Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Demographic And Nutritional Variables On Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In Usa And Non-Usa Adults, Jonathan Santiago

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the effects of demographic variables (e.g. country of residence and socioeconomic status) and nutritional variables (e.g. dietary diversity and micronutrient content) on anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as subjective health self-rating. Prior research suggests that a variety of demographic and nutritional factors influence chronic stress, which can cause systemic inflammation and lead to various cardiovascular-related diseases. Participants (USA=41; Non-USA= 58) were recruited via an online platform and completed demographic questionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall. Results indicated that food accessibility emerged as the strongest predictor, and was associated with anxiety, depression, and combined mood symptoms. …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Advanced Materials, Mackenzie E. Short

Theses and Dissertations

In vivo bone tissue engineering is a highly complex process that involves the diffusion of osteoprogenitor cells throughout the scaffold, requiring that the scaffolds have interconnected pores of ~100 μm in diameter to allow for proper diffusion of oxygen and nutrients. For cell adhesion to occur, the scaffold must be made of a bioactive material and have strength that can support the growth and movement of tissue. This study continued the development and characterization of using solvent casting as a synthesis process for the manufacturing of porous scaffolds. The engineered scaffolds using NaCl as the pore former showed excellent porosity …

Application Of Artificial Intelligence And Multi-Omics To Understand The Effect Of Heavy Metals Exposure On Human Health, Sonalika Singhal

Theses and Dissertations

IARC classified arsenic (iAs) as “carcinogenic to humans”, but despite the health consequences, there is no molecular signature available yet to predict when exposure may lead to the disease development. In this study, a three-step analysis was employed: (1) the gene expression profiles obtained from diverse arsenic-exposed populations were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes associated with arsenic exposure in human subjects, (2) the gene expression profiles induced by arsenic exposure in different myeloma cancer cell lines were used to define common genes and pathways altered by arsenic exposure,(3) the genetic profiles of human bladder cancer studies were used to …

Real-Time Monitoring And Controlling Feedstock Properties Fluctuations In Solid Fuel-Fired Energy Conversion Systems, David John Stadem

Theses and Dissertations

Fluctuations in feedstock properties significantly impact the reliability, efficiency, and emissions of energy conversion systems.The behavior of ash-forming impurities in solid feedstocks such as coal, biomass, petroleum coke, and municipal solid waste is a perennial challenge in energy generation. The transition to power plants with dynamic ramping capabilities as well as net-zero or negative carbon emissions is hampered in part by the impacts of ash-forming impurities on systems such as gasifiers, combustors, gas cleanup, and carbon capture systems. Many ash-related events that disrupt operations are caused by fluctuations in the properties of the feedstock. Online feedstock properties monitoring systems have …

Perinatal Mental Health For Indigenous Women And Birthing People, Amy Lynn Stiffarm

Theses and Dissertations

Before for the impacts of colonization, Indigenous women and birthing people were deeply cared for by their communities during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.There is a serious lack of literature on perinatal mental health (PMH) for Indigenous Peoples in the US. Based on what limited data does exist, high rates of PMH complications are consistently reported for Indigenous birthing people. Exploring the unique circumstances experienced by Indigenous birthing people is crucial to addressing the PMH disparity gap. A concept map illustrating the systematic, community, and individual levels of PMH complications for Indigenous Peoples was used to organize and guide …

Hmong Parent Engagement: The Need To Provide Basic Needs Services In Hmong Charter Schools To Increase Parent Engagement, Kevin Xiong

Theses and Dissertations

The Hmong diaspora and settlement in the United States have a direct impact on how Hmong parents engage in their children’s academic journey. With the viewpoint of traditional Westernized parent engagement, Hmong parents may be perceived as engaging too little. However, in order for Hmong parents to be involved in their children’s educational journey as part of this Westernized concept, it is imperative that the families’ basic needs are met. Otherwise, they will primarily focus on meeting their fundamental basic needs rather than being engaged in their children’s academic progress. This research explored two Hmong charter schools in the Twin …

Supporting Positive Mental Health Well Being In Indigenous Youth And Young Adults, Mona Zuffante

Theses and Dissertations

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) youth and young adults are the hope for Tribal Nations. In order to decrease the suicidal related behaviors among youth, age 12-24, engagement of this population is required. Historical trauma has impacted this generation, reducing Elders ability to share knowledge, which has resulted in a mental health crisis that is having a devastating effect on youth and young adults. The need to create prevention programs, informed by the youth, that increase positive mental health is needed. This dissertation in practice utilizes a framework grounded in Indigenous teachings and from the Social Ecological Model to …

Supply Chain Insights From Social Media Users’ Responses To Panic Buying During Covid-19: The Herd Mentality, Violetta Wilk, Saiyidi Mat Roni, Ferry Jie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

This study applied the herd mentality theory to explore local and global social media users’ responses to panic buying across the USA, UK and Australia during the COVID-19 crisis to understand the implications on operations and supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach:

A total of 208,806 social media user-generated content (UGC) pieces were collected from Twitter in three countries – the USA, UK and Australia. The analysis of this big qualitative data was performed using machine learning–based software – Leximancer.

Findings:

Positive and negative sentiment towards panic buying during the COVID-19 crisis was observed in the UGC. No significant differences in social …

Determinants Of Retention In Care Of Newborns Diagnosed With Sickle Cell Disease In Liberia: Results From A Mixed-Methods Study Of Caregivers, Kanagasabai Udhayashankar, Patience D Franklin, Cecelia J Nuta, Adolphus K Cherue, Heather Haq, Debbe Thompson, Venée N Tubman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

High-income nations have established that early diagnosis and preventive treatment reduces early deaths in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, in low-/middle-income countries where SCD is common, attrition from clinical care is common. Reasons for poor retention in care are multi-factorial and poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify factors that influence caregiver decision-making around chronic health care needs of a child with SCD. We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study of caregivers of children diagnosed with SCD during a newborn screening program in Liberia. Caregivers completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews designed to identify drivers of health …

Sustainable Transportation Planning During An Era Of Technological Evolution, Derek John Hungness

Transportation Logistics and Finance

“Sustainable Transportation Planning During an Era of Technological Evolution” provides an in-depth analysis spanning three pivotal chapters, each focusing on the nexus of climate change, transportation, and metropolitan planning. Chapter 2 delves into climate change's role in transportation plans. The literature reviews transportation’s effects on climate change and the significance of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) transportation planning. After identifying research gaps and ethical considerations, the chapter outlines a methodology employing Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model construction, text preprocessing, and evaluation metrics. Python’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) toolbox is utilized to analyze the contents of 42 long-range transportation plans. Semantic interpretations …

Primary Specialisations In Australia: Graduates’ Perceptions Of Outcome And Impact, Susan Main, Matt Byrne, Joseph Scott, Kevin Sullivan, Annamaria Paolino, Eileen Slater, Jason Boron

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In 2014, the Australian Government established the Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TEMAG) to advise on how teacher education programmes could ensure new teachers were adequately prepared for the classroom. Following this, the Australian Government endorsed a key recommendation of the TEMAG Action Now: Classroom Ready Teachers report, the inclusion of specialisations in primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE). This research was conducted at an Australian public university that, in 2016, had embedded specialisations in a revised primary teacher programme structure and was one of the first ITE institutions in Australia to graduate primary teachers with a specialisation. Using a mixed-methods …

A Behaviour Sequence Analysis Of Goal Generation Processes In A Psychosis Rehabilitation Sample, Esmira Ropaj, David A. Keatley, Joanne M. Dickson, Corinna J. Milroyd, Peter J. Taylor

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

It is suggested that goals are hierarchically organised, with goals at the highest level representing fundamental values and motivations. These abstract goals are said to have a series of sub-goals which represent a means of reaching higher-level goals. While a number of studies have explored goals in the context of psychosis, little is known about idiographic goal generation processes in those experiencing psychosis.

Methods:

Using a Behaviour Sequence Analysis approach, the aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility of the goal task for use with individuals experiencing psychosis. A total of 73 adults receiving care from …

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

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Aims:

We aimed to estimate the incidence and mortality of uveal melanoma (UM) in Australia from 1982 to 2014.

Methods:

Deidentified unit data for all cases of ocular melanoma were extracted from the Australian Cancer Database from 1 January 1982 to 31 December 2014. UM cases were extracted and trends in incidence and disease-specific mortality were calculated. Incidence rates were age-standardised against the 2001 Australian Standard Population. Mortality was assessed using Cox regression.

Results:

From 1982 to 2014, there were 5087 cases of ocular melanoma in Australia, of which 4617 were classified as UM. The average age-standardised incidence rate of …

Fresh Takes On Five Health Data Sharing Domains: Quality, Privacy, Equity, Incentives, And Sustainability, Christi J Guerrini, Mary A Majumder, Jill O Robinson, Robert Cook-Deegan, Matthew Blank, Juli Bollinger, Janis Geary, Amanda M Gutierrez, Maya Shrikant, Amy L Mcguire

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

As entities around the world invest in repositories and other infrastructure to facilitate health data sharing, scalable solutions to data sharing challenges are needed. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 experts to explore views on potential issues and policy options related to health data sharing. In this Perspective, we describe and contextualize unconventional insights shared by our interviewees relevant to issues in five domains: data quality, privacy, equity, incentives, and sustainability. These insights question a focus on granular quality metrics for gatekeeping; challenge enthusiasm for maximalist risk disclosure practices; call attention to power dynamics that potentially compromise the patient's voice; …

Biofilm Formation On The Surface Of Monazite And Xenotime During Bioleaching, Arya Van Alin, Melissa K. Corbett, Homayoun Fathollahzadeh, M. Christian Tjiam, William D. A. Rickard, Xiao Sun, Andrew Putnis, Jacques Eksteen, Anna H. Kaksonen, Elizabeth Watkin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Microbial attachment and biofilm formation is a ubiquitous behaviour of microorganisms and is the most crucial prerequisite of contact bioleaching. Monazite and xenotime are two commercially exploitable minerals containing rare earth elements (REEs). Bioleaching using phosphate solubilizing microorganisms is a green biotechnological approach for the extraction of REEs. In this study, microbial attachment and biofilm formation of Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 13048 on the surface of these minerals were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a batch culture system, K. aerogenes was able to attach and form biofilms on the surface of three phosphate …

Comparative Static And Dynamic Analyses Of Solvents For Removal Of Asphaltene And Wax Deposits Above- And Below-Surface At An Iranian Carbonate Oil Field, Milad Norouzpour, Amin Azdarpour, Rafael M. Santos, Ali Esfandiarian, Moein Nabipour, Erfan Mohammadian, Abbas K. Manshad, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

During production from oil wells, the deposition of asphaltene and wax at surface facilities and porous media is one of the major operational challenges. The crude oil production rate is significantly reduced due to asphaltene deposition inside the reservoir. In addition, the deposition of these solids inside the surface facilities is costly to oil companies. In this study, the efficiency of different solvents in dissolving asphaltene and wax was investigated through static and dynamic tests. The analysis of solid deposits from the surface choke of one of the Iranian carbonate oil fields showed that they consisted of 41.3 wt % …

Considerations For The Consumption Of Vitamin And Mineral Supplements In Athlete Populations, Peter Peeling, Marc Sim, Alannah K. A. Mckay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Vitamins and minerals are of fundamental importance to numerous human functions that are essential to optimise athlete performance. Athletes incur a high turnover of key vitamins and minerals and are therefore dependent on sufficient energy intake to replenish nutrient stores. However, many athletes are poor at servicing their energy replenishment needs, especially female athletes, and although a ‘food first approach’ to meeting nutrient requirements is the primary goal, it may be important for some athletes to consider a vitamin and/or mineral supplement to meet their daily needs. When working to determine if an athlete requires vitamin or mineral supplements, practitioners …

Covid-19 Lessons To Protect Populations Against Future Pandemics By Implementing Pppm Principles In Healthcare, Cuihong Tian, Lois Balmer, Xuerui Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has continued for more than 3 years, placing a huge burden on society worldwide. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), it is still considered a global threat. Previously, there has been a long debate as to whether the COVID-19 emergency will eventually end or transform into a more common infectious disease from a PHEIC, and how should countries respond to similar pandemics in the future more time-efficiently and cost-effectively. We reviewed the past, middle and current situation of COVID-19 …

Creating Meaningful Work For Employees: The Role Of Inclusive Leadership, Azadeh Shafaei, Mehran Nejati

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Meaningfulness is a fundamental psychological need and can result in numerous positive outcomes for employees and organizations. However, little is known about how inclusive leadership can promote employees' sense of meaningful work. Drawing upon self-determination theory, we posit that inclusive leadership enhances meaningful work through creating psychological safety and fostering learning from errors. Inclusive leadership improves work meaningfulness as it contributes to better job attributes. Study hypotheses were tested using a multiple-study research design, including a two-wave field study of 317 full-time employees (Study 1) and a randomized experimental vignette methodology with 440 participants (Study 2). Findings from both studies …

Decline Of Seagrass (Posidonia Oceanica) Production Over Two Decades In The Face Of Warming Of The Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Victoria Litsi-Mizan, Pavlos T. Efthymiadis, Vasilis Gerakaris, Oscar Serrano, Manolis Tsapakis, Eugenia T. Apostolaki

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

* The response of Posidonia oceanica meadows to global warming of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, where the increase in sea surface temperature (SST) is particularly severe, is poorly investigated. * Here, we reconstructed the long-term P. oceanica production in 60 meadows along the Greek Seas over two decades (1997–2018), using lepidochronology. We determined the effect of warming on production by reconstructing the annual and maximum (i.e. August) SST, considering the role of other production drivers related to water quality (i.e. Chla, suspended particulate matter, Secchi depth). * Grand mean (±SE) production across all sites and the study period was 48 …

Effects Of Submaximal And Supramaximal Accentuated Eccentric Loading On Mass And Function, Sergio Maroto-Izquierdo, Fernando Martín-Rivera, Kazunori Nosaka, Marco Beato, Javier González-Gallego, José A. De Paz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Eccentric-overload (EO) resistance training emerges as an alternative to more optimally prescribe intensity relative to the force generation capabilities of the eccentric muscle contraction. Given the difficulties to individually prescribe absolute eccentric loads relative to each person’s eccentric ability, setting the load relative to the concentric one-repetition maximum (1-RM) is the most used EO training approach. Therefore, we investigated the effects of submaximal and supramaximal (i.e., eccentric loads above 100% of 1-RM) accentuated eccentric training on changes in lean mass, anabolic hormonal responses and muscle function. Methods: Physically active university students (n = 27) were randomly assigned to two …

Lepidium Meyenii Walp (Maca)-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Ameliorate Depression By Promoting 5-Ht Synthesis Via The Modulation Of Gut–Brain Axis, Rui Hong, Lan Luo, Liang Wang, Zhao-Li Hu, Qi-Rong Yin, Ming Li, Bin Gu, Bin Wang, Tao Zhuang, Xin-Yue Zhang, Yuan Zhou, Wan Wang, Lin-Yan Huang, Bing Gu, Su-Hua Qi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Depression is a common and debilitating condition for which effective treatments are needed. Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is a plant with potential medicinal effects in treating depression. Recently, there has been growing interest in plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their low toxicity and ability to transport to human cells. Targeting the gut–brain axis, a novel strategy for depression management, may be achieved through the use of Maca-derived EVs (Maca-EVs). In this study, we successfully isolated Maca-EVs using gradient ultracentrifugation and characterized their shape, size, and markers (CD63 and TSG101). The in vivo imaging showed that the Dil-labeled Maca-EVs crossed …

Lipidomic Features Of Honey Bee And Colony Health During Limited Supplementary Feeding, Clara E. Castaños, Mary C. Boyce, Tiffane Bates, A. Harvey Millar, Gavin Flematti, Nathan G. Lawler, Julia Grassl

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Honey bee nutritional health depends on nectar and pollen, which provide the main source of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids to individual bees. During malnutrition, insect metabolism accesses fat body reserves. However, this process in bees and its repercussions at the colony level are poorly understood. Using untargeted lipidomics and gene expression analysis, we examined the effects of different feeding treatments (starvation, sugar feeding and sugar + pollen feeding) on bees and correlated them with colony health indicators. We found that nutritional stress led to an increase in unsaturated triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols, as well as a decrease in free fatty acids …

No Time For Silence, Just Repeat After Me: A Three Study Perspective On Teacher And Child Interactions Over Time, Gillian Kirk, Marianne June Knaus, Beverley Adkin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper examines data from three separate studies on teacher-child interactions for evidence of verbal and non-verbal semiotic resources across different times and contexts. Each study utilised qualitative methodologies, employing observations guided by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System manual and teacher semi-structured interviews. Sociocultural perspectives frame the examination of teacher-child mediations of socially and culturally derived semiotic notions and are used to conceptualise findings. Critical Discourse Analysis highlighted how language and silences in interactions contribute to power structures. The study found that while time and context cannot be causal to change, they do correlate with an increasing focus on literacy …

Patient Navigation Across The Cancer Care Continuum: An Overview Of Systematic Reviews And Emerging Literature, Raymond J. Chan, Vivienne E. Milch, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Oluwaseyifunmi A. Agbejule, Ria Joseph, Jolyn Johal, Narayanee Dick, Matthew P. Wallen, Julie Ratcliffe, Anupriya Agarwal, Larissa Nekhlyudov, Matthew Tieu, Manaf Al-Momani, Scott Turnbull, Rahul Sathiaraj, Dorothy Keefe, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Patient navigation is a strategy for overcoming barriers to reduce disparities and to improve access and outcomes. The aim of this umbrella review was to identify, critically appraise, synthesize, and present the best available evidence to inform policy and planning regarding patient navigation across the cancer continuum. Systematic reviews examining navigation in cancer care were identified in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Epistemonikos, and Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) databases and in the gray literature from January 1, 2012, to April 19, 2022. Data were screened, …

Rethinking Adolescent School Nutrition Education Through A Food Systems Lens, Margaret Miller, Donna Barwood, Amanda Devine, Julie Boston, Sandra Smith, Martin Masek

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BACKGROUND: Obesity-driven nutrition education in schools does not appear to result in healthier adolescent food choices. This study explored food systems as an alternative pedagogical approach to engage students in nutrition education. METHODS: After playing a food systems computer game, 250 13- to 16-year-old students in 5 Western Australian secondary schools, participated in group discussions to distinguish learning and interests in food systems. Discussion records were thematically coded using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Students reported crop growth, food production and food waste, healthier food choices, and food systems as knowledge outcomes of game play. They requested additional content on food …

The Natural History Of Symptomatic Fractures In Children And Adolescents With Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 1: A Cohort Study From Western Australia, Kiranjit K. Joshi, Aris Siafarikas, Richard Prince

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The fracture experience of children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type 1 is not well described in the literature. We present data on symptomatic long bones and axial skeleton fractures of all patients aged 0 to 18 years with OI type 1 seen at a specialized bone clinic in Western Australia in the period 2008 to 2020 using a retrospective chart review method. The cohort consisted of 44 patients (21 males, 23 females). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 11.3 (6.2 to 17) years, giving a total of 520 patient-years in the study during which 197 fractures were experienced. …

Timing Is Everything, But Does It Really Matter? Impact Of 8-Weeks Morning Versus Evening Iron Supplementation In Ballet And Contemporary Dancers, Caitlin Attwell, Alannah Mckay, Marc Sim, Cory Dugan, Joanna Nicholas, Luke Hopper, Peter Peeling

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The effectiveness of a morning versus evening oral iron supplement strategy to increase iron stores was explored. Ballet and contemporary dancers with serum ferritin (sFer) < 50 g/L (n = 14), were supplemented daily with 105 mg elemental oral iron in either the morning (FeAM) or evening (FePM) for 8 weeks. A control group (n = 6) with sFer > 50 g/L were given no supplement over the same period. Dancers’ sFer were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Assessment of daily training load, dietary intake, and menstruation were made. A significant interaction (p < 0.001) showed the within group sFer change over the 8-week intervention in FeAM (+25.9 ± 10.5 g/L) and FePM, (+22.3 ± 13.6 g/L) was significantly different to CON (−30.17 ± 28.7 g/L; both p = 0.001). This change was not different between FeAM and FePM (p = 0.778). sFer levels within FeAM and FePM significantly increased over the 8-weeks; however, they significantly decreased in the CON group (all p < 0.05). Post-intervention sFer levels were no longer different between the three groups (p > 0.05). Training load, dietary intake, and number of menstrual cycles incurred were similar between FeAM and FePM (p > 0.05). Oral iron supplementation in either the morning or evening appears equally effective in increasing sFer levels in dancers with sub-optimal iron status.

What Makes A Space Safe? Consumers' Perspectives On A Mental Health Safe Space, Lesley Andrew, Shantha Karthigesu, David Coall, Moira Sim, Julie Dare, Kathy Boxall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The provision of community-based space for people experiencing a mental health crisis is regarded as a favourable alternative to the emergency department. However, the only non-emergency department safe spaces in Western Australia are located within hospitals or hospital grounds. This qualitative study asked mental health consumers in Western Australia with experience of presentation at the emergency department during a mental health crisis to describe what a safe space would look and feel like. Data were collected through focus groups and thematically analysed. The findings present the voices of mental health consumers through the framework of health geography and the therapeutic …

Re-Enactment As Conversation: Yoshiko Shimada’S Becoming A Statue Of A Japanese Comfort Woman, Vahri Mckenzie, Jen Webb

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

‘Since Plotinus’, writes Joseph Tanke (2019, p. 486), ‘Western art has been consecrated to beauty, and beautiful art has been understood as the achievement of good form’. But alongside this interest in beauty and form, art has been committed to politics and perspectives, equity and rights. Consequently, and particularly since the start of the modern era, artists frequently initiate or participate in ‘difficult conversations’. . . .