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Digital Twin Apartment Housing: Build To Rent Pilot Study A
No full textDigital twin (DT) technologies—dynamic digital replicas of physical assets—are gaining traction globally as part of the transition to Industry 4.0. Yet the acceleration of digital twin discourse has far outpaced critical understanding of how these technologies are being designed and used. Much existing work remains techno-centric, driven by engineering, computer-science and industry framings that treat digital twins as purely technical systems. In the housing sector, this oversight is stark. Despite bold claims about productivity and sustainability gains, no systematic empirical research examines how digital twins are reconfiguring housing delivery, investment and management, nor its impacts, including for households. This pilot study begins to address that gap by developing a socio-technical approach to digital twin adoption in Australia’s Build to rent (BTR) housing sector. A socio-technical perspective understands digital twins not as neutral digital infrastructures but as governance instruments. Technical accounts of digital twin typically define the physical-digital link in purely technical terms: as a matter of data flow, privileging fidelity and efficiency. Yet this relationship is profoundly social, shaped by human values, institutional incentives and power relations that determine what is modelled, measured and acted upon. Drawing on platform urbanism scholarship, this study understands digitalisation processes as techno-political endeavours of value creation and extraction, with uncertain consequences. Here, digital twins are conceptualised as rule-based platforms embedded in material and institutional settings that mobilise data to produce and extract value. Associated data practices are treated as context-contingent negotiations in which expertise is mobilised to produce value, govern access, and sustain accumulation. Together with digital twin best practice Gemini Principles (Bolton et al 2019) and ANZLIC’s (2019) Principles for Spatially Enabled Digital Twins, these concepts provide the foundation for examining digital twins as value-laden systems in which data practices enable new forms of coordination, prediction and control in housing delivery and management, while constraining alternative ways of knowing, valuing and governing the home. It is an approach that can expose the social and political stakes of digitalisation: how housing’s material and institutional futures are being redefined through data-driven logics of optimisation and value creation.BTR provides an ideal case site: its long-term asset ownership, lifecycle performance focus, and data-rich management practices make it a leading testbed for digital innovation. Building on the author’s Australian Research Council DECRA project and drawing on new qualitative data with BTR developers, operators and technology consultants, the study explores how expertise, organisational priorities and institutional norms shape the design, adoption and perceived value of digital twins. While detailed findings will be presented in Part B (forthcoming), Part A delivers a robust socio-technical framework and methodology to guide future digital twin housing research and policy. It details digital twins’ technical lineage, deployment frameworks and conceptual tensions and provides a curated set of resources to contextualise digital twin adoption. This establishes the theoretical, analytical and practice foundations for understanding how these technologies are reshaping housing delivery and governance in this growing housing submarket.This pilot makes the case for expanded socio-technical inquiry into digital twin housing. Technical innovation alone cannot deliver the public good outcomes now promised. Understanding the socio-technical dynamics behind digital twin systems is essential. Embedding socio-technical analysis into design, governance and evaluation can help de-risk implementation: it can help guard against ‘optimisations’ centred on narrow commercial metrics, and it can help align digital innovation with public-interest goals of affordability, liveability, and decarbonisation. This study provides a foundation for a sector-specific digital maturation roadmap that advances beyond Industry 4.0’s tech-centric paradigm toward an Industry 5.0 model grounded in human-centred, ethical and socially responsible technological innovation. By establishing the conceptual framework and methodological foundations for this analysis, the pilot lays the groundwork for a larger research program and future policy collaborations aimed at shaping a fairer, more sustainable digital future for housing.</p
700 Series
No full textThree films that capture a motorbike trip through HCMC. Original unedited footage.</p
Serial systemic immune inflammation indices: markers of acute migraine events or indicators of persistent inflammatory status?
No full textMigraine is the most common complex neurological disorder, affecting over a billion people worldwide. Neurogenic inflammation has long been recognized as a key factor in the pathophysiology of migraine though little research has been directed to investigating whether inflammation is greatest in migraine with aura or without, and whether inflammation is a permanent state in migraine or whether is an event related transitory state. Thus, the primary aim of this single-centre, retrospective study was to explore the potential clinical utility of the Serial Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Indices (SSIIi) as a comparative measure of duration and severity of inflammation derived from routine blood cell counts in migraine patients with aura and no-aura both within an acute inpatient setting and as outpatients. Specifically, we assessed the role of two serial white blood cell counts to calculate the SSIIi using the formula: neutrophil count x platelet count/lymphocyte count) between aura and no-aura migraine patients at time of admission to a tertiary care centre in Melbourne, Australia, and following 24 h post admission versus comparable serial measures in 20 out patients with migraine and ongoing symptoms.Main bodyA retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records using baseline demographics and brain imaging findings from 186 migraine hospitalized in-patients who had at least two sets of white blood cell counts drawn within 24 h following their admission to the emergency department of Western Health a tertiary care center in Melbourne, Australia, over an 18-month period. Patients were categorized as having migraine with aura (MA) (N = 67) or without aura (MO) (N = 119) according to ICHD-3 criteria and compared to 2 serial measures in stable in-community acute migraineur controls (N = 20). A mixed-design ANOVA showed a significant main effect of SSIIi between patients with migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) during acute inpatient presentation, in comparison to a convenience sample of outpatients with migraine (MA and MO).ConclusionSSIIi levels were significantly lower in patients with migraine with aura (MA), compared to MO. MA showed a greater, though non-significant, decrease between the two measurements compared to those with migraine without aura (MO) and outpatient controls, whose SSIIi levels remained consistently higher. The control group displayed similar findings to MO inpatients, suggesting persistent systemic inflammation in a subset of migraine patients regardless of in patient or outpatient of presentation and highlighting the need for future studies to more rigorously evaluate the role of systemic inflammation in migraine pathophysiology, chronicity, and progression though the multiple phases of migraine including the interictal phase.</p
Global resurgence of tularemia: Challenges and strategic public health imperatives
No full textTularemia, a zoonotic infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis, continues its global concerning resurgence into 2025. From March 2024 to January 2025, 114 confirmed cases have been reported in Castile and León, Spain. In the U.S., 220 cases were recorded in 2024, with 15 additional cases confirmed as of May 10, 2025. Notable outbreaks across Europe resurfaced, including 117 cases and one death in Austria. These outbreaks reflect the growing geographic spread of the disease and underline the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and prevention measures.</p
Proinflammatory Cytokines in Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Their Management
No full textPulmonary homeostasis can be agitated either by external environmental insults or endogenous factors produced during respiratory/pulmonary diseases. The lungs counter these insults by initiating mechanisms of inflammation as a localized, non-specific first-line defense response. Cytokines are small signaling glycoprotein molecules that control the immune response. They are formed by numerous categories of cell types and induce the movement, growth, differentiation, and death of cells. During respiratory diseases, multiple proinflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in orchestrating chronic inflammation and structural changes in the respiratory tract by recruiting inflammatory cells and maintaining the release of growth factors to maintain inflammation. The issue aggravates when the inflammatory response is exaggerated and/or cytokine production becomes dysregulated. In such instances, unresolving and chronic inflammatory reactions and cytokine production accelerate airway remodeling and maladaptive outcomes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines generate these deleterious consequences through interactions with receptors, which in turn initiate a signal in the cell, triggering a response. The cytokine profile and inflammatory cascade seen in different pulmonary diseases vary and have become fundamental targets for advancement in new therapeutic strategies for lung diseases. There are considerable therapeutic approaches that target cytokine-mediated inflammation in pulmonary diseases; however, blocking specific cytokines may not contribute to clinical benefit. Alternatively, broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory approaches are more likely to be clinically effective. Herein, this comprehensive review of the literature identifies various cytokines (e.g., interleukins, chemokines, and growth factors) involved in pulmonary inflammation and the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary, lung cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis) and investigates targeted therapeutic treatment approaches.</p
The emergence of oropouche fever: A potential new threat?
No full textOropouche fever, caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV), has become a significant public health concern. Recent outbreaks highlight its increasing global spread, driven by environmental, social, and ecological factors. The disease presents clinical similarities to other arboviral infections, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective management and prevention. This article examines the epidemiological patterns of Oropouche fever, including its geographic distribution and outbreak drivers. It explores the clinical manifestations of the disease, focusing on common symptoms, complications such as fatal cases and fetal abnormalities, and the necessity of differential diagnosis. The pathophysiology of OROV infection is analyzed, detailing viral entry mechanisms, immune responses, and the role of vectors in transmission. Additionally, we assess diagnostic challenges, comparing serological and molecular methods while identifying their limitations. Therapeutic strategies are also reviewed, including symptomatic treatments and potential antiviral candidates. Findings indicate that OROV infections mimic other arboviral diseases, complicating clinical diagnosis. Current diagnostic tools have limitations in accuracy and accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. Symptomatic treatment remains the primary approach, as no specific antiviral therapies or vaccines exist. The study identifies gaps in diagnostic development, vaccine research, and public health surveillance. Oropouche fever threatens global health, necessitating improved surveillance, diagnostic tools, and targeted research efforts. Enhancing epidemiological studies and developing effective vaccines will mitigate its impact. Strengthening public health strategies can help control the spread of OROV and reduce its burden on affected populations.</p
Electrochemical Study of Interfacial Process in Sensing, Catalysis, and Corrosion Applications
No full textThis thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the application of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) as a versatile, non-destructive technique to probe interfacial electrochemical phenomena across three critical domains: biosensing, electrocatalytic water splitting, and corrosion protection. In the biosensing component, gold nanoparticle-modified plastic chip electrodes were functionalized with self-assembled monolayers to enable impedimetric detection of adrenaline and CXCL10 protein with high sensitivity and specificity. A clear structure–property–performance relationship was established, where nanoparticle morphology and immobilization chemistry improved electron transfer kinetics and enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. For electrocatalysis, novel hydrogen and oxygen evolution catalysts—including MOF-derived core–shell structures and nickel–cerium composites—were fabricated and evaluated using EIS, which provided key kinetic parameters such as charge transfer resistance (Rct) and double layer capacitance (Cdl), offering insights into catalytic performance and structure-function relationships. In corrosion studies, natural green inhibitors derived from garlic and onion were applied via rubbing, squeezing, and sublimation methods onto metal substrates. EIS was employed to monitor polarization resistance (Rp), film integrity, and diffusion behavior, revealing superior film performance on copper and the mechanistic role of sulfur-containing species. Across all systems, EIS proved invaluable for real-time analysis of interfacial dynamics, demonstrating its power to guide material design and advance sustainable electrochemical technologies. By systematically linking structure, property, and performance, it highlights the role of EIS in guiding material development, elucidating interfacial phenomena, and advancing sustainable solutions in sensing, catalysis, and corrosion protection.</p
HIV Transcriptional Regulation in the Brain of Virally Suppressed PWH
No full textApproximately 40 million people live with HIV (PWH) globally. Although antiretroviral therapy effectively suppresses plasma viral loads, treatment interruption leads to rapid viral rebound due to the persistence of HIV reservoirs. These reservoirs are distributed across anatomical compartments including the blood, gastrointestinal tract, lymphoid tissue, and the central nervous system. This thesis focuses on the HIV reservoir within the brain, which remains poorly defined during viral suppression but may contribute to neurocognitive disorders that affect >20% of virally suppressed people with HIV. The aim of this thesis was to quantify and characterise the persistence and impact of HIV DNA and RNA within the brain of ART-suppressed PWH.
HIV DNA was quantified in post-mortem frontal cortex brain tissue of virally suppressed (n=16) and non-virally suppressed (n=17) PWH at similar levels using droplet digital PCR. Both intact and defective proviruses were identified using the intact proviral DNA assay, with intact HIV proviruses detected in 12/16 virally suppressed PWH and 14/17 non-virally suppressed PWH. Defective proviruses were identified in all individuals, comprised ~87% of total genomes identified and were associated with increased Mx1 expression in myeloid cells. Together, these findings confirm that ART does not eliminate brain reservoirs, which may contribute to ongoing neuroinflammation.
To evaluate whether the HIV reservoir within the brain is capable of initiating viral transcription, HIV long terminal repeats (LTRs) were isolated from frontal cortex brain and matched peripheral tissue of virally suppressed PWH (n=5). HIV LTR sequences were phylogenetically similar between brain and peripheral compartments, and identical sequences were identified in both compartments in 2/5 PWH. Common mutations were observed in key transcription factor binding sites, including Sp1, NF-кB and C/EBP, with most variants either maintaining or reducing predictive motif binding. LTRs from both brain and peripheral compartments remained functional and capable of driving basal and Tat activated transcription, indicating that the HIV reservoir within the brain is capable of initiating transcription.
Next, to determine if viral transcripts were actively being produced during viral suppression, HIV TAR, Long-LTR, Pol, PolyA and Tat/Rev RNA transcripts were measured in frontal cortex brain tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PWH. HIV RNA transcripts were detected in frontal cortex tissue of all PWH (n=24) regardless of viral suppression with ART, although at lower frequencies than observed in PBMCs. Levels of HIV TAR transcripts in the frontal cortex were similar between virally suppressed and non-virally suppressed PWH. All assessed HIV transcripts were detected in the frontal cortex of 2/11 virally suppressed and 7/13 non-virally suppressed PWH, demonstrating transcriptional completion and splicing in the brain of a subset of PWH regardless of viral suppression. HIV p24 protein was detected using immunofluorescence in all individuals expressing Tat/Rev transcripts, confirming active viral protein production. HIV RNA was associated with an increased expression of Mx1 within myeloid cells, suggesting that persistent viral transcription may contribute to neuroinflammation.
Together, these findings demonstrate that the brain is a persistent HIV reservoir, containing both intact and defective HIV proviruses that are transcriptionally active during suppressive ART. This activity may drive local neuroinflammation through viral RNA and protein production and contribute to neurological dysfunction. These findings highlight the importance of the brain reservoir and its need for consideration in the development of therapeutic strategies, including the production of transcriptional inhibitors which may decrease neuroinflammation and alleviate neurocognitive disorders.</p
Mushroom Time: Reflections on a Growing Design Practice
No full textThis project reflects on a mycelium-material practice through a practice-based method exploring the developing field of biodesign, and more specifically growing design, within an industrial design context. It reflects on the current state of the mycelium-material industry in relation to practical and conceptual theory relating to biodesign and regenerative design, and touches on more-than-human and relational ways of reflecting on a practice informed by other living organisms.It is increasingly evident that the last 150 years of human activity has caused major disruptions to what were once self-supporting ecologies worldwide (Richardson et al., 2023). Despite global transitions toward increasingly circular economic models, the ability to not just sustain but regenerate the state of our ecologies whilst supporting evolving human needs remains a substantial challenge. The emergent biomanufacturing industry offers strong alternative approaches for many industries. Opting for the use of organic processes instead of chemical, biomanufacturing creates opportunities to decrease ecological burdens through the entire life-cycle of a product (van der Kley et al., 2024).This thesis explores a mycelium-material practice in relation to biomanufacturing methods and approaches that aid in a transition to a regenerative and stable future for the earth. It considers a need for shifted approaches to manufacturing when working with living materials, informing production times, control of outcome, and adds layers of relational consideration to a previously inert process.Informed by reflections of an experimental and bespoke mycelium-centred design practice, and the insights gained from climate literature and ecological philosophy, this thesis frames the concept of Mushroom Time as a conceptual tool to support the evolution of a growing design practice.</p
Experimental Methods for Being-with-Place through Urban Play
No full textThis paper reflects on being-with-place in the context of urban play. By bringing a methodological attention to the situated potentials of play, the paper argues that play is a unique mode of engagement in the world, necessarily unbounded even by its own rules, descriptions, behaviours, methods and events. Through an examination of the moment of inviting play, the paper illustrates how play embodies entanglement - a delicate, open state that is continuously in contact with potential. The experimental methodological exploration involves emplaced fieldwork and movements between the great outdoors and urban environments, reflecting on the connections between these seemingly disparate contexts. This exploration is supported by autophenomenography and autoethnography, as a form of natureculture performance, the paper shares experiential insights into the practice of inviting play in place through the sonic. It presents a model for how fieldwork can be conducted as a form of experiential inflow to inform creative practice in urban play.</p