Flinders University Research Articles

Responding to Generative AI

There are few technologies which have such great a potential impact on the design and delivery of tertiary education, as found with Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI). Student’s deep learning and the integrity of student assessment in particular is impacted by this emerging technology. This presentation will report on a three-cycle action research project to redesign assessments for effective learning in an Australian university Health Science (HS) faculty. Cycle 1 reviewed assessments using an innovative appraisal tool for assessments which was designed by the presenting HS academics that aligned recent Gen-AI and academic integrity guidelines from Australian institutions (Lodge et al., 2023a; Monash University, 2023; Flinders University, 2023; TEQSA, 2022; Torrens University n.d.). The tool was reviewed and improved for use in Cycle 2, which involved reviewing the remaining 16 HS subjects and designing a team-based strategy for implementing assessment reform. Cycle 3 involves implementing identified strategies for redesigning assessments across all HS subjects. We will report on the action-research methods used, including the development and use of the assessment appraisal tool, as well as the Cycle 3 early findings from the HS subjects assessment review. Results from the subsequent strategic assessment design will be presented using example assessment improvements based on the study findings. The findings highlight the need for a unified approach to assessment reform, and the potential benefits of systematic, team-based approaches to address emerging technologies. Action-research methodologies such as this one, employed with subject coordinators' involvement and training in evaluation, encourages pro-active subject quality improvement as well as scholarly thinking among university academics. This approach may be relevant to all academics interested in actively creating assessment reform amid the transformative education environment precipitated by the use of Gen-AI.

Revaluing the Eros Collection for Australian cultural histories

ABSTRACT The Eros Collection at Flinders University is the largest collection of materials produced by the sex industry and its affiliates in Australia. Acquired in 1997 and added to over the years, the varied collection (now part of the umbrella Australian Sexuality Collection) includes restricted or censored audiovisual and print materials – in short, porn. Thus this archive – typically a site of protection and care – comprises materials that many people think don’t deserve protection, and this ambiguous status has raised many challenges in terms of how the Collection is valued, researched, and utilized. The thorny question of the Collection’s value is traced in our research through interviews with Special Collections librarians involved with the Collection over different periods and an audit of Collection contents, access, and usage, which we analyse within the broader context of international porn archives and Australian media histories. The article examines how the Collection (specifically its pornographic material) shares key challenges faced by porn archives internationally, including public perception and access, and its uneasy fit within the Australian media histories. We argue that this neglected archive holds promise for understanding porn’s place in Australia’s audiovisual and cultural history.

Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the ED-15 in People With an Eating Disorder.

This study examines the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder-15 questionnaire (ED-15) in a large clinical sample, as well as the instrument's sensitivity to early clinical change in therapy and ability to measure remission. Participants with eating disorders (N = 278) referred to the Flinders University Services for Eating Disorders in South Australia completed the ED-15 as well as other measures of eating disorder symptoms and co-occurring psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a two-factor model for the ED-15. The ED-15 had good internal consistency. It showed satisfactory concurrent validity with moderate correlations with the EDE-Q global score and contribution of unique variance to that score. Correlations indicated good convergent validity with clinical impairment and good divergent validity from depression, anxiety, and stress. The ED-15 showed a significant medium effect size change within the first four sessions of therapy. Good discriminant validity was indicated by cut-off scores used for remission, with significantly different levels of ED psychopathology and other impairments between the two groups. This study adds to the four previous psychometric studies of the ED-15, confirming robustness of the English version in a clinical sample. The brevity and psychometric robustness of the ED-15 makes it a preferable measure to the Eating Disorder Examination for sessional assessment of progress in treatment.

The Flinders University/TAFE SA Bachelor of Creative Arts dual award model: A case study

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bachelor of Creative Arts (BCA), a dual award degree offered jointly by Flinders University and TAFE SA. It first sets the rationale for the award while placing it in the Australian educational context, comparing it to equivalent programs offered at other institutions. It then provides an insight into the characteristics of a cohort of students. To achieve this, the study analyses a range of key quantitative metrics including demographics, enrolment numbers, attrition, student experience surveys and grade distributions to determine the cohort’s profile. Additionally, the study seeks information from recent graduates already in the workforce to establish if the BCA provides the skills leading to successful employment. This study reveals a mixed picture of the BCA’s success. While degree completion and student satisfaction are high, alumni are not all convinced that having a university degree provides a significant advantage for the job market as opposed to only having a TAFE qualification. Finally, the study offers recommendations to address these issues and improve the overall student experience as well as enhance their employment prospects.

SEAFRAME time series from the Southern Shelf reveal a neglected major upwelling mechanism

ABSTRACT In this era of climate change, it is important to have a reference state. For this purpose, an array of 12 port-based SEAFRAME gauges was established by Professor Geoffrey Lennon, through the Flinders University of South Australia, around the Australian coastline between 1991 and 1993. In addition to changes in sea level, they also record air and water temperature and wind velocity. We provide a method to extract the daily temperature anomaly between atmospheric and oceanic temperature recorded in the SEAFRAME gauge system. Thus, a fine-resolution record of the coastal ocean temperature structure can be obtained, which is a direct index of the vertical coastal heat flux that characterises both downwelling and upwelling. Results are presented for four gauges on the Southern Shelf for 2005, and for the ocean temperature anomaly time series during 2001–2010 at Portland, which monitors the structure of the Bonney Coast upwelling. This time series is also compared with that from an ECMWF model, and with that at Esperance which monitors an upwelling of similar strength on a wider shelf. The analysis reveals a second upwelling process in addition to the Ekman upwelling, which we have called the Flinders upwelling. The Ekman upwelling is due to a vertical velocity at the base of the mixed layer. The Flinders upwelling is due to a vertical velocity at the top of the mixed layer, which has been previously ignored. Along the Southern Shelf, the SEAFRAME data suggest that the Flinders upwelling is the dominant process.

Knowledge interface co-design of a diabetes and metabolic syndrome initiative with and for Aboriginal people living on Ngarrindjeri country

ObjectivesThis research program involves two phases to identify enablers and barriers to diabetes care for Aboriginal people on Ngarrindjeri country; and co-design a strength-based metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) remission program with the Ngarrindjeri community. Study designA study protocol on qualitative research. MethodsThe study will recruit Aboriginal people living on Ngarrindjeri country above 18 years of age with a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome or T2D. Recruitment for phases one and two will occur through the Aboriginal Health Team at the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network. The lived experiences of T2D will be explored with 10–15 Aboriginal participants, through an Aboriginal conversational technique called ‘yarning’ (60–90 min) in phase 1. Elders and senior community representatives (n = 20–30) will participate in four co-design workshops (2–4 h) in phase 2. Qualitative data will be transcribed and thematically analysed (NVivo version 12). The analysis will focus on protective factors for the Cultural Determinants of Health. Ethics approval was obtained from Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee in South Australia (04-22-1009), and Flinders University Human Research Ethics Committee (5847). ResultsThis work will be used to pilot the co-designed diabetes remission trial. Outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences, focusing on following best practice guidelines from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and National Health and Medical Research Council. Research translation will occur through digital posters, manuals, and infographics. ConclusionsThe findings will be summarised to all Aboriginal organisations involved in this study, along with peak bodies, stakeholders, Aboriginal Services, and interested participants.

Effects of traffic light labelling and increased healthy range on beverage choices from vending machines.

To test whether traffic light labels and an increased range of healthy beverages, individually and in combination, can increase healthy beverage choices from vending machines. Two studies (n 558, 420) tested whether the provision of traffic light labels (green, amber and red) and an increased range of healthy beverages (from 20 % to 50 % green options), individually and in combination, could increase healthy beverage choices from a digital vending machine display. The studies used a between-subjects experimental design, and a hypothetical beverage choice, a limitation when considering real-world applicability. Both studies utilised an online Qualtrics survey that featured a digital vending machine display. Both studies (n 558, 420) consisted of university students from Flinders University and individuals from a survey recruitment service. Featuring traffic lights did not significantly influence beverage choices (P = 0·074), while increasing the healthy range (P = 0·003, OR = 3·27), and the combination of both, did significantly increase healthier beverage choices (P < 0·001, OR = 4·83). The results suggest that the traffic light system and increased healthy range are not maximally effective when used on their own, and benefit greatly when combined, to increase healthy beverage choices. It was suggested that the provision of traffic light labels supplied the necessary nutritional information, and the increased healthy range offered greater opportunity to act in accordance with that information. In so doing, the present findings offer a promising pathway for reducing unhealthy beverage consumption.

Recovery among people with mental health challenges and alcohol and drug use issues in the Northern Territory, Australia

IntroductionThe Northern Territory (NT) has Australia’s highest mental health burden. It has a diverse and transient population, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and various multicultural communities. While peer support has been widely used nationwide, in the NT, peer support is poorly implemented in psychosocial support activities.ObjectivesThe NT Lived Experience Network (NTLEN), in allyship with a team of researchers from Flinders University, has secured multiple fundings aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a peer education and recovery program called Recovery Together (RT) for individuals with mental health and alcohol and drug use issues and related challenges.MethodsThe suitable evaluation approach was co-designed with live experience representatives from NTLEN and other local key stakeholders. It applied a mixed-method approach, including pre and post-program surveys (n=64) and individual interviews with program participants and the program delivery team (n=32). The evaluation findings were also informed by data collected by NTLEN via feedback forms n=38). We also used a co-design approach to develop survey instruments to ensure they were strengths-based and recovery-oriented.ResultsParticipants reported poor and fair self-perceived health, high stress levels, dissatisfaction with their relationships and relatively low recovery scores, which showed improvements at post-program completion. They discussed their journeys in the interviews and shared their experiences with local mental health services and the Recovery Together program. Many expressed that mental health professionals are not necessarily the care providers they feel comfortable engaging with. However, they described their experience with the peer program as highly positive, empowering, safe, non-judgmental, and beneficial, satisfying their support needs. The program gave them hope and tools to manage their mental health challenges and opportunities to gain insight into non-clinical aspects of recovery. Participants conceptualised personal recovery in their own words and described the facilitators and barriers to their recovery. They emphasised that recovery is being empowered, strong within themselves and the leader of their journey, living their best possible life, understanding themselves, having the necessary knowledge about mental health, and looking forward in a hopeful way.ConclusionsOur findings highlighted the demand and need for ongoing delivery of the RT program in the NT, which was highly effective in supporting personal recovery, addressing the service delivery gap and complementing the available clinical and mental health practices. They also showed the importance of providing recovery-oriented and trauma-informed education for medical and mental health professionals.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Preface: The 5th International Conference on Environmental Resources Management (ICERM) 2023

Water resources have become crucial for livelihood in the previous decade [1,2]. Population pressure, climate change, hydrological disasters, and inadequate implementation of integrated water resource management have all been topics of concern among water resource professionals [3,4,5]. Meanwhile, poor hydrological data and a lack of government policy focus (especially in developing countries) on hydrological data collecting are challenges that make it difficult to implement water resource management and integration to secure human livelihood [6,7].The Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada, particularly the Department of Environmental Geography, has a long track record and experience in addressing water resource concerns and their relationship to other elements of livelihood. In this case, in an era of rapid development, particularly in developing countries, and increasing awareness of global climate change, the Department is looking to highlight the most recent issues and discuss efforts related to sustainable water resource management by hosting the 5th International Conference on Environmental Resources Management (ICERM).The conference, with the theme “Water resources management for sustainable livelihood,” was held on September 26, 2023, in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. 57 presenters from 5 nations attended the conference, which was preceded by 12 keynote and invited speakers from 6 countries. The 5th ICERM’s sub-topics are as follows:• Implementation of integrated water resources management;• Livelihood and water resources management in urban areas;• Water equity for sustainable development;• Marine sciences and coastal management;• Ecosystem and tropical lake management;• New urban agenda and sustainable urban development;• Natural resources and disaster management;• Environmental sciences and climate change; and• Human geography and spatial planningFinally, we would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all parties that assisted and cooperated towards making this conference a success. This conference is supported by Faculty of Geography UGM and the Publishing Agency of UGM, and in cooperation with Flinders University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Seoul National University, Kobe University, National Taiwan Normal University, CSIRO, SEALNet-Malaysia University of Science, Indonesian Geographer Society, Indonesian Hydrological Society, Indonesian Limnological Society, Indonesian Groundwater Experts Association, and Chinese Academy of Science.

Re-evaluating the generic affinity of ‘Silvaroo’ buloloensis (Marsupialia, Macropodidae) from the late Pliocene of Papua New Guinea

Australia and New Guinea have experienced episodic connection and separation by high sea levels since the early Miocene. This has markedly influenced biotic patterns, although exactly how remains puzzling in some instances. One example concerns the palaeozoogeography of forest wallabies (Dorcopsini), all six living species of which are found only in New Guinea, even though most dorcopsin fossils recognized are from Australia. Here we review the taxonomic identity of ‘Silvaroo’ buloloensis from the late Pliocene Otibanda Formation of eastern Papua New Guinea, and show that, according to dental evidence, it is a dorcopsin along with its contemporary, Watutia novaeguineae. Phylogenetic analysis reconstructs ‘S.’ buloloensis as sister to Dorcopsoides fossilis from the late Miocene of central Australia. The degree of dental similarity between them leads us to include it in the same genus. These findings build upon other recent research on extinct New Guinea macropodines, revealing that both forest wallabies and tree-kangaroos are better represented in the fossil record than previously believed, although intriguingly none are ascribable to modern genera. Isaac A. R. Kerr [isaac.kerr@flinders.edu.au], College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. Gavin J. Prideaux [gavin.prideaux@flinders.edu.au], College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.

How to achieve delivery of a cardiovascular health intervention in community mental health settings: a process evaluation of Flinders Program using RE-AIM framework

Background, research problem &amp; context: Globally, it is well recorded that adults with severe mental illness (SMI) die 10-20 years earlier than the general population, with cardiovascular disease being recorded as the key contributor to this health inequity. To address this health gap, the Flinders Chronic Condition Self-Management Program (will be referred to as Flinders Programme from here onward) was delivered within an NHMRC-funded randomised controlled trial (RCT) during 2018-2020 among 130 South Australian community-living adults diagnosed with SMI and CVD risk factors. Intervention design: The Flinders Programme is a person-centred care planning approach designed by Flinders University Behavioural Health Unit’s researchers. For this study, the programme aimed to improve the heart health and quality of life of the study participants. Intervention evaluation methods: This study sat alongside the RCT research and employed a longitudinal qualitative methodology underpinned by Roy Bhaskar’s Critical Realism philosophy and ontology. The aim was to understand why, how, and under which contexts the Flinders Program worked (or not). Alongside an outcome evaluation, this study also investigated how the Flinders Programme was delivered. Reach (R), Effectiveness/Efficacy (E), Adoption (A), Implementation/Delivery (I), Maintenance (M) or RE-AIM framework was used to conduct this qualitative process evaluation. Data were collected from 19 trial team members at multiple time points using multiple methods. In total, ten in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions, ten meeting minutes, and five reflective journals were analysed. Data analysis involved a Critical Realist Analysis (CRA) approach. Results &amp; impact: The key findings were organised within the RE-AIM framework: Reach (low recruitment, strategies taken to increase recruitment), Effectiveness (non-specific effects, ‘invisible’ changes such as enhanced awareness, motivation, hope), Adoption (model of care, work atmosphere, the physical structure of the setting), Implementation (preparation, pilot survey, revising study design, actual trial and adaptations, fidelity), Maintenance (self-management capacity, resources, care continuity). Learning for the international audience: This study described the steps taken in delivering the Flinders Programme within a few South Australian metropolitan community mental health settings between the period November 2017 – September 2020. The trial team faced difficulties in fulfilling the recruitment target for the trial. There were a few critical reasons identified- the South Australian community mental health system went through a significant restructuring during the same time, resulting in enormous workload increases in an already resource-scarce sector. Health system-level politics had a direct negative effect on the trial. Besides, improving the cardiovascular health of SMI was not deemed a priority in a system that was struggling to deal with acute mentally ill patients within a crisis-driven system. There was a clear indication that most sites did not have enough clear communication from the trial team before recruitment and throughout the trial period. The next steps: In the future, more preparation, including education sessions among clinicians, are required before delivering such physical health interventions within mental health settings. &#x0D;

The Flinders University/TAFE SA Bachelor of Creative Arts dual award model: A case study

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bachelor of Creative Arts (BCA), a dual award degree offered jointly by Flinders University and TAFE SA. It first sets the rationale for the award while placing it in the Australian educational context, comparing it to equivalent programs offered at other institutions. It then provides an insight into the characteristics of a cohort of students. To achieve this, the study analyses a range of key quantitative metrics including demographics, enrolment numbers, attrition, student experience surveys and grade distributions to determine the cohort’s profile. Additionally, the study seeks information from recent graduates already in the workforce to establish if the BCA provides the skills leading to successful employment. This study reveals a mixed picture of the BCA’s success. While degree completion and student satisfaction are high, alumni are not all convinced that having a university degree provides a significant advantage for the job market as opposed to only having a TAFE qualification. Finally, the study offers recommendations to address these issues and improve the overall student experience as well as enhance their employment prospects.

An Interview with Dr Rebecca D. Napier

Dr Rebecca D. Napier is a leading authority on giftedness, with a background in working with families and schools in Canada and Australia. She holds several degrees from American and Australian universities, and has a PhD in gifted education. Rebecca is currently undertaking postgraduate lecturing roles in gifted education at Flinders University. As the Director of Gifted Pathways, she is also a consultant and coach for schools and gifted families. She also recently held the position of Gifted Education Advisor to 103 South Australian Schools. Some of Rebecca’s other accomplishments include being a founding board member of Australia's first gifted school, and a board member of Australian gifted associations. Rebecca's practical experience and research findings have been supported by institutions including Flinders University, Australian Mensa, Debating SA, Chess School SA, Oliphant Science Awards, Tournament of Minds, ABC TV, and Life FM radio. Since 2001, Rebecca’s main mission has been the practical application of research into learning, development, and wellbeing for children. She has made a number of contributions to the Australasian Journal of Gifted Education (Napier &amp; Halsey, 2022; Napier et al., 2023).

Artificial Intelligence and Heart Failure

ADOPTING a forward-thinking mindset, Olav Wendelboe Nielsen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, and Robyn Anne Clark, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, welcomed delegates to a futuristic session, focusing on the increasing role that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing in the cardiology specialty. This symposium was one of the highlights from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2023, which took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 25th–28th August.

A-361 Implementation of a Fit-for-purpose Point of Care Quality Assurance Program

Abstract Background All individuals should have equitable access to accurate and timely testing for infectious diseases. Point of care testing (PoCT) has been developed to support populations having limited access to laboratory-based testing. Unlike laboratory-based testing, PoCT is often performed by non-laboratory staff and outside the jurisdiction of regulatory frameworks. Under these conditions, quality assurance (QA) of PoCT is often lacking; inaccurate testing can go undetected, leading to poor patient outcomes. A fit-for-purpose QA program was developed to monitor the quality of PoCT for infectious disease testing, particularly in low-middle income countries and in testing outside the laboratory regulatory environment. Methods In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Serology Reference Laboratory (NRL) reviewed the barriers to participation in QA programs experienced by PoCT sites. Using this information, NRL developed a QA model specifically designed for PoCT for infectious disease. In collaboration with Foundation for Innovative and New Diagnostics (FIND, Geneva, Switzerland), Kirby Institute (Sydney, Australia) and Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia), NRL implemented the PoCT QA model across Africa, Asia, and remote regional Australia. The model consists of competency panels (CP - one positive and one negative sample) and external quality assessment (EQA) panels. The EQA panels contain five samples. Whereas the test site knows the reactivity of the CP samples, the EQA samples are tested blinded. Both panels use inactivated samples that are stable at ambient temperature. The model uses streamlined logistics channels, with data collection and analysis using smartphone technology and QR codes. NRL designed a method for randomizing the identity of EQA sample vials so test sites can test QA panels ad hoc, and not be limited to specific test event dates. A range of support material such as pictorial instructions for use, virtual training events and on-line videos were produced to support test sites. Results More than 100 test sites from 14 countries have participated in the NRL PoCT QA programs. The model is designed so data is collected by test sites scanning QR codes and entering results directly into a data entry screen. The NRL PoCT QA program removed barriers to participation by offering sample types that are inactivated and stable at ambient temperature for extended periods of time, removing the need for dry ice shipping. The program is cost effective making it accessible to low- and middle-income countries. Data is collected using novel smartphone technology, facilitating results to be entered into a central database for immediate analysis. Testing of the QA samples can be done at any time, avoiding set test events. Conclusion Implementation of a fit-for-purpose PoCT QA for infectious disease testing removes the barriers to participation and facilitates the monitoring of testing over time. Any deficiencies in testing can be detected and addressed rapidly, ensuring that accurate test results are reported, and the population protected.

Record of the Twentieth Conference of the International Society for the Study of Early Medieval England at the University of Winchester, Concordia University, Flinders University and Leiden University (17–18; 21–22 June, 2021)

The twentieth biennial meeting of the Society took as its general theme ‘Contributions’. Featured were five keynotes, fifty-five regular papers and four project reports. 152 persons registered for the conference.

Re-engineering the cardiology ward round to improve efficiency of care

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University. Background There is limited literature investigating effective mechanisms improving clinical team cohesion and effectiveness to achieve clinical excellence. Purpose To re-engineer the cardiac care unit (CCU) ward rounds through enhanced cardiac-trained nurse input and advocacy to improve decision-making and deliver patient centred care. Methods A prospective observational design, ensuring CCU nurse attendance at every ward round (arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure) in consecutive 2-week control and implementation periods, conducted over three 4-week cycles. The primary endpoint was timely administration of cardiac medications. Secondary endpoints were length of stay, time to procedure bookings, patient mobility and education. Results 206 patients were recruited (control n=101, intervention n=105). Median time to cardiac medication administration was significantly shorter in the intervention cycle, (Intervention:0 hr/med [IQR 0-0.5] versus Control: 0.2 hr/med [IQR 0-1.2],p = 0.012). Heart Failure patients had the most significant improvements; (Intervention 0 hr/med [IQR 0-0.03] versus control 0.9 hr/med [IQR 0.3-1.6], p&amp;lt;0.001). Secondary endpoints trended toward improvement in all ward rounds, but results did not reach statistical significance. See Figure 1. Conclusion Empowering CCU nurses on ward rounds reduced medication delays, with clinically valuable improvements in secondary endpoints observed. Further research into implementable and sustainable interventions to drive clinical excellence is essential.Cardiac Medication Delays

Pristinamycin-induced sideroblastic anaemia.

Journal Article Pristinamycin-induced sideroblastic anaemia Get access Patrick C K Tam, Patrick C K Tam Department of Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, AustraliaCollege of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia Corresponding author. E-mail: tamckpatrick@gmail.com@tkcirtap https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4602-1889 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Santhosh Daniel, Santhosh Daniel Department of Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, AustraliaCollege of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Jonathan Lim, Jonathan Lim Department of Haematology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Ashanka Beligaswatte Ashanka Beligaswatte College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, AustraliaDepartment of Haematology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, dkad180, https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkad180 Published: 13 June 2023

0005 A circadian-informed lighting intervention markedly improves vigilance in a simulated night shift setting

Abstract Introduction Due to misalignment between circadian timing and the work/rest schedule, cognitive performance during night shift-work is often poor. This study tested a circadian-informed lighting strategy designed to improve on-shift cognitive performance through alerting effects, faster circadian adjustment to the shift-work schedule and promoting more sleep off-shift, compared to standard lighting. Methods A randomised controlled, within-subjects, counter-balanced cross-over study was performed to examine circadian-informed versus standard lighting on cognitive performance during a simulated 8-day night shift-work schedule. Nineteen healthy sleepers (12 males/7 females, mean±SD aged 28.7±10.4 years) underwent two separate 8-day experimental conditions in the sleep laboratory. The standard lighting condition mimicked current lighting on submarines (largely dim, blue-depleted light), while the circadian-informed lighting administered bright, blue-enriched and dim, blue-depleted lighting at times estimated to facilitate rapid circadian delay. After an adaptation sleep opportunity from 22:00 – 07:00 (day 1), participants remained awake for 27 hours to transition to sleeping during the day (10:00 - 19:00) and undertaking simulated night shift-work (00:00 - 08:00) at night on days 3-7. The primary performance outcome was the number of lapses (&amp;gt;500ms responses) on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), administered six times across each simulated work shift. Median reaction time and other PVT outcomes were also compared between lighting conditions. Results There were significant day-by-condition interactions on PVT lapses, p&amp;lt; 0.05. The circadian-informed lighting intervention resulted in ~50% fewer lapses by the final day compared to standard lighting (mean±SD 7.4±5.0 vs. 15.6±6.1 lapses). Similar effects were observed across other PVT outcomes. Conclusion Circadian-informed lighting resulted in markedly better vigilance than standard lighting under simulated night shift-work conditions. These findings indicate the considerable potential for automated lighting interventions to improve performance and safety in shift-workers. Support (if any) This research is supported by the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Defence Science and Technology Group of the Department of Defence through the Research Network for Undersea Decision Superiority (research agreement number: 9334), with additional financial support from Flinders University and lighting provision support from REDARC.

SkyeDoney: The Persistence of the Sacred: German Catholic Pilgrimage, 1832–1937. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2022; pp. 372.

Journal of Religious HistoryEarly View BOOK REVIEW Skye Doney: The Persistence of the Sacred: German Catholic Pilgrimage, 1832–1937. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2022; pp. 372. Matthew P. Fitzpatrick, Corresponding Author Matthew P. Fitzpatrick [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-6642-2319 Flinders University[email protected]Search for more papers by this author Matthew P. Fitzpatrick, Corresponding Author Matthew P. Fitzpatrick [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-6642-2319 Flinders University[email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 23 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9809.12980Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue RelatedInformation