ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5940-5406
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Environmental management | Environmental assessment and monitoring | Environmental biogeochemistry | Environmental management
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-07-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FMICB.2021.684903
Abstract: Periphytic biofilms have been widely used in wastewater purification and water ecological restoration, and artificial substrates have been progressively used for periphyton immobilisation to substitute natural substrates. However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the interaction network structure and microbial functions in biofilm communities on artificial substrates, which are essential attribute affecting their applications in biofilm immobilisation. This study compared the community structure, co-occurrence network, and metabolic functions of bacterial and microeukaryotic periphytic biofilms during a 35-day indoor cultivation on artificial substrates, such as artificial carbon fibre (ACF) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and natural substrates, such as pebble and wood. Results demonstrated that different types of artificial substrates could affect the community composition and functional ersity of bacterial and microeukaryotic biofilms. The bacterial and microeukaryotic community on ACF and PVC showed significantly higher Simpson index compared to those on wood. Bacterial networks on artificial substrates were more complex than those on natural substrates, while the keystone species on natural substrates were more abundant, indicating that the bacterial communities on artificial substrates had stronger stability and resistance to external interference. Furthermore, the functional metabolic profiles predicted showed the abilities of bacterial communities to metabolise nitrogen and carbon sources colonised on artificial substrates were stronger than those on natural substrates. These findings demonstrated that artificial substrates could be special niches for microbial colonisation, possibly altering microbial compositions, interactions, and functions. Therefore, this study provides a powerful theoretical basis for choosing suitable artificial substrates for microbial aggregation and immobilisation technology.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-07-2021
DOI: 10.1002/JGC4.1490
Abstract: Travel restrictions, physical distancing, and limits to clinical placements due to the global pandemic raised enormous challenges for genetic counseling education in 2020. In response, we created authentic virtual clinical experiences in our Master of Genetic Counseling program, mimicking clinical practice: virtual simulation with standardized clients, and virtual clinical placements, including intake calls, triage, consultations, teamwork and time management, and genetic counseling with standardized clients. The virtual clinical experiences involved online pre‐brief, simulation, and debrief. We aimed to evaluate students’ satisfaction with this learning method. Between April and November 2020, we distributed an anonymous online survey to all participating students using a modified version of a validated satisfaction with simulation scale. We analyzed the combined responses from first‐ and second‐year virtual clinical experiences using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The total number of possible responses was 120. The mean response rate was 68.36% ( n = 82.03), with a mean of 16.41 participants responding to each survey from each year group. Of the first‐year participants, 53% ( n = 10) had not observed a genetic counseling consultation before attending the virtual clinical placement. Overall, 92.5% of responses indicated that students were satisfied with the virtual clinical experiences ( SD = 0.05). 100% ( n = 82) of responses indicated that working with standardized clients was beneficial to learning, encouraged reflection on clinical ability and was a valuable learning experience overall. However, 37.78% ( n = 17) of those who participated in the virtual simulation found that the use of Zoom detracted from their clinical learning. The virtual clinical experiences increased first‐year students’ confidence about clinical placement and prepared second‐year students for telehealth. In conclusion, the adaptation to virtual clinical experiences enhanced learning for most students, prepared them for practice, met the requirements of the accreditation body and enabled all of our final year students to graduate on time.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-01-2019
DOI: 10.1111/PSYP.13327
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-12-2020
DOI: 10.3390/W12123582
Abstract: Due to their vulnerability, understanding the impacts of global warming on rainfall is important for a tropical country and islands. This research aimed to assess the impact of global warming on rainfall in Madagascar, using the Mann-Kendall test, continuous wavelet transform, and polynomial regression. The result showed that the annual, seasonal maximum, and minimum temperature increased, while elevation lified the increase of maximum temperature. Different trends in rainfall were found in the 22 regions of Madagascar but in general, the increasing trend in rainfall was prominent at a higher elevation than lower elevation. The annual rainfall decreased up to −5 mm per year for the regions located below 450 m of altitude while increased up to +5 mm per year above 500 m. We found that the wet becomes wetter with an important increase in rainfall in summer and the increase in temperature influenced the rainfall. The annual rainfall increased with temperature and elevation. However, if the increase in temperature was more than 0.03 °C per year, the annual rainfall increased regardless of elevation. The knowledge of the elevation dependence of the impact of warming on rainfall is important for water resources management and climate change adaptation strategies, especially for island nations and African countries.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-04-2023
Abstract: This paper aims to guide the stakeholder engagement process related to plastic pollution research in marine environments. We draw on advice identified during an online workshop (Ocean Plastic Workshop 2022) organized by Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) from 11 countries, held in April 2022. International experts and workshop participants discussed their experiences in the collaborative development and implementation of ocean plastic pollution projects held worldwide, guided by three main questions: (i) What is the role of scientists in a multi-stakeholder project? (ii) How should scientists communicate with other stakeholders? (iii) Which stakeholders are missing in collaborative projects, and why are they missing? This multidisciplinary, co-learning approach highlights the value of stakeholder engagement for ocean plastic projects with an end goal to identify and implement ocean plastic solutions via innovative technologies, informing policy, community engagement, or a combination of all three approaches. The target outcomes of the workshop described in this paper include the identification of transdisciplinary (academic-stakeholder) engagement frameworks and specific suggestions that can serve as guidelines for the development of future plastic pollution projects.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 14-03-2021
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.50972
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-021-02553-8
Abstract: The aim of this study was to inform the development of a Community Geriatrics Service (CGS) that addressed the healthcare and social needs of community dwelling older people in an Australian context. Stakeholders ( N = 108) took part in a ‘needs assessment’ involving 30-min semi-structured interviews with general practitioners (GPs N = 49), and three 2-h focus groups (community engagement meetings N = 59) with older people, informal caregivers, allied healthcare workers, and nursing home directors. Data were transcribed and thematically coded, mapped to source and weighted to the frequency that the theme was raised across sources. Five themes informing CGS development and delivery emerged: active health conditions (management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, falls, multimorbidity, and other relevant conditions), active social challenges (patient non-compliance, need for aged care social workers, caregiver stress, elder abuse, social isolation, and stigma), referrals (availability of specialists, communication, specialist input, and advance care directives), access (lack of transport options, and inaccessibility of local geriatrics clinics and specialists), and awareness (lack of awareness, knowledge, and resources). The CGS will need to address access, referral processes and health system navigation, which were perceived by stakeholders as significant challenges. These findings warrant the development of a CGS with an integrated approach to aged care, pertinent for the health and social needs of the elderly.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-02-2019
Abstract: Obesity in Australia is rising rapidly, and is a major public health concern. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer and worsens associated outcomes, yet breast screening participation rates in Australia are suboptimal and can be lower in higher risk, obese women. This study qualitatively explored barriers to breast screening participation in obese women in Australia. In-depth interviews (n = 29), were conducted with obese women (body mass index ≥ 30) and key health providers. A disconnect between providers’ and women’s perceptions was found. For women, low knowledge around a heightened need to screen existed, they also reported limited desire to prioritize personal health needs, reluctance to screen due to poor body image and prior negative mammographic experiences due to issues with weight. Providers perceived few issues in screening obese women beyond equipment limitations, and health and safety issues. Overall, weight was a taboo topic among our interviewees, indicating that a lack of discourse around this issue may be putting obese women at increased risk of breast cancer morbidity and mortality. Consideration of breast screening policy in obese women is warranted. Targeted health promotion on increased breast cancer risk in obese women is required as is a need to address body image issues and encourage screening participation.
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2021.127117
Abstract: There is an increasing concern regarding the potential effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater ecosystems. Considering the functional values of biofilms in freshwater, knowledge on whether and to what extent NPs can influence the ecosystem processes of biofilms were still limited. Herein, the freshwater biofilms cultured in lab were exposed to 100 nm polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) of different dosages (1 and 10 mg/L) for 14 days. Confocal laser scanning microscope observation indicated that biofilms were dominated by filamentous, and spiral algae species and the intensity of extracellular polymeric substances increased under PS-NPs exposure. GeoChip 5.0 analysis revealed that PS-NPs exposure triggered a significant increase in functional genes α ersity (p < 0.05) and altered biofilms' functional structure. Furthermore, the abundance of genes involved in the total carbon and nitrogen cycling were increased under PS-NPs exposure. The abundance of nitrogen fixation genes experienced the most pronounced increase (24.4%) under 1 mg/L PS-NPs treatment, consistent with the increase of ammonium in overlying water. Whereas antibiotic resistance genes and those related to photosynthetic pigments production were suppressed. These results provided direct evidence for PS-NPs' effects on the biofilm functions in terms of biogeochemical cycling, improving our understanding of the potentials of NPs on freshwater ecosystems.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-11-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-07-2012
DOI: 10.3390/APP2030584
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/PSYP.13371
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-03-2021
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 11-09-2020
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 14-10-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-08-2022
DOI: 10.3390/W14152394
Abstract: With the wide application of selenium (Se) in industrial production, different Se-based compounds (selenate and selenite) are produced and released into aquatic environments. The potential impacts of such Se compounds on the biofilms (a complex microbial aggregate in aquatic systems) need to be substantially explored. Herein, we investigated the responses of bacterial community ersity, composition and structure, and function of biofilms after 21 days of exposure to low concentrations (100 µg/L) and high concentrations (1 mg/L) of sodium selenate and sodium selenite, respectively. Distinct effects of selenium in different valences on the community structure and microbial functions of biofilms were observed. Compared with the controls, the addition of selenate and selenite solutions altered the richness of biofilms but not the ersity, which is dependent on the concentration and valences, with sodium selenite (1 mg/L) exhibiting a strong inhibition effect on community richness. Significant changes of community composition and structure were observed, with a significant increase in Proteobacteria (31.08–58.00%) and a significant decrease in Bacteroidetes (32.15–11.45%) after exposure to sodium selenite with high concentration. Also, different responses of gamma-Proteobacteria and alpha-Proteobacteria were observed between the sodium selenite and sodium selenate treatments. Moreover, results showed that sodium selenite could strengthen the function of the metabolism of biofilms, and the higher the concentration is, the more apparent the enhancement effect is. All these results suggested that the effects of different valence states of selenium were obvious, and sodium selenite with high concentration strongly changed the ersity, structure and function of biofilms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: Bangladesh Journals Online (JOL)
Date: 14-12-2015
Abstract: The efficiency of iron electrode based electrocoagulation (EC) technique at laboratory scale to remove lead (Pb) from battery industrial effluent in Bangladesh is investigated. Different combinations of voltage (15, 30 and 45), effluent pH (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) and electrolysis time (15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes) at the EC reactor was examined for searching the ideal operating conditions of maximum lead removal. Initial battery effluent pH of 3, electro coagulating at 30 V for 15 minutes would be the optimum conditions for treatment where 99.9% Pb removal was achieved. Treated effluent quality was compared with national environmental standard to discharge into surface water bodies and found physico-chemical parameters (TDS, TSS, DO and pH) were within prescribed limit except electrical conductivity.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 39, No. 2, 125-134, 2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-12-2012
DOI: 10.3390/MET2040478
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-02-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-019-1410-X
Abstract: Timely diagnosis of dementia has a wide range of benefits including reduced hospital emergency department presentations, admissions and inpatient length of stay, and improved quality of life for patients and their carers by facilitating access to treatments that reduce symptoms, and allow time to plan for the future. Memory clinics can provide such services, however there is no 'gold standard' model of care. This study involved the co-creation of a model of care for a new multidisciplinary memory clinic with local community members, General Practitioners (GPs), policy-makers, community aged care workers, and service providers. Data collection comprised semi-structured interviews ( N = 98) with 20 GPs, and three 2-h community forums involving 53 seniors and community/local government representatives, and 25 community healthcare workers. Interviews and community forums were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by thematic analysis using Quirkos. GPs’ attitudes towards their role in assessing people with dementia varied. Many GPs reported that they found it useful for patients to have a diagnosis of dementia, but required support from secondary care to make the diagnosis and assist with subsequent management. Community forum participants felt they had a good knowledge of available dementia resources and services, but noted that these were highly fragmented and needed to be easier to navigate for the patient/carer via a 'one-stop-shop' and the provision of a dementia key worker. Expectations for the services and features of a new memory clinic included diagnostic services, rapid referrals, case management, education, legal services, culturally sensitive and appropriate services, allied health, research participation opportunities, and clear communication with GPs. Participants described several barriers to memory clinic utilisation including transportation access, funding, awareness, and costs. This study demonstrates the importance of working with stakeholders to co-design models of care for people with dementia that take into account the local communities’ needs. Findings pave the way for the development of a potential new “gold standard” memory clinic model of care and operationalise new national clinical guidelines.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-09-2021
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 10-2019
Abstract: Heightened pain sensitivity, the amount of pain experienced in response to a noxious event, is a known risk factor for development of chronic pain. We have previously reported that pain-free, sensorimotor peak alpha frequency (PAF) is a reliable biomarker of pain sensitivity for thermal, prolonged pains lasting tens of minutes. To test whether PAF can provide information about pain sensitivity occurring over clinically relevant timescales (i.e., weeks), EEG was recorded before and while participants experienced a long-lasting pain model, repeated intramuscular injection of nerve growth factor (NGF), that produces progressively developing muscle pain for up to 21 days. We demonstrate that pain-free, sensorimotor PAF is negatively correlated with NGF pain sensitivity increasingly slower PAF is associated with increasingly greater pain sensitivity. Furthermore, PAF remained stable following NGF injection, indicating that the presence of NGF pain for multiple weeks is not sufficient to induce the PAF slowing reported in chronic pain. In total, our results demonstrate that slower pain-free, sensorimotor PAF is associated with heightened sensitivity to a long-lasting musculoskeletal pain and also suggest that the apparent slowing of PAF in chronic pain may reflect predisease pain sensitivity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pain sensitivity, the intensity of pain experienced after injury, has been identified as an important risk factor in the development of chronic pain. Biomarkers of pain sensitivity have the potential to ease chronic pain burdens by preventing disease emergence. In the current study, we demonstrate that the speed of pain-free, sensorimotor peak alpha frequency recorded during resting-state EEG predicts pain sensitivity to a clinically-relevant, human model of prolonged pain that persists for weeks.
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 25-11-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-10-2022
Abstract: The formation of plastisphere on plastics and their potential impact on freshwater ecosystems have drawn increasing attention. However, there is still limited information about the effects of plastisphere on the heavy metal adsorption capacity and the related mechanism of plastic debris in different freshwaters. Herein, the trace metal adsorption capacity, kinetics and adsorption mechanisms of virgin and biofilm-covered plastic debris were investigated. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic debris were placed in three freshwaters (Xuanwu Lake, Donghu Lake and the Qinhuai River) for 45 days to incubate biofilms. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to compare the adsorption processes of trace metal on virgin and biofilm-covered plastics. Results showed that biofilms increase the adsorption of metals on plastics, and the adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Langmuir model. Furthermore, the adsorption capacities for lead (Pb(II)) were higher than that of cadmium (Cd(II)) and zinc (Zn(II)), with 256.21 and 277.38 μg/g (Pb(II)) adsorbed in biofilm-covered PP and PET, respectively, in Xuanwu Lake. The adsorption kinetics of metals on plastic debris were significantly affected by the biofilms, by switching the intraparticle diffusion for virgin plastic debris to film diffusion for the biofilm-covered plastic debris. Moreover, the complexation of functional groups within the biofilms might mainly contribute to the increases of metal adsorption, involving the participation of oxygen and nitrogen groups. Overall, these results suggested that biofilms reinforce the potential role of plastics as a carrier of trace metals in freshwaters.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 11-02-2021
DOI: 10.1071/PY20189
Abstract: This study examined Australian primary healthcare providers’ knowledge about dementia risk factors and risk reduction and their perspectives on barriers and enablers to risk reduction in practice. Primary healthcare providers were recruited through Primary Health Networks across Australia (n = 51). Participants completed an online survey that consisted of fixed-responses and free-text components to assess their knowledge, attitudes and current practices relating to dementia risk factors and risk reduction techniques. The results showed that Australian primary healthcare providers have good knowledge about the modifiable risk factors for dementia however, face several barriers to working with patients to reduce dementia risk. Commonly reported barriers included low patient motivation and healthcare system level limitations. The most commonly reported recommendations to helping primary healthcare providers to work with patients to reduce dementia risk included increasing resources and improving dementia awareness and messaging. While the results need to be interpreted in the context of the limitations of this study, we conclude that collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, policy makers and the media are needed to support the uptake of risk reduction activities in primary care settings.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 03-03-2021
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU21-115
Abstract: & & Nearly 80% of oceanic plastic waste is from land-based sources including degradable polymers. The recent trend towards the use of degradable polymers in the form of photodegradable and biodegradable polymers promises to be a sustainable solution to plastic pollution, whereas microplastics (MPs) impose higher ecological risk due to limited knowledge of its physicochemical properties and behavioral dynamics in the aquatic environment.& This study is aimed at modeling the effect of the weathering process of degradable microplastics by plastic surface-based microbial communities. Source-specific degradable polymers with different weathering processes such as abrasion, solar radiation, microbial colonization, UV radiation, chemical, and thermal oxidation, and other environmental factors were assessed.& Cluster analysis of efficient degradable microorganisms over MPs weathering conditions highlighted to understand the microbial kinetics.& Simulation models are also used to mechanistically characterize and analyze the behavioral patterns of microorganism colonization of MPs and its weathering influence are discussed in detail. Multispecies microbial colonization is largely understudied and experimentally exhaustive to quantify, nevertheless, there is minimal literature on the parameterization of such models and more experimental work is needed to better optimize the parameters in these models for a broad range of microbial communities and microplastic leachate chemicals.& This work not only provides a better understanding of the fate and behavior of degradable microplastics in the aquatic environment, but these findings also serve as a requisite to better design and optimize the essential parameters for experimental strategies for the development of environmentally friendly novel polymers.& &
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 23-03-2020
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU2020-20643
Abstract: & & Rapid increasing production and utilization of microplastics (MPs) raise concerns about environmental risks globally. Literature indicates that wastewater and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play critical sources in releasing MPs to the environment. Among different MPs, microbeads added into the facial cleanser, and toothpaste can be directly discharged into wastewater through human activities. Synthetic clothing, i.e., polyester (PES) and nylon, might shed thousands of fibers into wastewater during the washing process. WWTPs are not designed to capture MPs, and therefore, a huge amount of MPs load can be discharged without or poor treatment, and can accumulate in aquatic environments. This work shows a comprehensive overview of available information on the presence of MPs in different freshwater environments, particularly rivers, along with MPs types, sizes, shapes, and properties. Moreover, the study also indicates significant technical advancement in MPs detection, characterization, and quantification from the complex s le matrix.& &
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-03-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-61060-9
Abstract: Past evidence of an early Processing Negativity in auditory Go/NoGo event-related potential (ERP) data suggests that young adults proactively process sensory information in two-choice tasks. This study aimed to clarify the occurrence of Go/NoGo Processing Negativity and investigate the ERP component series related to the first 250 ms of auditory processing in two Go/NoGo tasks differing in target probability. ERP data related to each task were acquired from 60 healthy young adults ( M = 20.4, SD = 3.1 years). Temporal principal components analyses were used to decompose ERP data in each task. Statistical analyses compared component litudes between stimulus type (Go vs. NoGo) and probability (High vs. Low). Neuronal source localisation was also conducted for each component. Processing Negativity was not evident however, P1, N1a, N1b, and N1c were identified in each task, with Go P2 and NoGo N2b. The absence of Processing Negativity in this study indicated that young adults do not proactively process targets to complete the Go/NoGo task and/or questioned Processing Negativity’s conceptualisation. Additional analyses revealed stimulus-specific processing as early as P1, and outlined a complex network of active neuronal sources underlying each component, providing useful insight into Go and NoGo information processing in young adults.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.134793
Abstract: Simulation and performance results of a saturated vertical up-flow constructed wetland (SVU CW) operated under different operational conditions are presented. The SVU CW consists of two different systems planted with Cyperus alternifolius and Iris pseudacorus, and each system consists of three SVU beds operated in series. The SVU CW operates in continuous aeration (CA) mode using different air-water ratios from 0.5:1 to 4:1. The aerated SVU CW achieves a high (more than 85%) removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium (NH
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2019
DOI: 10.1002/WPS.20617
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-10-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-74780-9
Abstract: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein is essential for neuronal development. Val66Met (rs6265) is a functional polymorphism at codon 66 of the BDNF gene that affects neuroplasticity and has been associated with cognition, brain structure and function. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and neuronal oscillatory activity, using the electroencephalogram (EEG), in a normative cohort. Neurotypical ( N = 92) young adults were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and had eyes open resting-state EEG recorded for four minutes. Focal increases in right fronto-parietal delta, and decreases in alpha-1 and right hemispheric alpha-2 litudes were observed for the Met/Met genotype group compared to Val/Val and Val/Met groups. Stronger frontal topographies were demonstrated for beta-1 and beta-2 in the Val/Met group versus the Val/Val group. Findings highlight BDNF Val66Met genotypic differences in EEG spectral litudes, with increased cortical excitability implications for Met allele carriers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2016.10.005
Abstract: Among different Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) options, constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely used to protect and support downstream urban waterways from stormwater nutrients. This analysis assessed the nutrient attenuation ability of a novel CW in Western Australia that combined multiple alternating surface flow (SF) and laterite-based subsurface flow (SSF) compartments within a parkland context to improve the urban landscape and amenity. The CW was designed to maximise nutrient reduction despite experiencing a large range of hydrologic conditions, from low transit time nutrient-rich pulses during the wet periods to prolonged low to zero flow conditions during the dry periods. The CW design was further complicated by the possibility of ungauged water inputs after wet antecedent conditions, seasonal macrophyte senescence and a recirculation system to maintain flow during the dry periods. From analysis of data over a range of time scales, we determined that overall the CW attenuated up to 62% total nitrogen (TN) and 99% total phosphorus (TP) loads during dry weather conditions, and 54-76% TN and 27-68% TP during episodic flow pulses. N species attenuation was dominant in the SF compartments, while P species were attenuated mostly within the SSF compartments. Nutrient accumulation in the sediments, and above and below ground biomass of the macrophytes were found to increase during the early stages of operation, suggesting the system reached equilibrium within four years. Further, by comparing trends in nutrient attenuation within the context of diel changes in high frequency oxygen data from different compartments, it was demonstrated that changes in dissolved oxygen were related to changes in nutrient concentration across the CW, although interpretation of this was complicated by changing hydro-climatological conditions. The implementation of this CW concept in a highly seasonal Mediterranean climate demonstrates that urban liveability and environmental health can both be improved through careful design.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2023
Abstract: Global climate change mostly impacts river ecosystems by affecting microbial bio ersity and ecological functions. Considering the high functional redundancy of microorganisms, the unknown relationship between bio ersity and ecosystem functions obstructs river ecological research, especially under the influence of increasing weather extremes, such as in intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES). Herein, dry–wet alternation experiments were conducted in artificial stream channels for 25 and 90 days of drought, both followed by 20 days of rewetting. The dynamic recovery of microbial bio ersity and ecosystem functions (represented by ecosystem metabolism and denitrification rate) were determined to analyse bio ersity–ecosystem–function (BEF) relationships after different drought durations. There was a significant difference between bacterial and eukaryotic bio ersity recovery after drought. Eukaryotic bio ersity was more sensitive to drought duration than bacterial, and the eukaryotic network was more stable under dry–wet alternations. Based on the establishment of partial least squares path models, we found that eukaryotic bio ersity has a stronger effect on ecosystem functions than bacteria after long‐term drought. Indeed, this work represents a significant step forward for further research on the ecosystem functions of IRES, especially emphasizing the importance of eukaryotic bio ersity in the BEF relationship.
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 08-10-2021
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.2166/WPT.2018.086
Abstract: This study assessed the significance of a multi-functional and multi-compartment constructed wetland (CW) implemented to restore a degraded urban waterway in Western Australia. The wetland was initially constructed as a surface flow system, then modified through the incorporation of the additional laterite-based subsurface flow system, with the potential for operation of a recirculation scheme and groundwater top-up during low water flows in summer. The CW performance was assessed by comparing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) attenuation during base flow, high flow and episodic storm flow conditions. The performance varied from approximately 41% total nitrogen (TN) and 66% total phosphorus (TP) loads reduction during storm events, increasing up to 62% TN and 99% TP during low flow and summer recirculation periods. In overall, the CW attenuated about 45% TN and 65% TP loads from being delivered to the downstream sensitive river between 2009 and 2015. The CW design proved to be not only highly effective at reducing nutrient loads, but also improved the ecological services of the urban waterway by providing a erse area for habitat and recreational activities.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-01-2020
Abstract: There is substantial variation in peritonitis rates across peritoneal dialysis (PD) units globally. This may, in part, be related to the wide variability in the content and delivery of training for PD nurse trainers and patients. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of implementing the Targeted Education ApproaCH to improve Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes (TEACH-PD) curriculum in real clinical practice settings. This study used mixed methods including questionnaires and semi-structured interviews (pretraining and post-training) with nurse trainers and patients to test the acceptability and usability of the PD training modules implemented in two PD units over 6 months. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analysed descriptively. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Ten PD trainers and 14 incident PD patients were included. Mean training duration to complete the modules were 10.9 h (range 6–17) and 24.9 h (range 15–35), for PD trainers and patients, respectively. None of the PD patients experienced PD-related complications at 30 days follow-up. Three (21%) patients were transferred to haemodialysis due to non-PD–related complications. Ten trainers and 14 PD patients participated in the interviews. Four themes were identified including use of adult learning principles (trainers), comprehension of online modules (trainers), time to complete the modules (trainers) and patient usability of the manuals (patient). This TEACH-PD study has demonstrated feasibility of implementation in a real clinical setting. The outcomes of this study have informed refinement of the TEACH-PD modules prior to rigorous evaluation of its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in a large-scale study.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 16-12-2020
DOI: 10.3389/FNSYS.2020.593581
Abstract: Endometriosis is a debilitating women's health condition and is the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain. Impaired cognitive control is common in chronic pain conditions, however, it has not yet been investigated in endometriosis. The aim of this study was to explore the neuronal correlates of cognitive control in women with endometriosis. Using a cross-sectional study design with data collected at a single time-point, event-related potentials were elicited during a cued continuous performance test from 20 women with endometriosis (mean age = 28.5 ± 5.2 years) and 20 age- and gender-matched controls (mean age = 28.5 ± 5.2 years). Event-related potential components were extracted and P3 component litudes were derived with temporal principal components analysis. Behavioral and ERP outcomes were compared between groups and subjective pain severity was correlated with ERP component litudes. No significant behavioral differences were seen in task performance between the groups (all p & 0.094). Target P3b (all p & 0.034) and SW (all p & 0.040), and non-target early P3a (eP3a all p & 0.023) and late P3a (lP3a all p & 0.035) litudes were smaller for the endometriosis compared to the healthy control group. Lower non-target eP3a ( p & 0.001), lP3a ( p = 0.013), and SW ( p = 0.019) litudes were correlated with higher pain severity scores. Findings suggest that endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain is linked to alterations in stimulus-response processing and inhibitory control networks, but not impaired behavioral performance, due to compensatory neuroplastic changes in overlapping cognitive control and pain networks.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 13-01-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S40814-020-00591-4
Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent women’s health condition with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological manifestations. Weight loss can improve these symptoms and is a key goal however, many women find this difficult to achieve. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical treatment that involves insertion of very fine metal needles into specific areas of the body and has been shown to be efficacious for weight loss in non-PCOS populations. However, few studies have been conducted in women with PCOS. A variant of acupuncture, auricular electro-acupuncture (AEA), may have beneficial effects on sympathetic tone, which is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and PCOS. This prospective three-arm open label parallel randomised controlled trial will assess feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture and/or AEA for weight loss in women with PCOS. We will enrol 39 women from the community aged between 18 and 45 years, with physician diagnosis of PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria: body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 kg/m 2 . Women will be randomly allocated to receive one of three treatments for 12 weeks duration: body electro-acupuncture + lifestyle interventions, AEA + lifestyle interventions, or lifestyle interventions alone. The lifestyle intervention in this study is telephone-based health coaching (between 4 and 13 phone calls, depending on in idual need), provided by the Get Healthy Service. Primary outcomes of the study are feasibility and acceptability of trial methods as determined by recruitment and retention rates, adherence, acceptability, credibility, and safety. Secondary outcomes include anthropometric (body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference), metabolic (glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity obtained from a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test with area under the curve insulin calculated using the trapezoid rule), reproductive (androgen levels, menstrual cyclicity, clinical hyperandrogenism using the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system), autonomic (heart rate variability, blood pressure), lifestyle (physical activity levels, diet quality, weight self-efficacy), quality of life, and psychological (depression and anxiety symptoms, internal health locus of control). This study addresses the feasibility and acceptability of novel interventions to treat overweight/obesity in PCOS. Study findings have the potential to generate a new understanding of the role of acupuncture and auricular acupuncture in weight management. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, 8/6/18 ACTRN12618000975291
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 05-02-2013
DOI: 10.1155/2013/686981
Abstract: During the last decade, the growing load of sludge from textile industries, the top foreign exchange earning sector of Bangladesh, is a common nuisance to environmental system and community health. The present study was aimed to minimize the environmental impact from the disposal of Electrocoagulated Metal Hydroxide Sludge (EMHS) by using it as a partial substitute of clay in the manufacturing of construction material like building blocks (BBs). Different batches of normal and pressurized building blocks (NBBs and PBBs, resp.) were prepared using up to 50% EMHS with clay and then fired at a particular temperature. EMHS proportion in the mixture and firing temperature were two key factors determining the quality of BB. BB did not show any deformation or uneven surfaces at any of the examined firing temperature. At higher firing temperature and EMHS proportion, more weight loss and shrinkage of BB were noticed. Higher compressive strength and lower water adsorption were found at lower EMHS content and higher firing temperature. It was explored that NBB and PBB with 20 and 30% EMHS in clay, respectively, and fired at 1050 °C would be usable for nonloading applications namely, ornamental bricks, decoration purposes, and fence of garden.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 12-10-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.3995264
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2022.155082
Abstract: Hydrodynamic regulation is widely used to improve the water quality of urban rivers. However, it is yet to explore substantially whether hydrodynamics could regulate the metabolic activity of biofilm in such aquatic systems. Herein, the pilot experiment of hydrodynamics in the rotation tanks was designed, including two experiment phases, namely constant flow and adjusting flow for 21 days and 14 days, respectively. In constant flow phase, biofilms grew in five shear stress gradients (R1-R5, 0.0044- 0.12 Pa). The carbon metabolic rate (k) of mature biofilms evaluated by BIOLOG ECO microplates showed a hump-shaped relationship with increasing shear stress, with R3 (0.049 Pa) the highest, while R5 (0.12 Pa) the lowest. To verify whether the metabolic activity of biofilm cultured at constant flow phase can be regulated by shear stress, we initiated the adjusting flow phase, and shear stress in reactors was reset uniformly at 0.049 Pa (with the highest k). Results showed the carbon metabolic activity of biofilm in reactor R4 and R5 increased rapidly by day 3, and there was no significant difference between the carbon metabolic rates among the five treatments by day 14. Meanwhile, the utilization levels of polymers and carbohydrates by biofilms were significantly different among the five treatments after hydrodynamic regulations. These results suggested that the total carbon metabolic activity of biofilm can be regulated by hydrodynamics, while the ergent changes of the specific carbon source category might affect the biofilm-mediated carbon biogeochemical processes, which should be considered for the application of hydrodynamic regulation in river ecological restoration projects.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.04.044
Abstract: Among different Water Sensitive Urban Design options, constructed wetlands (CWs) are used to protect and restore downstream water quality by attenuating nutrients generated by stormwater runoff. This research compared the nutrient attenuation ability during a erse population of storm events of two CWs: (a) a hybrid CW with multiple alternating surface flow (SF) and laterite-based subsurface flow (SSF) compartments, and (b) a single stage SF CW. Within-storm variability, nutrient concentrations were assessed at 2 to 3-h intervals at both the main inlet and outlet of each CW. Dissolved oxygen concentrations of the surface waters were also monitored at 10-min intervals using high frequency in situ sensors. Nutrient loads into the CWs were observed to be higher when a high rainfall event occurred, particularly after longer antecedent dry conditions. Longer hydraulic retention times promoted higher attenuation at both sites. However, the relative extent of nutrient attenuation differed between the CW types the mean total nitrogen (TN) attenuation in the hybrid and SF CW was 45 and 48%, respectively. The hybrid CW attenuated 67% total phosphorus (TP) loads on average, while the SF CW acted as a net TP source. Periodic storm events transitioned the lentic CW into a lotic CW and caused riparian zone saturation it was therefore hypothesized that such saturation of organic matter rich-riparian zones led to release of TP in the system. The hybrid CW attenuated the released TP in the downstream laterite-based SSF compartments. Diel oxygen metabolism calculated before and after the storm events was found to be strongly correlated with water temperature, solar exposure and antecedent dry condition during the pre-storm conditions. Furthermore, the SF CW showed a significant relationship between overall nutrient load attenuation and the change in oxygen metabolism during the storm perturbation, suggesting oxygen variation could be a useful proxy indicator of CW function.
Publisher: Bangladesh Journals Online (JOL)
Date: 06-01-2013
Abstract: The present study investigated the probable influence of latrines and groundwater flow on the water quality of shallow tube wells in Shinduria village (23?52' N and 90?14' E) of Dhaka district, Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey was made to collect basic information on tube wells and latrines. Four boreholes were drilled to investigate lithostratigraphy. Twenty one water s les were collected and their physico-chemical parameters (Dissolved Oxygen, pH, phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite and iron) were analyzed using standard method. Total viable bacterial count (TVBC), total coliform count (TCC), total faecal coliform count (TFCC), total salmonella shigella (TSS) and total vibrio count (TVC) were also made using membrane filtration method. Average depth of the tube wells was 120 ft and most of them were less then ten years old. About 85% latrines were ring slab type and about 50% of these were built during the last five years. From borehole data, a shallow aquifer was identified at a depth of hundred feet from where local people extract drinking water. Although most of the physico-chemical parameters of the tested s les were within the Department of Environment (DoE). But almost all of the tested s les failed to ensure the quality of acceptable level for drinking water recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) due to the presence of higher load of TVBC (5.07 × 10³ cfu/100 ml), TCC (8.44 × 103cfu/10 0ml), TFCC (5.16 × 10² cfu/100 ml) and TSS (1.10 × 103cfu/100 ml). Local geological conditions and proximity between tube well and latrine promoted bacterial transport towards tube well while groundwater flow direction from the adjacent Bangshi River influenced the phenomenon. DOI: 0.3329/jbas.v37i2.17565 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Scinces, Vol. 37, No. 2, 231-243, 2013
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/PSYP.13538
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/OPN.12378
Abstract: Lack of effective treatments for chronic conditions is associated with high rates of complementary medicine (CM) use. However, little is known about CM use for dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, motivations, and attitudes towards CM use by people living with dementia in an Australian setting. This study had a qualitative research design quantitative demographic information was also collected. In‐depth interviews were conducted with people living with dementia and their caregivers ( N = 18). A thematic (inductive) analysis approach was taken to interpret data. Three in four participants used CM for dementia, spending ~AUD$100/month (USD$70/month). Within three overarching themes, a range of sub‐themes was identified: (1) CM knowledge and use : people living with dementia and caregivers understanding of CM, types of CM used, and CM usage patterns (2) Self ‐ determined reasons for use / non ‐ use : maintain or improve quality of life, hope, management of dementia symptoms, level of awareness, willingness and evidence, perceptions on efficacy and safety of CM, experiences of conventional medicine, and holistic approach to wellness (3) External determinants of use : information on CM, relationship influences on CM use, and experiences with General Practitioners (GPs) and CM. Findings highlight that CM use is widespread and positively viewed by people living with dementia and their caregivers. Decisions regarding CM use were based on personal opinions. Findings have important implications for conversations with health professionals regarding CM use by people living with dementia to improve communication, health literacy, and reduce the risk of adverse effects through polypharmacy. This study showed that CM is a valued approach for dementia management by people living with dementia, their families, and healthcare providers. Future international research is required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these approaches and promote accurate advice in nursing care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Bangladesh Journals Online (JOL)
Date: 28-08-2011
Abstract: The work was conducted for improving textile effluent quality via turbidity removal by electrocoagulation (EC) using aluminum sacrificial electrode. Effluents were treated at 30 minutes and 30 volts (30min-30V) and 60 minutes and 40 volts (60min-40V) condition in a 1000 ml reactor cell with anode distance of 4 cm. Prior to EC experiment, physico-chemical parameters of effluent were measured and turbidity level was found eight times higher than the Department of Environment (DoE) standard. Turbidity removal ranged from 53 to 96.2% and 58 to 97.5% for condition one and two, respectively. Dissolved oxygen (DO) increased satisfactorily for both conditions. Total operational cost ranged from 62.50 to 70.41 taka/m3 at 30min-30V and 159.57 to 187.7 taka/m3 at 60min-40V. Moreover, sludge formation ranged from 6.73×10-4 to 8.41×10-4 kg in first condition and 1.21×10-3 to 1.5431×10-3 kg in second one. So, EC treatment was very effective and capable of elevating quality of the textile wastewater effluent in terms of turbidity to discharge into inland surface water. During EC operation it was also possible to lessen the total cost in maximum removal by changing the operating condition and 30min-30V was enough to get environmental friendly solution. Results will encourage the industry-owner to treat polluted effluents by EC.Keywords: Textile industry ETP Electrocoagulation Sacrificial Electrode Turbidity Operational cost.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print) 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.7533 J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 567-578 (2011)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-01-2019
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201901.0145.V1
Abstract: Obesity in Australia is rapidly rising, and is a major public health concern. Obesity increases risk of breast cancer and worse associated outcomes, yet breast screening participation rates in Australia are suboptimal and can be lower in higher risk, obese women. This study qualitatively explored barriers to breast screening participation in obese women in Australia. In-depth interviews (n=29), were conducted with obese women (BMI 30) and key health stakeholders. A disconnect between stakeholders& rsquo and women& rsquo s perceptions was found. For women, low knowledge around a heightened need to screen existed, they reported limited desire to prioritize personal health needs, reluctance to screen due to poor body image and prior negative mammographic experiences due to issues with weight. Stakeholders perceived few issues in screening obese women beyond equipment limitations, and health and safety issues. Overall, weight was a taboo topic among our interviewees, indicating that a lack of discourse around this issue may be putting obese women at increased risk of breast cancer morbidity and mortality. Consideration of breast screening policy in obese women is warranted. Targeted health promotion on increased breast cancer risk in obese women is required as is a need to address body image issues and encourage screening participation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/PSYP.13300
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 31-07-2019
Abstract: The COMT Val158Met polymorphism affects the availability of synaptic dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and has been widely studied as a genetic risk factor for psychosis. Schizotypy is associated with an increased risk of psychosis, with some studies implicating similar neurobiological mechanisms to schizophrenia. The present study sought to interrogate the link between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and schizotypy using electroencephalogram (EEG) to identify neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning psychosis risk. Neurotypical (N = 91) adults were genotyped for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism, completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), and had eyes open resting-state EEG recorded for 4 min. SPQ suspiciousness subscale scores were higher for in iduals homozygous for Val/Val and Met/Met versus Val/Met genotypes. Delta, theta, alpha-2, beta-1, and beta-2 litudes were lower for Val/Val than Met/Met in iduals. Lower theta litudes were correlated with higher total SPQ scores (P = 0.050), and multiple regression revealed that higher delta, and lower theta and beta-2 litudes (but not COMT genotype) best predicted total SPQ scores (P = 0.014). This study demonstrates the importance of COMT genotype in determining trait suspiciousness and EEG oscillatory activity. It also highlights relationships between dopaminergic alterations, EEG and schizotypy that are dissimilar to those observed in schizophrenia.
Start Date: 2024
End Date: 12-2026
Amount: $460,573.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity