Digital Commons Network^™

A Critical Review Of Capillary Pressure Behavior And Characterization In Fractional-Wet Reservoirs, Yihang Xiao, Zhenjiang You, Lei Wang, Zhengtong Du

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fractional wettability is common in oil and gas reservoirs, resulting in complex fluid distribution and transport phenomena. A precise understanding of capillary pressure behavior and characterization in fractional-wet reservoirs, including the two-phase flow mechanisms within pores and relationship between capillary pressure and saturation in porous media, is significant to enhanced oil recovery strategies. In this paper, an in-depth review of the two-phase flow mechanisms in fractional-wet pores and capillary entry pressures in various displacement processes was conducted. Furthermore, the effects of oil-wet proportion and contact angle on capillary pressure characterization were summarized, highlighting the emergence of similar capillary pressure curves …

Learning From 50 Years Of Aboriginal Alcohol Programs: A Summary, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This publication is a summary of key messages from the book, Learning from 50 years of Aboriginal alcohol programs: beating the grog in Australia by Peter d’Abbs and Nicole Hewlett.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the many actions taken over the last 50 years to prevent and reduce alcohol harms among Aboriginal people with a focus on actions led by Aboriginal communities. This summary of the book was developed by the HealthInfoNet Alcohol and other Drugs Knowledge Centre in collaboration with the authors, and aims to provide an accessible synthesis of the information and lessons learned as …

Friendship, Connection And Loss: Everyday Digital Kinning And Digital Homing Among Chinese Transnational Grandparents In Perth, Australia, Catriona Stevens, Loretta Baldasar, Raelene Wilding

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This chapter explores how practices of digital kinning and digital homing enacted through smartphones shape the experiences of Chinese older adults in Perth, Australia. Transnational grandparent carers must balance the risks of diminished social networks with the benefits of providing intergenerational care. Some form strong friendships in Perth, but many yearn for a leisured life with their friends in China. Findings illustrate the central role of digital migration practices in transnational families and friendships, not only sustaining distant support networks, but also building new communities in host settings. However, for some, the co-presence afforded through WeChat may intensify feelings of …

A Systematic Review Of K-12 Cybersecurity Education Around The World, Ahmed Ibrahim, Marnie Mckee, Leslie F. Sikos, Nicola F. Johnson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper presents a systematic review of K-12 cybersecurity education literature from around the world. 24 academic papers dated from 2013-2023 were eligible for inclusion in the literature established within the research protocol. An additional 19 gray literature sources comprised the total. A range of recurring common topics deemed as aspects of cybersecurity behavior or practice were identified. A variety of cybersecurity competencies and skills are needed for K-12 students to apply their knowledge. As may be expected to be the case with interdisciplinary fields, studies are inherently unclear in the use of their terminology, and this is compounded in …

Continuous Professional Development Strategies Of Nepali Secondary Principals: Navigating Challenges In Changing Times, Shankar Dhakal, Geoffrey W. Lummis, Andrew Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article delves into the ‘continuous professional development’ (CPD) strategies of three Nepali public secondary principals in complex settings. Through semi-structured interviews, the case studies reveal key CPD themes such as academic qualifications, contextual learning, collaborative networking, leadership training, critical self-reflection, and spiritual dimensions aligned with contextual expectations. The research reinforces the importance of networking and collaboration, in providing targeted CPD for principals, necessitating the negotiation of cultural sensitivities. These insights carry vital implications for school leadership in Nepal and similar international contexts, providing strategies to ensure positive educational outcomes.

Quantitative Comparison Of Presenilin Protein Expression Reveals Greater Activity Of Ps2-Γ-Secretase, Melissa K. Eccles, Nathan Main, Rodrigo Carlessi, Ayeisha M. Armstrong, Miheer Sabale, Brigid Roberts-Mok, Janina E. E. Tirnitz-Parker, Mark Agostino, David Groth, Paul E. Fraser, Giuseppe Verdile

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

γ-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) has long been of interest in the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its role in the generation of amyloid- . The catalytic component of the enzyme is the presenilins of which there are two homologues, Presenilin-1 (PS1) and Presenilin-2 (PS2). The field has focussed on the PS1 form of this enzyme, as it is typically considered the more active at APP processing. However, much of this work has been completed without appropriate consideration of the specific levels of protein expression of PS1 and PS2. We propose that expression is an …

Engaging Stakeholders To Inform Policy Developments In Early Childhood Education And Outside School Hours Care, Fay Hadley, Linda J. Harrison, Leanne Lavina, Lennie Barblett, Susan Irvine, Francis Bobongie-Harris, Jennifer Cartmel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The application of engagement strategies to ensure democracy of decisions is increasingly valued and adopted by governments to ensure trust in the process and ownership of the outcome. This paper describes the approach and methods used to engage early childhood education and care (ECEC) and outside school hours care (OSHC) stakeholders in the contemporizing and updating of Australia’s national Approved Learning Frameworks (ALFs): Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and My Time Our Place: Framework for School Age Care (MTOP). Theoretical underpinnings of a robust stakeholder engagement strategy ensured a range of methods were …

Investigation Of Campylobacter Concisus Gastric Epithelial Pathogenicity Using Ags Cells, Christopher Y. M. Luk, Seul A. Lee, Nicholas Naidovski, Fang Liu, Alfred C. Y. Tay, Liang Wang, Stephen Riordan, Li Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Campylobacter concisus is an oral bacterium. Recent studies suggest that C. concisus may be involved in human gastric diseases. The mechanisms, however, by which C. concisus causes human gastric diseases have not been investigated. Here we examined the gastric epithelial pathogenicity of C. concisus using a cell culture model. Six C. concisus strains and the human gastric epithelial cell line AGS cells were used. IL-8 produced by AGS cells after incubation with C. concisus was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and AGS cell apoptosis was determined by caspase 3/7 activities. The effects of C. concisus on actin arrangement in …

Staff Perceptions On The Effectiveness Of Grip-S, A New Approach To Clinical Supervision Incorporating Safewards: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Jennifer Hamilton, Amanda Cole, Richard Bostwick, Irene Ngune

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study explored the impact of an innovative approach to clinical supervision for mental health nurses which integrates Safewards, named Group Reflective integrated Practice with Safewards–GRiP-S. Qualitative data was collected through 10 individual semi-structured interviews with nursing staff who had participated within the clinical supervision approach. Interviews provided insights into the nursing staff’s perception and experience of the clinical supervision approach. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis six themes emerged (i) illuminating embodied practice of Safewards, (ii) building confidence through empowering connections, (iii) creating a culture of positive change, (iv) identifying internal motivation for and external barriers to supervision engagement, (v) navigating …

Airbnb Exits China: Insights From Platform Competition, Dan Huang, Songshan (Sam) Huang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to provide insights into Airbnb’s exit from the China market, specifically from the perspective of platform competition. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the understanding of the evolution and competition of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation market in China and the double-edged network effects, this viewpoint article provides an in-depth discussion on Airbnb’s withdrawal from the China market. Findings: This viewpoint paper contends that Airbnb faced increasing challenges in establishing unique competitive advantages against local rivals, who demonstrate a capacity for innovation and maintaining loyal customers in adapting to the market evolution. Consequently, this may inhibit Airbnb from attracting the mainstream …

Exercise Professional Education, Qualifications, And Certifications: A Content Analysis Of Job Postings In The United States, Rachele Pojednic, Devin P. O’Neill, Molly G. Flanagan, Alexis Bartlett, Byron L. G. Carter, Mary A. Kennedy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Growth in the field of clinical exercise science and the potential impacts on overall health and wellbeing have driven the need for qualified, clinically trained, exercise professionals. And yet, it is not well understood what specific credentials employers are seeking when hiring exercise professionals. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the qualification requirements for professionals seeking employment in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology or equivalent fields. Methods: Search platforms Indeed.com and USAJobs.gov were examined within a two week period in 2022. Search terms included “Exercise Physiology”, “Exercise Science”, “Exercise Professional”, “Exercise Prescription”, “Exercise Specialist”, and “Kinesiology”. …

The Quest For Continuous Quality Improvement In Australian Long Day Care Services: Getting The Most Out Of The Assessment And Rating Process, Susan L. Irvine, Lennie Barblett, Manjula Waniganayake, Fay Hadley, Rebecca Andrews, Maria Hatzigianni, Hui Li, Leanne Lavina, Linda J. Harrison, Belinda Davis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The National Quality Framework (NQF) was intended to drive continuous improvement in education and care services in Australia. Ten years into implementation, the effectiveness of the NQF is demonstrated by steady improvements in quality as measured against the National Quality Standard (NQS). The process of assessing and rating services is a key element in the NQF, drawing together regulatory compliance and quality assurance. This paper draws on findings from a national Quality Improvement Research Project investigating the characteristics, processes, challenges and enablers of quality improvement in long day care services, concentrating on Quality Area 1 Educational program and practice and …

De+D61:D80signing Bespoke Visual Mediation Tools Using 'Viscourse' For Intergenerational Research Visiblising Pedagogies, Amelia Ruscoe, Penny Baker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Visual methods are an innovative design space for study methodologies with young children. The accessibility of visual media, and flexibility of their design and use, has spurred methodological innovations that stretch the boundaries of intergenerational research. This article explores the visual dialogic nexus in research methods tailored to investigate discourse. The research sought to uncover the perspectives of young children and their teachers about their discursive affordances in the first year of school. Employing an iterative design process, bespoke visual mediation tools were collaboratively created with a visual artist to capture the intergenerational viewpoints of the participants. This article reconceptualises …

Editorial - Contemporary Marine Science, Its Utility And Influence On Regulation And Government Policy, Piers Larcombe, Angus Morrison-Saunders, Peter V. Ridd

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this Research Topic is to evaluate the quality of contemporary marine science and to examine relationships between science, regulation and government policy in the marine environment. The quality of marine science matters; not just to advance knowledge on understanding marine ecosystems, but also to guide marine management. ...

The Association Of Dementia Risk Symptoms And Functional Activity In Adults With Down Syndrome, Selena E Washington, Amy E Bodde, Brian C Helsel, Rebecca M Bollinger, Nora Smith, Lauren T Ptomey, Beau Ances, Susan L Stark

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, often showing neuropathological indicators by age 40. Physical function and activities of daily living (ADLs) are understudied areas of function that may inform dementia risk. We investigated associations among age, physical function (gait/balance, grip strength, and lower extremity strength), ADLs, and dementia risk symptoms in adults with DS. We hypothesized that compromised physical function and lower independence with ADLs would be associated with an informant/caregiver-reported measure of dementia risk symptoms.

METHODS: A secondary analysis for this cross-sectional study was completed using data from two academic …

Health System Barriers To Hypertension Care In Peru: Rapid Assessment To Inform Organizational-Level Change, Kendra N. Williams, Lindsay J. Underhill, Lisa De Las Fuentes, Elvin H. Geng, Victor G. Davila-Roman, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Traditional patient- and provider-level hypertension interventions have proven insufficient to halt hypertension as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Systems-level interventions are required to address factors challenging hypertension control across a social ecological framework, an under-studied topic particularly salient in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Peru. To inform such interventions, we sought to identify key health systems barriers to hypertension care in Puno, Peru. A participatory stakeholder workshop (October 2021) and 21 in-depth interviews (October 2021-March 2022) were conducted with 55 healthcare professionals (i.e., doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, nutritionists), followed by a deductive qualitative analysis of …

Systematic Computer-Aided Disulfide Design As A General Strategy To Stabilize Prefusion Class I Fusion Proteins, Karen J Gonzalez, Kevin C Yim, Jorge C G Blanco, Marina S Boukhvalova, Eva-Maria Strauch

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Numerous enveloped viruses, such as coronaviruses, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), utilize class I fusion proteins for cell entry. During this process, the proteins transition from a prefusion to a postfusion state, undergoing substantial and irreversible conformational changes. The prefusion conformation has repeatedly shown significant potential in vaccine development. However, the instability of this state poses challenges for its practical application in vaccines. While non-native disulfides have been effective in maintaining the prefusion structure, identifying stabilizing disulfide bonds remains an intricate task. Here, we present a general computational approach to systematically identify prefusion-stabilizing disulfides. Our method assesses the geometric …

A Global Scoping Review Of Adaptations In Nurturing Care Interventions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lidia Godoi, Simone Schenkman, Ana A Baumann, Aylene Bousquat, Gabriela Buccini

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, children faced a disproportionate burden of malnutrition and poor health outcomes. Nurturing care interventions (NCIs) including actions toward good health, adequate nutrition, responsive care, opportunities for early learning, and security and safety are critical for promoting equity. Due to the need for evidence-based responses and preparedness, we analyzed adaptations in NCIs' implementation strategies during COVID-19 according to the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS).

METHOD: We conducted a global scoping review including peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature. The databases searched were PubMed, Embase, Scopus, BVS, Scielo, and Web of Science. This …

Recarving The Future: Bridging Car T-Cell Therapy Gaps With Synthetic Biology, Engineering, And Economic Insights, Alaa Ali, John F Dipersio

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies, offering remarkable remission rates in otherwise refractory conditions. However, its expansion into broader oncological applications faces significant hurdles, including limited efficacy in solid tumors, safety concerns related to toxicity, and logistical challenges in manufacturing and scalability. This review critically examines the latest advancements aimed at overcoming these obstacles, highlighting innovations in CAR T-cell engineering, novel antigen targeting strategies, and improvements in delivery and persistence within the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the development of allogeneic CAR T cells as off-the-shelf therapies, strategies to mitigate adverse effects, and …

Role Of Endogenous T1Ρ And Its Dispersion Imaging In Differential Diagnosis Of Cardiac Amyloidosis, Keyan Wang, Yong Zhang, Wenbo Zhang, Hongrui Jin, Jing An, Jingliang Cheng, Jie Zheng

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has demonstrated excellent performance in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). However, misdiagnosis occasionally occurs because the morphological and functional features of CA are non-specific. This study was performed to determine the value of non-contrast CMR T1ρ in the diagnosis of CA.

METHODS: This prospective study included 45 patients with CA, 30 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 10 healthy controls (HCs). All participants underwent cine (whole heart), T1ρ mapping, pre- and post-contrast T1 mapping imaging (three slices), and late gadolinium enhancement using a 3T whole-body magnetic resonance imaging system. All participants underwent T1ρ at …

Protocol For A Pilot Clinical Trial Of The Senolytic Drug Combination Dasatinib Plus Quercetin To Mitigate Age-Related Health And Cognitive Decline In Mental Disorders [Version 2; Peer Review: 1 Approved, 2 Approved With Reservations], Abigail Schweiger, Breno Diniz, Ginger Nicol, Julie Schweiger, Andes E Dasklakis-Perez, Eric J Lenze

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia are linked to accelerated aging leading to reduced lifespan, health span and cognitive decline. Cellular senescence, in which cells lose proliferative capacity and develop a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), plays a role in this process. Emerging research suggests that the senolytic regimen of dasatinib+quercetin (D+Q) reduces senescent cells, potentially mitigating age-related health and cognitive decline. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of D+Q in older adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

METHODS: This single-center study will recruit 30 participants total aged 50 years or older with …

National Cyber Security Licence Consultation Report: Stakeholder Consultation Workshops Consolidated Feedback Held Oct – Nov 2023, Nicola F. Johnson, Leslie F. Sikos, Ahmed Ibrahim, Marnie Mckee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The consultation workshops invited stakeholders to join a roundtable environment to comment on and discuss the Consultation Paper, shared by Project Lead Associate Professor Nicola Johnson, Edith Cowan University (ECU) in October 2023. The purpose of the Consultation Paper was to identify whether stakeholders agreed that the national cyber security licence the Research Team had developed to date was a best solution towards addressing K-12 students’ cyber security education needs, which was found to not presently be sufficient (see Johnson et al., 2022). Eight workshops were conducted over a month-long period held October to November 2023. 250 invitations were sent …

Preparing The Future Public Health Workforce: Fostering Global Citizenship Through The Relational Employability Framework - Insights From Two Case Studies, Elizabeth Cook, Sally-Anne Doherty, Ruth M. Wallace

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A well-prepared public health workforce is essential for reducing disease burdens and improving population health, necessitating an education that addresses global and complex challenges. This paper explores the integration of the Relational Employability Framework in public health education as a tool to foster critical reflection and cultivate global citizenship among students and graduates. Global citizenship encompasses the social, political, environmental and economic actions of globally conscious individuals and communities, recognising that individuals operate within diverse local and global networks. Relational employability expands traditional notions of graduate employability, incorporating not only foundational career development and human interactions but also connections with …

The Provision Of Vocational Education And Training Within Contemporary Political Socio-Economic Conditions: A Review Of The Literature, Sarah Fogarty, Christine Cunningham, Michelle Striepe, David Rhodes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This review is in response to numerous research, studies and other reviews that present the under-addressed, longstanding need to rethink vocational education and training delivered to secondary students (VETdSS) in Australia and in similar jurisdictions. Further, it is unclear how secondary schools in Western Australia are navigating the provision of vocational education and training within contemporary political socio-economic conditions. Therefore, this paper intends to review the most recent research about VETdSS and especially research that is pertinent to secondary schools in Western Australia. Ultimately, our aim in this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that will help us to …

Primary School Teachers’ Adaptations For Struggling Writers: Survey Study Of Grade 1 To 6 Teachers In Australia, Anabela Malpique, Deborah Pino-Pasternak, Debora Valcan, Mustafa Asil

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Two hundred ninety-eight primary teachers (88% female) from across all Australian states and territories reported on the frequency with which they implemented instructional adaptations for struggling writers in their classrooms. They also rated their preparation and self-efficacy for teaching writing. The majority of participating teachers indicated they provided additional instruction on spelling, capitalization and punctuation, and sentence construction at least once a week or more often. Teachers further reported implementing additional minilessons and reteaching strategies and skills, as well as extra instruction on grammar, handwriting, text structure, revising, and planning on a monthly basis or more often. The majority of …

Suboptimal Health Status, Covid-19 Psychology, And Cultural Value Impact On Post-Pandemic Outbound Travel, Danni Zheng, Yangyang Jiang, Jun Wen, Ian Phau, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Suboptimal health has become a core public health challenge, especially during the pandemic. This study adopts an interdisciplinary perspective to examine the relationships between suboptimal health status, COVID-19 fear and stress, cultural values, and outbound travel. A theoretical model was evaluated using data from 800 Beijing residents, 439 of whom were in suboptimal health. Four dimensions of suboptimal health (fatigue, mental status, immune system, and cardiovascular system) significantly affected COVID-19 stress and fear. Post-pandemic travel intention was positively related to fatigue symptoms and leisure and life enjoyment but negatively associated with COVID-19 stress. Suggestions for highlighting travellers’ health status and …

Enhancing Marketing Students’ Indigenous Cultural Competencies Through A Decolonisation And Authentic Assessment Approach, Claire Lambert, Melissa Fong-Emmerson, Sonja Coetzee, Steven D’Alessandro

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To prepare students for multicultural environments and understand consumers from different backgrounds, marketing educators must incorporate diversity into their curricula and recognise the importance of decolonisation by considering First Nations’ perspectives to promote reconciliation and better outcomes. This paper reports on a novel approach of students working directly with First Nations businesspeople to gain an applied understanding of Indigenous cultural learning. The study examines the influence of this approach on students’ learning and cultural understanding, as well as how the teaching approach and authentic assessment design within the unit improve the confidence of students to apply these learnings and engage …

How Do Professional Connections And Relationships Impact Midwives’ Well-Being And Career Sustainability? A Grounded Theory Study Protocol, Lynnelle Moran, Sara Bayes, Kim Foster

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Significant attrition and projected workforce shortages within the midwifery profession are global issues. Extensive research has identified that high levels of workplace adversity, chronic stress, and increasing rates of vicarious trauma and moral injury experienced by midwives, underpin this situation. Researchers have explored midwives’ intention to stay in the midwifery workforce and identified ways to support students’ transition to professional practice. Supportive collegial relationships have been reported to be protective for new and early career midwives’ well-being and resilience. However, there is a gap in knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of professional connections and relationships for midwives …

Engendering Ethics: Recognition And Inclusion Of Intersectional Identities In Queer Communities When Conducting Population Survey Research, Kim Andreassen, Leanda D. Mason, Julian Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper delves into the critical importance of ethical considerations in research, with a primary focus on gender, sex, and sexual orientation. Recognizing the vulnerabilities and complexities inherent in these communities, we emphasize here the necessity of ethical awareness throughout all research phases. Ethical obligations may extend to ensuring cultural sensitivity, safety, and equitable resource distribution. The core ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice are promoted here to serve as a viable framework for ethical research. These principles require meticulous attention to informed consent, minimizing harm, maximizing benefits, and promoting fairness throughout the research process. The paper delves …

Parental Experiences Of Supporting The Mental Health Of Their Lgbtqa+ Child, Jessica M. Gilbert, Penelope Strauss, Deirdre Drake, Helen Stain, Yael Perry, Angus Cook, Ashleigh Lin, Helen Morgan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, asexual and other diverse genders and sexualities (LGBTQA+) are at greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes and suicide, with additional barriers to accessing safe and affirming physical and mental health services in comparison to the general population. Parents of LGBTQA+ young people who are supportive and accepting can take on additional responsibilities and an active role in supporting young people, and more information is needed to understand how parents support LGBTQA+ young people in times of acute mental health difficulties (including suicide risk) and what parents experience while …