85000 research outputs found
Sort by
Systematic review protocol for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of non-surgical interventions to prevent diabetes progression in adults with prediabetes
No full textIntroduction
Prediabetes (PD), defined by impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose, represents a growing global health challenge, with a prevalence projected to increase substantially. PD is a critical intervention target because of its high annual progression rate (5–10%) to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Non-surgical interventions (NSIs), particularly lifestyle modifications (LMs) and pharmacological therapies, are the cornerstone of PD management, demonstrating efficacy and cost efficiency over surgical options. However, despite LM’s ability to reduce T2DM incidence by 40–70% in trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, real-world implementation faces barriers, including resource intensity and complex delivery requirements, which increase upfront costs. We aim to review scientific literature reporting on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of NSIs for preventing the progression of PD to T2DM among adults.
Methods and analysis
A comprehensive systematic search will be conducted across major biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) for records published up to July 2024. We will include studies involving adults diagnosed with PD according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or WHO criteria, focusing on LM and pharmacological treatments. Observational and interventional study designs, including economic evaluations, will be considered. Primary outcome: diabetes incidence (ADA or WHO glycaemic criteria). Secondary outcomes: (1) CVD risk factors, (2) health utilities and (3) healthcare cost analyses. The protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015 guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024561294). Data extraction and quality assessment will be performed by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by the consensus of a third reviewer. Data will be narratively synthesised; if the data allow, a meta-analysis will be conducted.
Ethics and dissemination
This systematic review was exempt from ethical approval as it involved no collection of individual patient data and posed no confidentiality risks. The findings will be shared via publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at relevant conferences.
PROSPERO registration number
CRD42024561294.</p
Discrete-Time Sliding Mode Repetitive Control for Servo Motor Systems
No full textThis article proposes a novel discrete-time sliding mode repetitive control (SMRC) for high-precision position tracking in servo motor systems. By integrating the principles of repetitive control (RC) with the robustness of sliding mode control (SMC), this method effectively manages uncertainties and disturbances, thus enhancing stability and tracking accuracy. The approach leverages the robust features of SMC to stabilize the system while utilizing RC to precisely track periodic references and mitigate external disturbances. Through rigorous analytical and simulation studies, the proposed controller demonstrates superior stability and robustness compared to conventional and filtered RC methods. Furthermore, this SMRC framework shows significant potential in augmenting the reliability and accuracy of complex discrete control systems. The effectiveness and advancement of the proposed method are substantiated through experimental tests conducted on a Quanser motor servo system, alongside comparisons with three existing control methods.</p
Fabrication of gel-like sorbents derived from pomelo (Citrus grandis L.) peel powder via an immediate setting emulsion approach
No full textValorisation of pomelo peel into stable, gel-like sorbents through a rapid and robust emulsion-based gelation process at room temperature. This study developed emulsion gel-like sorbents by valorising pomelo peel (Citrus grandis L.) powder enriched with fibres (52.11–59.59%) and antioxidants. The process utilized an emulsion-based gelation approach, where an immiscible oil–water mixture with various oil-to-water ratios (1 : 3, 1 : 1, and 3 : 1) was first blended with a pre-emulsion using high-shear mixing. PP powder (10–40% w/w) with two particle sizes (125 and 250 μm) was then incorporated into the pre-emulsion, where its amphiphilic nature enabled interactions with both the oil and water phases, stabilising the emulsion and promoting gelation. Upon mixing, the PP powder rapidly absorbed the oil and water phases, forming self-sustaining gel-like sorbents within 2 min at room temperature. Comprehensive analyses of their chemical composition, antioxidant properties, texture, rheology, microstructure, and oxidative stability showed that increasing the water phase reduced the amount of PP powder required, softened the sorbents, and enhanced their cohesiveness. Conversely, higher PP concentrations and oil phases increased the gel strength and textural hardness by forming denser structures and altering oil droplet sizes. Stability testing revealed that oil-rich sorbents (3 : 1 oil-to-water ratio) maintained a peroxide value below 4 meq kg −1 , attributed to their low water content and the antioxidant-rich properties of PP powder. This research provides a robust and eco-friendly approach to developing functional and stable PP-based sorbents, with potential applications as fat replacers for creating low-fat food products.</p
Adaptation Game
No full textThe Adaptation Game is an interactive learning tool that helps participants explore climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies through scenario-based gameplay. By using tokens and dice to simulate resources and uncertainty, players collaboratively test decision-making under real-world climate risks.</p
Electroless Ag nanoparticle deposition on TiO2 nanorod arrays, enhancing photocatalytic and antibacterial properties
No full textHypothesis: The small size of the nanoparticles used to obtain high surface area photocatalysts makes their removal from solution difficult. Producing photocatalysts on substrates would alleviate this limitation. Adding heterojunctions to photocatalysts, for example, TiO2/Ag, could improve photocatalytic performance due to Schottky junction formation and introduce antibacterial properties. Experiments: TiO2 nanorod arrays were synthesised on a substrate via a hydrothermal approach, on which Ag nanoparticles were deposited using an electroless plating technique with varied deposition times and metal precursor concentrations. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated by monitoring Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under ultraviolet light and antibacterial properties of the films tested using Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Findings: The Ag nanoparticle content was controlled by the Ag deposition process. The TiO2/Ag nanorod array containing 6.6 atomic% Ag as nanoparticles of ∼ 25 nm in diameter degraded 88 % of the RhB in 6 h compared to 54 % degradation for bare TiO2 nanorods under the same reaction conditions. Decreased photoluminescence with heterojunction formation would indicate electron transfer from the TiO2 into the Ag nanoparticles, thereby reducing charge carrier recombination. The antibacterial test conducted in the dark revealed enhanced performance for the TiO2/Ag sample compared to TiO2 nanorods against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus after 16 h exposure with a death rate of 84 %.</p
Improving coordination of data and actors for disaster-responsive housing and safer communities
No full textAccording to the recent mid-interim report on Australian progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, Australia is not performing well in terms of disaster-related data availability, quality and accessibility due to a ‘fragmented and complex data ecosystem’ (National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA] 2022: 39). This finding is supported by the comprehensive review of disaster data conducted as part of this research. This research shows that although data that can be used to inform disaster risk reduction and prevention is currently available at all levels of government, it is located within different government agencies and private enterprises—often in incompatible formats. Most of the data are shared across a range of platforms, which are not integrated. Moreover, the analysis of the data highlights how the degree of standardisation and the quality of datasets change according to the hazard considered—for this research: cyclones, floods and bushfires—and depend on jurisdictional institutional arrangements, policies and practices</p
Biomass-based food packaging film of chitosan/flavonoids/silver nanoparticle for shelf life extension of food
No full textThe development of biomass-based food packaging materials is of great significance in addressing resource shortage and environmental pollution. In this work, flavonoids (FLA) were extracted from hemp by solvent extraction method and cross-linked with chitosan (CS) by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. The two biomass materials synergistically reduced silver ions to prepare CS/FLA@AgNPs films. The morphology and structure of the prepared films were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, XPS. The CS/FLA@AgNPs films demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity (antibacterial rate of 100 % against S.aureus andagainst E.coli after 10 min contact), antioxidant property (free radical scavenging rate of DPPH 14.5 %), and ultraviolet shielding property (18 % UPF and 7.3 % UVA). The prepared film was demonstrated in strawberry preservation, and it significantly extended the shelf life of fruits with good maintenance of their quality. This work provides a new solution for green food packaging, contributing to sustainable development of packaging materials.</p
Recovery is more than the absence of crisis: Women In Work Rebuilding lives after family violence
No full textIn July 2024, Good Samaritan Inn (GSI) contracted social work researchers from the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University to request research and evaluation of their Women in Work (WIW) program. The aim of the project was twofold. The first, to determine elements of good practice in domestic and family violence (DFV) recovery employment programs supporting women to recover and gain economic security following DFV. The second aim was to evaluate WIW to determine how best to retain the integrity, uniqueness and attributes of the program in any expansion moving forward. The work was guided by the research question: ‘What is best practice for trauma-informed employment and coaching programs for women, recovering from domestic and family violence?’ In keeping with GSI’s vision of supporting and advocating for women to feel safe, empowered and take control of their lives, the methodology for this research included a literature review of international and Australian evidence and a total of 20 interviews with a collection of different stakeholders relevant to the program. The interviews comprised of seven women who have been - or currently are - supported by WIW, eight DFV workers from external specialist DFV agencies who work alongside the program, case managing and referring women, one employer stakeholder and four GSI WIW workers. It was important from the beginning of the project for the voices and wisdom of the women participants to be prioritised. The reflections and experiences of the women, alongside their cultural backgrounds and diverse family formations offered significant and nuanced insights into the systemic barriers they face and their hopes for sustainable recovery. These reflections were used to inform and guide the questions and discussions for other interviewees.</p
Silent Strength: The Social Support of Mental Health Nurses
No full textMental health nurses (MHNs) face unique occupational challenges, including high emotional demands, frequent exposure to workplace violence, and risk of burnout. Social support is widely recognised as a protective factor that can enhance well‐being and job satisfaction in this high‐stress profession. In this research, social support is defined as the emotional, informational, and instrumental assistance that MHNs receive from interpersonal relationships in the workplace, such as from colleagues, immediate supervisors, and informal peer networks. HR support or organisational support, by contrast, refers to formal structures and resources provided by the organisation itself. Despite this, little is known about MHNs' perceptions of the availability, accessibility, and value of social support within their workplace settings. This qualitative study explored the perceived levels and effects of social support among MHNs using semi‐structured interviews. Six MHNs were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted online, transcribed, and analysed thematically to identify common patterns and variations in participants' experiences. Thematic analysis identified five key themes: agency in seeking support, forming alliances, the informal nature of support, its varying availability, and the necessity of support to sustain a career in MHN. Peer support was described as essential, informal, and self‐initiated, while formal organisational support was often viewed as lacking. Digital platforms emerged as supplementary sources. The findings underscore social support's crucial role in MHNs resilience and well‐being, and highlight the need for healthcare organisations to strengthen both informal and formal support structures to improve job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and promote retention.</p
The Ties That Bind: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Assistive Technology Transfer in Brazil
No full textThis thesis investigates the interaction among key innovation actors - government, industry, and academia - under the Living Without Limit scheme and its impact on the outcomes of the Assistive Technology (AT) policy. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with policymakers, industry representatives, and academic researchers, along with quantitative analysis of policy outcome data. Through a detailed examination of collaborative initiatives, funding mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and assistive technology transfer (ATT) processes, the research identifies the synergies and challenges that characterize the tripartite relationship. The findings reveal that effective collaboration among these actors significantly enhances the development and deployment of innovative assistive technologies through ATT processes, ultimately improving accessibility and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. However, the study also highlights areas where misalignment and communication gaps hinder AT policy effectiveness. Recommendations are provided for fostering a more cohesive and integrated approach to innovation in the AT sector, ensuring sustained progress and greater societal impact. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how multi-stakeholder engagement and technology transfer processes shape policy outcomes in the field of assistive technology.</p