Digital Commons Network^™

Associations Of Vegetable And Potato Intakes With Markers Of Type 2 Diabetes Risk In The Ausdiab Cohort, Pratik Pokharel, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Kevin Murray, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Dianna J. Magliano, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan E. Shaw, Joshua Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Nicola P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: The associations of vegetable and potato intakes with type 2 diabetes (T2D) appear to be nuanced, depending on vegetable types and preparation method, respectively.

Objective: We investigated the associations of total vegetable, vegetable subgroup, and potato intakes with (1) markers of T2D at baseline and (2) incident T2D cumulative over a 12-year follow-up period in Australian adults.

Methods: Using data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, intakes of vegetables and potatoes were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Associations between vegetable intake and (1) fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postload plasma glucose (PLG), updated homeostasis …

Creation And Use Of Sbs’S The Boat; Principles For The Co-Creation Of Online Interactive Learning Environments For Innovative Digital Pedagogy, Prue Miles, Kylie Boltin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Teachers and students rely more on online-learning environments than ever before, including open, trusted and high-quality online learning resources produced by public broadcasters. For educators, this represents both an inspiration and challenge in the wake of new techologies and online learning environments. This article is a case study of one such online learning environment created by Australia’s multicultural broadcaster, the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), an adaptation of Nam Le’s award-winning short story, “The Boat” (2008). SBS’s The Boat (2015) is an immersive online experience that explores a refugee perspective and is accompanied by SBSLearn online learning materials. The Boat (2015) …

Hitting The Jackpot: What Drives Casino Hotel Stock Returns’ Predictability?, Thach Pham, Deepa Bannigidadmath, Edmund Goh, Anna Golab

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Forecasting casino hotel stock prices are strategically important to key stakeholders making investment decisions. However, there is a paucity of studies that have examined the impact of macro-economic variables, sector-specific variables and firm-specific variables on casino stock returns. This research fills a research gap by examining the predictability of Australian casino hotel stock returns. The forecasting of casino hotel stock prices was modelled using econometric panel predictive regression analysis through the efficacy of 26 predictors comprising macroeconomic variables, sector-specific variables, and firm-specific variables as predictors. All eight casinos listed on the Australia Stock Exchange (ASX) were included in our sample. …

Masculinism, Institutional Violence And #Metoo: Understanding Australian University Responses To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily Gray, Jacqueline Ullman, Mindy Blaise, Jo Pollitt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article offers an analysis of data from the project Sexism, Higher Education, and Covid-19: The Australian Perspective. The authors argue that the gendered impact of the pandemic in Higher Education Institutions constitutes a form of institutionally perpetrated sexist harassment, and that raising awareness of the ways in which institutions themselves enable and perpetrate such harassment is consistent with the aims of the #MeToo movement. This article is intended to act as testament to the ways in which Australian universities function as masculinist institutions that, during this time of crisis, deployed tactics that were experienced by women and minority-identifying research …

When Descriptor Is Diagnosis: An Autoethnographic Response To The Medical Treatment Of Women With Vulvodynia, Josephine Taylor, Alexandra Ridgway

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Women with chronic vulvar pain experience symptoms that can affect their everyday functioning. These women are often diagnosed with vulvodynia, defined as vulvar pain without a medical explanation lasting at least three months. Yet while vulvodynia is presented by medical authorities as a diagnosis it is, more accurately, a descriptor of the physical condition. As such it does not have the ability to explain what causes this vulvar pain and, consequently, cannot determine an appropriate treatment pathway for all patients. As women with vulvodynia (‘V women’), we use this article to highlight the issues posed by a descriptor camouflaging as …

Cultural Factors In Alcohol And Other Drug Use Among Immigrant Youth In Western Australia: A Qualitative Investigation, Justine Dandy, Caroline Ng Tseung-Wong, Amanda M. George, Byron L. Zamboanga, Vilma Palacios

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Our aim was to identify the influence of heritage cultural factors and mainstream Australian cultural norms on young culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) immigrants’ alcohol and other drug (AOD) use attitudes, motives for use, and behaviors. Method: We conducted nine focus groups with 55 youth (aged 16–30; 22 female, 33 male). Participants were from diverse cultural backgrounds including India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Hazara-Afghanistan, Burma (Chin and Karen), Malaysia, Singapore, and China. They were first- (80%) and second-generation immigrants to Australia. Results: We constructed three overarching themes: bicultural conflict, freedom versus constraints, and the intersection of gender and …

Investigating The Acceptability Of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Among Stroke Survivors And Carers: A Qualitative Study, Ashan Weerakkody, Erin Godecke, Barby Singer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To investigate the acceptability of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) among stroke survivors and carers within an early-supported discharge (ESD) service, and to inform further adaptations of the program to enhance acceptability. Methods: Qualitative study within a mixed methods process evaluation of mCIMT implementation. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation- Behaviour (COM-B) model. Results: Fifteen stroke survivors and ten carers participated. Five themes were generated and mapped to the COM-B. Participants attributed functional improvements to the program whilst also encountering several challenges with returning home after stroke (Capability- physical); the …

Mothers, Social Capital And Children’S Physical Literacy Journeys In Rural Australia, Kate Mccreery, Dawn Penney, Ruth Jeanes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In rural communities in Australia, the provision of sport and physical activities for children almost exclusively relies upon parents and their ability to access and contribute to facilities, funding, volunteers, and administration. This paper brings Putnam’s social capital framework to Whitehead’s conceptualisation of physical literacy as a journey to offer original insight into children’s sport participation and the opportunities arising for physical literacy development in rural communities in Australia. Changes in sport participation in Australia and directions in sport policy set an important context for the project, which is located in a small rural community in Western Australia. It was …

The Clock Is Ticking: (Dis)Orientations To Ageing And End-Of-Life Care In Advanced Capitalism And Care Directives, Tanya Zivkovic, Simone Marino

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article engages Italian migrant experiences and enactments of futurity to problematize neoliberal anticipatory approaches to ageing and care. Stepping beyond the focus on atomized and agentic individuals and a singular imagined future defined by notions of advancement and progress, sistemazione (home, future, and security) offers ways of building alternative and relational futures within times and spaces of shared precarity. We draw on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with Italian migrant families living in Adelaide, and a critical analysis of objects as “orienting devices,” to consider how a family heirloom, a 26-face handmade Italian clock made from the physical remnants of …

Application Of Additive Manufacturing In The Development Of Polymeric Bioresorbable Cardiovascular Stents: A Review, Farhana Yasmin, Ana Vafadar, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Polymeric vascular bioresorbable stents (BRSs) have been widely used for the treatment of coronary artery diseases. While additive manufacturing (AM) is changing the landscape of the healthcare sector by enabling the realization of patient-specific stents with highly complex structures. There are, however, challenges associated with the use of polymeric BRS, particularly in-stent restenosis (ISR), related to its poor mechanical properties. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent advancements in the development of polymeric BRSs designed to meet both mechanical and biological requirements. First, biopolymers as well as shape memory polymers (SMPs) that are suitable …

Nursing Assessment Of Mental Health Issues In The General Clinical Environment: A Descriptive Study, Irene Ngune, Beverley Ewens, Sharlene Bell, Brendon Burns, Claire Sutton, Craig Creswell, Yvonne Middlewick

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mental health screening form for early identification and care escalation of mental health issues in general settings. A secondary aim was to explore general nurses' use of the form and their confidence to discuss mental health issues with patients. Methods: A cross-sectional design comprising a review of clinical records to determine use of the form, instances of missed care and escalation to the mental health team. The survey focused on nurses' confidence in general settings to engage in discussions with patients about mental health. Data were collected from April to December 2022. The …

Teacher Wellbeing And Teaching Excellence In Higher Education: Exploring The Interplay Through The Lens Of The Perma Framework, Anna Golab, Tom Barratt, Jaime Yong, Tanzim Afroz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Recognising the pivotal role of teacher wellbeing in fostering teaching excellence, this paper explores the intricate relationships in the context of higher education. Employing an abductive, qualitative methodology and expanding the use of the PERMA framework to in the realm of higher education, this paper investigates the associations between teachers' perceptions of excellence to five elements of wellbeing: positive emotions (P), engagement (E), relationships (R), meaning (M) and accomplishment (A). Drawing insights from a case study of an Australian business school, the findings of this paper reveal dynamic interactions among these elements. Contextual variations give rise to virtuous or vicious …

The Anatomy Of Body Shaming In Sports Coaching, Valeria Varea, Robert S. Primus, Natalie Barker-Ruchti, Mikael Quennerstedt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Stories of body shaming in sports coaching are becoming widespread, and can intentionally, unintentionally, or inadvertently be used in different sports coaching practices. These practices do not necessarily intend to harm athletes. The aim of this paper is to explore body critical and body sensitive sport coaching practices that have the potential to be shaming, or as we call it in the title, the ‘anatomy’ of body shaming. The study used photo elicitation interviews including vignettes for data generation with 12 coaches from nine different sports. The results demonstrate that body criticality and body sensitivity function in different subtle ways …

Where Are The Alcohol Advertising Hotspots Near Schools?, Joelie Mandzufas, Karen Lombardi, Robyn S. Johnston, Alexia Bivoltsis, Justine Howard, Paula Hooper, Gina Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: Physically locating liquor stores near schools can strongly influence the chances of youth accessing and consuming alcohol, and may also increase children's exposure to alcohol advertising. Investigating the association between the presence of a liquor store near a school and the prevalence of outdoor alcohol advertising is crucial from a policy perspective, as it can inform future regulations on the placement of liquor stores and outdoor advertising near educational institutions. Methods: All outdoor alcohol advertising within a 500 m radius (audit zone) of 64 randomly selected schools from local government areas across metropolitan Perth was identified by direct …

Assessing The Carbon Footprint Of The Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing Industry Of Australia, Soheil Kazemian, Rashid Zaman, Mohammad Iranmanesh, Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study examines the carbon emissions of Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors from a consumption perspective to develop effective policy frameworks. The objective is to identify key supply chains, industries and products contributing to these emissions and provide recommendations for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: A multiregional input-output lifecycle assessment was conducted using the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform to disaggregate sectors and enable benchmarking against other economic sectors. Findings: In 2018, the “agriculture, forestry, and fishing” sector was responsible for 12.15% of Australia’s carbon footprint. Major contributors included the “electricity, gas, water, and waste” category (26.1%) and …

Becoming Singular: Musical Identity Construction And Maintenance Through The Lens Of Identity Process Theory, Melissa Forbes, Jason Goopy, Amanda E. Krause

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study uses identity process theory to understand the social–psychological processes that motivate individuals to construct an identity in which music, singing, and singing teaching feature prominently. We conducted reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 Australian singing teachers (with an average age 60) to understand how they enacted identity principles that motivate identity construction and maintenance. Findings were captured in two themes: (1) ‘It has just been music’: Living a musical life is my destiny; (2) ‘I know my value’: Achieving goals in music and teaching is motivating. Participants’ consistent musical engagement across the lifespan satisfied the identity …

Effects Of Pregnancy And Lactation Prebiotics Supplementation On Infant Allergic Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Debra J. Palmer, Alana R. Cuthbert, Thomas R. Sullivan, Rachelle A. Pretorius, Johan Garssen, Kristina Rueter, Maria C. Jenmalm, Jeffrey A. Keelan, Desiree Silva, Susan L. Prescott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Ingestion of prebiotics during pregnancy and lactation may have immunomodulatory benefits for the developing fetal and infant immune system and provide a potential dietary strategy to reduce the risk of allergic diseases. Objective: We sought to determine whether maternal supplementation with dietary prebiotics reduces the risk of allergic outcomes in infants with hereditary risk. Methods: We undertook a double-blind randomized controlled trial in which pregnant women were allocated to consume prebiotics (14.2 g daily of galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides in the ratio 9:1) or placebo (8.7 g daily of maltodextrin) powder from less than 21 weeks’ gestation until 6 months …

Epidemiological Principles In Claims Of Causality: An Enquiry Into Repetitive Head Impacts (Rhi) And Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (Cte), Lauren V. Fortington, J. David Cassidy, Rudolph J. Castellani, Andrew J. Gardner, Andrew S. Mcintosh, Michael Austen, Zachary Yukio Kerr, Kenneth L. Quarrie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Determining whether repetitive head impacts (RHI) cause the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)-neuropathological change (NC) and whether pathological changes cause clinical syndromes are topics of considerable interest to the global sports medicine community. In 2022, an article was published that used the Bradford Hill criteria to evaluate the claim that RHI cause CTE. The publication garnered international media attention and has since been promoted as definitive proof that causality has been established. Our counterpoint presents an appraisal of the published article in terms of the claims made and the scientific literature used in developing those claims. We conclude that …

Exercise In Cancer Care For People With Lung Cancer: A Narrative Synthesis, Kellie Toohey, David Mizrahi, Nicolas H. Hart, Ben Singh, Pedro Lopez, Maddison Hunter, Robert U. Newton, Kathryn H. Schmitz, Diana Adams, Lara Edbrooke, Sandi Hayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed worldwide, resulting in significant physical and psychological consequences. In this narrative review, we explore the role of exercise as an adjunct therapy to counteract health issues experienced by people before, during and after treatment for lung cancer, and offer recommendations for exercise prescription and future research. Design: Narrative cornerstone review. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to explore the role of exercise in cancer care for people diagnosed with lung cancer. Results: Improvements in fitness, strength and quality of life have been demonstrated in people with lung cancer following participation …

Work-Life Imbalance, Burning Out, Feeling Down, I Will Quit, But Quietly – The Case Of Hospitality Employees, Catherine Prentice, Sergio Dominique-Ferreira, Xuequn Wang, Jesse Tuominen, Márcia Duarte, Helena Rocha

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Given the long and irregular working hours and low wages in the hospitality sector, employees often experience poor well-being and suffer from burnout. Instead of leaving their jobs, these employees engage in quiet quitting, which negatively impacts organizations. This study investigates the relationships between role conflicts, employee well-being, burnout, and quiet quitting among hospitality employees. The study was undertaken at hotels with different star ratings in Portugal. Data were collected from both frontline and backstage employees from different departments at the survey hotels, Structural equation modeling with Mplus was performed to analyze the data. The results indicate that role conflicts …

Methylene Blue Adsorption On Y-Zeolite As A Nano-Porous Adsorbent: Equilibrium And Kinetic Studies, Mehdi Narimani, Maryam Gonbadi, Mohammad Mahdi Zerafat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The elimination of dye pollutants from industrial wastewaters, notably from sectors such as textiles and dyeing, remains a pivotal aspect of pollution mitigation endeavours. This research introduces an innovative strategy employing Y zeolite as a nano-porous adsorbent for eliminating methylene blue (MB), a prevalent cationic dye. Y zeolite was synthesised via hydrothermal technique. Through methodical experimentation, the impact of temperature, contact time, concentration, pH and adsorbent quantity on removal efficiency were examined with optimal conditions achieving 93.83% MB removal. The synthesised Y zeolite underwent characterisation utilising diverse techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR, which elucidated the structural and …

Post-Stroke Lateropulsion In Australia And New Zealand: A Survey Investigating Current Knowledge, Priorities And Practice, Jessica Nolan, Angela Jacques, Barbara Singer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Post-stroke lateropulsion is prevalent and associated with poor rehabilitation outcomes, but evidence to guide rehabilitation of affected stroke survivors is limited. Current post-stroke lateropulsion rehabilitation practice across Australia and New Zealand has not been previously described. Objectives: This study aimed to describe lateropulsion rehabilitation practice in Australia and New Zealand, determine clinicians,’ educators’ and researchers’ opinions about the need for educational resources to guide best-practice, and to identify current barriers to, and enablers of, optimal rehabilitation delivery. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was distributed to stroke rehabilitation clinicians, educators and researchers across Australia and New Zealand using Qualtrics. Data were …

Adaptive Crisis Management At The Operational Level: Responses To Covid-19 In The Australian Resources Sector, Michael M. Ajith, Andrei A. Lux, Tim Bentley, Michelle Striepe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly impacted Australia’s resources sector, particularly mining, oil, and gas industries, posing challenges for operational leaders. This study applied Adaptive Crisis Management Theory (ACMT) to understand how these leaders adapted during the crisis. Through interviews with 32 operational leaders, it was found that their roles evolved as crisis demands changed. Initially, they addressed immediate needs, then shifted focus to remote work facilitation and digital transformation, and finally emphasised recovery, trust, and resilience. These adaptations influenced leaders’ behaviours, highlighting the importance of flexibility in supporting employee wellbeing and organisational continuity during crises.

Analysing The Behaviour Change Techniques In An Effective Food Literacy Program To Inform Future Program Design, Lucy M. Butcher, Caylah Batt, Sophie Royce, Eamon Barron, Roslyn Giglia, Andrea Begley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: Food literacy programs aim to improve food related skills and knowledge and are selected Governments as a strategy to address dietary intakes at a community level. The purpose of this research is to identify behaviour change techniques in a food literacy program, which were assessed by the achievement of participant goals related to food literacy and dietary behaviour changes. Methods: Consensus methods were applied to map behaviour change techniques to an adult food literacy program. A second phase investigation applied content analysis of participant process evaluation data (collected between 2016 and June 2021) to align target behaviours and behaviour …

Career Resources And Securing Quality Work: Graduate Perspectives, Denise Jackson, Claire Lambert, Matalena Tofa, Ruth Bridgstock, Ruth Sibson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Empowering graduates to secure quality post-graduation employment is a key goal for higher education institutions and their students. University support in developing career resources may aid transition to work by enhancing social support and networks, fostering a strong sense of professional self, promoting career self-management, and instilling career confidence. Yet there lacks empirical understanding of these resources and the role they play, including how they interrelate, how they vary by personal characteristics, and how they are developed. This study examines how graduates fare in the labour market, characterises their career resources, and explores the relationship between career resources and graduate-level …

Clinical Is The Pinnacle: Nurse Academics' Perspectives And Opinions Of Their Students Undertaking Mental Health Clinical Placements, Lorna Moxham, Kim Foster, Brenda Happell, Richard Lakeman, Michael Hazelton, John Hurley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Clinical placements form an integral and important part of preregistration nursing student learning. The theory–practice gap has been identified as problematic, with clinical experience being a key strategy to address this. Despite this, the perceptions of nurse academics teaching preregistration mental health nursing regarding clinical placements have not been widely explored. To garner perspectives and experiences of mental health clinical placements from nurse academics teaching mental health nursing to preregistration nursing students. A descriptive qualitative study involving 19 nurse academics from 13 metropolitan and regional Australian universities, who were involved in the design and delivery of preregistration mental health nursing …

Four Overlooked Errors In Roc Analysis: How To Prevent And Avoid, Zhuoqiao He, Qingying Zhang, Manshu Song, Xuerui Tan, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Diagnostic tests are frequently applied within clinical practice to assist with disease diagnosis, differential diagnosis, disease grading and prognosis evaluation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is one common approach for analysing discriminative performance of a diagnostic test, where it can determine the optimal cut-off value with the best diagnostic performance.1 However, as a majority of clinicians are non-statisticians, several errors have been observed in clinical research when applying ROC curves. These errors may be misleading in the selection of diagnostic tests and disease diagnosis, thus adding to patient burden. To address these errors, clinicians do not need a …

Innovation Through Conceptual Research: Tips For Stoking Curiosity, Jun Wen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Conceptual research represents a critical step in the theory-building process and contributes innovative ideas that inspire empirical studies. This feature article highlights the importance of such research in academia with examples drawn from the tourism literature. It also critically discusses issues related to publishing conceptual research in premier journals. By using a five-dimension framework of curiosity (i.e., deprivation sensitivity, joyous exploration, social curiosity, stress tolerance, and thrill seeking), scholars can assess researchers’ conceptual topics and readers’ responses when contemplating “what's new” to gauge a paper's publication potential. Several tips are offered to guide like-minded scholars in conducting sound conceptual research: …

People With Hip Osteoarthritis Have Reduced Quadriceps Voluntary Activation And Altered Motor Cortex Function, Myles C. Murphy, Molly Coventry, Janet L. Taylor, Ebonie K. Rio, Andrea B. Mosler, Jackie L. Whittaker, Christopher Latella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: Compare quadriceps voluntary activation, corticospinal and intracortical excitability between people with and without hip osteoarthritis (OA). Exploratory objectives include quantifying the association of corticospinal/intracortical excitability with voluntary activation, corticospinal/intracortical excitability with hip related pain, and motor threshold with motor cortex inhibition and facilitation. Methods: Case-control study including participants with clinically and radiologically confirmed hip OA and non-OA controls. Quadriceps voluntary activation was assessed using twitch interpolation via femoral nerve stimulation. Single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation over the motor cortex assessed resting motor threshold (RMT), active motor threshold (AMT), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF) and silent period. …

Understanding Supervisory Practice And Development In The Pre-Hdr Space: An Ethogenic Approach, Jenny Martin, Alison Owens, Sara Bayes, Paul Tofari, Claire Lynch, Nicola Brown, Benjamin Mountford, Ellen Warne

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article addresses the lack of support for new supervisors in the pre-Higher Degree Research space, including undergraduate honours and postgraduate capstone projects. The research provides an inter-faculty perspective on the needs of pre-HDR students and supervisors, informing an online professional learning resource to address the problem. Concepts from ethogenic social psychology were used to theorise supervision as a complex practice involving two analytically distinct domains of human behaviour: the expressive and practical domains. Semi-structured focus group interviews with alumni and supervisors from Education, Arts-Humanities, and Health Sciences provided data for a needs analysis and to stimulate deliberation amongst the …