Digital Commons Network^™

Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture 2024: Speech-Language Pathology Practice In Aboriginal Spaces: A Journey Of Learning And Unlearning, Elizabeth Armstrong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this paper I describe learnings gained from 15 years collaboration with Aboriginal colleagues in Australia, in endeavours to improve rehabilitation services for Aboriginal people with brain injury and their families. Colleagues include Aboriginal researchers, clinicians, and people with communication and other disorders associated with brain injury and their families. My research journey in this field has been made possible through the work, mentoring, and support of these colleagues who introduced me to Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing. My journey has involved challenging and un-learning some widely accepted Western tenets of speech-language pathology practice in order to explore …

If, And How, To Group By ‘Ability’– Considerations About Class Group Formation, Olivia Johnston, Suzanne Macqueen, Wei Zhang, Nerida Spina, Rebecca Spooner-Lane

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Many schools choose to organise students into classes according to their perceived “ability”, despite evidence that the practice is not beneficial for students, overall. Class grouping by “ability” can exacerbate existing social inequalities by segregating students according to pre-existing educational advantage, which has unjustifiable consequences from a social justice perspective. There is little understanding of how decisions about class groupings are made, but such understanding is a crucial basis for exploring the persistent prevalence of this inequitable and exclusionary practice in Australian schools. This study characterises within-school processes used to decide how to group students into classes. Surveys were completed …

Moderate-To-Late Preterm Infants Benefit From The Early Collaborative Intervention: Primary Outcomes Of An Rct, Ulrika Birberg Thornberg, Felix Sebastian Koch, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Jonna Tell, Ellinore Nyberg, Thomas Abrahamsson, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This study aimed to determine the longitudinal impact of the EArly Collaborative Intervention (EACI), a three-session early intervention designed to enhance parent-infant interaction, on the developmental outcomes of preterm infants born between 30 + 0 and 35 + 6 weeks of gestation. Methods: This randomised controlled blinded study recruited families in two neonatal intensive care units in Sweden. In this one-year follow-up, 87 infants (standard care = 37, standard care with EACI = 50) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The primary study outcomes were cognition, receptive and expressive communication, and fine and gross motor development measured with the …

The Accidental School Nurse: How Australian Registered Nurses Enter School Nursing, Anita Moyes, Susan Karemba

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Australia has a long history of school nursing and a strong orientation to formal educational pathways for nursing specialization. Despite this, pathways for becoming a school nurse are lacking, and how Australian nurses became a school nurse is unclear. The aim of this study was to gain insight into this issue. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 Australian school nurses. Data was analyzed using inductive content analysis. Findings identified that Australian school nurses typically became a school nurse by accident, not design. They entered school nursing having already had a long and diverse clinical career and were drawn to school …

The Impact Of Opening A Private Hospital Emergency Department On The Hospital And Patient Characteristics, Christiana Mustac, John Maxwell, Paola Chivers, Gordon Laing, Terry Bayliss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Australian public hospital emergency departments (EDs) are under increasing pressure with higher patient volumes, failure to meet triage target times and increased ambulance wait times. Further, there is limited literature exploring how the opening of an ED affects Australian hospitals. This study focuses on Hollywood Private Hospital (HPH), a large private hospital in Western Australian which opened their ED in November 2021. The research aimed to examine how the introduction of the ED influenced the hospital’s service demands and resourcing. Method This study investigated hospital inpatient characteristics including admissions, clinical deterioration episodes, deaths, aft er-hours theatre activity and companion …

Extreme Value Theory Analysis Of High Emitter Trends Across Four Us Cities From 1995 To 2021, M. Matti Maricq, Gary A. Bishop

Fuel Efficiency Automobile Test Publications

Extreme value theory provides a direct means to characterize the distribution of high emitters within a vehicle fleet and calculate statistical confidence intervals for comparisons. Defining a “high emitter” as the maximum emitter in a random sample of N vehicles implies in the limit of large N that high emitters follow an extreme value distribution, comprised of three distinct domains. The analysis of over twenty years of roadside remote sensing emissions measurements in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Tulsa reveals clear differences between gasoline vehicle high emitter distributions across pollutants (hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO)), but …

Belongingness, Trust And Connection: Arts Teachers In Western Australian Schools Create Safe Learning Spaces, Christina Gray, Lisa Paris, Geoffrey Lowe, Angela Perry, Lara Warwick

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Central to this phenomenological inquiry is the question of how students’ fundamental needs of belonging, trust and connection are enacted in arts classrooms. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews, this research explores the teaching practices of 23 expert arts teachers in Western Australian schools, revealing strategies to sustain supportive and safe learning environments. The findings highlight the disconnection students face in their schools and the significance of trust in embracing diversity, cultivating quality relationships, and empowering student voice. Understanding these evolving practices can enable less experienced teachers to adapt arts-based approaches to foster inclusive spaces that prioritise student well-being and connection.

Reducing Methamphetamine Use In Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Communities With The “We Can Do This” Web App: Qualitative Evaluation Of Acceptability And Feasibility, Leda Sivak, Rachel Reilly, Shani Crumpen, Carla Treloar, Rebecca Mcketin, Julia Butt, Yvette Roe, Nadine Ezard, Brendan Quinn, Jack Nagle, Wade Longbottom, Clifford Warrior, James Ward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Preventing and treating methamphetamine-related harm in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations is a significant challenge for health care services. Digital health care may offer opportunities to support individuals and families in ways that complement existing methamphetamine treatment options. This study responds to a community-identified priority as Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services identified methamphetamine use as a key concern and sought support to respond to the needs of people who use methamphetamine and their families. Objective: This paper reports on a process evaluation of the web application’s acceptability and feasibility when used by clients and clinicians in residential rehabilitation …

Specialisation In The Primary Education Community, Kevin Sullivan, Susan Main, Joseph J. Scott, Kin Eng Chin, Jason Boron, Matthew Byrne, Eibhlish O'Hara, Elisabeth Taylor, Rozita Dass, Kuki Singh, Helen Adam, Gail Berman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Australian students’ results in international assessments have led to considerable attention on teacher quality and, more specifically, on how well pre-service teachers (PSTs) are being prepared to teach. Acting on one of the recommendations in the Action Now, Classroom Ready Teachers Report (TEMAG, 2014), the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership updated Accreditation Standards and Procedures for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs to include primary specialisation into ITE courses (AITSL, 2017). The Australian Government’s Next Steps report (2022) also identified the need to obtain data on the specialisation of ITE graduates to assist with issues of supply and demand. …

Sustainability Solution: Renewable Energy Innovation Against Climate Disasters, Hiva Rastegar, Aymen Sajjad, Gabriel Eweje, Kazunori Kobayashi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In an era where climate change poses profound threats to human life and activities, the need for innovative renewable energy solutions has never been more critical. Accordingly, this study examines the moderating effects of natural disaster uncertainty and climate policy uncertainty on firms' pursuit of renewable energy innovation following climate change–induced disasters. Through an in-depth analysis grounded in the behavioral theory of the firm and integrated with the threat rigidity model, this study explores how these uncertainties influence firms' behavior following climatic threats. Using a difference-in-difference-in-differences approach in confluence with meta-analysis, the study scrutinizes the pursuit of renewable energy innovation …

Infant Diet Recommendations Reduce Ige-Mediated Egg, Peanut, And Cow's Milk Allergies, Summer V.M. Walker, Nina D'Vaz, Rachelle A. Pretorius, Johnny Lo, Claus Christophersen, Susan L. Prescott, Debra J. Palmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have found that introducing eggs and peanuts earlier during infancy reduced egg and peanut allergy risk. Hence, infant feeding advice has dramatically changed from previous recommendations of avoidance to current recommendations of inclusion of common food allergens in infant diets. Objective: To compare the prevalence of IgE-mediated food allergies at 1 year of age between 2 cohorts, before and after infant feeding and allergy prevention guidelines changed. Methods: In cohort 1 (506 infants born 2006-2014), no infant feeding advice was provided to participants. In cohort 2 (566 infants born 2016-2022), when the infants were …

Shareholders’ Engagement And Corporate Performance, Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin, Zubaidah Ismail, Malcolm Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An investor relations function fosters continuous and direct communication between executives and stakeholders (Chapman et al., 2022). However, this function does not attract sufficient attention from the researchers, and not much literature documenting and evidence of the importance of developing strong relationships between firms with both shareholders and other stakeholders, which can lead to long-term partnership, increased loyalty, and hence, better operations carried out by the business entities. In light of this, the objective of this study is to investigate the connection between the level of engagement of shareholders and the profitability of corporations. This study uses content analysis on …

Everyday Sexisms Take Away Tote Bags: Tools For Communicating Research Findings, Mindy Blaise, Emily M. Gray, Jacqueline Ullman, Emma Fishwick

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2023 Takeaway Tote Bags bags were created and handed out to delegates attending an Australian national educational research conference. Usually conference bags are filled with corporate sponsored freebies like branded pens, notepads, and water bottles. The Everyday Sexisms Takeaway Tote Bags were different because they were conceptualised as a tool for creatively communicating research findings from a national mixed-methods research project about everyday sexisms in Australian Universities to a broad audience. Several resources were developed to open- up opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and pathways to action.

Entrepreneurship: A Practical Guide For Business Success, Jalleh Sharafizad, Violetta Wilk, Kerry Brown, Aglae Hernandez Grande, Fleur Sharafizad, Dorothy Wardale

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This book is tailored for entrepreneurs in their startups or moving to the next stage of their businesses, micro and small business owners, as well as individuals who are considering starting their own ventures. It brings together essential insights, practical tools, and valuable resources developed through two Western Australian government initiatives focused on entrepreneurial training and support. In addition, it draws on a range of business concepts from other sources, refining and simplifying them to suit the specific needs of emerging and growing enterprises.

Designed to be both flexible and supportive, the book serves multiple roles throughout your entrepreneurial journey. …

The Multifaceted Interplay Between Covid-19-Induced Psychological Stress, Cognitive Flexibility, Emotional Overeating, And Physical Activity Patterns In Adult Women: A Mediated Path Analysis, Siavash Naddafha, Mandana Sangari, Zohreh Eskandari, Robabeh Shahnahadd, Christopher B. Taber

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To determine how COVID-19-related stress influences food consumption and emotional overeating in adult women, and whether cognitive flexibility and physical activity mediate these relationships. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 303 women (20–50 y) completed validated Persian versions of the COVID Stress Scale-18, Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity. Data were collected online via the ISO-27001-certified “Press Line” platform (end-to-end encryption). Chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlations were performed in SPSS 19 (α = 0.05). Results: COVID-19 stress was strongly inversely associated with cognitive flexibility (rₛ = – …

Asian Women’S Studies After Three Decades: Institutional Success, Epistemic Limitations, And The Imperative Of Transnational Solidarity, Trimita Chakma

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article examines the three-decade project of Asian Women’s Studies (AWS), an institutional and epistemic endeavor that, while successfully challenging Western-centric feminism, inadvertently reproduced center–periphery dynamics. Drawing on archival research, interviews with AWS pioneers, and a systematic analysis of 414 articles from the Asian Journal of Women’s Studies (AJWS) between 2001 and 2021, this study explores AWS’s central paradox: efforts to decenter the West inadvertently created new regional hierarchies. The analysis reveals patterns including minimal personnel overlap (2.7%) between AJWS authors and Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS) members, concentration in East Asia (58.5%, declining to 44.93% by 2022-2025) with …

Finding Time-Proximity Communities In Temporal Heterogeneous Information Networks, Yifu Tang, Chengfei Liu, Lu Chen, Rui Zhou, Jianxin Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Community search in heterogeneous information networks (HINs) often neglects temporal dynamics, yielding structures that poorly reflect real-world interactions. We introduce the Temporal HIN Community Search (THCS) problem and propose a novel core model that captures both structural cohesiveness and temporal relevance. Our model uses a time span constraint to ensure interaction recency and a query interval for flexible temporal exploration, filtering irrelevant connections while preserving structural density. We develop two efficient online algorithms—Center-based Sliding Window search and Incremental Center Expansion—that exploit meta-path symmetry and dynamic connectivity tracking. For frequent queries, we design a Temporal HIN Core Interval-Index (TCI-Index), organising minimal …

Improving Hpv Vaccine Rates For Aboriginal Young People Through A Social Media Campaign: An Interrupted Time Series, Natalie A. Strobel, Jocelyn Jones, Kim Gates, Simon L. Turner, Joanne E. Mckenzie, Daniel R. Mcaullay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer and other cancers such as anal, vaginal, and penile cancer. HPV rarely produces symptoms and cannot be cured or treated; therefore, vaccination is essential to protect against HPV and HPV-related diseases. However, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter, respectfully, ‘Aboriginal’) people are not receiving their HPV vaccine dose, resulting in missed opportunities to be protected from HPV-related cancers. Health promotion is a critical way to empower people to take ownership over and control their health and is a core function …

When The Going Gets Tough, Who Gets Going? Relational Embeddedness, Institutional Support And Entrepreneurial Continuance: Evidence From China's Small Business Owners, Tenghao Zhang, Pi Shen Seet, Janice Redmond, Jalleh Sharafizad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose – This study investigates how relational embeddedness and perceived institutional support influence entrepreneurs' intention to keep entrepreneurial ventures going in an emerging transition economy, China, during a major disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach – We surveyed 295 small business owners in China during its second COVID-19 wave. Covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) was used to evaluate the model. Findings – The study found that relational embeddedness and perceived institutional support both significantly influenced their intention for entrepreneurial continuance (IEC) through the mediating effects of the three Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) determinants. It also found that relational …

Work-Integrated Learning As A Landscape Of Practice, Denise Jackson, Karsten E. Zegwaard, David Drewery

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article proposes that work-integrated learning (WIL) is a Landscape of Practice (LoP) within the wider higher education ecosystem. It applies concepts from the LoP literature to present a new perspective on WIL programs and ecosystems. It further emphasizes that students are central within the WIL LoP, developing knowledge as they traverse individual communities including industry partners, professional accrediting bodies, careers services, academics, curriculum, and support staff connected to WIL. Additionally, the article highlights the role of higher education institutions in addressing tensions of difference between communities comprising the WIL LoP. The article contributes to the literature on WIL and …

Comprehensive Assessment Instruments For Place-Based Sustainable Agriculture: A Scoping Review, Rebecca Voisin, Stephanie Godrich, David Blake, Ros Sambell, Saranne Herrington, Janine Joyce, Pierre Horwitz, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A rapid transformation to sustainable agricultural production systems is necessary, requiring on-farm monitoring and measurements of key agricultural sustainability indicators. While many assessment methods for agricultural sustainability incorporate a three-pillar model of sustainability: environment, economic, and social, a step beyond this is required to support both human and planetary health. This review takes the position that a more nuanced, yet broader framing of agricultural sustainability is warranted, and identifies the measurement of additional pillars including health and nutrition, production, and responsible governance, plus overlooked aspects including Indigenous cultures. A peer-reviewed and grey literature search was conducted identifying articles (n = …

Copolyamide-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging Attenuates Phenolic Degradation And Maintains Postharvest Quality Of Rubus Berries, Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib Shah, Zora Singh, Mahmood Ul Hasan, Eben Afrifa-Yamoah, Andrew Woodward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The highly perishable nature of Rubus berries, particularly their susceptibility to water loss and earlier senescence, significantly limits their shelf life. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic role of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the physiochemical quality, phenolic metabolism, and antioxidant potential of blackberries and raspberries during cold storage (2 ± 1 °C) for 12 and 10 days, respectively. Modified atmosphere (MA)-packed Rubus berries exhibited higher total phenolics accompanied by higher activities of shikimate dehydrogenase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Furthermore, MA-packed Rubus berries demonstrated lower hydrogen peroxide by maintaining higher catalase activity and delayed lipid peroxidation during the entire period …

Do Anxiety, Depression, Fear Of Movement And Fear Of Achilles Rupture Correlate With Achilles Tendinopathy Pain, Symptoms Or Physical Function?, George White, Fletcher Bright, Ebonie K. Rio, Ruth L. Chimenti, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To determine if psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, fear of movement and fear of rupture are associated with increased tendon-related disability, quantified by the Tendinopathy Severity Assessment-Achilles (TENDINS-A). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Online Qualtrics survey. Participants: Sixty-eight participants (54% female) with Achilles tendinopathy and a mean (standard deviation) age of 40.1 (12.6) years. Main Outcome Measures: The TENDINS-A (including subscales of pain; symptoms such as stiffness; physical function), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and fear of tendon rupture. Associations were evaluated using generalised linear models (adjusting for age and sex), with significance accepted when …

Game-Based Learning Contributions To Clinical Leadership In Times Of Resource Scarcity, Scott James Andrews, Olivia Gallagher, Alecka Miles, Carol Crevacore, Jessica Watson, Sean Cashman, Wyatt De Souza, Martin Masek, Julie Boston, Lisa Holmes, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early progression of Registered Nurses into leadership roles is commonplace in clinical settings. Student nurses can prepare for leadership by gaining exposure through simulation-based learning. A novel and expanding modality are Game-based learning (GBL) simulation.

Aim: To understand if a GBL simulation is useful in preparing student nurses for leadership roles during times of resource scarcity, student nurses were asked to evaluate a novel GBL simulation requiring learners to manage patient triage and hospital resources during a pandemic.

Methods: The study design leveraged Kirkpatrick's Training Evaluation Model. Nursing students (n = 74) from one university in Perth, Western Australia, …

Intrapartum Hydration Assessment And Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Australian And New Zealand Maternity Units, Brianne G. Mcintyre, Debbie Massey, Nigel Lee, Lauren Kearney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Hydration assessment and management during labour play an important role in maternal and newborn outcomes. Studies indicate that clinical practice is inconsistent, with limited consensus evident in clinical guidelines. Current practices in fluid management across public and private maternity units within Australia and New Zealand remain unknown. Respondents highlighted the importance of maternal hydration assessment and management to well-being. However, inconsistencies were noted in the documentation, medication use and adherence to clinical protocols. Aim: Our study aimed to investigate unit-level clinical practice regarding intrapartum hydration assessment and management across Australian and New Zealand private and public hospitals. The scope …

Sub-Bituminous Coal As A Peculiar Adsorbent For Dye Removal From Wastewater, Z. H. Rada, H. R. Abid, M. B. Ahmed, M. Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coal, an abundant and cost-effective adsorbent, is explored for its potential in environmentally friendly greenhouse gas storage. Herein, the adsorption of anionic (methyl orange) and cationic (methylene blue) dyes on sub-bituminous coal was intensively studied. This study is the first application of sub-bituminous coal to examine the removal of different concentrations of dyes from water. The properties of the coal were studied using advanced analytical techniques. The initial dye concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent-adsorbate contact time were investigated for their influence on the adsorption efficiency of the dyes. Adsorption kinetics were then studied by applying common kinetic models and the …

2025 Asia-Pacific Symposium For Music Education Research: Conference Proceedings, Jason Goopy, Jason Boron, Emily Wilson, Han Meng, Cynthia Howard, Philippa Chapman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The 2025 Asia-Pacific Symposium for Music Education Research (APSMER) was held from 9 – 11 July at Edith Cowan University in partnership with the School of Education and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). APSMER is the official regional conference of the International Society for Music Education (ISME), and in 2025, it was proudly supported by the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME). The symposium was last held in Australia in Launceston, Tasmania, in 1999. APSMER 2025 welcomed over 300 international delegates to Perth, Western Australia, for scholarly and cultural exchange. The theme, “Being and becoming musical in …

Advancing Person-Centred Care Through Palliative Care Wa’S Acp Workshops: The Longer-Term Impact, Gertrude G. Phiri, Emma Gunner, Philip Bafile, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Planning for end-of-life and associated decision-making is one of global significance as it impacts the quality of care in palliative care settings, including ensuring that personal preferences are honoured. It is a priority for the Australian health system to use Advance Care Planning (ACP) as it is an effective tool for individuals and their families to make their personal preferences known and implemented. The aim of this project was to evaluate the longer-term impact of the Palliative Care Western Australia (PCWA) ACP workshops. Semi-structured, open-ended questions were used to collect data from 21 participants. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to …

Elevated Inflammation Supra-Additively Promotes The Progression From Prediabetes To Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study, Yulong Lan, Dan Wu, Huancong Zheng, Xiong Ding, Hui Zhou, Kuangyi Wu, Weiqiang Wu, Zegui Huang, Xianxuan Wang, Wei Wang, Shouling Wu, Youren Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Factors impacting on the conversion of prediabetes to diabetes or normoglycemia remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of subclinical inflammation, assessed by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), in the progression to diabetes from prediabetes, assessed by impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Methods Time-to-event survival analyses were conducted among 82 475 participants without diabetes from Kailuan Study (a real-life prospective cohort in China) to access the isolated and joint effect of hsCRP and IFG on diabetes risk, and quantify their relative contribution to incident diabetes. Results Over a median 11-year follow-up, 14 215 diabetes cases were recorded. IFG and …

Explosions Are Always Entertaining But…: Investigating The Impacts Of Science Shows On High School Students, Shanii Phillips, Miriam Sullivan, Ann Grand

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Science shows are often posited as a route to encourage young people to engage with science. Using a mixed methods approach, our research investigated the impact of attending a science show on high school students’ intentions to study science or pursue a career in science. We found that while a single visit to a science show has little impact on students’ aspirations, it can reinforce students’ confidence in their ability to succeed in science. In terms of design and performance, the best-received shows included ‘real-world’ content that students could identify as relevant to their lives.