19683 research outputs found
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A comparison of nitrogen fertiliser decision making systems to profitably close grain yield gaps in semi-arid environments
No full textContext: Nitrogen (N) deficiency is the single biggest cause of the yield gap in Australian wheat production. Nitrogen fertiliser is a costly input and prediction of crop seasonal demand for N in Australia's variable climate is difficult, so farmers are conservative with investment in N fertiliser, leading to under-fertilisation and over reliance on soil organic N. Objective: We evaluated the ability of different N decision-making systems to close yield gaps, reduce mining of soil organic N and minimise accumulation of soil nitrate. Methods: A 5-year (2018–2022) field experiment was conducted in a rainfed Mediterranean environment at Curyo, Victoria in Australia with different N decision-making systems, namely N bank (NB) targets (100, 125 and 150 kg N ha−1), Yield Prophet® (YP) at different yield probabilities (25, 50, 75 and 100 %), annual Australian national average N rate (NA45, 45 kg N ha−1), replacement of N in exported grain (R) and a nil control, as treatments in a randomised complete block design with four replicates. Results: After five years, YP25, YP50, YP75 and NB125 applied on average 49, 30, 4 and 18 kg ha−1 more N per year than NA45, respectively, and achieved or exceeded economic yield (EY), i.e. 80 % of water-limited potential yield (PYw), as opposed to 72 % of PYw achieved in NA45. These systems also had a higher 5-year mean gross margin (AUD 469–550 ha−1) compared to the NA45 (AUD 401 ha−1). Positive 5-year partial N balance (total N input minus total N exported in grain over 5 years) was observed only in the YP25, YP50, NB150 and NB125 treatments (4–93 kg N ha−1). However, apart from NB125 these treatments had consistently higher soil mineral N levels to 1-m depth compared to NA45 and </p
Declining Antibody Affinity Over Time After Human Vaccination With a Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Vaccine Candidate
No full textMaintaining high-affinity antibodies after vaccination may be important for long-lasting immunity to malaria, but data on induction and kinetics of affinity is lacking. In a phase 1 malaria vaccine trial, antibody affinity increased following a second vaccination but declined substantially over 12 months, suggesting poor maintenance of high-affinity antibodies.</p
Evaluating anti-bullying training in surgery: surgeons’ perceptions from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textObjective: To evaluate how surgeons in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand perceive the effectiveness of the Operating with Respect (OWR) face-to-face training program in reducing workplace bullying. Methods: A cross-sectional survey examined the perceived effectiveness of the Royal College of Surgeons' (RACS) face-to-face OWR training and complementary interventions in reducing workplace bullying in surgical settings. The sample included supervisory surgeons, RACS committee members, and targeted educators. The survey instrument had 35 questions, including five related to the research question. In December 2020, the survey was distributed by RACS to all surgeons who undertook OWR training between April 2017 and December 2019. Likert scales and coded free text responses were used to explore the effectiveness of face-to-face OWR training and other interventions included in the 2015 RACS Action Plan. Results: Of the 756 surveys sent, 252 were received. The face-to-face OWR training program was rated as moderately effective. RACS's overarching approach to anti-bullying was almost equally important, highlighting the need to consider a broader ecosystem of reform. Conclusions: This study finds the RACS full-day anti-bullying training moderately effective in reducing bullying in surgical workplaces. However, enhancing its impact requires a sustained, multi-faceted strategy, including broader policy reforms, accountability measures, and cultural changes, to foster a long-term respectful environment in surgical settings.</p
Stochastic Configuration Networks for Large Scale and Structural Data Analytics
No full textA thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.</p
Traditional Culinary Herbs and Spices for Obesity and Weight Management among Indian Migrants in Australia
No full textA thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy to the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.</p
Negotiating the care convoys for a diverse group of older Australians living in rural communities: a large qualitative study
No full textWhilst ageing in place is integral to international policy, there is less understanding of how individuals utilise formal services and informal supports in diverse rural environments to maintain their wellness and independence. Consequently, how older people negotiate their care within rural communities is subject to misconceptions. This paper draws on the convoy of care model to explore how older rural Australians negotiate their preferences and needs in the context of informal networks, availability of community resources, and the health and aged care system. The analysis draws on 60 in-depth interviews in six diverse rural communities across two Australian states. Three distinct care convoys are identified and demonstrate the interaction of multiple factors including individual preferences and needs, availability of family and community supports, and accessibility of local health and aged care services in the context of resource allocation. The findings highlight how families and communities compensate for a lack of accessible formal services. For older people without family and strong social networks, formal services are relied upon despite their inadequacy in some locales. This research has provided evidence that some Australian rural locales have limited resources resulting in challenges for older people to access home care and support. This results in many older people facing challenges to age in place. With aged care and health policy commonly designed for an urban context, our findings illustrate the importance of tailoring policy to respect the strengths and challenges existing in rural communities.</p
Evaluating the quality of multiple‐choice question pilot database: A global educator‐created tool for concept‐based pharmacology learning
No full textThe Core Concepts of Pharmacology (CCP) initiative is developing educational resources to transform pharmacology education into a concept-based approach. This study evaluated the quality of global educator-created MCQs in generating items for the pharmacology concept inventory (PCI) instrument and developed as a resource for learning pharmacology fundamental concepts. A panel of 22 global pharmacology experts recruited from the CCP initiative research team participated in the MCQ pilot database design and evaluation. The quality analysis framework of the MCQs in the pilot database included four assessment tools: item writing guidelines (IWGs), Bloom's taxonomy, the CCP, and the MCQ design format. A two-phase evaluation process was involved, including inter-rater agreement on item quality, followed by resolving conflicts that occurred in quality assessment. The chi-square (χ2) test of independence and Cramer's V correlation tests were utilized to measure the relationship among quality assessment attributes. About 200 MCQs were gathered and 98% underwent expert evaluation. Nearly 80% addressed one or more CCP, with 52% designed using a context-dependent format. However, only 40% addressed higher levels of Bloom's cognitive domain and 10% adhered to all IWGs. A strong positive correlation was observed between the context-based item format and its effectiveness in assessing the higher cognitive domain, the main CCP and improved IWGs adherence. Context-based item construction can assess the higher cognitive skills and fundamental pharmacology concepts, showing potential for rigorous PCI development. The pilot database will store items to create the PCI, aiding the development of a concept-based pharmacology curriculum.</p
Breaking the cycle of reoccurring low back pain with integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy to facilitate education and exercise advice: a superiority randomised controlled trial study protocol
No full textBackground: Non-specific low back pain is a common and costly global issue. Many people with low back pain live for years with ongoing symptom recurrence and disability, making it crucial to find effective prevention strategies. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based patient-centred counselling style that helps motivate individuals to change their behaviours. In combination, MI and cognitive-behavioural therapy (MI-CBT) has the potential to yield long term improvements in pain and disability and reduce incidence of recurrence. Method: This is a two-arm superiority randomised controlled trial comparing MI-CBT and Education (n = 83) with Education only (n = 83). Participants that have recovered from a recent episode of non-specific low back pain (7th consecutive day with pain ≤ 2 on a 0–10 numeric pain rating scale) will be eligible for inclusion into the study. Both groups will receive five 30-min sessions over a 10-week period as well as the Navigating Pain booklet, homework book and a standardised exercise programme. In the intervention group, MI-CBT techniques will be used to provide individualised support, identify beliefs, and increase engagement with the resources provided. Outcomes measures include pain (current and in the last 7 days) as rated on the numeric pain rating scale. This will be used to determine recurrence (number of participants who report back pain ≥ 3 out of 10 on the numeric pain rating scale). Furthermore, self-reported (1) pain intensity; (2) pain catastrophizing; (3) fear-avoidance beliefs; (4) pain self-efficacy; (5) depression and anxiety; (6) disability will be measured. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, and again at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post allocation. Discussion: The effective delivery of self-management strategies to prevent recurrence of low back pain is an important aspect that requires urgent attention. This study will provide new information on the effectiveness of using an MI-CBT approach to facilitate self-management through education and exercise to improve low back pain outcomes. Evidence emerging from this trial has the potential to inform clinical practice and healthcare management of non-specific low back pain. </p
Immunolocalization of hordein synthesis and transport in developing barley endosperm
No full textThe spatial accumulation of hordeins in the developing endosperm of barley grains was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy (immunolight microscopy [iLM]) and immunoelectron microscopy (iEM) to establish the timing and subcellular pattern of hordein synthesis and deposition. The pattern seen for hordeins was compared to other abundant grain proteins, such as serpin Z4 and lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1). Hordein accumulates throughout grain development, from 6 to 37 days post-anthesis (DPA). In contrast, serpin Z4 was present at 6 DPA, but the greatest synthesis and accumulation occurred during the middle of seed development, from 15 to 30 DPA. LTP1 accumulated later in seed development, from 15 to 30 DPA. Hordeins accumulated within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), were exocytosed from the ER membrane, and accumulated in protein bodies, which then fused either with the protein storage vacuoles or with other protein bodies, which also later fused with the protein storage vacuoles. iEM showed hordein, and LTP1 appeared not to traverse the Golgi apparatus (GA). Hordein, LTP1, and serpin Z4 colocalized to the same protein bodies and were co-transported to the protein storage vacuole in the same protein bodies. It is likely that this represents a general transport mechanism common to storage proteins in developing grains.</p
