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New Sources of Resistance to Terbinafine Revealed and Squalene Epoxidase Modelled in the Dermatophyte Fungus Trichophyton interdigitale From Australia
No full textBackground: Terbinafine is widely used to treat onychomycosis caused by dermatophyte fungi. Terbinafine resistance in recent years is causing concern. Resistance has so far been associated with single-nucleotide substitutions in the DNA sequence of the enzyme squalene epoxidase (SQLE) but how this affects SQLE functionality is not understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to understand newly discovered resistance in two Australian strains of Trichophyton interdigitale. Patients/Methods: Resistance to terbinafine was tested in four newly isolated strains. Three-dimensional SQLE models were prepared to investigate how the structure of their SQLE affected the binding of terbinafine. Results: This study found the first Australian occurrences of terbinafine resistance in two T. interdigitale strains. Both strains had novel deletion mutations in erg1 and frameshifts during translation. Three-dimensional models had smaller SQLE proteins and open reading frames as well as fewer C-terminal α-helices than susceptible strains. In susceptible strains, the lipophilic tail of terbinafine was predicted to dock stably into a hydrophobic pocket in SQLE lined by over 20 hydrophobic amino acids. In resistant strains, molecular dynamics simulations showed that terbinafine docking was unstable and so terbinafine did not block squalene metabolism and ultimately ergosterol production. The resistant reference strain ATCC MYA-4438 T. rubrum showed a single erg1 mutation that resulted in frameshift during translation, leading to C-terminal helix deletion. Conclusions: Modelling their effects on their SQLE proteins will aid in the design of potential new treatments for these novel resistant strains, which pose clinical problems in treating dermatophyte infections with terbinafine.</p
Power Quality Insights and Fault Analysis in Distribution Networks With Optimally Placed D-PMUs
No full textThe escalating integration of renewables and advanced power electronics into the electrical grid has introduced greater uncertainty into distribution networks. This uncertainty stems from the stochastic characteristics of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the emergence of bidirectional power flows, leading to previously unencountered demand dynamics and increased susceptibility to instability as the distribution network transitions from passive to active distribution networks (ADNs).
This paradigm shift poses significant challenges for distribution system operators (DSOs), necessitating the adoption of real-time, synchronized monitoring, control, and protection mechanisms to enhance existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. This thesis proposes the use of distribution-level phasor measurement units (D-PMUs or µPMUs) as a solution to these challenges. D-PMUs offer advantages over traditional transmission-level PMU units in cost, accuracy, and speed, making them suitable for unbalanced ADNs. However, due to the sheer scale of ADNs, the economic feasibility of deploying these instruments on a large scale and the benefit to ADN applications are unknown.
In response to these challenges and central to this thesis, is the development of an optimal D-PMU placement technique explicitly tailored for the unique requirements of ADNs. By considering the unique distribution network attributes (UDNA), a novel optimal placement method using deterministic and meta-heuristic optimization techniques that considers all the uncertainties as constraints for ADNs is developed. With this state-of-the-art placement method, it guarantees real-time situational awareness under all operational conditions and cost-effective implementation through a new usable zero-injection phase strings (UZIP Strings) reduction method, which lowers the number of D-PMUs deployed while maintaining global observability.
Then, based on the developed placement method, an advanced machine learning-based (ML) power quality disturbance (PQD) classification method is created, utilizing discrete wavelet transform (DWT) combined with a cubic multi-class support vector machine (CMSVM). This unique part of the research incorporates a decade’s worth of high-quality continuous waveform power quality (PQ) data from the Australian power network. Additionally, it integrates misclassification cost (MC) and cost-sensitive classification theory to enhance robustness in traditional ML network models.
Lastly, by leveraging the high-resolution symmetrical components from optimally placed D-PMUs, an innovative holistic machine learning-based approach for fault detection, classification, and localization (FDCL) has been developed that meets fault ride-through (FRT) requirements. This proposed hybrid ML model combines feed-forward neural networks (FFNN) and ensemble bagged trees (EBT) classifiers and is complemented by a coordinated two-ended fault localization strategy.
This research highlights the transformative effect of D-PMU technology in enhancing smart grid applications, thereby fostering a more stable and dependable grid. It signifies enhanced operational efficiency in PQ monitoring, grid stability, and asset management domains. Moreover, the proposed fault analysis approach leads to financial savings, quicker repairs, reduced system downtime, prevent cascading events and extensive network failures. It also provides DSOs with an effective array of tools to meet the demands of contemporary, renewable-energy-intensive smart grids. These findings push the boundaries in real-time PQ monitoring and fault analysis in ADNs and establish a foundation for future D-PMU-driven innovations and applications through optimal placement.</p
Fabrication of an in vitro Skin Model Aimed at Cosmetic Testing Applications
No full textIn the past, it was a common practice to test cosmetics and skin relevant chemicals directly on humans or animals, as testing protocols lacked standardised and ethical guidelines were not established. As a result, the emergence of alternative in vitro models produced today allow for safer, controlled, and a more ethical responsible pathway for drug and cosmetic testing. This thesis focuses on the fabrication of a trilayered in vitro skin model within a laboratory environment as a platform for testing cosmetics.
Commercial in vitro skin models are available but are limited to simpler monolayers models or basic bilayered constructs that fail to replicate the complex architecture and function of human skin. In attempt to better recreate the functionality of human skin within a laboratory environment, various photocrosslinkable hydrogels were investigated for their ability to support appropriate cell-material interactions. However, bulk hydrogel scaffolds, commonly used by research groups to fabricate in vitro skin models, present limitations, such as the lack of nutrient diffusion through a bulk crosslinked hydrogel. Therefore, this thesis explores alternative biofabrication methods of scaffolds that support appropriate cell-material interactions. This thesis investigated the development of single layer skin models into a more representative trilayered skin construct.
Key aspects of hydrogel selection and material properties were evaluated to improve keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation, relevant differentiation, and matrix deposition. It was found that collagen I, 3 and 4 gene expression levels were higher for bilayered models, as opposed to single layered models. This highlighted the importance of including appropriate cell types and architecture to better represent human skin. By using different biofabrication techniques, microgels made from 6% HM gelMA were crosslinked into a 3D scaffold and supported some formation of collagen 4 networks, which are characteristic of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Diffusion (demonstrated by diffusion coefficient analysis) was improved within the microgel scaffold compared to the bulk hydrogel control.
Overall, this research supports the development of more complex in vitro skin models, which can be used for testing cosmetic products. This was demonstrated by the application of eyeliner to the fabricated trilayered model.</p
Uncovering Determinants, Barriers, and Impacts of Financial Inclusion in Indonesia: Major Empirical Analyses and Insights
No full textThis study investigates the multifaceted relationships between financial inclusion, financial literacy, poverty alleviation, and the financial performance of banks in Indonesia. Despite significant economic progress, Indonesia continues to lag behind other Southeast Asian nations in achieving widespread financial inclusion and improving financial literacy. These gaps hinder economic empowerment and limit access to essential financial services for marginalized communities. This study aims to address these challenges by exploring four interconnected objectives: the role of financial literacy in overcoming barriers to financial inclusion, the impact of financial inclusion on poverty reduction, the influence of digital financial services such as e-money on financial wellbeing, and the effect of financial inclusion on the financial performance of Indonesian banks.
The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, integrating nationally representative data from the Financial Inclusion Insights (FII) survey, Indonesia's Central Bank, the World Bank FINDEX database, and financial reports from commercial banks. Analytical methods, including regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and interaction regression models, are used to assess determinants and barriers to financial inclusion, analyze its effects on poverty alleviation, and evaluate its influence on the efficiency, liquidity, and profitability of banks.
The findings reveal that financial literacy plays a pivotal role in enhancing access to formal financial services by equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to engage with financial systems. However, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of documentation, cultural factors, and distrust in financial institutions persist, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Financial inclusion was found to have a significant positive impact on poverty reduction, providing unbanked individuals with opportunities for savings, investments, and credit access, ultimately improving their economic security.
Digital financial services, particularly e-money, emerged as transformative tools for broadening access to financial services, especially among marginalized populations such as the uneducated and part-time workers. While e-money ownership significantly contributed to poverty alleviation, its impact was slightly diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for strengthened digital infrastructure and targeted interventions.
Additionally, the study finds that financial inclusion positively influences the performance of banks in Indonesia by enhancing efficiency, profitability, and liquidity. Banks that actively promote financial inclusion not only contribute to broader economic goals but also improve their operational metrics. The results underscore the complementary role of conventional and Sharia-compliant financial institutions in driving financial inclusion and poverty reduction.
This research makes a significant contribution to policy discourse, advocating for a multi-pronged approach to financial inclusion that integrates financial literacy programs, investments in digital infrastructure, and targeted support for underserved populations. By addressing structural and social barriers, policymakers and financial institutions can create a more inclusive financial ecosystem that promotes economic growth, reduces poverty, and enhances the resilience of financial systems. These findings provide valuable insights for developing sustainable strategies to expand financial inclusion and improve financial wellbeing in Indonesia.</p
Assessing the self-regulation strategies and reflexive capacity of fashion companies’ anti-slavery tools
No full textThe Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) is a disclosure regulation that seeks to encourage corporate self-reflection and subsequent self-regulation on the issue of modern slavery. However, fashion companies have an established history of self-regulating on labour exploitation, and critics argue that company actions often fail to acknowledge power asymmetries between themselves and their suppliers, or how business practices might foster labour exploitation. These criticisms generate doubt on whether fashion companies will reflexively respond to the Act. This paper evaluates how fashion companies are self-regulating against modern slavery, informed by reflexive and smart regulation theory,and draws on an analysis of 57 fashion companies’ modern slavery statements to create a first-of-its-kind comprehensive typology of anti-slavery tools. We examine how fashion companies are self-regulating according to the actors involved, the coercive and persuasive pressures used, and the reflexive capacity of the tool.We find that fashion companies predominately use coercive and non-reflexive tactics to regulate their suppliers and use weak persuasive and partially reflexive tactics to regulate themselves.Our findings demonstrate that regulatory reform is needed, and fashion companies need to improve their anti-slavery strategies by reflecting on their own capacity to support suppliers and further scrutinise their own practices.</p
Global Skills: Articulating the International Studies Skillset and its Value
No full textWhile the popularity of International Studies as a discipline reflects the attractiveness of the field of study and its utility in an age of globalisation, students of International Studies, like many social science and humanities students, struggle to articulate the suite of skills and competencies that they have developed during their tertiary education. Although concepts such as “soft skills”, “enterprise skills” and “21st century skills” have been of use, we argue that “global skills”, as outlined by Douglas Bourn, is a more comprehensive articulation of the International Studies skillset. In this collaborative article, we 1) describe the field of International Studies and its virtues; 2) outline the problem of arts students’ difficulty in articulating their skillset and professional value; 3) introduce Bourn’s concept of “global skills”; 4) contribute to the concept of “global skills” by elaborating on the need for critical self-reflection of one’s subject position and by outlining the value of systems thinking; 5) provide a reflective case study that illustrates how the ‘global skills’ as the International Studies skillset was highly valuable for one graduate’s cross-cultural engagement. We conclude with final remarks on the value of International Studies per se</p
In-depth Understanding of Interactions Between Alpha-amylase and Phenolics from Pitaya Fruit Utilising Molecular Biochemistry, Enzymatic Assays, Spectroscopy and In-silico Simulations
No full textThis study explores how the structural characteristics of phenolic acids influence their ability to inhibit α-amylase, one of the key enzymes for starch digestion, and their potential role in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. p-Coumaric, gallic, caffeic and protocatechuic acids identified in red pitaya were analysed for their molecular interactions, binding affinities and inhibitory effects on α-amylase. Key structural features, such as hydroxyl group positions and the presence of acrylic groups, significantly impacted their effectiveness. Gallic acid showed the strongest inhibition due to its strong binding interactions, while caffeic and protocatechuic acids exhibited varying levels of inhibition. Molecular modelling showed that these phenolic acids primarily interact with α-amylase through non-covalent interactions, causing conformational changes that alter enzyme stability and function, thus affecting starch breakdown. Additionally, fortification of oat-wheat bread with red pitaya powder, rich in these polyphenols, improved polyphenol content, dietary fibber and antioxidant capacity, reducing the glycaemic response and enhancing the nutritional profile. Results demonstrated its potential as a promising functional food for managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of molecular structure in determining the efficacy of phenolic acids as natural inhibitors of α-amylase. By understanding the interactions and binding mechanisms of these compounds, the research supports the potential development of natural, plant-based solutions to manage blood glucose levels. Fortifying foods with polyphenol-rich ingredients, such as red pitaya, offers a promising approach to enhancing nutritional value and providing additional health benefits, including antioxidant properties and improved digestive health.</p
Date Labelling and Storage Advice: Consumer Interviews: Insights Report
No full textThis report discusses the findings from 125 consumer interviews conducted as part of the End Food Waste Australia Project 1.2.4, National Date Labelling and Storage Advice (Phase 1). Project 1.2.4 is part of the ’Reduce’ program at End Food Waste Australia and aims to explore how consumers use (or do not use) existing food date labelling and storage advice to determine food freshness.
In summary, the results highlight a complex picture of consumers’ perceptions of date labels and storage advice. Different food categories elicited different behaviours: date labels on lower-risk categories (Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery, or Packaged & Processed Food) were often ignored. In these categories, consumers relied on sensory evaluation (self-test) to determine edibility and freshness of the food. In contrast, date labels on higher-risk categories (Dairy & Eggs or Meat & Seafood) were followed more closely.
Many consumers theoretically understood the difference between “Use by” and “Best before” date
labels. However, practically, they were often treated the same, with food being disposed of when it reached either date. Storage advice was often interpreted as vague and unclear. Consumers wanted more information about how to extend the product’s shelf life through freezing.
There is a need for clearer date labels and storage advice to assist consumers in reducing food waste.</p
Cognition and curiosity:Strategies for firms to recruit curious employees
No full textCuriosity has long been touted as important for the ability to learn and has been linked with innovation and entrepreneurship. It is also important that employers know how to identify curious potential employees in cost-effective ways during recruitment processes. This paper explores the association between curiosity and cognitive ability. Recruitment processes rely heavily on educational attainment, especially when recruiting young people with low labour market experience. This paper explores the association between curiosity and maths, science, and reading ability in youth. Using six waves of data from the 2003, 2006, and 2009 cohorts of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth, we examine the extent to which the curiosity of young adults is associated with their school-age cognition level. We find that curious individuals are more likely to have had higher levels of science and reading ability in school, yet curiosity is negatively associated with school-age mathematics ability. These findings provide clear strategies for employers wanting to recruit curious employees without access to expensive profiling techniques
Promotion of an Algorithm-Based Tool for Pregnancy Prevention by Instagram Influencers
No full textObjective: Despite growing concerns that some digital algorithm-reliant fertility awareness-based methods of pregnancy prevention are marketed in an inaccurate, opaque, and potentially harmful manner online, there has been limited systematic examination of such marketing practices. This article therefore provides an empirical examination of how social media influencers have promoted the fertility tracking tool Daysy on Instagram. We investigate: (1) how the tool is framed in relation to pregnancy prevention using Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, and (2) the promotional and disclosure practices adopted by influencers. Materials and Methods: We collected Instagram posts mentioning Daysy made between June 2018 and May 2022 using the tool CrowdTangle. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, we coded a random sample of 400 Daysy posts. This yielded 122 Instagram influencer posts promoting Daysy for pregnancy prevention that we coded for promotional content and HBM constructs. Results: Posts originated primarily from Europe (n = 62, 50.82%) and the United States (n = 37, 30.33%). Findings indicate that barriers to use (n = 18, 15.57%) and the severity of risks from unplanned pregnancy (n = 8, 6.56%) were rarely conveyed, whereas benefits of use (n = 122, 100%) and the severity of risks of hormonal contraception (n = 31, 25.41%) were covered more extensively. Only about one third of posts disclosed any formal relationship to the brand Daysy. Conclusions: With many posts emphasizing benefits and obscuring potential limitations, we argue that accurate and transparent information about the effectiveness and limitations of fertility tracking technologies is critical for supporting informed decision-making and, as such, should remain a public health priority