University of South Australia

About: University of South Australia is a education organization based out in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 10086 authors who have published 32587 publications receiving 913683 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of South Australia & UniSA.

Language assessment literacy as self-awareness: Understanding the role of interpretation in assessment and in teacher learning

Abstract: The increasing influence of sociocultural theories of learning on assessment practices in second language education necessitates an expansion of the knowledge base that teacher-assessors need to de...

The COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons on building more equal and sustainable societies

Abstract: This discussion paper by a group of scholars across the fields of health, economics and labour relations argues that COVID-19 is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis from which there can be no retu...

Control of Fluoroquinolone Resistance through Successful Regulation, Australia

Abstract: Fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs are highly bioavailable, broad-spectrum agents with activity against gram-negative pathogens, especially those resistant to other classes of antimicrobial drugs. Australia has restricted the use of quinolones in humans through its national pharmaceutical subsidy scheme; and, through regulation, has not permitted the use of quinolones in food-producing animals. As a consequence, resistance to fluoroquinolones in the community has been slow to emerge and has remained at low levels in key pathogens, such as Escherichia coli. In contrast to policies in most other countries, this policy has successfully preserved the utility of this class of antimicrobial drugs for treatment of most infections.

Vitamin D and bone health.

Abstract: Current data demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency contributes to the aetiology of at least two metabolic bone diseases, osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Osteomalacia, or rickets in children, results from a delay in mineralization and can be resolved by normalization of plasma calcium and phosphate homeostasis independently of vitamin D activity. The well characterized endocrine pathway of vitamin D metabolism and activities is solely responsible for vitamin D regulating plasma calcium and phosphate homeostasis and therefore for protecting against osteomalacia. In contrast a large body of clinical data indicate that an adequate vitamin D status as represented by the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration protects against osteoporosis by improving bone mineral density and reducing the risk of fracture. Interestingly adequate serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations do not reduce the risk of fracture. In vitro human bone cell cultures and animal model studies indicate that 25-hydroxyvitamin D can be metabolised to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D by each of the major bone cells to activate VDR and modulate gene expression to reduce osteoblast proliferation and stimulate osteoblast and osteoclast maturation. These effects are associated with increased mineralization and decreased mineral resorption. Dietary calcium interacts with vitamin D metabolism at both the renal and bone tissue levels to direct either a catabolic action on bone through the endocrine system or an anabolic action through a bone tissue autocrine or paracrine system.

A wearable computer system with augmented reality to support terrestrial navigation

Abstract: To date augmented realities are typically operated in only a small defined area, in the order of a large room. This paper reports on our investigation into expanding augmented realities to outdoor environments. The project entails providing visual navigation aids to users. A wearable computer system with a see-through display, digital compass, and a differential GPS are used to provide visual cues while performing a standard orienteering task. This paper reports the outcomes of a set of trials using an off the shelf wearable computer, equipped with a custom built navigation software package, "map-in-the-hat".