesized by using molten carbonates as an exciting new method of producing tuned carbons for battery applications. The electrodeposited carbon anode displays the highest specific capacity with 334 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C with coulombic efficiency of 95.70% and 255 mAh g-1 at 1C with a capacity retention (coulombic efficiency) of 85.8 % (100%) after 100 cycles in the potential window of 0.01-2V (vs Li/Li+). The electrochemical properties as measured using Galvanostatic charge-discharge, cycle ability, rate performance, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were observed to be greatly enhanced by using the carbonate-derived anode as compared to the commercial graphite
A Scoping Review of Food Literacy Interventions
No full textIntroduction: Food literacy (FL) is a rapidly emerging area of research that provides a framework to explain the interplay of food-related skills, beliefs, knowledge and practises that contribute to nutritional health and wellbeing. This review is the first to scope the current literature for FL interventions, assess their characteristics against the components provided in the most widely cited definition of FL. and describe their characteristics to identify gaps in the literature. Methods: This review scopes original articles describing FL interventions in the Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest Education, Web of Science and AMED databases up to August 2023. Results: Despite the heterogeneity between all seven included studies, they all demonstrated some improvements in their FL outcome measures alongside dietary intake (DI), with the greatest improvements seen in studies that employed a FL theoretical framework in intervention design. Populations at high risk of food insecurity, such as university students and people living in disadvantaged areas, were the main targets of FL interventions. Conclusion: The minimal inclusion of FL theory amongst interventions led to an overall poor coverage of essential FL components, indicating researchers should aim to design future FL interventions with a FL theoretical framework