Search Results (3,259)

Background/Objectives: Diet quality indices (DQIs) are commonly used to evaluate the alignment of dietary intake with national dietary guidelines. However, few methods have been developed to apply DQIs to image-based dietary assessment tools. This study aimed to develop a novel food-based Diet Quality Score (DQS) and examine its construct validity in Australian adults aged 18–65 years living with a higher weight (BMI 30–45 kg/m²), using the validated Healthy Eating Index for Australians 2013 (HEIFA-2013) for comparison. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed dietary intake in 260 adults (mean age 48 ± 12 years; BMI 35.0 ± 4.2) collected over 4 days using the mobile Food Record (mFR™) and scored using the HEIFA-2013 and DQS (both scored out of 100). Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics with DQS and HEIFA-2013 scores. Construct validity was examined by assessing the associations between sociodemographic, health behaviour, anthropometric, and clinical blood marker variables and DQS and HEIFA-2013 scores. Multivariable binary logistic regression identified variables associated with being in the lowest diet quality tertile for both DQIs. Results: The mean scores were 47.4 ± 8.7 for the DQS and 52.0 ± 8.6 for HEIFA-2013. Both scores were positively associated with age (DQS: r = 0.216, p < 0.001; HEIFA-2013: r = 0.265, p < 0.001) and attention paid to the health aspects of their diet (DQS: p < 0.023; HEIFA-2013: p < 0.010). Increasing age (OR = 0.958, 95% CI: 0.932–0.985, p = 0.003) and moderate versus low physical activity (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21–0.80, p = 0.009) decreased odds of being in the lowest diet quality tertile for both DQI scores. Conclusions: The DQS demonstrated acceptable construct validity, providing a valid method for using image-based dietary assessments to evaluate diet quality in Australian populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neonatal hypoglycemia is one of the most common metabolic disturbances in the first 24–72 h of life. Despite its frequency, international and local guidelines differ regarding screening strategies, operational thresholds, and escalation pathways. This study is a systematic comparative review of international and local clinical guidelines regarding neonatal hypoglycemia management. Methods: We performed a systematic review of major guideline frameworks (AAP, BAPM, PES, CPS, Te Tohu Waihonga New Zealand, and Australian state-based guidance) and compared recommendations for risk factors, screening, treatment thresholds, and NICU admission. Results: All guidelines recommended targeted screening of at-risk neonates and immediate treatment of symptomatic hypoglycemia. However, there was no universal agreement on timing of the first blood glucose (BG) measurement, screening frequency, or minimum blood glucose threshold for initiating therapy during the transitional period. Contemporary guidelines endorse 40% oral dextrose gel as first-line therapy in selected cases. Conclusions: Despite numerical differences, guidelines converge on core management principles. Further comparative studies are required to define standardized intervention thresholds and optimal measurement strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: There is limited evidence supporting the incorporation of dietary patterns into heart failure (HF) management. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is linked to cardiovascular disease prevention, but evidence correlating DASH adherence to HF risk is sparse. This study is the first prospective investigation into the relationship between the DASH diet, incident HF and its associated risk factors—hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM)—in Australian women. Materials and Methods: Survey data (2001–2022) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) was analysed, where DASH diet scores were calculated from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) responses and categorised into quintiles. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between DASH adherence and incident HF. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for secondary endpoints, hypertension and DM, and dietary exposure was modelled as a time-varying covariate. Results: 10 594 women (mean age 52.5 ± 1.45 years) participated and, at 21-year follow-up, there were 136 (1.3%) cases of HF, 2182 (20.6%) and 994 (5.7%) cases of hypertension and DM, respectively. After adjustment for covariates (including age and socioeconomic factors), no association was found between the highest DASH quintile and incident HF [OR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.37–1.43; p = 0.20]. However, adjusted HRs for hypertension and DM—0.73 (95% CI: 0.63–0.84; p < 0.001) and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53–0.81; p < 0.001), respectively—indicated significant associations. Conclusions: In Australian women, DASH diet adherence was associated with a significantly lower risk of hypertension and DM, both of which are HF risk factors. The finding of no direct statistically significant association between the DASH diet and incident HF might reflect the small incidence of HF in our cohort. Full article

The commitment of Australian Universities in providing sustainability education and contributing to scholarly outputs in sustainability represents their critical efforts in supporting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using data collected on sustainability-focused unit offerings and bibliometric analysis on 3119 scholarly outputs extracted from Scopus, this study investigates the extent of engagement and contribution of business schools across Australia in cultivating a culture of sustainability among graduates. The results indicate that 63.15 percent of business schools offer sustainability units in either undergraduate or postgraduate business programs, or in both. Empirical findings highlight that AACSB accreditation status, QS World University Rankings, and size of the business school significantly influenced sustainability-focused unit offerings. Additionally, a clear upward trajectory in scholarly outputs during the study period was observed. The bibliometric analysis reveals that academics coauthored with peers from 109 countries. Among the key themes identified are: “sustainability”, “sustainable development”, “ecotourism”, and “environmental sustainability”. These findings suggest that the social sustainability domain, and the application of the degrowth research paradigm in sustainability research are underexplored. This study is significant as it provides useful insights into the extent of commitment of Australian business schools in advancing the SDGs over the past three decades. The findings are useful in informing future course offerings and research directions. Full article

Runway microtexture is a key parameter governing pavement friction. In recent years, several microtexture assessment methods have been developed; however, understanding of microtexture evolution under operational conditions, as well as the effects of maintenance techniques, remains limited. In this study, a runway at an Australian airport was investigated using laser profilometry. Measurements were conducted across multiple transverse sections, including aircraft touchdown and mid-runway zones. Microtexture deterioration rates were evaluated based on the estimated number of tire–pavement contacts, and aggregate polishing was assessed at different locations. Measurements were also performed after rubber contamination removal and rejuvenation treatments. The results indicate that approximately 25% of total microtexture reduction can be attributed to surface polishing, with a lower contribution in touchdown zones due to the protective effect of rubber deposits. A non-linear degradation trend was observed in touchdown zones, where approximately 1100 tire contacts reduced average microtexture roughness from 18 μm to 11 μm. Rubber removal effectively restored microtexture close to its original levels across the runway width. A rejuvenation treatment with a covering of fine sand initially improved microtexture; however, rapid deterioration occurred due to loss of the sand coating. These findings improve the understanding of microtexture evolution under operational runway conditions, albeit only at a case study level, and support more effective runway maintenance planning and intervention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The colonisation of Australia around 250 years ago left a significant enduring impact on the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Vitamin D may play a role in modulating mental health as its receptors are present in the brain regions associated with mood and behaviour regulation. We aimed to conduct an exploratory study to investigate associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale 5 (K5) [low/moderate vs. high/very high psychological distress] among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the 2012–2013 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey. Binary logistic regression was used to test associations between serum 25(OH)D concentration and K5, adjusting for age, sex, education, remoteness, socioeconomic status, season, alcohol intake, and smoking (n = 1983). Results: There was no association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and K5 in the total population. In our exploratory analyses, higher serum 25(OH)D concentration (per 10 nmol/L) was significantly associated with 10% lower odds of high/very high levels of psychological distress among females. When stratified by remoteness, higher serum 25(OH)D concentration (per 10 nmol/L) was significantly associated with 11% lower odds of high/very high levels of psychological distress among those living remotely. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest no association between serum 25(OH)D and K5 among the total population, but with some exploratory evidence of differences by sex and remoteness. Given the high prevalence of low vitamin D status among this population, promoting adequate vitamin D status remains an important public health issue. Full article

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is associated with elevated subsequent musculoskeletal (MSK) injury risk, yet no study has examined whether a mandatory post-concussion rest period mitigates this risk in professional Australian rules football. The aim of this study was to compare subsequent injury risk following SRC in Australian Football League (AFL) male athletes across two periods: a discretionary return-to-play period (2016 to 2019) and a mandatory 12-day non-competition period (2021 to 2024). Methods: Injury data were extracted from publicly available AFL injury reports across eight seasons (n = 4351 players). Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using log-binomial methods, with pooled estimates derived via the Mantel–Haenszel approach. Results: Across both periods, SRC significantly increased overall MSK injury risk compared to MSK-first injury risk (2016 to 2019: RR:1.59 [95%CI:1.31 to 1.92]; p < 0.001; 2021 to 2024: RR:1.56 [95%CI:1.28 to 1.91]; p < 0.001). Upper and lower limb injury risks were similarly elevated across both eras. Notably, the risk of subsequent concussion was significantly elevated during 2016 to 2019 (RR:3.14, p < 0.001), whereas no statistically significant elevation was demonstrated during 2021 to 2024 (RR:1.30, p = 0.324). Conclusions: During the 12-day rest period, subsequent concussion risk was no longer significantly elevated, while MSK injury risk remained increased, suggesting longer recovery periods may be warranted for full neuromuscular recovery following SRC. Full article

As the population ages and new therapies become available, general practitioners will have a significant role in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of dementia. However, both in Australia and globally, dementia remains under-recognised and under-diagnosed in primary care. The aim of this study is to develop a complex intervention, informed by behaviour change theory, to improve rates of dementia diagnoses in Australian primary care. Co-design participants included GPs, general practice nurses, practice managers and reception staff. A program logic model was used to describe the essential activities and mechanisms of the intervention. Six behaviour changes—education, training, enablement, modelling, persuasion, and environmental restructuring—were identified to address the identified barriers to dementia diagnosis in primary care. The intervention comprises seven activities—peer-led online dementia education and training, geriatrician ‘drop-in’ online support sessions, quality improvement in dementia care sessions, stand-alone videos, auditing and benchmarking, a dementia risk alert tool and a set of dementia diagnosis and management decision-making resources. Using behaviour change theory can assist in the development of complex interventions aimed at changing clinical practice and may assist in their evaluation. Full article

Background: One form of domestic and family violence (DFV) is financial abuse, which involves a person manipulating another person’s access to finances, assets, and financial decision-making. The aim of this study was to understand the perceived role of Australian financial institutions, government bodies and other key stakeholders in the prevention, early identification and resolution of financial abuse in small businesses. Methods: A single workshop was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2024. Representatives from five stakeholder groups were invited to participate: (i) Australian regulated financial institutions; (ii) Australian unregulated commercial lenders; (iii) government bodies; (iv) small business professional services organisations and their peak bodies; and (v) industry and representative bodies. Results: Four main themes were generated relating to the prevention, early identification and resolution of financial abuse in small businesses: (1) shining a light on financial abuse; (2) detecting and revealing red flags; (3) business lending practices create vulnerability; and (4) building a collective response. Conclusion: Whilst institutions demonstrate inherent potential for addressing family violence and financial abuse within small business contexts, realising this capacity requires substantial investment in education, contextual literacy development, collective responses and structural and legislative reform. Full article

Digital transformation has become one of the key drivers of airport sustainability development; however, existing digital maturity frameworks are not fully tailored to the aviation context, particularly within Australia. This study built a conceptual digital maturity model for Australian airports by integrating ISO/IEC maturity framework with the Airport 1.0–5.0 concept. A structured literature review informed the dimension formulation, and the model was validated through case studies of Australia’s Big 4 airports and one regional airport. The findings show that the Big 4 airports have largely achieved Airport 4.0 maturity, while Cairns Airport demonstrates maturity between Airport 2.5 and 3.0. These results confirm the model’s applicability and discriminative capability across diverse operational scales. The proposed model offers a practical, context-specific framework for benchmarking, planning, and guiding digital transformation initiatives across Australian airports. Full article

Background: Statins have anti-inflammatory properties beyond their lipid-lowering effects, but their impact on skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) remains unclear. This study evaluated whether statins improve clinical outcomes in patients hospitalised with SSTIs. Methods: Adults aged ≥18 years hospitalised with SSTIs at a tertiary hospital in Australia between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes. Patients were categorised into two groups based on statin use at admission. Multivariable regression models assessed differences in clinical outcomes including length of hospital stay (LOS), septic shock, Medical Emergency Response Team (MET) calls, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality and 30-day readmissions, adjusting for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index and C-reactive protein levels. Results: Of 387 admissions, complete data were available for 381 patients. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 58.5 years (21.9 years), and 55.9% were male. Statins were used by 110 patients (28.9%) at admission. Statin users were older, had more comorbidities, and were more likely to have positive culture results than statin non-users (p < 0.05). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) LOS was significantly longer for statin users compared to non-users (4 [2, 7] versus 3 [2, 5] days, p < 0.05). However, after adjusted analysis, LOS was not significantly different between the two groups (adjusted incidence risk ratio [aIRR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.20, p = 0.134). Other clinical outcomes were also similar between the two groups. Conclusions: This study found that statin use at admission was not associated with statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes among patients hospitalised with SSTIs. Full article

The knowledge base for many small vertebrate species remains limited, largely because traditional manual data collection methods often overlook less charismatic species, such as reptiles. To address this, our pilot study harnesses open-source deep learning and markerless pose estimation technologies to evaluate the technical feasibility of tracking the spatial use and activity profiles of captive ectotherms. Specifically, we tracked these patterns over two months in a dynamically modified environment for Australian barking geckos (Underwoodisaurus milii). Our findings reveal descriptive changes in spatial occupancy and proximity across varying structural layouts. The system achieved a high raw detection accuracy (96.4%) and spatial categorization accuracy (91.7%) when validated against manual ground-truth data, confirming its robust technical performance and precision. Additionally, we automatically evaluated spatial proxies such as activity time budget, velocity, acceleration, and height usage, standardizing the analysis of extensive video recordings for nocturnal species. This pilot test introduces a simple, cost-effective method for rapid data extraction, offering a reliable, scalable monitoring solution for the management of understudied species. Full article

Given the increasing frequency, severity, and socioecological impacts of wildfires, there is an urgent need for robust frameworks to better characterize fire behavior and flammability patterns across ecosystems to support early warning, mitigation, and management strategies. However, flammability remains difficult to quantify and scale, as it involves multiple interacting components that are typically measured at the bench scale. This study aimed to establish empirical links between spectral information, plant traits, and flammability metrics, and to scale these relationships to satellite imagery to translate these metrics into a spatial context. We combined laboratory spectroscopy, plant trait measurements including leaf mass per area, carbon, and cellulose, and combustion experiments using a simple and reproducible burning device. In total, 84 samples were collected and analysed, allowing us to characterise how spectral signatures relate to vegetation traits and fire behaviour. Spectral indices were developed to estimate plant traits, which were subsequently used as predictors in flammability models. These models were then transferred to Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) hyperspectral imagery to derive spatial estimates across eucalypt forests and grasslands of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Spectral information distinguished fuel types and captured variability of the plant traits, while these traits showed associations with combustion behaviour. Based on these links, the best-performing model predicted the rate of temperature increase, a combustibility metric, in eucalypt forests (R² = 0.70; Root Mean Square Error = 32.48 °C/s). In contrast, grassland models showed limited predictive performance, likely due to weaker relationships between plant traits and flammability metrics. Overall, this study demonstrates a practical and scalable approach for deriving flammability maps from hyperspectral and in situ data, highlighting the potential of plant-trait-based remote sensing. The resulting maps should not be interpreted as standalone fire risk products, but rather as a characterization of the structural and biochemical drivers of flammability. The main constraint of this work is the limited sample size. Future research should expand spatial and temporal coverage to better capture vegetation variability and enable the inclusion of independent validation datasets. Exploring alternative combustion protocols and testing more advanced spectral modelling approaches for trait estimation would provide additional insights. Full article

Background: Loneliness and social isolation are major public health challenges linked to premature mortality and significant healthcare and productivity costs. However, their geographic distribution and socio-demographic determinants remain poorly understood, with few studies applying spatial methods to identify high-need areas and protective factors. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the geographic distribution and determinants of loneliness and social isolation across Australia using a spatial epidemiological approach. Utilising longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, along with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census data, greenness vegetation index and walkability index, we employed Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models to assess spatial and temporal patterns at the Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) over a 22-year period and present the relative risks (RR) and credible intervals (CrI). Results: Our analysis revealed spatial variation in the RR of both loneliness and social isolation, with notable hotspots in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. In multivariable models, area-level socio-economic disadvantage (as measured by the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage, IRSAD) (RR = 0.8, 95% CrI: 0.76–0.85) for the highest quintile (most advantaged) and a higher prevalence of depression and/or anxiety (RR = 4.3, 95% CrI: 3.0–6.1) were associated independently with relative risk of loneliness but not with age structure, remoteness, green space or walkability index. For social isolation, higher average hospital admission rates per region were the strongest factor. Conclusions: The spatial heterogeneity observed in our study underscores the need for place-based public health responses, including community-based interventions and targeted resource allocation, especially in disadvantaged communities. Full article

Current research directed toward exploring the complexities of experiences within video gaming culture often comprises male-majority yet mixed-gender samples. Although valuable, these findings do not provide a male-representative overview of male gamers and risk diluting male gamer experiences as universal to all gamers, losing valuable gendered perspectives. In our study, we aimed to bridge this research gap by addressing: “What are the experiences of male gamers in online video gaming environments?” Through a qualitative, exploratory approach, underpinned by social constructionist epistemology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 Australian adult male-identifying people who self-identified as online gamers (aged 18–36 years). Interviews were analysed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis, and findings present an overview of the complex social dynamics that shape male gamer experiences. Participants discussed experiences with toxicity online and frequently attributed problematic behaviour to characteristics they described as unrepresentative of male gamers broadly. They further described the sophisticated nature of online socialisation regarding the depth of bonds formed through gaming, which, at times, constitute larger online communities. These were navigated through a multitude of social criteria, revealing the underlying sociological structures that maintain dynamics within gaming environments. As such, broader concerns for the sociocultural status of men arose, particularly the problematisation of masculinity, which participants countered through identity management strategies aimed at restoring their reputation. Our findings highlight implications surrounding the importance of accounting for gendered meaning within gaming-based academic discourse and encourage public discourse surrounding problematic behaviour online to be redirected toward systems-level approaches. Full article