50716 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparative analysis of beam models for vertical rail vibrations under dynamic forces
No full textAn analytical model of the rails of ballasted railway track subjected to the dynamic loads are developed to study forced vertical vibration. In this work, the two rails are modelled as infinite uniform beams posed on a system of periodical supports with the help of Timoshenko beam theory. Besides, each support is considered as a beam posed on a visco-elastic foundation. A linear relation between the sleeper displacement at the crossing-points with two rails and the two reaction forces is established via the Green's function in the frequency domain. In other words, the mechanical behaviour of the support can be written as a spring with an equivalent stiffness. By replacing this relation into the periodically supported rail models, the forced vertical vibrations of two rails are obtained analytically. This analytical model allows calculate rapidly the rail responses in different load, especially in the non-symmetric configuration. In addition, the comparison of rail responses calculated by two beam models are investigated. This work concerns the study of peaks resonances of the frequency responses functions which is useful to understand the excitations of rolling noise.</p
Effects of retinopathy of prematurity and preterm birth on childhood visual outcomes
No full textClinical relevance: Late-childhood visual outcomes in children born preterm, with or without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), are not well understood, limiting the opportunities for preventative and early interventions. Background: This observational study investigated how ROP and preterm birth may affect late-childhood visual outcomes. Methods: Children born at gestational age <30 weeks or birth weight <1250 grams and screened for ROP, and at full-term (gestational age ≥ 37 weeks) were assessed at 8–10 years corrected age. The primary outcome, favourable overall visual outcome (good presenting vision in the better eye [≤0.30 logMAR], no strabismus, passing stereoacuity, not requiring spectacles), and other outcomes were compared using generalised linear regression models. Results: The study included 111 children (ROP n = 47 [stages: 1 = 23, 2 = 19, 3 = 4, 4 or worse = 1; 3 laser photocoagulation treatment]; preterm birth and no ROP n = 17; and term n = 37), aged 8.9 (interquartile range 8.6, 9.4) years. There were no significant differences in favourable overall visual outcome (composite measure) between the groups (ROP, 21/44 (48%); preterm birth and no ROP, 8/14 (57%); term, 20/32 (63%); p = 0.43). Children with ROP had shorter axial length (p = 0.01) and steeper corneal curvature (p = 0.001) than the term group; both preterm groups had thicker central retinas than the term group (p < 0.0001). The term group had better visuomotor integration scores than the ROP group (p = 0.01). No group differences in global motion or electrophysiology were observed. Conclusion: In this small observational cohort, children with mainly mild ROP had similar visual outcomes to children born preterm without ROP and at full-term but remain at risk of reduced visuomotor integration in late childhood. Children born preterm are at risk of ocular structural changes, but further investigation is required to understand the long-term implications.</p
Protecting children from tobacco products in retail environments: A review of Australian tobacco control laws
No full textIssuesTobacco retailing remains highly prevalent in Australia and so represents a potential source of exposure to tobacco marketing for children, despite national laws that restrict tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. This study sought to answer the question of how comprehensively the current Australian regulatory framework protects children from potential exposure to tobacco marketing in retail settings.ApproachWe reviewed and summarised Australian tobacco control laws (federal, state and territory) for provisions related to protecting children from supply or advertising/promotion of tobacco products in retail settings. We analysed the laws for differences between jurisdictions and considered how comprehensively they protect children from exposure to tobacco product marketing in retail environments.Key FindingsWe found several gaps in the laws that leave children exposed to tobacco product marketing in retail environments. For example, some jurisdictions allow children to sell tobacco products and some do not undertake controlled purchase operations to monitor compliance. No jurisdiction currently restricts the location or number of tobacco retailers, or the types of retailers who can sell tobacco (including toy stores).ImplicationsThere are opportunities to strengthen tobacco retailing regulations in Australia to better distinguish tobacco from everyday consumer products and to protect children from tobacco marketing in retail environments.ConclusionsEven in countries with strong tobacco advertising and promotion restrictions, such as Australia, weaknesses in tobacco laws leave children exposed to tobacco product retailing in ways that normalises tobacco product sales and use. Tobacco retailing laws should be strengthened to denormalise commercial tobacco products
Teaching computer-based writing: primary teachers’ preparation, self-efficacy, and instructional practices
Get PDFIn the digital age, skilful computer-based writing is essential for school aged children since it empowers them to communicate, acquire knowledge, critically engage with information, and produce text-based original thoughts. However, there is a lack of studies examining teachers’ preparation and self-efficacy for supporting students in developing computer-based writing skills and instructional practices implemented in primary classrooms. In the current study, 340 primary teachers (Grades 1–6) from across Australian states completed a survey about the computer-based writing instruction provided in their classrooms. While results showed that teachers found it was important to teach computer-based writing skills, most respondents reported allocating only 57 min per week for computer-based writing practice in their classrooms. Teachers reported allocating little time for teaching keyboarding and word processing skills, and few teachers reported teaching strategies for planning and revising computer-generated texts. Most respondents reported not having received formal training to teach computer-based writing and that they felt little confidence to teach students how to create texts using digital devices. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that teachers’ preparation and self-efficacy to teach computer-based writing skills made a unique contribution in explaining their reported instructional practices. Current findings are discussed considering the critical importance of developing students’ computer-based writing skills essential for navigating in the digital age
Optimising transcranial direct current stimulation application for the enhancement of exercise performance:a review
Get PDFTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown potential in enhancing performance across a range of exercise types. However, the variability in its effectiveness suggests that outcomes may be contingent on how stimulation is applied. This review evaluates the current evidence surrounding the optimisation of tDCS for performance enhancement, focusing on individual stimulation parameters; timing, intensity, current density, montage, and electrode configuration, and their interactions. We highlight how modifications in these dose components can produce non-linear and sometimes paradoxical effects on corticospinal excitability, the primary mechanistic rationale proposed for tDCS-related performance gains. Evidence suggests that online vs offline stimulation, session duration, dual-dosing protocols, and extracephalic or high-definition montages can all substantially influence psychophysiological outcomes, though findings remain inconsistent. Through the review, we identify significant gaps in comparative data and cautions against assumptions that increased stimulation intensity or duration equates to improved performance. We critique the reliance on outdated methodologies including the use the 10–20 EEG system, and conclude by providing practical recommendations for future research, calling for systematic investigations of dose interactions, protocol standardisation, and direct comparisons of novel and established tDCS methods. These steps are necessary to utilise tDCS to its full potential in the context of exercise performance.</p
The Effect of Consuming Caffeine Before Late Afternoon/Evening Training or Competition on Sleep:A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
No full textMany athletes consume caffeine before late afternoon/evening training sessions or competition, yet the impact on subsequent sleep remains unclear. This systematic review with meta-analysis examined the effects of late afternoon/evening caffeine consumption on sleep in athletes. Ten studies (n = 128 athletes) involving randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs were included if caffeine was consumed prior to late afternoon/evening training and subsequent sleep was measured. Meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines with risk of bias assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials revealed a small reduction in sleep efficiency with evening caffeine consumption: mean difference −4.87%, 95% CI −7.45 to −2.29, p = 0.04, though this effect was not robust in leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Total sleep time showed a non-significant trend toward reduction: mean difference −32.47 min, 95% CI −69.93 to 4.99, p = 0.08, I2 = 0%. Athletes consistently reported substantial subjective sleep impairment following evening caffeine intake (3–6 mg/kg BM), creating a pronounced objective–subjective disconnect. The most notable finding is that athletes consistently perceive substantial sleep disruption despite inconsistent objective changes, highlighting the importance of subjective sleep experience in athletic populations. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the small number of studies and predominance of male participants, limiting generalisability.</p
A systematic review and meta-analysis of Plasmodium infections and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in relation to disease severity
No full textBACKGROUND: Given the global burden of malaria and its impact on public health, there is a pressing need to understand the role of routine hematological parameters, particularly erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), in malaria diagnosis and prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively examine the differences in ESR between malaria patients and non-malarial controls, as well as between severe and non-severe malaria cases.METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023482332). Comprehensive searches were conducted in ProQuest, Embase, Ovid, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to July 1, 2025, using terms related to "erythrocyte sedimentation rate" and "malaria." Studies were included if they reported ESR levels in malaria patients compared to non-malarial controls, or in severe versus non-severe malaria cases. Non-original studies, those without extractable ESR data, or those lacking appropriate comparison groups were excluded. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) in ESR levels between groups. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic, and further explored through meta-regression, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.RESULTS: The review identified 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis revealed that a majority of these studies, which employed various research designs, consistently observed elevated ESR in symptomatic malaria cases across different populations and age groups. The meta-analysis confirmed significantly higher ESR levels in malaria patients than non-malarial controls (P = 0.0171, SMD: 3.0037, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5347-5.4726, random effects model, I 2 = 97.3%, 11 studies). However, a significant publication bias was detected (Egger's test, P = 0.005), suggesting that the pooled estimates may be influenced by selective reporting. The meta-analysis also demonstrated that severe malaria cases have higher ESR levels compared to non-severe cases (P = 0.0014, SMD: 2.2556, 95% CI: 0.8759-3.6354, random effects model, I²: 96.1%, 4 studies). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that elevated ESR is frequently reported in malaria patients and may be more pronounced in severe cases. However, the very high between-study heterogeneity and the presence of publication bias limit confidence in the robustness of these associations. While ESR may hold potential as a supportive diagnostic or prognostic marker when combined with other clinical and laboratory parameters, its independent utility in malaria remains uncertain and requires further investigation.</p
A qualitative investigation into the challenges and support needs of Baptist pastors in Australia
No full textA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews analyzed with a phenomenological perspective explored the challenges faced by 10 Baptist pastors from a range of geographical and socioeconomic locations throughout Australia about their roles and sources of support. Four main challenges faced by pastors in their roles were: conflict in the church, setting boundaries, vicarious trauma, and living authentically. Three primary sources of support that pastors valued were: mentors, peers, and wives. Possible markers were identified for which churches might be more difficult to pastor, and suggestions given for how denominational support resources might be targeted.</p
‘I Think That Is a Big Step From Here to There’:Exploring the Views of Service Providers About Delivering Drug- and Alcohol-Related Health Services to Aboriginal People in Rural New South Wales
No full textIntroduction: The higher rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related harms in rural compared to metropolitan areas demonstrate the need for consideration of rural AOD health service delivery. We aim to explore the experiences of health service providers around delivering AOD services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter, Aboriginal) people in rural New South Wales (NSW) and opportunities to optimise services. Methods: Open-ended, semi-structured interviews or written responses were conducted with 18 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal service providers at Aboriginal community-controlled health services, mainstream services or experts who work with Aboriginal people around AOD in rural NSW. Data were thematically analysed, led by an Aboriginal researcher. Results: Five themes were identified: (i) the role of family and community; (ii) the role of health services (particularly Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services) in building cultural connections with clients; (iii) inconsistent referral and communication procedures impact the continuity of care; (iv) difficulties hiring, training and retaining Aboriginal workers; and (v) the role of technology in enhancing service access. Discussion and Conclusions: Key opportunities to improve the delivery of health service to Aboriginal people in rural NSW include programmes to drive culturally meaningful care, in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal services, systemic changes to increase access to AOD training among Aboriginal workers, and better remuneration. Shared clinical records and telehealth may enhance service delivery by increasing service access and referral processes; however, Aboriginal community leadership and cultural safety are crucial for safe design and delivery.</p
In vivo six degrees of freedom kinematics during step ascent in three total knee arthroplasty designs:A randomised clinical trial
No full textBackground: Total knee replacement (TKR) is generally successful in alleviating joint pain, and restoring function, however, select patients experience continuing discomfort and unsatisfactory functional outcomes postoperatively. These deficits are particularly evident in highly demanding activities such as a step-up motion. The aim of this study was to compare the six degrees of freedom kinematics of three common TKR designs during step-up. Methods: Sixty-eight participants were randomised to receive one of three TKR implants: cruciate-retaining fixed bearing (CR-FB), cruciate-retaining rotating platform (CR-RP) or posterior-stabilised fixed bearing (PS-FB). Participants performed a step-up task which was imaged via single-plane fluoroscopy at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Implant models were registered to the fluoroscopy, generating kinematic data. Linear regression models were used to test the effect of implant design on kinematics during step-up. Results: Fifty-four participants were included in the final analysis. Key kinematic findings were that the CR-FB designs started and remained more posterior on the tibia throughout step-up. Furthermore, CR-RP designs consistently demonstrated greater degrees of external femoral rotation. Interestingly, there were no differences in rotation or translation between designs. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there may be kinematic advantages when selecting a particular implant design. However, the CR-FB design demonstrated unique kinematics which may favour a more efficient step-up. Further investigation of the relative biomechanical efficiency of the CR-FB implant would be an interesting next step in this research.</p