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 & Poison control. The organization has 13830 authors who have published 49318 publications receiving 1420865 citations.

Characterization of a complex chemosensory signal transduction system which controls twitching motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract: Virulence of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa involves the coordinate expression of a wide range of virulence factors including type IV pili which are required for colonization of host tissues and are associated with a form of surface translocation termed twitching motility. Twitching motility in P. aeruginosa is controlled by a complex signal transduction pathway which shares many modules in common with chemosensory systems controlling flagella rotation in bacteria and which is composed, in part, of the previously described proteins PilG, PilH, PilI, PilJ and PilK. Here we describe another three components of this pathway: ChpA, ChpB and ChpC, as well as two downstream genes, ChpD and ChpE, which may also be involved. The central component of the pathway, ChpA, possesses nine potential sites of phosphorylation: six histidine-containing phosphotransfer (HPt) domains, two novel serine- and threonine-containing phosphotransfer (SPt, TPt) domains and a CheY-like receiver domain at its C-terminus, and as such represents one of the most complex signalling proteins yet described in nature. We show that the Chp chemosensory system controls twitching motility and type IV pili biogenesis through control of pili assembly and/or retraction as well as expression of the pilin subunit gene pilA. The Chp system is also required for full virulence in a mouse model of acute pneumonia.

Suicide among the elderly: the long-term impact of a telephone support and assessment intervention in northern Italy.

Abstract: Background Previous short-term work reported fewer suicides among elderly users of a telephone helpline and emergency response service (the TeleHelp-TeleCheck Service). Aims To examine long-term effects of the service on suicide in an elderly population of northern Italy. Method The service provided twice-weekly support and needs assessment telephone calls and a 24h emergency alarm service. Data from 1988 to 1998 allowed comparison of 18 641 service users with a comparable general population group of the Veneto region in Italy. Results Significantly fewer suicide deaths ( n OBSERVED=6) occurred among elderly service users (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 28.8%) than expected ( n EXPECTED=20.86; χ2=10.58, d.f.=1, P <0.001) despite an assumed overrepresentation of persons at increased risk. The service performed well for elderly females ( n OBSERVED=2, SMR=16.6%, n EXPECTED=12.03; χ2=8.36, d.f.=1, P <0.001). Conclusions The study confirms the initial promise of the TeleHelp—TeleCheck service over a much longer time period. Further research will clarify the apparent lack of benefit for elderly males.

Integrating products and services through life: an aerospace experience

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of “product‐service” (P‐S) strategies in the aerospace sector. Despite the widespread perception that aerospace organisations are advanced in terms of P‐S integration, little is known about the realities of P‐S provision in the sector. Much of the existing literature is normative and prescriptive, focusing upon what organisations aspire to do, but offers little insights into how attempts to integrate products and services occur or the challenges organisations encounter.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an in‐depth case study of an international aerospace original equipment manufacturer, referred to as “JetCo”. A total of 18 interviews were conducted with key actors involved in the operationalisation of P‐S strategy within defence aerospace and civil aerospace divisions. In addition, analysis of internal company documentation was also undertaken.Findings – This paper reveals that current P‐S strategy, which builds upon a long h...

Job demands, work‐family conflict, and emotional exhaustion in police officers: A longitudinal test of competing theories

Abstract: We propose and test a comprehensive theory designed to explain seemingly contradictory relations between job demands, emotional exhaustion, and work-family conflict (WFC) reported in the literature. Using job demands-resources theory, effort-recovery theory, and personal resources theory we hypothesized that job demands would spillover to emotional exhaustion as mediated by WFC (causality model), and alternatively that job demands would also spillover to WFC as mediated by emotional exhaustion (reverse causal model). Further, we also hypothesized using loss spiral theory that a more comprehensive model representing reciprocal and cross-linked effects (causal and reverse causal simultaneously) would best fit the data. The hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal study of 257 Australian (Victorian) frontline police officers at two time points approximately 12 months apart. We used structural equation modelling and found in support of the simultaneous reciprocal effects hypothesis, that the more comprehensive model fitted the data better than either the causality or the reverse causal model. Future research should more comprehensively model the important relationships between job demands, emotional exhaustion, and WFC to reflect their complex interplay. Interventions to reduce work demands arising from work pressure and emotional demands are indicated to prevent conflict at home and emotional exhaustion in police officers.

The Emerging Nano-Corporate Paradigm: Nanotechnology and the Transformation of Nature, Food and Agri-Food Systems

Abstract: Nanotechnology represents the latest in a line of technological innovations set to transform agriculture and food production. From the farm to the table, nanotechnology research and development is being applied across the entire agri-food system. In this paper we outline the contours of what we call the nano-corporate food paradigm . We examine research and commercial applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture and food sectors, and showcase the ways in which the nano-corporate food paradigm is being applied, and at the same time may shape and transform agri-food systems.