Digital Commons Network^™

Summary Of Diabetes Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet, Kathy Ride

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This publication, in plain language, is based on information presented in the Review of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (2022). This short, visual report summarises the key findings and concepts from the review to provide a holistic picture of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a quick source of information covering:

• the social and cultural context of diabetes, and the behavioural and biomedical factors that contribute to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• the extent of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including incidence and prevalence data; hospitalisations; mortality …

A Scientific Analysis Of The Three-Step Test: Through The Lenses Of International And Australian Laws, Nikos Koutras

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The paper examines the open access movement and its principles concerning creative outputs and related access opportunities, considering copyright protection. The international and ongoing integration of open access practise has brought about a reconsideration of foundational principles of copyright law. The paper's discussion considers the three-step test legal edifice, which is deeply rooted in international copyright law, and argues that its importance and application is of paramount importance regarding potential revisions of copyright law that would need to introduce open access provisions.

A Large-Scale Genome-Wide Cross-Trait Analysis Reveals Shared Genetic Architecture Between Alzheimer’S Disease And Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Eleanor K. O'Brien, Dale R. Nyholt, Tenielle Porter, Simon Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Consistent with the concept of the gut-brain phenomenon, observational studies suggest a relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders; however, their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we analyse several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics (N = 34,652–456,327), to assess the relationship of AD with GIT disorders. Findings reveal a positive significant genetic overlap and correlation between AD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastritis-duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis, but not inflammatory bowel disease. Cross-trait meta-analysis identifies several loci (P_{meta-analysis} < 5 × 10⁻⁸) shared by AD and GIT disorders (GERD and PUD) including …

An Il1rl1 Genetic Variant Lowers Soluble St2 Levels And The Risk Effects Of Apoe-Ε4 In Female Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease, Yuanbing Jiang, Xiaopu Zhou, Hiu Yi Wong, Li Ouyang, Fanny C. F. Ip, Vicky M. N. Chau, Shun-Fat Lau, Wei Wu, Daniel Y. K. Wong, Heukjin Seo, Wing-Yu Fu, Nicole C. H. Lai, Yuewen Chen, Yu Chen, Estella P.S. Tong, Alzheimer’S Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Vincent C. T. Mok, Timothy C. Y. Kwok, Kin Y. Mok, Maryam Shoai, Benoit Lehallier, Patricia Morán Losada, Eleanor O'Brien, Tenielle Porter, Simon Laws, John Hardy, Tony Wyss-Coray, Colin L. Masters, Amy K.Y. Fu, Nancy Y. Ip

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Changes in the levels of circulating proteins are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), whereas their pathogenic roles in AD are unclear. Here, we identified soluble ST2 (sST2), a decoy receptor of interleukin-33–ST2 signaling, as a new disease-causing factor in AD. Increased circulating sST2 level is associated with more severe pathological changes in female individuals with AD. Genome-wide association analysis and CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing identified rs1921622, a genetic variant in an enhancer element of IL1RL1, which downregulates gene and protein levels of sST2. Mendelian randomization analysis using genetic variants, including rs1921622, demonstrated that decreased sST2 levels lower AD …

5-Ht2 Receptor Antagonism Reduces Human Motoneuron Output To Antidromic Activation But Not To Stimulation Of Corticospinal Axons, Jacob R. Thorstensen, Janet L. Taylor, Justin J. Kavanagh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The intrinsic electrical properties of motoneurons strongly affect motoneuron excitability to fast-acting excitatory ionotropic inputs. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurochemical that alters the intrinsic properties of motoneurons, whereby animal models and in vitro experiments indicate that 5-HT increases motoneuron excitability by activating 5-HT2 receptors on the somato-dendritic compartment. In the current study, we examined how antagonism of the 5-HT2 receptor affects motoneuron excitability in humans. We hypothesised that motoneuron excitability would be reduced. The 5-HT2 antagonist cyproheptadine was administered to 10 healthy participants in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Electrical cervicomedullary stimulation was used to deliver a synchronised excitatory volley …

Curriculum Reform In Wales: Physical Education Teacher Educators' Negotiation Of Policy Positions, David Aldous, Victoria Evans, Dawn Penney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper reports on research that explored the experiences of secondary Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) professionals' simultaneous negotiation and implementation of the new Curriculum for Wales (CfW) Health and Well-Being (HWB) Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) and policies focused on the transformation of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in Wales. The study was an exploratory case study of PETE professionals working within one university's ITE programme. Data were generated through documentary analysis of PETE and ITE programme materials and semi-structured interviews with staff involved in programme management and delivery. Data analysis employed Ball and colleagues' conceptualisation of policy actors …

Epidemiology Of ∆8thc-Related Carcinogenesis In Usa: A Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The use of ∆8THC is increasing at present across the USA in association with widespread cannabis legalization and the common notion that it is “legal weed”. As genotoxic actions have been described for many cannabinoids, we studied the cancer epidemiology of ∆8THC. Data on 34 cancer types was from the Centers for Disease Control Atlanta Georgia, substance abuse data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ethnicity and income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and cannabinoid concentration data from the Drug Enforcement Agency, were combined and processed in R. Eight cancers (corpus uteri, liver, gastric cardia, breast …

Do Liquid Assets Lure Managers? Evidence From Corporate Misconduct, Rashid Zaman, Nader Atawnah, Muhammad Nadeem, Stephen Bahadar, Irfan H. Shakri

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We examine the effect of asset redeployability on corporate misconduct and find a significant positive relationship. Utilizing a large sample of public US firms for the period of 2001 to 2015, we find that a one standard deviation (SD) increase in the proportion of redeployable assets leads to a 7.2% increase in corporate fines. We also find that the positive association between asset redeployability and corporate misconduct varies across types of misconduct and industrial heterogeneity. In our channel analysis, we find that managerial risk-taking is a potential mechanism through which asset redeployability is associated with misconduct. Additional tests reveal that …

Associations Of Specific Types Of Fruit And Vegetables With Perceived Stress In Adults: The Ausdiab Study, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Marc Sim, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Nicola P. Bondonno, Catherine P. Bondonno, Richard Woodman, Joanne M. Dickson, Dianna J. Magliano, Jonathan E. Shaw, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

Higher total fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes have been associated with lower perceived stress. The relationship between specific types of FV and perceived stress remains uncertain. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to explore the relationship between consumption of specific types of FV with perceived stress in a population-based cohort of men and women aged ≥ 25 years from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study.

Methods:

Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (n = 8,640). Perceived stress was evaluated using a validated Perceived Stress Questionnaire, with values ranging 0–1 (lowest to highest). …

Developing, Monitoring, And Reporting Of Fidelity In Aphasia Trials: Core Recommendations From The Collaboration Of Aphasia Trialists (Cats) Trials For Aphasia Panel, Nicholas Behn, Madeleine Harrison, Marian C. Brady, Caterina Breitenstein, Marcella Carragher, Julius Fridriksson, Erin Godecke, Argye Hillis, Helen Kelly, Rebecca Palmer, Miranda L. Rose, Shirley Thomas, Donna Tippett, Linda Worrall, Frank Becker, Katerina Hilari

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Developing, monitoring, and reporting of fidelity are essential and integral components to the design of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in stroke and aphasia. Treatment fidelity refers to the degree to which an intervention is delivered as intended and is directly related to the quality of the evidence generated by RCTs. Clear documentation of treatment fidelity in trials assists in the evaluation of the clinical implications of potential benefits attributed to the intervention. Consideration of the implementation requirements of a research-based intervention as intended in a clinical context is necessary to achieve similar outcomes for a clinical population. Despite this, …

Dual Contribution Of The Gut Microbiome To Immunotherapy Efficacy And Toxicity: Supportive Care Implications And Recommendations, Hannah R. Wardill, Raymond J. Chan, Alexandre Chan, Dorothy Keefe, Samuel P. Costello, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (immunotherapy) is increasingly recognized to be linked to the composition the gut microbiome. Given the high rates of resistance, interventions targeting the gut microbiome are now being investigated for its ability to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In light of recently published data demonstrating a strong correlation between the efficacy and toxicity of immunotherapy, there is a risk that efforts to enhance immunotherapy efficacy may be undermined by increases in immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) This is particularly important for microbial interventions aimed at increasing immunotherapy efficacy, with many microbes implicated in tumour response also …

Exercise In Preventing Falls For Men With Prostate Cancer: A Modelled Cost-Utility Analysis, Kim Edmunds, Paul Scuffham, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvão, Haitham Tuffaha

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

Men who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) are a vulnerable falls population due to the side effects of treatment. The purpose of this paper is to determine the cost-effectiveness of exercise in preventing falls and fractures for this high-risk population in Australia.

Methods:

A decision analytic model was constructed to evaluate the cost utility of an exercise intervention compared to usual care from a health system perspective. The intervention comprised two 1-h sessions of supervised exercise per week over 1 year for men with non-metastatic PCa receiving curative radiation therapy and ADT. A Markov model …

Cannabinoid And Substance Relationships Of European Congenital Anomaly Patterns: A Space-Time Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With reports from Australia, Canada, USA, Hawaii and Colorado documenting a link between cannabis and congenital anomalies (CAs), this relationship was investigated in Europe. Data on 90 CAs were accessed from Eurocat. Tobacco and alcohol consumption and median household income data were from the World Bank. Amphetamine, cocaine and last month and daily use of cannabis from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Cannabis herb and resin Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations were from published reports. Data were processed in R. Twelve thousand three hundred sixty CA rates were sourced across 16 nations of Europe. Nations with a higher or …

An Initial Investigation Into Parental Perceptions Surrounding The Impact Of Mobile Media Use On Child Behavior And Executive Functioning, Stephanie C. Milford, Lynette Vernon, Joseph J. Scott, Nicola F. Johnson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Children demonstrate increasing early engagement with mobile media facilitated by its portability and interactivity. Parents are known to employ a range of mediation strategies for mobile media use but continue to have limited awareness about the impact of mobile media on their child’s executive functioning. Mobile media use has previously been shown to be negatively correlated with the executive functioning development of a child; however, little is known of how parents approach their child’s mobile media use. This study employed a survey design (N = 281) to examine how parents access information related to mobile media and document their perspectives …

Asymmetrical Trusted Technology Networks In Developing Economies: A Case Study On Critical Infrastructure In Bhutan, Pratima Pradhan, Bal Subba, Thinley Jamtsho, Ganga Ram Ghimiray, David M. Cook

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Developing Nations are subject to amplified challenges in terms of the integration of technology, and the exposure to non-domestic opportunism from larger neighboring economies. These challenges are recognizable as asymmetrical differences between what is seen as the normative list of critical infrastructures, and the specialisms that can dominate an emerging economy with early maturity technology networks. This paper discusses the case of Bhutan and demonstrates the need for strengthened approaches to trusted networks to ensure the reliability and continuity of the Nation's critical infrastructures. The paper also links the importance of trusted information sharing networks as part of an overarching …

Evaluation Of The Mechanical Properties And Drilling Of Glass Bead/Fiber-Reinforced Polyamide 66 (Pa66)-Based Hybrid Polymer Composites, Recep Demirsöz, Nafiz Yasar, Mehmet Erdi Korkmaz, Mustafa Günay, Khaled Giasin, Danil Yorievich Pimenov, Muhammad Aamir, Huseyin Unal

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, mechanical testing of glass bead (GB), glass fiber (GF), and hybrid (GB/GF) composites was carried out. Following that, drilling tests were undertaken on glass bead/fiber-reinforced hybrid Polyamide 66 (PA66) polymer composites. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of the cutting elements and the effect of cutting parameters (spindle speed and feed rate) and reinforcement ratios on thrust force and surface roughness (Ra). The contribution of the cutting parameters to the investigated outcomes was determined using statistical analysis. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to inspect the hole quality and …

Coupled Heat-Mass Transport Modelling Of Radionuclide Migration From A Nuclear Waste Disposal Borehole, Kaveh Sookhak Lari, Dirk Mallants

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Disposal of radioactive waste originating from reprocessing of spent research reactor fuel typically includes stainless steel canisters with waste immobilised in a glass matrix. In a deep borehole disposal concept, waste packages could be stacked in a disposal zone at a depth of one to potentially several kilometres. This waste will generate heat for several hundreds of years. The influence of combining a natural geothermal gradient with heat from decaying nuclear waste on radionuclide transport from deep disposal boreholes is studied by implementing a coupled heat-solute mass transport modelling framework, subjected to depth-dependent temperature, pressure, and viscosity profiles. Several scenarios …

Understanding Employee Travel Behaviours In Response To Workplace Relocation: A Case Study Comparing Commuting Patterns Between Subiaco And Perth, Western Australia, Emil E. Jonescu, Chamil E. Ramanayaka, Stephen Moorcroft, Dean Symington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Our built environments offer distinct variables that impact behaviour–throughout the world, and equally within Western Australia. However, an in-depth analysis of extant literature indicates that influencing human behaviour is difficult in the absence of a ‘disruption’ event. Accordingly, this organization-level study examined the disruptive effects of relocating from a Subiaco office to a new office in Perth’s Central Business District on the commute habits of its built-environment professional employees. The relocation occurred during a ‘non-lockdown’ period between July and August 2021 (southern hemisphere winter). The study sought to determine if an office relocation constituted a sufficient ‘disruption’ to affect employees’ …

Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound Is Associated With All-Cause And Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Independent Of Hip Bone Mineral Density, Abadi K. Gebre, R.L. Prince, J.T. Schousboe, D.P. Kiel, P.L. Thompson, K. Zhu, W.H. Lim, Marc Sim, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Summary: Osteoporosis has been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease previously. However, few studies have detailed bone and vascular information. In a prospective study of older women, we demonstrated heel quantitative ultrasound measures were associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, independent of established cardiovascular risk factors. Introduction: Osteoporosis and low bone mineral density (BMD) have been previously linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is used to evaluate bone material properties, especially in older women. However, it is uncertain whether it is related to risk of mortality. This study was aimed to investigate the …

Exercise Medicine For Cancer Cachexia: Targeted Exercise To Counteract Mechanisms And Treatment Side-Effects, Georgios Mavropalias, Marc Sim, Dennis R. Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvao, Nigel Spry, William Kraemer, Keijo Häkkinen, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Cancer-induced muscle wasting (i.e., cancer cachexia, CC) is a common and devastating syndrome that results in the death of more than 1 in 5 patients. Although primarily a result of elevated inflammation, there are multiple mechanisms that complement and amplify one another. Research on the use of exercise to manage CC is still limited, while exercise for CC management has been recently discouraged. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding that exercise is not a single medicine, but mode, type, dosage, and timing (exercise prescription) have distinct health outcomes. The purpose of this review was to examine the effects …

Realistic Motion Avatars Are The Future For Social Interaction In Virtual Reality, Shane L. Rogers, Rebecca Broadbent, Jemma Brown, Allan Fraser, Craig P. Speelman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study evaluated participant self-reported appraisal of social interactions with another person in virtual reality (VR) where their conversational partner was represented by a realistic motion avatar. We use the term realistic motion avatar because: 1. The avatar was modelled to look like the conversational partner it represented, and 2. Full face and body motion capture was utilised so that the avatar mimicked the facial and body language of the conversational partner in real-time. We compared social interaction in VR with face-to-face interaction across two communicative contexts: 1. Getting acquainted conversation, and 2. A structured interview where the participant engaged …

Matrilateral Bias Of Grandparental Investment In Grandchildren Persists Despite The Grandchildren’S Adverse Early Life Experiences, Samuli Helle, Antti O. Tanskanen, David A. Coall, Mirkka Danielsbacka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Evolutionary theory predicts a downward flow of investment from older to younger generations, representing individual efforts to maximize inclusive fitness. Maternal grandparents and maternal grandmothers (MGMs) in particular consistently show the highest levels of investment (e.g. time, care and resources) in their grandchildren. Grandparental investment overall may depend on social and environmental conditions that affect the development of children and modify the benefits and costs of investment. Currently, the responses of grandparents to adverse early life experiences (AELEs) in their grandchildren are assessed from a perspective of increased investment to meet increased need. Here, we formulate an alternative prediction that …

A New Comprehensive Dimensionless Inflow Performance Relationship For Gas Wells, Azim Kalantariasl, Isa Farhadi, Soosan Farzani, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Prediction of gas well deliverability is important for reservoir management. Conventional flow after flow, isochronal or modified isochronal tests are common methods for calculation of well deliverability. Single-point test using Vogel-type dimensionless inflow performance relationships (IPR) was also proposed to overcome the need for multi-point tests. However, analysis of field data showed that existing dimensionless IPR correlations fail to accurately predict well deliverability for some reservoir conditions. In this study, a wide range of reservoir rock and fluid data was used to develop a comprehensive dimensionless IPR correlation for calculation of gas well deliverability from single-point test data. Multi-point well …

Application Of Benchtop Humidity And Temperature Chamber In The Measurement Of Water Vapor Sorption In Us Shales From Mancos, Marcellus, Eagle Ford And Wolfcamp Formations, Hesham Abdulelah, Berihun Mamo Negash, Atta Dennis Yaw, Tareq M. Al-Shami, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Eswaran Padmanabhan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A benchtop humidity and temperature chamber was used to assess water vapor sorption in four US shale samples at 90 °C. Water sorption isotherms were measured at relative humidity ranging from 10 to 99% and temperature of 90 °C. Shale fractal properties were then evaluated, and capillary pressure (ranging from 1.70 to 386 MPa) was obtained using Kelvin relationship. The results show that Mancos shale, from the US, adsorbed more absorbed water due to its high clay concentration and low TOC. However, Wolfcamp shale, from the US, has the lowest TOC and clay concentration, adsorbing the lowest amount of water. …

Barriers And Facilitators To Exercise Among Adult Cancer Survivors In Singapore, Alexandre Chan, Kayleen Ports, Patricia Neo, Mothi Babu Ramalingam, Ang Tee Lim, Benedict Tan, Nicolas H. Hart, Raymond J. Chan, Kiley Loh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

Exercise can help cancer survivors manage sequela, treatment side effects, improve overall quality of life, and is recommended for most. The purpose of this study was to investigate exercise behavior and factors influencing exercise engagement among cancer survivors at the National Cancer Centre, Singapore (NCCS).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was inclusive of survivors of all cancer types and stages who were at least 21 years of age and had undergone chemotherapy at the NCCS. Surveys were utilized to assess survivor barriers and facilitators to exercise and to retrospectively assess physical activity and exercise behaviors at 4 cancer-related time periods …

Elastic Tubes: The Ideal Equipment For Telehealth Exercise Medicine In The Management Of Prostate Cancer?, Georgios Mavropalias

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Prostate cancer (PCa) affects 1 in 8 men, but exercise therapy has been shown to be a very effective intervention not only to induce physiological benefits but to also reduce the side effects of cancer treatments typically administered during PCa. The COVID19 pandemic has restricted access to exercise clinics, a problem which always existed for people living in rural and remote areas. This caused many exercise physiologists and researchers to transition their clinic-based exercise to online, home-based exercise. We would like to propose that researchers and exercise physiologists should consider the use of elastic tubes in both research and the …

Escape Velocity Walks The City: Kindness And Intimacy In Public Space In The Transgender And Gender Diverse Teen Experience, Renée Newman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Escape Velocity Walks the City took place 23rd-26th October 2019 as part of the Future Echoes Festival in Melbourne, Australia. Created by Rosana Cade with Ivor MacAskill, Laurie Brown and St Martins Youth Theatre, audience and performer walk and talk together through the inner city of Melbourne. Walking and sitting, hand in hand with transgender and gender non-conforming teens, the performance was often silent, uneasy and yet, kind. Simultaneously fragile and powerful the work provoked a gentle expectation to open our hearts and minds. From the surreal zone of isolation (mid COVID-19 pandemic) this paper is a memory of a …

Pilbara Internal Evaluation Report 2019: School Breakfast Program, Food Sensations® For Schools, Fuel Your Future, Food Sensations® For Parents And Educator Training Programs, L. M. Aberle, M. A. Kioutis,, J. R. Platts, L. M. Thorne, F. L. Foulkes-Taylor, Stephanie L. Godrich, Roslyn Giglia

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Executive Summary:

- In partnership with BHP, Foodbank of Western Australia (FBWA) delivers the School Breakfast Program (SBP), Food Sensations® in Schools program (FSS), Fuel Your Future program (FYF), Food Sensations® for Parents program (FSP) and Educator Training program (ET) with schools and communities throughout WA’s Pilbara region.

- Evaluation of these programs was underpinned by each program’s objectives, relating to knowledge, skills and program satisfaction. As such, tailored program planning logic models and evaluation plans were developed for each program. Methods and tools were based on best practice indicated in the published and grey literature, and on FBWA staff …