Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Treatment Of Ro Brine From Csg Produced Water By Spiral-Wound Air Gap Membrane Distillation - A Pilot Study, Hung Duong, Allan Chivas, Bart Nelemans, Mikel C. Duke, Stephen Gray, Tzahi Y. Cath, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Brine management is a major bottleneck for coal seam gas (CSG) production in Australia. This study investigated the concentration of CSG reverse osmosis (RO) brine using a pilot membrane distillation (MD). The system was equipped with a novel spiral-wound air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) module. By operating the pilot MD system at low feed temperature and a small temperature gradient, a stable distillate production rate could be maintained. The resulting low permeate flux can be offset by a high packing density of the spiral-wound membrane module. Here, using a module with diameter, height, and total membrane surface area of 0.4 …

Using Xco2 Retrievals For Assessing The Long-Term Consistency Of Ndacc/Ftir Data Sets, Sabine Barthlott, Matthias Schneider, Frank Hase, A Wiegele, E Christner, Y Gonzalez, Thomas Blumenstock, Susanne Dohe, Omaira García, Eliezer Sepúlveda, Kimberly Strong, J Mendonca, D Weaver, M Palm, Nicholas M. Deutscher, Thorsten Warneke, Justus Notholt, B Lejeune, Emmanuel Mahieu, Nicholas B. Jones, David W. T Griffith, Voltaire A. Velazco, D Smale, John Robinson, Rigel Kivi, Pauli Heikkinen, U Raffalski

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Within the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change), more than 20 FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectrometers, spread worldwide, provide long-term data records of many atmospheric trace gases. We present a method that uses measured and modelled XCO2 for assessing the consistency of these NDACC data records. Our XCO2 retrieval setup is kept simple so that it can easily be adopted for any NDACC/FTIR-like measurement made since the late 1950s. By a comparison to coincident TCCON (Total Carbon Column Observing Network) measurements, we empirically demonstrate the useful quality of this suggested NDACC XCO2 product (empirically obtained scatter between TCCON …

Reversal Of Human Multi-Drug Resistance Leukaemic Cells By Stemofoline Derivatives Via Inhibition Of P-Glycoprotein Function, Sonthaya Umsumarng, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Kwankamol Sastraruji, Supachai Yodkeeree, Alison T. Ung, Stephen G. Pyne, Pornngarm Limtrakul

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Our previous study reported multi-drug resistance (MDR) reversing properties of synthetic stemofoline derivatives (STFD), OH-A1, NH-B6 and NH-D6 on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpressing leukaemic cells (K562/Adr); however, the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we further investigated whether the STFD reverse MDR through either the inhibition of P-gp function or expression in K562/Adr cells, or both. The P-gp functional studies showed that the STFD increased the accumulation of calcein-AM, rhodamine 123 and [14C]-doxorubicin in K562/Adr cells, while the effects have not been seen in their parental sensitive cancer cell line (K562). Further, the STFD did not alter the P-gp expression as …

Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (Dart 5) For Modeling Airborne And Satellite Spectroradiometer And Lidar Acquisitions Of Natural And Urban Landscapes, Jean-Philippe Gastellu-Etchegorry, Tiangang Yin, Nicolas Lauret, Thomas Cajgfinger, Tristan Gregoire, Eloi Grau, Jean-Baptiste Feret, Mailys Lopes, Jordan Guilleux, Gerard Dedieu, Zbynek Malenovky, Bruce Douglas Cook, Douglas Morton, Jeremy Rubio, Sylvie Durrieu, Gregory Cazanave, Emmanuel Martin, Thomas Ristorcelli

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Satellite and airborne optical sensors are increasingly used by scientists, and policy makers, and managers for studying and managing forests, agriculture crops, and urban areas. Their data acquired with given instrumental specifications (spectral resolution, viewing direction, sensor field-of-view, etc.) and for a specific experimental configuration (surface and atmosphere conditions, sun direction, etc.) are commonly translated into qualitative and quantitative Earth surface parameters. However, atmosphere properties and Earth surface 3D architecture often confound their interpretation. Radiative transfer models capable of simulating the Earth and atmosphere complexity are, therefore, ideal tools for linking remotely sensed data to the surface parameters. Still, many …

Moss Δ13c: An Accurate Proxy For Past Water Environments In Polar Regions, Jessica Bramley-Alves, Wolfgang Wanek, Kris French, Sharon A. Robinson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Increased aridity is of global concern. Polar regions provide an opportunity to monitor changes in bioavailable water free of local anthropogenic influences. However, sophisticated proxy measures are needed. We explored the possibility of using stable carbon isotopes in segments of moss as a fine-scale proxy for past bioavailable water. Variation in δ13C with water availability was measured in three species across three peninsulas in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica and verified using controlled chamber experiments. The δ13C from Antarctic mosses accurately recorded long-term variations in water availability in the field, regardless of location, but significant disparities in δ13C between species …

Identification Of Chikungunya Virus Nsp2 Protease Inhibitors Using Structure-Base Approaches, Phuong Nguyen, Haibo Yu, Paul A. Keller

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The nsP2 protease of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the essential components of viral replication and it plays a crucial role in the cleavage of polyprotein precursors for the viral replication process. Therefore, it is gaining attention as a potential drug design target against CHIKV. Based on the recently determined crystal structure of the nsP2 protease of CHIKV, this study identified potential inhibitors of the virus using structure-based approaches with a combination of molecular docking, virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The top hit compounds from database searching, using the NCI Diversity Set II, with targeting at five …

Construction Of A 'Global Standardised Growth Curve' (Gsgc) For Infrared Stimulated Luminescence Dating Of K-Feldspar, Bo Li, Richard G. Roberts, Zenobia Jacobs, Sheng-Hua Li, Yujie Guo

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

We investigated the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and post-infrared IRSL (pIRIR) signals emitted by K-feldspars from sedimentary samples from Asia, Europe and Africa using a single-aliquot multiple elevated temperature (MET) stimulation procedure. For separate aliquots of the same sample, we show that variation among the dose response curves (DRCs), or growth curves, constructed from the regenerative dose signal (Lx), the test dose signal (Tx, an indicator of luminescence sensitivity) and the sensitivity-corrected signal (Lx/Tx) can be largely eliminated by normalising the DRCs using one of the regenerative dose signals; we call this procedure 'regenerative-dose normalisation' or re-normalisation. Furthermore, for the …

Time-Averaged Copper Concentrations From Continuous Exposures Predicts Pulsed Exposure Toxicity To The Marine Diatom, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum: Importance Of Uptake And Elimination, Brad M. Angel, Stuart L. Simpson, Anthony A. Chariton, Jenny Stauber, Dianne F. Jolley

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Intermittent, fluctuating and pulsed contaminant discharges result in organisms receiving highly variable contaminant exposures. Current water quality guidelines are predominantly derived using data from continuous exposure toxicity tests, and most frequently applied by regulators with the assumption that concentrations from a single sampling event will provide a meaningful approach to assessing potential effects. This study investigated the effect of single and multiple (daily) dissolved copper pulses on the marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, including measurements of copper uptake and elimination to investigate the toxic mechanism. Copper pulses of between 0.5 and 24 h and continuous exposures with equivalent 72-h time-averaged concentrations …

Exploring The Impact Of Two Different Food And Beverage Packaging Conditions On The Dietary Intakes Of Older Adults In A Simulated Hospital Environment, Sarah Ryman, Alison F. Bell, Karen L. Walton, Emma Jenkins

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of a poster presented at 32nd DAA National Conference, 13-16 May 2015, Crown Perth Conference Centre, Perth, Western Australia.

A Climate Of Uncertainty: Accounting For Error In Climate Variables For Species Distribution Models, Jakub Stoklosa, Christopher Daly, Scott D. Foster, Michael B. Ashcroft, David I. Warton

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Spatial climate variables are routinely used in species distribution models (SDMs) without accounting for the fact that they have been predicted with uncertainty, which can lead to biased estimates, erroneous inference and poor performances when predicting to new settings - for example under climate change scenarios.

We show how information on uncertainty associated with spatial climate variables can be obtained from climate data models. We then explain different types of uncertainty (i.e. classical and Berkson error) and use two statistical methods that incorporate uncertainty in climate variables into SDMs by means of (i) hierarchical modelling and (ii) simulation-extrapolation.

We used …

From Catchment To Inner Shelf: Insights Into Nsw Coastal Compartments, Rafael Cabral Carvalho, Colin D. Woodroffe

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

This paper addresses the coastal compartments of the eastern coast by analysing characteristics of the seven biggest catchments in NSW (Shoalhaven, Hawkesbury, Hunter, Manning, Macleay, Clarence and Richmond) and coastal landforms such as estuaries, sand barriers, beaches, headlands, nearshore and inner shelf, providing a framework for estimating sediment budgets by delineating compartment boundaries and defining management units. It sheds light on the sediment dispersal by rivers and longshore drift by reviewing literature, using available information/data, and modelling waves and sediment dispersal. Compartments were delineated based on physical characteristics through interpretation of hydrologic, geomorphic, geophysical, sedimentological, oceanographic factors and remote sensing. …

Renal Stones First Steps And Keys To Reducing Recurrence, Zainul Qadri, Maureen A. Lonergan, Kelly Lambert

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

In patients with a renal stone, management aims to detect complications, triage to expectant observation or active intervention and identify any predisposing factors. Referral for active urological intervention or detailed metabolic evaluation may be indicated. Dietary and lifestyle interventions may help decrease the risk of recurrences.

Sociocultural Dimensions Of Tuberculosis: An Overview Of Key Concepts, Paul Mason, Christopher J. Degeling, Justin Denholm

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Biomedical innovations are unlikely to provide effective and ethical tuberculosis (TB) control measures without complementary social science research. However, a strong interest in interdisciplinary work is often undermined by differences in language and concepts specific to each disciplinary approach. Accordingly, biological and social scientists need to learn how to communicate with each other. This article will outline key concepts relating to TB from medical anthropology and health sociology. Distilling these concepts in an introductory framework is intended to make this material accessible to researchers in laboratory, clinical and fieldwork settings, as well as to encourage more social scientists to engage …

A High-Resolution Late Glacial To Holocene Record Of Environmental Change In The Mediterranean From Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania), Jack H. Lacey, Alexander Francke, Melanie J. Leng, Christopher H. Vane, Bernd Wagner

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania) is the oldest extant lake in Europe and exhibits an outstanding degree of endemic biodiversity. Here, we provide new high-resolution stable isotope and geochemical data from a 10 m core (Co1262) through the Late Glacial to Holocene and discuss past climate and lake hydrology (TIC, δ13Ccalcite, δ18Ocalcite) as well as the terrestrial and aquatic vegetation response to climate (TOC, TOC/N, δ13Corganic, Rock Eval pyrolysis). The data identifies 3 main zones: (1) the Late Glacial-Holocene transition represented by low TIC and TOC contents, (2) the early to mid-Holocene characterised by high TOC and increasing TOC/N and (3) the …

Age-Depth Model Of The Past 630 Kyr For Lake Ohrid (Fyrom/Albania) Based On Cyclostratigraphic Analysis Of Downhole Gamma Ray Data, Henrike Baumgarten, Thomas Wonik, D C. Tanner, Alexander Francke, Bernd Wagner, Giovanni Zanchetta, Roberto Sulpizio, Biagio Giaccio, Sebastien Nomade

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Gamma ray (GR) fluctuations and potassium (K) values from downhole logging data obtained in the sediments of Lake Ohrid from 0 to 240 m below lake floor (b.l.f). correlate with fluctuations in δ18O values from the global benthic isotope stack LR04 (Lisiecki and Raymo, 2005). GR and K values are considered a reliable proxy to depict glacial-interglacial cycles, with high clastic input during cold and/or drier periods and high carbonate precipitation during warm and/or humid periods at Lake Ohrid. Spectral analysis was applied to investigate the climate signal and evolution over the length of the borehole. Linking downhole logging data …

Using Person-Centred Key Performance Indicators To Improve Paediatric Services: An International Venture, Tanya Mccance, Valerie J. Wilson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Nurses are a critical part of the healthcare workforce and provide a significant proportion of care. There is a recognised gap in the evidence base regarding how to measure the impact of care and its contributions to the quality of the patient and family experience. This paper focuses on a set of eight key performance indicators (KPIs), developed from primary research led by a team at Ulster University to reflect core aspects of person-centred practice. The KPIs, having already been tested across a range of practice settings, are currently being implemented and further tested through an international study in the …

A Control Systems Approach To Quantify Wall Shear Stress Normalization By Flow-Mediated Dilation In The Brachial Artery, Frank Van Bussel, Bas Van Bussel, Arnold Hoeks, Jos Roodt, Ronald Henry, Isabel Ferreira, Floris Vanmolkot, Casper Schalkwijk, Coen Stehouwer, Koen Reesink

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Flow-mediated dilation is aimed at normalization of local wall shear stress under varying blood flow conditions. Blood flow velocity and vessel diameter are continuous and opposing influences that modulate wall shear stress. We derived an index FMD v to quantify wall shear stress normalization performance by flow-mediated dilation in the brachial artery. In 22 fasting presumed healthy men, we first assessed intra- and inter-session reproducibilities of two indices pFMD v and mFMD v , which consider the relative peak and relative mean hyperemic change in flow velocity, respectively. Second, utilizing oral glucose loading, we evaluated the tracking performance of both …

Evaluating The Characteristics Of Public And Commercial Buildings That Are Enabling And Disabling For People With Dementia, Richard Fleming, Kirsty A. Bennett, Lyn Phillipson, Christopher R. Brennan-Horley

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract presented at the 30th International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International, 15 - 18 April 2015, Perth, Australia