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Quality early care and education (ECE) presents an unparalleled opportunity to avert disadvantage and promote children's development. Mealtimes are essential daily routines, yet are often overlooked in research on ECE quality. This paper crystallises a composite case study of ECE mealtimes in highly disadvantaged communities by combining Departing Radically in Academic Writing (DRAW) methodology with parent surveys, scorings of educator‐child interactions (inCLASS), and field notes. Poverty is perpetuated in these centres: children do not have enough food, and educator‐dictated feeding practices restrict children's opportunities to exercise their agency and learn. Systemic policy action is needed to address poverty in ECE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 80 countries, including Australia, have made commitments to deliver climate-resilient and low carbon healthcare. Understanding how healthcare workers view their own and their organization's efforts to achieve sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare practice is vital to inform strategies to accelerate that transition. Methods: We conducted an online staff survey in a large state government hospital-and-health-service organisation in Queensland, Australia, to ascertain attitudes and practices towards environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient healthcare, and views about the organizational support necessary to achieve these goals in their workplace. Results: From 301 participants showed staff strongly support implementing sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare but require significantly more organizational support. Participants identified three categories of organizational support as necessary for the transition to environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient health services and systems: (1) practical support to make sustainability easier in the workplace (e.g. waste, energy, water, procurement, food, transport etc.); (2) training and education to equip them for 21st century planetary health challenges; and (3) embedding sustainability as 'business as usual' in healthcare culture and systems. Conclusions: The research provides new insight into health workforce views on how organizations should support them to realize climate and sustainability goals. This research has implications for those planning, managing, implementing, and educating for, the transition to environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient health services and systems in Queensland, Australia, and in similar health systems internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the political consequences of environmental nongovernment organization (ENGO) involvement in protected area conservation in Australia. Rapid growth of a nongovernment protected area (NGPA) estate this century has involved a range of individuals, communities, First Nations, and ENGOs, and has been closely tied to government policy and private finance. Although NGPA conservation achievements have been profound, there has been limited examination of what expanded nongovernment involvement, responsibility, and leadership mean for the practice and governance of nature conservation. Thematic analysis of twenty-four key informant interviews and selective gray literature identifies how financing, accountability, and partisan politics are emerging as key domains in shaping an NGPA estate that reflects a closer alignment with capital and market forces. ENGOs are playing a key role in crafting new political conditions for protected area conservation, where their role in neoliberal governance is not just service delivery, but statecraft and agenda setting. ENGOs are increasingly casting protected area conservation as apolitical, and thereby a bipartisan activity, driven by a "pragmatic" agenda that seeks to secure private financing for land ownership and management obligations. Frameworks of accountability to donors shape ENGO practices and conceptions of conservation through exposure to novel market mechanisms. As a result, ENGO operation permits limited space for plural, ideological, and structural debate about protected area conservation, the public interest, and the root causes of ecological crises to which it responds. The embrace of conservation led by nongovernment actors marks a substantive shift from the formative politics of ENGOs in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful rehabilitation and release of raptor chicks can be challenging, especially when the chicks are still in the post‐fledging dependency period. Here, we report on a recently fledged powerful owl chick that was held in care for 33 days before being successfully reunited with its parents. We document the steps undertaken during the entire process from collection from the wild to post‐release monitoring and recommend clinical procedures for treatment of raptors entering veterinary facilities. Success of this rehabilitation was facilitated by early care and treatment for potential rodenticide poisoning, as well as the integration of citizen scientists monitoring the family unit in the field while the chick was in care and during the post‐release period. Given the emerging evidence of widespread rodenticide poisoning in raptors both in Australia and globally, it is critical to suspect all raptors may have been exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides and commence treatment with vitamin K immediately. Routine treatment for rodenticides early increases the probability of successful recovery post‐trauma as well as reducing the time in treatment as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the twentieth century, inadequate management of mine waste at the Mount Lyell Copper Mine affected the ecology of the Queen–King Rivers and Macquarie Harbour, western Tasmania, Australia. Over the past two decades, the water quality of the river system has been measured semi-annually to investigate the long-term hydrochemical and environmental impacts caused by these historical mine practices and the waste associated with the Mount Lyell mine to the Queen–King Rivers. At sample sites below the confluence of Haulage Creek, the water pH was below pH 3.5, remaining below pH 5 across all sites to Macquarie Harbour. Local baseline rivers ranged from pH 4.0 to 8.4. Elemental concentrations of dissolved metals in water samples downstream of Haulage Creek were above the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) water quality guidelines. Copper, Fe, and Zn were not attenuated along the length of the river, with concentrations remaining elevated to the King River Delta. Mineralogical analyses demonstrated secondary minerals in sediments at Haulage Creek and pyrite concentrated at the King River Delta. Static tests on mining-affected sediments indicated risk of AMD and metal(loid) leaching in the river system. Since 2016, after flooding of the Prince Lyell mine, dissolved metal levels in the Queen–King Rivers have decreased; however, concentrations remain above guidelines. Almost three decades after legacy mine waste disposal ended, it still poses a long-term risk to the downstream environment, implying that without effective management of these historical mine wastes, the Queen–King Rivers will continue to be severely impacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) reduces cardiovascular risk factors, morbidity and mortality after a cardiac event. Traditional Australian CR programs are located in metropolitan areas and delivered by an expert, multidisciplinary team. Referral and uptake barriers for people living in rural and remote locations are significantly affected by geographical isolation. This scoping review aimed to explore how phase II CR services in rural and remote Australia are being delivered. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to obtain all published literature relating to CR service delivery for people living in rural and remote Australia. A literature search of the following databases was performed in December 2021: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and PubMed. Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Study designs varied and included mixed methods, cross-sectional design and narrative review. Overall, literature relating to CR programs in rural and remote Australia was limited. Three themes were apparent: (1) barriers to the delivery of phase II CR in rural and remote Australia remain; (2) community centre‐based programs do not reach all people in rural and remote Australia; and (3) alternative models of CR are underutilised. Conclusions: Phase II CR programs in rural and remote Australia do not align with current recommendations for service delivery. The use of technology as a primary or adjunct model of delivery to support people living in rural and remote Australia needs to be further developed and implemented. Further research exploring barriers to the uptake of alternative models of CR delivery is recommended. What is known about the topic? After a cardiac event, people living in rural and remote Australia face many barriers to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance. What does this paper add? This paper demonstrates the need to improve CR service access provision in rural and remote Australia via alternate models of delivery. What are the implications for practitioners? Exploring barriers to and facilitators of the uptake of hybrid models of delivery is recommended to ensure that CR services reach and support all people living in rural and remote Australia after a cardiac event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review seeks to understand the implications of using "adoption" to evaluate agricultural soil management outreach in the twenty-first century. The act of changing from one practice to another practice is referred to as "adoption". The concept of adoption is closely associated with the design and evaluation of agricultural extension programs. Although focusing on adoption is deeply entrenched in agricultural extension, some scholars question the usefulness of the concept in light of the complexity and uncertainty that characterises farming in the twenty-first century. We present a purposeful review of literature that considers adoption in relation to three general approaches to agricultural extension; top-down, bottom-up and co-constructionist, with an emphasis on land management in Australia. The conceptual fit of adoption as a measure of success for each extension approach is explored. We conclude that the usefulness of adoption of individual practices or tools as a measure of success needs to be considered in context. Failing to reflect on what adoption means in any particular program or activity risks ignoring or misunderstanding real change and impacts and /or shaping activities to fit a simple, linear adoption expectation. We suggest that adoption remains a useful concept, but could be best considered as a gateway to increased reflection and reflexivity when projects and activities are being developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Collaborations between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous scientific researchers are increasingly mandated by global to local conservation policy and research ethics guidelines. Breakdowns occur due to misunderstandings around expected protocols of engagement and cooperation, which are compounded by lack of broader awareness of differences in cultural values, priorities and knowledge systems. Using first‐hand experiences, we outline eight key protocols and guidelines that researchers should consider when undertaking research with Indigenous peoples, or on Indigenous Country, through exploration of biocultural protocols and guidelines within Australian and Indigenous customary laws. We use the onion as a metaphor to highlight the layers of protocols and guidelines that researchers can peel back to guide their research from international to local scales, with ethics around the research question at the core. This paper draws on the perspectives and experiences of an Indigenous researcher (as 'insider'/'outsider') and non‐Indigenous researcher ('outsider'), working on a cross‐cultural and multidisciplinary investigation of past Aboriginal dispersal of rainforest trees on the Australian east coast. This paper is part of the special issue 'Indigenous and cross-cultural ecology - perspectives from Australia' published in Ecological Management & Restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Internationally, universities have recognised the benefits of Pet Support Programs (PSPs). However, existing literature has predominately focused on quantitatively measuring health outcomes associated with a PSP amongst student populations. This research aimed to explore the feasibility of a PSP within an Australian university, as there is a need to explore practical considerations involved in implementation. Methods: This research used a qualitative descriptive approach. Participants were recruited via purposive snowball sampling. The sample included 17 participants across eight administrative divisions within an Australian university. Semi‐structured individual interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: Organisational Change, Program Management and Perceived Outcomes. Findings suggest several considerations from both an organisational and program level that need to be addressed prior to implementation, including the university's policies, the location and animal welfare. The main perceived outcomes were stress relief and social support. Ways to minimise risks to those who may have an aversion towards animals were also discussed. Conclusions: Participants believed implementing a PSP would be feasible in the university setting, provided all aforementioned considerations were adequately addressed. Considerations identified have the potential to act as a barrier or a facilitator depending on how they are managed. So what?: Where feasible and later implemented, a PSP could provide Australian university students and staff with an alternative means of improving mental health, providing stress relief and contributing towards the Health Promoting University framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from an outcome study of adult individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy, conducted in a low‐cost Australian clinic, a mixed‐methods approach was employed to investigate patient discontinuation. This paper addresses the qualitative component of the discontinuation study, which explored patients' reasons for leaving the clinic service upon assessment or in treatment proper. Of 205 patients commencing clinic contact, 41% discontinued during or shortly after the four‐week assessment period, while 40.5% of patients beginning psychotherapy withdrew before reaching the two‐year treatment limit. Across these two groups, former patients were interviewed about their therapy experience and decision to discontinue. Thematic analysis of 20 interview transcripts generated five descriptive categories of discomfort or dissatisfaction prompting discontinuation: clinic factors, therapist factors, patient factors, therapist–patient relationship factors and therapy factors. Findings suggest that experience of the clinic setting itself, together with negative patient perceptions of therapists and therapist interactional style, weres significant influences and that dissatisfaction with the psychotherapy process and outcome was more relevant than problematic patient factors in treatment withdrawal. A number of patients, mainly late discontinuers, reported positive experiences of psychotherapy and significant treatment gains. Implications of the findings, with specific emphasis on psychoanalytic treatment settings, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the acceptability, reliability and validity of five contemporary diabetes‐specific quality of life (QoL) scales among adults with type 1 diabetes in the United Kingdom and Australia. Methods: Adults with type 1 diabetes (UK = 1139, Australia = 439) completed a cross‐sectional, online survey including ADDQoL‐19, DCP, DIDP, DSQOLS and Diabetes QoL‐Q, presented in randomised order. After completing each scale, participants rated it for clarity, relevance, ease of completion, length and comprehensiveness. We examined scale acceptability (scale completion and user ratings), response patterns, structure (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) and validity (convergent, concurrent, divergent and known groups). To assess cross‐country reproducibility, analyses conducted on the UK dataset were replicated in the Australian dataset. Results: Findings were largely consistent between countries. All scales were acceptable to participants: ≥90% completing all items, and ≥80% positive user ratings, except for DSQOLS' length. Scale structure was not supported for the DCP. Overall, in terms of acceptability and psychometric evaluation, the DIDP was the strongest performing scale while the ADDQoL‐19 and Diabetes QoL‐Q scales also performed well. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the recently developed brief (7 items), neutrally worded DIDP scale is acceptable to adults with type 1 diabetes and has the strongest psychometric performance. However, questionnaire selection should always be considered in the context of the research aims, study design and population, as well as the wider published evidence regarding both the development and responsiveness of the scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global enthusiasm for nature in cities is at high point. Australia is no exception, where there is a great deal of policy momentum and research interest in urban greening. The challenges presented by increasing urban heat associated with climate change, greater awareness of the potential social, physical and psychological benefits of exposure to ecologies for people, and recognition of cities as vital habitats for more-than-humans are central tenants of urban greening enthusiasm. Yet, there is a need for a more critical lens on urban greening in Australia. One that interrogates the purported normative, apolitical and instrumental benefits of greening, to position greening within a trajectory of the power relations, settler-colonialism, socio-ecological processes and capital flows that constitute the urban. This editorial introducing the special issue on urban greening politics explores how different conceptions of urban natures – green space, urban forestry and green infrastructure – have been put to work, before outlining the potential of 'urban greening' as the terminology for a more politically sensitive and process-orientated framing. The editorial concludes with a summary of the contributions to the special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban greening is about bringing vegetation into cities in ways that produce flourishing urban ecologies whilst also making cities more liveable for human inhabitants. We focus here on greening that is done through the maintenance or establishment of gardens, parks, urban forests and informal spaces. We argue that in contexts with established property law systems, such as Australia, making urban ecologies through greening is shaped heavily by relations of property tied to land. This includes constraining the extent to which urban greening can contribute to socio-ecologically just cities. We suggest that progressing greening that is more attentive to the geographies and temporalities of more-than-human life requires us to trouble the hold of property over greening. To do this we explore the possibilities opened up by the lens of urban commons/commoning. We engage with the emerging concept of more-than-human commoning as a way of attuning urban greening to nonhuman agency and affordances. We also grapple with the risk of obscuring or concealing difference between humans in the way commoning makes room for more-than-humans, especially in the context of settler-colonialism. We conclude by calling for a more overt politics of urban greening that encompasses diverse human and more-than-human experiences of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis is a key biological process. However, we know little about whether plants change their photosynthetic strategy when introduced to a new range. We located the most likely source population for the South African beach daisy Arctotheca populifolia introduced to Australia in the 1930s, and ran a common-garden experiment measuring 10 physiological and morphological leaf traits associated with photosynthesis. Based on predictions from theory, and higher rainfall in the introduced range, we hypothesized that introduced plants would have a (i) higher photosynthetic rate, (ii) lower water-use efficiency (WUE) and (iii) higher nitrogen-use efficiency. However, we found that introduced A. populifolia had a lower photosynthetic rate, higher WUE and lower nitrogen-use efficiency than did plants from Arniston, South Africa. Subsequent site visits suggested that plants in Arniston may be able to access moisture on a rocky shelf, while introduced plants grow on sandy beaches where water can quickly dissipate. Our unexpected findings highlight that: (1) it is important to compare introduced species to their source population for an accurate assessment of evolutionary change; (2) rainfall is not always a suitable proxy for water availability and (3) introduced species often undergo evolutionary changes, but without detailed ecological information we may not be able to accurately predict the direction of these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers and policy‐makers are increasingly concerned with children's well‐being in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) settings. Recent research identifies the value of using qualitative methods to understand children's experiences of well‐being in ECEC/OSHC, but there remain few such studies. This article presents findings from a child‐centric qualitative study with Australian children of nurses and police, which sought to understand their experiences of well‐being in ECEC/OSHC. Children's experiences of well‐being were shaped by parental relationships, how informed they were about the rationale for their care arrangements and the degree of age‐appropriate autonomy they experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the 1961 Warsaw Ghetto exhibition in Melbourne, Australia. Within the context of Eichmann’s trial in Israel and fears of rising anti-Semitism in Australia, the exhibition is a site through which debates over Jewish identity, Holocaust memory, and the hitherto marginalised role of temporary exhibitions can be understood. Using archival traces, the paper examines the intentions of the exhibition’s organisers, and its reception by visitors. It shows how representations of the Holocaust were shaped by local concerns, the availability of information from emerging global networks of memorial institutions, and the evolving category of ‘survivor’. It adds to a nuanced reading of Holocaust memorial forms, unsettling established narratives of Holocaust memory in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mortality caused by rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in wild rabbits is reduced in parts of Australia where the related, non‐pathogenic calicivirus RCV‐A1 is endemic. Laboratory experiments previously showed that prior infection with RCV‐A1 enabled rabbits to better withstand subsequent infection with highly virulent RHDV, and this was assumed to explain higher survival. Here, we analyse serological data from the field suggesting that reduced mortality rates among wild rabbits may also result from rabbits previously infected with RCV‐A1 having a reduced likelihood of RHDV infection. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying this finding and its implications. The methods we describe for analysing field data gave far greater insights into epidemiological processes and virus interactions than gained from reporting basic seroprevalence rates alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Tolerance for ambiguity is essential for optimal learning and professional competence. General practice trainees must be, or must learn to be, adept at managing clinical uncertainty. However, few studies have examined associations of intolerance of uncertainty in this group. Objectives The aim of this study was to establish levels of tolerance of uncertainty in Australian general practice trainees and associations of uncertainty with demographic, educational and training practice factors. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed on the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (Re CEnT) project, an ongoing multi-site cohort study. Scores on three of the four independent subscales of the Physicians' Reaction to Uncertainty ( PRU) instrument were analysed as outcome variables in linear regression models with trainee and practice factors as independent variables. Results A total of 594 trainees contributed data on a total of 1209 occasions. Trainees in earlier training terms had higher scores for 'Anxiety due to uncertainty', 'Concern about bad outcomes' and 'Reluctance to disclose diagnosis/treatment uncertainty to patients'. Beyond this, findings suggest two distinct sets of associations regarding reaction to uncertainty. Firstly, affective aspects of uncertainty (the 'Anxiety' and 'Concern' subscales) were associated with female gender, less experience in hospital prior to commencing general practice training, and graduation overseas. Secondly, a maladaptive response to uncertainty (the 'Reluctance to disclose' subscale) was associated with urban practice, health qualifications prior to studying medicine, practice in an area of higher socio-economic status, and being Australian-trained. Conclusions This study has established levels of three measures of trainees' responses to uncertainty and associations with these responses. The current findings suggest differing 'phenotypes' of trainees with high 'affective' responses to uncertainty and those reluctant to disclose uncertainty to patients. More research is needed to examine the relationship between clinical uncertainty and clinical outcomes, temporal changes in tolerance for uncertainty, and strategies that might assist physicians in developing adaptive responses to clinical uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Australia-wide consensus was reached on seven core concepts of physiology, one of which was "structure and function" with the descriptor "Structure and function are intrinsically related to all levels of the organism. In all physiological systems, the structure from a microscopic level to an organ level dictates its function." As a framework for the structure and function core concept, the renal system was unpacked by a team of 5 Australian Physiology educators from different universities with extensive teaching experience into hierarchical levels, with 5 themes and 25 subthemes up to 3 levels deep. Within theme 1, the structures that comprise the renal system were unpacked. Within theme 2, the physiological processes within the nephron such as filtration, reabsorption, and secretion were unpacked. Within theme 3, the processes involved in micturition were unpacked. In theme 4, the structures and processes involved in regulating renal blood flow and glomerular filtration were unpacked; and within theme 5, the role of the kidney in red blood cell production was unpacked. Twenty-one academics rated the difficulty and importance of each theme/subtheme, and results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. All identified themes were validated as "essential" to "important"/"moderately important" and rated between "difficult" to "not difficult." A similar framework consisting of structure, physiological processes, physical processes, and regulation can be used to unpack other body systems. Unpacking of the body systems will provide a list of what students should be taught in curricula across Australian universities and inform assessment and learning activities. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first attempt to unpack and validate the "structure and function" core concept in physiology with all Australian educators. We unpacked the renal system into themes with hierarchical levels, which were validated by an experienced team of Australian physiology educators. Our unpacking of the "structure and function" core concept provides a specific framework for educators to apply this important concept in physiology education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social capital has the potential to influence the success of biodiverse carbon plantings in the face of uncertainty amongst rural landholders about the need or efficacy of efforts to address climate change through tree planting. We conducted 17 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with landholders in Victoria, Australia who voluntarily participate in biodiverse carbon plantings on their land, focusing in particular on the role of social capital for understanding how ‘early adopters' can advocate for programs locally. The interviews revealed the importance of social networks and the profound impact of trusted peers on the diffusion of carbon planting schemes. These social capital dimensions are especially important for shapingongoing participationand the ways in which participants become active agents in trusted relationships that influence the participation of others. Our results suggest that the positive impact of social networks can counteract doubts about the validity of climate adaptation responses such as carbon planting, and enable landholders to connect the program with their existing stewardship motivations. The ability for early adopters of the program todemonstratethe physical materialisation of their plantings to others was vital to this process. We propose that targeting champions and trusted peers in local communities could accelerate the proliferation of biodiverse carbon planting schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including human resource management (HRM) practices, challenges, and opportunities, the Australian multinational enterprises (MNEs), and the outcomes and motivations of older Australian workers.

Systems genetics has begun to tackle the complexity of insulin resistance by capitalising on computational advances to study high-diversity populations. 'Diversity Outbred in Australia (DOz)' is a population of genetically unique mice with profound metabolic heterogeneity. We leveraged this variance to explore skeletal muscle's contribution to whole-body insulin action through metabolic phenotyping and skeletal muscle proteomics of 215 DOz mice. Linear modelling identified 553 proteins that associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Index) including regulators of endocytosis and muscle proteostasis. To enrich for causality, we refined this network by focusing on negatively associated, genetically regulated proteins, resulting in a 76-protein fingerprint of insulin resistance. We sought to perturb this network and restore insulin action with small molecules by integrating the Broad Institute Connectivity Map platform and in vitro assays of insulin action using the Prestwick chemical library. These complementary approaches identified the antibiotic thiostrepton as an insulin resistance reversal agent. Subsequent validation in ex vivo insulin-resistant mouse muscle and palmitate-induced insulin-resistant myotubes demonstrated potent insulin action restoration, potentially via upregulation of glycolysis. This work demonstrates the value of a drug-centric framework to validate systems-level analysis by identifying potential therapeutics for insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What can we learn from the prodigious expansion of the non-government protected areas that now comprise 12% of terrestrial Australia? An increasingly professional, formal, and diverse non-government sector has developed since 1990, comprising private individuals, non-government organizations, and First Nations and having close ties to governments. We investigate the drivers, dynamics, and diversity of this sector through thematic analysis of 24 key informant interviews and associated gray literature. Changing environmental movements, science-led conservation, partial recognition of First Nations land rights, international agreements, and neoliberal reforms combined to formalize the sector during the 1990s. A bipartisan policy framework for incorporating non-government lands in the national conservation estate, diverse partnerships, transnational networks, and innovation in public and private funding helped grow the sector. The confluence of interests that has transformed the politics and practice of nature conservation in Australia is likely to inform those engaged with similar changes elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives This paper aims to investigate the transition experiences of students with previous nursing qualifications (nondegree qualifications) entering a nursing degree program. Background Nurses with professional nursing qualifications (nondegree) are an important pool of professionals to draw on to help address nursing shortages through providing alternative pathways to becoming registered nurses. However, research suggests this cohort need higher levels of support and intervention to be successful. Design An integrative review was conducted, guided by Whittemore and Knafl's framework. A comprehensive search was conducted and 14 studies were included in the review. Methods A five-stage approach was used to conduct the review: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify commonalities, differences and themes in the relevant literature. Results Themes emerged that suggested students struggled with academic and institutional challenges, becoming learners, managing conflicting demands of outside life, developing a student identity and experienced threat to their sense of professional identity. Additionally, the cohort did not view themselves as 'the same' as traditional students. Holland's framework provides a useful framework from which to conceptualise these students' experiences. Conclusion There are challenges for this cohort of students as they transition into degree level study. Supportive activities that extend and further develop students' personality orientations may be a useful starting point in addressing some of the challenges and providing a more positive transition to university. Relevance to clinical practice The demand for health care is growing and there remains a shortfall of registered nurses. Nurses with professional qualifications (nondegree) are an important pool of professionals from which to increase registered nurse numbers and address workforce sustainability issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a toxicologically confirmed 25I-NBOMe related death from Australia. 25I-NBOMe is a synthetic new psychoactive substance (NPS), which is a derivative of the 2C-X series of phenethylamines. NBOMe compounds have hallucinogenic and stimulant properties and are potent agonists of the human 5HT2A receptor. They have been associated with severe toxicity and fatalities. No case reports on deaths related to 25I-NBOMe toxicity from Australia have been published thus far. Very limited toxicological data is available in the current literature. The decedent in the presented case had a post mortem aortic non-preserved blood concentration of 25I-NBOMe of approximately 28 µg/L, a concentration that appears to be much higher than those previously reported in non-fatal cases of toxicity and analytically confirmed 25I-NBOMe related fatalities. The publication of new data is essential in improving knowledge and awareness amongst the forensic community regarding emerging psychoactive substances, such as the NBOMe compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including personnel management, employment for immigrants in Australia, and superior-subordinate relationship.

Highlights: [•] There have been three major viral biocontrol programs against invasive vertebrates. [•] Rabbits and cats have been successfully targeted with three different viruses. [•] We have identified the most important lessons from these programs. [•] The lessons are applied to biocontrol of carp in Australia with cyprinid herpesvirus-3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The anxiety associated with unfamiliar surroundings, the disorientation and mental confusion, and the social isolation that accompanies dementia can often create increased stress for people living in long-term care settings. Such a response is thought to affect the autonomic nervous system and result in emotional and physical symptoms of distress that may be manifested as agitation. There is the potential for such distress to influence the physiological response and in particular Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. A relaxation intervention such as massage may influence the physiological stress response. Methods: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effect of foot massage (FM) versus a control activity (quiet presence, QP) on physiological stress response (i.e., blood pressure [BP] and heart rate [HR]) in people living with moderate-to-severe dementia in long-term-care settings. Results: Fifty-three residents were randomized to intervention (10-minute FM) or control group (QP). While the FM group experienced a greater reduction in HR than the control group, these reductions were not significantly different between groups ( p=0.83; see ), or across time ( p=0.46). Both groups experienced a reduction in systolic BP and diastolic BP, while the mean reduction in systolic BP was greater for those in the FM group. Conclusions: While the findings do not provide strong support for FM, the finding that both conditions allowed the person with dementia to rest in the presence of another human being is of importance in the care of people with dementia. The close presence of another person may in fact promote relaxation and therefore improve BP and HR measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is predicted that the coastal zone will be among the environments worst affected by projected climate change. Projected losses in beach area will negatively impact on coastal infrastructure and continued recreational use of beaches. Beach nourishment practices such as artificial nourishment, replenishment and scraping are increasingly used to combat beach erosion but the extent and scale of projects is poorly documented in large areas of the world. Through a survey of beach managers of Local Government Areas and a comprehensive search of peer reviewed and grey literature, we assessed the extent of nourishment practices in Australia. The study identified 130 beaches in Australia that were subject to nourishment practices between 2001 and 2011. Compared to projects elsewhere, most Australian projects were small in scale but frequent. Exceptions were nine bypass projects which utilised large volumes of sediment. Most artificial nourishment, replenishment and beach scraping occurred in highly urbanised areas and were most frequently initiated in spring during periods favourable to accretion and outside of the summer season of peak beach use. Projects were generally a response to extreme weather events, and utilised sand from the same coastal compartment as the site of erosion. Management was planned on a regional scale by Local Government Authorities, with little monitoring of efficacy or biological impact. As rising sea levels and growing coastal populations continue to put pressure on beaches a more integrated approach to management is required, that documents the extent of projects in a central repository, and mandates physical and biological monitoring to help ensure the engineering is sustainable and effective at meeting goals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Integrated peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) demonstrate clinical efficacy, however, device complexity and design differences may be a potential barrier to implementation. Aims: To assess nurse acceptability of integrated PIVC systems. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was nested within a multicentre randomised controlled trial. One hundred nurses caring for patients with integrated and non-integrated PIVCs completed a 17-item survey about key differences between devices (eg function and appearance, perceived patient comfort and skin injuries). Findings: Most nurses reported the integrated PIVC wings prevented device movement (80%), achieved patient comfort in areas of flexion (78%), and no patients developed skin injuries (100%). Nurses rated the ease of accessing and overall confidence using the integrated PIVC as significantly higher than the non-integrated design (P<0.001).Conclusion: The integrated PIVC received positive feedback from nurses and had few barriers to implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the sustainability of Robot-assisted upper limb therapy (RT-UL) as part of routine occupational therapy and physiotherapy clinical practice. Two separate audits, 12 months apart, of RT-UL computer data records were undertaken to determine sustainability in a subacute rehabilitation unit. Records of the two audits were compared in terms of the number of early subacute stroke survivors using RT-UL, the number of RT-UL sessions, duration of RT-UL sessions, and disciplines prescribing RT-UL. During Audit 1 58% (n = 18) of stroke survivors received RT-UL compared to 50% (n = 7) in Audit 2. The total number of RT-UL sessions reduced between audits (148 vs. 36 sessions) reflecting the overall reduction in admission rates for stroke survivors. There was no significant difference between audits in the average number of RT-UL sessions per patient (p = 0.203) nor the length of sessions (p = 0.762). Patients engaged in active therapy more than three-quarters of the time when on the robotic device. Physiotherapists were the primary prescribers of RT-UL when compared to occupational therapists. RT-UL was in continued and regular use with stroke survivors 2 years after initial implementation within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. RT-UL practice was intensive and used routinely with patients. RT-UL is a sustainable and intensive intervention for stroke survivors within an inpatient rehabilitative setting. The cost-benefits of RT-UL should be evaluated from the perspective of the whole rehabilitation service not just at an individual patient level. RT-UL may be considered a "bridging" form of UL practice for those with more limited active UL movement until there is sufficient UL movement and power for more complex real-world task-specific practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sympatric native top-order predators, the sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa) and powerful owl (Ninox strenua) coexist throughout much of their range in south-eastern Australia. Following European settlement, however, major changes in resource availability for these predators potentially resulted in increased competition, especially for food. This study examined ecological attributes of both species, including intersexual differences in the sooty owl, potential resource partitioning and whether competition may be occurring. Dietary overlap was high between female sooty owls and powerful owls (0.90), compared to overlap between male sooty owls and powerful owls (0.67), with three mammalian species contributing over 74% of their diets. Sooty and powerful owls coexisted throughout the study region, regularly roosting within the same vegetation types, and in similar locations, although microhabitat differences were apparent. Sooty owls displayed aseasonal breeding, although a peak in fledging in spring coincided with powerful owl breeding. Both species exclusively nested in similar size mountain grey gums (Eucalyptus cypellocarpa), however, hollow characteristics differed slightly. Significant divergence along a single niche dimension was not detected between powerful and sooty owls, as they had similar diets, habitat usage and activity times, potentially resulting in competition. Reproductive output was low for both species, however, the degree to which competitive interactions influenced this remains unknown. To minimise potential competition, longterm feral predator control and improved habitat management is recommended to increase the density and diversity of small terrestrial mammals, as this should result in diversification of the sooty owl diet, reducing dietary overlap with powerful owls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify what factors affect women's' decisions to delay childbearing, and to explore women's' experiences and their perceptions of associated risks. Design: Systematic procedures were used for search strategy, study selection, data extraction and analysis. Findings were synthesised using an approach developed from meta-ethnography. Data sources: We included qualitative papers, not confined to geographical area (1980–2009). Databases included CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, ASSIA, MIDIRS, British Nursing Index and the National Research Register. We selected qualitative empirical studies exploring the views and experiences of women of advanced maternal age who were childless or primigravidae with a singleton pregnancy or primiparous. Review methods: Twelve papers fulfilled the selection criteria and were included for synthesis. Results: Women appear to face an issue of ‘informed and uninformed decision making’; those who believe they are informed but may not be, those who are not informed and find out they are at risk once pregnant, and those who are well informed but choose to delay pregnancy anyway. Maternity services could provide information to enable informed choice regarding timing of childbearing. Conclusions: Health professionals need to be mindful of the fact that women delay childbearing for various reasons. A strategy of pre-conception education may be beneficial in informing childbearing decisions. Obstetricians and midwives should be sensitive to the fact that women may not be aware of all the risks associated with delayed childbearing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Powerful Owl is an elusive species inhabiting the forests of mainland eastern Australia. Obtaining crucial information on aspects of their breeding behaviour and dispersal has proven extremely difficult, even though other aspects of their ecology are well studied. Here we use molecular methods to investigate the breeding behaviour and dispersal of the Powerful Owl in two different habitats: highly fragmented forest along the urban fringe and continuous forest. DNA profiles of Powerful Owls were obtained predominately from shed feathers collected opportunistically between 1995 and 2006. Seven breeding pairs of Powerful Owls were identified, from which shed feathers were collected during 2003, 2004 and 2005. By comparing DNA profiles, one pair of Owls was found to have occupied the same breeding site for 10 years (1995–2005). The dispersal or movements of five offspring from this pair was also determined to be either of two scenarios: (1) the juvenile moves from the natal territory; however, isn't breeding; and (2) the juvenile is recovered as part of a breeding pair. Two pairs of Owls breeding in the urban fringe habitat were closely related, but no incidences of extra-pair fertilisation were detected among pairs in either habitat. This study provides new information about the breeding behaviour and dispersal of the Powerful Owl, and shows the potential of using genetic data sourced from shed feathers for studying cryptic, rare or elusive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Australia, numerous small mammal species have suffered extinction or severe declines in distribution and abundance following European settlement. The extent of these declines from forested areas of south-eastern Australia, however, remains poorly understood. In this paper we use sub-fossil deposits of the sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa) as a tool for understanding the diversity of the small mammal palaeocommunity. These results are compared to the contemporary sooty owl diet from the same geographical region to investigate the degree of small mammal decline following European settlement. Of 28 mammal species detected in sub-fossil deposits and considered prey items of the sooty owl at the time of European settlement, only 10 species were detected in the contemporary sooty owl diet. Numerous small mammal species have not only recently suffered severe declines in distribution and abundance but have also recently undergone niche contraction, as they occupied a greater diversity of regions and habitats at the time of European settlement. For some species our understanding of their true ecological niche and ecological potential is therefore limited. The species that underwent the greatest declines occupied open habitat types or were terrestrial. The severity of decline is also likely to have resulted in severe disruption of ecosystem functions, with wide scale ecosystem consequences. There is an urgent need to improve small mammal conservation, to maintain crucial ecosystem functions performed by small mammals. It is recommended that broad-scale exotic predator control programs are conducted which may also provide suitable conditions for the re-introduction of locally extinct species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Birthing room practices can either hinder or promote the initiation of breastfeeding. In Australia, midwives usually support mothers and newborns with the first breastfeed. The aim of this paper is to explore midwives reported practice, assisting mothers initiate breastfeeding in the birthing room. A self-report questionnaire that included open-ended questions was mailed to a national sample of Australian midwives. Open-ended responses to questions related to a birthing room practice scenario were analysed using content analysis to facilitate thematic description. Midwives reported that at the immediate time of birth, they offered support and choice to mothers. The midwives also identified that their practice was often impacted on by workplace structures and these were often barriers to their role at this time. Some midwives indicated that they would use a ‘hands-off’ approach at birth, although others indicated ways in which they would intervene including some who reported a ‘hands-on’ approach to assist mothers with the first breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. Lactation education support for midwives is required to change workplace culture and improve practice. More research is needed to establish best practice to support mothers with the first breastfeed. It could be that some level of ‘hands-on’ help provided skillfully may be effective. More research is needed to investigate the effect of ‘hands-on’ help described by skillful experienced midwives, and association with sustained problem free breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objective. This study aimed to design, implement and evaluate strategies to improve the quality and content of hospital-based postnatal care. Background. Following birth, women report physical health problems, difficulties with breastfeeding, a lack of parenting self-efficacy and there is high occurrence of postnatal distress and depression. Despite these significant needs, women are frequently dissatisfied with the advice and support they receive from hospital-based postnatal care. Design. A pre/post test design compared the effect of multifaceted strategies on perceptions of quality and content of postnatal care, knowledge and experience of postnatal problems, parenting self-efficacy and breastfeeding outcomes. The key strategy, 'one-to-one time', focused on providing women an uninterrupted period of time each day when a midwife would be available to discuss women's concerns about their health and that of their baby. Method. A convenience sample of 146 women at baseline and 148 women postintervention completed a postal self-report questionnaire between 2-4 weeks postpartum. Results. There were no significant differences between baseline and postintervention groups in perceived quality of care, breastfeeding outcomes and maternal self-efficacy. Women experiencing health issues, including insufficient milk supply, backache, abnormal bleeding and urinary incontinence, were more likely to report that they received good or excellent care and advice in the postintervention group. Strategies to increase rest appeared effective with women less likely to report excessive tiredness postintervention. The key strategy, 'one-to-one time' was not consistently implemented, 57% of women reported they received 10 minutes or less of uninterrupted time with a midwife and only 11% reported that they were provided with 20 minutes or more. Conclusion. There is the potential for individualised care to impact on outcomes for women but established routines and institutional priorities are difficult to change. Relevance to clinical practice. Midwives require both skill development and time to be able to sensitively listen to women's needs in the hospital postnatal setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to establish current management practice for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) among individual consultant neonatologists in Australia and New Zealand, to examine the influences that drives practice and highlight the importance of future randomised controlled trials in the region. Methods: Eligible subjects were identified from the Directory of Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Australia and New Zealand, 2007. A questionnaire was sent online to each consultant and was followed up with a letter and telephone call. Seven questions addressed management approach, the drug used and the treatment regimen, threshold for referral for surgical ligation and the literature influencing practice. Data were collected from 22 August 2007 to 22 November 2007. Results: The overall response rate was 95%. For infants ≤28 weeks or ≤1000 g, all consultants treat PDA by one of four distinct management approaches. Expectant management was favoured by 35%, echocardiographic targeted prophylaxis 32%, presymptomatic treatment 16% and prophylaxis by 17%. There were marked regional variations in practice. Within individual units, more than one approach is used in 14 out of 24 units. Long courses of indomethacin are used to treat PDA by 86%. For 22% of consultants, management is not influenced by published literature. Conclusions: Differences of opinion in the literature are reflected by the heterogeneity in clinical practice across regions and within units. Crucial questions undergoing evaluation are whether data extrapolated from a previous area are relevant to PDA in modern neonatology and whether targeting treatment early can translate to improved clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth and the British government's Stern Review of the economics of climate change have provided heightened awareness of how humans are over-stretching the Earth's life support systems. The health of human populations and the health of global ecosystems are inextricably linked and the need for fundamental changes in how we live is becoming impossible to ignore. While not the complete answer, education must be a part of imagining and transforming our patterns of living. Learning embedded in educational systems derived from worldviews that replicate unhealthy and unsustainable lifestyles and environments is not a part of the solution but a significant part of the problem. In Australia, two internationally implemented whole-school reform movements, health promoting schools (HPS) and sustainable schools (SS)--seek to provide ways of operationalizing transformative educational processes. Both movements aim to build resilience and optimism, use action-oriented teaching and learning approaches, and have a focus on the future. While these two approaches to educational and social change have much in common, currently there is virtually no conversation between their proponents and advocates. This paper makes a case for HPS and SS to work together--both theoretically and practically--with the ultimate goal being the emergence of schools that are both green and healthy. Such integration would make an important educational contribution to the creation of a healthy, sustainable world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scribbles, the damage caused by mining larvae of the moth Ogmograptis sp. (Bucculatricidae), are a common sight on the trunks of many Eucalyptus species in eastern Australia. They provide a record of larval behaviour that can be easily measured when the trees shed outer bark layers. Measurements were made of scribbles on three species of eucalypt ( Eucalyptus racemosa ssp. rossii, E. pauciflora and E. delegatensis) in the Australian Capital Territory. Scribble density varied between tree species and study sites but was consistently higher on the southern and eastern aspects of tree trunks. Some characteristics of mining behaviour, such as initial mining direction, were found to be random, but others including mine length and number of direction changes follow distinct patterns but differ between eucalypt species. It is likely that there is more than one species of Ogmograptis Meyrick as currently described ( O. scribula Meyrick, from E. pauciflora) and each eucalypt species may be host to a different species of Ogmograptis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The alkalic porphyry gold–copper deposits of the Cadia district occur in the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt of New South Wales, Australia. The district comprises four porphyry deposits (Ridgeway, Cadia Quarry, Cadia Hill, and Cadia East) and two iron–copper–gold skarn deposits (Big Cadia and Little Cadia). Almost 1,000 tonnes of contained gold and more than four million tonnes of copper have been discovered in these systems, making Cadia the world’s largest known alkalic porphyry district, in terms of contained gold. Porphyry gold–copper ore at Cadia is associated with quartz monzonite intrusive complexes, and is hosted by central stockwork and sheeted quartz–sulfide–(carbonate) vein systems. The Cadia porphyry deposits are characterized by cores of potassic and/or calc–potassic alteration assemblages, and peripheral halos of propylitic alteration, with late-stage phyllic alteration mostly restricted to fault zones. Hematite dusting is an important component of the propylitic alteration assemblage, and has produced a distinctive reddening of feldspar minerals in the volcanic wall rocks around the mineralized centers. Sulfide mineralization is strongly zoned at Ridgeway and Cadia East, with bornite-rich cores surrounded by chalcopyrite-rich halos and peripheral zones of pyrite mineralization. The Cadia Hill and Cadia Quarry deposits have chalcopyrite-rich cores and pyrite-rich halos, and Cadia Hill contains a high-level bornite-rich zone. Distinctive sulfur isotopic zonation patterns have been identified at Ridgeway, Cadia Hill, and Cadia East. The deposit cores are characterized by low δ34Ssulfide values (−10 to −4‰), consistent with sulfide precipitation from an oxidized (sulfate-predominant) magmatic fluid at 450 to 400C. Pyrite grains that occur in the propylitic alteration halos typically have δ34Ssulfide values near 0‰. There is a gradual increase in δ34Ssulfide values outwards from the deposit cores through the propylitic halos. Water–rock interaction during propylitic alteration caused magmatic sulfate reduction and concomitant oxidation of ferrous iron-bearing minerals, resulting in enrichment of 34S in pyrite and also producing the distinctive reddened, hematite-rich alteration halos to the Cadia deposits. These results show that sulfur isotope analyses have potential applications in the exploration of alkalic porphyry-style deposits, with zones of depleted δ34Ssulfide values most prospective for high-grade mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-wide preparedness for pandemic influenza is an issue that has featured prominently in the recent news media, and is currently a priority for health authorities in many countries. The small and medium business sector is a major provider of private sector employment in Australia, yet we have little information about the preparedness of this sector for pandemic influenza. This study aimed to investigate the association between individual perceptions and preparedness for pandemic influenza among small and medium business owners and managers. Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 201 small and medium business owners or managers in New South Wales and Western Australia. Eligible small or medium businesses were defined as those that had less than 200 employees. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of having considered the impact of, having a plan for, and needing help to prepare for pandemic influenza. Results: Approximately 6 per cent of participants reported that their business had a plan for pandemic influenza, 39 per cent reported that they had not thought at all about the impact of pandemic influenza on their business, and over 60 per cent stated that they required help to prepare for a pandemic. Beliefs about the severity of pandemic influenza and the ability to respond were significant independent predictors of having a plan for pandemic influenza, and the perception of the risk of pandemic influenza was the most important predictor of both having considered the impact of, and needing help to prepare for a pandemic. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that small and medium businesses in Australia are not currently well prepared for pandemic influenza. We found that beliefs about the risk, severity, and the ability to respond effectively to the threat of pandemic influenza are important predictors of preparedness. Campaigns targeting small and medium businesses should emphasise the severity of the consequences to their businesses if a pandemic were to occur, and, at the same time, reassure them that there are effective strategies capable of being implemented by small and medium businesses to deal with a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand consistently place near the top of the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index (HDI) rankings, yet all have minority Indigenous populations with much poorer health and social conditions than non-Indigenous peoples. It is unclear just how the socioeconomic and health status of Indigenous peoples in these countries has changed in recent decades, and it remains generally unknown whether the overall conditions of Indigenous peoples are improving and whether the gaps between Indigenous peoples and other citizens have indeed narrowed. There is unsettling evidence that they may not have. It was the purpose of this study to determine how these gaps have narrowed or widened during the decade 1990 to 2000. Methods: Census data and life expectancy estimates from government sources were used to adapt the Human Development Index (HDI) to examine how the broad social, economic, and health status of Indigenous populations in these countries have changed since 1990. Three indices -- life expectancy, educational attainment, and income -- were combined into a single HDI measure. Results: Between 1990 and 2000, the HDI scores of Indigenous peoples in North America and New Zealand improved at a faster rate than the general populations, closing the gap in human development. In Australia, the HDI scores of Indigenous peoples decreased while the general populations improved, widening the gap in human development. While these countries are considered to have high human development according to the UNDP, the Indigenous populations that reside within them have only medium levels of human development. Conclusion: The inconsistent progress in the health and well-being of Indigenous populations over time, and relative to non-Indigenous populations, points to the need for further efforts to improve the social, economic, and physical health of Indigenous peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine variables impacting on the performance of healthy adults on the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test (OT-APST), and present the Australian normative data for this standardised assessment tool. Method: The OT-APST was administered to a sample of healthy adults aged 16-97 (n = 356). Results: Neither gender nor highest level of education significantly impacted on OT-APST performance in the healthy normative group. Increasing age significantly correlated with reduced performance on all OT-APST subscales except for body scheme. Australian normative data for the OT-APST are presented in two age intervals: 16-74 years (n = 232) and 75-97 years (n = 124). Conclusion: Presentation of a large, age-stratified Australian normative data set including cut-off scores for intact/impaired perceptual performance for each of the OT-APST subscales will enable occupational therapists to make a norm-referenced interpretation of scores for individual clients when using this screening tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Investigate the nutrition and food safety needs of out-of-school hours care (OSHC) services. Design, subjects and setting: Forty-one OSHC services were visited once during their afternoon session. The nutritional quality of food provided for afternoon tea for five consecutive days, and food safety and serving practices were determined using checklist-based qualitative assessments. The availability of written nutrition and food safety policies was determined and concerns of coordinators recorded. Main outcome measures: The proportion of services that met the criteria for nutritional quality of afternoon tea provided over five consecutive days and the median number of days each nutritional quality criteria was met. Statistical analyses: The proportion of services that met the afternoon tea checklist criteria for the whole five days studied was calculated. In addition, the median and interquartile ranges were calculated for the number of days on which the services met the afternoon tea checklist criteria. The proportion of services that met the food safety checklist criteria was also calculated. Results: Seventeen percent of services offered a high calcium food each day for afternoon tea, 20% offered a good or moderate source of iron and 44% offered a fruit or vegetable. Nearly half of the services (46%) served cordial, however no services offered sticky/high-sugar snack foods. Thirty-four percent of services had policies on food provided, 37% had food safety policies, 39% had a written afternoon tea menu and 58% of these displayed this menu for parents. Service coordinators were most concerned about lack of kitchen facilities, low food budgets and attracting and retaining experienced staff. Conclusions: The results of this needs assessment raises concerns regarding the foods provided and food safety and serving practices in OSHC, similar to those demonstrated in child-care settings for younger children. Strategies used in child care are likely to be successful in the OSHC setting, however, differences such as the older age of children, lack of regulations, limited kitchen facilities and lower levels of qualifications of OSHC staff need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to investigate the effect of two methods of dissemination on the implementation of a smoking cessation programme and use of smoking cessation interventions in antenatal clinics. A repeated-measures randomized design was used. Hospital antenatal clinics ( n = 23) were randomized to simple or intensive dissemination groups. All clinics in NSW with > 500 births were asked to participate. A survey of all clinical staff ( n = 323) in 23 antenatal clinics was carried out prior to programme dissemination and 18 months after dissemination ( n = 283). The response rate was 63%at baseline and 64% at follow-up. Smoking cessation intervention significantly increased after dissemination. ( F (18,1) = 49.26, p < 0.001). The average number of smoking cessation interventions provided by clinics after programme dissemination increased from 4.5 to 7. 48 (mean difference 2.98, t (19) 7.08, n < 0.001, 95% CI (2.1-3.86). Type of dissemination did not influence the number of programme components used or the number of smoking cessation interventions offered. Also, the estimated proportion of clients offered intervention by clinicians did not vary due to type of dissemination. A simple mail-out of a smoking cessation programme to antenatal clinics for use during pregnancy can increase clinician intervention for smoking. When more intensive methods of dissemination are used, the quality of the interventions implemented by clinicians improves. More research on dissemination methods are required as both methods of dissemination did not produce systematic or sustained use of the programme. \[Cooke M, Mattick RP, Walsh RA. Implementation of the 'Fresh start' smoking cessation programme to 23 antenatal clinics: a randomized controlled trial investigating two methods of dissemination. Drug Alcohol Rev 2001;20:19-28]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to common belief, suicide was not hidden during the nineteenth century. People who found the bodies of suicides rarely tried to disguise this fact and neighbours took an active interest in what had happened. Inquests were held in public houses before juries of local men who heard evidence from witnesses who had known the deceased. Suicide was reported regularly in newspapers. By the early twentieth century, juries had been abolished, the inquest had been professionalised and the newspaper reporting of suicide was beginning to wane. I argue that the professionalisation of the inquest excluded most popular participation and led, by the 1930s, to the erosion of popular knowledge of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines cranial remains of Balbaroo fangaroo, a species of balbarine kangaroo from the freshwater limestone deposites in Riversleigh, Australia. Inclusion of partial skulls revealing the characters of Balbarinae; Example of evolutionary convergence between herbivorous marsupials and ungulate eutherians; Dorsal margin of neurocranium.