Charles Darwin University

Safón V., Docampo D., Cram L.

Abstract We introduce reputable citations (RC), a method to screen and segment a collection of papers by decoupling popularity and influence. We demonstrate RC using recent works published in a large set of mathematics journals from Clarivate’s Incites Essential Science Indicators, leveraging Clarivate’s Web of Science for citation reports and assigning prestige values to institutions based on well-known international rankings. We compare researchers drawn from two samples: highly cited researchers (HC) and mathematicians whose influence is acknowledged by peers (Control). RC scores distinguish the influence of researchers beyond citations, revealing highly cited mathematical work of modest influence. The control group, comprising peer-acknowledged researchers, dominates the top tier of RC scores despite having fewer total citations than the HC group. Influence, as recognized by peers, does not always correlate with high citation counts, and RC scores offer a nuanced distinction between the two. With development, RC scores could automate screening of citations to identify exceptional and influential research, while addressing manipulative practices. The first application of RC reveals mathematics works that may be cited for reasons unrelated to genuine research advancements, suggesting a need for continued development of this method to mitigate such trends. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00355

Rachmansah A., Christian K., Murphy B.P., Schlesinger C., Andersen A.N.

ABSTRACTDisturbance is fundamental to the state and dynamics of biological communities, and understanding biotic responses to disturbance is critical to effective biodiversity conservation. However, a predictive understanding of how faunal communities respond to habitat disturbance remains elusive. Recently, a conceptual framework centred on habitat openness was developed for understanding ant responses to disturbance. It proposes that habitat openness is a fundamental driver of variation among ant communities, and that the primary impacts of disturbance are mediated through ant functional responses to changes in openness. Like ants, terrestrial reptiles are ectotherms and are therefore especially sensitive to disturbance‐induced increases in habitat openness because of changes in the thermal environment. Therefore, reptiles might also be expected to conform to a disturbance framework based on habitat openness. Here we assess the extent to which this occurs by combining a quantitative analysis of recent publications with a broader synthesis of the literature. We found strong support for the framework applying to terrestrial reptiles. We suggest that the framework can be strengthened by a mechanistic understanding of functional traits in relation to habitat openness. For ectotherms, ecophysiological traits could be particularly important for responding to disturbance‐mediated changes in microclimate, but habitat openness also influences other important factors such as food availability and predation. Finally, the framework appears to be highly applicable to a wider range of faunal groups beyond ants and reptiles.

Bramwell J., Kovaleva N., Morigi J.J., Currie B.J.

Melioidosis is an endemic tropical disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It typically causes pulmonary disease and bacteraemia but can disseminate to cause multi-organ disease. 18-F FDG PET/CT has an evolving role in diagnosing other infectious diseases, especially where the pathogen or extent of infection is challenging to elucidate clinically and with conventional imaging (CT, US and MRI). We present a case series of patients diagnosed with melioidosis who also underwent 18-F FDG PET/CT from December 18th 2018 to September 30th 2022. Indications for imaging were categorised and analysed as to whether 18-F FDG PET/CT changed management over conventional imaging. Twenty-one 18-F FDG PET/CT scans were performed for sixteen patients. Two scans (9.5%) performed for pyrexia of unknown origin changed management in both cases. Twelve scans (57.1%) performed to ascertain the extent of dissemination of melioidosis changed management in only three (25%) cases. Five scans (23.8%) performed to monitor the response to treatment of known foci changed management in all five cases. Five scans (23.8%) performed for suspected or known malignancy changed management in three (60%) cases. 18-F FDG PET/CT is an emerging tool which improves diagnosis and changes the management of melioidosis when applied judiciously and for well-selected indications.

Reilly R., McKetin R., Barzi F., Degan T., Ezard N., Conigrave K., Butt J., Roe Y., Wand H., Quinn B., Longbottom W., Treloar C., Dunlop A., Ward J.

Background Digital interventions can help to overcome barriers to care, including stigma, geographical distance, and a lack of culturally appropriate treatment options. “We Can Do This” is a web-based app that was designed with input from cultural advisors and end users to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to stop or reduce their use of methamphetamine and increase psychosocial well-being. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the “We Can Do This” web-based app as a psychosocial treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who use methamphetamine. Methods The web app was evaluated using a randomized waitlist controlled parallel group trial. Participants were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years or older who self-identified as having used methamphetamine at least weekly for the past 3 months. Participants were randomized on a 1:1 ratio to receive either access to the web-based app for 6 weeks or a waitlist control group. Both groups received access to a website with harm minimization information. The primary outcome was days of methamphetamine use in the past 4 weeks assessed at 1, 2, and 3 months post randomization. Secondary outcomes included severity of methamphetamine dependence (Severity of Dependence Scale [SDS]), psychological distress (Kessler 10 [K10]), help-seeking behavior, and days spent out of role due to methamphetamine use. Results Participants (N=210) were randomized to receive either access to the web-based app (n=115) or the waitlist control condition (n=95). Follow-up was 63% at 1 month, 57% at 2 months, and 54% at 3 months. There were no significant group differences in days of methamphetamine use in the past 4 weeks at 1 the month (mean difference 0.2 days, 95% CI –1.5 to –2), 2 months (mean difference 0.6 days, 95% CI –1 to 2.4 days) or 3 months (mean difference 1.4 days, 95% CI –0.3 to 3.3 days) follow-up. There were no significant group differences in K10 scores, SDS scores, days out of role, or help-seeking at any of the 3 follow-up timepoints. There was poor adherence to the web-based app, only 20% of participants in the intervention group returned to the web-based app after their initial log-in. Participants cited personal issues and forgetting about the web-based app as the most common reasons for nonadherence. Conclusions We found poor engagement with this web-based app. The web-based app had no significant effects on methamphetamine use or psychosocial well-being. Poor adherence and low follow-up hindered our ability to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of the web-based app. Future web-based apps for this population need to consider methods to increase participant engagement. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000134123p; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376088 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/14084

Twyman L., Walsberger S., Baker A.L., Ahmadi S., Oldmeadow C., Weber M., Lawn S., Hefler M., Bowman J., Boss P., Ko K., Scott A., Fienberg B., Watts C., Brooks A., et. al.

AbstractAimTo test the effectiveness of an organisational change intervention aimed at increasing the offer of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in community managed mental health organisations.DesignA pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial with cluster as the unit of randomisation and six‐ and nine‐month follow‐up from baseline.SettingTwelve clusters comprising 26 sites providing community based, psychosocial support to people with severe mental illness in New South Wales, Australia, were randomised to control (n = 13 sites, n = 118 consumers) or intervention (n = 13 sites, n = 139 consumers) arms between 2018 and 2019.ParticipantsEligible consumers (aged 16 years and older; self‐reported daily or occasional cigarette use) completed surveys at baseline (n = 257) and at six‐ (n = 162, 63%) and nine‐month follow‐up (n = 144, 56%).InterventionThe intervention included a financial grant, face‐to‐face and on‐line training and proactive monthly support to guide implementation. The active control condition included on‐line training and generic, scheduled support via email.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was whether consumers reported receiving an offer of NRT at nine‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcomes at the consumer, staff and organisational level were also measured.FindingsConsumers in the intervention group had statistically significantly higher odds of being offered NRT at nine‐month follow‐up compared with control (intention to treat missing = no offer: 38% versus 7%, odds ratio 5.72, 95% confidence interval = 2.2, 14.9). There were no statistically significant differences in seven‐day point prevalence or continuous abstinence at six‐ or nine‐month follow‐ups.ConclusionsAn organisational change‐based program led to an increase in the offer of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) nine months after program initiation in community managed mental health organisations, compared with active control. There was evidence of greater NRT use in the intervention condition at nine months but no evidence of differences on abstinence measures at six or nine months.

Parmar J.S., Thapa P., Micheal S., Dune T., Lim D., Alford S., Mistry S.K., Arora A.

Peer support is a widely adopted strategy in higher education, facilitating student engagement in socially safe groups to enhance knowledge and social skills. While its benefits are recognized during in-person education, evidence supporting these benefits in an online format of study, especially among postgraduate health students, remains scarce. This study explored the impact of a peersupport program on the social and emotional well-being of postgraduate health students who were studying online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Peer support groups were implemented for a mixed group of local and international students enrolled in a postgraduate health subject delivered online in 2021 at Western Sydney University, Australia. Data were collected using four focus group discussions conducted via Zoom, transcribed verbatim, translated (as required), and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Three major themes were identified: (i) emotional well-being and social support; (ii) social interactions and forming friendships; and (iii) facilitators and barriers to engagement. This study highlights the positive impact of the peer support program in enhancing social and emotional well-being among post-graduate health students, with most being international students. Despite the challenges posed by online learning during COVID-19, students experienced significant social, emotional, and cultural benefits from participating in the peer support program.

Rochelmeyer E., Evans T., Eggleton P., Murphy B.P., Levick S.R., Stobo‐Wilson A.M., Richards A.E.

Abstract Tropical savannas typically experience high fire frequencies, with prescribed fire commonly used as a management tool. Termites play an important role in the ecological functioning of tropical savannas, yet we have a limited understanding of how fire affects these important ecosystem engineers. To account for the effects of fire management on ecosystem structure and function, we need to understand the links between fire management and termite communities. This study used a long‐term (18‐year) fire experiment in a tropical savanna near Darwin, northern Australia, to investigate the effects of different fire regimes on termite species composition, abundance and activity. We measured termite abundance and activity using a combination of baiting and reduced transect survey methods and compared these with fire activity (summarised fire frequency and intensity) and woody cover. Termite species richness was similar across all fire treatments, and the level of fire activity had a minimal effect on species composition, which was more strongly influenced by woody cover. Wood‐feeding termite abundance and the consumption of wood baits were negatively correlated with fire activity and positively correlated with woody cover. Soil/wood interface‐feeding termites showed no correlation with fire activity but a positive correlation with woody cover. Significant negative mediation effects of fire activity through woody cover were detected on the abundance of wood‐ and soil/wood interface feeders and wood and straw bait consumption. Grass‐feeding termites were encountered too infrequently to draw conclusions about their correlation with fire activity and woody cover; however, straw bait consumption was positively correlated with fire activity. Synthesis and applications. The effects of fire on termite abundance and activity are primarily indirect, mediated through changes in vegetation structure. As high fire activity is associated with reduced woody cover, maintaining regimes of frequent, high‐intensity fires over the long term has the potential to affect ecosystem function. While minimising the occurrence of high‐intensity, late dry season fires is consistent with fire management goals in these savannas, care is still required to avoid the negative consequences of high fire frequencies.

Berhane T., Bayfield A., Howarth T., James K., Muthumala A., Mo L., Willson K., Heraganahally S.S.

ABSTRACTThis cross‐sectional study assessed the clinical and economic costs (Inpatient Activity Database) associated with hospitalisations due to bronchiectasis exacerbations among adult indigenous patients in the Top End, Northern Territory. Twenty case episodes from 15 indigenous patients with a mean age of 51.8 ± 12.7 years were recorded in a 3‐month study window. The estimated cost was AUD 400 579.9, with cost per patient AUD 26 705 over 3 months and average cost per admission AUD 20 029. Extrapolating cost data across a 10‐year period gave a conservative estimate of AUD 28 million.

Sun X., Wu Y., Wang H., He S., Young D.J., Thennadil S., Raston C.L., Abukhadra M.R., El-Sherbeeny A.M., Deng S., Jellicoe M.

IntroductionProcessing with a continuous flow thin film vortex fluidic device (VFD) significantly improves the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of barramundi skin gelatin compared with conventional methodology.MethodsDegree of hydrolysis, scanning electron microscopy, rheological properties, texture profile analysis, and dynamic light scattering were applied in this study.Results and discussionThe processing time was reduced from 120 min to 20 min, and the degree of hydrolysis increased from 55.0 to 74.5%. VFD-treated gelatin hydrolysates were combined with starch in different proportions for use as 3D printing inks. The ink composed of 60% starch and 40% fish gelatin hydrolyate gave an ink with a regular crosslinked internal structure, relatively high storage modulus (G’), adhesiveness (399 g.sec) and loss modulus (G”) suitable for 3D printing. This new, one-step processing methodology has the potential to add value to an abundant waste product of the seafood industry.

Woinarski J.C., Garnett S.T., Legge S.M.

Most conservation programs and laws aim to prevent extinction. However, there is a gulf between such aspirations and the current reality of escalating biodiversity loss. This review focuses on efforts to prevent extinctions in Australia, but much of this consideration is likely to apply globally. As context, we consider the reasons for trying to prevent extinction, review Australia's extinction record, and note that there are likely to be many more extinctions than formally recognized. We describe recent cases where conservation actions have prevented extinction. We note that extinction is a pathway rather than solely an endpoint, and many decisions made or not made on that pathway can determine the fate of species. We conclude that all looming extinctions can and should be prevented. This will require transformational change in legislation, increased resourcing, more consideration of poorly known species, and increased societal recognition of the need to be responsible for the care of country.

Shalley F., Wilson T.

Simpson A., Smith J., Yates M., Barden H., Gorton C., Templeton M.

Chen S., Xu C., Mazhar M.S., Naiker M.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), a globally popular tropical fruit, is highly regarded for its unique sensory attributes and potential health benefits. However, the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles that define its aroma and flavor are underexplored. This exploratory study investigates the VOC profiles of Australian-grown and imported dragon fruit, focusing on free volatiles and glycosidically bound volatiles released through acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. The analysis aims to uncover the competitive advantages of Australian-grown dragon fruit, providing a scientific foundation for establishing industry standards in Australia, where such standards are currently absent. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and statistical analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA), this study revealed significant differences in VOC profiles influenced by variety and growing region. Northern Territory-grown white-fleshed dragon fruit (NTW) displayed the most diverse and unique volatile profile, with key unique contributors such as acetoin, phenylethyl alcohol, and prenol, highlighting its potential as a premium product. Despite regional similarities, Queensland-grown white- (QLDW) and red-fleshed (QLDR) dragon fruit exhibited distinct profiles, with compounds such as farnesol and linoleic acid ethyl ester serving as distinguishing markers. Overseas white- (OverseasW) and red-fleshed (OverseasR) samples had less complex profiles, likely related to earlier harvesting and postharvest treatments, emphasizing the impact of such practices on volatile complexity. Glycosidically bound volatiles were identified as latent precursors that enhance aroma during ripening and processing. This research underscores the importance of VOC profiling in potentially assisting with establishing industry standards for Australian dragon fruit, enabling the differentiation of domestic varieties from imports and enhancing market competitiveness. As this is a novel and exploratory study, future research should prioritize the identification of unknown compounds and refine methodologies to better understand the dynamic changes in VOCs during storage and ripening. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing postharvest practices and developing standards that support the Australian dragon fruit industry’s growth and global positioning.

Jones B., Mitchell A., Haynes E., Howard N.J., Wade V., Pears C., Rossingh B., Gatti J., Ramadani S., Corpus E., Yan J., Marangou J., Kaethner A., Bailey M., Francis J.R., et. al.

Abstract Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is highly prevalent and under-detected in remote First Nations Australian communities. Rural communities face severe health workforce shortages that impact negatively on health outcomes. Task-sharing using local healthcare workers, trained to screen for active RHD cases (using handheld ultrasound with remote support from experts), has been proposed as a means of improving early detection whilst also strengthening referral pathways. Implementing new models of care within remote communities, however, requires local knowledge, cultural and operational adaptation, whilst ensuring consistency and quality assurance across multiple sites. This study aimed to co-design local implementation strategies for an RHD active case finding program with five remote communities and explain how and why the task-sharing program might lead to improved health outcomes. Methods A qualitative study using a Theory of Change approach and ‘yarning’ methods, was conducted with five remote First Nations Australian communities. We used a combination of participant observation, extensive field notes over sequential visits to each site, supplemented with document analysis to inform co-design of Theories of Change for each community. Data were curated using NVivo software and analysed using Powell’s refined compilation of implementation strategies framework. Results Through the co-design process, a total of 24 locally tailored implementation strategies were identified. All sites identified the need for a positive implementation environment, including recognition of local healthcare workers through positive messaging and celebratory events for achieving key training milestones. Other key themes included the importance of opportunistic RHD screening, and the integration of local languages during both training and screening. Five locally adapted versions of the Theory of Change were co-designed to include planned outcomes, assumptions, causal mechanisms, and indicators for the program at each community. Conclusions Our study identified implementation strategies and Theories of Change for the training and screening aspects of a new model of care for RHD screening in five remote First Nation Australian communities. These findings will be used to support future program evaluation and exploration the mechanisms by which the RHD screening program achieves its outcomes.

Rexroade A.T., Wallin M.B., Duvert C.

AbstractGreenhouse gas emission estimates from streams rely, in part, on accurate measurements or estimates of the gas transfer velocity, which describes the physical efficiency for gas exchange across the water‐air interface. Numerous methods for measuring or modeling gas transfer velocity exist, yet few studies compare these different methods. Additionally, current models of gas transfer velocity in streams are predominantly derived from measurements in low‐gradient, temperate, or boreal streams. Here, we measured gas transfer velocity using four different methods in a high‐energy, tropical headwater stream under a range of flow conditions, and compared these measurements to indirect estimates from four empirical models. Our results show that, when compared to the use of a biologically inert gas tracer (propane), floating chambers produced lower gas transfer velocity values. Using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a tracer gas was unreliable without considering other natural sources and sinks of CO2 and yielded gas transfer velocities lower than when using propane. Existing empirical models tended to underestimate gas transfer velocity, compared to the inert tracer gas. When using empirical models to upscale the emission flux along an entire stream reach, choice of model was more influential than the spatial resolution of model implementation. We also highlight the extreme spatial variability of gas transfer velocity across small spatial scales, which contrasts with its relative stability across changing hydrological conditions. The discrepancies between methods highlight the need for further research in measuring and upscaling gas transfer velocity, particularly in very turbulent steep streams.