Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

A Testing Load: A Review Of Cognitive Load In Computer And Paper-Based Learning And Assessment, James Pengelley, Peter R. Whipp, Anabela Malpique

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The rising use of technology in classrooms has also brought with it a concomitant wave of computer-based assessments. The argument for computer-based testing is often framed in terms of efficiency and data management: computer-based tests facilitate more efficient processing of test data and the rate at which feedback can be leveraged for student learning rather than being framed in terms of the direct effects that students experience from engaging with novel learning tools. Whilst potentially beneficial, for some students the outcomes of computer-based tests may be counter-productive. This review considers the cognitive, and often implicit, consequences of testing mode upon …

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 …

Effects Of A 6-Month Dual-Task, Power-Based Exercise Program On Cognitive Function, Neurological And Inflammatory Markers In Older Adults: Secondary Analysis Of A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Jamie L. Tait, Rachel L. A. Duckham, Timo Rantalainen, Catherine M. Milte, Luana C. Main, Caryl A. Nowson, Kerrie M. Sanders, Dennis R. Taaffe, Keith D. Hill, Gavin Abbott, Robin M. Daly

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Functional power-based exercise training can improve physical performance in older adults and cognitive training can improve measures of cognition, but their combined effects on cognition and related risk factors (neurological and inflammatory markers) remains uncertain. This 6-month cluster randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of dual-task functional power training (DT-FPT) on cognition and circulating neurological and inflammatory markers in older adults at increased falls risk, and whether intervention responses varied by apolipoprotein-E (ApoE) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms. Three hundred residents aged ≥ 65 years at increased falls risk residing in 22 independent-living retirement communities, were randomised by …

Rapid Force Generation During Unilateral Isometric Hamstring Assessment: Reliability And Relationship To Maximal Force, N. J. Ripley, J. Fahey, M. Cuthbert, J. J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Limited research has reported the reliability of rapid force generation characteristics during isometric assessments of the hamstrings. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the between-session reliability of rapid force generating characteristics of the hamstrings and relationship to maximal force production. Twenty-three female soccer players (age: 20.7 ± 4.7 years; height: 168.7 ± 5.9 cm; body mass: 64.4 ± 6.7 kg) performed three unilateral trials of the 90–90 isometric hamstring assessment, on two separate occasions, separated by 7 days. Peak force, force at 100- and 200 ms and average rate of force development (aRFD) over 100- and …

Transforming Transitions Ii: Building Children's Engagement In Learning At School, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Boylan, Amelia Ruscoe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Building on the success of the Transforming Transitions project conducted with ten Western Australian Independent Schools (Barblett et al., 2023), this study extended the inquiry into school engagement and the transition process. The project was reimagined to deepen collaboration with schools, focusing on two key areas: first, fostering meaningful engagement with young learners and their families during the transition to school by drawing on their funds of knowledge; and second, centering the perspectives of children as active participants in their transition, acknowledging their experiences and the role of family-school engagement in shaping their sense of belonging.

Barca Nostra: Photography, Tourists, Travel And Refugees, Panizza Allmark

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The relic of the Mediterranean’s deadliest shipwreck, in which around 1000 migrants perished at sea in 2015, was resurrected as an art installation displayed at the 58th Venice Art Biennale titled Barca Nostra (Our Boat), by artist Christoph Büchel in 2019. The shipwreck was placed on a wharf near a café at the festival without an accompanying descriptive text. It was considered disrespectful, as it is a display of a site of tragic Black deaths for white middle-class spectatorial consumption. It served as a site for tourist selfies. It also serves as a memorial and sparks debates about migration and …

Feasibility And Psychometric Quality Of Smartphone Administered Cognitive Ecological Momentary Assessments In Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer, Ashley M. Henneghan, Emily W. Paolillo, Kathleen M. Van Dyk, Oscar Y. Franco-Rocha, Soyeong Bang, Rebecca Tasker, Tara Kaufmann, Darren Haywood, Nicolas H. Hart, Raeanne C. Moore

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is associated with burdensome side effects, including cognitive changes that require ongoing monitoring. Cognitive ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) allow for assessment of individual cognitive functioning in natural environments and can be administered via smartphones. Accordingly, we sought to establish the feasibility, reliability, and validity of a commercially available cognitive EMA platform. Methods: Using a prospective design, clinical cognitive and psychosocial assessments (cognitive batteries; patient reported outcomes) were collected at baseline, followed by a 28-day daily EMA protocol that included self-ratings for symptoms and mobile cognitive tests (memory, executive functioning, working memory, processing speed). Satisfaction and …

Weight Stigma Amongst Nurses And Nursing Students: A Scoping Review Of Direct And Comparative Evidence, Mahshid Fonoudi, Beverley Ewens, Amanda Towell-Barnard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To map both direct and comparative research on weight stigma amongst nurses and nursing students by identifying the extent, range and nature of studies and identify the gaps in this area. Design: Scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Data Sources: Seven databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library, in addition to Google Scholar and Open Access Theses and Dissertations were systematically searched in August 2023. Methods: Inclusion criteria comprised nurses or nursing students as participants, weight stigma as the concept and any context. After uploading all search results into EndNote …

Blockchain-Based Trust Model For Inter-Domain Routing, Qiong Yang, Li Ma, Sami Ullah, Shanshan Tu, Hisham Alasmary, Muhammad Waqas

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), as the standard inter-domain routing protocol, is a distance-vector dynamic routing protocol used for exchanging routing information between distributed Autonomous Systems (AS). BGP nodes, communicating in a distributed dynamic environment, face several security challenges, with trust being one of the most important issues in inter-domain routing. Existing research, which performs trust evaluation when exchanging routing information to suppress malicious routing behavior, cannot meet the scalability requirements of BGP nodes. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based trust model for inter-domain routing. Our model achieves scalability by allowing the master node of an AS alliance to transmit …

Bone Mineral Density In Childhood Cancer Survivors During And After Oncological Treatment: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Anna Maria Markarian, Dennis R. Taaffe, Francesco Bettariga, Hao Luo, Daniel A. Galvão, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Osteoporosis poses a significant concern for childhood cancer survivors (CCS). While recommendations for surveillance and management of bone mineral density (BMD) exist, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been undertaken to quantify BMD Z-scores in childhood cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment and survivors who have completed treatments. Accordingly, we conducted a systematic review with a 3-level mixed-effects meta-analysis to examine the course of BMD Z-scores in childhood cancer patients and survivors and identified possible moderators using meta-regression models. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases from inception to November 2023. We included …

Child And Family Centred Care: A Three-Phased Principle-Based Concept Analysis, Maggie Zgambo, Julie Blamires, Mandie Foster, Mohammad Al-Motlaq, Therese A. O'Sullivan, Davina Houghton, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Despite a growing multidisciplinary interest in the Child and Family Centred Care approach, its meaning remains unclear in extant literature. It is, therefore, crucial to explore, analyse, describe, and clarify the concept of the Child and Family Centred Care approach and its associated terms. Method: A three-phased principle-based concept analysis approach was used to analyse the concept of Child and Family Centred Care. A systematic search of literature was completed using the CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Peer-reviewed articles on Child and Family Centred Care, published from inception to 2023 were included if they were …

Co-Opted Directors And Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure, Rashid Zaman, Ummara Fatima, Muhammad Bilal Farooq, Soheil Kazemian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to examine whether and how the presence of co-opted directors (directors appointed after the incumbent CEO) influences corporate climate risk disclosure. Design/methodology/approach: This study comprehensively analyses 2,975 firm-year observations of US-listed companies, using ordinary least squares with industry and year-fixed effects. To confirm the reliability of the study results, the authors used several techniques, including propensity score matching, to address potential issues with functional form misspecification, analysed a subset of companies where co-option persisted over two consecutive years to mitigate concerns regarding reverse causality and difference-in-differences estimation, using the cheif executive officer’s (CEO’s) sudden death as …

Design Of An Improved Robust Fractional-Order Pid Controller For Buck–Boost Converter Using Snake Optimization Algorithm, Seyyed Morteza Ghamari, Hasan Molaee, Mehrdad Ghahramani, Daryoush Habibi, Asma Aziz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With the increasing complexity of modern power systems, effective control of DC–DC converters has become crucial to ensure stability and efficiency. This paper focuses on optimizing the parameters of a known fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative (FOPID) controller for the control of a DC–DC buck–boost converter. The control of a DC–DC buck–boost converter is achieved using aFOPID approach. The gains of this technique have been enhanced utilizing the snake optimization (SO) algorithm. This converter exhibits unfavourable behaviour due to its non-minimum structure, necessitating a well-regulated controller to guarantee stability. The fractional concept is suggested here to enhance the dynamics of the classical PID …

Effects Of A Daily, Home-Based, 5-Minute Eccentric Exercise Program On Physical Fitness, Body Composition, And Health In Sedentary Individuals, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane-Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a 4-week home-based bodyweight eccentric exercise program, requiring just 5 min daily, on physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and mental health in sedentary individuals.

Methods: Twenty-two sedentary but healthy individuals (4 men, 18 women; 32–69 years) completed a two-week control period followed by a 4-week intervention. The intervention involved daily exercises consisting of 10 repetitions each of chair squats, chair reclines, wall push-ups, and heel drops, including progressions if necessary. Assessments included isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), handgrip (HG) strength, push-up and sit-up endurance, sit-and-reach (S&R) flexibility, 3-min step test (3ST), squat …

Machine Learning-Based Seismic Response Forecasting Using Feature Mapping Algorithms And Scientometric Analysis Of Nailed Vertical Excavation In A Soil Mass, Surya Muthukumar, Dhanya Sathyan, Premjith B, Sanjay Kumar Shukla

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seismic analysis often involves significant uncertainty and requires detailed observations. The traditional approaches are constrained by unclear mechanisms and imprecise models to predict the stability of geostructures. The research gap between the accuracy of observed and predicted values can be bridged by employing artificial intelligence-based machine learning (ML) models. The seismic displacement of the nailed soil wall obtained from experimental studies were assessed using suitable ML approaches. Laboratory studies revealed that the critical acceleration was increased by 32% on the inclusion of nails of reinforcement length to excavation height ratio (L/H) to 0.6, and by 17% when the (L/H) was …

Prevalence And Profile Of New Zealand Osteopaths Treating People Experiencing Headaches And Migraines, Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira, Brett Vaughan, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Lee Muddle, Loïc Treffel, Cindy Mcintyre, Michael Fleischmann, Francesco Cerritelli, Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Amie Steel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To describe the prevalence and profile of NZ osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines. This study is the first to describe this practice. Manual and manipulative therapy interventions are commonly sought by individuals experiencing headaches or migraines. Evidence supports the use of manual therapy as part of the management of headache and migraine disorders. Osteopaths are health professionals who provide care for individuals experiencing headaches and migraines. However, there is a lack of data concerning the profile of osteopaths treating these conditions, in addition to their diagnostic and management strategies. The Osteopathy Research Connect-New Zealand (ORC-NZ), a practice-based research …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Individuals With Functional Neurological Disorders (Fnd) In Australia, Omid Rezaei, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in Australia, focusing on the challenges they face in daily life, healthcare interactions, and service access. Materials and methods: A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 11 participants diagnosed with FND. Data were analysed thematically to identify key issues impacting their experiences. Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) disruptions in daily life due to symptoms, (2) a prolonged and frustrating diagnostic journey, (3) difficulties accessing healthcare services in regional areas, (4) societal misconceptions and stigma surrounding FND, and (5) financial strain linked …

The Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Economic Convergence Between Developed And Developing Nations, Lucile Sabas, Williams Kwasi Peprah [email protected], Carmelita Troy, Quentin Sahly

Faculty Publications

This study investigates convergence between developed and developing countries’ GDP during the pre-COVID-19 era (1960-2019) and post-COVID-19 era (2020-2023) using World Bank data and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test. For the pre-COVID period, results show no significant convergence, with an ADF statistic of −1.78 and a P = 0.39, likely due to disparities in industrialization and governance. Similarly, post-COVID results (ADF statistic −1.2, P = 0.67) also suggest no convergence, possibly exacerbated by pandemic-related challenges. The study highlights that structural barriers and the pandemic have hindered economic convergence.

Dr. Eric Angel Ramos - A Shooting Star That Inspired Marine Mammalogists And Beyond (1987 – 2024), Laura J. May-Collado, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, Beth Brady, G. Rieucau, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Renata Sousa-Lima, Diana Reiss, Macelo Magnasco, Roderic Mast, Wayne Sentman, Joy S. Reidenberg

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Alexithymia And Impulsivity In Combat Sports – A Tale Of Three Measures, Craig A. Harms, Oliver R. Barley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of two measures of alexithymia – the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) – as well as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 measure of behavioural impulsivity because the psychometric properties of these scales have not been established in athletes. As part of a larger study, 298 participants completed an online survey that included the TAS-20, PAQ, and BIS 11, as well personal- (age and gender) and sport-specific (primary combat sport and level of competition) demographic measures. A unidimensional model was retained for the TAS-20. A …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Climbing Fluidity And Hand Movements, Andrew Walsh, L. Seifert, C. Button, S. Vial, J. Croft

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In rock climbing, climbers use their arms to regulate their posture on the wall, which can lead to localised muscle fatigue. Evidence shows fatigue is the primary cause of falls, but little is known about how fatigue specifically affects climbing rhythm and hand movements. The present study examined climbing fluidity and hand movements on an indoor climbing wall before and after a specific fatiguing protocol. Seventeen climbers completed three repetitions of a challenging climbing route (21 on Ewbank scale) with different levels of localised arm fatigue. Climbers’ movements were tracked using 3D motion capture, and their hand actions assessed using …

Lightweight Deep Learning For Iot-Based Medical Diagnosis: A Survey, Balqees Talal Hasan, Ali Mohsin Ahmed Al-Sabaawi, Zaid J. Al-Araji

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in healthcare has enabled continuous patient monitoring and data-driven clinical decision support. Deep learning models excel at extracting intricate patterns from high-dimensional medical data but face significant deployment challenges on resource-constrained IoT devices due to high computational and memory demands. This survey systematically analyzes four core strategies to adapt deep learning for edge based medical diagnosis: model pruning, quantization, knowledge distillation, and inherently lightweight architectures. For each approach, we dissect the underlying methodologies, evaluate the trade-offs between model efficiency and predictive performance, and present relevant medical case studies. We further review …

Optimizing Decision Tree Classifiers For Healthcare Predictions: A Comparative Analysis Of Model Depth, Pruning, And Performance, Hussein Alkattan, Ali Subhi Alhumaima, Mohammed Shakir Mohmood, Ghassan Dhahir Mohammed Al-Thabhawee

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

This study presents of Decision Tree classifiers for predictive modeling in medicine, focusing on model depth optimization, pruning techniques, and performance evaluation. On the basis of a synthetic healthcare dataset containing over 55,000 records, each with features such as age, gender, blood type, bill amount, and medical condition, we investigate the impact of varying tree depth from 1 to 5 on predictive accuracy, interpretability, and generalizability. Shallow models have strong transparency but poor classification strength, and deep models obtain stronger interactions but suffer from overfitting. With pruning, we find a balance between model simplicity and precision and yield strong classifiers …

Clinical Data Analysis Using Machine Learning Algorithms To Predict The Progression Of Type 2 Diabetes, Niki Syrou, George Mpourazanis, Panagiotis Tsirkas, Jovanna Adamopoulou, Jovanna Adamopoulou

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern requiring early detection strategies. This study applies a Random Forest machine learning model to predict diabetes progression using a structured clinical dataset of 100 patients. The dataset includes demographic, physiological, and biochemical variables such as age, BMI, blood pressure, glucose levels, and lipid profiles. After preprocessing and training, the model achieved strong performance metrics: accuracy of 0.80, precision of 0.84, recall of 0.94, and an AUC of 0.88. Feature importance analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and BMI are the most critical predictors. These findings are consistent …

Artificial Intelligence-Powered Robotic Technology For Transforming Palliative Care, Adebo Thomas, Asiku Denis, Wamusi Robert, Simon Peter Kabiito, Zaward Morish, Aziku Samuel, Malik Sallam, Ioannis Adamopoulos

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Palliative care seeks to improve the quality of life of patients with life-threatening illnesses by addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. However, global challenges such as workforce shortages, limited access to specialized care, and inconsistent care quality demand innovative solutions. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotics offer transformative potential to overcome these barriers and strengthen palliative care delivery. This study explores how AI-driven robotic technologies support palliative care through applications in symptom monitoring, clinical decision-making, emotional companionship, and personalized care planning. It reviews cutting-edge robotic systems, including assistive, companion, diagnostic, nursing, procedural, service, and rehabilitation robots. Enabled by machine …

Structure/Property/Processing Of A 3d Printed Self-Healing Polymer Blend Based On A Thermoplastic Healing Agent, Vincent Mei

Theses

Self-healing polymers can regain mechanical performance following damage, offering increased material durability and sustainability. This thesis establishes structure/property/processing relationships for a 3D printable extrinsically self-healing polymer based on a UV polymerizable thermosetting resin system blended with a low temperature thermoplastic healing agent. This work serves as the first example of a vat polymerization 3D printed soft, low Tg low-melt thermoplastic extrinsically self-healing polymer blend. This development enables high resolution fabrication of complex geometries with self-healing functionality. This strategy of imbuing self-healing properties onto vat polymerization resins will enable functionality in many application spaces including aerospace, biomedical, soft robotics, coatings, and …

The Line, Tyler Delaney Bischoff

Theses

“The essence of good design is revealing the invisible structure that holds everything together, allowing us to see beauty in strength." - Frank Lloyd Wright This Thesis investigates the transposition of architectural principles into ceramic art, drawing inspiration from Western New York’s late 19th century and early 20th century architectural and craft traditions. Through an exploration of symmetry and proportion, surface texture, materiality, and the dynamic interplay between light and shadow, this research examines how architecture influences not only the physical aesthetics of ceramic art, but also its atmospheric and emotional presence. Recognizing how form is never static but continuously …