Digital Commons Network^™

Association Between Transcription Factor 7-Like-2 Polymorphisms And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In A Ghanaian Population, Christian Obirikorang, Evans Asamoah Adu, Enoch Odame Anto, Emmanuel Acheampong, Lawrence Quaye, Brodrick Yeboah Amoah, Max Efui Annani-Akollor, Aaron Siaw Kwakye, Foster Fokuoh, Michael Appiah, Eric Nana Yaw Nyarko, Freeman Aidoo, Eric Adua, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Lois Balmer, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been strongly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCF7L2 gene. This study investigated the association between rs12255372, rs7903146 in the TCF7L2 gene and T2DM in a Ghanaian population. A case-control study design was used for this study. A total of 106 T2DM patients and 110 control participants were selected. Basic data collected included body mass index, blood pressure and socio-demographics. Fasting blood samples were collected and processed for: serum lipid analysis, plasma glucose estimation and plasma HbA1c estimation. Parts of the whole blood samples were used for DNA extraction using a modified …

Causal Relationship Between Lung Function And Atrial Fibrillation: A Two Sample Univariable And Multivariable, Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study, Qiaoyun Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Jie Zhang, Biyan Wang, Xiaoni Meng, Qiuyue Tian, Jinxia Zhang, Mengyang Jiang, Yiqiang Zhang, Deqiang Zheng, Lijuan Wu, Wei Wang, Baoguo Wang, Youxin Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Observational studies have identified impaired lung function accessed by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) or the ratio of FEV1 over FVC (FEV1/FVC) as an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the result may be affected by confounders or reverse causality. Methods: We performed univariable MR (uvMR), multivariable MR (mvMR) and bidirectional two-sample MR to jointly estimate the causality of lung function with AF. Apart from the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach as the main MR analysis, three complementary sensitive analyses approaches including MR-Egger regression, weighted median (WM) MR and Pleiotropy Residual …

Examining Social-Cognitive Theory Constructs As Mediators Of Behaviour Change In The Active Team Smartphone Physical Activity Program: A Mediation Analysis, Amelia V. Romeo, Sarah M. Edney, Ronald C. Plotnikoff, Tim Olds, Corneel Vandelanotte, Jillian Ryan, Rachel Curtis, Carol A. Maher

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Regular engagement in physical activity has well-established physical and psychological health benefits. Despite this, over a quarter of the global adult population is insufficiently physically active. Physical activity interventions grounded in behaviour change theory, such as the social-cognitive theory, are widely considered to be more effective than non-theoretical approaches. Such interventions set out to intervene on the ultimate outcome (physical activity), but also influence intermediate factors (social-cognitive theory constructs) which in turn, are believed to influence physical activity behaviour. The primary aim of the study was to use mediation analysis to examine whether changes in the social-cognitive theory and related …

Front-Line Management During Radical Organisational Change: Social Exchange And Paradox Interpretations, Bassam Buhusayen, Pi-Shen Seet, Alan Coetzer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. External shocks have severely affected the aviation sector with detrimental impacts on airport service employees. Service-sector organizations tend to implement radical organizational change to survive and front-line managers face often-opposing demands. This study aims to shed light on how front-line managers cope by utilizing social exchange-based strategies during radical organizational change. This study uses an exploratory qualitative design and thematically analyses data obtained from 40 semi-structured interviews with senior managers, front-line managers and employees working for an airline services provider operating in a major international airport in Australia. The study finds …

Voltage Stability Of Power Systems With Renewable-Energy Inverter-Based Generators: A Review, Nasser Hosseinzadeh, Asma Aziz, Apel Mahmud, Ameen Gargoom, Mahbub Rabbani

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021 by the authors. The main purpose of developing microgrids (MGs) is to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into the power grid. RESs are normally connected to the grid via power electronic inverters. As various types of RESs are increasingly being connected to the electrical power grid, power systems of the near future will have more inverter-based generators (IBGs) instead of synchronous machines. Since IBGs have significant differences in their characteristics compared to synchronous generators (SGs), particularly concerning their inertia and capability to provide reactive power, their impacts on the system dynamics are different compared to …

The Sleep Of Shift Workers In A Remote Mining Operation: Methodology For A Randomized Control Trial To Determine Evidence-Based Interventions, Gemma Maisey, Marcus Cattani, Amanda Devine, Johnny Lo, Ian C. Dunican

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© Copyright © 2021 Maisey, Cattani, Devine, Lo and Dunican. Shiftwork may adversely impact an individual’s sleep-wake patterns and result in sleep loss ( < 6 h. following night shift), due to the circadian misalignment and the design of rosters and shifts. Within a mining operation, this sleep loss may have significant consequences due to fatigue, including an increased risk of accidents and chronic health conditions. This study aims to (i) determine the efficacy of an intervention that comprises a sleep education program and biofeedback through a smartphone app on sleep quality, quantity, and alertness (ii) determine the prevalence of risk for a potential sleep disorder, and (iii) quantify and describe the sleep habits and behaviors of shift workers in a remote mining operation. This study consists of a randomized controlled trial whereby eighty-eight shift workers within a remote mining operation are randomized to a control group or one of three different treatment groups that are: (i) a sleep education program, (ii) biofeedback on sleep through a smartphone app, or (iii) a sleep education program and biofeedback on sleep through a smartphone app. This study utilizes wrist-activity monitors, biomathematical modeling, and a survey instrument to obtain data on sleep quantity, quality, and alertness. A variety of statistical methods will determine the prevalence of risk for a potential sleep disorder and associations with body mass index, alcohol, and caffeine consumption. A generalized linear mixed model will examine the dependent sleep variables assessed at baseline and post-intervention for the control group and intervention groups, as well as within and between groups to determine changes. The findings from this study will contribute to the current understanding of sleep and alertness behaviors, and sleep problems and disorders amongst shift workers. Importantly, the results may inform fatigue policy and practice on interventions to manage fatigue risk within the mining industry. This study protocol may have a broader application in other shiftwork industries, including oil and gas, aviation, rail, and healthcare.

Navigate: A Study Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial Of An Online Treatment Decision Aid For Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer And Their Partners, Penelope Schofield, Karla Gough, Amelia Hyatt, Alan White, Mark Frydenberg, Suzanne Chambers, Louisa G. Gordon, Robert Gardiner, Declan G. Murphy, Lawrence Cavdon, Natalie Richards, Barbara Murphy, Stephen Quinn, Ilona Juraskova

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021, The Author(s). Background: Active surveillance (AS) is the disease management option of choice for low-risk prostate cancer. Despite this, men with low-risk prostate cancer (LRPC) find management decisions distressing and confusing. We developed Navigate, an online decision aid to help men and their partners make management decisions consistent with their values. The aims are to evaluate the impact of Navigate on uptake of AS; decision-making preparedness; decisional conflict, regret and satisfaction; quality of illness communication; and prostate cancer-specific quality of life and anxiety. In addition, the healthcare cost impact, cost-effectiveness and patterns of use of Navigate will be …

Correction To: Navigate: A Study Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial Of An Online Treatment Decision Aid For Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer And Their Partners, Penelope Schofield, Karla Gough, Amelia Hyatt, Alan White, Mark Frydenberg, Suzanne Chambers, Louisa G. Gordon, Robert Gardiner, Declan G. Murphy, Lawrence Cavedon, Natalie Richards, Barbara Murphy, Stephen Quinn, Ilona Juraskova

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021, The Author(s). Following publication of the original article [1], we were notified of a typo in the spelling of the 10th author name, originally spelt as “Cavdon” instead of “Cavedon” (i.e., missing “e”). The original article has been corrected.

High-Intensity Exercise And Cognitive Function In Cognitively Normal Older Adults: A Pilot Randomised Clinical Trial, Belinda M. Brown, Natalie Frost, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, James Doecke, Shaun Markovic, Nicole Gordon, Michael Weinborn, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Simon M. Laws, Ralph N. Martins, Kirk I. Erickson, Jeremiah J. Peiffer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021, The Author(s). Background: Physical inactivity has been consistently linked to increased risk of cognitive decline; however, studies examining the impact of exercise interventions on cognition have produced inconsistent findings. Some observational studies suggest exercise intensity may be important for inducing cognitive improvements; however, this has yet to be thoroughly examined in older adult cohorts. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of systematically manipulated high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise interventions on cognition. Methods: This multi-arm pilot randomised clinical trial investigated the effects of 6 months of high-intensity exercise and moderate-intensity exercise, compared with an inactive …

Motor Developmental Outcomes In Children Exposed To Maternal Diabetes During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Diana Arabiat, Mohammad A. L. Jabery, Vivien Kemp, Mark Jenkins, Lisa C. Whitehead, Gary Adams

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Studies on the association of maternal diabetes with motor development in children provide inconsistent findings. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Emcare, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases for primary observational, case–control, or cohort studies that report on the motor development of children exposed to maternal diabetes during pregnancy. Quality appraisal and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate. A meta-analysis of summary measures was performed using random-effect models. Eighteen studies were identified for inclusion, however, only 13 were included in the meta-analysis. Exposure to maternal diabetes during pregnancy was associated with a …

The Role Of Background Knowledge In Reading Comprehension: A Critical Review, Reid Smith, Pamela Snow, Tanya Serry, Lorraine Hammond

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. A critical review was conducted to determine the influence background knowledge has on the reading comprehension of primary school-aged children. We identified twenty-three studies that met our criteria and focused on the links between background knowledge and reading comprehension of children in the mid to late primary years. Review findings highlight that higher levels of background knowledge have a range of effects that are influenced by the nature of the text, the quality of the situation model required, and the presence of reader misconceptions about the text. Our findings also indicate that background …

Detection And Recognition Of Moving Video Objects: Kalman Filtering With Deep Learning, Hind Rustum Mohammed, Zahir M. Hussain

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2021. All rights reserved. Research in object recognition has lately found that Deep Convolutional Neuronal Networks (CNN) provide a breakthrough in detection scores, especially in video applications. This paper presents an approach for object recognition in videos by combining Kalman filter with CNN. Kalman filter is first applied for detection, removing the background and then cropping object. Kalman filtering achieves three important functions: predicting the future location of the object, reducing noise and interference from incorrect detections, and associating multi-objects to tracks. After detection and cropping the moving object, a CNN model will predict the category of object. The …

Effect Of Oral Rehydration Solution Versus Spring Water Intake During Exercise In The Heat On Muscle Cramp Susceptibility Of Young Men, Wing Yin Lau, Haruyasu Kato, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Muscle cramp is a painful, involuntary muscle contraction, and that occurs during or following exercise is referred to as exercise-associated muscle cramp (EAMC). The causes of EAMC are likely to be multifactorial, but dehydration and electrolytes deficits are considered to be factors. This study tested the hypothesis that post-exercise muscle cramp susceptibility would be increased with spring water ingestion, but reduced with oral rehydration solution (ORS) ingestion during exercise.

Methods

Ten men performed downhill running (DHR) in the heat (35–36 °C) for 40–60 min to reduce 1.5–2% of their body mass in two conditions (spring water vs ORS) …

Performance Of Fft-Ofdm Versus Dwt-Ofdm Under Compressive Sensing, Zainab Hdeib Al-Shably, Zahir M. Hussain

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In this work, we present a comparative study on the performance of Fourier-based OFDM (FFT-OFDM) and wavelet-based OFDM (DWT-OFDM) under compressive sensing (CS). Transmission over FFT-OFDM and DWT-OFDM, which has been made under different baseband modulation schemes such as Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Key (QPSK), Quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) and (64QAM) has been considered. From numerical simulation results, it is observed that the Wavelet-based OFDM system outperforms Fourier based OFDM when the Quadrature Amplitude Modulation is 16QAM and 64QAM within the signal to noise ratios range 30 to 40 dB. Although CS is more efficient in …

A Threatened Ecological Community: Research Advances And Priorities For Banksia Woodlands, Alison L. Ritchie, Lauren N. Svejcar, Bronwyn M. Ayre, Julian Bolleter, Aaron Brace, Michael D. Craig, Belinda Davis, Robert A. Davis, Eddie J. B. Van Etten, Joseph B. Fontaine, William M. Fowler, Ray H. Froend, Christine Groom, Giles E. S. J. Hardy, Paula Hooper, Anna J. M. Hopkins, Michael Hughes, Siegfried L. Krauss, Matthias Leopold, Ben P. Miller, Russell G. Miller, Cristina E. Ramalho, Katinka X. Ruthrof, Christopher Shaw, Jason C. Stevens, Ryan Tangney, Leonie E. Valentine

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The rapid expansion of urban areas worldwide is leading to native habitat loss and ecosystem fragmentation and degradation. Although the study of urbanisation's impact on biodiversity is gaining increasing interest globally, there is still a disconnect between research recommendations and urbanisation strategies. Expansion of the Perth metropolitan area on the Swan Coastal Plain in south-western Australia, one of the world's thirty-six biodiversity hotspots, continues to affect the Banksia Woodlands (BWs) ecosystem, a federally listed Threatened Ecological Community (TEC). Here, we utilise the framework of a 1989 review of the state of knowledge of BWs ecology and conservation to examine scientific …

Development Of A Breech-Specific Integrated Care Pathway For Pregnant Women: Protocol For A Mixed Methods Study, Sara Morris, Sadie Geraghty, Deborah Sundin

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The development of an integrated care pathway with multidisciplinary input to standardize and streamline care for pregnant women experiencing breech presentation at 36 or more weeks of gestation poses several challenges because of the divisive and contentious nature of the phenomenon. Although many clinicians are interested in obtaining the skills required to safely support women desiring a vaginal breech birth, the primary trend in most health care facilities is to recommend a cesarean section. Objective: This paper aims to discuss the mixed methods approach used in a doctoral study conducted to generate new knowledge regarding women’s experiences of breech …

Early Detection Of Ultra High Risk For Psychosis In A Norwegian Catchment Area: The Two Year Follow-Up Of The Prevention Of Psychosis Study, Inge Joa, Jone Bjornestad, Jan O. Johannessen, Johannes Langeveld, Helen J. Stain, Melissa Weibell, Wenche T. V. Hegelstad

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives: Most individuals experience a relatively long period of sub-clinical psychotic like symptoms, known as the ultra high risk (UHR) or at risk mental states (ARMS), prior to a first episode of psychosis. Approximately 95% of individuals who will later develop psychosis are not referred to specialized clinical services and assessed during the UHR phase. The study aimed to investigate whether a systematic early detection program, modeled after the successful early detection of psychosis program TIPS, would improve the detection of help-seeking UHR individuals. The secondary aim was to examine the rates and predictors of conversion to psychosis after 2 …

Self-Regulatory Goal Motivational Processes In Sustained New Year Resolution Pursuit And Mental Wellbeing, Joanne M. Dickson, Nicholas J. Moberly, David Preece, Alyson Dodd, Christopher D. Huntley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Recent research suggests people typically “give up” pursuing their New Year resolutions within the first month. The present study investigated goal features proposed to be implicated in promoting both mental wellbeing and sustained New Year resolution pursuit. Australian and UK participants (n = 182) took part in an online longitudinal study, including four timepoints over a two-month period. At baseline, participants listed the New Year resolution to which they were most committed, and completed self-report measures to assess mental wellbeing, goal flexibility and te-nacity. At the follow-up surveys, participants completed the wellbeing measure and their New Year resolution commitment, effort …

A Geospatiotemporal And Causal Inference Epidemiological Exploration Of Substance And Cannabinoid Exposure As Drivers Of Rising Us Pediatric Cancer Rates, Albert S. Reece, Gary K. Hulse

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Age-adjusted US total pediatric cancer incidence rates (TPCIR) rose 49% 1975–2015 for unknown reasons. Prenatal cannabis exposure has been linked with several pediatric cancers which together comprise the majority of pediatric cancer types. We investigated whether cannabis use was related spatiotemporally and causally to TPCIR. Methods: State-based age-adjusted TPCIR data was taken from the CDC Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer database 2003–2017. Drug exposure was taken from the nationally-representative National Survey of Drug Use and Health, response rate 74.1%. Drugs included were: tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opioid analgesics and cocaine. This was supplemented by cannabinoid concentration data from the …

The Renaissance Of Odum's Outwelling Hypothesis In 'Blue Carbon' Science, Isaac R. Santos, David J. Burdige, Tim C. Jennerjahn, Steven Bouillon, Alex Cabral, Oscar Serrano, Thomas Wernberg, Karen Filbee-Dexter, Julia A. Guimond, Joseph J. Tamborski

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The term ‘Blue Carbon’ was coined about a decade ago to highlight the important carbon sequestration capacity of coastal vegetated ecosystems. The term has paved the way for the development of programs and policies that preserve and restore these threatened coastal ecosystems for climate change mitigation. Blue carbon research has focused on quantifying carbon stocks and burial rates in sediments or accumulating as biomass. This focus on habitat-bound carbon led us to losing sight of the mobile blue carbon fraction. Oceans, the largest active reservoir of carbon, have become somewhat of a blind spot. Multiple recent investigations have revealed high …

Conservative Clothing Effects On Body Composition Assessment By Air Displacement Plethysmography, Shaun L. Orvell, Kasuen Mauldin, John Gieng

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(4): 687-695, 2021. Form-fitting spandex swimsuits or single-layer compression shorts are recommended during BOD POD® testing to ensure accurate results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various outfit types on body composition measurements using the BOD POD®, and self-reported comfort level wearing each outfit. Twenty-one participants, 8 females and 13 males, (age 31.6 ± 9.8 years) wore a spandex swim cap and three different outfits during BOD POD® testing (manufacturer-recommended form-fitting spandex swimsuit, short sleeve spandex, long sleeve spandex). Measured variables include body mass, body fat percentage, body volume, and …

The Moderating Effect Of Self-Efficacy On The Relationship Between Telecommuting And Turnover Intentions, Samantha Mei-Li Scoppettone

Master's Theses

In recent years, telecommuting has become a popular working arrangement. While many studies have examined various outcomes of telecommuting such as turnover intentions, there is limited literature around potential moderators of the relationship of telecommuting and turnover intentions. The present study examined the relationship between telecommuting intensity and turnover intentions and explored occupational self-efficacy as a potential moderator. It was hypothesized that occupational self-efficacy would moderate the positive relationship between telecommuting intensity and turnover intentions, meaning that the relationship would be stronger for those with lower levels of occupational self-efficacy than those with higher levels of occupational self-efficacy. A total …

Mothers Know Best: Guidance For Healthcare Providers On Early Identification Of Perinatal Mental Health Disorders, Klarissa I. Garcia Orellana

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Introduction: The perinatal period has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders among women. Perinatal mental health disorders (PMHD) are highly prevalent, yet highly underrecognized and untreated. The involvement of medical providers, especially obstetrics/gynecology and pediatric providers, in the early identification of PMHD is critical to ensure women with PMHD receive appropriate supports. However, providers lack the education, training, and ability to identify and screen for PMHD as well as the knowledge of appropriate referrals. Objective: This study explores the existing issues with healthcare providers’ early identification practices of PMHD from the perspective of ten mothers and …

“Soldiers Of The Same Struggle”: A Comparison Of Attachment And Personality Between Justice-Involved Youth In Gangs And Not In Gangs, Lyndsey Keyte

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Risk factors for juvenile delinquency and gang membership are essentially identical, although only a certain subset of justice-involved youth join gangs. In an attempt to identify factors that differentiate justice-involved youth in gangs from justice-involved youth not in gangs, the present study compared attachment styles and personality traits of 406 detained justice-involved youth, 154 of whom were gang-involved and 252 of whom were not. Results showed no significant differences in personality traits or attachment styles between justice-involved youth in gangs and not in gangs. However, results demonstrated attachment styles and personality traits characteristic of both groups of justice-involved youth.

Equality And Access To Credit: A Social Contract Framework, John Linarelli

Scholarly Works

The problems governments face in regulating consumer finance fall into two categories: normative and cognitive. The normative problems have to do with the way that some governments, particularly those adhering to an American model of household finance, have financed social mobility and intergenerational welfare through debt, a tenuous and socially risky policy choice. Credit has a substantial social aspect to it in the United States, where the federal government has in some way engaged in subsidizing about 1/3 of consumer credit, particularly in the residential mortgage market, feeding into a substantial capital markets dimension through government-guaranteed securitization. Most Americans think …

Trump V. Mazars Usa, Llp: The Case Of The Chief Justice And The Congressional Subpoenas, Rodger D. Citron

Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Financial Inclusion, Access To Credit, And Sustainable Finance, John Linarelli, Stephen L. Schwarcz, Ignacio Tirado

Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Rbg And Gender Discrimination, Eileen Kaufman

Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Defining Antisemitism, Mark Goldfeder

Scholarly Works

Antisemitic harassment is illegal, but without a standard definition of what ‘antisemitism’ includes, that idea is almost meaningless. That is why state legislatures and university administrators across the country are debating enacting policies that adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This Article will illustrate precisely how a state bill or a university policy utilizing the IHRA definition for assessing motivation when analyzing discriminatory conduct claims would actually function, so that critics can no longer vaguely claim that such policies would somehow offend the First Amendment. It will also explain the difference between protected political speech and …

Mediation Ethics After The Singapore Convention, Zachary R. Calo

Scholarly Works

The aim of this essay is to consider the shape of mediation ethics after the Singapore Convention. It assesses the role of ethics with the Convention framework, as well as how the Convention can inform broader conversations about mediation ethics. The international commercial mediation landscape initiated by the Convention commends certain approaches to ethics for its effective and efficient operation. In particular, it is argued that the Convention system is best complemented by codes of ethics that are clear and standardized in their norms as well as modest in the scope of their regulatory ambitions. An ethical system defined by …