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Musical Futures (MF) is an internationally recognised approach to music teaching aimed at developing high levels of student engagement through practical music making. Set up in the UK in 2003 "Musical Futures" is typical of approaches to education aimed at increasing levels of student autonomy through a strong emphasis on student-led discovery learning. A study was undertaken in 2020 to 2021 in New Zealand which investigated how a small number of teachers understand and utilise "Musical Futures" as an approach for classroom music teaching. The data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with teachers in New Zealand and leaders of the "Musical Futures International" team in Australia who offer training in New Zealand. Green's original conceptualisation of informal learning was used as the main theoretical bench-mark against which teacher practices were compared and the findings reveal a shift away from the original idea of a discovery approach "into the deep end," to more systemised learning. Bernstein's concept of recontextualisation is used to make sense of this process of adaptation and change in the curriculum making process.

As we enter a world of blended learning in higher education, an increased need for adaptation of teaching strategies to enhance engagement has been recognised to amplify learning outcomes online. Gamification has been identified as a creative tool to engage the current cohort of learners who are also characteristically tech-savvy. To this end, escape room games have gained considerable traction in medical and pharmacy education to promote learning, critical thinking and teamwork. In this pilot study we describe the implementation of a 60-minute, web-based hepatitis-themed escape room game within a Year 3 Pharmacotherapy unit at Monash University. A total of 418 students participated in this activity. Students' knowledge gain on the topic was assessed through a pre- and post-intervention assessment, whereby a statistically significant improvement was seen in the knowledge score following implementation of the gaming activity (58.66% pre-intervention vs. 72.05% post-intervention, p < 0.05). The innovative learning activity was also well perceived by the students. Virtual escape room game is a viable pedagogical approach to teach and reinforce clinical concepts among pharmacy students. With the evolving landscape of education and learner demographics, investment in technology- enhanced game-based learning is a promising trajectory to support students' growth in a learner-centered environment. A comparison between virtual escape room game and traditional teaching will further inform effectiveness of the gamification on long term knowledge retention.

The use of mentoring has nowadays become a predominant practice for the professional placement component of pre-service teacher education programs. Research however has identified that being an effective teacher does not make you an effective mentor. The present research investigated the role of professional development in the preparation of mentor teachers for their mentoring roles. Specifically, this paper presents the findings of a pilot mentoring preparation course that engaged mentor teachers in developing their knowledge about the nature and process of mentoring and the roles of mentors and mentees. Data about changed understandings of mentoring and changed mentoring practices of the mentor teachers who participated were gathered. The findings presented here are intended to inform the development of future professional development courses for mentor teachers who intend to mentor pre-service teachers.

This paper reports on research conducted in two Australian universities to evaluate factors that are perceived to significantly impact on the professional experiences of pre-service teachers during practicum. Contextualised within teacher education programs in an urban university in Tasmania and a regional university in Queensland, the particular focus of this paper is the beliefs and experiences of school and university supervising staff members regarding the efficacy of the practicum in enabling students to integrate into practice the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their university coursework. Findings generated from the comparative analysis of both mixed methods studies revealed some differences but predominantly a number of similarities between the perceptions of the two samples of school practitioners and university staff members towards practicum. Three key findings are presented and discussed in this paper. (Contains 2 tables.)

• Whole-population analysis of access to high-quality ECE using a national standard. • Inequities of access associated with geographic and socio-economic disadvantage. • Recent immigrants over-represented in poor quality services. • Calls for interrogation and identification of effective thresholds of quality. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (4.2) calls for all children to have access to high quality Early Childhood Education (ECE), recognising the potential of ECE to promote children's development and ongoing national prosperity. Yet, in marketized systems both structural features (availability and affordability of services) and social factors (family knowledge and social connection) can drive inequitable access to the highest quality provision. In the current study, we analyse data for N =77,113 children in Australia's new whole-population integrated database to ask: Who accesses high-quality ECE services? Australia's national quality rating of ECE services provided whole-of-country standard measurement of ECE quality. We find that, although Australia provides an income-scaled subsidy to families to enable ECE attendance, inequalities are seen in the quality of service accessed. Families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and those living in regional and remote locations are under-represented in services rated high-quality. Recent immigrants, regardless of their economic status, are most likely to attend poorer quality services. These findings highlight the need to identify and remediate mechanisms preventing those most likely to benefit from the highest quality ECE from access. Such actions are critical to deliver on the promise of ECE to disrupt intergenerational disadvantage and enable sustainable national development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within many preservice teacher education programs in Australia, mentoring is used as the overarching methodology for the professional placement. The professional placement is considered to be a key component of learning to teach, and typically a dyad mentoring model is utilized. However, it is reported that many preservice teachers experience a less than successful placement when a dyad model is used. This research explored an alternative mentoring model that placed two preservice teachers with a classroom teacher and investigated the mentoring that transpired. The research examined the interactions that occurred between the triad members, in particular those that took place between the two preservice teachers as peers. A theoretical framework that focused on a holistic mentoring model was utilized to frame the research and analyze the data. It was found that the use of a mentoring triad extended the scope of mentor support that can be provided to preservice teachers.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate workplace learning in the context of the rail industry, specifically for the type of learning required to become a train driver. It examines the impact of changes to the traditional learning model, and explores the potential of mentoring in the learning/training model. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper uses a participative research approach to examine training experiences with trainee drivers and driver trainers (n = 61) in six Australian rail organisations. The data are synthesised based on an inductive thematic analysis from focus groups, interviews and cab-rides. Findings: Current driver-learning approaches contain a number of haphazard elements that provide an unfavourable learning experience. Mentoring practices appear to be happening incidentally, despite train drivers wanting mentoring experiences. Practical Implications: In the designing and planning of new driver-learning frameworks, it is important to identify the unintended consequences of implementing a condensed "classroom" curriculum. The condensed and accelerated driver-learning model currently used could be enhanced through the incorporation of a mentoring process. Originality/value: The article fills an important research gap in the space of workplace learning and mentoring in the rail industry. The themes and findings provide a basis for why mentoring should be integrated as part of the training process. It draws attention to the importance of the situational context, and contributes to communities of practice by outlining important considerations for a holistic model of mentoring in the rail industry.

Within the professional placement component of pre-service teacher education, mentoring has become a strategy that is used during the practical application of learning to teach. In this paper, we examine mentoring in the pre-service teacher education context by proposing a theoretically based framework for mentoring in this context. Firstly, the nature of mentoring along with mentoring in the context of pre-service teacher education is explored. A mentoring framework that has been developed to enable pre-service teacher educators to maximize the potential use of mentoring during the professional placement component of a pre-service teacher education degree is then proposed.

Reptiles are an important part of the vertebrate fauna in the temperate woodlands of south-eastern Australia. However, compared to birds and mammals, the long-term occurrence of reptiles across woodland growth types–old growth, regrowth, and replantings–remains poorly understood. Here, using 18-years of data gathered at 218 sites across 1.5 million hectares in New South Wales South West Slopes bioregion, we sought to quantify patterns of temporal change in reptile occurrence and determine if such changes varied between woodland growth types. Despite extensive sampling, almost 75% of our 6341 surveys produced no detections of reptiles. Significant survey effort exceeding 2000 surveys was needed over a prolonged period of time to record detections of 26 reptile species in our study area. Our analyses showed a temporal increase in estimated reptile species richness and abundance over 18 years. Such increases characterized all three vegetation structural types we surveyed. At the individual species level, we had sufficient data to construct models for five of the 26 species recorded. Three of these species were least commonly detected in replantings, whereas the remaining two were most often detected in replantings relative to old growth and regrowth woodland. We found evidence of a temporal increase in two skink species, a decline in one gecko species, and no change in the remaining two skink species. Although detections were consistently low, active searches were the best survey method, and we suggest using this method in habitats known to be hotspots for reptiles, such as rocky outcrops, if the aim is to maximize the number of individuals and species detected. Our findings highlight the value of all three broad vegetation structure types in contributing to woodland reptile biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Drinking Motives Questionnaire‐Revised Short Form (DMQ‐R‐SF) is widely used among alcohol researchers studying adolescents and young adults. The psychometric properties of the DMQ‐R‐SF have been examined among university students in many countries, but to our knowledge, not in Australia, New Zealand or Argentina. We sought to examine the reliability and endorsement of the items on the DMQ‐R‐SF, and test the associations between the DMQ‐R‐SF subscales and alcohol use, and negative alcohol consequences between university students from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Method: University students (N = 820) in Australia (n = 315), New Zealand (n = 265) and Argentina (n = 240) completed a confidential online alcohol survey which included the DMQ‐R‐SF, the Daily Drinking Questionnaire and the Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire. Results: Using the alignment method, support for the four‐factor model on the DMQ‐R‐SF emerged and the factor loadings for 11 of the 12 items were invariant across sites. Most items (8 out of 12) on the DMQ‐R‐SF were fully invariant across all sites, but some small differences in item reliability for one item, and endorsement for three items emerged between the sites. Across the three countries, coping motives were positively correlated with negative alcohol consequences. Enhancement motives were positively associated with both alcohol use and negative alcohol consequences among students from Australia and New Zealand. Discussion and Conclusions: Most items on the DMQ‐R‐SF were comparably reliable among the university students sampled from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Our preliminary findings suggest that the DMQ‐R‐SF can be reliably used with university students from these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given emerging evidence on their troubled transition to work, this study examines patterns, trends and changes in the labour market outcomes of international graduates remaining in Australia at 4 months following course completion between 1998 and 2015. Using the Australian Graduate Survey, this study shows that the share of international graduates who stayed on with the intention to work doubled during this period. The recent cohorts tended to come from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds, hold temporary visas and lack local work experience, all of which have been linked to disadvantageous labour market outcomes. This study further reveals a clear trend of rising economic inactivity, unemployment, part‐time employment and qualification mismatch among international graduates over time, reflecting their vulnerability against a backdrop of socio‐political and economic changes in the country. These findings indicate a need to review and strengthen existing policies and interventions to better help international graduates integrate into the labour market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with early‐onset colorectal cancer (EO‐CRC) have unique characteristics. Contemporary data on the pathological and molecular features, and survival of EO‐CRC are limited in the Australian context. Aim: To determine the demographic, histopathological and molecular characteristics of adults with EO‐CRC, and their survival. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adults aged 18–49 years with EO‐CRC who were referred to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and Royal North Shore Hospital in New South Wales, Australia, between 2014 and 2018. Results: Of 257 patients included, 94 (37%) patients presented with de novo metastatic CRC, 80% patients had near‐average risk family history and 89% had a symptomatic presentation. In 159 patients with nonmetastatic disease at diagnosis, stage III disease (OR 3.88 [95% CI: 1.13–13.3]; p =.03) and the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) (OR 6.63 [95% CI: 2.21–19.84]; p =.001) were risk factors associated with the development of metastatic disease. Among 94 patients with de novo metastatic disease, 43 (43%) and 12 (14%) patients harbored a KRAS or BRAF V600E mutation, respectively. The median overall survival was 29.6 months (95% CI: 20.4–38.7). BRAF mutation was associated with inferior survival (HR 3.00 [95% CI: 1.30–6.94]; p =.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of KRAS and BRAF mutations in our cohort is similar to the overseas experience. Stage III disease at diagnosis, presence of PNI and BRAF mutation are adverse prognostic indicators. A better understanding of the molecular landscape is needed for this patient cohort, so as to better tailor prevention strategies, screening and treatment pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International graduates have been shown to experience comparatively poor outcomes in their transition to the host labour market after course completion. In Australia, international graduates typically fare worse than domestic graduates in the labour market, with new evidence pointing to a deterioration in their relative labour market position over the years. The contributing factors for the deterioration, however, remain unclear. In this article, we analysed unique large-scale survey data from the Australian Graduate Survey to identify the factors underlying the deteriorating labour market outcomes of international graduates from 2000. Our findings indicate that the deteriorating labour market outcomes of international graduates can be largely linked to the declining share of these graduates who are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. The rising percentage of international graduates who are non-native English-speakers also played a role, albeit a modest one. These findings call attention to the persistent labour market disadvantage of international graduates and highlight the inadequacies of existing policies aimed at temporary retention and stronger English language skills in promoting labour market integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This brief study investigates the subtle ways that language can be used to subconsciously shape a reader's opinions about climate science within conservative news texts. To do so, our study employed techniques from critical discourse analysis to highlight the role of 'journalistic voice' and consider the granular linguistic techniques these outlets may use to subliminally validate sceptical viewpoints, while casting doubt on those espousing the consensus position. We found that certain semantic structures used in conservative climate reporting can take an otherwise apolitical analysis of climate issues, and potentially guide readers to a reactionary conclusion. Our analysis arrived at this position after undertaking a critical discourse analysis of the ways in which sceptical and non-sceptical climate 'experts' have been framed by Australia's largest conservative broadsheet newspaper, News Corp's The Australian, in the period after it changed its official position on climate to one of accepting the consensus view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss is a major issue internationally and within Australia, with major restoration efforts to recover native biota focussing on agricultural landscapes. We introduce a free new webtool, BirdCast [https://sustfarm.shinyapps.io/BirdCast/], for estimating the primarily native bird biodiversity in Box Gum Grassy Woodlands within the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion. The tool has potential to demonstrate farm‐scale bird biodiversity dividends generated from past and future investments in vegetation management and restoration programmes. BirdCast incorporates 60 of the most commonly encountered bird species and includes visualisations, data export and summary reports for printing. It is underpinned by a large joint‐species distribution model fitted to 17 years of empirical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many farming landscapes, aquatic features, such as wetlands, creeks, and dams, provide water for stock and irrigation, while also acting as habitat for a range of plants and animals. Indeed, some species threatened by land‐use change may otherwise be considerably rarer—or even suffer extinction—in the absence of these habitats. Therefore, a critical issue for the maintenance of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes is the extent to which the management of aquatic systems can promote the integration of agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. We completed a cross‐sectional study in southern New South Wales (southeastern Australia) to quantify the efficacy of two concurrently implemented management practices—partial revegetation and control of livestock grazing—aimed at enhancing the vegetation structure, biodiversity value, and water quality of farm dams. We found that excluding livestock for even short periods resulted in increased vegetation cover. Relative to unenhanced dams (such as those that remained unfenced), those that had been enhanced for several years were characterized by reduced levels of turbidity, nutrients, and fecal contamination. Enhanced dams also supported increased richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates. In contrast, unenhanced control dams tended to have high abundance of a few macroinvertebrate taxa. Notably, differences remained between the macroinvertebrate assemblages of enhanced dams and nearby "natural" waterbodies that we monitored as reference sites. While the biodiversity value of semilotic, natural waterbodies in the region cannot be replicated by artificial lentic systems, we consider the extensive system of farm dams in the region to represent a novel ecosystem that may nonetheless support some native macroinvertebrates. Our results show that management interventions such as fencing and grazing control can improve water quality in farm dams, improve vegetation structure around farm dams, and support greater abundance and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The limited existing research on drinking games and predrinking among university students in Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand suggests that participation in these risky drinking practices is relatively widespread among this population. Drinking norms and alcohol use can vary across countries and in different regions of the globe. The measurement of drinking games and predrinking participation between studies also differs, making cross-country comparisons difficult. The present study explored differences in past month participation in drinking games and predrinking among university students from a large public university in Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Methods The data analytic sample consisted of 1134 university students (ages 18–25, M age = 20.2 years; 72.6% women) from Argentina (n  = 349), Australia (n  = 280), Canada (n  = 262), and New Zealand (n  = 243) who reported weekly alcohol consumption. Students completed a confidential survey on drinking attitudes and behaviors. Results Controlling for age, gender, and weekly drink consumption, there were no cross-country differences in past month participation in predrinking. In contrast, university students from Canada and New Zealand were more likely to have played a drinking game in the past month than students from Australia and Argentina. Conclusions The present finding suggest that university students from Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are equally likely to participate in predrinking regardless of country; however, the likelihood of playing drinking games differs as a function of country site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses a 2AFC identification task experiment to test listener perception of voiceless fricative-stop contrasts with minimal pairs modified along a 10-step continuum. Here, the authors focus on the uniqueness and near-uniformity of the phonological systems found in Australia. The languages involved in this study include Roper Kriol (an English-lexifier creole language), Gurindji Kriol (a mixed language derived from Gurindji and Kriol), with Standard Australian English (Indo-European) used as a baseline. Results reveal that just over 50% of the Roper Kriol and Gurindji Kriol listeners identified differences in the stop-fricative pairs with a high degree of consistency while nearly a quarter consistently identified the fricative-like stimuli as such, but showed random responses to the stop-like stimuli. The remaining participants showed a preference toward the fricatives across the entire continuum. The authors conclude that the fricative-stop contrast is not critical to the functionality of the phonologies in Roper Kriol or Gurindji Kriol, which could explain the high degree of variability. In addition, there is some evidence that the degree of exposure to English may have an effect on the degree of contrastability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A principle of Australian general surgical training is exposure to a variety of operative and clinical experiences. These are potentially being impacted upon by expanding post‐fellowship training positions, mandatory reduced working hours, and advances in non‐operative care. This study aims to report the recent acute surgical experience of Australian general surgical trainees. Methods: A de‐identified summary of general surgical trainee logbook data was obtained from General Surgeons Australia, over a 6‐year period (2009–2014). Case volumes in operative and non‐operative acute surgical cases were analysed, encompassing 5307 individual logbooks from 12 consecutive training terms. Results: There was a mean of 112.2 ± 6.8 total major operative cases per trainee per term. There was an increase in case volumes reported from terms 1–8 (from 102.1 to 122.9), with the most recent reported volume being 117.8 cases per trainee in term 12. The total major operative primary operator rate increased from 35.5% in term 1 to 40.6% in term 8, with the most recent reported rate being 41.8% in term 12. Open and laparoscopic colorectal case volumes have remained stable. Operative trauma case volumes have increased. Conclusion: The acute surgical operative case experience of general surgical trainees has not declined. However, it should continue to be monitored in view of the changing scope of surgical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The prevalence of asthma worldwide among older children varies between 10 and 20%. One of the most effective therapies to treat asthma and prevent exacerbations is inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). Systemic corticosteroids are known to decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of fractures among children, but little is known about the effect of ICSs on fracture risk in children with asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the fracture rates in children with asthma using ICSs.Methods: A survey on fracture history and risk, bone health and asthma was administered by a researcher to children aged 6-18 years attending a tertiary care children's hospital in Melbourne, Australia over a 6-month period. Fracture risks were compared in children on low or high dose ICS with those not on any ICS and non-asthmatics.Results: A total of 216 healthy control participants were compared with 211 children with asthma - 22% (n = 46) on low dose ICS therapy, 44% (n = 94) on high dose ICS and 34% (n = 71) not on any ICS. There was no difference in the incidence of fractures between children with asthma (24.6% n = 53) and healthy controls (24% n = 51) (χ2  = 0.132; P = 0.717). There were no differences in fracture incidence in the sub-groups of children with asthma (P = 0.695).Conclusion: ICS use was not associated with fracture risk in children with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"They're not heroes. They do not intend to be thought or spoken of as heroes. They're just ordinary Australians, doing their particular work as their country would wish them to do it. And pray God, Australians in days to come will be worthy of them": C E W Bean, journalist, war correspondent, historian and author of the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918. This article was inspired by the re-opening and re-dedication of the Burt Memorial Hall at Si George's Cathedral in Perth, built by the Hon Septimus Burt KC who lost two sons in the Great War. In looking at the life of a pioneer like Septimus, we see the story of a young nation, of how Western Australia was built, how its legal and political institutions developed and how they continued (and thrived) after the devastation of World War I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parents of children who are overweight often fail to accurately identify their child's weight status. Although these misperceptions are presumed to be a major public health concern, little research has examined whether parental perceptions of child weight status are protective against weight gain during childhood. Our objective was to examine whether parental perceptions of child weight status are associated with weight gain across childhood. METHODS: Data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children were used to assess parental perceptions of child weight status and to examine changes in researcher measured child BMI z scores across childhood, from 4 to 13 years old. Participants included 3557 Australian children and their parents. RESULTS: Children whose parents perceived their weight as being "overweight," as opposed to "about the right weight," gained more weight (increase in BMI z score) from baseline to follow-up in all analyses. This finding did not depend on the actual weight of the child; the association between perceiving one's child as being overweight and future weight gain was similar among children whose parents accurately and inaccurately believed their child was overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to popular belief, parental identification of child overweight is not protective against further weight gain. Rather, it is associated with more weight gain across childhood. Further research is needed to understand how parental perceptions of child weight may counterintuitively contribute to obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We describe three patients with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who later developed psychotic symptoms. The nosological implications are discussed. Clinical picture: All three patients had no prior history of psychotic illness. The content of the psychotic symptoms was restricted to core features of the traumatic experiences which initially led to PTSD. Treatment: The patients received low-dose antipsychotic medications in addition to other treatments for PTSD and/or depression. Outcome: All three patients developed severe extrapyramidal side effects, particularly akathisia, and discontinued drug treatment. Conclusion: Psychotic symptoms occasionally can complicate chronic PTSD, but uncertainty remains about their aetiology and nosological status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to tackle persistent labour and skill shortages, a number of developed countries have implemented visa programmes and development plans to enhance the attraction and retention of domestically educated overseas graduates. While prior work has principally focused on exploring their migratory flows between countries, few studies have empirically examined the career and migration trajectories of overseas graduates within the country of study. This paper redresses this gap by investigating the spatial choices of overseas graduates from Australian Higher Education Institutions for employment after graduation. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of graduates, our analysis focuses on examining the individual characteristics that lead to the settlement of overseas graduates in non-metropolitan locations across Australia given the pronounced labour and skill shortages experienced outside the country's urban centres. Results highlight the importance of possessing education or health qualifications and having previously studied and lived in non-metropolitan areas as the key factors underlying the selection of such locales as post-graduation employment destinations. Age, gender, salary, and an English-speaking background were not found to be significant factors in the decision to locate outside of metropolitan areas. These findings are of significant value for future policy development aimed at attracting and retaining overseas graduates to locales with the greatest labour needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Royal Perth Hospital provides access to dialysis treatment to Indigenous Australians living in remote areas of Western Australia who are suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The Remote Area Dialysis Programme (RADP), established in 1989, relocated traditional hospital services to remote communities and introduced home or community-based therapy. This unique state-wide programme was developed in cooperation with tribal elders in Aboriginal communities, and regional medical, nursing and community health staff. Prior to RADP's establishment, these patients faced the choice of permanent relocation to Perth for dialysis treatment or death from renal failure. Development of the RADP allowed Indigenous patients with ESRD to receive dialysis treatment in their own home/community.Requirements for home haemodialysis include establishing the suitability and capability of patients, the availability of carers and an appropriate home or community environment for dialysis machine installation. This has required novel strategies to address cultural and language impediments to home therapy. The remoteness of some isolated communities has been a technical challenge for the dialysis technicians due to the uncertainty of power supply, climatic extremes and inadequate supply or poor quality of water. A specific training program has been developed to adapt to the needs of Aboriginal patients. Patients undertaking home haemodialysis face many challenges and a number of initiatives will need to be implemented to ensure the ongoing success of the programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land has contributed considerably to global amphibian declines. Despite this, some amphibian species can utilise habitats within agricultural landscapes, such as farm dams. However, the suitability of farm dams for amphibians and how management interventions can enhance habitat values remain poorly understood. We aimed to quantify the impacts of management interventions on amphibian biodiversity in farm dams. Our study focused on the intensively farmed and cleared South West Slopes bioregion of south-eastern Australia, where 96 % of the area is freehold land, and over 80 % of the woody vegetation cover has been cleared. We conducted detailed surveys of adult frogs across 85 farm dams. These dams were either enhanced dams, having undergone management including fencing to exclude livestock and facilitate revegetation, or control dams, with no interventions, and management practices consistent with the paddocks in which they were embedded. We found enhanced dams had significantly greater total frog and Crinia parinsignifera abundance than control dams. Total abundance was also negatively associated with higher total dissolved solids concentration. Additionally, species abundance was greater at dams with higher topographic wetness and increased rainfall in the 30 days preceding surveys. Key variables positively associated with species richness were enhanced dams, littoral leaf litter and survey year, but only littoral ground vegetation was significant. The key variables for species-level analysis showed significant inter-specific variation. Our results indicate that that enhancing dams through excluding livestock and establishing vegetation can improve habitat for amphibians. • Fencing farm dams to exclude livestock and establish vegetation can improve habitat for amphibians. • Greater amphibian abundance is positively associated with enhanced dams. • Amphibian dynamics were influenced by water quality, vegetation cover, and topographic wetness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfair treatment on the basis of a physical characteristic, such as body weight, is associated with unhealthy dieting behaviors in adolescence and adulthood and has also been implicated in substance use. Peer victimization is likewise associated with these health-risk behaviors. It is unclear, however, whether body discrimination is associated with these behaviors independent of peer victimization. The present research uses data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) to test the relation between body discrimination and dieting and substance use behaviors in adolescence and test whether the associations are independent of peer victimization, as well as depressive symptoms which are associated with both forms of victimization and health-risk behaviors. Participants (N = 2955) reported on body discrimination, dieting behaviors, and substance use at ages 14-15. Participants who experienced body discrimination were more likely to report fear of gaining weight, losing control over eating, going without eating, using medicine or vomiting to control their weight, engaging in restrained eating, and exercising to control their weight. They also had tried nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana. The associations with eating and alcohol use were independent of peer victimization, whereas the associations with smoking and marijuana were reduced when peer victimization was included in the model. All associations were also independent of depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that body discrimination is associated with harmful health behaviors at least as early as age 14. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the acceptability of judge only trials in Australia and mentions the trial judge decisions in cases Western Australia v Rayney [No 3] which was regarding the crime of manslaughter and Western Australia v Rayney which was regarding an appeal against a judgment of acquittal. It highlights both merits and demerits of judge only trials including impartiality and fairness, and influencing the decisions of states respectively.

The article discusses the use of social media like Facebook by judges in Australia and reflects on whether the use of social media by judges undermines their position as revered members of society. It mentions that social media offers increased access to members of the public and the strength of the rule of law lies in the attitudes of the people. It reflects that Australian courts should embrace social media to uphold the interests of justice.

Artificial water bodies in agricultural landscapes (hereafter 'farm dams') are established primarily to support livestock and crop production but also provide habitats for a wide range of native species. Managing water quality in farm dams is essential to animal production and biodiversity. Farm dam enhancement, which includes restricting direct access of stock to dams, can improve water quality in farm dams, by reducing soil erosion and direct faecal contamination, as well as reducing the trampling, grazing, and browsing of vegetation in the immediate catchment. We tested farm dam enhancement as a tool to improve and maintain water quality in 109 farm dams across 34 farms over three years in the sheep-wheat belt of southeast Australia. Using Bayesian Linear Mixed Models, we found that farm dam enhancement significantly reduced levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, turbidity, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli , and pH. Furthermore, our study revealed links between dam enhancement, increases in vegetation cover, and improved water quality. Our results show that restoration efforts in the surrounds of dams can have positive results on water quality. They highlight the importance of restoration in agricultural landscapes to both agricultural production and biodiversity. • Managing water quality in farms dams is essential to production and biodiversity. • Dams can be enhanced by restoring vegetation and reducing direct stock access. • Dam enhancement significantly reduced levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. • It also reduced turbidity, thermotolerant coliforms, and Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children differ in their general temperament and these differences predict consequential outcomes, including mental health, peer relations, and academic performance. In adults, there is strong evidence that personality correlates with substance use, but the temporal direction of the relation is unclear, as substance use may alter personality. The present research uses data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 5,362) to examine whether temperament assessed by parents in early childhood is associated with adolescent self-reported initiation of alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, or other drug use. Children rated higher on sociability at 4-5 years old were at higher risk of initiation for all types of substances in adolescence (age 12 to 17), controlling for SES, single-parent household, parent substance use, and other demographic variables. Additionally, children rated higher on reactivity were at higher risk of cigarette or marijuana use initiation, and children rated higher on persistence had a lower risk of cigarette use initiation. This multi-informant prospective study demonstrates that early individual differences in psychological functioning predict risk of future substance use initiation and highlights the importance of considering temperament and personality when assessing risk of future substance use initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (B-YAACQ) was designed to measure alcohol consequences and identify at-risk students. It was developed and originally validated among university students in the United States (U.S.), yet it is widely used in both the U.S. and abroad. Using the alignment method, we tested whether the B-YAACQ measures alcohol consequences similarly across university students in several countries where heavy alcohol use and related outcomes are prevalent.Methods: The sample consisted of 1473 university students (ages 18-30) from five university sites: Australia (n = 315), New Zealand (n = 270), Canada (n = 276), Argentina (n = 232), and the U.S. (n = 380). Participants completed a confidential, online alcohol use survey which included the B-YAACQ.Results: Overall, 12 of the 24 B-YAACQ items had invariant factor loading and threshold parameters, suggesting that these items exhibited similar reliability and difficulty among university students across the five countries. Of the 24 B-YAACQ items, 21 exhibited comparable reliability across the five countries; the remaining 3 items were slightly less reliable indicators of alcohol consequences among U.S. students. Thus, several items on the B-YAACQ may be particularly informative for identifying students who are experiencing high levels of drinking harm across multiple countries.Conclusions: The present study is an important step toward (a) validating the B-YAACQ among university students in New Zealand and Canada, and (b) furthering our understanding of the psychometric properties of the B-YAACQ among university students in Australia, Argentina, and the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Incorrect labelling of a penicillin allergy can lead to unnecessary use of broad-spectrum, less effective, more harmful, or more costly antibiotics. Community pharmacists are well positioned to educate the public on penicillin allergies, prevent incorrect labelling persisting, and optimize prescribing of antibiotics. This study investigated community pharmacists' capacity to recognize an opportunity to directly de-label a no-risk penicillin allergy., Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design using mystery shopping (quantitative) and postvisit reflections (qualitative). Mystery shoppers simulated a case of a previously dispensed prescription (involving nonimmune mediated intolerance 'thrush' as the reported allergy) that provided the opportunity for pharmacists to educate on incorrect penicillin allergy. The main outcomes were proportion of community pharmacists who ascertained the nature of the penicillin reaction, provided education on incorrect penicillin allergy labels and its consequences. Knowledge and practices regarding penicillin allergy were collected., Key Findings: Across two major states in Australia, 265 community pharmacists participated. Only 44.5% (118/265) of pharmacists asked about the nature of the reaction; of those, 91.52% (108/118) indicated that 'thrush' is not an allergic reaction. No pharmacists took the opportunity to educate on how an incorrect allergy label can impact antibiotic prescribing. Postvisit reflection data revealed five probable explanations for the observations viz. outdated knowledge, lack of knowledge, prioritizing management of adverse drug reaction (thrush), variations in duty of care and assumption of true allergy without an assessment., Conclusion: Our findings underscore a concerning knowledge and practice gap among community pharmacists regarding penicillin allergy assessment which warrants more support and education in the community pharmacy sector., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

Introduction: In Australia, short-acting β 2 -agonists (SABA) are available both over the counter (OTC) and on prescription. This ease of access may impact SABA use in the Australian population. Our aim was to assess patterns and outcome associations of prescribed, acquired OTC and reported use of SABA by Australians with asthma., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, using data derived from primary care electronic medical records (EMRs) and patient completed questionnaires within Optimum Patient Care Research Database Australia (OPCRDA). A total of 720 individuals aged ≥ 12 years with an asthma diagnosis in their EMRs and receiving asthma therapy were included. The annual number of SABA inhalers authorised on prescription, acquired OTC and reported, and the association with self-reported exacerbations and asthma control were investigated., Results: 92.9% (n = 380/409) of individuals issued with SABA prescription were authorised ≥ 3 inhalers annually, although this differed from self-reported usage. Of individuals reporting SABA use (n = 546) in the last 12 months, 37.0% reported using ≥ 3 inhalers. These patients who reported SABA overuse experienced 2.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73-3.70) times more severe exacerbations and were 4.51 times (95% CI 3.13-6.55) more likely to have poor asthma control than those who reported using 1-2 SABA inhalers. Patients who did not receive SABA on prescription (43.2%; n = 311/720) also experienced 2.71 (95% CI 1.07-7.26) times more severe exacerbations than those prescribed 1-2 inhalers. Of these patients, 38.9% reported using OTC SABA and other prescription medications, 26.4% reported using SABA OTC as their only asthma medication, 13.2% were prescribed other therapies but not SABA OTC and 14.5% were not using any medication., Conclusion: Both self-reported SABA overuse and zero SABA prescriptions were associated with poor asthma outcomes. The disconnect between prescribing authorisation, OTC availability and actual use, make it difficult for clinicians to quantify SABA use., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) have unique characteristics. Contemporary data on the pathological and molecular features, and survival of EO-CRC are limited in the Australian context., Aim: To determine the demographic, histopathological and molecular characteristics of adults with EO-CRC, and their survival., Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adults aged 18-49 years with EO-CRC who were referred to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and Royal North Shore Hospital in New South Wales, Australia, between 2014 and 2018., Results: Of 257 patients included, 94 (37%) patients presented with de novo metastatic CRC, 80% patients had near-average risk family history and 89% had a symptomatic presentation. In 159 patients with nonmetastatic disease at diagnosis, stage III disease (OR 3.88 [95% CI: 1.13-13.3]; p = .03) and the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) (OR 6.63 [95% CI: 2.21-19.84]; p = .001) were risk factors associated with the development of metastatic disease. Among 94 patients with de novo metastatic disease, 43 (43%) and 12 (14%) patients harbored a KRAS or BRAF V600E mutation, respectively. The median overall survival was 29.6 months (95% CI: 20.4-38.7). BRAF mutation was associated with inferior survival (HR 3.00 [95% CI: 1.30-6.94]; p = .01)., Conclusion: The prevalence of KRAS and BRAF mutations in our cohort is similar to the overseas experience. Stage III disease at diagnosis, presence of PNI and BRAF mutation are adverse prognostic indicators. A better understanding of the molecular landscape is needed for this patient cohort, so as to better tailor prevention strategies, screening and treatment pathways., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: For Australians living with cystic fibrosis (CF), increased longevity means greater consideration needs to be given to long-term endocrine sequelae such as CF-related bone disease. Deficits in bone mass accrual are most likely to occur during childhood and adolescence. Current guidelines in Australia suggest repeat dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans every 2 years. This study aims to stratify clinical factors that determine future bone health in the Australian CF population and use this to guide a more streamlined approach to bone health screening., Methods: This study was a retrospective audit of all patients diagnosed with CF who were treated at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia from 2000 to 2016 (n = 453). Two hundred and two patients had a DXA scan in the study period (191 with height-adjusted data) and 111 patients had more than one scan (108 with height-adjusted data). An investigation into the associations between bone mineral density (BMD) Z score and potential risk factors was conducted using DXA and historical data., Results: The main predictor of future BMD was the previous BMD Z score (p < .001). Other factors found to be determinants of BMD included nutritional status, lung function (FEV 1 ), age, history of previous fracture, oral corticosteroid use, and the number of hospital admissions. However, after adjusting for previous BMD, evidence of an association remained only with nutritional status, FEV 1 , and number of hospital admissions., Conclusion: Second yearly scans may be unnecessary in children with an adequate DXA score on the initial scan who remain clinically stable. However, clinical deterioration in those whose BMD was previously normal, may require closer monitoring of bone health. We propose a guideline for the frequency of DXA monitoring in relation to clinical risk factors., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Public health policies attempt to increase parental identification of child overweight and obesity. The objective of the present research was to determine the cross-sectional, prospective and longitudinal associations between parental identification of child overweight and child mental health problems., Methods: We made use of two cohort studies of Australian (Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, LSAC) and Irish children (Growing up in Ireland Study, GUI) that measured parental identification of child overweight and child mental health problems. Participant included 6502 (LSAC) and 7503 (GUI) children (49% female) and their parents. Child mental health problems were measured using child, parent and teacher-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) at ages 9/10 years old to 12/13 years old. In all analyses we controlled for child Z-BMI., Results: In LSAC children whose parents identified them as being overweight at age 10 experienced worse mental health at age 10 (β = 0.21, SE = 0.04) and age 12 (β = 0.13, SE = 0.04) than children whose parents failed to identify them as overweight. In GUI children whose parents identified them as being overweight at age 9 experienced worse mental health at age 9 (β = 0.20, SE = 0.04) and age 13 (β = 0.22, SE = 0.04). In LSAC parental identification of child overweight at age 10 did not significantly predict changes in mental health problems from age 10 to 12 (β = -0.02, SE = 0.03). In GUI parental identification of child overweight was predictive of increases in mental health problems from age 9 to 13 (β = 0.08, SE = 0.03)., Conclusions: Parental identification of child overweight and obesity is associated with worse child mental health, independent of child body weight. Parents should be aware of the potential stigma and mental health difficulties associated with labelling a child as overweight.

Introduction: Waste incineration is increasingly used to reduce waste volume and produce electricity. Several incinerators have recently been proposed in Australia and community groups are concerned about health impacts. An overview of the evidence on health effects has been needed., Method: A systematic review of English language literature for waste incinerators and health using PRISMA methodology., Results: A range of adverse health effects were identified, including significant associations with some neoplasia, congenital anomalies, infant deaths and miscarriage, but not for other diseases. Ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway for the public. Newer incinerator technologies may reduce exposure., Discussion: Despite these findings, diverse chemicals, poor study methodologies and inconsistent reporting of incinerator technology specifications precludes firmer conclusions about safety., Conclusion: Older incinerator technology and infrequent maintenance schedules have been strongly linked with adverse health effects. More recent incinerators have fewer reported ill effects, perhaps because of inadequate time for adverse effects to emerge. A precautionary approach is required. Waste minimisation is essential. Implications for public health: Public health practitioners can offer clearer advice about adverse health effects from incinerators. We suggest improved research design and methods to make future studies more robust and comparable. We offer ideas for better policy and regulation., (© 2019 The Authors.)

Background: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can be avoided in breast cancer patients with low-volume disease in the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) according to Z0011 trial. We believe that nomograms developed for predicting non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastases can guide the axillary treatment in patients who do not fully match the criteria of Z0011 study. We identified risk factors and evaluated the performance of three nomograms to predict NSLN status in patients with positive SLNs., Methods: Data from 526 breast cancer patients with positive SLNs who underwent ALND at two Australian hospitals from 2002 to 2015 were studied. Univariate and multivariate associations for NSLN metastasis were analysed. Predictive models evaluated were MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDA), Helsinki University Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre., Results: Thirty-nine per cent of patients demonstrated NSLN metastasis. The multivariate analysis identified extranodal extension (OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.07-4.80), tumour size >2 cm (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.66-3.89), macrometastasis (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.09-3.47), positive SLN ratio >0.5 (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.16-2.60) and lymphovascular invasion (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.09-2.44) as independent predictors for NSLN metastasis. MDA nomogram showed the best discrimination (area under the curve of 0.74) and a 9% false negative rate for predicted probability of NSLN metastasis ≤10%., Conclusion: Our results suggest that presence of extranodal extension and tumour size >2 cm may influence the need of further axillary treatment. Conversely, ALND can be safety spared in low risk patients identified by MDA nomogram., (© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)