Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Effectiveness Of Oiled Ballast Water Treatment Processes: Insights Into Hydrocarbon Oxidation Product Formation And Environmental Implications, Maxwell L. Harsha, Danielle E. Verna, Yanila Salas-Ortiz, Eduardo Osborn, Eduardo Turcios Valle, Aleksandar I. Goranov, Patrick G. Hatcher, Ana M. Aguilar-Islas, Patrick L. Tomco, David C. Podgorski

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Ballast water released from ships into coastal environments has been identified as a mechanism that introduces contaminants of concern into coastal ecosystems. This study investigates the treatment processes employed at a ballast water treatment facility in Valdez, Alaska, that remove hydrocarbons from unsegregated ballast water. Specifically, the aim is to quantify and characterize hydrocarbons of emerging concern, known as dissolved hydrocarbon oxidation products (HOPs) and heavy metals (HMs), throughout the treatment process. Specialized analytical techniques were employed, such as non-volatile dissolved organic carbon analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Results …

Polarizable Amoeba Force Field Predicts Thin And Dense Hydration Layer Around Monosaccharides, Luke A. Newman, Mackenzie G. Patton, Breyanna A. Rodriguez, Ethan W. Summer, Valerie Vaissier Welbourn

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Polarizable force fields crucially enhance the modeling of macromolecules in polar media. Here, we present new parameters to model six common monosaccharides with the polarizable AMOEBA force field. These parameters yield a thinner, but denser, hydration layer than that previously reported. This denser hydration layer results in eliminating non-physical aggregation of glucose in water-an issue that has plagued molecular dynamics simulations of carbohydrates for decades.

Quantification Of Antiretroviral Drug Emtricitabine In Human Plasma By Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, Marguerite R. Butler, Terry A. Jacot, Sucharita M. Dutta, Gustavo F. Doncel, John B. Cooper

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

In this study, reproducible label-free detection and quantification of the antiretroviral drug emtricitabine (FTC) down to 78 ng/mL in human plasma by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is presented. A novel plasma sample pretreatment method using silver nitrate and silver colloidal nanoparticles (Ag CNPs) was used to prepare the plasma samples for analysis. The pretreated plasma samples were evaporated to dryness on an aluminum surface and a computer-controlled Raman scanning system was used to collect spatially resolved SERS spectra of the entire surface. Calibration curves of commercial human plasma samples containing FTC in a concentration range of 5000 to 78 …

Synthesis Of Bis-Thioacid Derivatives Of Diarylethene And Their Photochromic Properties, Pramod Aryal, Jonathan Bietsch, Gowri Sankar Grandhi, Richard Chen, Surya B. Adhikari, Ephraiem S. Sarabamoun, Joshua J. Choi, Guijun Wang

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Diarylethenes (DAEs) are an important class of photoswitchable compounds that typically undergo reversible photochemical conversions between the open and closed cyclized forms upon treatment with UV light or visible light. In this study, we introduced thioacid functional groups to several photochromic dithienylethene (DTE) derivatives and established a method that can be used to prepare these photoswitchable thioacids. Four thioacid-functionalized diarylethene derivatives were synthesized through the activation of carboxylic acids with N-hydroxysuccinimide, followed by reactions with sodium hydrosulfide with yields over 90%. These derivatives exhibited reversible photoswitching and photochromic properties upon treatment with ultraviolet (UV) and visible lights. The thioacid groups …

Teacher Expectations Of Student Strategies For Algebra Problems, Vesife Hatisaru, Olivia Johnston, Julia Collins, Wendy Harmon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper investigates the expectations that a group of preservice secondary mathematics teachers had for how students would approach four particular algebra problems. Their responses to a set of open-ended items were content analysed. Findings show that the teachers ranged in the expectations that they held for their students. Some teachers expected their students would approach the problems with more sophisticated problem-solving strategies, but many of the teachers expected that the students would only use less desirable “guess-and-check” strategies. We believe teachers’ expectations for student strategies for problem-solving is a topic that warrants further investigation.

Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Mathematical Competence, Vesife Hatisaru, Julia Collins, Steven Richardson, Constantine Lozanovski

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Whilst educational goals in recent years for mathematics education are foregrounded the development of mathematical competencies, little is known about mathematics teachers’ competencies. In this study, a group of practising teachers were asked to solve an algebra problem, and their solutions were analysed to determine the competencies apparent (or, equally importantly, absent) in these solutions. The most demonstrated competencies were devising strategies and mathematising, whilst communication and reasoning were mostly missed. The research provides a detailed methodology on how mathematical competencies can be assessed in the context of problem solving.

Stakeholders' Perception On Sustainability Indicators For Urban Heritage Sites In Kuala Lumpur And George Town, Malaysia, Ken Ying Cho, Camelia Kusumo, Keith Kay Hin Tan, S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To manage heritage cities for locals' needs, a contextualized indicator to measure the sustainability of urban heritage is needed because it is often neglected. This study aims to identify the stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability indicators of urban heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: This study applied a qualitative method by interviewing stakeholders (governmental, experts and communities) who are involved in urban heritage sites. A thematic analysis is used to group the data patterns into themes. Findings: The existing site management and attention to heritage conservation are varied for both sites. The discussions of the stakeholders …

Summary Of Epidemiology, Prevention And Management Of Blood-Borne Viruses Experienced By Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This Summary is based on the Review of epidemiology, prevention and management of blood-borne viruses experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (2024).

It aims to provide a synthesis of key information on blood-borne viruses (BBVs) experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, focusing primarily on hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.

It covers: the historical, social and cultural context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and BBVs the extent of BBVs, including incidence, prevalence, health service utilisation, hospitalisation, mortality, and burden of disease prevention and management of BBVs relevant programs, …

Hydrogen Adsorption Kinetics In Organic-Rich Shale Reservoir Rocks For Seasonal Geological Storage, Amer Alanazi, Hussein Rasool Abid, Israa S. Abu-Mahfouz, Saleh A. Bawazeer, Tawanda Matamba, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer, Hussein Hoteit

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The geo-storage of hydrogen (H2) is essential for advancing a robust and industrial-scale H2-based economy. The efficient H2 storage in a geological formation depends on the presence of a secure and impermeable caprock, such as a shale formation. However, the existing literature lacks information on the kinetics of H2 adsorption in actual shale formations with diverse organic contents and mineral compositions. Therefore, the kinetics of H2 adsorption in organic-rich shale samples from a Jordanian oil (JO) source rock formation are experimentally investigated herein at various temperatures (193, 273, 303, and 333 K) and two equilibrium pressures (15 and 45 bar) …

Effects Of Resveratrol Supplementation On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness And Muscle Recovery: A Systematic Review, Nurdiana Zainol Abidin, Cheong Hwa Ooi, Kazunori Nosaka, Vishanth Rathakrishnan, Siok Yee Chan, Noor Khairiah A. Karim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and impaired muscle recovery significantly affect athletes and recreational exercisers, influencing their performance and training consistency. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is thought to mitigate these effects, yet its effectiveness remains to be fully verified. This systematic review evaluates the impact of RES supplementation on muscle recovery in adults by examining its influence on DOMS, oxidative stress, and inflammation, along with its interactions with other supplements. Three electronic databases and one registry were searched in October 2023. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a combined …

Factors Affecting Clinician Readiness To Adopt Smart Home Technology For Remote Health Monitoring: Systematic Review, Gordana Dermody, Daniel Wadsworth, Melissa Dunham, Courtney Glass, Roschelle Fritz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The population of older adults worldwide continues to increase, placing higher demands on primary health care and long-term care. The costs of housing older people in care facilities have economic and societal impacts that are unsustainable without innovative solutions. Many older people wish to remain independent in their homes and age in place. Assistive technology such as health-assistive smart homes with clinician monitoring could be a widely adopted alternative to aged-care facilities in the future. While studies have found that older persons have demonstrated a readiness to adopt health-assistive smart homes, little is known about clinician readiness to adopt …

How Chatbots Augment Human Intelligence In Customer Services: A Mixed-Methods Study, Xiaolin Lin, Xuequn Wang, Bin Shao, Joseph Taylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Although artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbots have been increasingly incorporated into firms’ business processes, such as customer service, they are still ineffective at handling unstructured tasks. Therefore, organizations might adopt chatbots to cut down the workforce for structured tasks and augment the remaining employees in unstructured tasks. Although there are substantial workforce implications for rebalancing work activities, few studies have assessed chatbots from the augmentation angle by focusing on employees’ performance, perhaps because of the lack of a theoretical foundation and research on this new phenomenon within organizations. Using a mixed-methods design, we developed a model illustrating the impact of chatbots …

Introduction Of The ‘Blue Card’ Concussion Policy To Semi-Elite Australian Football: Medical Staff Experiences And Perceptions, Jacob Raymond Msando, Gill Cowen, Sarah A. Harris, Troy Kirkham, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The Western Australian Football League (WAFL) introduced a new umpire driven ‘blue-card rule’ for concussion, but its benefit to the sports medicine team is unknown. Purpose To determine the experiences and perceptions of medical staff within the 2022-2023 Men’s and Women’s WAFL competitions following the introduction of the ‘blue-card rule’. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Method An online survey was delivered through Qualtrics to all WAFL medical staff (doctors, physiotherapists, head trainers). The survey contained four sections (demographics, concussion knowledge, concussion exposure and blue-card perceptions) with closed and multiple-answer questions. Standard methods for reporting descriptive data were applied, including mean …

Love Bites? Pre-Copulatory Behaviours Of Whale Sharks (Rhincodon Typus) At Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, Christine Barry, Emily Lester, Micheal P. Doane, Luciana C. Ferreira, Michele Thums, Adrian C. Gleiss, Mark G. Meekan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Very little is known about the reproductive behaviours of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Here, we describe field observations of courtship behaviour by a whale shark at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. We witnessed and recorded following and biting behaviours by a sexually mature male of a smaller female. Following and biting are common events during courtship and copulation of other species of elasmobranchs. Our observations are consistent with earlier reports of courting behaviours in whale sharks provided by fishers, the pilot of a light plane and observations of courtship by a sexually mature male towards females held in aquaria.

Parental Assessment Of Postsurgical Pain In Infants At Home Using Artificial Intelligence–Enabled And Observer-Based Tools: Construct Validity And Clinical Utility Evaluation Study, Fatos Sada, Paola Chivers, Sokol Cecelia, Sejdi Statovci, Kujtim Ukperaj, Jeffery Hughes, Kreshnik Hoti

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Pain assessment in the infant population is challenging owing to their inability to verbalize and hence self-report pain. Currently, there is a paucity of data on how parents identify and manage this pain at home using standardized pain assessment tools. Objective: This study aimed to explore parents’ assessment and intervention of pain in their infants at home following same-day surgery, using standardized pain assessment tools. Methods: This prospective study initially recruited 109 infant boys undergoing circumcision (same-day surgery). To assess pain at home over 3 days after surgery, parents using iOS devices were assigned to use the PainChek Infant …

Regional, Rural And Remote Schools As A Career Choice For Australian Pre-Service Teachers: A Decision Tree Analysis, Marnie Harris, Lynette Vernon, David Rhodes, Christina Gray

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Professional experience is crucial in initial teacher education, enabling pre-service teachers to develop their skills in authentic classroom settings. However, with most Australian initial teacher education institutions located in metropolitan areas, few pre-service teachers undertake experiences in regional, rural or remote (RRR) schools, presenting challenges in preparing, attracting, and retaining teachers in these areas. Despite initiatives to address RRR teacher shortages, little progress has been made. Our study aimed to identify enablers and barriers for primary pre-service teachers during RRR professional experiences to address workforce shortages. Data were quantitatively analysed using multi-model classification-decision tree analysis. The analysis revealed professional growth …

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 …

Preservice Eal/D Teachers’ Relational Agency During Online Paired Practicum, Hongzhi Yang, Andrew Ross

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

There is scant research on preservice English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers’ paired practicums in an online context. Underpinned by Cultural Historical Activity Theory, this paper explores how preservice EAL/D teachers exercise their relational agency during online paired practicums. Data were collected from five preservice EAL/D teachers’ weekly journals written during their paired practicums and interviews after they completed their paired practicums. Following the key components of relational agency, the thematic analysis highlights the dialectical relationship between preservice teachers’ relational agency and different types of collaboration, evidenced by the formation of mutual objects, tool mediation, and shared …

Development Of An In-Service Teacher Educator: Becoming, Doing, Knowing, Being And Belonging Through The Tensions, Fatma Gümüşok, Gölge Seferoğlu

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This qualitative case study analyses the professional identity development of an in-service teacher educator (ISTE) through her conceptualisations and tensions. The participant possesses multiple degrees in different fields (BA in physics teaching, MA and PhD in Educational Administration) and became an ISTE in English Language Teaching (ELT) with this interdisciplinary background. We mainly focused on her lived experiences of developing as an ISTE in ELT in the context of in-service teacher education (INSET) in Türkiye. The thematic content analysis of an in-depth face-to-face interview suggests that resolving tensions early may be needed for ISTEs to persevere in their new job. …

Student Teachers' Experiences As Mentees During The Teaching Practice In Rwanda, Joseph Njiku

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Teaching practice is an integral part of teacher education that provides teacher trainees an opportunity to merge theory and practice. This study investigated eight student teachers' mentorship experiences during teaching practice in secondary schools in Rwanda. Respondents were interviewed toward the end of their teaching practice. The cognitive apprenticeship theory guided the study. Qualitative data were collected and analysed deductively based on the themes identified in the literature and suggested by the theory. Findings indicate that all students were paired off with mentors, had the opportunity to observe and be observed by their mentors, and appreciated the mentoring process they …

Secondary Teachers’ Understandings Of Student Engagement: The Differences Between Understanding And Practice, Megan L. Kelly, Tony Yeigh, Suzanne Hudson

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Student engagement remains a topical aspect of learning and teaching as it influences student outcomes and learning experiences. It is generally accepted to be a malleable construct encompassing students’ actions, feelings and thoughts, all of which are influenced by the learning context and pedagogical choices made by the teacher. The aim of the current study was to investigate secondary teachers’ understandings of student engagement in relation to three dimensions (behavioural, emotional and cognitive engagement), and how these understandings align with actual teaching practice. The mixed methods study collected data from six secondary teachers using an online questionnaire, interviews, and classroom …

Australian Pre-Service Teachers’ Beliefs About Educational Disadvantage And Socially Just Teaching: Beyond A Neoliberal Imaginary?, Claire E. Charles, Lynette Longaretti, Matthew K.E Thomas

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Neoliberal education reforms have altered the way social justice is imagined in relation to schooling. These reforms reframe social justice as ‘equity’ through conceptions of standards, evidence and teacher quality, while detracting attention from the moral and political dispositions required for socially-just teaching. Knowing more about how this context may be shaping the beliefs of pre-service teachers (PSTs) is important. This paper reports on beliefs about educational disadvantage of a group of PSTs about to embark on a specialised program in Australia designed to promote socially just schooling outcomes. 24 PSTs across two cohorts completed a survey prior to entering …

Professional Development In Gifted Education: A Systematic Literature Review, Geraldine Townend, Jennifer L. Jolly, Adrian W. Chew

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This systematic literature review explored the importance of professional development (PD) for educators working with gifted students. Findings highlighted the need for PD to improve teacher knowledge, skills, efficacy, and student outcomes, especially considering the heterogeneously grouped classrooms, unique student needs, and lack of pre-service gifted education training for most teachers. The review identified key themes including PD evaluation, teacher perceptions, and pedagogical practices. The findings suggested that effective PD programs should (a) enhance knowledge and classroom practice, (b) be evidence-based, (c) consider both teacher and student outcomes, (d) be of sustained duration, and (e) include collaborative activities with ongoing …

Friend Or Foe: Preservice Teachers’ Experience Of Teaching While Studying, Marion Sturges, Jaydene Barnes, Jacqueline Humphries

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The current teacher shortage across Australia is significant. Various stakeholders have contributed to the discourse around this shortage, and different solutions have been implemented, including using conditionally accredited preservice teachers to fill the gaps. However, the voices of these preservice teachers have been largely missing from conversations. In this small-scale study, a survey was used to gather insights from preservice teachers at one university about their experiences of working as teachers while simultaneously completing their teaching degrees. The preservice teacher participants enthusiastically shared their thoughts on the benefits and challenges of combining teaching with studying. A thematic analysis of the …

What Do You Know About Adhd? A Comparison Between Mainstream And Special Education Teachers, Sigal Eden, Nufar Sukenik

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes toward Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among a large cohort of mainstream and special education in-service teachers in Israel. Given the pivotal role of teachers in identifying and managing ADHD symptoms within the classroom, it is crucial to ensure they possess adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward the disorder. Previous studies have indicated a gap in knowledge and attitudes between mainstream and special education teachers, often influenced by factors such as teacher training, personal experience, and demographic characteristics. This study addresses these gaps by utilizing the well-validated ASKAT questionnaire to provide a comprehensive assessment of …

Promoting Intercultural Competence And Cultural Responsiveness: The Impact Of Short-Term Study Abroad On In-Service Teachers, Jung Won Hur, Hyeon Jean Yoo, Sangah (Sunny) Lee, Suhyun Suh

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

While the benefits of study abroad experiences for pre-service teachers are well-documented, research specifically focusing on in-service teachers is limited. The study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of 51 American teachers who participated in a short-term study abroad program in South Korea. This research investigates how the immersive learning experience impacted participants’ development of intercultural competence and their ability to create culturally responsive learning environments. Analysis of participant applications, reflections, individual interviews, and field notes reveals that immersion in an unfamiliar setting fostered greater empathy for immigrant students, strengthened relationships with minority students, and enhanced their ability to …

The Emotional Side Of Teaching Conceptions: Exploring The Relationship Between Conceptions Of Teaching And Teacher Burnout, Well-Being, And Resilience, Marc Clarà, Alba Vallés, Sílvia Cavalcante, Aina Franch, Jordi Coiduras, Patricia Silva, Nick Kelly, Tatiana López, Priscila Marchán, Bárbara Padula

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper investigates the relationship between teachers’ conceptions of teaching and several indicators of their emotional experience. With a sample of 200 teachers, the study identifies three dimensions of teaching conceptions, “student-centeredness,” “educational purpose,” and “projection into the future.” Statistical analysis revealed that student-centeredness is negatively correlated with teachers’ resilience and well-being. Additionally, we found that well-being and sense of personal accomplishment are significantly lower, and depersonalization significantly higher, when the educational purpose is psychosocial learning as opposed to academic learning. We also found some differences in conceptions of teaching among different countries and among different educational levels. These results …

Investigating Western Australian Teacher Perceptions Of Young Children’S Challenging Behaviour In The Early Years (Kindergarten To Year 2): An Exploratory Analysis., Gillian Smith, Kay Ayre, Helen Egeberg

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

An upward national trend in challenging behaviour amongst young children in Australian schools has prompted widespread concern and garnered frequent media scrutiny. Scholars have established that child-teacher relationships are central to understanding and mitigating challenging behaviour; however, exploration of teacher perceptions of children's challenging behaviour in the early years has been scant. This paper reports on findings drawn from a larger mixed-methods study of how teachers perceive, and respond to, young children’s challenging behaviour. Survey data from 111 Western Australian teachers of Kindergarten to Year 2 showed that challenging behaviour is appraised contextually, and relational pedagogy is valued. The analysis …

Exploration Of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Gene Expression Following High-Intensity And Moderate-Intensity Exercise Interventions, Kieran J. Marston, Jaisalmer De Frutos-Lucas, Tenielle Porter, Lidija Milicic, Michael Vacher, Kelsey R. Sewell, Jeremiah J. Peiffer, Simon M. Laws, Belinda M. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: There are currently 29 genome regions that demonstrate associations with Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Regular physical exercise can promote systemic change in gene expression and may modify the risk of cognitive decline and AD. This study is a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial and examines the effect of a six-month exercise intervention versus control on AD-related gene expression. Design: Single-site parallel pilot randomised controlled trial. Methods: 91 cognitively unimpaired older adults were enrolled in the Intense Physical Activity and Cognition (IPAC) study. Participants were randomised into one of three groups: high-intensity exercise, moderate-intensity exercise, or inactive control …

Infrared Ship Segmentation Based On Weakly-Supervised And Semi-Supervised Learning, Isa Ali Ibrahim, Abdallah Namoun, Sami Ullah, Hisham Alasmary, Muhammad Waqas, Iftekhar Ahmad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Existing fully-supervised semantic segmentation methods have achieved good performance. However, they all rely on high-quality pixel-level labels. To minimize the annotation costs, weakly-supervised methods or semi-supervised methods are proposed. When such methods are applied to the infrared ship image segmentation, inaccurate object localization occurs, leading to poor segmentation results. In this paper, we propose an infrared ship segmentation (ISS) method based on weakly-supervised and semi-supervised learning, aiming to improve the performance of ISS by combining the advantages of two learning methods. It uses only image-level labels and a minimal number of pixel-level labels to segment different classes of infrared ships. …