Digital Commons Network^™

Experiences Of First-Year Nursing Students Using Community Volunteers As Simulated Participants For Teaching Safe Medication Administration: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Hugh Davies, Lea Aboo, Kristi Nicholls, Martina Costello, Carol Crevacore

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To explore responses of first-year nursing students to simulated participant methodology and the level of difficulty playing the role of patient experienced by community volunteers. Background: Absence of therapeutic relationships between nurse and patient threatens medication safety. Simulation-based learning provides a safe environment for students to practice medication administration. Design: Cross-sectional survey incorporating Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. Methods: First-year Bachelor of Science Nursing students participated in a simulated medication administration scenario supported by volunteers playing the role of patients. A Likert and open-ended post-simulation questionnaire measured students’ perceptions of realism in the performance of simulated participant volunteers. Simulated participant …

Exploring Land, Language And Culture Through Playworld Translanguaging: One Child’S Meaning-Making Practices, Carly Steele, Toni Dobinson, Sender Dovchin, Christine Robinson, Grace Oakley, Wendy Cumming-Potvin, Graeme Gower, Katie Grace, Samina Manado

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Foregrounded in the work of Elizabeth Povinelli and drawing on semiotic theory, translanguaging and play-based learning pedagogies, this article presents findings from a critical participatory action research project conducted in an early years classroom in a remote Aboriginal community school in Western Australia. It describes how two educators, from both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal backgrounds, collaborated to create spaces for the children in their classroom to engage deeply with their land, language and culture through intentional, purposeful and planned play, specifically Playworld Translanguaging. Findings are presented as a narrative account of one child’s meaning-making practices in collaboration with their teachers and …

Global, Regional, And National Burden Of Epilepsy, 1990–2021: A Global Burden Of Disease Study, Jinqing Zhao, Qiannan Chen, Jiahan Dong, Meng Gao, Siqi Ge, Anxin Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterised by spontaneous seizures without an identifiable cause, leading to high morbidity and a significant public health burden. Understanding trends in its incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. We aim to describe global trends in epilepsy over the past 32 years and explore the impact of sociodemographic index (SDI) levels on disease burden using the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data. Methods: We analysed the global burden of epilepsy (1990–2019) using age-standardised rates (ASRs) and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI). We assessed …

It Was Part Of The Plan, So I Showed Up: An Exploration Of Patient Experiences With An Embedded Exercise Referral Process During Cancer Treatment, Mary A. Kennedy, Jack Dalla Via, Kim Edmunds, Pam Eldridge, Yvonne Zissiadis, Lauren Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Exercise is a key part of cancer care, yet its integration into routine practice remains limited. This study explored the experiences of people living with and beyond cancer, with an updated, opt-out referral model embedded within a supportive oncology setting, focusing on initial engagement with exercise physiology appointments. Through this model, patients were automatically scheduled for a consultation with an in-house exercise professional during their cancer treatment. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design comprised of two focus groups with 13 participants was employed to explore views across pre-defined elements of the model: referral to exercise, appointments, counselling, and tailoring. Results: …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 2: Menu And Meal Quality (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Caterina Benati, Fiona Champion, Bek Clancy, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Lorraine Hingston, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Penny Love, Stacey Mckenzie, Tamia Matthews, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Erin Wild

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Menu and meal quality is central to the role early learning settings play in children’s growth, development and wellbeing. The food provided across the day shapes children’s nutrient intake, their developing relationship with food, and the eating patterns they carry into later life. At the same time, services must balance nutritional quality with food safety, food allergen management and dietary needs, cultural diversity, family expectations, and practical constraints such as budgets, time and access to supplies.

This Menu and Meal Quality (MMQ) module aims to:

- Support ECEC services to provide menus and meals that align with the Australian Dietary …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 1: Mealtime Environment And Practices (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Rebecca Byrne, Fiona Champion, Laine Chilman, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Shae Haylen, Judith Howard, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Eloise Litterbach, Jodie Mcgough, Stacey Mckenzie, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Gabrielle Orr, Asha Rojahn, Hilary Smith, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Sally Whitaker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mealtimes in early learning settings are more than a routine to help children eat. They are important opportunities for connection, learning and development, and for supporting children’s confidence and comfort around food and eating. At the same time, services must balance safety, regulatory requirements, diverse developmental and cultural needs, family expectations and practical constraints such as time and staffing.

The Mealtime Environment and Practices (MEP) module has been developed to support Early Childhood Education and Care settings (ECEC), for children from birth to 5 years, to create mealtimes that are safe, calm, inclusive and responsive to each child, while reflecting …

When Caring Depletes: The Paradox Of Leading Employee Wellbeing During A Prolonged Crisis – Evidence From The Australian Resources Sector, Michael Mayom Ajith, Andrei Alexander Lux, Michelle Striepe, Tim Andrew Bentley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The protracted COVID-19 crisis placed substantial demands on managers in the Australian resources industry. While workers' wellbeing received increased attention during this period, much less is known about how managers sustained their own wellbeing while providing care, reassurance, and operational continuity. Drawing on the JD–R model, paradox theory, and moral strain perspectives, we examine wellbeing-oriented leadership during a sustained crisis. We focus on how leadership behaviour operated as both a resource for employees and a demand on managers, shaping their own wellbeing experiences and leadership identity.

Design/methodology/approach: An interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 3: Food Education (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Connie N. Ihlein, Audrey Elford, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Fiona Champion, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Debbie Jordan, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Stacey Mckenzie, Sandra Murphy, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Danielle Waterson, Jill Whelan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food education (FE) in early learning settings is more than cooking – it is an opportunity to experience food in ways that include cooking but go far beyond. Food education gives children the opportunity for exploration, experimentation, learning, teamwork, skill building and much more. At the same time, services must balance safety, regulatory requirements, diverse developmental and cultural needs, family expectations and practical constraints such as time and staffing.

The FE module has been developed to support Early Childhood Education and Care settings (ECEC), for children from birth to 5 years, to create food experiences that are safe, engaging, inclusive …

Methodological Considerations For Studies In Sport And Exercise Science With Women As Participants Part Ii: Guidance For Applied Studies In Elite Female Athletes, Kirsty J. Elliott-Sale, Richard J. Burden, Kathryn E. Ackerman, Louise M. Burke, Naama Constantini, Anthony C. Hackney, Rachel Harris, Franco M. Impellizzeri, Xanne A.K. Janse De Jonge, Constance M. Lebrun, Clare Minahan, Sophia Nimphius, Stuart M. Phillips, Sarianna Sipilä, Juliette A. Strauss, Paul Swinton, Craig Sale

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this statement is to guide the design and conduct of high-quality sport and exercise science studies investigating the effects of varied ovarian hormone profiles on the health and athletic performance of elite female athletes. Beyond the menstrual cycle, these athletes present with a wide range of ovarian hormone profiles, including those associated with puberty and menarche, menstrual dysfunction, hormonal contraceptive use, pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. To effectively integrate knowledge of ovarian hormone profiles into high-performance sport and address the diverse needs of female athletes, future research and educational initiatives must encompass this broader spectrum …

Acute Effects Of Re-Warm-Up On Physical Performance, Muscle Temperature, And Perceived Exertion In Basketball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis With Individual Participant Data, Yu Feng Yang, Enrique Flórez-Gil, Christos Koutsouridis, Yu Ming Zhong, Nuno Mateus, Eduardo Abade, Ching Feng Cheng, Mengde Lyu, Kai Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: (1) the acute effects of RWU on physical performance, body temperature (BT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in basketball players; and (2) individual-level performance improvements across different RWU methods.

Methods: Three databases were searched for RWU studies in basketball players. An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach with multilevel models, including adjustments for small sample sizes. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean changes (SMC) for within-group comparisons and standardized mean differences (SMD) for between-group comparisons.

Results: Seven studies (n = 82; 35 females, 47 males) were included, with individual raw data obtained from …

Aphasia Treatment Research: A Decision-Making Tool To Guide The Design Of Phased Trials From The Collaboration Of Aphasia Trialists (Cats) Trials For Aphasia Panel, Erin Godecke, Emily Brogan, Rebecca Palmer, Marian C. Brady, Frank Becker, Caterina Breitenstein, Sonia Brownsett, Julius Fridriksson, Katerina Hilari, Argye E. Hillis, Paola Marangolo, Miranda L. Rose, Shirley Thomas, Donna C. Tippett, Julie Bernhardt, Kathryn S. Hayward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials with meta-analyses indicate that speech and language therapy for aphasia after stroke is effective in improving communication. However, high-quality evidence to identify an intervention’s target population (who), regimen (what), timing (when), and dose (how much) is lacking. The predominance of underpowered aphasia trials and comparative studies with design limitations may be attributed to: 1) the perceived complexity of designing trials of interventions for a complex behaviour such as human communication, 2) the lack of funded research in the field and 3) a lack of training and understanding in the field of aphasiology regarding …

Chronic Oral Cannabidiol Delays Seizure Onset And Reduces Seizure Burden In A Mouse Model Of Cln2 Disease, Joshua T. Dearborn, Keigo Takahashi, Nicholas R. Rensing, Michael Wong, Jonathan D. Cooper, Mark S. Sands

2020-Current year OA Pubs

A growing body of literature describes the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-epileptic properties of the cannabis sativa constituent cannabidiol, suggesting that it might play a useful role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease) is a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder resulting from an inherited dysfunction of the lysosome. CLN2 disease, and its representative animal models, display neuroimmune response, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and epileptic seizures, and these symptoms are all touted as potential targets of cannabidiol therapeutic benefit. Here, we treated a valid model of CLN2 disease with long-term daily cannabidiol (300 mg/kg) from 1 month of …

Reclaiming The Self: A Visual Narrative Of A Process Of Individuation Through Artistic Practice, Stacie Becker

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Reclaiming the Self: A Visual Narrative of a Process of Individuation Through Artistic Practice features a multidisciplinary practice that uses visual narrative, metaphor, and symbolism to reconcile the complex intersections of internal and external identity-shaping experiences, informed by lived experience as a woman. Working across painting, mixed media, printmaking, book arts, sculpture, and restorative medical tattooing, the artist dissects the tension between internal identity and external expectations, addressing themes of gender roles, relationships, trauma, and agency. Various artistic methods serve not only as a process but also as a parallel for reclaiming, healing, and restoring an authentic, unashamed sense of …

A Test Of The Three-Step Theory: Examining Pain, Hopelessness, And Suicidal Desire Among College Students, Shelby Baker

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and suicidal thoughts are prevalent among emerging adults and undergraduate students. Still, many prominent risk factors remain understudied. Guided by the Three-Step Theory of Suicide (3ST), this study examined the roles of hopelessness, psychological pain, and physical pain in prediction of suicidal desire among undergraduate college students (N = 1,705) recruited from UCF’s SONA system and CloudResearch’s Connect platform. Participants completed an online, cross-sectional survey that included measures of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, hopelessness, psychological pain, physical pain, and other psychological variables of interest. Psychological pain and physical pain were tested as moderators …