Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating The Deep Features Of Change: A Dynamic Approach For Skill Development In The Construction Industry, Keyao Li, Mark A. Griffin, Heap Yih Chong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Digitalisation promises new levels of productivity and efficiency in construction but requires a well-equipped, skilled workforce to meet future demands. Beyond attracting skilled workers, the industry must understand future skill requirements. This study addresses this need by developing a skill framework that defines key skill levels and patterns in response to evolving demands. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach with three consecutive analyses was adopted. First, a theoretical analysis developed a conceptual framework based on work and role performance theories. Second, a scoping review and descriptive analyses provided quantitative insights into the skills covered in current literature. Finally, identified skill groups …

Emerging Stronger From Challenging Times: How Servant Leaders Manage Workplace Spirituality And Employee Flourishing, Mahdi Vesal, Muhammad Aftab Alam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Business leaders, particularly in challenging times like the post-COVID era, grapple with fostering employee well-being and addressing spiritual needs. Our research explores the link between workplace spirituality—marked by meaningful work, community, and value alignment—and employee flourishing, with a focus on the role of servant leadership. Using self-determination theory, we analyzed survey data from SMEs in Iran and India, where employees navigated challenging times amid COVID-related difficulties. Study 1 (303 employees in 128 Iranian firms) found meaningful work and a sense of community positively influence employee flourishing, while value alignment has a curvilinear effect. Study 2 (215 senior Indian employees) replicated …

Stakeholder Co-Design Of Sustainable Urban Pest Management Strategies, Elizabeth C. Lowe, Nathan J. Butterworth, Alexander Austin, Cameron Webb, Tanya Latty

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The high levels of broad-spectrum insecticides used to manage invertebrates in many cities around the world has significant environmental and health impacts. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a framework for sustainable pest control practice, but uptake of IPM remains low in most cities. We used participatory action research with pest management industry stakeholders (practitioners, industry representatives, researchers and government employees) to identify key issues in urban pest management in Australia, set priorities for change and discuss collaborative solutions. Via an online survey and a face-to-face workshop, the participants identified the key themes of education and training, public awareness, environmental impacts …

Co-Design Of An Online Mindfulness Program For Informal Carers Of People Living With Dementia: A Qualitative Study Of Co-Designers’ Experience, Charunya A.K.R. Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Aisling Smyth, Joanne M. Dickson, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Informal carers face significant challenges related to care provision for people living with dementia. Participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program could improve the wellbeing of informal carers. However, engaging in these programs can be difficult for informal carers due to the needs of their care recipients. Purpose: This study aimed to co-design an online mindfulness program in collaboration with a range of stakeholders and those with lived experience as carers. Methods: This co-design study adopted an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach to the development of the program. The stakeholders (co-designers) included people with lived experience as informal carers and …

Fracture Energy Of Ambient-Cured Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete, Alireza Mohyeddin, Trijon Karmokar, Mohammad Fardipour

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fracture energy is a key parameter in current prediction models for capacity of structural anchors. During broader research on behaviour of structural anchors in ambient-cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete, it was realised that despite extensive literature on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and other types of geopolymer concrete, there is a lack of literature on fracture energy of such geopolymer concretes. The purpose of the current research is to measure this property for this specific type of concrete using Wedge Splitting Test (WST) method. This method was selected due to its stable crack propagation and suitability for small-sized specimens. The influence …

A Narrative Review Of The Central Neural Control Of Swallowing And Its Implications For Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Kuo-Chang Wei, Tyng-Guey Wang, Ming-Yen Hsiao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Swallowing is controlled by a distributed neural network spanning the brainstem central pattern generator, subcortical modulatory circuits, and cortical regions responsible for volitional planning and sensorimotor integration. Evidence from lesion studies, neuroimaging, and neurophysiology demonstrates that dysphagia arises from disruptions at different nodes of this network, producing lesion-specific impairment profiles rather than a uniform swallowing deficit. This network-based perspective has shifted rehabilitation from predominantly compensatory management toward mechanism-driven interventions aimed at restoring physiological function. Behavioral skill-training and resistance-based exercises harness motor learning and cortical plasticity, whereas neuromodulatory approaches—including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), pharyngeal electrical …

Experience And Barriers In Pediatric Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Quantitative Survey Study, François-Xavier Brajot, Ai-Ju Wu, Pao-Chuan Torng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Purpose: Despite an important need for health care services targeting pediatric dysphagia, there exist a number of barriers to doing so, including workforce competence. The current study surveyed practicing Speech-Language Pathologists to determine (1) the importance of pediatric dysphagia in their caseload, (2) the adequacy of existing educational resources, and (3) perceived barriers to providing quality care in Taiwan.

Methods: An anonymous survey was completed by Speech-Language Pathologists working in Taiwan. Responses were analyzed with respect to current work setting, experience, preparation, and perceived barriers.

Results: Survey results from 122 respondents indicated that the pediatric dysphagia caseload is unexpectedly low …

Bridging The Gap Between Function-Based And Iddsi Standards In Dysphagia Care, Chien-Hui Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

No abstract provided.

A Scoping Review Of Non-Instrumental Dysphagia Screening Tools: Building Flowcharts To Guide Tool Selection, Yu-Chun Chang, Ming-Jhuan Wang, Shu-Fen Siao, Yu-Juan Xu, Meng-Shan Wu, Tyng-Guey Wang, Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Selecting an appropriate non-instrumental dysphagia screening tool is a complex process. This scoping review aimed to identify dysphagia screening tools with established reliability and validity, and to develop administrator-based flowcharts to guide tool selection across different clinical populations. A scoping review was conducted using studies identified in CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Our search was guided by five keywords: “dysphagia,” “deglutition,” “screening,” “test,” and “measure.” Original studies about the development and validation of non-instrumental dysphagia screening tools were selected. Six reviewers were involved in the review process, and at least two reviewers independently completed each step of …

Does In-Bed Cycling Delivered Within 48 Hours Of Mechanical Ventilation, Reduce The Occurrence Of Delirium In Critically Ill Patients: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol, Jacqueline Bennion, Mark Hudson, Mary Hickson, Victoria Allgar, Bridie Kent, David Mcwilliams, Daniel Martin

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric clinical state presenting as an acute onset of cognitive deficits. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), have the highest incidence (50%–80%) of delirium amongst patients admitted to intensive care units. Preliminary data indicates that early mobilisation is associated with reduced delirium in critically ill patients. However, definitive evidence is lacking. Current practice varies due to many barriers to patients, who require IMV, receiving early mobilisation interventions. In-bed cycling may address some of these barriers. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of early in-bed cycling to reduce delirium in critically ill patients. …

The Effectiveness Of Digital Therapeutics Intervention In Oral Anticoagulation Management: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jiayue Guo, Lili You, Lu Liu, Xitong Jiao, Debasish Kar, Jitendra Jonnagaddala

Peninsula Medical School

Objective: To summarize the key intervention characteristics and evaluate the effectivenessand safety of digital therapeutics (DTx) in patients receiving oral anticoagulation, witheffectiveness evaluated using time in therapeutic range (TTR), thromboembolic events (TEE),and mortality, and safety evaluated based on bleeding events.Patients and Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the CochraneLibrary from inception to June 20, 2025, and identified ten randomized controlled trialsinvolving 7,237 patients. The criteria required studies to assess software-based DTxsupporting anticoagulation management and report effectiveness or safety outcomes. Studyquality was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development,and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, and random-effects models were applied.Results: …

Microbial Collagenase Activity Is Linked To Oral–Gut Translocation In Advanced Chronic Liver Disease, Shen Jin, Aurelie Cenier, Daniela Wetzel, Bethlehem Arefaine, Mar Moreno-Gonzalez, Marilena Stamouli, Merianne Mohamad, Mariia Lupatsii, Emilio Ríos, Sunjae Lee, Ane Zamalloa, Shilpa Chokshi, Adil Mardinoglu, Saeed Shoaie, Naiara Beraza, Vishal C. Patel, Melanie Schirmer

Peninsula Medical School

Microbiome perturbations are associated with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), but how microorganisms contribute to disease mechanisms is unclear. Here we analysed metagenomes of paired saliva and faecal samples from an ACLD cohort of 86 individuals, plus 2 control groups of 52 healthy individuals and 14 patients with sepsis. We identified highly similar oral and gut bacterial strains, including Veillonella and Streptococcus spp., which increased in absolute abundance in the gut of patients with ACLD compared with controls. These microbial translocators uniquely share a prtC gene encoding a collagenase-like proteinase, and its faecal abundance was a robust ACLD biomarker (area …

Prevalence And Determinants Of Diabetes-Related Psychological Distress In A Tertiary Care Setting In Tamil Nadu: India: Cross-Sectional Study, Rohit Shankar, Samuel Tromans

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundDiabetes distress, whereby people with diabetes experience distressing psychological symptoms associated with living with their condition, is an emerging problem in India. Diabetes distress leads to self-care deficits, suboptimal glycaemic control (which can lead to increasing risks of complications) and impaired quality of life.AimsTo determine the burden of diabetes distress and its associated factors in an Indian tertiary care centre in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India, covering a population of 1.25 million.MethodThis prospective observational study involved a structured questionnaire covering demographic and clinical details, which was given to patients. The Diabetes Distress Scale 17 (DDS-17) was used to assess diabetes distress …

Enhancing Offshore Wind Resource Assessment Through Neural Network-Based Hf Radar Data Analysis, Nikolas Martzikos, Matthew Craven, David Walker, Daniel Conley

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The increasing demand for offshore wind energy underscores the need for accurate wind speed estimation to support the design and operation of offshore wind farms. High-Frequency Radar (HFR), a widely used remote sensing technology in oceanographic research, offers promising potential for wind resource assessment, particularly in areas where conventional measurements are limited. This study explores the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for offshore wind speed prediction using HFR-derived data, addressing key challenges in model development and training. A key feature of this approach is the use of a decade-long dataset from the Celtic Sea, off the southwest UK coast, …

Measuring Outcomes In Evaluations Of Interventions To Prevent Youth Crime And Violence: Challenges And Potential Solutions, Sajid Humayun, Finlay Green, Helen Downham, Nick Axford

Peninsula Medical School

There is a clear imperative to prevent youth crime and violence owing to the significant social and economic costs for individuals involved and wider society. A considerable evidence base for ‘what works’ in this space exists but gaps remain. To address these, it is necessary to evaluate intervention effectiveness. The aim of this article is to explore challenges and potential solutions regarding outcome measurement in such evaluations. To do this we draw on the literature and our experience as evaluators. We argue that outcome selection should be informed by a robust theory of change, and that normally this will mean …

Fault Tolerant Adaptive Control Under Actuator Saturation For Robot Manipulators, D. J. López-Araujo, N. Alvarez-Jarquin, P. Borja, A. T. Becker

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

In practice, actuators inherently have natural limitations that are often overlooked by theoretical control strategies, such as bounded output and discrepancies between calculated and actual responses. Consequently, reliable control techniques must be employed to ensure safe and dependable operation. We propose an adaptive control law for global regulation in the case of partial loss of effectiveness due to input faults. The proposed control strategy maintains the system at the desired configuration while accounting for the physical limitations of the actuators. Additionally, it is suitable for dealing with unknown parameters in the vector of gravitational forces, making it robust to these …

Usable Authentication: Are We There Yet?, Nathan Clarke, Steven Furnell

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

With technology increasingly embedded in everyday life, the demand for secure and usable authentication methods has never been greater. Traditional password-based systems continue to dominate, despite well-known usability and security challenges. This paper explores the evolution of user authentication technologies, from secret knowledge and tokens to biometrics and emerging approaches such as Passkeys. It critically evaluates the extent to which usability has been achieved, identifying both successes—such as biometrics integrated into smartphones—and persistent issues, including inconsistent guidance, ecosystem dependence, and accessibility barriers. Drawing on academic and commercial developments, the discussion highlights the growing burden on users who must authenticate across …

Rapid Electrochemical Biosensor With Enhanced Accuracy And Repeatability Using Pyrene Nhs Ester Modified 3d Graphene Electrodes, S. Nazir, D. Jenkins, G. Pan

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

A consistent and reproducible chemical modification of the transducer interface is essential to ensure effectiveimmobilization of bioreceptors, thereby improving the sensitivity and reproducibility of biosensors. Althoughnotable progress has been made in fabricating graphene-based biosensors, the effects of surface biofunctionalization on sensing performance remain not fully understood. This study shows that combining threedimensional (3D) graphene foam electrodes with a straightforward, single-step surface biofunctionalizationmethod is key to enhancing the performance of graphene-based biosensors. Specifically, it presents a single-stepapproach to functionalize the 3D graphene foam (Gii-Sens) with 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimideester (Pyrene-NHS ester). Electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulsevoltammetry (DPV), confirmed …

Designing A Mobile App For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Insights From Lived Experience And Clinical Practice, Rohit Shankar, Richard Laugharne, Michael Loizou, Marius Varga, Sivia Lin, Bojana Daw Srdanovic, Roger Farrell

Peninsula Medical School

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling anxiety disorder precipitated by severe trauma. Many people with this condition have little access to clinical interventions, especially in low-middle-income countries. For the development of any digital health intervention, it is vital to know the opinions of PLE and clinicians to guide the developers. We conducted two focus groups, one with clinicians (n = 5) and one with people with lived experience (PLE) (n = 11), to gain knowledge of their views on the development of a PTSD App. Transcripts of both focus groups were coded and thematically analysed. The key themes that …

From Predictions To Explanations: Explainable Ai For Autism Diagnosis And Identification Of Critical Brain Regions: 18th International Joint Conference, Biostec 2025, Kush Gupta, Amir Aly, Emmanuel Ifeachor, Rohit Shankar

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmentalcondition characterized by atypical brain maturation. However, the adaptationof transfer learning paradigms in machine learning for ASD researchremains notably limited. In this study, we propose a computeraideddiagnostic framework with two modules. This chapter presents atwo-module framework combining deep learning and explainable AI forASD diagnosis. The first module leverages a deep learning model finetunedthrough cross-domain transfer learning for ASD classification. Thesecond module focuses on interpreting the model’s decisions and identifyingcritical brain regions. To achieve this, we employed three explainableAI (XAI) techniques: saliency mapping, Gradient-weighted Class ActivationMapping, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis.This framework demonstrates that …

Biocompatibility Of Silver And Hydroxyapatite Antimicrobial Nanocoatings On Titanium Alloy Dental Implants With Human Gingival Fibroblasts, S Morgan, R D Handy, V M Salih, R N Salaie, C J Tredwin, A Besinis

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

OBJECTIVES: Peri-implantitis compromises soft and hard tissues around dental implants, often leading to implant failure. Antibacterial nanocoatings offer a promising infection control strategy, but maintaining biocompatibility is essential. This study investigated, through a range of assays and analytical techniques, the biocompatibility of antimicrobial silver and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocoatings applied to titanium implants with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

METHODS: Silver and hydroxyapatite nanocoatings were applied to the surface of titanium alloy specimens using electroplating, deposition and sintering techniques. The biocompatibility of the nanocoatings with HGFs was assessed by measuring cell metabolic activity (alamarBlue), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, collagen production (Sircol assay), …

Barriers To Adherence To Standard Precautions Among Community Health Workers: A Scoping Review, Margaret D. Adejumo, Melanie Baker, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This review aims to map available evidence on the adherence level and barriers to standard precautions among home-based community health workers. Methods: A scoping review using the JBI protocol searched multiple databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science) as well as Google Scholar for published articles on standard precaution practices of community health workers during home visits. Search terms included “standard precautions”, “guideline adherence”, “community health” and “home care”. Two-stage screening (title/abstract and full-text) was conducted to select relevant articles. Results: Eight eligible studies yielded three major themes: home environment context, individual factors and organisational factors. Findings indicated …

It Makes You Nervous When You Start Talking About Racism: Shining Light On Teacher Educators’ Experiences Of Anti-Racist Pedagogy In Australian Teacher Education, Sasha Janes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Teacher educators have a significant responsibility in promoting anti-racist pedagogy and guiding preservice teachers to engage in critical self-examination regarding dominant narratives. However, many teacher education programmes fall short of adequately equipping aspiring teachers for diverse classrooms as they often perpetuate a predominantly white system and curricula. Informed by Critical Pedagogy and underpinned by a lens of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies, this paper discusses the experiences of teacher educators facilitating anti-racist pedagogy within teacher education programmes at Australian universities. Semi-structured interviews were held with 23 experienced teacher educators employed at universities across Australia. Data reveal teacher educators’ efforts to promote anti-racist …

Overcoming The Challenges Faced By Leaders Of Purpose-Led Medium-Sized Businesses: The Role Of Corporate Communication And Its Interplay With Corporate Reputation And Organisational Identity, Taofeeq Ibn-Mohammed, Suranga Herath, Nicholas Swallow, Charlie Gower, Adriana P. Montes, Dawn Brooks, Andres P. Garcia, Angus Morrison-Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Induced by worsening environmental conditions, pursuing purpose, not solely profit, now constitutes an ethical obligation for leaders of business organisations, towards future generations. Consequently, increasing numbers of businesses seek to become purpose-led (PLBs), but challenges exist. Despite the significant growth in PLB research since the turn of the millennium, attention has mainly focussed on multinational companies, although small- and medium-sized businesses (MSBs) hugely impact any economy. This research sets out to better understand the challenges faced by leaders of companies undergoing purpose-led MSB transitioning. Thematic analysis of the interview data from founders and leaders of B-Corp certified purpose-led MSBs revealed …

The Role Of Agricultural Biomass In Supply Chain Decarbonization, Ruxia Lyu, Sobhan Arisian, Zhitang Li, Mohammad S. Taskhiri, Reza Kiani Mavi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To achieve supply chain decarbonization, environmentally conscious manufacturers are transforming their energy infrastructure. While certain manufacturers are adopting a pure bioenergy strategy in their production processes, others are opting for a hybrid energy approach that combines traditional energy with bioenergy. This choice is often influenced by limitations in land capacity and the developmental stage of biomass conversion technologies. This paper introduces a game-theoretic model that explores the optimal approach to achieving supply chain decarbonization by strategically selecting energy portfolios. Our findings reveal that in scenarios where the market size is small, manufacturers tend to adopt a hybrid energy strategy, particularly …

Cancer Survivor Preferences For Breast Cancer Follow-Up Care: A Discrete Choice Experiment, Sameera Senanayake, Sanjeewa Kularatna, Fiona Crawford-Williams, David Brain, Michelle Allen, Ruvini M. Hettiarachchi, Nicolas H. Hart, Bogda Koczwara, Carolyn Ee, Raymond J. Chan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To identify the key attributes of breast cancer follow-up care models preferred by cancer survivors in Australia. Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit preferences for attributes of breast cancer follow-up care. Respondents were presented with two hypothetical scenarios, known as choice sets, and asked to select a preference. Respondents were individuals living in Australia who were diagnosed with breast cancer within the past five years prior to survey completion and were recruited through the Breast Cancer Network of Australia and other community or consumer networks. Latent class modelling (LCM) approach under a random utility framework …

From Perspectival Myopia To Professional Transformation: An Autoethnographic Retrospection Of A High School Principal From Nepal, Shankar Dhakal, Geoffrey W. Lummis, Andrew Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper presents a re-storied account of my (lead author) decade-long (2007–2017) professional journey as a high school principal in diverse educational settings in Nepal. Using an autoethnographic approach, I have theorized my leadership transformation approaches through professional storytelling, employing critical reflexivity to trace intimate leadership experiences where authoritarian approaches to leadership, disparities, and inequalities in schools run rampant. My perspectival myopia, professional vulnerabilities, and the discrepancies between my leadership ideals and behaviors resulted in issues such as perceptions of disengagement, underperformance, and dissatisfaction on the receiving end, prompting me to contemplate professional transformation. While outlining several significant steps and …

The Role Of Games In Hospitality Management Education, Arghavan Hadinejad, Samira Zare

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Building upon game-based learning, this study compares hospitality students’ cognition, metacognition, engagement, satisfaction, and performance in a course across two academic terms at an Australian university. One term featured teaching content without any games while the second term incorporated gamification. A quasi-experimental design was used in which surveys, interviews and students’ evaluation reports were utilized. Students demonstrated more favorable cognitive thoughts, and higher levels of engagement and satisfaction in the gamified course. Students’ performance in assessments across the two courses as well as their metacognition were found to be similar. This study presents a game effectiveness matrix with Kahoot as …

Centring The Audience: Attitudes And Behaviours In Australian Arts Organisations, Katya Johanson, Abbie Trott, Mark Taylor, Anne Kershaw, Hilary Glow, Tracy Margieson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Many arts organisations seek to increase the diversity of their audiences. Recent literature suggests that this requires organisations to interrogate and change their ways of operating. This is a fundamental shift for a sector that has long considered the goal of diversifying audiences as a problem external to the organisation. Responding to this discrepancy, this article compares attitudes and behaviours among workers in arts organisations, to identify whether staff see the need to make change and practise the behaviours required. It identifies and uses three organisational capabilities–‘dynamic capabilities’, ‘social networks’ and ‘business improvement processes’–to frame an analysis of a national …

Chronicles Of Film Tourism: An Integrative Review And Future Research Directions, Sangkyun Kim, Anton Klarin, Stijn Reijnders, Qijie Xiao, Nicky Van Es

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study triangulates historiographical and scientometric reviews to provide a systems perspective on film tourism. The three phases of historiographical analysis (exploration, growth, and maturity) correspond to the three clusters of scientometric analysis: (i) initial research exploring film tourism development and management, (ii) growing the field through studies on film tourists’ perceptions and practices, and (iii) reaching maturity through extending research into different cultural contexts and meaning-making processes. Based on the analysis, we offer a set of directions for future research, including the need to integrate sustainability research and film tourism studies in developing country contexts, as well as intertextuality …