Flinders University Research Articles

Australian Political Science in the 1960s: Establishing the Discipline of Politics at Flinders University

The appointment of foundation professors and establishing Departments/Disciplines in the new Australian universities of the 1960s could be fraught, as the example of Political Theory and Institutions at Flinders University demonstrates. It is worth examining the dynamics of this particular case study because it throws light on the state of Political Science Australia‐wide and the nature of the academic job market at the time, as well as revealing the gap between aspiration and outcome in the new Australian universities of the 1960s. The Flinders experience speaks to wider patterns.

“The Best Way to Help Vietnam is to Make Revolution in Your Own Country”: Student Radicalism at Flinders University in the Long 1960s

“The Best Way to Help Vietnam is to Make Revolution in Your Own Country”: Student Radicalism at Flinders University in the Long 1960s

0015 A circadian-informed lighting intervention markedly accelerates circadian adjustment to a night shift-work schedule

Abstract Introduction Night shift-work results in misalignment between circadian timing and the sleep/wake schedule, negatively impacting sleep and performance. In encapsulated environments (e.g., submarines), the lack of strong daily solar lighting cues may impair circadian entrainment to the night shift-work schedule. This study designed and tested a circadian-informed lighting strategy to promote faster circadian phase delays to adjust to night shift-work compared to standard lighting. Methods Nineteen healthy sleepers (12 males/7 females, mean±SD aged 28.7±10.4 years) underwent two separate 8-day experimental conditions (circadian-informed lighting versus standard lighting). After a baseline sleep from 22:00 – 07:00 (day 1) and salivary dim light melatonin onset assessment ([DLMO], day 2), participants undertook simulated night shift-work (00:00 - 08:00) and slept during the day (10:00 - 19:00) for days 3-7 followed by a post-DLMO assessment on day 8. Ingestible capsules collected core body temperature (CBT) continuously throughout days 2-8, and cosine curve fitting was applied to estimate the timing of each daily temperature minima. 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. The magnitude of daily CBT minima changes and the delay in pre- vs. post-DLMO were compared across conditions. Results There were significant day-by-condition interactions on CBT minima timing and DLMO timing (both p< 0.001). After 4 days of simulated night-shift work there was a mean [95%CI] 4.5 [3.4 to 5.7] hour greater delay in CBT minima and a 4.6 [3.6 to 5.6] hour greater delay in DLMO timing compared to standard lighting, equating to 3.6 and 2.4-fold faster delays in DLMO and CBT minima timing shifts, respectively. Conclusion Circadian-informed lighting substantially accelerates circadian re-adjustment to night shift-work. Lighting interventions could usefully improve sleep, 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.

Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacterium with biosynthesis potential as an antibiotic producer.

An endophytic actinobacterium, strain PIP175T, was isolated from the root sample of a native apricot tree (Pittosporum angustifolium) growing on the Bedford Park campus of Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia. This strain is a Gram stain-positive, aerobic actinobacterium with well-developed substrate mycelia. Aerial mycelia rarely produce spores and the spore chain is spiral. Strain PIP175T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces aculeolatus DSM 41644T (99.4 %). Other closely related phylogenetic representatives include Streptomyces synnematoformans DSM 41902T (98.3 %), Streptomyces albospinus NBRC 13846T (97.6 %), Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi NRRL B-1220T (97.5 %) and Streptomyces ruber NBRC 14600T (97.4 %). The major cellular fatty acid of this strain was iso-C16 : 0 and the major menaquinone was MK-9(H6). The whole-cell sugar contained galactose, glucose and mannose. Chemotaxonomic data confirmed that strain PIP175T belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity based on blast and OrthoANIu results between strain PIP175T and S. aculeolatus DSM 41644T were 60.0, 94.1 and 94.9 %, respectively. Genotypic and phenotypic data and genome analysis results allowed the differentiation of strain PIP175T from its closest species with validly published names. Strain PIP175T showed good activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 03120385. Genome mining of strain PIP175T revealed biosynthetic genes encoding proteins relating to antibiotic production, plant growth promotion and biodegradation enzymes. The name proposed for the new species is Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov. The type strain is PIP175T (=DSM 103379T=TBRC 6026T).

Hospital congestion: a market solution to address delayed transfers of care from hospital beds.

Hospital congestion: a market solution to address delayed transfers of care from hospital beds.

A new Eocene species of presbyornithid (Aves, Anseriformes) from Murgon, Australia

The taxa found in an Eocene deposit, near Murgon, Queensland, the only pre-Oligocene Paleogene site recording a terrestrial vertebrate fauna from Australia, are very significant for the insight they provide concerning the evolution of the Australian biota. Here we resolve the identity of fossils previously referred to the Graculavidae, waterbirds of then unresolved affinities. We taxonomically describe the first bird to be named from this fauna, Murgonornis archeri gen. et sp. nov., Presbyornithidae. Our findings reveal that presbyornithids were widespread globally in the earliest Eocene, and that this family had a history on Australia from at least 55 Ma until ca. 24 Ma, when they disappear from the fossil record.Trevor H. Worthy [trevor.worthy@flinders.edu.au], College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, SA, Australia; Vanesa L. De Pietri [vanesa.depietri@canterbury.ac.nz], University of Canterbury, School of Earth and Environment, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; R. Paul Scofield [pscofield@canterburymuseum.com], Canterbury Museum, 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand; Suzanne J. Hand [s.hand@unsw.edu.au], Earth and Sustainability Science Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

CORR Insights®: What is the Safe Distance Between Hip and Knee Implants to Reduce the Risk of Ipsilateral Metachronous Periprosthetic Joint Infection?

1Discipline of Medical Specialties, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia 3College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia A. P. Kurmis, University of Adelaide, Discipline of Medical Specialties, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia, Email: [email protected] This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “What is the Safe Distance Between Hip and Knee Implants to Reduce the Risk of Ipsilateral Metachronous Periprosthetic Joint Infection?” by Akkaya and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000002598. The author certifies that there are no funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article related to the author or any immediate family members. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR® or The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®.

A new species of Mukupirna (Diprotodontia, Mukupirnidae) from the Oligocene of Central Australia sheds light on basal vombatoid interrelationships

The late Oligocene taxa Marada arcanum and Mukupirna nambensis (Diprotodontia, Vombatiformes) are the only known representatives of the families Maradidae and Mukupirnidae, respectively. Mukupirna nambensis was described from a partial skeleton, including a cranium but no dentary, and reconstructed as the sister taxon to Vombatidae (wombats). By contrast, Ma. arcanum is known only from a single dentary, preventing direct comparison between the two. Here, we describe a new species, Mu. fortidentata sp. nov., based on craniodental and postcranial specimens from the Oligocene Pwerte Marnte Marnte Local Fauna, Northern Territory, Australia. Phylogenetic analysis of Vombatiformes, using 124 craniodental and 20 postcranial characters, places these three species within Vombatoidea, wherein Marada arcanum is sister to species of Mukupirna + Vombatidae. Mukupirna fortidentata sp. nov. does not share any robust synapomorphies of the dentary with Ma. arcanum that would support placing them together in a clade to the exclusion of Vombatidae. We therefore maintain separation of the families Mukupirnidae and Maradidae. From a functional perspective, the craniodental specimens of Mu. fortidentata sp. nov. reveal a suite of morphological traits that are unusual among vombatiforms, which we interpret as adaptations for acquiring and processing hard plant material. These include: a short, broad rostrum; large, robust, steeply upturned incisors; and a steep, anteroposteriorly decreasing gradient in cheek tooth size. The dental specimens of Mu. fortidentata sp. nov. also assist in the identification of two further allied taxa: an early vombatid from the younger late Oligocene Tarkarooloo Local Fauna, South Australia; and a possible vombatoid from the earliest Miocene Geilston Bay Local Fauna, Tasmania. The Tarkarooloo Local Fauna taxon indicates that vombatids diverged from other vombatoids prior to 24 million years ago.Arthur I. Crichton [arthur.crichton@flinders.edu.au], College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, 5042, South Australia;Trevor H. Worthy [trevor.worthy@flinders.edu.au], Aaron B. Camens [aaron.camens@flinders.edu.au], Adam Yates [Adamm.Yates@magnt.net.au] Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Alice Springs 0870, Northern Territory, Alice Springs, 0870 Australia;Aidan M. C. Couzens [acouzens@ucla.edu], Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;Gavin J. Prideaux [gavin.prideaux@flinders.edu.au], Flinders University School of Biological Sciences, Palaeontology, Adelaide, 5001 Australia.

The earliest record of bowerbirds (Passeriformes, Ptilonorhynchidae) from the Oligo-Miocene of northern Australia

The bowerbirds (Passeriformes, Ptilonorhynchidae) are a family of Australo-Papuan songbirds that are renowned for their unique bower-building behaviour. Prior to this study, the fossil record of Ptilonorhynchidae was limited to late Quaternary remains from Victoria, Australia. A new genus and species of bowerbird is described here from the late Oligocene (ca 26–23 Ma) deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, in Waanyi Country, Queensland, Australia. This fossil bowerbird is smaller than most extant species of bowerbirds, and represents the earliest known evidence of Ptilonorhynchidae, although its intrafamilial affinities remain uncertain pending additional material. A second, larger ptilonorhynchid is identified from the early Miocene (ca 16 Ma) of Riversleigh. These fossils considerably extend the temporal range of Ptilonorhynchidae, and indicate the presence of two species of bowerbirds in the Oligo-Miocene of northern Australia. The ages of these fossils are consistent with molecular estimates of the divergence time between Ptilonorhynchidae and its sister group, Climacteridae (Australo-Papuan treecreepers). The new bowerbird is the ninth species of passerine to be described from the pre-Pleistocene of Australia, and highlights the importance of the Riversleigh fossil deposits in our understanding of the early evolutionary history of passerines.Jacqueline M.T. Nguyen [jacqueline.nguyen@flinders.edu.au], Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010 Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001 Australia; and South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Australia.

Unearthing South Australia’s Oldest Known Shipwreck: The Bark South Australian (1837)

In early 2018, a collaborative team composed of maritime archaeologists, museum specialists, and volunteers from the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, South Australian Maritime Museum, Silentworld Foundation, Australian National Maritime Museum, MaP Fund, and Flinders University surveyed for and located the shipwreck site of the bark South Australian. Lost at Rosetta Harbor (at the western end of modern-day Encounter Bay) in December 1837, South Australian is South Australia’s oldest documented shipwreck. Its significance also derives from its use as one of the earliest immigration ships to ferry European settlers to the colony of South Australia, as well as careers as a postal packet and “cutting-in” vessel for shore-based whaling activities. South Australian’s historical background is addressed, as are efforts to locate and confirm the identity of its wreck site via archaeological investigation.

National disability insurance scheme access: What evidence do you need to provide for psychosocial disability?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was introduced in 2013 and offered a new way of providing support to people with permanent and significant disabilities. Despite pilot testing, implementation of the scheme has been challenging, particularly for people with a disability arising from a mental health condition. In 2019, to address the challenge of accessing the NDIS, researchers from Flinders University worked with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to develop a streamlined access process for psychosocial disability. The aim of this paper is to provide guidance on the evidence required to demonstrate that a person has a significant and persistent psychosocial disability to access the NDIS. Providing evidence for a psychosocial disability requires knowledge of how to address the disability requirements. The Evidence of Psychosocial Disability (EPD) form has been designed to address these requirements and offers guidance on the evidence that should be provided. A range of resources to accompany the EPD form are freely available online. These resources address a significant knowledge gap that currently exists with the implementation of the NDIS.

A bibliometric and visual analysis of contaminant transport modeling in the groundwater system: current trends, hotspots, and future directions.

Contaminant transport modeling (CTM) in the groundwater represents the complex bio-geo-chemical processes in the subsurface system and plays a vital role in designing remediation strategies for contaminated sites. Hence, this study evaluated 1955 articles on CTM-based studies published from 2010 to 2022 by utilizing the Scopus® database to provide a quantitative analysis of current trends and future directions. A systematic approach comprised of a bibliometric survey and visualization of various networks was conducted with the VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software for quantitative analysis of progress of CTM research field over the past decade. The hotspots and evolution of themes of CTM were found using Sankey diagrams, and thematic maps. It was observed that articles were published at an exponential rate over past 5years. The analysis of Scopus® database revealed that the average citations per article and the average citations per year per article were 14.7 and 2.225. In the past decade, USA published 489 articles and emerged as the leading country based on mutual collaborations and cooperation with other top 9 most productive countries. Flinders University was ranked in the first position based on the number of articles, followed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The findings obtained from this study can help researchers identify exploitation and core areas, to understand better the direction of research of mathematical model development, and to determine hotspots of CTM research field.

Small, regular or large? The effect of size options on online food choices

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of verbal size descriptors on portion size selections. Specifically, we investigated a range of size options within an online ordering setting. A sample of 216 female Flinders University students were asked to select a side dish, drink, and dessert from one of three online menus with varying portion size options: (1) small, regular, and large (SRL), (2) regular, large, and extra-large (RLXL), or (3) small, regular, large, and extra-large (SRLXL). Participants also completed a measure of dietary restraint. Across conditions, participants most frequently selected the ‘regular’ size for sides and drinks; however, for desserts a small size was equally preferred. In contrast to the concept of extremeness aversion, incorporating a small (S) or extra-large (XL) option into the choice-set did not significantly increase or decrease large size choices, respectively. However, dietary restraint moderated the effect of size option condition on portion selection for side-dish selections (but not for drinks and desserts), such that when an XL size was available, unrestrained eaters were relatively more likely than restrained eaters to pick a large or XL side dish. The findings support an overall preference for a normative sounding portion size. Accordingly, one useful strategy would be to reduce the size of regular serving portions to reflect an amount closer to current health guidelines.

P038 Sleep disorders, perceived control over sleep and depression in paramedic students

Abstract Introduction University students are commonly affected by sleeping difficulties and poor mental health, and ~20% of this demographic live with a clinical sleep disorder. This is particularly concerning for students who will progress into careers which will introduce further sleep disturbance via shift work schedules. The aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between sleep disorders and depression in paramedic students, and determine whether perceived control over sleep moderates the relationship. Methods Data from fifty-three Flinders University Paramedic students was included, consisting of sleep disorder screening (obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and restless legs syndrome), and mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) questionnaires. PHQ-9 scores ranged from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. Regression analysis adjusted for age and sex at birth were conducted using SPSS version 27. Results Meeting criteria for a sleep disorder (n=21, 38.2%) was associated with higher depression scores (mean+standard error) in paramedic students (for sleep disorders vs no sleep disorders, 11.4±0.9 v 4.3±0.8, F₁,₅₂=33.5, p <.001). High perceived control over sleep was associated with lower depression scores than low perceived control 5.3±0.9 vs 9.6±1.1, F₁,₅₂=9.0 p = .004) but no moderating effect was observed (p = 0.17). Discussion Sleep disorders and low perceived control over sleep are independently associated with higher depression scores. Investigation and management of factors contributing to low perceived control over sleep, together with early screening and management of sleep disorders are important priorities to support paramedic student sleep and mental health prior to commencing shift work.

Nursing informatics and undergraduate nursing curricula: A scoping review protocol

AimThis scoping review aims to review contemporary published literature on Nursing Informatics education in undergraduate nursing education. IntroductionNursing is the largest workforce in health care and nurses are increasingly required to work with digital information systems. The need for nurses to understand and embrace information technology is closely linked with the ability to function in the contemporary healthcare workplace. However, despite the early adoption of Nursing Informatics in Australia in the 1980 s, there remain barriers to Nursing Informatics engagement and proficiency, including poor computer literacy, limited professional development and a lack of undergraduate informatics education. DesignThis scoping review will be developed in adherence with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis: Scoping Reviews and the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. MethodsTo be included in this scoping review, papers need to include Nursing Informatics education for undergraduate nursing students in a Bachelor of Nursing program. Undergraduate nursing students are defined as individuals enrolled in a recognised nursing program leading to registration as a Nurse. To meet the requirements for registration as a Registered Nurse, in Australia, individuals are required to complete a Bachelor of Nursing program at a university (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) For the purpose of this scoping review, undergraduate nursing students are defined as those individuals undertaking a three year Bachelor of Nursing program at a university. Equivalent international definitions will be also used in the scoping review procedure. Sources of information will be included if they were published between 2015 and 2022 and describe curriculum recommendations (including barriers to implementing Nursing Informatics education). The purpose of the identified timespan is to reflect the rapidly evolving nature of health informatics and digital technologies. The requirement for curriculum recommendations is to reflect the purpose of the scoping review as the basis for a Delphi study, where Nursing Informatics and its integration into Bachelor of Nursing curricula will be explored and described in collaboration with domain experts. Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained for this scoping review (Project ID: 2156) from the Flinders University’s Human Research Ethics Committee and has been determined to be low risk.

Guest editorial: Decision making and control for connected and automated vehicles

Guest editorial: Decision making and control for connected and automated vehicles

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a self-management program for adolescents with a chronic condition: a study protocol

BackgroundSelf-management support is increasingly viewed as an integral part of chronic condition management in adolescence. It is well recognized that markers of chronic illness control deteriorate during adolescence. Due to the increasing prevalence of long-term chronic health conditions in childhood and improved survival rates of previously life-limiting conditions in children and adolescents, significant numbers of adolescents are having to manage their chronic condition effectively as they transition to adult health care. Therapy adherence has been identified as a major challenge for young people living with a chronic condition such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, or asthma requiring long-term pharmacological therapy and/or lifestyle modifications. Most systematic reviews on self-management interventions address adult populations. Very few intervention studies are directed at adolescents with a chronic condition who are transitioning to adult health services. This protocol describes a prospective randomized controlled trial of a standardized self-management intervention program delivered to adolescents aged 15–18 years prior to their transfer to adult care. This study has been designed to provide evidence regarding self-management programs for adolescents and is the first study to use the Flinders Program with this important, under-researched age group.MethodsA randomized controlled trial is used to investigate the effectiveness of a modified adolescent-friendly version of an adult self-management program. This program is directed at improving self-management in an adolescent cohort 15–18 years of age with a chronic condition being treated in a specialist pediatric hospital. Participants will be randomized to either usual care or the modified Flinders Program plus usual care. Data collection will include measures of specific illness control, unscheduled hospital admissions, and questionnaires to record self-management competencies, quality of life, self-efficacy, and outcome measures specific to the chronic condition at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery.DiscussionThis study will provide a better understanding of the elements required for effective self-management programs in adolescents with a chronic condition and address some important knowledge gaps in current literature. The study will be carried out in collaboration with the Discipline of Behavioural Health at Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, in order to inform the development of an adolescent version of the successful and validated Flinders Program™.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000390886). Registered on April 8, 2021.

“Translators are bridge builders, linking people and cultures”: An interview with Mohammad A. Quayum

ABSTRACT This interview conducted with Mohammad A. Quayum from October 2021 to February 2022 focuses on a wide range of issues in literary translation and Translation Studies. Quayum is one of the leading academics and translators from Bangladesh, currently teaching at Flinders University, Australia.A renowned professor of English literature teaching in various countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and the US, Quayum has published numerous books and scholarly articles in renowned journals. His works have also drawn critical attention as they have been published by Brill, Penguin Books, Routledge, Springer and Stanford University Press. Quayum has already translated and published major writers and poets of Bengali literature into English, including Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932) and Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899–1976). In this interview, Quayum offers valuable insights about literary translation and his translated works. He argues that translation, which is an inter-lingual as well as inter-cultural activity, builds bridges between cultures. In his view, translators require clarity of mind and lots of free-floating energy to keep focused on their work. The interview touches upon Quayum’s deep involvement in research and translation activities, his thoughts on literary translation and Translation Studies, and the current state and prospects of literary translation in Bangladesh.

Marine biorefinery: an environmentally sustainable solution to turn marine biomass and processing wastes into value-added products and profits

Marine biorefinery: an environmentally sustainable solution to turn marine biomass and processing wastes into value-added products and profits

Transforming Obesity Prevention for CHILDren (TOPCHILD) Collaboration: protocol for a systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis of behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity

IntroductionBehavioural interventions in early life appear to show some effect in reducing childhood overweight and obesity. However, uncertainty remains regarding their overall effectiveness, and whether effectiveness differs among key subgroups....