A repeated-measures assessment of screen use and bedtime procrastination among new career starters

This research project developed a behaviour change intervention for bedtime procrastination. The research was comprised of a systematic review, a qualitative study of target population interviews (in audio format), a quantitative survey, and a pilot study.</p

Distributionally robust optimization of voltage fluctuations and imbalance in islanded bipolar DC microgrids

DC microgrids (DCMGs) are gaining popularity due to the rise of DC devices, increased use of solar power, and the absence of frequency and reactive power concerns. Key challenges in DCMGs include voltage fluctuations due to unpredictable changes in renewable energy resources (RERs), power flow management, and power distribution among distributed generations (DGs). To ensure the stability and reliability of DCMGs, it is crucial to maintain proper DC bus voltage levels and effectively manage power flow between different components. This paper presents a new scheduling framework for bipolar DCMGs (BPDCMGs) that simultaneously considers voltage variations and imbalances. A novel objective function focused on voltage variations is developed based on advanced load flow equations for BPDCMGs. Also, distributionally robust optimization (DRO) is utilized for RERs and load consumption uncertainties based on the Kullback–Leibler divergence metric. Following the reformulation of the multiobjective DRO problem, an optimal compromise solution is found using min–max fuzzy criteria. The proposed model has been tested on the IEEE 33 bus system, simulating an islanded BPDCMG. Detailed analysis demonstrates the model's effectiveness in managing voltage fluctuations and imbalances, with numerical results indicating over a 90% reduction in voltage fluctuations and over 40% decrease in unbalancing.</p

Profiling key phytoconstituents in screw-pressed nigella solid residue and their distribution in products and byproducts during oil processing

Nigella sativa L. (generally known as black cumin) is a medicinal plant prized for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Its seed oil is used extensively in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and cooking. However, extracting oil to satisfy the world’s needs leaves behind plenty of solid residues. The seeds of Nigella are loaded with health-benefiting phytoconstituents, but so might their extraction residues. While much research on seeds and oil has been carried out, there is relatively little information about solid residue, particularly regarding health-benefiting phytoconstituents. Additionally, there is a knowledge gap relating to how phytoconstituents transfer from seeds to solid residue during oil extraction and any loss of key phytoconstituents that may occur during this transfer. Understanding the health-benefiting phytoconstituents in Nigella solid residue is crucial for unlocking its full potential for value-added applications in health and nutrition. Moreover, understanding the dynamics of these phytoconstituent transfers is essential for optimizing extraction processes and preserving the nutritional and therapeutic value of the derived products. Therefore, this study investigated the composition of the screw-press solid residues of different Nigella genotypes grown under similar environmental conditions. The results showed moderate variation in the levels of potential health-benefitting phytoconstituents in Nigella solid residues regarding total phenolic content (TPC) (720.5–934.8 mg GAE/100 g), ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) (853.1–1010.5 mg TE/100 g), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) (3863.1–4801.5 mg TE/100 g), thymoquinone (TQ) (156.0–260.1 mg/100 g), saturated fatty acid (SFA) (2.0–2.2 mg/g), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (2.0–3.6 mg/g), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (8.2–12.1 mg/g). Notably, TPC, FRAP, and CUPRAC had high transfer rates into the solid residue (78.1–85.9%, 65.4–75.7%, and 84.5–90.4%, respectively), whereas TQ, SFA, MUFA, and PUFA showed lower transfer rates (15.9–19.3%, 7.5–8.9%, 12.0–18.3%, and 6.5–7.5%, respectively). When summing the values of individual phytoconstituents transferred into oil and solid residue from their respective seeds during processing, it was found that only 80.6–88.3% of TPC, 74.2–84.4% of FRAP, 86.3–92.3% of CUPRAC, 54.4–64.9% of TQ, 68.5–92.4% of SFA, 76.2–90.6% of MUFA, and 51.6–76.6% of PUFA were transferred from the total value present in their respective seeds

Promoting the mental well-being of migrant nurses

The global nursing shortage has resulted in many countries focusing on international recruitment to address their domestic nursing shortages (Pressley et al., 2023). One in eight nurses practices in a country different from where they gained their initial nursing qualification (World Health Organization, 2024). These nurses, commonly known as migrant nurses, travel from their source countries to host countries for economic and career opportunities, lifestyle improvement, overall safety and security, family unification, and personal growth (Konlan et al., 2023; Villamin et al., 2025a). While migrant nurses relocate to improve their standing, migration is not always straightforward.</p

Transforming smart farming for sustainability through agri-tech Innovations: Insights from the Australian agricultural landscape

The rapid advancement of precision agriculture technologies and Agri-tech startups is transforming the global agricultural landscape, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience. This study systematically reviewed 131 articles published between 2000 and 2024, selected using the PRISMA flow diagram from Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. This study explores the role of precision agriculture technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI), in its adoption and effective use by farmers, for optimizing resource use, improving farm efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts in large size Australian farms. Despite their potential, widespread adoption faces challenges such as high implementation costs, technical constraints, and regulatory barriers. Additionally, Agri-tech startups play a crucial role in addressing climate change challenges by developing innovative solutions such as drought-resistant crops and climate-resilient farming methods. These advancements, when integrated with principles of agronomy and supported by strategic technology adoption, enhance the efficient use of resources. While the adoption of such technologies often involves an initial investment, their effective implementation can lead to more sustainable and resilient farming systems, ultimately promoting long-term productivity and environmental stewardship. However, inclusivity remains a critical issue, particularly in ensuring equitable access for small-scale farmers, women, and underrepresented groups in Agri-tech entrepreneurship. This study highlights the importance of supportive policies, financial investments, and training programs to facilitate broader adoption of emerging agricultural technologies. Based on the literature review and keyword co-occurrence analysis, this study developed nine hypotheses and subsequently proposed a conceptual model to examine the relationships among key variables in sustainable agriculture. Future research should focus on integrated approaches that assess agronomic, economic, and social aspects of precision agriculture and Agri-tech startups, fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural development

Enhancing energy and flexibility joint market clearing mechanism through TSO-DSO coordination

The aim of this paper is to present the design of an energy and flexibility market that operates in coordination with both wholesale and local markets. By utilizing greater flexibility through the integration with transmission and distribution networks, the market can adapt to changing operational conditions over time. The market operator uses information from the TSO-DSO to implement the necessary submarket type based on network conditions.The market operator, in turn, will select the proper sub-market based on technical and economic specifications, from the operators, i.e., the required energy, flexibility, and associated costs. The proposed method offers a decentralized and non-iterative coordinated market for energy and flexibility at both the transmission and distribution levels, guided by the principle that, electricity flows naturally from low-cost to high-cost nodes in an uncongested network. The market operator directs energy and flexibility to higher cost buses using an appropriate market mechanism. Consequently, the existing network is oriented towards being congestion-free. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed market not only aligns with TSO-DSO operational priorities but also approaches the outcomes of a centralized market in terms of optimality. Also, the proposed method requires less calculation time for than previously coordinated market execution methods, such as TSO-leader and DSO-leader.</p

Fearless one: A feminist media analysis of the rape and murder of Jyoti Singh and its aftermath

The multiple perpetrator rape of Jyoti Singh in New Delhi, India and her subsequent death in December 2012, provoked mass protests which gave rise to one of the biggest shifts in feminist movements in the country. The government of India was compelled to reform relevant legislation and incorporate new policies to address the issue of prevalence of rape in India. Despite these changes, gender-based violence has continued to worsen according to the crime statistics in India; and there has been little by way of analysis as to what could be done to change this staggering rise in statistics. The key aim of the research study was to understand the impacts of Jyoti’s case by investigating the media framings in both national and international online news media over the six-year period between 2012 and 2018, post the Jyoti rape and murder. This thesis was viewed through a feminist lens; thus, the framework for this study was inclusive of feminist historical methodology along with media analysis. Feminist standpoint theory was used to examine the impacts this case had on women’s rights, autonomy and agency. Content analysis was chosen to examine the textual content in the online articles, while frame and agenda-setting analysis was chosen to explore their media framings. A novel visual analysis method was developed to examine the images attached to the articles. Through the analytical integration of both textual and visual content, significant interactions, relationships and meanings conveyed were observed. The content analysis of the indicated that there was similar salience assigned to the most significant focal points regarding ‘protests’ in both the national and international reporting of the case. The second highest salient issue differed vastly in the national reportage, with the primary premise of most articles regarding police inadequacy matters, while the international data showed a high level of reporting on society and culture. This topic was covered nearly three times more so than in the Indian articles. Furthermore, most of the Indian articles were noted as having been episodically framed, as opposed to the international sources that conveyed their messages thematically, presenting a holistic view. The agenda-setting results yielded intriguing insights with regards to national political influences on the media interpretation, framing and reporting of the case. Findings in the visual content analysis noted similar results, with most images from both data sets being of protests/candlelight vigils, imbuing a sense of emotion, frustration and resistance. It was concluded from the evidence that legislative or policy change were not sufficient toward addressing the issue of gender-based violence in India. Deeply held and upheld notions of patriarchy, class and caste contribute to the inequalities that women in India face, spilling into sexual assault frequently. Traditional values and roles for women continue to keep the oppressed unprotected and targets for violence. The study also supports a fourth wave of feminism, finding that digital technologies and social media platforms allowed women’s voices to be heard globally, and to be organised under the Nirbhaya movement. The study highlights a critical need for the re-training of the mindsets of society within the sphere of public discourse and through all levels of schooling to effectively address gender-based violence. This commands both a change of social attitudes as well as the development of gender-responsive institutions, notably justice systems, particularly in India. As suggested by the Justice Verma Committee, established in early 2013 to recommend amendments to the legislation with regards to sexual violence against women (SVAW), this need is essential to middle-school level sex education for children in particular (Bennett, 2017). Indeed, education is needed in all levels of society, including in high school and university and in all public related discourse. Such classes at that stage of schooling should be inclusive of teachings that include gender equality and respect to break the cycle of socially accepted traditions of gender roles.</p

A different perspective on AI inventors and Germany’s DABUS decision “paradox”

The recent German Federal Court of Justice decision may present a paradox in the artificial inventor (‘AI’) patent test cases: refusing Stephen Thaler’s request to name his AI system, DABUS, as inventor of an invention – and allowing Thaler to name himself as inventor instead, despite DABUS purportedly doing the inventing. This article aims to dispel the apparent paradox by considering other appellate DABUS decisions in the United Kingdom and Australia, and the broader aims of the patent system.</p

Awareness of having hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia among US adults: The 2011–2018 NHANES data

Aim: This study aimed to investigate awareness of having hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia and their associated factors among US adults. Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including 21,399 adults aged ⩾20 years (pregnant women excluded) collected between 2011 and 2018, were used. Blood pressure was measured using a Baumanometer calibrated mercury true gravity wall model sphygmomanometer. Serum total cholesterol levels were measured using enzymatic assays. The percentage of haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), which reflects long-term blood glucose levels, was measured and used to identify diabetes. Participants self-reported whether they were told by a doctor that they have hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes. Awareness was defined as alignment between objective and self-reported measures for having the conditions. Sampling weights and the Taylor series linearisation variance estimation method were used in the analyses. Results: The findings showed that 64.06% of people with hypertension, 54.71% of those with dyslipidaemia and 78.40% of those with diabetes were aware of having the respective condition. Age, sex and health insurance were associated with awareness of having all three conditions, but marital status was not associated with any outcome. Weight status was associated with awareness of having hypertension and dyslipidaemia, whereas ethnicity was associated with awareness of having hypertension and diabetes. Relative family income was only associated with awareness of having hypertension. Conclusions: Large proportions of US adults with hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes are not aware of having the conditions. Interventions targeting groups at higher risk of being unaware of these conditions are needed.</p

Using DNA Double Strand Break Damage and Repair Capacity as an Indicator of Cancer Risk and Ageing Related Conditions

Introduction Human DNA is damaged up to one hundred thousand times per day through exposure to DNA damaging agents such as reactive oxygen species, radiation, chemicals and endogenous metabolic by-products. Defective or inefficient repair of the most lethal kind of DNA damage, DNA double strand breaks which affect both strands of the DNA has been linked with earlyonset cancer syndromes, advanced ageing and other neurological and immunological conditions. In Australia, current cancer risk screening is population-based for target groups at risk of breast, bowel and cervical cancer. For individuals identified as having an increased risk of a familial cancer syndrome such as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, genetic screening is available. However, population-based screens and genetic screening cannot predict the age of onset of disease or risk of early-onset disease. Furthermore, as only 5-10% of all diagnosed cancer cases are linked to hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes, there is a gap in cancer risk screening for individuals that do not have a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome and do not fit the criteria for population-based screening. This PhD investigated the potential use of the DNA double strand break marker, γ-H2AX, for individualised assessment of DNA double strand break repair for its potential use in future clinical cancer risk screening. Methods This PhD thesis assessed DNA double strand break damage and repair in three experimental models. The first, a Wistar rat model which is examined in Chapter 4, investigated the link between DNA damage and repair within three haematopoietic tissues: bone marrow, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and spleen. This chapter also explored how ageing influences DNA damage and repair using sibling rats that had their samples analysed at ages 3 months and 15 months. This model also investigated the influence of biological sex on DNA damage and repair. The second study (Chapter 5) explored DNA damage and repair capacity collected from 45 healthy human participants ranging from ages 18-75. The third study (Chapter 6) was a pilot experiment that assessed how a previous history of cancer influences DNA damage and repair using the same series of techniques. The novel factor within this study is the inclusion of DNA double strand break assessment at three-time points; an initial baseline, after two-hours of DNA iii damaging agent (etoposide) treatment and following a one-hour post etoposide wash-out. All three models used flow cytometry assessment of staining of DNA double strand breaks with γ- H2AX antibody. Phosphorylation of the histone protein complex from H2AX to γ-H2AX was labelled with the fluorophore Alexa Fluor 488 and quantified via flowcytometry using gates that detected cells positive for γ-H2AX labelling. Quantification was calculated by the mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX and percentage change in the mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX. Results This research found that γ-H2AX has potential for use clinically for the assessment of DNA double strand break damage repair. This research also determined a standardised method for the assessment of DNA double strand break repair within bone marrow, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)s and spleen and included verification of results in PBMC studies across specimens. Through optimisations and validation of methodology, this research found that for successful assessment of DNA double strand break repair assessment in primary cell culture, cell cultures must be treated with a proliferation stimulant for 72 hours prior to DNA damage induction with a chemotherapeutic DNA damaging agent. This research also found that the optimal time for DNA double strand break repair assessment is one-hour following a two-hour treatment with etoposide. In the Wistar rat model, advanced age was linked to a significantly increased mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX within baseline sampling of bone marrow and PBMCs. Significant retention of γ-H2AX was also seen following a one-hour fresh media incubation in bone marrow samples. Non-significant increases in γ-H2AX following a one-hour fresh media incubation were also observed with advanced age in PBMCs, which demonstrated translational potential for use within human studies. The human model of DNA double strand break damage and repair within PBMCs, found that males had a significantly higher mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX following a two-hour incubation with etoposide when compared to females in the test cohort (pA link between participants with a previously diagnosed early-onset cancer and ineffective DNA repair, termed a ‘negative DNA repair score’ DNA double strand break repair score was found in the pilot study investigating early-onset cancer and DNA double strand break repair. In this study, 21% of participants that were identified as having inefficient DNA repair had a history of earlyonset cancer. In contrast, there were no participants with a history of early-onset cancer identified in the effective DNA repair group. Conclusions This study developed and optimised a standard method for assessing DNA double strand break repair within PBMCs in Chapter 3. This methodology also proved successful within bone marrow and spleen derived cells across species (Chapter 4 and 5). Within this standardised method, it was found that primary cell culture must be stimulated to proliferate with a final concentration of 5 μg/mL of phytohaemagglutinin before induction of DNA damage. This study also found the optimal DNA double strand break repair window to be one-hour post DNA damaging agent removal and wash-out. Through optimisations and development of a standard method for DNA double strand break repair assessment which proved effective across tissues and species, this study adds a novel contribution to the field of DNA repair. The outcomes detailed in Chapter 4 demonstrated in rats that PBMCs may be an effective surrogate tissue for DNA double strand break repair assessment in haematopoietic derived tissue. This suggests that the DNA double strand break response may be systemic and opens opportunity for exploration of the link between the DNA double strand break response within all tissues compared to PBMCs. Within Chapter 4, it was demonstrated that the DNA double strand break response is influenced by age. Basal DNA damage measured via mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX was significantly increased in bone marrow and PBMC samples collected from 15-month-old rats compared to their 3- month-old siblings. In bone marrow samples collected from 15-month-olds rats had significantly v increased mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX after removal of the DNA damaging agent and a one-hour incubation with fresh media compared to 3-month-old rats (pFindings from Chapter 5 demonstrated that in PBMC, males have a significantly increased mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX compared to females in a controlled test group of 16 participants (p<0.05). Following a one-hour incubation with fresh media males also had significantly increased mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX compared to females within the test group. In addition, young males (<50 years) had significantly higher mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX compared to young females (<50 years) following a one-hour incubation with fresh media in the test group (p<0.001) and extended cohort. Increased mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX was observed in males under 50 years of age following a one-hour fresh media incubation, compared to males over 50 years within the test study (p<0.05). These findings suggest that biological sex has an impact on the DNA double strand break repair response and warrants further investigation into the possible implications in cancer risk screening. A pilot study of the influence of a history of early-onset cancer was investigated in Chapter 6. Within this Chapter, a negative DNA repair score was associated with participants that had an early-onset cancer. Therefore, the findings of this study suggests that assessment of DNA double strand break repair capacity through γ-H2AX staining in response to laboratory induced DNA double strand breaks may be a potential tool for clinical cancer risk screening.</p