Digital Commons Network^™

Seagrass Soils Sequester Up To Half The Metal Emissions Of One Of The World's Largest Smelters, Anna Lafratta, Oscar Serrano, Pere Masque´, M. Fernandes, S. Gaylard, Paul Lavery

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

One of the world's largest smelters has been operating in South Australia since 1889, affecting environment and human health. Here we quantified the magnitude of Pb, Zn and Cd emissions from the smelter sequestered in the soil of an adjacent 110 km2 Posidonia australis seagrass meadows. Seagrass core records show that the smelter contaminated the entire area with decreasing sequestration with increasing distance from contamination points. The soil accumulated ~1300 t of Pb, ~3450 t of Zn, and ~ 90 t of Cd since 1889, and sequestered the equivalent of ~20 % of Pb, and ~50 % of Zn and …

Prognostic And Predictive Value Of Metformin In The European Organisation For Research And Treatment Of Cancer 1325/Keynote-054 Phase Iii Trial Of Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo In Resected High-Risk Stage Iii Melanoma, Oliver J. Kennedy, Michal Kicinski, Sara Valpione, Sara Gandini, Stefan Suciu, Christian U. Blank, Georgina V. Long, Victoria G. Atkinson, Stéphane Dalle, Andrew M. Haydon, Andrey Meshcheryakov, Adnan Khattak, Matteo S. Carlino, Shahneen Sandhu, James Larkin, Susana Puig, Paolo A. Ascierto, Piotr Rutkowski, Dirk Schadendorf, Marye Boers-Sonderen, Anna M. Di Giacomo, Alfonsus J. M. Van Der Eertwegh, Jean-Jacques Grob, Ralf Gutzmer, Rahima Jamal, Alexander C. J. Van Akkooi, Caroline Robert, Alexander M. M. Eggermont, Paul Lorigan, Mario Mandala

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Metformin is a commonly prescribed and well-tolerated medication. In laboratory studies, metformin suppresses BRAF wild-type melanoma cells but accelerates the growth of BRAF-mutated cells. This study investigated the prognostic and predictive value of metformin, including with respect to BRAF mutation status, in the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 1325/KEYNOTE-054 randomised controlled trial. Methods: Patients with resected high-risk stage IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC melanoma received 200 mg of pembrolizumab (n = 514) or placebo (n = 505) every 3 weeks for twelve months. Pembrolizumab prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) at approximately 42 months …

Solidarity Tourism: A Pathway To Revitalising The Health Of Vulnerable War-Affected Populations?, Jun Wen, Fangli Hu, Danni Zheng, Ian Phau, Metin Kozak, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The struggles of war are felt by all who occupy an affected region (and beyond), irrespective of whether they are in active combat. This experience has physical effects (e.g. injury, illness, malnutrition, disability, sexual violence, and/or death) and emotional impacts (e.g. posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety) [1-3]. The terror associated with war disrupts lives and relationships, leaving individuals, families, and communities distressed. Due to such immediate and long-term adverse outcomes, war represents a highly destructive and enduring public health emergency [4]. . . .

Blue Carbon Opportunities: Seagrass Carbon Storage And Accumulation Rates At Johor And Penang, Malaysia, Paul Lavery, Anna Lafratta, Dhivya Nair, Louisa Ponnampalam, Jol Ern Ng, Fairul Izmal Jamal Hisne, Oscar Serrano, Pere Masque´

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Report prepared as a contribution to the IKI Project “Conservation of biodiversity, seagrass ecosystems and their services – safeguarding food security and resilience in vulnerable coastal communities in a changing climate.

The IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project is a partnership between the CMS, Edith Cowan University, Project Seagrass, Seagrass Watch, Murdoch University, MRS, Blue Ventures, SAN, C3, ZSL, MareCet and Yapeka. The collaboration enhances the understanding of seagrass ecosystem services and the capacity to develop and deliver science-based policy solutions in seagrass conservation. It brings together scientists, policy experts, business development experts and conservation NGOs across the globe to provide …

Beyond Inclusion: Developing Guidelines To Support Trans, Gender Diverse And Non-Binary Communities, Stevie Lane, Casey Thomas

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In early 2020, Edith Cowan University (ECU) identified the need for a proactive approach to supporting and affirming trans, gender diverse, and non-binary (TGDNB) students, staff, alumni, and the wider community. While there was general support and focus on LGBTIQA+ initiatives broadly at ECU, there were no existing supports to address the unique needs and raise awareness of the experiences of TGDNB people. This paper outlines ECU’s process to develop TGDNB Support Guidelines, including research, forming a working group to drive resource development, consultation from different areas within the university, a launch event, training, and ensuring the document was widely …

Incidence And Mortality Of Conjunctival Melanoma In Australia (1982 To 2014), Aaron B. Beasley, David B. Preen, Samuel Mclenachan, Elin S. Gray, Fred K. Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence and mortality of conjunctival melanoma in Australia from 1982 to 2014. Methods: De-identified unit data for all cases of ocular melanoma were extracted from the Australian Cancer Database from 1982 to 2014. Conjunctival melanoma cases were extracted, and the incidence and mortality were analyzed. Incidence rates were age-standardized against the 2001 Australian Standard Population. Mortality was assessed using log-rank and Cox regression. Results: From 1982 to 2014, there were 299 cases of conjunctival melanoma. The age-standardized incidence rate was 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41 to 0.54) per …

Lesbian, Anorexic, Disabled, And Big: Other Ways Of Being A Female Physical Education Teacher, Gustavo González-Calvo, Valeria Varea

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Research has shown that Physical Education (PE) is a white, male, and able body-dominated profession, particularly in Spain. When some female pre-service PE teachers, who had a difficult relationship with their bodies and sports abilities, enrol in such a degree, some of these problematic relations come to light. Participants for this study were four female pre-service teachers who self-identified as lesbian, anorexic, visually impaired, and big respectively. Data were collected through participant-produced texts, graphical representations, and interviews. The authors then reconstructed the participants’ stories which are presented in the form of narratives. The conceptual tool of embodying norm-criticality helped us …

Local Community Capacity Building: Exploring Non-Governmental Organizations Approaches In Tamil Nadu, Sten Langmann, Pieter-Jan Bezemer, David Pick

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Locally based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in community capacity building (CCB). Because these NGOs are generally located close to the affected communities, they have the local knowledge to identify problems and assist the affected communities to address them. However, the methods these local NGOs use to build capacity in the local communities and the reasons they choose certain CCB approaches are not well known. To enhance the knowledge in these areas, this study conducted semistructured interviews with local NGOs and local NGO experts in Tamil Nadu, India. It was found that local NGOs build capacity in communities …

Periodic Changes In The N-Glycosylation Of Immunoglobulin G During The Menstrual Cycle, Julija Jurić, Hongli Peng, Manshu Song, Frano Vučković, Jelena Šimunović, Irena Trbojević-Akmačić, Youxin Wang, Jiaonan Liu, Qing Gao, Hao Wang, Qiaoyun Chu, Marija Pezer, Wei Wang, Gordan Lauc

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant plasma glycoprotein and a prominent humoral immune mediator. Glycan composition affects the affinity of IgG to ligands and consequent immune responses. The modification of IgG N-glycosylation is considered to be one of the various mechanisms by which sex hormones modulate the immune system. Although the menstrual cycle is the central sex hormone-related physiological process in most women of reproductive age, IgG N-glycosylation dynamics during the menstrual cycle have not yet been investigated. To fill this gap, we profiled the plasma IgG N-glycans of 70 healthy premenopausal women at 12 time points during their …

Prehabilitative Versus Rehabilitative Exercise In Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Prostatectomy, Favil Singh, Robert U. Newton, Dennis R. Taaffe, Pedro Lopez, Jeff Thavaseelan, Matthew Brown, Elayne Ooi, Kazunori Nosaka, Dickon Hayne, Daniel A. Galvão

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The study compared the efficacy of commencing supervised exercise in men with prostate cancer before and after prostatectomy on objective and patient-reported outcomes, hospital length of stay, and urinary incontinence. Methods: Forty-one men were randomised to a 6-week prehabilitation or rehabilitation exercise programme. Prehabilitation involved resistance and aerobic exercise thrice weekly pre-surgery, while rehabilitation comprised the same commencing 6-weeks post-surgery. Assessments included strength, function (chair rise, stair climb, 400-m, 6-m usual, fast, and backwards walk), body composition, fatigue and quality of life, undertaken at pre-surgery, early post-surgery and late post-surgery phase, with urinary incontinence (24-h pad test) assessed at …

Final Report June 2023: Research Impact Evidence Scheme - Research Impact: Dr. Helen Adam, Maria Enriquez-Watt, Helen Adam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research addressed the question: What is the impact of the research of Dr. Helen Adam into the culturally responsive use of diverse literature on practitioners, school communities, policy makers and the wider community?

Key Findings:

• The primary beneficiaries of Adam’s work include policy makers, educational professionals & consultants, academics, teacher trainers, and librarians.
• The secondary beneficiaries of Adam’s research include school children and their families, school communities and the wider community.
• Adam’s research is of pervasive and profound significance in educational sectors and is rapidly becoming of global significance.
• Adam’s research is transformative and impacts on the lives of …

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome And Pet Tourism, Jun Wen, Fangli Hu, Joshua Aston

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Highlights:

• Introduces canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome into the tourism literature

• Describes the nexus between canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome and pet tourism

• Highlights travel-related benefits for aging pets

• Discusses the need to consider travel a non-pharmacological intervention for pets

• Presents an interdisciplinary discussion to develop this niche market

Bidirectional Causality Between Immunoglobulin G N-Glycosylation And Metabolic Traits: A Mendelian Randomization Study, Xiaoni Meng, Weijie Cao, Di Liu, Isinta M. Elijah, Weijia Xing, Haifeng Hou, Xizhu Xu, Manshu Song, Youxin Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Although the association between immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation and metabolic traits has been previously identified, the causal association between them remains unclear. In this work, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to integrate genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) data in order to investigate the bidirectional causal association of IgG N-glycosylation with metabolic traits. In the forward MR analysis, 59 (including nine putatively causal glycan peaks (GPs) for body mass index (BMI) (GP1, GP6, etc.) and seven for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (GP1, GP5, etc.)) and 15 (including five putatively causal GPs for BMI (GP2, GP11, etc.) …

Experimental Study On The Mechanical Controlling Factors Of Fracture Plugging Strength For Lost Circulation Control In Shale Gas Reservoir, Chengyuan Xu, Lingmao Zhu, Feng Xu, Yili Kang, Haoran Jing, Zhenjiang You

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The geological conditions of shale reservoir present several unique challenges. These include the extensive development of multi-scale fractures, frequent losses during horizontal drilling, low success rates in plugging, and a tendency for the fracture plugging zone to experience repeated failures. Extensive analysis suggests that the weakening of the mechanical properties of shale fracture surfaces is the primary factor responsible for reducing the bearing capacity of the fracture plugging zone. To assess the influence of oil-based environments on the degradation of mechanical properties in shale fracture surfaces, rigorous mechanical property tests were conducted on shale samples subsequent to their exposure to …

Improved Yolov5-Based Real-Time Road Pavement Damage Detection In Road Infrastructure Management, Abdullah A. Sami, Saadman Sakib, Kaushik Deb, Iqbal H. Sarker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Deep learning has enabled a straightforward, convenient method of road pavement infrastructure management that facilitates a secure, cost-effective, and efficient transportation network. Manual road pavement inspection is time-consuming and dangerous, making timely road repair difficult. This research showcases You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5), the most commonly employed object detection model trained on the latest benchmark Road Damage Dataset, Road Damage Detection 2022 (RDD 2022). The RDD 2022 dataset includes four common types of road pavement damage, namely vertical cracks, horizontal cracks, alligator cracks, and potholes. This paper presents an improved deep neural network model based on YOLOv5 for …

The Compressive Strength And Microstructure Of Alkali-Activated Mortars Utilizing By-Product-Based Binary-Blended Precursors, Otman M. M. Elbasir, Megat A. M. Johari, Zainal A. Ahmad, Nuha S. Mashaan, Abdalrhman Milad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Researchers have investigated the feasibility of using ultrafine palm oil fuel ash (u-POFA) as a cement replacement material because of its potential to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production. u-POFA, a by-product of palm oil fuel combustion, is a suitable replacement for Portland cement in concrete mixes because of its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This study investigated the microstructural and compressive strengths of alkali-activated mortars (AAMs) based on fly ash (FA) and granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS) being added with varying percentages of u-POFA. The mixture samples were prepared in eighteen mortars using sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) as the source material and …

Inclusive Leadership And Workplace Bullying: A Model Of Psychological Safety, Self-Esteem, And Embeddedness, Azadeh Shafaei, Mehran Nejati, Maryam Omari, Fleur Sharafizad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Bullying is an adverse workplace phenomenon that requires serious attention by leaders and managers. Drawing upon Social Identity Theory, Optimal Distinctiveness Theory, and Victim Precipitation Theory, this study investigates how inclusive leadership is associated with workplace bullying (WB). It also examines the mediating role of psychological safety and self-esteem as serial mediators in this relationship. Additionally, the moderating role of embeddedness on the link between inclusive leadership and WB is explored. The study used a two-wave time-lagged survey completed by 226 full-time employees. The survey captured employees’ perceptions about themselves, their work environment, and their line managers. Study hypotheses were …

Orthodox Vs Paradox: The Roles Of Glycomics, Genetics And Beyond In Immunity, Immune Disorders And Glycomedicine, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The traditional ‘central dogma’ describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. This process highlights the critical role of genes in living organisms. Nonetheless, ongoing immunological research coming to realize that emerging disciplines like glycomics and epigenetics are challenging the traditional viewpoint and extending the boundaries of the ‘central dogma’. . . .

Reading Group As Method For Feminist Environmental Humanities, James Gardiner, Hayley Singer, Jennifer Hamilton, Astrida Neimanis, Mindy Blaise

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article argues that reading groups are a collective field building and research method in Feminist Environmental Humanities, an interdisciplinary scholarly area at the intersections of feminist social justice and environmental concerns. We begin by historicising three Australian Feminist Environmental reading groups (COMPOSTING Feminisms, Eco Feminist Fridays, The Ediths) within a longer feminist tradition, then demonstrate how they respond to declining research funding in the neoliberal university and accelerating ecological crisis. Drawing on survey data, we first thematically code and analyse the results to categorise the groups’ functions and impacts. Departing from more traditional data analysis, we then develop a …

The Effect Of Acute Exercise On Objectively Measured Sleep And Cognition In Older Adults, Kelsey R. Sewell, Nathan D. W. Smith, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Jeremiah Peiffer, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kirk I. Erickson, Belinda M. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Exercise can improve cognition in aging, however it is unclear how exercise influences cognition, and sleep may partially explain this association. The current study aimed to investigate whether objectively measured sleep mediates the effect of an acute exercise intervention on cognition in older adults. Methods: Participants were 30 cognitively unimpaired, physically active older adults (69.2 ± 4.3 years) with poor sleep (determined via self-report). After a triple baseline cognitive assessment to account for any natural fluctuation in cognitive performance, participants completed either a single bout of 20-minutes of high intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer, or a control condition, …

‘Keep The Music Going’: How The Isolation Tour 2020 Maintained Community And Cultural Connectedness During The 2020 Covid-19 Lockdown In Western Australia, Brigitta Scarfe, Amy Budrikis, Clint Bracknell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social isolation measures had a profound impact on communities worldwide. In regional and remote Western Australia, the use of online platforms has become increasingly important for maintaining social and emotional well-being. This article examines the role of ‘The Isolation Tour 2020’ Facebook page in providing a lifeline for its mostly Aboriginal audience to stay connected with culture, Country, and one another during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in Western Australia. The authors conducted an in-depth interview with one of the administrators of the page and supplemented this with a thematic analysis of publicly available Facebook data. …

The Voice Of Lived Experience Guiding Impactful Change In Edith Cowan University's Whole-Of-Institution Approach To Mental Health, Susan Edgar, Fiona Navin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This case study presents the background to the establishment of Edith Cowan University (ECU)’s Student and Staff Mental Health Strategy 2021-2024 as well as the early stages of its implementation. The value of lived experience storytelling is explored, including its role in recovery programs in the mental health sector and early examples of its use in higher education health promotion initiatives. ECU’s experience adopting the Lived Experience Project is presented, including examples of how student voices have been incorporated within a range of strategic initiatives during the Foundation Phase of the University’s Mental Health Strategy. Future uses are also considered …

Unseen Inequities: The Role Of Leadership In Addressing Structural Barriers To Education In Australian Universities, Braden Hill

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The lack of diversity in leadership positions within the Australian university sector has been a persistent issue, with predominantly older, white, male leaders holding power and shaping the future of higher education. While student demographics have become more diverse, the leadership of academic institutions has not kept pace with these changes. Therefore, as student expectations and attitudes change, university communities are encouraged to (re)consider their commitment to proactively addressing the structural inequalities that continue to impact the journeys of the students we seek to serve. Nevertheless, activist universities—those that proactively and visibly seek to lead on matters of socio-political importance—are …

Using Qpcr And Microscopy To Assess The Impact Of Harvesting And Weather Conditions On The Relationship Between Alternaria Alternata And Alternaria Spp. Spores In Rural And Urban Atmospheres, Godfrey Philliam Apangu, Carl Alexander Frisk, Beverley Adams-Groom, Geoffrey M. Petch, Mary Hanson, Carsten Ambelas Skjøth

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alternaria is a plant pathogen and human allergen. Alternaria alternata is one of the most abundant fungal spores in the air. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Alternaria spp. spore concentrations can be used to predict the abundance and spatio-temporal pattern of A. alternata spores in the air. This was investigated by testing the hypothesis that A. alternata dominates airborne Alternaria spp. spores and varies spatio-temporally. Secondarily, we aimed at investigating the relationship between airborne Alternaria spp. spores and the DNA profile of A. alternata spores between two proximate (~ 7 km apart) sites. These were examined …

A Feasibility, Safety, And Efficacy Evaluation Of Supervised Aerobic And Resistance Exercise For Patients With Glioblastoma Undertaking Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy, Anna K. Nowak, Robert U. Newton, Travis Cruickshank, Prue Cormie, Georgia K. Halkett, Daphne Tsoi, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: While therapeutically effective, chemoradiotherapy treatment for high-grade glioma (glioblastoma) is often accompanied by side effects. Exercise has been demonstrated to alleviate the adverse effects of such treatments in other cancers. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of supervised exercise incorporating autoregulation. Methods: Thirty glioblastoma patients were recruited, five declined exercise and 25 were provided with a multimodal exercise intervention for the duration of their chemoradiotherapy treatment. Patient recruitment, retention, adherence to training sessions and safety were evaluated throughout the study. Physical function, body composition, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life were evaluated before and after …

An Investigation Into The Role Of Innovative Learning Environments In Fostering Creativity In Secondary Visual Arts Programmes In Ghana, Enock Swanzy-Impraim, Julia E. Morris, Geoffrey W. Lummis, Andrew Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Innovative learning environments (ILEs) have been regarded as one of the contributing factors that facilitate creativity in learners. At the pre-tertiary level of education, Ghana has recently undergone educational reform that sees creativity being added as a key goal for education, but it is unknown if teachers' practices within current educational facilities can support the enactment of this goal. The multi-site qualitative case study explores the secondary visual arts learning environments within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in Ghana. Interviews and observations were used as instruments for data collection with 16 visual arts teachers. This study confirmed two categories of environments that …

Feasibility Meets Implementation Science: Narrowing The Research-To-Practice Gap For Exercise Activity In Multiple Sclerosis, James Smith, Onno Van Der Groen, Yvonne Learmonth

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: There is a need to identify why multiple sclerosis exercise research is not translating into real-world participation. To lay the foundations of strong clinical research, considering the translational element of implementation science at the feasibility phase of a trial is vital. Methods: Document analysis was used to examine document sources on exercise activity interventions designed for people living with multiple sclerosis. Document sources focused on multiple sclerosis research that incorporated exercise prescription elements and behaviour change and were feasibility studies incorporating aspects of implementation science. Results: Implementation science should come much earlier than the efficacy or effectiveness research pipeline. …

Global Uncertainty And Economic Growth–Evidence From Pandemic Periods, Deepa Bannigidadmath, M. H. A. Ridhwan, Fiskara Indawan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper investigates whether global uncertainty predicts economic growth rates using a global sample of 136 countries. We use the panel regression model and find strong evidence that global uncertainty negatively predicts the economic growth rate. Further, the negative impact of global uncertainty on economic growth rates is amplified during pandemic periods versus non-pandemic periods. Our main findings hold after a range of robustness tests.

Decision-Making Processes For Essential Packages Of Health Services: Experience From Six Countries, Rob Baltussen, Omar Mwalim, Karl Blanchet, Manuel Carballo, Getachew Teshome Eregata, Alemayehu Hailu, Maryam Huda, Mohamed Jama, Kjell Arne Johansson, Teri Reynolds

Community Health Sciences

Many countries around the world strive for universal health coverage, and an essential packages of health services (EPHS) is a central policy instrument for countries to achieve this. It defines the coverage of services that are made available, as well as the proportion of the costs that are covered from different financial schemes and who can receive these services. This paper reports on the development of an analytical framework on the decision-making process of EPHS revision, and the review of practices of six countries (Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Zanzibar-Tanzania).The analytical framework distinguishes the practical organization, fairness and institutionalization …

Country Readiness And Prerequisites For Successful Design And Transition To Implementation Of Essential Packages Of Health Services: Experience From Six Countries, Ala Alwan, Reza Majdzadeh, Gavin Yamey, Karl Blanchet, Alemayehu Hailu, Mohamed Jama, Kjell Arne Johansson, Mohammed Yusuf Ahmed Musa, Omar Mwalim, Sameen Siddiqi

Community Health Sciences

This paper reviews the experience of six low-income and lower middle-income countries in setting their own essential packages of health services (EPHS), with the purpose of identifying the key requirements for the successful design and transition to implementation of the packages in the context of accelerating progress towards universal health coverage (UHC). The analysis is based on input from three meetings of a knowledge network established by the Disease Control Priorities 3 Country Translation Project and working groups, supplemented by a survey of participating countries. All countries endorsed the Sustainable Development Goals target 3.8 on UHC for achievement by 2030. …