Griffith University

About: Griffith University is a education organization based out in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 13830 authors who have published 49318 publications receiving 1420865 citations.

Chikungunya virus: an update on the biology and pathogenesis of this emerging pathogen

Abstract: Re-emergence of chikungunya virus, a mosquito-transmitted pathogen, is of serious public health concern. In the past 15 years, after decades of infrequent, sporadic outbreaks, the virus has caused major epidemic outbreaks in Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean, and more recently the Caribbean and the Americas. Chikungunya virus is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, but the potential exists for further spread because of genetic adaptation of the virus to Aedes albopictus, a species that thrives in temperate regions. Chikungunya virus represents a substantial health burden to affected populations, with symptoms that include severe joint and muscle pain, rashes, and fever, as well as prolonged periods of disability in some patients. The inflammatory response coincides with raised levels of immune mediators and infiltration of immune cells into infected joints and surrounding tissues. Animal models have provided insights into disease pathology and immune responses. Although host innate and adaptive responses have a role in viral clearance and protection, they can also contribute to virus-induced immune pathology. Understanding the mechanisms of host immune responses is essential for the development of treatments and vaccines. Inhibitory compounds targeting key inflammatory pathways, as well as attenuated virus vaccines, have shown some success in animal models, including an attenuated vaccine strain based on an isolate from La Reunion incorporating an internal ribosome entry sequence that prevents the virus from infecting mosquitoes and a vaccine based on virus-like particles expressing envelope proteins. However, immune correlates of protection, as well as the safety of prophylactic and therapeutic candidates, are important to consider for their application in chikungunya infections. In this Review, we provide an update on chikungunya virus with regard to its epidemiology, molecular virology, virus-host interactions, immunological responses, animal models, and potential antiviral therapies and vaccines.

A review of bast fibres and their composites. Part 2 - Composites

Abstract: Bast fibres are defined as those obtained from the outer cell layers of the stems of various plants. The fibres find use in textile applications and are increasingly being considered as reinforcements for polymer matrix composites as they are perceived to be “sustainable”. The fibres are composed primarily of cellulose which potentially has a Young’s modulus of ∼140 GPa (being a value comparable with man-made aramid [Kevlar/Twaron] fibres). The plants which are currently attracting most interest are flax and hemp (in temperate climates) or jute and kenaf (in tropical climates). Part 2 of this review will consider the prediction of the properties of natural fibre reinforced composites, manufacturing techniques and composite materials characterisation using microscopy, mechanical, chemical and thermal techniques. The review will close with a brief overview of the potential applications and the environmental considerations which might expedite or constrain the adoption of these composites.

Proactive CSR: An Empirical Analysis of the Role of its Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions on the Association between Capabilities and Performance

Abstract: Proactive corporate social responsibility (CSR) involves business practices adopted voluntarily by firms that go beyond regulatory requirements in order to actively support sustainable economic, social and environmental development, and thereby contribute broadly and positively to society. This empirical study examines the role of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of proactive CSR on the association between three specific capabilities—shared vision, stakeholder management and strategic proactivity—and financial performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Using quantitative data collected from a sample of 171 Australian SMEs in the machinery and equipment manufacturing sector and employing structural equation modelling, we find that the adoption of practices in each CSR dimension by SMEs is influenced slightly differently by each capability, and affects financial performance differentially. The study also demonstrates the importance of the interaction between the three dimensions of proactive CSR in positively moderating the deployment of each individual CSR dimension to generate financial performance. Paying primary attention to the economic dimension of proactive CSR and selectively focusing on social and environmental elements of proactive CSR that drive and support the economic dimension are of key importance to sustainable long-term financial success for SMEs.

Alcohol abuse and dysfunctional eating in adolescent girls: The influence of individual differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment

Abstract: Objective An unusually high comorbidity of eating disorders and alcohol abuse has been found in clinical and community samples of young women. This paper proposes that individual differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment may influence the propensity of young women to engage in dysfunctional eating and drinking behaviour. Method The Drive for Thinness scale, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the BIS/BAS scales were administered to 232 high school girls. Results Heightened sensitivity to reward was the better predictor of alcohol misuse while heightened sensitivity to both reward and punishment was predictive of dysfunctional eating. When categorised by group, alcohol abusing, dysfunctional eating, and comorbid girls reported greater sensitivity to reward than non-disordered girls. Girls with dysfunctional eating with and without comorbid alcohol abuse reported greater sensitivity to punishment than alcohol abusing only girls. Discussion These findings suggest that girls who abuse alcohol and have dysfunctional eating may share a vulnerability to heightened sensitivity to reward, yet be differentiated by sensitivity to punishment. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 29: 455–462, 2001.