50716 research outputs found
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Inundation of different river bank heights influences organic matter concentrations and zooplankton abundance
No full textRegulation and water extraction change flow regimes in lowland rivers, affecting ecosystem functions and wetting patterns of riverbanks. River connectivity to lateral environments is crucial for organic matter cycling and the life cycles of diapausing microinvertebrates. While extreme hydraulic periods (floods and cease-flow) are well-studied, the impact of small to medium flows on riverine carbon flux is less understood. We conducted a mesocosm study to examine litter, nutrient, and zooplankton contributions from different bank heights in the Mehi River, Australia. Sediment from three bank heights (lower, lower + middle, and lower + middle + upper) was added to 1000 L mesocosms. Upper bank heights had more organic matter, leaf litter, and live plant coverage. Sediment from upper and middle banks increased organic carbon and phosphorus concentrations. Zooplankton abundance was higher in treatments with upper bank sediment compared to lower bank sediment. Zooplankton communities varied, with rotifer taxa including Keratella valga and Filinia passa in upper bank treatments. We estimated zooplankton biomass contributions under current regulated hydrology and compared them to a predevelopment scenario without water extraction. Regulation has reduced zooplankton input from banks by about 8.8%. Inundating higher banks increases carbon and microinvertebrate availability for food webs compared to only inundating lower sections. These findings inform effective flow management strategies and highlight how targeted environmental water use can enhance lowland river ecosystem productivity.</p
Learning from Australia: For effective and sustainable education, Indonesia needs co-design
No full textThe article argues that for educational reforms in Indonesia to be effective and sustainable, policy-makers, practitioners, and stakeholders should adopt a “co-design” approach — learning from the Australian experience to ensure collaborative and context-sensitive planning. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, co-design involves teachers, communities, and relevant stakeholders in the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational policy and practice. This participatory model not only builds ownership and relevance but also enhances the likelihood of long-term success and adaptability. Drawing from Australian case studies, the authors emphasise how co-design can reconcile national reform goals with local diversity, fostering equity and responsiveness in Indonesia’s complex educational landscape. The article concludes by advocating that co-design represents a promising pathway for Indonesia to achieve meaningful and enduring educational improvement
Hydration Responses to Pre-Exercise Sodium Hyperhydration at Rest and During Cycling in the Heat and Across Menstrual Cycle Phases
No full text Purpose: This study examined hydration responses to sodium hyperhydration in female athletes at rest and during cycling across the early follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Twelve cyclists/triathletes consumed 30 mL·kg -1 fat-free mass fluid with either sodium chloride (7.5 g·L -1) or placebo (sucrose) 2 h before 75 min of steady-state cycling (60% VO 2peak) and a 200 kJ time trial (TT) in a hot environment (34 °C, 60% RH). Body mass was measured, and urine was collected every 30 min, whilst blood samples were taken hourly pre-exercise, post-steady-state, and post-TT. Results: During pre-exercise, sodium hyperhydration increased fluid retention (509.0 mL, 95% CI: [349.0, 669.0]; p < 0.001), while reducing urine volume (-107.4 [-146.7, -68.1] mL; p < 0.001). During exercise, body mass loss was lower with sodium during steady-state (-0.20%; p = 0.001) and TT (-0.15%; p = 0.037), but sweat rates were reduced with sodium only during steady-state (-0.08 L·h -1; p = 0.001). Exploratory analyses showed greater effects in the early-follicular phase, with reductions in body mass loss (-0.26%; p = 0.004), sweat rate (-0.1 L·h -1; p = 0.003), and post-TT arginine vasopressin (-10.8 [-19.2, -2.3] pg·mL -1; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Sodium hyperhydration effectively enhanced fluid retention and reduced body mass loss during exercise in the heat. While no consistent main effects of menstrual cycle phase were observed, some phase-specific differences emerged, particularly in the early-follicular phase. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring hydration responses across the menstrual cycle and tailoring strategies to individual needs, rather than applying universal phase-specific recommendations. </p
Exploring Determinants of Information Security Systems Adoption in Saudi Arabian SMEs: An Integrated Multitheoretical Model
No full textHigh cybersecurity risks and attacks cause information theft, unauthorized access to data and information, reputational damage, and financial loss in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This creates a need to adopt information security systems of SMEs through innovation and compliance with information security policies. This study seeks to develop an integrated research model assessing the adoption of InfoSec systems in SMEs based on three existing theories, namely the technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of reasoned action (TRA), and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). A thorough review of literature identified prior experience, enjoyment of new InfoSec technology, top management support, IT infrastructure, security training, legal-governmental regulations, and attitude as potential determinants of adoption of InfoSec systems. A self-developed and self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 418 employees, mid-level managers, and top-level managers working in SMEs operating in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study found that prior experience, top management support, IT infrastructure, security training, and legal-governmental regulations have a positive impact on attitude toward InfoSec systems, which in turn positively influences the adoption of InfoSec systems. Gender, education, and occupation significantly moderated the impact of some determinants on attitude and, consequently, adoption of InfoSec systems. Such an integrated framework offers actionable insights and recommendations, including enhancing information security awareness and compliance with information security policies, as well as increasing profitability within SMEs. The study findings make considerable theoretical contributions to the development of knowledge and deliver practical contributions towards the status of SMEs in Saudi Arabia
A scoping review of program evaluations in non-profit alcohol and other drugs service settings:Considerations for service and research partnerships
No full textIntroduction: The non-profit sector contributes significantly to preventing and reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs (AOD). However, it can experience challenges when demonstrating impact via feasible and rigorous evaluation. Methods: We conducted a scoping review to identify characteristics of, and barriers/enablers to, evaluations completed in non-profit AOD services, and to ascertain the degree of collaboration between researchers and service providers during three evaluation phases (preparatory, conduct; and dissemination and implementation). We searched EMBASE and Medline from inception to February 2023 for evaluations completed in small to medium non-profit AOD services. Screening and extraction were completed by three reviewers independently, and 80 % were checked by an additional reviewer. Results: Ultimately, 56 records were included in this study. Included evaluations were largely initiated by researchers, with limited input from service providers in setting the agenda for the evaluations (preparatory phase) or translating findings into practice (dissemination and implementation phase). Where collaborations between researchers and service providers were in place, they generated funding and strong engagement with participants, leading to better recruitment, more complete data collection, and enhanced evaluation outcomes. Conclusion: The review raises important implications for researchers and service providers to prioritise meaningful collaboration and innovation to inform appropriate selection of evaluation topics and designs. Specifically, such evaluations should generate knowledge which can be translated into practice, demonstrating the impact of services and programs and an evidence base built in the non-profit sector.</p
Role of village health worker in control activities for malaria elimination efforts:A systematic review
No full textBACKGROUND: Malaria elimination efforts are expensive and often challenging because they are usually located in the hard-to-reach areas. Malaria elimination efforts can be greatly enhanced through the involvement of village health workers (VHWs). This systematic review aimed to study the role of VHWs in malaria elimination programs in hard-to-reach areas.METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in five life sciences databases including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, ProQuest, and Medline, and Google. They were searched from their inception to October 2024 for studies reporting the roles of VHW in malaria elimination activities.RESULTS: Of 14,884 articles screened, 44 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nearly 65.9 % (29) of the studies were from Africa and the rest were from Asia. Thirty-seven studies were from the hard-to-reach areas. The hard-to-reach areas included villages (18/44), hard-to-reach villages (2/44), rural areas (7/44), one study each on border areas, border forested areas, and refugee and conflict areas. VHWs were mostly involved in diagnosis and treatment of malaria (21/44), three studies on behaviour change communication and reactive case detection, four on prevention using long-lasting insecticidal nets and intermittent preventive treatment of children, two studies each on seasonal malaria chemoprevention, health education, and intermittent preventive treatment in children.CONCLUSION: VHWs engaged in a number of malaria control activities in a hard-to-reach areas. They were primarily involved in routine control of malaria and were not regularly engaged in malaria elimination activities. As more countries are pursuing the national goal of malaria elimination, VHWs should be integrated into the elimination program.</p
Prevention and Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT):A Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge, Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: Delirium, a common, serious and often preventable complication in older hospitalised adults, contributes to significant health and social care costs. Carers are uniquely positioned to identify early signs and support delirium prevention. The Prevention & Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT), a novel model of care designed to educate carers about delirium management and prevention strategies, enables them to actively participate in the care and recovery of their person. Developed through a comprehensive literature review, a co-designed eDelphi and pilot study, PREDICT demonstrated acceptability and feasibility. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness, implementation and cost-benefit of a PREDICT in hospital settings. Method: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial (SW-cRCT), consisting of a cohort study, healthcare service evaluation, and process evaluation. The study will assess carer and staff knowledge of delirium, carer care giving stress, health service outcomes (e.g., incidence, length of stay, readmissions) and cost-benefit. Discussion: PREDICT is a scalable, person-centred approach that supports both patients and carers, with the potential to embed best-practice delirium management into routine healthcare. Public and Patient Involvement: This study was developed in consultation with older adults, carers and healthcare staff. Two consumer representatives joined the project steering committee and contributed to shaping the research question, refining the study protocol and selecting outcome measures relevant to families and healthcare staff. Carers were involved in reviewing participant information sheets and the PREDICT website, providing feedback to ensure clarity and accessibility. Results will be shared with participants and the wider community through plain-language summaries and public presentations. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical trial: ACTRN12625000705482 registered on the 3rd of July 2025.</p
Interplay of traumatic birth experiences and postnatal depression in Pakistani women.
No full textPostnatal depression is a global challenge for healthcare system, affecting a large number of mothers globally. The present study was designed to examine the role of obstetric factors such as delivery method, birth complications, perceived birth trauma, and satisfaction with childbirth in postnatal depression (PND) among Pakistani women. By adopting a cross-sectional research design, a purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from the 335 women within the postpartum period (42–84 days) from six public and private hospitals and clinics of Punjab, Pakistan. Age of the sample ranged between 18 and 47 years (M = 29.41, SD = 5.32). Demographic and Birth Information sheet, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised were used to collect data for hypotheses testing. After assessing intercorrelations between the study variables, a hierarchical regression analysis was run by controlling age and education. The results showed that a significant amount of variance (R2 = 0.39) in PND was accounted for by low birth satisfaction, mother birth complications, previous birth trauma, and birth trauma perception. The findings suggest that providing a secure, respectful, and supportive environment during childbirth can substantially reduce the risk of PND. Positive childbirth experiences—characterized by care, respect, and fulfillment of psychological needs—serve as protective factors against PND. Study has implications for researchers, midwives, and obstetricians