Digital Commons Network^™

Extending Micro-Credentials To Micro-Apprenticeships For The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Enhancing Vocational Education And Training In The Post-Pandemic’S ‘New Normal’, Pi-Shen Seet, Janice Jones

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

As noted in the foreword of this Special Issue, COVID-19 has accelerated the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s or Industry 4.0’s disruption to the labour market (Sally, 2021). Beyond Industry 4.0 (I4.0), the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies by enterprises, underscoring the need for workers to continuously upskill their digital competencies in order to remain relevant (Heinonen & Strandvik, 2021). Besides digitisation, organisations have had to innovate and adopt new business models to adapt to the ‘new normal’ of surviving and growing beyond the COVID-19 pandemic (Heinonen & Strandvik, 2021). In countries that largely relied on skilled migration …

Irf7-Associated Immunophenotypes Have Dichotomous Responses To Virus/Allergen Co-Exposure And Om-85-Induced Reprogramming, Emma De Jong, Jean-Francois Lauzon-Joset, Jonatan Leffler, Michael Serralha, Alexander N. Larcombe, Claus T. Christophersen, Patrick G. Holt, Deborah H. Strickland, Anthony Bosco

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

High risk for virus-induced asthma exacerbations in children is associated with an IRF7loimmunophenotype, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we applied aSystems Biology approach to an animal model comprising rat strains manifesting high(BN)versuslow susceptibility (PVG) to experimental asthma, induced by virus/allergencoexposure, to elucidate the mechanism(s)-of-action of the high-risk asthmaimmunophenotype. We also investigated potential risk mitigationviapretreatment withthe immune training agent OM-85. Virus/allergen coexposure in low-risk PVG rats resultedin rapid and transient airways inflammation alongside IRF7 gene network formation. Incontrast, responses in high-risk BN rats were characterized by severe airways eosinophiliaand exaggerated proinflammatory responses that failed to resolve, and complete absenceof …

Perennial Ryegrass Contains Gluten-Like Proteins That Could Contaminate Cereal Crops, Sophia Escobar Correas, James A. Broadbent, Alicja Andraszek, Sally Stockwell, Crispin A. Howitt, Angela Juhasz, Michael Colgrave

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: To ensure safe consumption of gluten-free products, there is a need to understand all sources of unintentional contamination with gluten in the food chain. In this study, ryegrass (Lolium perenne), a common weed infesting cereal crop, is analysed as a potential source of gluten-like peptide contamination. Materials and Methods: Ten ryegrass cultivars were analysed using shot gun proteomics for the presence of proteins from the prolamin superfamily. A relative quantitative assay was developed to detect ryegrass gluten-like peptides in comparison with those found in 10 common wheat cultivars. Results: A total of 19 protein accessions were found across 10 …

Subjective Knowledge, Perceived Risk, And Information Search When Purchasing A Franchise: A Comparative Exploration From Australia, Peter Balsarini, Claire Lambert, Maria M. Ryan, Martin Maccarthy

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Franchising has long been a method by which organizations seek to expand and facilitate local market development. However, franchising as a growth strategy can often be hampered by lack of suitable franchisees. To mitigate this shortage, some franchisors have engaged in recruiting franchisees internally from the ranks of their employees in addition to the traditional approach of recruiting franchisees externally. Predominantly franchisees are individuals rather than corporations and thus purchasing a franchise should most commonly be characterized as a consumer acquisition. To explore the relationship between subjective knowledge, perceived risk, and information search behaviors when purchasing a franchise qualitative interviews …

Vitamin K Intake And Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease In The Danish Diet Cancer And Health Study, Jamie W. Bellenge, Frederik Dalgaard, Kevin Murray, Emma Connolly, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim, Kevin D. Croft, Gunnar Gislason, Christian Torp-Pedersen, Anne Tjønneland, Kim Overvad, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Carl Schultz, Nicola P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background Dietary vitamin K (K1 and K2) may reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk via several mechanisms. However, studies linking vitamin K intake with incident ASCVD are limited. We aimed to determine the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and ASCVD hospitalizations. Methods and Results In this prospective cohort study, participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, with no prior ASCVD, completed a food‐frequency questionnaire at baseline and were followed up for hospital admissions of ASCVD; ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Intakes of vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 were estimated from the food‐frequency questionnaire, …

Intake Of Products Containing Anthocyanins, Flavanols, And Flavanones, And Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review, Samantha L. Gardener, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Michael Weinborn, Catherine P. Bondonno, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The purpose of this review is to examine human research studies published within the past 6 years which evaluate the role of anthocyanin, flavanol, and flavanone consumption in cognitive function, and to discuss potential mechanisms of action underlying any observed benefits. Evidence to date suggests the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, such as berries and cocoa, may have the potential to limit, or even reverse, age-related declines in cognition. Over the last 6 years, the flavonoid subgroups of anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavanones have been shown to be beneficial in terms of conferring neuroprotection. The mechanisms by which flavonoids positively modulate cognitive …

Genetic And Ecological Consequences Of Recent Habitat Fragmentation In A Narrow Endemic Plant Species Within An Urban Context, Nicola Delnevo, Andrea Piotti, Michele Carbognani, Eddie J. Van Etten, William D. Stock, David L. Field, Margaret Byrne

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Understanding the timescales that shape spatial genetic structure is pivotal to ascertain the impact of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity and reproductive viability of long-lived plant populations. Combining genetic and ecological information with current and past fragmentation conditions allows the identification of the main drivers important in shaping population structure and declines in reproduction, which is crucial for informing conservation strategies. Using historic aerial photographs, we defined the past fragmentation conditions for the shrub Conospermum undulatum, a species now completely embedded in an urban area. We explored the impact of current and past conditions on its genetic layout …

Current Advances In Syngas (Co + H2) Production Through Bi-Reforming Of Methane Using Various Catalysts: A Review, U. S. Mohanty, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Today, bi - reforming of methane is considered as an emerging replacement for the generation of high-grade synthesis gas (H₂:CO = 2.0), and also as an encouraging renewable energy substitute for fossil fuel resources. For achieving high conversion levels of CH₄, H₂O, and CO₂ in this process, appropriate operation variables such as pressure, temperature and molar feed constitution are prerequisites for the high yield of synthesis gas. One of the biggest stumbling blocks for the methane reforming reaction is the sudden deactivation of catalysts, which is attributed to the sintering and coke formation …

Potential Role Of Exercise Induced Extracellular Vesicles In Prostate Cancer Suppression, Ying Zhang, Jin-Soo Kim, Tain-Zhen Wang, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert A. Gardiner, Michelle M. Hill, Dennis Taaffe

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Physical exercise is increasingly recognized as a valuable treatment strategy in managing prostate cancer, not only enhancing supportive care but potentially influencing disease outcomes. However, there are limited studies investigating mechanisms of the tumor-suppressive effect of exercise. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as a therapeutic target for cancer as tumor-derived EVs have the potential to promote metastatic capacity by transferring oncogenic proteins, integrins, and microRNAs to other cells and EVs are also involved in developing drug resistance. Skeletal muscle has been identified as an endocrine organ, releasing EVs into the circulation, and levels of EV-containing factors have been …

Charging Infrastructure For Commercial Electric Vehicles: Challenges And Future Works, Bassam Al-Hanahi, Iftekhar Ahmad, Daryoush Habibi, Mohammad A. S. Masoum

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The journey towards transportation electrification started with small electric vehicles (i.e., electric cars), which have enjoyed an increasing level of global interest in recent years. Electrification of commercial vehicles (e.g., trucks) seems to be a natural progression of this journey, and many commercial vehicle manufacturers have shifted their focus on medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification over the last few years. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing works presented in the literature on commercial vehicle charging. The paper starts with a brief discussion on the significance of commercial vehicle electrification, especially heavy- and medium-duty …

“Just Like Breathing”: A Portrait Of An 85-Year-Old Veteran Teacher, Christina C. Gray, Geoffrey M. Lowe Dr, Peter F. Prout, Sarah Jefferson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Through a phenomenological lens of portraiture methodology, this article explores the career experiences of a veteran acting teacher who, at the age of 85 years, remains highly passionate and dedicated to his work with younger aspiring actors. The article reveals how for this veteran teacher, his strong teacher identity characterised by a quest for challenge and a commitment to career-long professional development are significant to maintaining relevance and passion for teaching. As many countries grapple with issues surrounding the retention of veteran teachers, understanding the ways in which he maintains his passion and commitment over succumbing to stress and burn …

Co2 – Brine – Sandstone Wettability Evaluation At Reservoir Conditions Via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurements, Auby Baban, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Alireza Keshavarz, R. Amin, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

CO₂-rock wettability is a key parameter which governs CO₂ trapping capacities and containment security in the context of CO₂ geo-sequestration schemes. However, significant uncertainties still exist in terms of predicting CO₂ rock wettability at true reservoir conditions. This study thus reports on wettability measurements via independent Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments on sandstone (CO₂–brine systems) to quantify Wettability Indices (WI) using the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) scale. The results show that CO₂ (either molecularly dissolved or as a separate supercritical phase) significantly reduced the hydrophilicity of the sandstone from strongly …

Teachers’ Perspectives On The Use Of Digital Portfolios In Efl Teaching Context, Diem Thi Ngoc Hoang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Teacher education in Vietnam has undergone radical reform in the last decade. This is partially the result ofthe determination of the Vietnamese government to improve education quality nationwide at all levels. In particular, the training of teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has received significant consideration. This is shown in many policy documents issued by the government that focus on increasing both quantity and quality of EFL teachers (Government of Vietnam, 2008; Ministry of Education and Training, 2014). Among the quality standards of EFL teachers, ICT competence has recently received considerable attention and investment (Government of Vietnam, 2017; …

Applications Of Membranes For Sustainability, Veeriah Jegatheesan, Chettiyappan Visvanathan, Li Shu, Faisal I. Hai, Ludovic F. Dumée

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Applications of membranes in water and wastewater treatment, desalination, as well as other purification processes, have become more widespread over the past few decades. However, we continue to ponder on (i) how well do we get maximum benefits from membrane applications? (ii) In what areas of membranes do we need to further our fundamental understanding? (iii) Which membrane technologies find difficulties in scale-up? (iv) How good are we in integrating membrane technologies? (v) How can we improve the reliability of membranes and reduce the cost? (vi) Where are we in disseminating the needs if we are to use membranes all …

Neutron Scattering: A Subsurface Application Review, Mirhasan Hosseini, Muhammad Arif, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Geomaterials and filling fluids properties that are pertinent to a geologic porous media can be characterized using a range of methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, X-rays, infrared spectroscopy, and neutron scattering (NS). In this context, NS features as an important tool elucidate key properties of a porous medium, which has recently gained significant attention. Key rock properties that can be measured by NS include: rock texture (i.e. crystallographic preferred orientation), mechanical properties (i.e. stress and strain) as well as porous medium properties (pore porosity, pore size and connectivity). In addition, NS imaging can help elucidate the phase behaviour of …

Analysis Of Gps And Uwb Positioning System For Athlete Tracking, Adnan Waqar, Iftekhar Ahmad, Daryoush Habibi, Quoc Viet Phung

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In recent years, wearable performance monitoring systems have become increasingly popular in competitive sports. Wearable devices can provide vital information including distance covered, velocity, change of direction, and acceleration, which can be used to improve athlete performance and prevent injuries. Tracking technology that monitors the movement of an athlete is an important element of sport wearable devices. For tracking, the cheapest option is to use global positioning system (GPS) data however, their large margins of error are a major concern in many sports. Consequently, indoor positioning systems (IPS) have become popular in sports in recent years where the ultra-wideband (UWB) …

Evaluating The Energetics Of Entrainment In A Human–Machine Coupled Oscillator System, Ryan T. Schroeder, James L. Croft, John E. A. Bertram

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

During locomotion, humans sometimes entrain (i.e. synchronize) their steps to external oscillations: e.g. swaying bridges, tandem walking, bouncy harnesses, vibrating treadmills, exoskeletons. Previous studies have discussed the role of nonlinear oscillators (e.g. central pattern generators) in facilitating entrainment. However, the energetics of such interactions are unknown. Given substantial evidence that humans prioritize economy during locomotion, we tested whether reduced metabolic expenditure is associated with human entrainment to vertical force oscillations, where frequency and amplitude were prescribed via a custom mechatronics system during walking. Although metabolic cost was not significantly reduced during entrainment, individuals expended less energy when the oscillation forces …

Prevalence And Patterns Of Multimorbidity In Australian Baby Boomers: The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study, Michael L. Hunter, Matthew W. Knuiman, Bill A. W. Musk, Jennie Hui, Kevin Murray, John P. Beilby, David R. Hillman, Joseph Hung, Robert U. Newton, Romola S. Bucks, Leon Straker, John P. Walsh, Kun Zhu, David G. Bruce, Robert H. Eikelboom, Timothy M. E. Davis, David A. Mackey, Alan L. James

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background and objective: Chronic medical conditions accumulate within individuals with age. However, knowledge concerning the trends, patterns and determinants of multimorbidity remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity using extensive individual phenotyping in a general population of Australian middle-aged adults. Methods: Participants (n = 5029, 55% female), born between 1946 and 1964 and attending the cross-sectional phase of the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study (BHAS) between 2010 and 2015, were studied. Prevalence of 21 chronic conditions was estimated using clinical measurement, validated instrument scores and/or self-reported doctor-diagnosis. Non-random patterns of multimorbidity were explored using observed/expected (O/E) prevalence …

The Supportive Care Needs Of Regional And Remote Cancer Caregivers, Anna Stiller, Belinda C. Goodwin, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Sonja March, Michael Ireland, Joanne F. Aitken, Jeff Dunn, Suzanne K. Chambers

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective: As cancer survival rates continue to increase, so will the demand for care from family and friends, particularly in more isolated settings. This study aims to examine the needs of cancer caregivers in regional and remote Australia. Methods: A total of 239 informal (i.e., non-professional) cancer caregivers (e.g., family/friends) from regional and remote Queensland, Australia, completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers (CNAT-C). The frequencies of individuals reporting specific needs were calculated. Logistic regression analyses assessed the association between unmet needs and demographic characteristics and cancer type. Results: The most frequently endorsed needs were lodging near hospital …

Frequency Estimation From Compressed Measurements Of A Sinusoid In Moving‐Average Colored Noise, Nuha A. S. Alwan, Zahir M. Hussain

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Frequency estimation of a single sinusoid in colored noise has received a considerable amount of attention in the research community. Taking into account the recent emergence and advances in compressive covariance sensing (CCS), the aim of this work is to combine the two disci-plines by studying the effects of compressed measurements of a single sinusoid in moving‐average colored noise on its frequency estimation accuracy. CCS techniques can recover the second‐order statistics of the original uncompressed signal from the compressed measurements, thereby enabling correlation‐based frequency estimation of single tones in colored noise using higher order lags. Ac-ceptable accuracy is achieved for …

The Role Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy In Cardiovascular And Diabetes Healthcare: A Scoping Review, Amineh Rashidi, Lisa Whitehead, Lisa Newson, Felicity Astin, Paramjit Gill, Deirdre A. Lane, Gregory Y. H. Lip, Lis Neubeck, Chantal F. Ski, David R. Thompson, Helen Walthall, Ian D. Jones

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an adapted form of cognitive behavioural therapy. ACT focuses on how thinking affects behaviour and promotes psychological flexibility. The prevalence of psychological distress among people living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is high, and ACT may offer an alternative treatment approach. This scoping review explored the use of ACT as an intervention to support adults living with CVD and/or T2DM. A systematic search of the literature resulted in the inclusion of 15 studies. Studies were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach to conducting scoping reviews. Most studies (n …

Oat Intake And Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease And All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Faina Wehrli, Petek E. Taneri, Arjola Bano, Lia Bally, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Weston Bussler, Brandon Metzger, Beatrice Minder, Marija Glisic, Taulant Muka, Hua Kern

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain the top disease and mortality burdens worldwide. Oats have been shown to benefit cardiovascular health and improve insulin resistance. However, the evidence linking oat consumption with CVD, T2D and all-cause mortality remains inconclusive. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the associations between oat consumption and risks of T2D, CVD and all-cause mortality in the general population. Five electronic databases were searched until September, 2020. Study specific relative risks (RR) were meta-analyzed using random effect models. Of 4686 relevant references, we included 9 articles, …

An Outbreak Of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H7n7) In Australia And The Potential For Novel Influenza A Viruses To Emerge, Andrew T. Bisset, Gerard F. Hoyne

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In 2020, several geographically isolated farms in Victoria, Australia, experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H7N7 and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses H5N2 and H7N6. Effective containment and control measures ensured the eradication of these viruses but the event culminated in substantial loss of livestock and significant economic impact. The avian HPAI H7N7 virus generally does not infect humans; however, evidence shows the ocular pathway presents a favourable tissue tropism for human infection. Through antigenic drift, mutations in the H7N7 viral genome may increase virulence and pathogenicity in humans. The Victorian outbreak also detected LPAI …

Analysis Of The Use And Perception Of Shared Mobility: A Case Study In Western Australia, Craig Standing, Ferry Jie, Thi Le, Susan Standing, Sharon Biermann

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The sharing economy has acquired a lot of media attention in recent years, and it has had a significant impact on the transport sector. This paper investigates the existing impact and potential of various forms of shared mobility, concentrating on the case study of Wanneroo, Western Australia. We adopted bibliometric analysis and visualization tools based on nearly 700 papers collected from the Scopus database to identify research clusters on shared mobility. Based on the clusters identified, we undertook a further content analysis to clarify the factors affecting the potential of different shared mobility modes. A specially designed questionnaire was applied …

Impact Of Modern Antiviral Therapy Of Chronic Hepatitis B And C On Clinical Outcomes Of Liver Disease, Tiffany Khoo, Danielle Lam, John K. Olynyk

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Chronic infections with the hepatitis B and C viruses have significant worldwide health and economic impacts. Previous treatments for hepatitis C such as interferon and ribavirin therapy were ineffective and poorly tolerated by patients. The introduction of directly acting curative antiviral therapy for hepatitis C and the wider use of nucleos(t)ide analogues for suppression of chronic Hepatitis B infection have resulted in many positive developments. Decreasing the prevalence of hepatitis B and C have concurrently reduced transmission rates and hence, the number of new infections. Antiviral treatments have decreased the rates of liver decompensation and as a result, lowered hospitalisation …

Enhancing Adaptions To Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training Interventions, Anthony J. Blazevich, David F. Collins, Guillaume Y. Millet, Marco A. Vaz, Nicola A. Maffiuletti

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to skeletal muscles is an effective rehabilitation and exercise training modality. However, the relatively low muscle force and rapid muscle fatigue induced by NMES limit the stimulus provided to the neuromuscular system and subsequent adaptations. We hypothesize that adaptations to NMES will be enhanced by the use of specific stimulation protocols and adjuvant interventions.

Effects Of Exercise During Radiotherapy On Physical Function And Treatment-Related Side Effects In Men With Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Oliver Schumacher, Hao Luo, Dennis Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvao, Colin Tang, Raphael Chee, Nigel Spry, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment for prostate cancer; however, the side effects may negatively affect quality of life and cause patients to be less physically active. Although exercise has been shown to mitigate radiation therapy–related fatigue in men with prostate cancer during radiation therapy, other adverse effects of treatment such as physical deconditioning, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction have not been systematically reviewed in this patient population. Thus, the purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of exercise on physical function and treatment-related side effects in men with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

Methods

A …

Does Corporate Eco-Innovation Affect Stock Price Crash Risk?, Rashid Zaman, Nader Atawnah, Muhammad Haseeb, Muhammad Nadeem, Saadia Irfan

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

We examine the effect of corporate environmental innovation (hereafter eco-innovation) on stock price crash risk and document a significant negative association. Utilising a large sample of publicly listed U.S. firms for the period 2003 to 2017, we find that an increase in eco-innovation from the 25th to the 75th percentile is associated with 17.62% reduction in stock price crash risk. This outcome remains robust to a variety of sensitivity tests and after accounting for potential endogeneity concerns. Eco-innovative firms attract more institutional investors and equity analyst following and disclose more information leading to lower stock price crash risk. Additional tests …

Content Analysis Of Patent Applications For Strength Training Equipment Filed In The United States Before 1980, James L. Nuzzo

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Nuzzo, JL. Content analysis of patent applications for strength training equipment filed in the United States before 1980. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2952–2962, 2021—Strength training history is an emerging academic area. The aim of the current study was to describe quantitively the history of inventions for strength training equipment. Content analysis was conducted of patent applications for strength training equipment filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before 1980. Applications were identified using relevant keyword searches in Google Patents. A total of 551 patent applications were analyzed. The earliest application identified was filed in 1860. Applications never exceed …

Trading Macro-Cycles Of Foreign Exchange Markets Using Hybrid Models, Joseph Z. B. Ling, Albert K. Tsui, Zhaoyong Zhang Prof

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Most existing studies on forecasting exchange rates focus on predicting next-period returns. In contrast, this study takes the novel approach of forecasting and trading the longer-term trends (macro-cycles) of exchange rates. It proposes a unique hybrid forecast model consisting of linear regression, multilayer neural network, and combination models embedded with technical trading rules and economic fundamentals to predict the macro-cycles of the selected currencies and investigate the predicative power and market timing ability of the model. The results confirm that the combination model has a significant predictive power and market timing ability, and outperforms the benchmark models in terms of …