Central Queensland Research Articles

Comparing Methods of Detecting an Elusive Dasyurid Marsupial, the Threatened Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi), in Central Western Queensland, Australia.

The Julia Creek dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi, is a small, threatened carnivorous marsupial occurring in scattered populations in the grasslands of central and northwestern Queensland, Australia. The distribution of the species is largely unknown due to sporadic survey efforts and its historically low detection using traditional live trapping methods. There is an urgent need to determine the best methods of detection to optimise survey methodologies and more effectively manage species conservation efforts. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of live (Elliott) traps, baited white flash camera traps and thermal imagery binocular surveying for detecting S. douglasi. We deployed 40 white flash camera traps at two sites in Bladensburg National Park (south of Winton), where the species is known to occur, for three consecutive periods between June and November 2022. Four comparative sessions of live trapping were undertaken between April and August 2022 at the same locations. During the live trapping periods, a total of 12 nights of surveying were conducted with thermal imagery binoculars in a preliminary assessment of the technique. The total live trapping effort was 3600 trap nights (approximately 700 trap nights per site in each trapping event). Live trapping resulted in 12 detections of individual S. douglasi from 19 total captures. The highest trap success on a given trapping session was 1.71%, and overall trap success from both sites across all sessions was 0.53%. In comparison, baited camera traps (deployed facing the ground at 70 cm range) took 1,269,884 images over 5383 trap nights. There were 11 confirmed images of S. douglasi, on three individual occasions, which represented 2.10% of all small mammal captures and just 0.0009% of the total images. Four species of small mammals were detected using camera traps, whereas live trapping detected only two species. No small mammals were detected on any of the 12 thermal binocular surveys. Overall, our study highlights the comparative high utility of traditional live trapping for detecting S. douglasi. This research provides a framework for ongoing monitoring of the Bladensburg National Park population. It will be more broadly beneficial for informing the best detection techniques of S. douglasi in ongoing work investigating the overall distribution of the species. Similar studies assessing multiple detection methods for small terrestrial mammals have shown an advantage of white flash camera traps compared to other traditional detection techniques. Our contrasting results serve as a reminder that the utility of different techniques for detecting small mammals is best assessed on a species-by-species basis.

Iman Peoples Water Sovereignty: Extractive Industries in Central Queensland

The coal seam gas (CSG) industry has rapidly expanded in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) over the past two decades, significantly impacting groundwater ecosystems and Indigenous communities that rely on these water sources for cultural, spiritual, and practical purposes. This article examines the intersection of Water Sovereignty, extractive industries, and key issues such as Social License to Operate (SLO), Indigenous Peoples' rights, informed consent, and the legal doctrine of Aqua Nullius. Through an Indigenous perspective, this research illuminates the multifaceted dimensions of water governance and the complexities that arise from the interactions between Indigenous stakeholders, industries, and regulatory frameworks. Through interviews with Elders of the Iman Peoples in central Queensland, the research highlights how current SLO frameworks neglect Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and fail to uphold ethical standards necessary for protecting Indigenous cultural continuity. Water security is a primary concern, with Traditional Owners emphasizing the need to safeguard surface and groundwater for future generations. This research informs policy at local and national levels while contributing to global discussions on Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural heritage protection. It calls for integrating Indigenous knowledge and rights into water governance, promoting respect, equity, and sustainability in managing natural resources.

Public health rapid response in managing COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities: a regional public health unit perspective.

We describe here the impact of managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks, during January-August 2022, in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Central Queensland, Australia, following the deployment of a public health rapid response team (PHRRT, comprising a medical officer, a communicable disease nurse, and an epidemiologist) from a regional public health unit (PHU). Our existing vaccine preventable diseases surveillance framework was used in identifying any symptomatic resident, triggering a PHRRT response. We found that the Hospital in the Home (HiTH) admission and death events were significantly lower after the introduction of the PHRRT than in the outbreaks that occurred before. Based on our experience with a PHRRT-led approach in mitigating the burden of outbreaks, we recommend regular reflection on optimising resources and practices in RACFs. Effective communication from PHUs can improve the RACFs' preparedness and capacity to respond, and can inform the best practice model to protect the highly susceptible elderly residents and their staff.

The Distribution of Reniform Nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in Cotton Fields in Central Queensland and Population Dynamics in Response to Cropping Regime.

Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) causes significant yield loss in cotton worldwide. In 2012, its detection in the Dawson-Callide region of Central Queensland prompted extensive surveys of cotton fields. The nematode was confirmed in 68% of sampled fields, with populations ranging from 2 to 3870 R. reniformis/200 mL of soil. Soil monitoring revealed increasing populations associated with consecutive cotton crops. However, when corn or sorghum replaced cotton, soil nematode populations significantly decreased. A two-year replicated field trial demonstrated that growing a non-host crop (such as biofumigant sorghum 'Fumig8tor', grain sorghum, or corn) significantly reduced nematode populations in the top 15 cm of soil compared to cotton. Unfortunately, when cotton was replanted the following season, nematode populations rebounded regardless of the previous crop. Only the 'Fumig8tor'-cotton rotation resulted in significantly lower nematode populations than continuous cotton. Vertical soil sampling showed that rotating with a non-host crop significantly reduced nematode densities to a depth of 100 cm compared to cotton. However, when the field was replanted with cotton, nematode populations recovered, unaffected by cropping or soil depth. This study emphasises the importance of monitoring reniform nematodes in cotton soils for early detection and defining distribution patterns within a field, which may improve the effectiveness of management practices. These results suggest that one rotation out of cotton is not sufficient, as populations return to high levels when cotton is grown again. Therefore, two or more rotations out of cotton should be considered to manage this nematode.

Understanding COVID-19 and its Impact on Social connection at the Outdoor Recreational Spaces Among CQUniversity students

Preventive measures have been widely used to stop the COVID-19 outbreak, which may have a devastating impact on the social connection among university students. Particularly, Outdoor recreation has been limited due to the COVID-19 restrictions. This study seeks to understand Central Queensland University students’ knowledge about COVID-19 preventive measures and identify the consequence of this practice on the social connection at the outdoor recreational spaces by using a mixed-method design (online survey and interview). Central Queensland University students (CQU) enrolled in Participatory Health Research completed an online survey (N=22) and participated in an online interview (N=15). The results showed that students understood clearly about COVID-19 preventive measures (N=22, 100%). Students had a high number of social connections at the recreational areas, both in-person (Mean=7, Std=7) and virtually (Mean =2, Std=7) before COVID-19. Conversely, during the COVID-19 outbreak, social contacts at the recreational areas had dropped for in-person (Mean=4, Std=5.5) while connection via online platforms slightly increased (Mean =3, Std=5). Their level of social connectedness during COVID-19 moderately connected (N=8, 36%). Students’ experienced impact on the three socioecological levels of intrapersonal (e.g. stress, loneliness, and behavior change), interpersonal (e.g. contacting via social media) and environmental (e.g. parks needed for emotional support).

Landscape Homogeneity May Drive the Distribution of Koala Vehicle Collisions on a Major Highway in the Clarke-Connors Range in Central Queensland, Australia

After the loss and fragmentation of habitat, vehicle collisions are one of the main threats to the long-term survival of wild koalas. Koala road strike data were analysed for a section of the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Spencer’s Gap, west of Mackay, Queensland, Australia. The analysis was carried out on 345 records (October 2014 to November 2023), and results suggested the spatial distribution of koala road strike followed a random pattern along this section of the highway, assuming a Poisson point pattern on a linear network. An analysis of the candidate predictors of koala vehicle collisions, including habitat and road variables, found that the amount of high-quality koala habitat (as defined by the local koalas’ tree species preference) present and the driver visibility were the only significant predictors. The relative homogeneity of landuse and vegetation across this landscape may mean that koalas do not concentrate at specific crossing points. More research, including detailed habitat mapping, is needed into this population, which currently lacks government and conservation attention, to inform mitigation efforts and reduce mortality rates for this potentially nationally significant population.

Monitoring the effectiveness of fauna sensitive infrastructure along the Peak Downs Highway in Central Queensland reveals mixed results for koala conservation

ABSTRACT The koala is endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Collisions with vehicles are a major threat to the survival of the species. At the end of October 2022, a 1-month-long project was undertaken to monitor the use of habitat by koalas near fauna sensitive infrastructures consisting of between 160 and 400 m wildlife exclusion fencing leading to multi-span bridges (underpasses) along the Peak Downs Highway in Central Queensland. Three underpasses were monitored using 12 wildlife surveillance cameras operating 24 h/day. Video footage was analysed by artificial intelligence. Day-time walked transects were used to survey koalas in the surrounding habitat and individual koalas were photographed and identified. The surveillance cameras recorded several thousand animals across several groups/species, but only one koala was observed. Altogether 51 koala sightings were made during the walked transects. Three male koalas are presumed to have crossed the highway without using the underpasses as they were observed on both sides of the road. The cameras showed no evidence of these animals using the underpass. We recommend expanding the length of the fences to increase the likelihood of use of underpasses and a repeat of the survey at the beginning of the breeding season.

Evaluating the tailored implementation of a multisite care navigation service for mental health in rural and remote Australia (The Bridging Study): protocol for a community-engaged hybrid effectiveness-implementation study

BackgroundA dramatic decline in mental health of people worldwide in the early COVID-19 pandemic years has not recovered. In rural and remote Australia, access to appropriate and timely mental health services has been identified as a major barrier to people seeking help for mental ill-health. From 2020 to 2021 a care navigation model, Navicare, was co-designed with rural and remote communities in the Greater Whitsunday Region of Central Queensland in Australia. The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) framework was used to design and guide multiple aspects of a multisite study, The Bridging Study, to evaluate the implementation of Navicare in Australia.MethodsA community-engaged hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design will focus on the tailored implementation of Navicare at three new sites as well as monitoring implementation at an existing site established since 2021. Study outcomes assessed will include sustained access as the co-primary outcome (measured using access to Navicare mental health referral services) and Proctor’s Implementation Outcomes of feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, fidelity, implementation cost, and sustainability. Data collection for the implementation evaluation will include service usage data, community consultations, interviews, and workshops; analysed using mixed methods and guided by EPIS and other implementation frameworks. Pre-post effectiveness and cost-consequence study components are embedded in the implementation and sustainment phases, with comparison to pre-implementation data and value assessed for each EPIS phase using hospital, service, and resource allocation data. A scaling up strategy will be co-developed using a national roundtable forum in the final year of the study. Qualitative exploration of other aspects of the study (e.g., mechanisms of action and stakeholder engagement) will be conducted.DiscussionOur study will use tailoring to local sites and a community-engaged approach to drive implementation of a mental health care navigation service in rural and remote Australia, with expected benefits to mental healthcare access. This approach is consistent with policy recommendations nationally and internationally as building blocks for rural health including the World Health Organization Framework for Action on Strengthening Health Systems to Improve Health Outcomes.Trial registrationProspectively registered on April 2, 2024, on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, no. ACTRN12624000382572. https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386665&isReview=true.

The hospitalisation risk of chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases associated with coal mining in the general population in Queensland, Australia

Queensland is the main coal mining state in Australia where populations in coal mining areas have been historically exposed to coal mining emissions. Although a higher risk of chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases has been associated with coal mining globally, few studies have investigated these associations in the Queensland general population. This study estimates the association of coal production with hospitalisations for chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases in Queensland considering spatial and temporal variations during 1997–2014.An ecological analysis used a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model to estimate the association of coal production with standardised rates of each, chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and considering the spatial structure of Queensland's statistical areas (SA2) in the 18-year period. Two specifications; with and without a space-time interaction effect were compared using the integrated nested Laplace approximation -INLA approach. The posterior mean of the best fit model was used to map the spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal trends of risk.The analysis considered 2,831,121 hospitalisation records. Coal mining was associated with a 4 % (2.4—5.5) higher risk of hospitalisation for chronic respiratory diseases in the model with a space-time interaction effect which had the best fit. An emerging higher risk of either chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases was identified in eastern areas and some coal-mining areas in central and southeast Queensland. There were important disparities in the spatiotemporal trend of risk between coal -and non-coal mining areas for each, chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases.Coal mining is associated with an increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases in the Queensland general population. Bayesian spatiotemporal analyses are robust methods to identify environmental determinants of morbidity in exposed populations. This methodology helps identifying at-risk populations which can be useful to support decision-making in health. Future research is required to investigate the causality links between coal mining and these diseases.

An Effective Teaching Pedagogy Involving an Online Learning Platform under a Multi-Campus Teaching Model

AbstractNowadays, many universities around the globe have offered distance learning to their students in addition to the traditional face-to-face learning mode. Furthermore, a number of universities have multiple campuses, thereby requiring these universities to adopt a multi-campus learning model. This setting creates numerous teaching and learning challenges. This paper aims to: (a) explore what major teaching and learning challenges are faced by Central Queensland University (CQU) due to its multiple campuses and a diverse student cohort involving both on-campus and off-campus students, and (b) discuss our teaching pedagogy (including the use of an online learning platform) for an information systems analysis and design (ISAD) unit at CQU with a view to alleviating these teaching/learning challenges. We analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively the effectiveness of our teaching pedagogy in addressing the teaching/learning challenges. We performed a two-sample t-test involving a total of 216 ISAD students and found that, by adopting our teaching pedagogy, there was no significant difference in academic performance between urban (mostly on-campus) and regional (mostly off-campus) students. Also, our teaching pedagogy reduced the dropout percentages of both urban and regional students, particularly the regional students.

Density of a cryptic Australian small mammal: The threatened Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi).

Globally, hundreds of mammal species face the threat of extinction in the coming decades, and in many cases, their ecology remains poorly understood. Fundamental ecological knowledge is crucial for effective conservation management of these species, but it is particularly lacking for small, cryptic mammals. The Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi), a threatened, cryptic carnivorous marsupial that occurs in scattered populations in the central west of Queensland, Australia, was once so poorly studied that it was believed extinct. Sporadic research since its rediscovery in the early 1990s has revealed that S. douglasi is distributed across land at risk from many threats. Fundamental knowledge of S. douglasi population density is urgently required to inform conservation management at key sites, yet the species has historically proven hard to detect. Indeed, the status of the largest known population of S. douglasi, in Bladensburg National Park, is unknown. Here, we conducted a population study on S. douglasi at two sites within Bladensburg National Park via live mark-recapture surveys during 2022 and 2023. From likelihood-based spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) modelling we provide the first estimates of density and population size for S. douglasi. Live trapping resulted in captures of 49 individual S. douglasi (with 83 captures total, including recaptures). We estimated S. douglasi to occur at a density of 0.38 individuals ha-1 (0.25-0.58) at one site and 0.16 individuals ha-1 (0.09-0.27) at another site, with an estimated mean population size in suitable habitat at Bladensburg National Park of 1211 individuals (776-1646). Our S. douglasi density estimates were similar to that reported for other threatened small mammals in Australia. We also found evidence of extreme S. douglasi population fluctuations over time at Bladensburg National Park, which is of concern for its future conservation. Our study has provided the first estimate of density for S. douglasi, a threatened dasyurid species from the Mitchell Grass Downs of central western Queensland, Australia. Our research provides crucial population data to assist the management of this poorly studied species. We demonstrate a method that can be applied to species with low detection probability to ultimately help address the mammal extinction crisis faced by Australia and the rest of the world.

ENHANCING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED PROGRAM: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH

This paper builds upon a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of authentic assessment within a Mobile Application Development course. Aligning with Luan & Cowling (2015), authentic assessment has been shown to enhance student motivation and satisfaction through engagement with real-world client projects. However, while the initial pilot study revealed increased motivation and satisfaction among most students engaged with real clients, a minority expressed concerns regarding performance pressure. This earlier pilot highlighted student anxiety associated with performance expectations in authentic assessment contexts. Notably, the current research on authentic assessment in mobile application development fails to adequately address this specific concern. To address these concerns and further investigate student acceptance of authentic assessment, this study proposes a novel multi-faceted approach for a Technology-based program offered at Central Queensland University. The approach integrates real-world client involvement with faculty-provided support resources. Clients will offer project insights, while faculty will curate relevant websites and examples to bridge the gap between client expectations and student understanding. This combined approach aims to leverage the benefits of authentic assessment (client interaction, real-world application) while mitigating student anxieties by providing targeted academic support. The study will evaluate the impact of this multi-faceted approach on student acceptance of authentic assessment and their motivation to complete the assessment task. The study will evaluate the impact of this multi-faceted approach on student acceptance of authentic assessment and their motivation to complete the assessment task.

Epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in Central Queensland, Australia.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. Little is known about the epidemiology, burden, and seasonality of RSV in subtropical regions of Australia like Central Queensland. This information is important to plan prevention strategies, including therapeutics, future vaccines, and health system preparedness. We collected data on laboratory-confirmed RSV cases and admissions in Central Queensland for the period 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2022. From July 2021, RSV was listed as a nationally notifiable condition on laboratory-confirmed diagnosis. During the study period, 1,142 laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV (50.0% female sex) were reported, with 169 cases (14.8%) requiring hospital admission, 12 of which (7.1%) required intensive care unit/high dependency unit admissions; two deaths occurred. Of cases requiring hospital admission, RSV was listed as the primary diagnosis in 113/169 cases (66.9%); 63/169 admitted cases (37.3%) had a major comorbidity. Of all cases, 55.4% were in children < 5 years of age (20.9% hospitalised); 35.7% in children < 2 years of age (24.3% hospitalised), and 19.1% in children < 12 months of age (27.5% hospitalised). Children under five years of age made up 78.1% of admissions, a rate of 9.0 admissions per 1,000 children over the 18-month study period, with an average age of 15.8 months (standard deviation, SD: 13.1 months) in this cohort. Indigenous children aged < 5 years were over-represented in cases (rate ratio, RR: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.3-1.9) and admissions (RR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0-2.4). Antibiotics were prescribed to 48.5% of admitted cases under two years of age, despite documented bacterial infection in only 26.3% of these cases; antibiotic prescription was significantly higher in those who received a chest X-ray (p < 0.001). Of all cases, 33.5% occurred in July 2022 alone, with greater than 75.0% of cases occurring during June-August 2022. RSV showed year-round activity with a distinctive winter peak in 2022; however, this season was likely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions and behaviours. Ongoing surveillance is required to better understand the epidemiology and seasonality of RSV in Central Queensland.

The archaeology of sacred womens’ business in Australia: a Holocene history from the Central Queensland Highlands

The archaeology of sacred womens’ business in Australia: a Holocene history from the Central Queensland Highlands

Scitala alectura, a new species from central Queensland (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericoidinae: Scitalini)

Scitala alectura Allsopp, new species, is described from central Queensland based on males and females and compared with the other 22 Australian members of the genus.

Plant-soil relations of selenium, molybdenum and vanadium in the Richmond District of Central Queensland, Australia

Abstract Background and aims The Richmond District of Queensland (Australia) hosts seleniferous soils and is the habitat of selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator plants. These soils are also naturally enriched in vanadium (V) and molybdenum (Mo). This study aimed to survey soils and plants of the Richmond area with a focus on the Se hyperaccumulator Neptunia amplexicaulis. Methods Field collection of plant specimens and soils from the seleniferous outcrops of the Richmond District (including the Julia Creek area) was undertaken and the samples were analyzed for Se, V, Mo and other elements. Results The results show that three modes of Se accumulation can be observed with most plant species having from ~10 μg Se g−1 up to 70 μg Se g−1 in shoots, some having between 75 and 250 μg Se g−1 in shoots while both N. amplexicaulis and Acacia tephrina contained 450–700 μg Se g−1 in their shoots. There was high Se accumulation in the phyllode tips of A. tephrina. Previously unrecorded populations of N. amplexicaulis were discovered near Julia Creek. Selenium concentrations in soil are lower than historically reported from similar localities (up to 23.2 mg Se kg−1). Molybdenum concentrations between 213 and 329 μg Mo g−1 occurred in the two Se hyperaccumulators N. amplexicaulis and A. tephrina, whilst Salsola australis had the highest accumulation of V (31–66 μg V g−1). Conclusions The results suggest that the Toolebuc Formation is the source of Se in the region, but temporal variability alters how much Se is bioavailable to plants. The presence of high Mo in plant tissues is linked to Se hyperaccumulation, and V accumulation appears to have little impact on plant ecology.

Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens.

Skeletal remains of sauropod dinosaurs have been known from Australia for over 100 years. Unfortunately, the classification of the majority of these specimens to species level has historically been impeded by their incompleteness. This has begun to change in the last 15 years, primarily through the discovery and description of several partial skeletons from the Cenomanian-lower Turonian (lower Upper Cretaceous) Winton Formation in central Queensland, with four species erected to date: Australotitan cooperensis, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi. The first three of these appear to form a clade (Diamantinasauria) of early diverging titanosaurs (or close relatives of titanosaurs), whereas Wintonotitan wattsi is typically recovered as a distantly related non-titanosaurian somphospondylan. Through the use of 3D scanning, we digitised numerous specimens of Winton Formation sauropods, facilitating enhanced comparison between type and referred specimens, and heretofore undescribed specimens. We present new anatomical information on the holotype specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae, and describe new remains pertaining to twelve sauropod individuals. Firsthand observations and digital analysis enabled previously proposed autapomorphic features of all four named Winton Formation sauropod species to be identified in the newly described specimens, with some specimens exhibiting putative autapomorphies of more than one species, prompting a reassessment of their taxonomic validity. Supported by a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that Australotitan cooperensis is probably a junior synonym of Diamantinasaurus matildae, but conservatively regard it herein as an indeterminate diamantinasaurian, meaning that the Winton Formation sauropod fauna now comprises three (rather than four) valid diamantinasaurian species: Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi, with the latter robustly supported as a member of the clade for the first time. We refer some of the newly described specimens to these three species and provide revised diagnoses, with some previously proposed autapomorphies now regarded as diamantinasaurian synapomorphies. Our newly presented anatomical data and critical reappraisal of the Winton Formation sauropods facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the mid-Cretaceous sauropod palaeobiota of central Queensland.

Evaluating Pilot Implementation of 'PenCS Flu Topbar' App in Medical Practices to Improve National Immunisation Program-Funded Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Central Queensland, Australia.

The 'PenCS Flu Topbar' app was deployed in Central Queensland (CQ), Australia, medical practices through a pilot programme in March 2021. We evaluated the app's user experience and examined whether the introduction of 'PenCS Flu Topbar' in medical practices could improve the coverage of NIP-funded influenza vaccinations. We conducted a mixed-method study including a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with key end-users and a quantitative analysis of influenza vaccine administrative data. 'PenCS Flu Topbar' app users reported positive experiences identifying patients eligible for NIP-funded seasonal influenza vaccination. A total of 3606 NIP-funded influenza vaccinations was administered in the eight intervention practices, 14% higher than the eight control practices. NIP-funded vaccination coverage within practices was significantly higher in the intervention practices (31.2%) than in the control practices (27.3%) (absolute difference: 3.9%; 95% CI: 2.9%-5.0%; p < 0.001). The coverage was substantially higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged more than 6 months, pregnant women and children aged 6 months to less than 5 years for the practices where the app was introduced when compared to control practices: incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2.4 (95% CI: 1.8-3.2), IRR 2.7 (95% CI: 1.8-4.2) and IRR 2.3 (1.8-2.9) times higher, respectively. Our evaluation indicated that the 'PenCS Flu Topbar' app is useful for identifying the patients eligible for NIP-funded influenza vaccination and is likely to increase NIP-funded influenza vaccine coverage in the eligible populations. Future impact evaluation including a greater number of practices and a wider geographical area is essential.

New Tudivasum Rosenberg &amp; Petit, 1987 (Mollusca: Vasidae) from Queensland and the first report of sinistralism in that genus

Five new Tudivasum species are described from Queensland, Australia. Currently, only Tudivasum armigerum (Adams, 1856) and Tudivasum rasilistoma (Abbott, 1959) are recognized from the east Australian Coast, and are of comparable in size to the new species. An additional species, Tudivasum kurtzi (Macpherson, 1964) from northwestern Australia is included in this study as it is also of comparable size to the new species described here, although it is not found in the same biogeographical area. A coastal species, Tudivasum annettae n. sp. is described from Shoal Point, Central Queensland, where it has been found on intertidal sand/mud flats and near shore reefs. Tudivasum barbaracollinsae n. sp. is described from the far northern region of Queensland off the Cairns coastal trawler grounds. Tudivasum glendae n sp. is described from the northern Queensland trawling grounds off Townsville. Tudivasum amandacantamessae n. sp. is described from the central Queensland trawler grounds off Bowen. Tudivasum variabilis n. sp. is taken from the southern Queensland trawler grounds off Yeppoon. The first example of a sinistral Tudivasum from Australia is also presented.

Demographic influences on enrolment and completion of an online MBA leadership programme: an Australian university perspective

ABSTRACT This paper examines the demographic factors of the subjects enroled and completed by an hyperflexible online MBA Leadership (L) programme for 1034 students at Central Queensland University using the deductive research methodology and statistical analysis. Australian-born students are influenced by their industry experience when enroling in subjects, whilst overseas-born students are influenced by where they are located, suggests more focus on their career. The time students are enroled in the online MBA programme have the most significant influence on the number of subjects enroled and completed. However, age and gender do not influence subjects’ enrolment or completion rate.