James Cook University

Heatwaves are becoming more common and severe due to rising CO2 and temperature levels, while changes in precipitation patterns have significant consequences for ecosystems and aquatic creatures, including fish. This study assessed the growth parameters of the valuable mahseer, a key species in fisheries and ecological balance, under different temperature and CO2 concentration conditions: (26°C + 400 ppm CO2), (34°C + 400 ppm CO2), (26°C + 600 ppm CO2), and (34°C + 600 ppm CO2). The experimental setup included controlled aquaria where mahseer were reared for a specified period. Growth parameters such as body weight gain (BWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were measured and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The results showed that the highest growth parameters, including BWG and SGR, were observed in mahseer reared at 26°C with 400 ppm CO2. Conversely, the lowest growth parameters were recorded in mahseer raised at 34°C with 600 ppm CO2. These findings indicate that moderate temperatures and lower CO2 levels provide optimal conditions for mahseer growth, while elevated temperatures and higher CO2 concentrations, conditions expected to become more prevalent with ongoing climate change, negatively impact their growth. This preliminary study provides a foundation for future research on mahseer rearing in a changing climate, emphasizing the need to maintain favorable environmental conditions and develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects on this valuable species. Further investigations should include more extensive sampling, varied environmental parameters, and long-term studies to fully understand the implications of climate change on mahseer and other aquatic organisms.

Like other animal farming systems that aim for maximum productivity and economic sustainability, the cultivation of insects for food and feed sectors requires the use of high-performance genetic lines that are adapted to specific rearing conditions. Therefore, investing in genetics and breeding programmes to domesticate and develop insect strains suitable for commercial production is imperative: if implemented appropriately, breeding programmes can achieve significant returns on investment. Developing genetic improvement programmes for insects entails considering various factors, including biology, reproduction, production system, and identifying breeding goals optimal for available resources. This review summarises the various techniques available for implementing selective breeding programmes in insects, as well as their current applications and developments in four insect species: the honey bee, silkworm, black soldier fly and mealworm.

Human societies face existential challenges on multiple fronts: climate change, biodiversity loss, altered biogeochemical flows, social unrest and injustices. Innovative solutions are needed to shift current trajectories towards a sustainable and just future. Futures thinking enables people to explore and articulate alternative futures and find pathways towards their desired futures. Indigenous people have the potential to make significant contributions to futures thinking because of their distinctive perspectives: the viewpoint of already living in a post-apocalyptic world in the context of colonisation, unique knowledges, worldviews, and perspectives on time, as well as significant contributions to safeguarding biological and cultural diversity. A body of literature is emerging where Indigenous peoples contribute to and lead futures thinking approaches; however, this literature is diffuse and highly diverse in its approaches and terminology. Thus, we take an innovation-seeking and systematic approach to (1) identify patterns and processes in futures thinking with, for, and by Indigenous people; (2) highlight innovative approaches; (3) bring together diverse and sector-specific terminology; and (4) foreground emerging strengths and weaknesses. We identified four framings of Indigenous futures thinking: Adaptation oriented, Participatory, Culturally grounded, and Indigenising. Factors contributing to innovation include strong involvement of Indigenous people in the research team, co-design, and authorship, using Indigenous methodologies, cultural protocols, and explicitly employing decolonisation and trauma-informed approaches. We spotlight the challenges of conducting an exhaustive literature review in an emerging field with inconsistent terminology (e.g., capturing regions where Indigeneity is contested). We also create a living glossary of terms to aid other researchers and communities in using and refining the suite of methods identified here, with the aim of stimulating further innovations in this field.

As part of an ongoing process of Indigenous Nation Building, Gugu Badhun Nation is engaged in developing an economy according to Gugu Badhun values. Rather than simply mimicking capitalism, the practice of visioning this economy begins with considering core cultural principles for the Nation. Sharing is central for Gugu Badhun, and we argue that sharing is considered an act of sovereignty stemming from Gugu Badhun law. Other factors emerge from the focus on sharing, such as the responsibility to look after one another, Country, plants and animals, and neighbouring Nations. This articulation of sharing as sovereignty illustrates Indigenous conceptions of sovereignty as a verb, rather than a noun. Storytelling is one way that Gugu Badhun enacts economic sovereignty through centring the Nation. Our research demonstrates the transformative potential of Indigenous Nation Building and Gugu Badhun people’s freedom to consider and express a preference for alternative economies.

The purpose of the present study was to develop a nano‐coating for fresh vegetables and fruits using a combination of curcumin, sesame oil, stearic acid, and dextran (CSSDNs). The anti‐bacterial and nontoxic nature of nanoparticles were tested against Gram‐positive bacteria ( Staphylococcusaureus ) and human fibroblast cells. Enhanced aqueous solubility of curcumin and its stability in the bloodstream were observed from the in vitro blood compatibility studies. The anti‐cancer activity of curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles was tested against SK‐BR3 cells, demonstrating excellent antitumor activity. These findings indicate that the CSSDNs system can be used as an edible coating with strong antibacterial properties and as an effective means of delivering curcumin, which has proven to be successful in treating or preventing cancer.

Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignancy, and nephrectomy is the mainstay of treatment for non-metastatic disease. The choice of surgery depends on the risks of oncologic recurrence, kidney function decline, and perioperative complications. This study aimed to identify factors associated with adverse post-operative outcomes in RCC patients undergoing nephrectomy at Townsville University Hospital (TUH). Methods This was a retrospective, quality assessment study of all adult patients undergoing either open or laparoscopic, partial, or radical nephrectomy for suspected RCC at TUH between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Patients were identified from the Queensland Health Admitted Data Collection, with a median follow-up time of 39 months post-operatively. Results Sixty patients were included; 71.7% underwent radical nephrectomy, and 63.3% were treated with a laparoscopic approach. Adverse kidney function outcomes were identified in 76.7% of patients. In the first 30 days post-nephrectomy, the reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the radical nephrectomy group was more than double that in the partial nephrectomy group ( p < 0.001). The rise in average serum creatinine post-radical nephrectomy was more than six times that post-partial nephrectomy ( p = 0.001). This discrepancy in kidney function persisted up to three years post-operatively. No significant differences in RCC recurrence, post-operative cardiovascular events, or mortality were observed between partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy ( p = 0.665, p = 1.00, p = 0.420). Conclusions The balance strongly favours partial nephrectomy despite its underutilisation for patients undergoing nephrectomy for suspected non-metastatic RCC at TUH. Urology teams should weigh the factors favouring radical nephrectomy against the risks of nearly universal renal function decline in this group. Graphical abstract

Sustainability-oriented innovations (SOIs) are reshaping the tourism industry by addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. This study synthesises existing research on the impacts of SOIs in tourism through a bibliometric analysis of 88 studies from Scopus. Using Ecological Modernisation Theory (EMT), Diffusion of Innovations (DoI) Theory, and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Theory, the research highlights the contribution of SOIs to sustainable tourism development. The findings indicate that SOIs enhance environmental sustainability by promoting resource conservation and pollution reduction via green technologies. Economically, SOIs improve financial performance, operational efficiency, and competitiveness while generating revenue through green certifications and eco-labels. Socially, they foster community involvement, customer satisfaction, and social equity. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and regression analysis, are predominant in existing research, complemented by qualitative and mixed-method approaches. This study also identifies critical gaps in the literature, including the long-term impacts of SOIs, the role of technology and green finance, and the effectiveness of green certifications. Addressing these gaps could guide policymakers, tourism practitioners, and stakeholders in advancing sustainable practices and policies. The findings underscore the potential of SOIs to drive sustainable development in tourism and offer valuable insights for future research directions.

Purpose A decline in the number of health professionals (HPs) engaging in clinical and healthcare research has spurred governments, educational and healthcare organisations to focus on developing strategies to promote a resurgence of clinical researchers. Based on the Expectancy-Value-Cost theory which offers a comprehensive framework to understand motivation in research, this study aimed to explore how motivations and perceived values of research evolve across different career stages, and develop a model that promotes sustained research motivation. Methods This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research design and individual interviews to explore the experiences of 30 HPs (doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals) across three career stages—early, mid, and late—at three North Queensland Public Hospitals from March 19 to April 15, 2021. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants, and data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Results Six themes emerged, categorised into individual, organizational, and sociocultural factors. Individual: Back to Basics and Career Aspirations Influence Research Value; Organisational: Cumbersome Processes and Resource Accessibility; Sociocultural: Building Research Capacity through Connections and Supportive Relationships Enhance Motivation. These themes informed the development of the RISES model, a multi-layered framework emphasising a collaborative approach to addressing individual, organisational, and sociocultural factors to support HPs’ sustained research engagement. Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of HPs in relation to research, highlighting the intricate interplay of factors affecting their motivation. It introduces the RISES model to encourage ongoing research motivation and suggests further research to expand on these findings and explore additional aspects of research engagement in healthcare.

After more than a century since its initial development, Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) remains the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). Subunit boosters are considered a viable strategy to enhance BCG efficacy, which often wanes in adolescence. While many studies on booster subunit vaccines have concentrated on recombinant proteins, here we developed a novel modular peptide‐based subunit vaccine platform that is flexible, cold‐chain independent and customizable to diverse circumstances and populations. Each individual peptide building block consists of a linear arrangement comprising a 15‐leucine self‐assembly inducer moiety, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) target epitope and an human leukocyte antigen E (HLA‐E) binding moiety, with each moiety separated by a triple lysine spacer. The building blocks, in any combination, are able to form a multiepitope nanoparticle. Six Mtb epitopes were selected to produce the self‐assembling and self‐adjuvating peptide‐based TB nano‐vaccine candidate PNx6. In vivo vaccination‐challenge experiments demonstrated that subcutaneous boost of parenteral BCG immunization with PNx6 significantly enhanced its immunogenicity and improved its protective efficacy in a murine model of TB by more than 5‐fold. This study presents evidence that purely amphiphilic peptides self‐assemble into self‐adjuvating nanoparticles with appropriate size and morphology for TB vaccination with great potential for a multitude of other diseases.

Background Evolutionary tradeoffs between life-history strategies are important in animal evolution. Because microbes can influence multiple aspects of host physiology, including growth rate and susceptibility to disease or stress, changes in animal-microbial symbioses have the potential to mediate life-history tradeoffs. Scleractinian corals provide a biodiverse, data-rich, and ecologically-relevant host system to explore this idea. Results Using a comparative approach, we tested if coral microbiomes correlate with disease susceptibility across 425 million years of coral evolution by conducting a cross-species coral microbiome survey (the “Global Coral Microbiome Project”) and combining the results with long-term global disease prevalence and coral trait data. Interpreting these data in their phylogenetic context, we show that microbial dominance predicts disease susceptibility, and traced this dominance-disease association to a single putatively beneficial symbiont genus, Endozoicomonas. Endozoicomonas relative abundance in coral tissue explained 30% of variation in disease susceptibility and 60% of variation in microbiome dominance across 40 coral genera, while also correlating strongly with high growth rates. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the evolution of Endozoicomonas symbiosis in corals correlates with both disease prevalence and growth rate, and suggest a mediating role. Exploration of the mechanistic basis for these findings will be important for our understanding of how microbial symbioses influence animal life-history tradeoffs.

Background The Lihir Islands of Papua New Guinea, located in an area with high burden of malaria and hosting a large mining operation, offer a unique opportunity to study transmission. There, we investigated human and vector factors influencing malaria transmission. Methods In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,914 individuals assessing malaria prevalence through rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), microscopy, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). A logistic regression analysis identified infection-associated factors. Anopheles species distribution, biting behaviours, and sporozoite carriage were assessed through human landing catches and larval surveys. Results Overall malaria prevalence (any species) was 3.6% by RDT, 4.5% by microscopy, and 15.0% by qPCR. P . vivax accounted for 37.1% of infections, P . falciparum for 34.6%, P . malariae for 3.0%, P . ovale 0.2%, and mixed infections for 24.5%. Prevalence (qPCR) varied across geographic areas, from 8.5% in the mine-impacted zone (MIZ) to 27.0% in the non-MIZ. Other factors independently associated with infection risk included cohabiting with an infected individual (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.56–2.42), and residing in traditional housing (aOR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.21–2.25). Children had double the infection risk compared to adults, and the use of long-lasting insecticidal-treated nets did not decrease risk of infection. An . punctulatus was the major vector in one of the four geographical areas; while An . farauti was predominant in the rest of them, both with an early biting behaviour but with different biting intensities by geographical area. Entomological inoculation rates ranged from 26.9 (95%CI: 12.3–45.2) infective bites per person-year in the MIZ to 441.3 (95%CI: 315.7–572.1) in the non-MIZ. Conclusions Malaria transmission and infection was lower in the MIZ compared to other areas. Measures focusing on at-risk groups, including vector-control and transmission interruption methods, could be taken into account by the mine and the healthcare authorities to reduce malaria burden outside the MIZ.

Objective This systematic review investigates the impact of climate change on the mental health of Pacific Island Nations (PINs), with a focus on identifying culturally tailored interventions and appropriate research methodologies to address these impacts. Method A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature up to May 18, 2024, was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol and the Population, Interest Area, and Context (PICo) framework. Empirical studies on the impact of climate change on mental health in PINs were evaluated by using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD). Results Six studies from the Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, and Tuvalu were identified, indicating significant mental health impacts from sea level rise (SLR) and extreme weather events with compounding and mitigating effects across diverse groups. The Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) program was highlighted as a promising culturally adapted intervention. Conclusion Climate change significantly impacts mental health, particularly in PIN communities facing SLR and Extreme Weather Events (EWE). Culturally sensitive interventions, local knowledge, and further research are vital to mitigate these effects and support well-being.

As in the present, whale-stranding events in the past have received their own shares of fear and curiosity, as shown by various whale-stranding images (i.e., paintings, etchings, and engravings) produced by artists from countries bordering the North Sea. However, production of these images was not equal among these countries or regions. We catalogued the North Sea regions that produced whale-stranding images between 1500–1900. Possible factors contributing to some countries producing more whale-stranding images than others are examined, and the images’ evolution is assessed. A qualitative anthropological thematic analysis of the images shows that themes shifted over time. Religion, fear or repulsion, public curiosity, spectacles, and scientific inquiries are dominant themes found within the images.

The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a revolutionary advancement in education. This study explores the profound impact of implementing Generative AI on teachers’ teaching performance, with a focus on enhancing teaching effectiveness and pedagogical practices. This research uses a survey methodology, employing a proportionated stratified random sampling technique. A total of 466 participants, consisting of teachers, were involved in this study, with questionnaires serving as the primary tool for data collection. The primary data analysis method used in this study was the Structural Equation Model (SEM). Research indicates that Generative AI significantly enhances teaching performance by improving ease of use, usefulness, and learning. Teacher perceptions of AI’s usability influence its integration into student-focused learning, learning material development, and teaching practice enhancement. Additionally, the ease of learning is crucial for its adoption. Alongside these promising opportunities, the study also highlights challenges that need to be addressed for successful AI integration in education, such as technical limitations and the necessity for teacher training. By exploring the application of Generative AI in depth, this research offers valuable insights into leveraging technology to foster more inclusive, personalized, and practical education in the digital age.

Background Despite advances in medical education and professional opportunities, orthopaedic surgery remains the least gender‐diverse medical specialty, with women significantly underrepresented globally. This scoping review aims to synthesize existing literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the barriers and facilitators encountered by females in orthopaedic surgery training and practice. Methods A comprehensive search of Medline (OVID), Scopus, Embase, Emcare, and CINAHL was performed from inception to 14 July 2024. Additional sources were identified via citation searching and Google Scholar. Any primary studies employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches to explore barriers and facilitators experienced by female orthopaedic trainees and consultants in high‐income countries. Quality analysis of included articles was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results Seventy‐nine studies met the inclusion criteria, involving over 100 000 participants between 1993 and 2024. Most studies were cross‐sectional surveys. Sixty‐eight barriers and 38 facilitators were identified. Analysis using the Socio‐Ecological Model revealed the complex interplay of factors at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. The largest proportion of barriers and facilitators resided at the organizational level. Conclusion This scoping review provides a comprehensive mapping of current evidence on barriers and facilitators for female practitioners in orthopaedic surgery training and practice. The findings suggest the need for multifaceted interventions to promote gender equity. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions and develop strategies to support women in orthopaedics, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Background Training occupational therapy students in manual skills such as goniometry typically requires intensive one on one student teacher interactions and repetitive practice to ensure competency. There is evidence that immersive virtual reality (IVR) supported embodied learning can improve confidence and performance of skills. Embodied learning refers to learner’s experience of viewing a simulated body and its properties as if they were the learner’s own biological body. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to develop and examine the usability and establish preliminary efficacy of an Embodied Goniometric Occupational Therapy Training Program (EGOTTP) to teach occupational therapy students wrist goniometry. Methods Following the generation of written scripts, we used a 360-degree camera to film and create the program, with 3- levels of detailed education for six wrist goniometry measures, flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation and pronation-supination. Five students rated their experience using EGOTTP on measures of usability and efficacy. Results The EGOTTP was developed over a 1-month period, and the participants reported good to high levels of embodiment and engagement, and their ratings suggested that the EGOTTP was easy to use with the support of an educator. Conclusion IVR training programs such as this one hold promise for teaching manual skill acquisition such as goniometry. As IVR technologies become more affordable and widespread, this approach could complement other strategies used to teach goniometry skills to students.

Groundwater is an essential resource for agriculture and domestic use in drought-prone regions, particularly in northwestern Bangladesh. Accurate forecast of groundwater level (GWL) fluctuations is crucial for sustainable water regulation. This work investigates the application of deep learning and dynamic system response models to forecast GWL changes in this vulnerable area. The models employed include Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA), Discrete-Time State-Space Model (n4sid), Continuous-Time State-Space Model (SSEST), Discrete-Time State-Space Model through a Regularized ARX Model Reduction (SSREGEST), and coupled ARMA-state-space models. A total of eight models were trained and tested on historical GWL data from 19 observation wells. The top-performing models at various locations delivered satisfactory results, with C, IOA, NRMSE, and MAD values ranging from 0.53 to 0.92, 0.62 to 0.95, 0.01 to 0.25, and 0.08 m to 1.09 m, respectively. Model comparison using the Entropy-Distance from Average Solution (Entropy-EDAS) method revealed that LSTM networks outperformed traditional time series (ARMA), system dynamic (n4sid, SSEST, SSREGEST), and coupled ARMA-state-space models (ARMA-n4sid, ARMA-SSEST, and ARMA-SSREGEST) in most locations, while other models exhibited varying performances across different observation wells. The varying performance across different observation wells highlights that prediction accuracy depends not only on the modeling algorithms but also on the quantity and quality of the learning and testing data. The projections generated by the best models effectively captured historical trends, providing the first-ever five-year forecasts of GWL fluctuations for the region. These projections offer valuable insights for water resource management and planning in areas vulnerable to drought and climate variability.