Showing papers by "University of Adelaide published in 2023"

Data‐Driven Machine Learning for Understanding Surface Structures of Heterogeneous Catalysts

Abstract: The design of heterogeneous catalysts is necessarily surface-focused, generally achieved via optimization of adsorption energy and microkinetic modelling. A prerequisite is to ensure the adsorption energy is physically meaningful is the stable existence of the conceived active-site structure on the surface. The development of improved understanding of the catalyst surface, however, is challenging practically because of the complex nature of dynamic surface formation and evolution under in-situ reactions. We propose therefore data-driven machine-learning (ML) approaches as a solution. In this Minireview we summarize recent progress in using machine-learning to search and predict (meta)stable structures, assist operando simulation under reaction conditions and micro-environments, and critically analyze experimental characterization data. We conclude that ML will become the new norm to lower costs associated with discovery and design of optimal heterogeneous catalysts.

From critical appraisal to risk of bias assessment: clarifying the terminology for study evaluation in JBI systematic reviews

Abstract: The foundations for critical appraisal of literature have largely progressed through the development of epidemiologic research methods and the use of research to inform medical teaching and practice. This practical application of research is referred to as evidence-based medicine and has delivered a standard for the health care profession where clinicians are equally as engaged in conducting scientific research as they are in the practice of delivering treatments. Evidence-based medicine, now referred to as evidence-based health care, has generally been operationalized through empirically supported treatments, whereby the choice of treatments is substantiated by scientific support, usually by means of an evidence synthesis. As evidence synthesis methodology has advanced, guidance for the critical appraisal of primary research has emphasized a distinction from the assessment of internal validity required for synthesized research. This assessment is conceptualized and branded in various ways in the literature, such as risk of bias, critical appraisal, study validity, methodological quality, and methodological limitations. This paper provides a discussion of the definitions and characteristics of these terms, concluding with a recommendation for JBI to adopt the term "risk of bias" assessment.

Influence of the photopolymerization matrix on the indicator response of optical fiber pH sensors

Abstract: Optical fiber pH sensors work by observing a change in the indicator’s optical signal caused by variations in pH and these indicators can be immobilized onto the surface of an optical fiber using a polymer matrix. How the composition of the polymer matrix changes pH detection range using the indicator (5(6)-carboxynaphthofluorescein (CNF)) has not been studied. Here we show that the composition of the polymer matrix affects the working pH ranges of optical fiber CNF sensors. We used acrylamide (AAm) or N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as the backbone monomer, and N , N ’-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) as the crosslinker for the polymer matrix. We found that AAm-based pH sensors showed rapid response over the pH range 6.6 – 8.0, while the dynamic ranges of NIPAM-based sensors shifted to basic pH compared with AAm-based pH sensors. Furthermore, we found that an increased ratio of the backbone monomer, NIPAM, over the crosslinker, BIS, significantly shifted the working range to more basic pH values, covering a pH range of 8.1 – 10.3. Our results demonstrate that the polymer matrix can be a powerful means to control the indicator response of optical pH sensors. • Optical fiber pH sensors using the indicator, 5(6)-carboxynaphthofluorescein (CNF), were developed. • CNF was immobilized by entrapment in a polymer matrix on the fiber tip. • The backbone monomer was either acrylamide (AAm) or N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), and the crosslinker was N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS). • AAm-based pH sensors showed response over the pH range 6.6 – 8.0, whereas the dynamic ranges of NIPAM-based sensors shifted to basic pH.

Uniformed core-shell FeSe2+x@C nanocube superlattices for Fenton-like reaction: Coordinative roles of cation and anion

Abstract: Simultaneously adjusting the coordination environment of Fenton-like catalysts and engineering their architectures is a viable strategy to promote catalytic reaction. Herein, two-dimensional (2D) porous core-shell FeSe2+x @C nanocube superlattices (NCSLs) with unsaturated selenium are for the first time prepared via one-step selenization of Fe3O4@C NCSLs and tested for peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based Fenton-like reaction. The 2D porous superlattice structure can preferably expand Fe sites exposure and accelerate the large-scale transport and utilization of nanocrystals. The unsaturated selenium can optimize the electronic state of cationic Fe, not only promoting the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle, regulating PMS adsorption, and improving the charge density, but also accelerating interfacial electron transport of the catalyst to lower the energy barrier of PMS decomposition to yield SO4•−. This work demonstrates a new application of nanocrystal superlattices and provides more insights to active components of catalyst design for enhancing catalytic activity via structural control and coordination engineering in various application scenarios.

Measuring habitat quality for waterbirds: A review

Abstract: Quantifying habitat quality is dependent on measuring a site's relative contribution to population growth rate. This is challenging for studies of waterbirds, whose high mobility can decouple demographic rates from local habitat conditions and make sustained monitoring of individuals near-impossible. To overcome these challenges, biologists have used many direct and indirect proxies of waterbird habitat quality. However, consensus on what methods are most appropriate for a given scenario is lacking. We undertook a structured literature review of the methods used to quantify waterbird habitat quality, and provide a synthesis of the context-dependent strengths and limitations of those methods. Our search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases returned a sample of 666 studies, upon which our review was based. The reviewed studies assessed habitat quality by either measuring habitat attributes (e.g., food abundance, water quality, vegetation structure), or measuring attributes of the waterbirds themselves (e.g., demographic parameters, body condition, behavior, distribution). Measuring habitat attributes, although they are only indirectly related to demographic rates, has the advantage of being unaffected by waterbird behavioral stochasticity. Conversely, waterbird-derived measures (e.g., body condition, peck rates) may be more directly related to demographic rates than habitat variables, but may be subject to greater stochastic variation (e.g., behavioral change due to presence of conspecifics). Therefore, caution is needed to ensure that the measured variable does influence waterbird demographic rates. This assumption was usually based on ecological theory rather than empirical evidence. Our review highlighted that there is no single best, universally applicable method to quantify waterbird habitat quality. Individual project specifics (e.g., time frame, spatial scale, funding) will influence the choice of variables measured. Where possible, practitioners should measure variables most directly related to demographic rates. Generally, measuring multiple variables yields a better chance of accurately capturing the relationship between habitat characteristics and demographic rates.

Electrolyte Engineering on Performance Enhancement of NiCo ₂ S ₄ Anode for Sodium Storage

Abstract: NiCo2S4 is an attractive anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high capacity and excellent redox reversibility. Practical deployment of NiCo2S4 electrode in SIBs, however, is still hindered by the inferior capacity and unsatisfactory cycling performance, which result from the mismatch between the electrolyte chemistry and electrode. Herein, a functional electrolyte containing 1.0 m NaCF3SO3 in diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DEGDME) (1.0 m NaCF3SO3-DEGDME) is developed, which can be readily used for NiCo2S4 anode with high initial coulomb efficiency (96.2%), enhanced cycling performance, and boosted capacities (341.7 mA h g−1 after 250 continuous cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1). The electrochemical tests and related phase characterization combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicate the ether-based electrolyte is more suitable for the NiCo2S4 anode in SIBs due to the formation of a stable electrode–electrolyte interface. Additionally, the importance of the voltage window is also demonstrated to further optimize the electrochemical performance of the NiCo2S4 electrode. The formation of sulfide intermediates during charging and discharging is predicted by combining DFT and verified by in situ XRD and HRTEM. The findings indicate that electrolyte engineering would be an effective way of performance enhancement for sulfides in practical SIBs.

Optimal Matchmaking Strategy in Two-Sided Marketplaces

Abstract: Online platforms that match customers with suitable service providers utilize a wide variety of matchmaking strategies; some create a searchable directory of one side of the market (i.e., Airbnb, Google Local Finder), some allow both sides of the market to search and initiate contact (i.e., Care.com, Upwork), and others implement centralized matching (i.e., Amazon Home Services, TaskRabbit). This paper compares these strategies in terms of their efficiency of matchmaking as proxied by the amount of communication needed to facilitate a good market outcome. The paper finds that the relative performance of these matchmaking strategies is driven by whether the preferences of agents on each side of the market are easy to describe. Here, “easy to describe” means that the preferences can be inferred with sufficient accuracy based on responses to standardized questionnaires. For markets with suitable characteristics, each of these matchmaking strategies can provide near-optimal performance guarantees according to an analysis based on information theory. The analysis provides prescriptive insights for online platforms. This paper was accepted by Omar Besbes, revenue management and market analytics. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4444 .

Law and Precarity

Abstract: Why do some people invoke the law (or resist it) as a way to solve their problems and achieve more stability in life, only to end up in another challenging and uncertain situation? This book offers an original understanding of the important, but understudied, paradoxical effects of law on the survival strategies of Vietnamese people who are caught to live and work in precarious circumstances. It demonstrates how precarity influences the way people perceive, engage with, or resist the law; yet law, at the same time, creates and reinforces such a condition. Understanding the mutually reinforcing relationship between law and precarity sheds a new light on the way law enables individuals to better their condition but ultimately makes matters worse rather than better. This book will be of interest to researchers and students of law and society, political economy, anthropology, and Asian studies.

Mass spectrometric insights into protein aggregation

Abstract: Abstract Protein aggregation is now recognized as a generic and significant component of the protein energy landscape. Occurring through a complex and dynamic pathway of structural interconversion, the assembly of misfolded proteins to form soluble oligomers and insoluble aggregates remains a challenging topic of study, both in vitro and in vivo. Since the etiology of numerous human diseases has been associated with protein aggregation, and it has become a field of increasing importance in the biopharmaceutical industry, the biophysical characterization of protein misfolded states and their aggregation mechanisms continues to receive increased attention. Mass spectrometry (MS) has firmly established itself as a powerful analytical tool capable of both detection and characterization of proteins at all levels of structure. Given inherent advantages of biological MS, including high sensitivity, rapid timescales of analysis, and the ability to distinguish individual components from complex mixtures with unrivalled specificity, it has found widespread use in the study of protein aggregation, importantly, where traditional structural biology approaches are often not amenable. The present review aims to provide a brief overview of selected MS-based approaches that can provide a range of biophysical descriptors associated with protein conformation and the aggregation pathway. Recent examples highlight where this technology has provided unique structural and mechanistic understanding of protein aggregation.

Governmentalizing 'policy studies'

Abstract: This chapter explores how a governmentality perspective affects thinking about policy and policy studies, how it governmentalizes ‘policy studies’. I pay particular attention to asking ‘how’ questions and the key role played by problematization/s in Foucault’s thinking on governmentality. Three major themes are examined: the ‘scope’ of government, the ‘thought’ in government, and the production of ‘subjects’, ‘objects’ and ‘places’ in policy. The first theme provides the opportunity to reflect on how governmentality broadens our understanding of governing practices ‘outside’ or ‘behind’ ‘the State’. The second considers what is achieved by probing the logics of government. The third theme brings a new questioning perspective to assumptions about policy actors and agency, and about ‘objects’ and ‘places’ as discrete and fixed entities and sites. These themes provide an entry-point for reflecting on the form of critique associated with governmentality studies and illustrate how a governmentality analytic remakes policy analysis as political practice.

Editorial Status of AWPL

Abstract: Presents the editorial for this issue of the publication.

Kinematic calibration of a 5-DOF hybrid machining robot using an extended Kalman filter method

Abstract: This paper focuses on kinematic calibration of a novel 5-DOF hybrid robot and attention is paid to the suppression of ‘observation noise’ impact caused by the measurement system and unconsidered source errors. The proposed method that is pertinently developed to improve the accuracy of the targeted robot, is implemented as follows: with the aid of screw theory, a linear map between the pose error twist of the end effector and all possible geometric source errors of the hybrid machining robot is formulated. Following the measurement and solution of pose error twist, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) is then employed to obtain more reliable and stable identification results of geometric errors. A linearized error compensator is then proposed and used in calibration experiments. Compared with the least square method, the proposed EKF method is proved to be robust and has good compensation effect in the verification configurations. After kinematic calibration, the positional and angular errors of the robot are reduced to be less than 60.6 μm and 67.6 μrad respectively. The results verify the effectiveness and general applicability of the proposed identification and compensation strategy.

Risk of bias assessment in JBI systematic reviews: a new series of articles in JBI Evidence Synthesis

Abstract: A defining feature of many reviews of existing research, and certainly any review following current JBI methodologies that can lay claim to being systematic, is critical appraisal of the included studies. The process is focused principally on assessing the quality of conduct (its validity) and the possibility or potential that bias has crept into the design, conduct, or analysis of the study. Identifiable risk of bias will impinge on the trustworthiness of the results and any subsequent conclusions presented. Assessment of risk of bias is a critical consideration in the analysis and interpretation of any synthesis and, accordingly, any assessment of certainty in the findings presented in the review following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.1 Checklists, scales, and domain-based instruments are commonly used to aid systematic reviewers to complete and present an assessment that is both consistent and transparent in its conduct as well as, ideally, its reporting. The existing suite of JBI checklists to facilitate critical appraisal has been available for over two decades. These tools are frequently used by authors and are valued for their ease of use and comprehensiveness; the latter facilitating authors’ ability to assess study validity across a range of common study designs relying on a single source.2 This issue of JBI Evidence Synthesis presents the launch of an exciting new series focused on risk of bias in JBI systematic reviews of quantitative evidence, which reflects the current and ongoing work of the JBI Effectiveness Methodology Group.3 The articles in this issue present foundational concepts that underpin considerations of risk of bias. The first 2 articles in the series present both the vision and the basis for the planned reconsideration of the JBI tools aligned with international developments in the field4 and the evolution of terminology in the field, respectively.5 Conceptual papers such as these will accompany the revised tools designed for practical use throughout the series as it grows. An additional article articulates the methods that have been applied by the JBI Effectiveness Methodology Group3,6 and will be applied to the remainder of the tools involved.7 Furthermore, to headline the practical changes for JBI systematic reviews, the revised JBI tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized controlled trials, one of the most frequently used by review authors, is also presented in this issue.8 Signaling questions in the revised tool have not been modified from the currently available version; however, the existing questions have now been reorganized and aligned to diverse and recognizable domains of bias. This alignment will help reviewers in their consideration of the impact of potential bias in the results of their analyses. The update also sees the use of this tool prompt users to move beyond assessment of risk of bias at the study level, and to consider the response to a subset of the questions for individual outcomes, as well as for a further subset of questions, considering the results reported.8 These changes illustrate the first stage in the planned revision process for the JBI tools and, while maintaining the ease of use that has made them so popular, it marks the beginning of a much-needed evolution toward demanding more sophisticated consideration of risk of bias in JBI systematic reviews.4 The advent of this first revised tool, and the promise of more to follow in this JBI Evidence Synthesis series on risk of bias, has broader impacts for JBI society members and systematic reviewers. Most importantly, as the new revised tools are introduced, authors who submit manuscripts to JBI Evidence Synthesis, as well as peer reviewers and editors of the journal, will be required to embrace these new tools and the nuances of their use as we move forward, working together to present high-quality evidence informed by the most current methods in synthesis to the community. Over the next 12 months, updates to journal guidelines and templates will be made available, along with a transition period for authors to adopt the new tools during the conduct of their review. Similarly, the content of the JBI education program for synthesis and accredited international trainers, and the forthcoming development of JBI SUMARI—JBI’s software to facilitate and support the conduct of systematic reviews—must now also embrace and integrate these changes and evolve accordingly.3,9,10 In line with the methodological theme for this month, this issue presents a scoping review providing a comprehensive overview of the use of statistical shape modeling of the hip joint,11 and also a range of review protocols, all linked to investigation of methods of research, its dissemination, or conduct of synthesis. A further noteworthy addition to the content of this issue dominated by consideration of methodological conduct of reviews is the latest guidance from the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group delving further into extraction, analysis and presentation of the results of scoping reviews.12 Scoping reviews are popular review undertakings, evidenced by the increasing appearance of this type of review in the table of contents of JBI Evidence Synthesis over the past 2 to 3 years. This additional guidance is essential reading for any scoping review author, providing additional clarity and useful examples across these important steps in the review process.

Modulation of dorsal premotor cortex differentially influences I‐wave excitability in primary motor cortex of young and older adults

Abstract: Previous research using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) demonstrates weakened connectivity between dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) and motor cortex (M1) with age. While this alteration is likely mediated by changes in the communication between the two regions, the effect of age on the influence of PMd on specific indirect (I) wave circuits within M1 remains unclear. The present study therefore investigated PMd influence on early and late I-wave excitability in M1 of young and older adults. 22 young (mean ± standard deviation, 22.9 ± 2.9 years) and 20 older (66.6 ± 4.2 years) adults participated in two experimental sessions involving either intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) or sham stimulation over PMd. Changes within M1 following the intervention were assessed with motor evoked potentials (MEP) recorded from right first dorsal interosseous muscle. We applied posterior-anterior (PA) and anterior-posterior (AP) current single-pulse TMS to assess corticospinal excitability (PA1mV; AP1mV; PA0.5mV, early; AP0.5mV, late), and paired-pulse TMS short intracortical facilitation for I-wave excitability (PA SICF, early; AP SICF, late). Although PMd iTBS potentiated PA1mV and AP1mV MEPs in both age groups (both P < 0.05), the time course of this effect was delayed for AP1mV in older adults (P = 0.001). Furthermore, while AP0.5mV, PA SICF, and AP SICF were potentiated in both groups (all P < 0.05), potentiation of PA0.5mV was only apparent in young adults (P < 0.0001). While PMd influences early and late I-wave excitability in young adults, direct PMd modulation of the early circuits is specifically reduced in older adults. Key points Interneuronal circuits responsible for late I-waves within primary motor cortex (M1) mediate projections from dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), but this communication likely changes with advancing age. We investigated the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to PMd on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of M1 excitability in young and older adults. We found that PMd iTBS facilitated M1 excitability assessed with posterior-anterior (PA, early I-waves) and anterior-posterior (AP, late I-waves) current TMS in young adults, with a stronger effect for AP TMS. M1 excitability assessed with AP TMS also increased in older adults following PMd iTBS, but there was no facilitation for PA TMS responses. We conclude that changes in M1 excitability following PMd iTBS are specifically reduced for the early I-waves in older adults, which could be a potential target for interventions that enhance cortical excitability in older adults. Abstract figure legend We investigated the effects of ageing on the influence of dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) on indirect (I) wave circuits within motor cortex (M1) by applying intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to PMd in young and older adults. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with posterior-anterior (PA) current to M1 was used to assess early I-wave circuits, whereas anterior-posterior (AP) current TMS was used to assess late I-wave circuits. Although we found that PMd iTBS increased M1 excitability for PA and AP TMS measures in young adults, facilitation in PA TMS was absent in older adults, suggesting that the influence of PMd on early I-waves is weakened with advancing age. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

An intersectionality approach to Indigenous oral health inequities; the super-additive impacts of racism and negative life events

Abstract: Indigenous Australians experience cumulative forms of oppression. Using intersectionality as the underlying analytical framework, and with oral health as an outcome, we demonstrate how oppressions are interlinked and cannot be treated in isolation. The study aimed to quantify the cumulative effect of two forms of oppression on Indigenous Australian oral health inequities.This observational study was conducted Feb 2018-Jan 2020. Recruitment occurred through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in South Australia, Australia. Eligibility included identifying as Indigenous, residing in South Australia and aged 18+ years. Socio-demographic factors, health-related characteristics, experience of racism, negative life events and self-reported oral health outcomes were collected. The main outcomes were fair/poor self-rated oral health and oral health related quality of life, measured by OHIP-14. Effect-measure modification was used to verify differences on effect sizes per strata of negative life events and racism. The presence of modification was indicated by Relative Excess Risk due to Interactions (RERIs).Data were obtained for 1,011 participants, median age 37 years, 66% female and 63% residing in non-metropolitan locations. Over half (52%) had experienced racism in the past 12 months and 85% had experienced one or more negative life events. Around one-third (34%) rated their oral health as fair/poor and the mean OHIP-14 score was 17. A higher proportion of participants who had experienced both racism and negative life events (46%) were male (52%), aged 37+ years (47%), resided in metropolitan locations (57%), reported difficulty paying a $100 dental bill (47%), had fair/poor self-rated oral health (54%) and higher mean OHIP-14 scores (20). The RERIs observed were 0.31 for fair/poor self-rated oral health and 0.23 for mean OHIP-14. The positive RERIs indicated a super-additive effect between racism, negative life events (effect modifier) and self-reported oral health outcomes.The more oppressions participants experienced, in the form of racism and negative life events, the greater the burden of poor self-reported oral health. The study is one of the first to use intersectionality as a theory to explain oral health inequities as experienced by Indigenous Australians.

Lightweight polyester fabric with elastomeric bismuth titanate composite for high-performing lead-free X-ray shielding

Abstract: To protect the workers from overexposure to X-ray radiation, conventional lead (Pb)-based aprons are widely applied to many medical institutions and nuclear industries. However, these Pb-based aprons have many disadvantages such as heaviness, toxicity, and discomfort wearing experience, there is thus a strong demand for the replacement using lightweight, Pb-free, and flexible X-ray shielding materials. In this study, a new solution using a sandwich-structure composite (polyester fabric-elastomeric bismuth titanate composite-polyester fabric) is explored to develop the superior X-ray shielding materials. To demonstrate this concept, nanosized bismuth titanate (BTO) was used as an effective shielding component, which was blended with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form a PDMS/BTO composite. The sandwich-structure PDMS/BTO coated polyester fabric (SL-PDMS/BTO-PES) was then fabricated using 2 × coated PES fabrics and compressed together. X-ray transmission of these SL-PDMS/BTO-PES fabrics with an average thickness at 1.1 mm was measured at 80 kVp and 100 kVp, showing 0.35 mm Pb-equivalent X-ray shielding ability. Moreover, this SL-PDMS/BTO-PES was 42% lighter than 0.35 mm Pb sheet, indicating that this lightweight and flexible sandwich-structure coated PES textile can be potentially engineered in the future for replacing the conventional Pb-vinyl X-ray shielding clothing.

Media, Democracy and Pluralism: Exploring a Radical Response to the Crisis of Journalism

Abstract: Professional journalism’s relationship with democracy has been tested in recent years. A so-called crisis of journalism has shaken several of the bedrocks upon which both journalism and liberal democracy are based. One response has been to try and rediscover and strengthen these foundations, and in the process for journalism to reaffirm its central place within democratic societies. In this paper, I theorise what might happen if we were to understand journalism in relation to a different form of democracy, a radical democracy. How might our understandings (public and academic) of journalism change, and how might journalism itself transform if it were to comprehend its vital public role in relation to a set of values, practices and systems radically different to those of dominant models of rational consensus? The article presents three main arguments. (1) The current crisis of journalism is predominantly built upon journalistic values associated with liberal and deliberative democracy. (2) This particular construction of crisis ignores the exclusions and inequalities of its rationalist foundations. (3) A radical democratic perspective provides a model through which to understand the crisis of journalism in a way that may address such exclusions.

Globally Optimal Event-Based Divergence Estimation for Ventral Landing

Abstract: Event sensing is a major component in bio-inspired flight guidance and control systems. We explore the usage of event cameras for predicting time-to-contact (TTC) with the surface during ventral landing. This is achieved by estimating divergence (inverse TTC), which is the rate of radial optic flow, from the event stream generated during landing. Our core contributions are a novel contrast maximisation formulation for event-based divergence estimation, and a branch-and-bound algorithm to exactly maximise contrast and find the optimal divergence value. GPU acceleration is conducted to speed up the global algorithm. Another contribution is a new dataset containing real event streams from ventral landing that was employed to test and benchmark our method. Owing to global optimisation, our algorithm is much more capable at recovering the true divergence, compared to other heuristic divergence estimators or event-based optic flow methods. With GPU acceleration, our method also achieves competitive runtimes.

Mitigating the Timing-Jitter in Terahertz Communications via Nyquist Pulse Shaping

Abstract: We propose and experimentally demonstrate a Nyquist pulse that can improve the error rate of a 311 GHz photonic-terahertz communications system by more than an order of magnitude at a normalized timing-jitter of 22 . 5% and 1.44 Gbit/s bit rate.

General practitioner assessment of lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease: a cross-sectional study in urban, rural and remote South Australia

Abstract: Background The assessment and management of the SNAP lifestyle risk factors (smoking, nutrition, alcohol intake and physical activity) is fundamental to primary prevention of chronic disease. This study investigates the prevalence of SNAP assessments conducted in South Australian general practice, according to patient risk profiles, and across urban, rural and remote locations.Methods A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in South Australia in 2017. Survey data included information on health characteristics, lifestyle risks and general practitioner (GP) assessments for 2775 participants, aged ≥18years, who visited a GP in the past 12months. The main outcome measure was assessment for two or more (≥2) SNAP risks in this time. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence of ≥2 SNAP assessments by remoteness area, using the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classifications for urban (MMM), rural (MMM3-4) and remote (MMM5-6), and adjusting for sociodemographic, SNAP lifestyle risks and clinical variables.Results Of the 2775 participants (mean age 49.1±18.7years; 52.7% women), 32% were assessed for ≥2 SNAP in the past 12months. The adjusted prevalence of assessments was higher in rural (43.8%; 95% CI 36.4–51.2%) than urban (29.7%; 95% CI 27.2–32.2%) or remote (34.7%; 95% CI 28.4–41.0%) areas. Depending on rurality, ≥2 SNAP assessments were 2.5–3.4times more likely among participants with existing cardiovascular disease, and two to seven times more likely among participants with three or four SNAP risk factors (P<0.05 in all cases).Conclusion Greater attention to GP SNAP assessments is warranted to match the prevalence of SNAP risks across South Australia.

Pre-eclampsia after Kidney Transplantation: Rates and Association with Graft Survival and Function

Abstract: Transplanted women have high rates of pre-eclampsia. However, determinants of pre-eclampsia and association with graft survival and function remain uncertain. We aimed to determine rates of pre-eclampsia and its association with kidney transplant survival and function.Retrospective cohort study analyzing post-kidney transplantation pregnancies (≥20 weeks gestation) from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (2000-2021). Graft survival was assessed in 3 models accounting for repeated pregnancies and episodes of pre-eclampsia.Pre-eclampsia status was captured in 357/390 pregnancies and occurred in 133 pregnancies (37%). The percentage of pregnancies reported to have pre-eclampsia rose from 27% in 2000-2004, to 48% from 2018-2021. Reported prior exposure to calcineurin inhibitors was high overall, and higher in women who had pre-eclampsia (97% vs 88%, p=0.005). Seventy-two (27%) graft failures were identified after a pregnancy, with median follow-up of 8.08 years. Although women with pre-eclampsia had higher median preconception serum creatinine concentration (1.24 ((IQR) 1.00-1.50) vs. 1.13 (0.99-1.36) mg/dL; p=0.02), in all survival models, pre-eclampsia was not associated with higher death-censored graft failure. In multivariable analysis of maternal factors (age, body mass index, primary kidney disease and transplant-pregnancy interval, preconception serum creatinine concentration, era of birth event and Tacrolimus or Cyclosporin exposure) only era and preconception serum creatinine concentration ≥1.24 mg/dL (odds ratio 2.48, 95% CI 1.19-5.18) was associated with higher pre-eclampsia risk. Both preconception eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m 2 (adjusted HR 5.55, 95% CI 3.27-9.44, p<0.001) and preconception serum creatinine concentration ≥1.24 mg/dL (adjusted HR 3.06, 95% CI 1.77-5.27, p<0.001) were associated with a higher risk of graft failure even after adjusting for maternal characteristics.In this large and contemporaneous registry cohort, pre-eclampsia was not associated with worse graft survival or function. Preconception kidney function was the main determinant of graft survival.

Seamless subseasonal probabilistic streamflow forecasting: MuTHRE lets you have your cake and eat it too&amp;#160;

Abstract: Subseasonal streamflow forecasts inform a multitude of water management decisions, from early flood warning to reservoir operation. &#8216;Seamless&#8217; probabilistic forecasts, i.e., forecasts that are reliable and sharp over a range of lead times (1-30 days) and aggregation time scales (e.g. daily to monthly) are of clear practical interest. However, existing forecast products are often &#8216;non-seamless&#8217;, i.e., developed and applied for a single time scale and lead time (e.g. 1 month ahead). If seamless forecasts are to be a viable replacement for existing &#8216;non-seamless&#8217; forecasts, it is important that they offer (at least) similar predictive performance at the time scale of the non-seamless forecast.This study compares forecasts from two probabilistic streamflow post-processing (QPP) models: the recently developed seamless daily Multi-Temporal Hydrological Residual Error (MuTHRE) model and the more traditional (non-seamless) monthly QPP model used in the Australian Bureau of Meteorology&#8217;s Dynamic Forecasting System. Streamflow forecasts from both post-processing models are generated for 11 Australian catchments, using the GR4J hydrological model and pre-processed rainfall forecasts from the ACCESS-S numerical weather prediction model. Evaluating monthly forecasts with key performance metrics (reliability, sharpness, bias and CRPS skill score), we find that the seamless MuTHRE model achieves essentially the same performance as the non-seamless monthly QPP model for the vast majority of metrics and temporal stratifications (months and years). As such, MuTHRE provides the capability of &#8216;seamless&#8217; daily streamflow forecasts with no loss of performance at the monthly scale &#8211; the modeller can proverbially &#8216;have their cake and eat it too&#8217;. This finding demonstrates that seamless forecasting technologies, such as the MuTHRE post-processing model, are not only viable, but a preferred choice for future research development and practical adoption in streamflow forecasting.

Current and emerging medications for the management of obesity in adults

Abstract: Medical Journal of AustraliaEarly View Letter Current and emerging medications for the management of obesity in adults Joshua M Inglis, Corresponding Author Joshua M Inglis [email protected] Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA Flinders University, Adelaide, SA University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA[email protected]Search for more papers by this authorGanessan Kichenadasse, Ganessan Kichenadasse Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA Flinders University, Adelaide, SASearch for more papers by this authorArduino A Mangoni, Arduino A Mangoni Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA Flinders University, Adelaide, SASearch for more papers by this author Joshua M Inglis, Corresponding Author Joshua M Inglis [email protected] Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA Flinders University, Adelaide, SA University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA[email protected]Search for more papers by this authorGanessan Kichenadasse, Ganessan Kichenadasse Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA Flinders University, Adelaide, SASearch for more papers by this authorArduino A Mangoni, Arduino A Mangoni Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA Flinders University, Adelaide, SASearch for more papers by this author First published: 04 July 2023 https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52028Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. References 1Walmsley R, Sumithran P. Current and emerging medications for the management of obesity in adults. Med J Aust 2023; 218: 276- 283. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/218/6/current-and-emerging-medications-management-obesity-adults#:~:text=Five%20agents%20are%20currently%20approved,receptor%20agonists%20liraglutide%20and%20semaglutide 2Smits MM, Van Raalte DH. Safety of semaglutide. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12: 645563. 3Abd El Aziz M, Cahyadi O, Meier JJ, et al. Incretin-based glucose-lowering medications and the risk of acute pancreatitis and malignancies: a meta-analysis based on cardiovascular outcomes trials. Diabetes Obes Metab 2020; 22: 699- 704. 4Bezin J, Gouverneur A, Pénichon M, et al. GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of thyroid cancer. Diabetes Care 2023; 46: 384- 390. 5Thompson CA, Stürmer T. Putting GLP-1 RAs and thyroid cancer in context: additional evidence and remaining doubts. Diabetes Care 2022; 46: 249- 251. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue ReferencesRelatedInformation