Digital Commons Network^™

A Systemic Selective Modified Mrna Delivery Platform For Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity, Jimeen Yoo, Mengcheng Shen, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a widely employed chemotherapeutic agent, but its use is clinically limited by dose-accumulative cardiotoxicity. More specifically, Dox induces oxidative stress and causes pro-apoptotic ceramide accumulation in cardiomyocytes (CMs). Acid ceramidase (AC) modified mRNA (modRNA) has been shown to reduce ceramide levels and protect the heart following ischemic injury; however, therapeutic modRNA applications have been hindered by the need for invasive delivery. Here, we present a platform for minimally intrusive transmission of modRNA to the heart. This CM-selective modRNA translational system (cmSMRTs) is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles for intravenous (IV) delivery to enable systemic administration with high cardiac …

Blood Dna Methylation-Predicted Plasma Protein Levels And Colorectal Cancer Survival, Alicia R Richards, Maria F Gomez, Bianca I Dowling, Esther Jean-Baptiste, Biljana Gigic, Jane C Figueiredo, Christopher I Li, David Shibata, Adetunji T Toriola, Doratha A Byrd, Cornelia M Ulrich, Paul A Stewart, Erin M Siegel, Jacob K Kresovich

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Protein EpiScores are a novel class of DNA methylation (DNAm)-based metrics proposed to measure peripheral immune system characteristics. Although Protein EpiScores have been associated with chronic disease risk, their relationship with colorectal cancer (CRC) survival has not been investigated.

METHODS: We generated new genome-wide DNAm data on pre-treatment whole blood samples from a case-control sample of 136 newly diagnosed CRC patients nested in the ColoCare Study and calculated 107 Protein EpiScores using the developer's algorithm. Over a median follow-up of 7.3 years (range: 0.3-13.8 years), 35 (26%) patients experienced disease recurrence, and 47 (35%) died. Protein EpiScore associations with …

Neural Cells Are Susceptible To Historic And Recently Emerged Oropouche Virus Strains, Kaleigh A. Connors, Maris R. Pedlow, Zachary D. Frey, Marjorie Cornejo Pontelli, Sean P. J. Whelan, W. Paul Duprex, Leonardo D'Aiuto, Zachary P. Wills, Amy L. Hartman

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Oropouche fever is a re-emerging global viral threat caused by infection with Oropouche virus (OROV). While disease is generally self-limiting, historical and recent reports of neurologic involvement highlight the importance of understanding the neuropathogenesis of OROV. In this study, we characterize viral replication kinetics in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes derived from immortalized, primary, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, which are all permissive to infection with the prototypic OROV BeAn19991. We demonstrate cell-type dependent replication kinetics with both historic and recently emerged viral strains. Further, we show that ex vivo rat brain slice cultures can be infected by all OROV …

Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase Phosphorylation Of Dosr Alters Target Gene Transcription Mechanics And Regulates Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Response To Nitric Oxide Stress, Natalie R. Sontag, Ana Ruiz Manzano, Alwyn M. V. Ecker, Eric A. Galburt, Shumin Tan

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Successful host colonization by bacterial pathogens requires appropriate response and adaptation to environmental signals encountered during infection, with two-component systems (TCSs) and serine/threonine protein kinases (STPKs) being two important signal transduction mechanisms. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) possesses similar numbers of STPKs (11) and TCSs (12), but if and how these two regulatory systems coordinate to enable Mtb adaptation in response to key environmental cues remains poorly understood. Here, we identify extensive interactions between STPKs and TCSs, with a subset of STPKs demonstrating interactions with multiple TCS response regulators. STPK phosphorylation of purified DosR, the response regulator of the key nitric oxide …

The Death To Onchocerciasis And Lymphatic Filariasis (Dolf) Project: Accomplishments And Ongoing Research, Peter U. Fischer, Christopher L. King, Philip J. Budge, Gary J. Weil, Dolf Consortium

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis (DOLF) project conducts clinical and translational research to accelerate the global elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Research needs were identified during several meetings of experts and helped study design. Over the last 15 years the project has conducted mass drug administration (MDA) studies and clinical trials with outstanding research teams in 11 countries that have led to many important discoveries. For example, DOLF studies showed that annual MDA was as effective as semiannual MDA for LF elimination and that semiannual MDA with albendazole alone can eliminate LF in areas …

Animal Taxa Threatened By Adverse Fire Regimes In Western Australia: A Synthesis And Outlook, Tim S. Doherty, Mark G. Allen, Karlene Bain, Stephen J. Beatty, Allan H. Burbidge, Renee A. Catullo, Sarah Comer, Ben Corey, Saul J. Cowen, Robert A. Davis, Martin A. Dziminski, J. Anthony Friend, Bruce Greatwich, Mark S. Harvey, Hannah Killian, Michael W. Klunzinger, Damian C. Lettoof, Nicola J. Mitchell, Melinda Moir, Harry A. Moore, David L. Morgan, Ian J. Radford, Michael G. Rix, Tom Vigilante, Adrian F. Wayne, Corey Whisson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Adverse fire regimes threaten biodiversity, potentially leading to population declines and increased extinction risk. Understanding how varying fire regimes affect threatened species is essential for effective ecosystem management, including in Western Australia where diverse ecosystems are exposed to wildfires, Indigenous burning, and prescribed fire. We compiled and synthesised data on the threat of adverse fire regimes to threatened animal taxa in Western Australia. Using a threat classification scheme, we ranked adverse fire regimes as having either no, low, medium, high, or unknown impact on each taxon. A total of 212 taxa were reviewed, 153 (72%) of which are considered fire-threatened: …

Children's Experiences Of Functional Constipation: A Qualitative Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Gunilla Flankegård, Patrik Rytterström, Berit M. Gustafsson, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Childhood functional constipation, a common concern within child healthcare, necessitates oral and rectal medical treatments, that are mostly administered by parents in the home environment. It is important to gather children's perspectives in child- and family-centred care. The private nature of toileting, bowel movements, and faecal incontinence are areas of taboo and stigmatisation. Research is scarce on how children perceive this common but private situation of oral and rectal constipation treatment. Objective: To explore children's experiences of functional constipation and its treatments. Design: A qualitative interview study with a constructionist epistemology and a predominantly experiential orientation. Setting: Individual interviews …

Contemporary Structures, Processes, And Outcomes Of Critical Care Nursing Education: An Integrative Review, Farida Saghafi, Carol Grech, Belinda Causby, Angelique Clarke, Jacqueline Jauncey-Cooke, Deb Massey, Kaye Rolls, Kylie Thompson, Melanie Greenwood

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The critical care workforce requires nurses who are specialised, educated, and adaptable to manage complex situations, with the capability to make informed decisions for optimal patient care. The Australian College of Critical Care Nurses supports evidence-based practice through an education position statement, which is periodically updated to reflect evolving needs. In this review, our aim was to inform revisions to the position statement on critical care nurse education by examining the structure, processes, and outcomes of contemporary education programs designed to enhance the capability of registered nurses working in critical care environments internationally. Review method used: An integrative review …

Enhancing Solar Energy Harvesting: A Comprehensive Study On Photothermal Conversion In Tin/Mxene-Mof Hybrid Nanofluids, Seyedeh Zahra Haeri, Ali Dashan, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mehdi Khiadani, Bahram Ramezanzadeh, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing global energy demand highlights the need for renewable sources like solar energy as a key component of sustainable systems. This study focuses on developing two hybrid nanofluids, TiNML125 and MXML125, for optimizing solar energy harvesting. These nanofluids were synthesized via a solvothermal process, combining NH₂-MIL-125 with plasmonic nanoparticles, titanium nitride (TiN) and MXene (MX). Their thermal conductivity, stability, optical properties, and photothermal efficiency were analyzed. Results showed both nanofluids significantly outperformed single-component ML125, with TiNML125 improving absorption by 40 % and enhancing thermal conductivity. MXML125 demonstrated superior long-term stability, with a 25 % lower zeta potential reduction over …

In-Situ Carbon Mineralization Through Injection Of Co2-Saturated Water Into Basalts: Effects On Pore Network, Seyi Philemon Akanji, Lionel Esteban, Ausama Giwelli, Joel Sarout, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) offers the potential to remove and safely store significant quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby limiting global warming. Conventional geological storage involves injecting CO2, in gaseous or supercritical state, into porous rock reservoirs, relying on geological top seals, capillary forces and/or dissolution in groundwater as the primary “locking-in” processes. An alternative method injects CO2-saturated water into mafic rocks (basalts), chemically inducing in-situ mineralization of CO2 to form solid carbonate minerals. This mechanism offers the lowest risk of carbon returning to the atmosphere. This review synthesizes field and laboratory studies on CO2 mineralization in …

Intrapartum Experiences Of Gestational Surrogates And Intended Parents In Australia: A Qualitative Study, Jutharat Attawet, Leo Ng, Evie Kendal, Yunjing Qiu, Myles Ojabo, Sarah Jefford, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Gestational surrogacy is an increasingly visible, though tightly regulated, pathway to parenthood in Australia, yet intrapartum care remains under-examined. Existing maternity models are grounded in woman-centred care and offer limited guidance for births involving surrogates and intended parents within a triadic care relationship. Objectives To describe the intrapartum experiences of gestational surrogates and intended parents in Australia and to identify care processes that support or hinder respectful, inclusive practice. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposive sampling. Seventeen participants took part between December 2024 and May 2025, comprising nine gestational surrogates and eight intended parents who had …

Mitigating Malware Prevalence In Networks With Arbitrary Topologies: A Flip-It Cyber Game Approach Integrated With Epidemic Modeling, Mousa Tayseer Jafar, Lu Xing Yang, Gang Li, Robin Doss, Kon Mouzakis, Rajesh Vasa, Helge Janicke, Ahmed Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohsin, Iqbal H. Sarker, Kristen Moore, Seyit Camtepe, Diksha Goel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cyber threats have evolved in complexity, aiming at a wide range of sectors using advanced methods and tools. This evolving threat landscape challenges existing cybersecurity frameworks, many of which lack the adaptability to counteract the complex tactics of sophisticated adversaries. Developing robust cyber defense strategies requires simulating dynamic interactions between attackers and defenders across high, moderate, and low-impact scenarios. The Flip-It cyber game serves as an intelligent framework for simulating these interactions, enabling the analysis of adaptive strategies in cybersecurity. This paper aims to address the problem of mitigating malware prevalence with full consideration of attack/defense capabilities in arbitrary network …

Novel Buxus Papillosa-Assisted Green Synthesis Of Copper And Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles With Enhanced Catalytic Degradation Of Alizarin Red S Dye, Afrah Zahid, Warda Hassan, Syed Awais Ali, Zahoor Ullah, Mohammad Younas, Syed Nasir Shah, Ali Fatehizadeh, Mashallah Rezakazemi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this work, the biogenic synthesis route using the leaf extract of Buxus papillosa was employed for the green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs), which were then applied for the catalytic degradation of Alizarin Red S dye (ARS) as a model organic pollutant. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed spherical and rod-like morphologies for CuO and NiO NPs, respectively, while Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) verified their elemental composition. The average crystallite sizes of CuO and NiO NPs were 6.21 and 5.94 nm, respectively, as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and their optical band gaps …

Pediatric Pqct-Derived Tibial Bone Mineral Density Estimates: A Systematic Review And Meta-Regression, Anna Maria Markarian, Dennis R. Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvão, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Mark Markarian, Daniel J. Schiferl, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Assessing bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents is essential for detecting skeletal deficits and fracture risk. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) has gained increasing attention as a valuable imaging tool due to its ability to assess bone quality. Unlike dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, pQCT provides volumetric BMD measurements and distinguishes between cortical and trabecular compartments. Despite these advantages, its clinical adoption remains limited due to the lack of reference data and standardized protocols. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from inception to November 2024. Studies reporting pQCT-derived tibial BMD …

Reflection On Community-Diversified Influence Maximization In Social Networks, Jianxin Li, Taotao Cai, Ke Deng, Timos Sellis, Feng Xia

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Information Systems Journal, we are delighted to share our research reflections on the article “Community-diversified influence maximization in social networks” published at Information Systems in 2020. Our reflections will highlight the impact of this article on the authors’ research trajectories, its influence on the broader research community, and its contributions to industry practice.

Ergonomics/Human Factors And The Future Of Work: A Global Systems Perspective, Andrew Thatcher, Augustine Appah Acquah, Agnès Aublet-Cuvelier, Rob Becker, Tim Bentley, Maria Elena Boatca, Daniel Braatz, Hong In Cheng, Fabien Coutarel, Somnath Gangopadhyay, Nicola Green, Nigel Heaton, Hongwei Hsiao, Liang Ma, Masaaki Mochimaru, Beata Mrugalska, Verena Nitsch, Paulo Antonio Barros Oliveira, Taezoon Park, Arto Reiman, Yordán Rodriguez, Gary Roth, Urmi Ravindra Salve, Rosemary Seva, Anita Tisch, Andrew Todd

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In a webinar series hosted by the International Ergonomics Association, the Future of Work Committee of the International Ergonomics Association gathered inputs about the future of work from ergonomics/human factors (E/HF) experts representing different regions around the world. Through these insights, four global megatrends relevant to E/HF driving the future of work were identified: labour-market supply; work informality; technology; and climate change. Next, we applied an E/HF systems approach, using causal loop diagrams, to explore the unfolding interrelationships between these megatrends at a global level and with a national level example to determine what novel insights can be uncovered using …

Feasibility And Implementation Of Interval-Gap4: A Global Randomised Controlled Trial Of Intense Hybrid-Supervised/Self-Managed Versus Self-Directed Exercise For Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Stacey A. Kenfield, Nicolas H. Hart, Kerry S. Courneya, Rosemary Greenwood, June M. Chan, Jennette Sison, Li Zhang, Sarah Rudman, Leah Ung, Moritz Schumann, Erin L. Van Blarigan, Sam Mckeown, Charles J. Ryan, James Catto, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton, Fred Saad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and objective: Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of mortality in men with prostate cancer (PC); yet, randomised controlled trials with survival endpoints are nonexistent. INTense ExeRcise for surviVAL-Global Action Plan 4 (INTERVAL-GAP4) was a global phase 3 trial designed to test whether structured, hybrid-supervised/self-managed exercise improves survival in men with metastatic PC. The trial was stopped early due to poor accrual. This paper reports feasibility and implementation outcomes. Methods: Men with metastatic PC were randomised (1:1) to a supervised/self-managed moderate- to high-intensity resistance and aerobic programme (three sessions per week for 2 yr) or to self-directed …

Getting Edgy: Implications Of Fragmented Seagrass Meadows For Fish Assemblages, Simone Strydom, Kathy Murray, Molly Moustaka, Glenn Hyndes, Shaun Wilson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: Seagrasses are key marine habitats that are increasingly degraded globally due to anthropogenic disturbances and climate change, compromising the ecosystem services they provide. While seagrass loss is often patchy, the ecological consequences of meadow fragmentation on marine fauna remains unclear. Objectives: This study (1) quantified decadal change in seagrass habitat and fragmentation of the globally important meadows of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area following the 2011 marine heatwave (MHW); and (2) assessed how meadow structure and fragmentation influence fish assemblages. Methods: We integrated in situ seagrass data with seascape metrics derived from habitat maps generated from satellite imagery …

Making It Up As We Go: Midwives’ Perceptions Of Preparedness And Role Clarity In Surrogacy Birth Care, Jutharat Attawet, Leo Ng, Yunjing Qiu, Evie Kendal, Myles Ojabo, Sarah Jefford, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Surrogacy poses unique clinical, psychosocial, and organisational challenges. Midwives, often with limited experience, education, and guidance, may feel uncertain about providing appropriate care, potentially affecting the quality of care and experiences of surrogates, intended parents, and newborns. Objective This study explored how midwives navigate surrogacy birth care, with a focus on role clarity, involvement of intended parents, and preparedness across the intrapartum and postnatal continuum. Method An interpretative phenomenological design was adopted. Five midwives with experience in surrogacy births were recruited through professional networks and the Australian College of Midwives newsletter. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using reflexive …

Missed Care Prevalence And Associated Factors In Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Afia Achiaa Sarpong, Lucy Gent, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Diana Arabiat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of the study was to comprehensively analyse the prevalence and factors associated with missed nursing care in acute care settings. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to estimate the prevalence of missed nursing care, types of activities missed and associated factors in acute care hospital settings. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PubMed and Scopus) were searched from inception to 14th December 2022. Type of missed care and associated factors were classified based on missed care concepts, definition and measurement. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate proportions and levels of types of nursing activities missed. Results: …

Peak Lower Limb Joint Angles Are Weak Predictors Of Hamstring Length Change During Sprinting, Shayne Vial, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Anthony J. Blazevich, Daniel Kadlec

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Non-contact hamstring injuries (HSIs) commonly occur during the late swing phase of sprinting, when muscle–tendon units (MTUs) approach maximum length. Although sagittal-plane pelvis, hip and knee angles are often used as surrogate measures of overall hamstring lengthening, their predictive validity remains uncertain. This study investigated whether peak three-dimensional lower limb joint angles predict length change in the biarticular hamstring MTUs from peak hip flexion through to toe off (0–100 %) in fourteen intermediate-level male soccer players sprinting at maximal speed (8.56 ± 0.47 m·s−1). Participant-specific musculoskeletal models were used to compute MTU lengths for the biceps femoris long head (BFlh), …

Back-On-Track: Protocol For Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial Of Behavioural Activation In Farmers With Mood Problems, Alison Kennedy, Richard Gray, Martin Jones, Anna Greene, Lauren Mitchell, Meera Senthuren, Suzy Malseed, Feby Savira, Kelly Barnes, Kate Gunn, Susan Brumby

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The mental health of people living in farming communities has been identified as an important public health issue. Cumulative exposure to a range of situational factors contributes to heightened risk of poor mental health and suicide. Access to evidence-based psychological treatments is limited by the availability of skilled mental health professionals. The aim of this trial—co-designed by members of the farming community—is to establish the feasibility of conducting randomised controlled, trial-testing, peer-worker-delivered Behavioural Activation in the farming community. We will undertake a single-blind, parallel group, randomised controlled feasibility trial in rural Australia. People living in farming communities aged over 15 …

Comment On ‘Muscle-Specific Strength Better Predicts Physical Performance Decline Than Conventional Metrics: The I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study’ By Chien Et Al., Ricardo M. Lima, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Efficient Privacy-Preserving Conjunctive Searchable Encryption For Cloud-Iot Healthcare Systems, Jiadi Ma, Tianqi Peng, Gong Bei, Muhammad Waqas, Hisham Alasmary, Sheng Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In cloud-Internet of Things (IoT) healthcare systems, private medical data leakage is a serious concern as the cloud server is not fully trusted. Dynamic searchable symmetric encryption (DSSE), with necessary forward and backward privacy security properties, enables doctors to retrieve ciphertexts while guaranteeing data privacy. However, existing forward and backward private DSSE schemes are not well-suited for cloud-IoT healthcare systems with attribute-value type databases. To this end, we propose an efficient privacy-preserving conjunctive searchable encryption scheme for cloud-IoT healthcare systems, called PC-SE. It is the first conjunctive DSSE scheme designed for attribute-value type databases. Specifically, we design flexible search capabilities …

Fiber-Reinforced Foam Concrete Using Quarry Micro Fines And Sugarcane Bagasse Ash: A Box–Behnken Design Optimization And Performance Assessment, Ravindaran Thangavel, Sanjay Kumar Shukla, Mini K. Madhavan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Foam concrete is well-appreciated for its thermal and acoustic benefits and is prepared by introducing foam into cement slurry/mortar. The current research examines the feasibility of Quarry Micro Fines (QMF), a waste generated from the quarries during sand manufacturing, as a substitute for fine aggregate in the preparation of foam concrete. During the preparation of concrete, a portion of cement is replaced with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), while polypropylene (PP) fibers are added to improve the shrinkage resistance and tensile strength of the resulting concrete. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken Design (BBD) in Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize …

Humanitarian Hospitality: A Framework For Ethical Encounters In Crisis Tourism, Georges El Hajal, Rodney Westerlaken, Erwin Losekoot

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper introduces humanitarian hospitality as a conceptual framework for understanding relational ethics and care practices in crisis-affected tourism. While volunteer tourism, disaster recovery travel, and solidarity-based travel bring individuals into crisis-affected destinations, the hospitality that unfolds in these non-commercial encounters remains under-theorised. Drawing on philosophical perspectives and exploratory qualitative insights from 145 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and aid workers, the study examines how emotional labour, ethical care, and informal hosting are enacted in contexts of conflict and displacement. The findings both parallel and complicate conventional host–guest dynamics, highlighting the ethical and emotional complexities of providing care under …

Increasing Phytochemical-Rich Foods And Lactobacillus Probiotics In Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer – A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Robert J. Thomas, Stacey A. Kenfield, Madeleine Williams, Robert U. Newton, Jeffrey Aldous, Anita Mitra, Zahoor Fazili

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Men on active surveillance (AS), with prostate cancer, are very interested in dietary strategies that could improve their symptoms and help prevent progression of their disease. In this real-world trial involving 208 men, intake of phytochemical-rich food capsules helped slow prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression significantly, and improved urinary symptoms and erectile function. What was novel about this study was that men randomised to take an additional blend of five Lactobacillus probiotics had a further three-fold slowing of PSA progression as well as reduction of inflammation. Currently, nearly 50% of men opt out of AS within 5 yr. If confirmed with …

Mechanical Properties And Reproducibility Of One-Part Ambient-Cured Slag And Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete, Daro Sun, Jessey Lee, Alireza Mohyeddin, Janitha Migunthanna

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The cement industry is a major source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions due to its energy-intensive production process and calcination of limestone. Producing one ton of cement emits approximately one ton of CO2, and cement accounts for about 5% to 8% of global CO2 emissions. In this context, cement-less one-part (“just-add-water”) ambient-cured geopolymer concrete (GPC) has gained attention due to its environmental friendliness and practicality for large-scale cast-in-situ construction. However, field adoption remains limited, mainly due to the scarcity of data on mechanical properties and durability, as well as the lack of widely accepted standards and specifications. This paper is part …

Mining Waste As A Resource In Construction: Applications, Benefits, And Challenges, Chathurika Dassanayake, Nuha S. Mashaan, Daniel Oguntayo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mining activities generate vast quantities of waste each year, including mine tailings, bauxite residue, waste rock, and various metallurgical slags. Although these materials have traditionally been regarded as environmental liabilities, many possess physical and chemical properties that make them promising candidates for use in construction. This review synthesizes recent research on the utilization of major mining waste streams, with particular emphasis on pavement applications and other construction materials. The findings indicate that bauxite residue exhibits both pozzolanic and filler characteristics, demonstrating potential in asphalt mastics, asphalt mixtures, and other construction products. Nonetheless, its widespread adoption is constrained by issues such …

Novel Small-Molecule Analogues Of Iu1 Ameliorate Amyloid-Β Mediated Toxicity In Alzheimer’S Disease Cell And Worm Models, Ajish Ariyath, Fraulein Denise Arigo, Izhar Wallach, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando, Ralph N. Martins, Prashant Bharadwaj

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Dysregulation of the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14) is implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, and IU1, an allosteric inhibitor, has shown neuroprotective effects by reducing protein aggregate toxicity. This study aimed to develop new IU1 analogues and evaluate their ability to mitigate amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cell and Caenorhabditis elegans worm models. IU1 and 71 newly designed analogues identified using the AtomNet^® virtual screening platform were assessed in an amyloid precursor protein-C terminal fragment/amyloid-β (APP-C99/Aβ)-producing AD cell model using a high-throughput toxicity assay. Lead compounds were further evaluated for their effects on neurodegeneration, …