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Short-Term Exposure to Second Language Apps Modulates Brain Responses in Preschoolers
No full textPrevious research showed that short-term second language training modulates children's brain responses to language processing. However, little is known about whether short-term training from language-immersion apps would have the same effect on young children's neural processing of a newly learnt language. We examined the auditory event-related potentials generated by two groups of 3- to 5-year-old children (total N = 32; 14 male, 18 female; mean age = 49.6 months, SD = 6.0 months), in response to known and unknown non-native language words. The ‘known’ word stimuli were previously exposed to the children via either the ELLA language immersion applications (‘ELLA’ group) or flash cards (‘FLASH’ group). Electroencephalography data were analysed within early (200–300 ms) and late (400–600 and 600–800 ms) time-windows, to determine the main and interaction effects of group (ELLA vs. FLASH) and condition (KNOWN vs. UNKNOWN). We found that the early positive potential (of both groups) for the known words was significantly larger than that for the unknown words. Further, the early negative potential of the apps group was significantly larger than that of the flash card group. Our study showed that short-term training with language-immersion apps modulates language processing in preschool children's brains differently compared to digital flash cards.</p
Western Australian Cultural and Creative Activity: Contribution to state product and industry value add:Briefing Paper
Get PDFThis paper presents estimates of cultural and creative activity value add and gross state product for all of WA and for 14 creative domains. While these estimates follow methods developed by Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research (BCARR) in its 2024 refresh of the cultural and creative satellite accounts originally developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), we also include results for Computer Systems Design in order to capture the full extent of the value of creative work in WA.Some caution should be used in interpreting the statistics reported here. These are estimates calculated by our UC research team, based on estimates calculated by the FootprintLab (developed in collaboration with the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The trends and relative comparisons presented here are highly informative and are the most important findings. We recommend avoiding any emphasis of standalone numbers taken out of the context of trend and comparative analysis
Understanding the unique goals of complex support clients accessing alcohol and other drug treatment
No full textBackground: Actively involving clients of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services in selecting their own treatment goals may help to align clients’ and service providers’ expectations of treatment and improve engagement with services. This study explored the type and frequency of client-selected treatment goals; self-reported progress towards their goals; client and clinician views of their progress, and the acceptability of selecting and tracking goals in a non-residential AOD treatment provider in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: A mixed method study was conducted. Clients selected their goals during AOD treatment then self-rated their progress towards goals using the validated 11-point goal-based outcome (GBO) rating tool. Qualitative interviews were conducted with clients and clinicians. Mean GBO ratings were reported for each timepoint. Goals were thematically analysed to identify type, then descriptively analysed to identify frequency. Interviews were thematically analysed by one researcher and reviewed by a second. Results: Among the 22 clients who completed the GBO at least once, the median number of self-identified goals was 3. The most common goals included: (1) managing mental health and (2) developing strategies to prevent relapse and manage AOD cravings. Most participants reported improvements in their selected goals; there were no participants who reported lower GBO scores at the second timepoint compared to the first. Qualitative themes demonstrate that while the GBO approach provided clarity for clients, was acceptable to clients and clinicians, and considered client expectations of treatment, the approach was difficult for those with limited literacy and reflexive thinking. Those experiencing lapse or relapse reported the linear GBO rating approach was potentially demotivating. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that a goals-based outcome approach can promote shared decision-making between client and clinicians about treatment goals which are valued by clients. Service providers should be aware of potential complexity of recalling selected goals and completing ratings particularly among clients with co-occurring mental illness and memory impairment. Goals that are time-specific, realistic and relevant should be prioritised to minimise risks of demotivation arising from non-linear progress towards goals.</p
Unmasking persuasion in phishing:a content analysis of principles of persuasion in emails and subject lines
No full textPurpose This study aims to identify and analyse the persuasive principles employed in phishing emails through a detailed content analysis of both email subject lines and entire email contents. It investigates how these persuasion principles differ between subject lines and full email content, examines trends in their use over time and identifies common combinations of persuasion strategies used by attackers. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 200 phishing email samples selected systematically over a ten-year period from the phishing database. The analysis employed NVivo software, guided by the Principles of Human Persuasion in Social Engineering framework proposed by Ferreira and Teles (2019). This framework facilitated systematic coding based on five main principles (Authority, Social Proof, Deception, Distraction and Integrity) and their sub-principles. Findings The analysis revealed distinct differences in the application of persuasion principles between email subject lines and entire email contents. Subject lines predominantly employed Authority and Distraction to elicit immediate responses, while full email content relied more heavily on Deception, Distraction, Integrity and Reciprocation to construct convincing narratives. Trends indicated an evolving strategic shift among attackers, highlighting increased usage of Deception and decreased reliance on Authority over time. Additionally, the most frequent combinations identified were Authority with Distraction for subject lines, and Deception with Distraction and Integrity for entire email contents. Practical implications Findings from this study suggest that phishing detection systems and training programs must be designed with sensitivity to nuanced persuasion techniques. Training should emphasize recognizing subtle persuasive cues in full email narratives in addition to immediate triggers present in subject lines, adapting to evolving phishing methodologies over time. Originality/value Unlike previous studies primarily focused on user vulnerabilities, this research uniquely examines how attackers strategically apply persuasion principles within phishing emails themselves, considering both immediate (subject lines) and extended (email content) engagement. This dual-level, temporally comparative analysis provides deeper insight into the evolution and complexity of phishing tactics, particularly relevant in the era of generative artificial intelligence that minimizes detectable technical errors in phishing communications.</p
Associations between uraemic toxins and gut microbiota in adults initiating peritoneal dialysis
No full textDeclining kidney function contributes to the accumulation of uraemic toxins produced by gut microbiota, leading to the uraemic syndrome. This study aimed to identify associations between uraemic toxins, diet quality, symptoms and the gut microbiota in individuals initiating peritoneal dialysis. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from participants in a longitudinal study was conducted. Symptom scores using the Integrated Palliative Care Outcomes Scale-Renal were recorded. Plasma p-Cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and trimethylamine N-oxide were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Gut microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. Multivariate linear models examined associations across the cohort. Data from 43 participants (mean age 61 ± 13 years; 70% male; median eGFR 7 mL/min/1.73 m 2) were analysed. Diabetes was the primary cause of kidney disease (51.2%). Patients were classified into ‘high’ (n = 18) and ‘low’ (n = 26) uraemic toxin groups using K-means clustering. The ‘high’ group had a lower eGFR (p < 0.05) but no differences in diet quality or symptom scores. Significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed between the groups (p = 0.01). The ‘high’ group had increased Catenibacterium, Prevotella, Clostridia, and decreased Ruminococcus gnavus abundances. Multivariate models identified 32 genera associated with uraemic toxins, including positive associations of Oscillospiraceae UCG-002 and UCG-005 with p-cresyl sulfate, and negative associations with Actinomyces and Enterococcus. Patients with kidney failure initiating peritoneal dialysis have distinct uraemic toxin profiles, associated with differences in microbial diversity. This phenotype was also associated with differences in residual kidney function but not with diet or symptom severity. Longitudinal studies are required to determine causality and guide therapeutic interventions.</p
Reasons and motives for becoming a sport official:an analysis of football, cricket, rugby union and hockey officials’ recruitment
No full textPurpose: To identify primary reasons, motives and recruitment strategies for individuals to become sports officials, focusing on gender, sport, and age of entry comparisons. Methodology: An online survey was completed by 369 active sport officials (predominantly male), ranging in age and experience levels. The survey included officials from soccer (n = 137), cricket (n = 79), hockey (n = 55), rugby union (n = 50), and other sports (n = 48). Findings: Female officials typically begin officiating careers earlier than males. Officials cited motives as love of the game (75.9%), desire to stay involved (66.4%), and curiosity to try something new (29%), as reasons for entering officiating. Younger officials were more likely to be motivated by financial incentives. Key recruitment factors include belief in one’s potential as an official, the need for more officials, and transitioning from an athlete. Practical implications: The findings offer insights for governing bodies, suggesting tailored recruitment strategies aligning with primary motives of officials, such as love of the game and desire to stay involved. Research contributions: This study contributes to the limited existing literature by providing comparative insights into reasons behind sports officials’ recruitment, focusing on gender, sport, and entry age. Originality: This research is the first to examine diverse demographic factors influencing officials’ decisions to enter, and recruitment influences shaping this decision, providing new perspectives on this topic.</p
Integrative Physiological Strategies for Monitoring Demands in Functional Fitness
Get PDFAn integrated physiological model would be useful for monitoring internal load in functional fitness, including formats like CrossFit and Hyrox. Traditional performance metrics often neglect internal strain, energy system engagement, and neuromuscular fatigue, central to these modalities. Oxygen uptake kinetics, metabolic profiling, heart rate and heart rate variability monitoring, and neuromuscular fatigue assessment can be employed for load monitoring. Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake analysis characterizes aerobic activation and recovery. Metabolic stress is estimated via indirect calorimetry and capillary blood lactate to quantify oxidative, glycolytic, and phosphagen contributions. Heart rate is tracked continuously to assess session intensity, while heart rate variability provides insights into autonomic recovery. Neuromuscular fatigue can be assessed via countermovement jump performance, offering sensitive measures of recovery and training tolerance. Portable tools such as the Cosmed K5 ™, Lactate Pro 2, heart rate sensors, and force platforms support real-time monitoring in training and competitions. Rather than advocating for the continuous use of advanced tools, the model promotes strategic integration of high-precision methods for research, and practical, low-cost alternatives (e.g., heart rate monitoring, session rating of perceived exertion, or jump analysis apps) for day-to-day coaching. This approach enables early detection of maladaptation, supports individualized training adjustments, and improves safety and performance outcomes. Ultimately, this framework bridges physiological science and real-world practice, providing value across both applied and research settings. </p
Temperature-dependent differences in male and female life history responses to a period of food limitation during development
No full textWith climate change, animals face both rising temperatures and more variable food availability. Many species have evolved an adaptative response to historic variation in food availability: they grow faster after a period of diet restriction ("compensatory growth"). However, higher temperatures may reduce the capacity for compensatory growth in ectotherms because individuals require more resources to support their increased metabolism. We experimentally tested how higher temperature affects compensatory growth by raising guppies (Poecilia reticulata) at a high or control temperature, and on a normal or temporarily restricted diet during early development. At the control temperature guppies on the restricted diet grew faster once their diet returned to normal. Both sexes showed compensatory growth. At the high temperature, both sexes also increased their growth rates after dietary restriction ended, but the life history outcomes differed. Males at the high temperature matured earlier and were smaller than males reared at the control temperature. In contrast, females at the high temperature matured later and were bigger than females at the control temperature. Our study highlights that males and females can have different responses to the same environmental stressors.</p