ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6937-628X
Current Organisations
Curtin University Curtin Medical School
,
Genesis Christian College
,
CSIRO
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-12-2023
DOI: 10.1002/JMRS.638
Abstract: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased in medical radiation science, with advanced computing and modelling. Considering radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of how this may affect their role is imperative, as this will contribute to increasing the efficiency of implementation and improve service delivery. A peer‐reviewed anonymous survey was developed and completed by 105 RTs between April and June 2021. The online survey was distributed via the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia and the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy newsletter as well as professional networks. The survey gained perceptions of the impact of AI on radiation therapy practice and RTs roles within Australia, and data were analysed using quantitative data analysis and thematic analysis. Automation is used throughout radiation therapy practice, with 68% of RTs being optimistic about this. The majority (63%) had little to no knowledge of working with AI and 96% would like to learn more including the underpinnings of AI and its safe and ethical use. Many (66%) perceived AI would affect their role, including increasing their skillset and reducing mundane tasks, whereas others (23%) perceived it would reduce job satisfaction by increasing repetition and limiting their problem‐solving ability. AI was perceived to impact the patient positively (67%), increasing efficiency and accuracy of radiotherapy treatments however, it could depersonalise patient care. RTs perceive embracing AI in radiotherapy has the potential to advance the profession and improve the service to patients. If AI is implemented with sufficient training for greater understanding, and management uses these benefits to improve patient care, rather than replace RTs roles, then overall any negatives will be outweighed by the benefits.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-09-2014
DOI: 10.1111/LAM.12149
Abstract: Cereal crops grown in the biosolids-amended soil can potentially become contaminated with pathogenic micro-organisms during growth and at the time of harvesting. There is small but unquantified potential risk of transfer of enteric pathogens to humans and animals from contaminated plants and grains. This study examined decay of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and bacteriophage MS2 on the wheat phyllosphere and on stored grains. This was done to assess the health implications of cereal crops contaminated from land application of biosolids. E. coli, S. enterica and MS2 were inoculated onto the leaves, spikelets and grains of wheat. The change in the numbers of inoculated micro-organisms was determined over time to calculate the respective 90% reduction time (T90 ) in each of these environments. A rapid inactivation (T90 <1-3 days) of E. coli and S. enterica and MS2 from the plant phyllosphere was observed, particularly from the spikelets. The decay rates were influenced by micro-organism type and location on the plant phyllosphere. Decay times on the stored grains were longer (T90 9-71 days), with some observed influence of grain variety on pathogen decay times. Results of this study suggest that there is very limited potential of enteric pathogens survival on wheat phyllosphere and grains. Therefore, the risk of transfer of enteric pathogens from biosolids-amended soil to consumers of grain products is considered to be low. This study has important implications for the grains industry, as the results suggest that chances of preharvest contamination of grains with enteric pathogens from biosolids-amended soil are low.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2019.01.027
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a waste stabilization pond (WSP) system to reduce pathogen contaminants in sludge. This included examining the factors that influence the fate and concentration of human pathogens and their indicators in two sludge layers. The decay rates of five study microorganisms were determined under in-situ conditions at a WSP. The background levels of fecal origin microorganisms were consistently detected (ranging: Escherichia coli 10
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2010.274
Abstract: Australia is a large exporter of agricultural products, with producers responsible for a range of quality assurance programs to ensure that food crops are free from various contaminants of detriment to human health. Large volumes of treated sewage sludge (biosolids), although low by world standards, are increasingly being recycled to land, primarily to replace plant nutrients and to improve soil properties they are used in agriculture, forestry, and composted. The Australian National Biosolids Research Program (NBRP) has linked researchers to a collective goal to investigate nutrients and benchmark safe concentrations of metals nationally using a common methodology, with various other research programs conducted in a number of states specific to regional problems and priorities. The use of biosolids in Australia is strictly regulated by state guidelines, some of which are under review following recent research outcomes. Communication and research between the water industry, regulators and researchers specific to the regulation of biosolids is further enhanced by the Australian and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP). This paper summarises the major issues and constraints related to biosolids use in Australia using specific case ex les from Western Australia, a member of the Australian NBRP, and highlights several research projects conducted over the last decade to ensure that biosolids are used beneficially and safely in the environment. Attention is given to research relating to plant nutrient uptake, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus (including that of reduced phosphorus uptake in alum sludge-amended soil) the risk of heavy metal uptake by plants, specifically cadmium, copper and zinc the risk of pathogen contamination in soil and grain products change to soil pH (particularly following lime-amended biosolids) and the monitoring of faecal contamination by biosolids in waterbodies using DNA techniques. Ex les of products that are currently produced in Western Australia from sewage sludge include mesophilic anaerobically digested and dewatered biosolids cake, lime-amended biosolids, alum sludge and compost.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for KAREN SCHWARZ.