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2. An exploration of rural Chinese teachers’ wellbeing: Insights from mixture modelling of latent profile analysis

Author

Cui, B, McCallum, F, White, MA, Cui, B, McCallum, F, and White, MA

Abstract

The importance of teachers’ wellbeing and the complexities of teaching are becoming more widely understood through the lens of positive psychology. For example, teachers’ wellbeing and optimal functioning have an impact on their ability to teach effectively, teacher retention and their job satisfaction. However, there is a shortage of global research investigating teachers’ wellbeing, especially in rural China. The current study contributes to this shortage through an appreciative inquiry to examine rural teachers’ wellbeing in Jilin Province in rural China. Unlike earlier research, this study focused on the positive elements of rurality that strengthen teachers’ wellbeing. A two-phase exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods design was adopted. This paper reports on quantitative findings of Stage 2 of the study, a latent profile analysis of 1,198 participants’ experiences of wellbeing. The results suggest there are five unique profiles that enable rural Chinese teachers’ wellbeing: thriving, personally driven, surviving, career-driven and languishing. This study undertakes a novel approach of latent profile analysis of teachers’ wellbeing in rural China. These findings have implications for policymakers, initial teacher education programs, and teacher wellbeing interventions.

Published
2022

3. Exploring rural Chinese teachers’ attitudes towards wellbeing: Qualitative findings from appreciative semi-structured interviews

Author

Cui, B, White, MA, McCallum, F, Cui, B, White, MA, and McCallum, F

Abstract

Teachers in rural China are considered disadvantaged compared to their urban counterparts on several measures, including working conditions, remuneration, and access to professional development opportunities. We argue that teacher wellbeing plays a crucial role in teacher quality because quality teachers require optimal functioning and wellbeing to teach well. This study reports on the qualitative element of an exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design investigating Chinese rural teachers’ attitudes towards wellbeing. The results of this study confirmed that remuneration, access to professional development opportunities and social status of rural teachers are behind those of urban teachers in China. However, several rural teachers excelled in the profession, showing a passion for teaching that transformed the lives of rural students. This study discovered a gap in the current research on the wellbeing of rural teachers in China and suggested that policymakers should promote the unique positive aspects of rurality, including teachers’ passion for optimal outcomes for their students, rather than focussing on the negative aspects of rurality.

Published
2022

4. Wellbeing literacy as an emancipatory and transformative capability

Author

White, MA, McCallum, F, Oades, LG, Taylor, JA, Francis, J, Baker, LM, White, MA, McCallum, F, Oades, LG, Taylor, JA, Francis, J, and Baker, LM

Abstract

Wellbeing Literacy (WL) is conceptualised as the habitual, intentional language use about and for the wellbeing of self and the wellbeing of others. It is language use capability, what we can be and what we can do, with language, for the sake of wellbeing of oneself or others. We argue that this capability can be transformative and emancipatory for individuals and communities, enabling one to live a life with value, freedom and wellbeing. Wellbeing literacy, and its six modes of communication, link well with existing literacy curriculum and structures within education systems. An opportunity exists amongst the crisis to change education broadly and, specifically, wellbeing and resilience education through the intentional use of language about and for wellbeing, during times of adversity and change. This chapter discusses wellbeing literacy, as a model and capability for transforming wellbeing and wellbeing education, both during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published
2021

6. On the use of phosphor thermometry for temperature monitoring in manufacturing processes

Author

Ojo, A.O., McCallum, F., Andreu, A., and Heyes, A.L.

Subjects
TS
Abstract

In the metalworking industry, continuous monitoring and control of temperature is vital to enhance process efficiency, reduce wastage, and attain product reliability in high-value manufacturing processes. The capabilities of conventional techniques such as the use of thermocouples and infrared thermometry for measuring temperature in these processes are limited. For example, in forging processes, there may be a need for mechanical alteration of the die to accommodate thermocouples for die surface temperature measurements, and with infrared thermometry, knowledge of the emissivity of the surfaces of process components is required for accurate temperature measurements. Given that phosphor thermometry has not previously been used in manufacturing processes, here, we report its potential implementation using the phosphor Mg4FGeO6:Mn for measurements of die surface temperature in a forging press. First, with this phosphor, laboratory trials were conducted to describe the cyclic heating of a die by pre-heated billets, which is a process leading to thermal fatigue that requires monitoring in practical applications. Then, the phosphor thermometry technique was demonstrated for die temperature measurements on a 2100 tonne screw press at the Advanced Forming and Research Centre (AFRC). The results show that phosphor thermometry is a candidate technique that would potentially enable more accurate measurements not possible by other techniques in this manufacturing process.

Published
2018

11. Liar, liar, working memory on fire: Investigating the role of working memory in childhood verbal deception

Author

Alloway, T.P., McCallum, F., Alloway, R.G., and Hoicka, E.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of working memory in verbal deception in children. We presented 6- and 7-year-olds with a temptation resistance paradigm; they played a trivia game and were then given an opportunity to peek at the final answers on the back of a card. Measures of both verbal and visuospatial working memory were included. The good liars performed better on the verbal working memory test in both processing and recall compared with the bad liars. However, there was no difference in visuospatial working scores between good liars and bad liars. This pattern suggests that verbal working memory plays a role in processing and manipulating the multiple pieces of information involved in lie-telling.

Published
2015

17. Alternative splicing of the type-IVA cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase gene provides isoform variants with distinct N-terminal domains fused to a common, soluble catalytic unit: ‘designer’ changes in Vmax, stability and membrane association

Author

Houslay, M. D., primary, Scotland, G., additional, Pooley, L., additional, Spence, S., additional, Wilkinson, I., additional, McCallum, F., additional, Julien, P., additional, Rena, N. G., additional, Michie, A. M., additional, Erdogan, S., additional, Zeng, L., additional, O'Connell, J. C., additional, Tobias, E. S., additional, and MacPhee, I., additional

Published
1995
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18. Decomposition rate of cereal straw as affected by soil placement

Author

Curtin, D., Francis, G. S., and McCallum, F. M.

Abstract

Decomposition rates for crop residues have generally been estimated based on data obtained using buried litter bags. Because of limited soil?residue contact, the litter bag technique may not adequately simulate decomposition when residues are mixed through the soil. In field microplots, decomposition of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) straw (autumn-incorporated at a rate of 7t/ha) mixed through the 0?0.20m soil layer was compared with straw decomposition in fibreglass bags (4-mm mesh) buried at a depth of 0.20m. A surface-placed straw treatment and a no-straw control were included for comparison. Emissions of CO2 were monitored from the incorporated straw treatments and undecomposed straw was recovered after 158 days (mean soil temperature during the trial period was 8C at 0.10m). Emissions of CO2 from the soil?mixed straw treatment were generally greater than from the buried bag treatment in the 2 months following incorporation. Output of CO2-C over the first 73 days averaged 83g/m2 for the soil-mixed straw treatment compared with 61g/m2 for the litter bag treatment and 34g/m2 for the no-straw control. Over the entire trial, CO2-C attributable to straw (CO2-C output from straw-treated plots minus CO2-C emitted from the control) was 66% greater for soil?mixed straw than for litter bag straw, indicating that within soil placement can have a strong and persistent effect on straw decomposition. Straw type had a small but significant (P<0.05) effect on CO2 output (barley>wheat). Straw mass loss during the trial averaged 66% for soil-mixed straw, 32% for litter bag straw, and 13% for straw placed on the soil surface. The low recovery of soil?mixed straw is partly due to difficulty of extracting small (<2mm) residue fragments from the soil; however, such fragments could legitimately be considered part of the soil organic matter. The results confirm that straw that is well distributed through the soil may decompose more rapidly than would be anticipated from litter bag measurements.

Published
2008
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19. Biological and chemical assays to estimate nitrogen supplying power of soils with contrasting management histories

Author

Curtin, D. and McCallum, F. M.

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) mineralised from soil organic matter can be an important source of N for crop uptake, particularly following cultivation of pastures. Difficulty in predicting the contribution of mineralisation continues to be a serious obstacle to implementating best management practices for fertiliser N. We evaluated biological tests (i.e. net N mineralised in a 28-day aerobic incubation and anaerobically mineralisable N, AMN) and chemical tests (ammonium-N hydrolysis in hot 2 m KCl) as predictors of N supply to a glasshouse-grown oat (Avena sativa L.) crop. The oat plants were grown to maturity without added N on 30 soils representing a range of management histories, including soils collected from long-term pastures and intensive arable cropping sites. The majority (average 83%) of the N accumulated in grain and straw was mineralised N. Plant N derived from mineralisation (PNDM), estimated by subtracting soil mineral N at sowing from N uptake, was generally higher for long-term pasture soils (mean 82 mg/kg, n = 9) than for long-term arable soils (mean 48 mg/kg, n = 9). The 2 measures of N mineralisation were not closely related [R2 = 0.11 (0.37*** when one outlying observation was omitted)], indicating that aerobic and anaerobic assays can give quite different N fertility rankings. Aerobically mineralisable N was the best predictor of PNDM (R2 = 0.79***). The ratio of CO2-C evolved to net N mineralised in the aerobic incubation was highly variable (e.g. mean of 13.6 for pasture soils v. 7.5 for long-term arable soils), likely due to differences in N immobilisation. The correlations of AMN (R2 = 0.32**) and hot KCl N (R2 = 0.24**) with PNDM were not much better than that between total soil N and PNDM (R2 = 0.16*), suggesting that these tests would not provide reliable estimates of N mineralisation potential in soils with diverse management histories.

Published
2004
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20. The cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A5 is cleaved downstream of its SH3 interaction domain by caspase-3. Consequences for altered intracellular distribution.

Author

Huston, E, Beard, M, McCallum, F, Pyne, N J, Vandenabeele, P, Scotland, G, and Houslay, M D

Abstract

The unique N-terminal region of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A5, which confers an ability to bind to certain protein SH3 domains, is cleaved during apoptosis in both Rat-1 fibroblasts and PC12 cells. Cleavage was abolished by the caspase-3-selective inhibitor, z-DEVD-CHO but not the caspase-1 selective inhibitor, z-YVAD-CHO. Caspase-3 treatment of PDE4A5, expressed either transiently in COS cells or generated in vitro by coupled transcription translation, generated a similar cleavage product of 100 kDa compared with the native 110-kDa PDE4A5. This product could be detected immunochemically with an antibody raised to a C-terminal PDE4A5 peptide but not an antibody raised to the N terminus of PDE4A5, indicating that caspase-3 caused N-terminal cleavage of PDE4A5. Deletion of the putative caspase-3 cleavage site, (69)DAVD(72), in PDE4A5, or generation of either the D72A or the D69A mutants, ablated the ability of caspase-3 to cause cleavage. The N-terminal truncate PDE4A5-DeltaP3 was engineered to mimic the caspase-cleaved product of PDE4A5. This showed altered catalytic activity and, unlike PDE4A5, was unable to interact with the SH3 domain of the tyrosyl kinase, LYN. Although both PDE4A5 and PDE4A5-DeltaP3 were localized at cell cortical regions (ruffles), the distinct perinuclear association noted for both PDE4A5 and LYN was not seen for PDE4A5-DeltaP3. Staurosporine-induced apoptosis caused a marked redistribution of PDE4A5 but not PDE4A8 in stably transfected Rat-1 cells. The PDE4-selective inhibitor, rolipram together with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, caused a synergistic increase in the apoptosis of Rat-1 cells. Overexpression of PDE4A5 in Rat-1 cells protected against staurosporine-induced apoptosis in contrast to overexpression of PDE4A8, which potentiated apoptosis. PDE4A5 may be the sole PDE4 family member to provide a substrate for caspase-3 cleavage and this action serves to remove the SH3 binding domain that is unique to this isoform within the PDE4A family and to alter its intracellular targeting.

Published
2000
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21. Human 18 S ribosomal RNA sequence inferred from DNA sequence. Variations in 18 S sequences and secondary modification patterns between vertebrates

Author

McCallum, F S and H Maden, B E

Abstract

We have determined the DNA sequences encoding 18 S ribosomal RNA in man and in the frog, Xenopus borealis. We have also corrected the Xenopus laevis 18 S sequence: an A residue follows G-684 in the sequence. These and other available data provide a number of representative examples of variation in primary structure and secondary modification of 18 S ribosomal RNA between different groups of vertebrates. First, Xenopus laevis and Xenopus borealis 18 S ribosomal genes differ from each other by only two base substitutions, and we have found no evidence of intraspecies heterogeneity within the 18 S ribosomal DNA of Xenopus (in contrast to the Xenopus transcribed spacers). Second, the human 18 S sequence differs from that of Xenopus by approx. 6.5%. About 4% of the differences are single base changes; the remainder comprise insertions in the human sequence and other changes affecting several nucleotides. Most of these more extensive changes are clustered in a relatively short region between nucleotides 190 and 280 in the human sequence. Third, the human 18 S sequence differs from non-primate mammalian sequences by only about 1%. Fourth, nearly all of the 47 methyl groups in mammalian 18 S ribosomal RNA can be located in the sequence. The methyl group distribution corresponds closely to that in Xenopus, but there are several extra methyl groups in mammalian 18 S ribosomal RNA. Finally, minor revisions are made to the estimated numbers of pseudouridines in human and Xenopus 18 S ribosomal RNA.

Published
1985
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22. Relationship between longevity of spermatozoa after insemination and the percentage of normal embryos in brown marsupial mice (Antechinus stuartii)

Author

Selwood, L. and McCallum, F.

Abstract

Summary.Twenty-six female brown marsupial mice in a laboratory colony were mated at intervals ranging from 1 to 20 days between coitus and ovulation. The numbers of corpora lutea and normal embryos were counted.A multiple regression model examined the parabolic relationship between the proportion of normal embryos and the time from coitus to ovulation. The proportion of normal embryos increased until a mean of 9·5 days and decreased thereafter. This relationship was independent of the year of breeding and the number of corpora lutea. After survival of spermatozoa for up to 13 days in the female reproductive tract, the fertility levels of females was 88–92%. Low fertility levels after 13 days appeared to be due to a decrease in the number of spermatozoa.Reproductive tracts from 7 females killed after insemination and examined histologically showed many spermatozoa in the isthmus of the oviduct and the uterus at 5 days post coitum; spermatozoa confined to the isthmus between 6 and 13 days; and few spermatozoa in the isthmus at 14 days after copulation.A comparison between the fertility levels in the females which had been inseminated once and a further 17 females which had been inseminated 2 or 3 times suggested that spermatozoa from 2nd and 3rd inseminations can contribute spermatozoa for fertilization. In these females fertility levels did not decline with time after the first mating.

Published
1987
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23. Clones of human ribosomal DNA containing the complete 18 S-rRNA and 28 S-rRNA genes. Characterization, a detailed map of the human ribosomal transcription unit and diversity among clones

Author

Maden, B E H, Dent, C L, Farrell, T E, Garde, J, McCallum, F S, and Wakeman, J A

Abstract

We have isolated several new clones of human ribosomal DNA. Each clone contains part of the external transcribed spacer, a complete 18 S-rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacers, a complete 28 S-rRNA gene and a short downstream flanking region. We present a detailed map of the human ribosomal transcription unit with the locations of numerous useful restriction sites. In particular, a unique NheI site in the 5.8 S-rRNA gene enabled this gene to be mapped with respect to the 18 S-rRNA and 28 S-rRNA genes. The human 45 S-rRNA coding region is approx. 13,000 nucleotide residues long, of which the external transcribed spacer comprises approx. 3700 nucleotide residues and the first and second internal transcribed spacers comprise approx. 1070 and 1200 nucleotide residues respectively. A partial survey for sites of variation between clones has revealed a single point of variation among 18 S-rRNA gene sequences (a T/C variation at position 140), several sites of length variation in the regions of the transcribed spacers closely flanking the 18 S-rRNA genes, and some sites of length variation among 28 S-rRNA genes. Most of these sites of variation are associated with simple sequence tracts and are in regions that are known to undergo relatively rapid evolutionary divergence. In particular, the sites of variation among 28 S-rRNA genes occur in G + C-rich tracts whose lengths vary among vertebrates and that can be correlated with extensive hairpin structures previously observed by electron microscopy. Each of the clones so far surveyed in detail differs from the others in one or more respects.

Published
1987
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24. A Roller-Brush Sprayer.

Author

DEFENCE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT SUFFIELD RALSTON (ALBERTA), Hill,G A, McCallum,F L, DEFENCE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT SUFFIELD RALSTON (ALBERTA), Hill,G A, and McCallum,F L

Abstract

A new type of liquid sprayer called a roller-brush sprayer has been constructed at the Defence Research Establishment Suffield. The device operates by flicking liquid drops with polypropylene bristles. The roller-brush sprayer was tested with high viscosity oil and was found to produce good liquid drops. Mass median diameters were determined for a range of spray rates and it was found that the spray rate did not affect the drop spectrum. (Author)

Published
1977

25. Towards Controlling Spray Drop Size

Author

DEFENCE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT SUFFIELD RALSTON (ALBERTA), Hill,G. A., McCallum,F. L., DEFENCE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT SUFFIELD RALSTON (ALBERTA), Hill,G. A., and McCallum,F. L.

Abstract

A vibrating nozzle has been developed for producing uniform drops at low frequencies and at a fixed wavelength. The device was found useful for producing monodisperse 1 mm to 3 mm drops of viscous fluids. (Author)

Published
1976

27. The history of plague in Australia, 1900-1925

Author

Cumpston, J. H. L. (John Howard Lidgett), 1880-1954, McCallum, F. (Frank), 1890, Australia Dept. of Health, Cumpston, J. H. L. (John Howard Lidgett), 1880-1954, McCallum, F. (Frank), 1890, and Australia Dept. of Health

Published
1926

28. The history of small-pox in Australia 1909-1923

Author

Cumpston, J. H. L. (John Howard Lidgett), 1880-1954, McCallum, F. (Frank), 1890, Australia Dept. of Health, Cumpston, J. H. L. (John Howard Lidgett), 1880-1954, McCallum, F. (Frank), 1890, and Australia Dept. of Health

Published
1925

29. The cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A5 is cleaved downstream of its SH3 interaction domain by caspase-3 - Consequences for altered intracellular distribution

Author

Huston E, Beard M, McCallum F, Nj, Pyne, Vandenabeele P, Scotland G, and Miles Houslay

Subjects
Binding Sites, Caspase 3, Molecular Sequence Data, Cell Differentiation, Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors, Staurosporine, Transfection, PC12 Cells, Recombinant Proteins, Cell Line, Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 4, Rats, src Homology Domains, Kinetics, 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases, Caspases, Catalytic Domain, COS Cells, Animals, Amino Acid Sequence
Abstract

The unique N-terminal region of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A5, which confers an ability to bind to certain protein SH3 domains, is cleaved during apoptosis in both Rat-1 fibroblasts and PC12 cells. Cleavage was abolished by the caspase-3-selective inhibitor, z-DEVD-CHO but not the caspase-1 selective inhibitor, z-YVAD-CHO. Caspase-3 treatment of PDE4A5, expressed either transiently in COS cells or generated in vitro by coupled transcription translation, generated a similar cleavage product of 100 kDa compared with the native 110-kDa PDE4A5. This product could be detected immunochemically with an antibody raised to a C-terminal PDE4A5 peptide but not an antibody raised to the N terminus of PDE4A5, indicating that caspase-3 caused N-terminal cleavage of PDE4A5. Deletion of the putative caspase-3 cleavage site, (69)DAVD(72), in PDE4A5, or generation of either the D72A or the D69A mutants, ablated the ability of caspase-3 to cause cleavage. The N-terminal truncate PDE4A5-DeltaP3 was engineered to mimic the caspase-cleaved product of PDE4A5. This showed altered catalytic activity and, unlike PDE4A5, was unable to interact with the SH3 domain of the tyrosyl kinase, LYN. Although both PDE4A5 and PDE4A5-DeltaP3 were localized at cell cortical regions (ruffles), the distinct perinuclear association noted for both PDE4A5 and LYN was not seen for PDE4A5-DeltaP3. Staurosporine-induced apoptosis caused a marked redistribution of PDE4A5 but not PDE4A8 in stably transfected Rat-1 cells. The PDE4-selective inhibitor, rolipram together with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, caused a synergistic increase in the apoptosis of Rat-1 cells. Overexpression of PDE4A5 in Rat-1 cells protected against staurosporine-induced apoptosis in contrast to overexpression of PDE4A8, which potentiated apoptosis. PDE4A5 may be the sole PDE4 family member to provide a substrate for caspase-3 cleavage and this action serves to remove the SH3 binding domain that is unique to this isoform within the PDE4A family and to alter its intracellular targeting.

39. Arab West Report 2005, Weeks 01-53: The Danish Cartoon Crisis and Arab West Report Developments

Author

Hulsman, C., Sparks, M.R., Blattman, J., Watson, J., McCallum, F., Meinardus, O.F.A., Heijer, H., Hoover, J., Bergmann, K., Hannestad, A., Basilius Al-Maqari, FR., Bihman, N., Levine, L.F., Adams, J., Ibrahim, H., Reiss, W., al-Sharqāwī, R., Jalāl, 'U., al-Misri, 'A., Yell, E., and Stichting Arab-West Foundation

Subjects
Humanities, The Danish Cartoon Crisis and Arab West Report Developments, Temporal coverage: 2005, cartoons
Abstract

This dataset contains the Arab-West Report special reports that were published in 2005. This dataset mainly contains the writings of Cornelis Hulsman, Drs., among other authors on topics related to Muslim-Christian relations and interfaith dialogue between the West and Islamic world. Many of the articles also discuss tensions between Muslims and Christians in Egypt throughout the year. Notably, in this dataset, a number of the articles address the famous incident of the Danish cartoons and drawings of Prophet Muhammad which caused an uproar in the Islamic world. Other prominent subjects in this dataset include reports on monastic life and articles about Coptic Orthodox Bishops. Furthermore, the dataset included recommendation of Arab-West Report's work by other social figures and commentary on published material from other sources (reviews/critique of articles). Some of the themes that characterized this dataset: Book reviews of S.S. Hasan’s Book, "Christian Versus Muslim In Modern Egypt: The Century-Long Struggle For Coptic Equality" by a number of authors listed in this dataset. -John. H. Watson, who knows Pope Shenouda and many of the Bishops mentioned in the book, closes his review with Hasan’s words: “It is doubtful that the Copts have made much headway, in their century-long tortuously slow trajectory toward citizenship with equal rights." -PhD student Fiona McCallum concluded that by focusing on the bishops of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Hasan provides a clear and original study of the impact of the reform movement. McCallum explains that the use of traditions such as Coptic martyrology combined with modernization of the church administration has allowed the church to successfully assimilate Coptic cultural and political space in to its own structures. - An account of how the murder of the Armanious family had been received in the US Coptic community. The Coptic community held a candlelight vigil for the Armanious family in Los Angeles. - A report on a visit by a Christian-Muslim dialogue group from Austria to Egypt with the desire to discover a new context for Muslim-Christian relations. The group hoped that this visit might inspire similar Christian-Muslim dialogue in Europe. The group experienced dialogue at very different levels, from religious leaders and prominent intellectuals to the grassroots level in a village in Banī Swayf. The Austrians were impressed by the deep and genuine friendships between Muslims and Copts and their shared commitment to social work. Arab West Report developments: -Invitation to Mustafa Abaza to join the AWR Board of Advisors. Arab West Report Recommendations -Muhammad Abu Laylah, Professor of Islamic Studies in English and Head of the English Department at the Azhar University recommends Arab West Report's work. -An author praised the solid contribution of Arab West Report to providing deeper understanding of interfaith dynamics in Egypt and elsewhere by seeking to give context to day-to-day discourses and events that often appear senseless or even capricious to the uninformed observer. Media critique: Hulsman wrote in one of his editorials about the need for journalists to be aware of sectarian sensitivities so as to not contribute to bias and distortion of facts. -A critique of an article published by Al-ʾUsbūʿ that reinforces a widespread belief that Americans are trying to use Egypt’s Christians to create a wedge between Muslims and Christians with the purpose of weakening Egypt. The author considered that the article lacks accuracy but evinces Egyptian distrust of US involvement in religious issues in Egypt. - An Interview with Amīr Mīlād, a Christian desert guide, about the monks in Wādī al-Rayyān. Father Basilius of the Monastery of Makarius responded to the articles of Dr. John Watson [Week 21] and Amīr Mīlād [Week 22] about Wādī al-Rayyān. Father Basilius provides more details, commenting on the hierarchical structure of the church. - Baptist pastor Dr. Jeff Adams agrees with Dr. Larry Levine, an Orthodox Jew, that some statements of evangelical Christian leaders supporting Israel are reasons for concern. But Dr. Adams asks to avoid putting all Christian evangelicals and/or fundamentalists in the same box, especially in the emotionally charged religious/political climate of today. - “Lies In A Coptic Letter To US Secretary Of State Condoleeza Rice”: Human rights activist Rā’id al-Sharqāwī disputes the claims of the US Copts Association that a priest from al-Zaqāzīq was murdered in a car accident. The Danish Cartoons controversy: -Discussions on the issue of freedom of expression and media responsibility, following the publication, in a Danish newspaper, of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. These cartoons were perceived by Muslims as anti-Islamic. -A response by Danish newspapers to the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. -Discovering Islam in Ramadan : During the weekend "Discovering Islam in Ramadān” in the framework of the "Inculturation Training” offered by CAWU, eight European volunteers met with Arab West Report translator ʿAmr al-Misrī on liberal Islam. Former Arab West Report translator Amānī ʿĀsim introduced them to the spirit of Ramadān, -The celebration of 150 years of presence of the Evangelical Church [e.g. the Presbyterian denomination] in Egypt stressed both the universality and the deep-rootedness of the Church in Egyptian society. A statement by the Danish Christian NGO, Danmission, pointing out that the NGO dissociated itself from Jyllens-Posten’s cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad as far back as November 2005. Danmission calls for dialogue, rather than conflict. This statement is delivered in addition to a statement by the Danish Minister Of Foreign Affairs about the Danish cartoons, in which he called on Muslims and their leaders around the world to look beyond the big news headlines and the inflammatory rhetoric concerning the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs points out Denmark’s positive relations with the Arab world. The dataset included another statement by the Danish Prime Minister where he announced that Jyllens-Posten has apologized for the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, and emphasizes that the Danish government condemns any expression, action or indication that attempts to demonize groups of people on the basis of their religion or ethnic background. -An author analyses the case of Heidi Hakīm Manqarius Salīb, a Christian girl who converted to Islam. This case was reported in Al-Katība al-Tībīya (The Theban Legion) and on the websites of several Christian organizations as a kidnapping despite the fact there is no proof of any physical force or forced conversion. -Coptic researcher Samīr Marqus sees problems between Copts and Muslims mainly as a result of the wavering economy. Arab-West Report is convinced that efforts at economic development would help reduce incidents of sectarian strife. Authors with work featured in this dataset include: Cornelis Hulsman, Drs. , Janique Blattmann , John H. Watson, Fiona McCallum, Otto F.A. Meinardus, Hazel Heijer, John Hoover, Kristina Bergmann , Adam Hannestad, Basilius al-Maqārī (Father), Karam Sabir, Naji Bihman , Dr. Larry F. Levine , ‘Alī ‘Ashmāwī, Jeff Adams, Dr., Rev., Hamzah Ibrahim, 'Alā' al-Qahwajī , Wolfram Reiss, Rev. Dr. , Rā’id al-Sharqāwī, ‘Ulā Jalāl, ʿAmr al-Misri , Elizabeth Yell , David D. Grafton, Monika Zickelbein, Anne-Catherine Weiss, Muhammad Abu Laylā, Ahmad Usāmah, Lars Mandrup, Per Stig Møller, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Elizabeth Yell, Dr. ʿAbd al-Mu‘tī Bayyūmī, Dr., Yūḥannā Qultah Sa‘īd, Monika Zickelbein, Thurayya Hoppe, and Jennifer Drago.

Published
2017
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41. Malaria in the Australian military, 2008-2022.

Author

Moller C, Lilley K, McCallum F, and Shanks GD

Subjects
Humans, Australia epidemiology, Male, Female, Adult, Young Adult, Incidence, Middle Aged, Plasmodium vivax isolation & purification, Malaria epidemiology, Plasmodium falciparum isolation & purification, Registries, Military Personnel statistics & numerical data, Malaria, Vivax epidemiology, Malaria, Falciparum epidemiology
Abstract

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel train and operate in malarious regions that include neighboring countries with high burden and species with latent hepatic parasites.1 We summarized longitudinal malaria case data, following a prior 10-year period review to 2007.2 Malaria case entries within the ADF Malaria and Infectious Diseases Institute (ADFMIDI)-managed Central Malaria Register (CMR) were examined. Data from cases confirmed between January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2022 were analyzed. Sixty ADF members were diagnosed with malaria, including 1 with a mixed Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infection. Of 61 malaria infections, 69% (42 of 61) were P. vivax. P. vivax infection resulted in delayed initial case presentation (more than 4 weeks after exposure) in at least 36% (15 of 42) of cases, and 5 personnel experienced further relapse. Most P. vivax infections were acquired in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and P. falciparum in the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) regions. The ADF experienced ongoing reduced malaria case incidence following high rates in the early 2000s. Maintenance of prophylactic vigilance, both for eradicating dormant hypnozoites and preventing P. vivax relapse, remains important, however.

Published
2024

42. Burden of Submicroscopic Plasmodium Infections and Detection of kelch13 Mutant Parasites in Military and Civilian Populations in Papua New Guinea.

Author

Pickering PA, Harris I, Smith D, McCallum F, Kaminiel P, Auliff A, and Cheng Q

Subjects
Child, Adult, Animals, Humans, Adolescent, Papua New Guinea epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Australia, Plasmodium falciparum genetics, Plasmodium vivax genetics, Prevalence, Parasites, Military Personnel, Malaria parasitology, Malaria, Vivax parasitology, Malaria, Falciparum epidemiology
Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and an important force health protection issue for both PNG and Australian Defence Forces. To investigate the malaria burden in the military and civilians residing on military bases, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2019 at three military bases in Wewak, Manus Island, and Vanimo, PNG. A total of 1,041 participants were enrolled; 235 military personnel from three bases and 806 civilians from Wewak and Vanimo. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed an overall high prevalence of Plasmodium infection in both the military and civilians. Among the military, the infection prevalence was significantly higher in Wewak (35.5%) and Vanimo (33.3%) bases than on Manus Island (11.8%). Among civilians, children (<16 years old) had significantly higher odds of being PCR positive than adults (≥16 years old). At Wewak and Vanimo, Plasmodium vivax accounted for 85.4%, 78.2%, and 66.2% of infections in military, children, and adult populations. Overall, 87.3%, 41.3%, and 61.3% of Plasmodium infections in the military, children, and adults, respectively, were detected only by PCR, not by microscopy (submicroscopic [SM] infections). Children had a significantly lower proportion of SM infections than adults and Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel. Infection status was not associated with hemoglobin levels in these populations at the time of the survey. Mutant kelch13 (C580Y) parasites were identified in 5/68 Plasmodium falciparum-infected individuals. The survey results indicate extensive malaria transmission on these bases, especially in Wewak and Vanimo. More intensified interventions are required to reduce malaria transmission on PNG military bases.

Published
2024
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43. A Health Survey Revealing Prevalence of Vector-Borne Diseases and Tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea Defence Force Personnel and Families.

Author

McCallum F, Mond K, Cheng Q, Furuya-Kanamori L, Auliff A, and Kaminiel P

Subjects
Female, Humans, Male, Papua New Guinea epidemiology, Prevalence, Cross-Sectional Studies, Australia, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Health Surveys, Hemoglobins, Malaria, Falciparum epidemiology, Malaria, Vivax epidemiology, Malaria, Vivax diagnosis, Elephantiasis, Filarial epidemiology, Malaria epidemiology, Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Tuberculosis epidemiology
Abstract

The Papua New Guinean Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) work and train closely. Infectious diseases pose a health threat to both forces, but recent knowledge about the risk at military bases in Papua New Guinea is limited. To improve understanding, a collaborative cross-sectional survey was conducted (March-April 2019) at Lombrum Naval base (Manus province) and Moem Army barracks (Wewak, East Sepik province) plus its Vanimo outpost (Sandaun province). Clinical data, venous blood, and sputum were collected from PNGDF personnel (DF) from the three sites, with point-of-care testing conducted for malaria (microscopy and rapid diagnostic test [RDT]), lymphatic filariasis (RDT), glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (RDT), tuberculosis (GeneXpert), and hemoglobin level. Finger prick blood collected from family members residing at the Wewak base was tested for malaria and hemoglobin level. Overall, 235 DF and 793 family members completed the survey. Microscopy revealed malaria prevalence as 0.4% Plasmodium falciparum and 3.1% Plasmodium vivax among DF and 3.5% P. falciparum, 14.3% P. vivax, and 0.3% mixed P. falciparum/P. vivax among family members. Among DF, 3.9% were G6PD deficient and none tested positive for tuberculosis or for lymphatic filariasis antigen. Anemia was present in 6.5% of DF and 47.3% of family members, predominantly females. Results suggest ongoing exposure to malaria, particularly P. vivax, at study sites, whereas infections of lymphatic filariasis and tuberculosis were not detected. Survey results will inform the PNGDF and the ADF regarding vector-borne disease risk for future sustainable health and disease control interventions.

Published
2023
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44. A Clinical Consensus Approach to Developing a New Funding Model for Radiation Services in Ontario.

Author

Apostolovski S, McCallum F, Simniceanu C, Kraus J, Gutierrez E, Liszewski B, Esselink E, Bissonnette JP, Hart M, Brundage M, Warde P, and Pantarotto J

Subjects
Humans, Ontario, Costs and Cost Analysis, Consensus
Abstract

In 2021, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) introduced a quality-based procedure model for the funding of radiation treatment (RT) in Ontario. This model ties reimbursement to patient care activities, ensuring equity and transparency in funding. Over 200 RT interprofessionals (oncologists, therapists and physicists) participated on 22 expert panels to establish or identify 288 evidence-based RT protocols and 672 quality expectations (QEs) to optimally deliver RT, which eventually led to the micro-costing of all protocols. Iterative review is required to ensure updated techniques and identify evolving standards of care, thereby providing the highest quality of RT care to Ontarians., (Copyright © 2023 Longwoods Publishing.)

Published
2023
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45. Prevalence of Barmah Forest Virus, Chikungunya Virus and Ross River Virus Antibodies among Papua New Guinea Military Personnel before 2019.

Author

Kizu JG, Graham M, Grant R, McCallum F, McPherson B, Auliff A, Kaminiel P, and Liu W

Subjects
Humans, Ross River virus, Papua New Guinea epidemiology, Prevalence, Antibodies, Viral, Antibodies, Neutralizing, Immunoglobulin G, Acetaminophen, Chikungunya virus, Military Personnel
Abstract

Barmah Forest virus (BFV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV) belong to the Alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. All three virus infections have been reported in Papua New Guinea (PNG) previously, but the exact prevalence and distribution of these three alphaviruses in PNG has not been established. Sera collected from 204 PNG Military Personnel (PNGMP) study participants in April 2019 was tested for the presence of anti-BFV, anti-CHIKV and anti-RRV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG detection kits, as well as for specific neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against individual viruses. Overall, sero-positivity of the sera was anti-BFV IgG 12.3% (25/204), anti-BFV NAb 8.3% (17/204); anti-CHIKV IgG 47.1% (96/204), anti-CHIKV NAb 34.8% (71/204); and anti-RRV IgG 93.1% (190/204), anti-RRV NAb 56.4% (115/204), respectively. Of the 137/204 participants that were Nab-positive for at least one virus, we identified 4 BFV, 40 CHIKV and 73 RRV single infections, and 9 RRV+CHIKV and 11 BFV+RRV double infections. The lower proportion of NAb sero-positive compared to the ELISA IgG sero-positive assay samples suggests that the currently available commercial ELISA detection kits for these three alphaviruses may not be suitable for diagnostic/surveillance purposes in endemic areas such as PNG, due to serological cross-reactivity among these three alphaviruses. Laboratory testing using known positive control sera indicated no cross-neutralization between BFV and RRV; however, some RRV or BFV single infection human sera demonstrated low-level cross-neutralization against CHIKV (the ratio of RRV/CHIKV NAb titers or BFV/CHIKV ≥ 4). Our preliminary results indicate that the majority of PNGMP have previously been exposed to RRV, with mild exposure to CHIKV and low-level exposure to BFV, suggesting that multiple alphaviruses have been circulating among PNGMP. The transmission landscapes of these three alphaviruses across PNG should be prioritized for further investigation, including identification of specific vectors and hosts that mediate human spillover in order to mitigate future outbreaks. Ongoing education regarding precautionary and protective measures are needed to better protect individuals who travel to PNG.

Published
2023
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46. Serological evidence of possible high levels of undetected transmission of Zika virus among Papua New Guinea military personnel, 2019.

Author

Grant R, Kizu J, Graham M, McCallum F, McPherson B, Auliff A, Kaminiel P, and Liu W

Abstract

Objectives: The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Health Department retrospectively reported six cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) from a cohort of febrile patients during outbreaks of dengue and malaria in 2016. However, the transmission of ZIKV remains unclear due to lack of testing capability. This study aimed to determine the level of immunity to ZIKV among PNG military personnel (PNGMP) in 2019., Methods: Sera of 208 PNGMP recruited in April 2019 was tested for the presence of anti-ZIKV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies using Euroimmun IgG/IgM detection kits, and anti-ZIKV neutralizing antibody (Nab) against a ZIKV African strain on all anti-ZIKV-IgG/IgM + samples., Results: Anti-ZIKV seropositivity of these sera was as follows: IgG, 67%; IgM, 9%; and Nab, 65%. Five of 19 anti-ZIKV-IgM + samples had anti-ZIKV-Nab titres ≥20, as well as an anti-ZIKV-Nab titre ratio ≥4 compared with the Nab titres of four anti-dengue serotypes, so met the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) for confirmed ZIKV infection., Conclusions: The prevalence of anti-ZIKV-Nab of 65% suggests that there are high levels of ZIKV exposure among PNGMP. Five of the 19 anti-ZIKV-IgM + samples met the WHO criteria for confirmed ZIKV infection, suggesting a recent undetected outbreak in PNGMP. These results provide better understanding of the current ZIKV epidemic status in PNGMP., (Crown Copyright © 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.)

Published
2022
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47. Seroprevalence of chikungunya virus among military personnel in Papua New Guinea, 2019.

Author

Graham M, Kizu J, Devine G, McCallum F, McPherson B, Auliff A, Kaminiel P, and Liu W

Abstract

Objectives: The first outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was reported in West Sepik, Papua New Guinea (PNG) in June 2012, and spread rapidly throughout PNG. CHIKV imported from PNG to Queensland has been reported occasionally, but transmission of CHIKV in PNG remains unclear due to the lack of testing capability. This study investigated the degree of CHIKV exposure among PNG military personnel (PNGMP) in 2019, 7 years after its first emergence., Methods: Sera of 204 PNGMP recruited in April 2019 was tested for the presence of anti-CHIKV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using a commercially available IgG detection kit, and anti-CHIKV neutralizing antibodies against a CHIKV Reunion strain using a neutralizing assay., Results: Anti-CHIKV seropositivity of the sera was 47% and 35%, respectively, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralizing assay. Five percent ( n =11) of samples were found to be IgG negative or borderline, but neutralizing antibody positive., Conclusions: The prevalence of anti-CHIKV neutralizing antibody of 35% suggests that CHIKV infection has become endemic among PNGMP. Current commercially available CHIKV ELISA detection kits may not be suitable for diagnostic purposes in multiple alphavirus endemic areas such as PNG, due to serological cross-reactivity among alphaviruses. Re-emergence of CHIKV in PNGMP is possible., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Published
2022
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48. Persistence and immunogenicity of chemically attenuated blood stage Plasmodium falciparum in Aotus monkeys.

Author

De SL, Stanisic DI, van Breda K, Bellete B, Harris I, McCallum F, Edstein MD, and Good MF

Subjects
Animals, Antibodies, Protozoan blood, Antibodies, Protozoan immunology, Antigens, Protozoan immunology, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes immunology, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes immunology, DNA, Protozoan blood, Disease Models, Animal, Female, Haplorhini, Immunoglobulin G immunology, Indole Alkaloids pharmacology, Malaria Vaccines pharmacology, Malaria, Falciparum blood, Malaria, Falciparum immunology, Male, Pilot Projects, Plasmodium falciparum drug effects, T-Lymphocytes immunology, Malaria Vaccines immunology, Malaria, Falciparum prevention & control, Plasmodium falciparum immunology
Abstract

Malaria is a disease caused by a protozoan of the Plasmodium genus and results in 0.5-0.7million deaths per year. Increasing drug resistance of the parasite and insecticide resistance of mosquitoes necessitate alternative control measures. Numerous vaccine candidates have been identified but none have been able to induce robust, long-lived protection when evaluated in malaria endemic regions. Rodent studies have demonstrated that chemically attenuated blood stage parasites can persist at sub-patent levels and induce homologous and heterologous protection against malaria. Parasite-specific cellular responses were detected, with protection dependent on CD4+ T cells. To investigate this vaccine approach for Plasmodium falciparum, we characterised the persistence and immunogenicity of chemically attenuated P. falciparum FVO strain parasites (CAPs) in non-splenectomised Aotus nancymaae monkeys following administration of a single dose. Control monkeys received either normal red blood cells or wild-type parasites followed by drug treatment. Chemical attenuation was performed using tafuramycin A, which irreversibly binds to DNA. CAPs were detected in the peripheral blood for up to 2days following inoculation as determined by thick blood smears, and for up to 8days as determined by quantitative PCR. Parasite-specific IgG was not detected in monkeys that received CAPs; however, in vitro parasite-specific T cell proliferation was observed. Following challenge, the CAP monkeys developed an infection; however, one CAP monkey and the infection and drug-cure monkeys showed partial or complete resistance. These experiments lay the groundwork for further assessment of CAPs as a potential vaccine against malaria., (Copyright © 2016 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Published
2016
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50. Liar, liar, working memory on fire: Investigating the role of working memory in childhood verbal deception.

Author

Alloway TP, McCallum F, Alloway RG, and Hoicka E

Subjects
Child, Female, Humans, Language Development, Male, Child Behavior physiology, Child Development physiology, Deception, Memory, Short-Term physiology, Mental Recall physiology, Visual Perception physiology
Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of working memory in verbal deception in children. We presented 6- and 7-year-olds with a temptation resistance paradigm; they played a trivia game and were then given an opportunity to peek at the final answers on the back of a card. Measures of both verbal and visuospatial working memory were included. The good liars performed better on the verbal working memory test in both processing and recall compared with the bad liars. However, there was no difference in visuospatial working scores between good liars and bad liars. This pattern suggests that verbal working memory plays a role in processing and manipulating the multiple pieces of information involved in lie-telling., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Published
2015
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