Co-creative media: theorising digital storytelling as a platform for researching and developing participatory culture

This paper considers the question, 'what is co-creative media, and why is it a useful idea in social media research'? The term 'co-creative media' is now used by Creative Industries researchers at QUT to theoretically frame their use of digital storytelling as an action research platform for investigating participatory new media culture. Digital storytelling is a set of collaborative digital media production techniques that have been used to facilitate social participation in numerous Australian and international contexts. Digital storytelling has been adapted by Creative Industries researchers at QUT as a platform for researching the potential of vernacular creativity in a variety of contexts, including social inclusion of marginalized and disadvantaged groups; inclusion in public histories of narratives that might be overlooked; and articulation of voices that otherwise remain silent in the formulation of social and economic development strategies. The adaption of digital storytelling to different contexts has been shaped by the reflexive, recursive, and pragmatic requirements of action research. Amongst other things, this activity draws attention to the agency of researchers in facilitating these kinds of participatory media processes and outcomes. This discussion serves to problematise concepts of participatory media by introducing the term 'co-creative media' and differentiating these from other social media production practices

Anaerobic digestion of fungally pre-treated wine distillery wastewater

The combination of fungal pre-treatment with Trametes pubescens and anaerobic digestion were tested for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phenolic compounds from wine distillery wastewater. The COD removal efficiency after fungal pre-treatment reached 53.3%. During digestion, pH buffering was achieved using CaCO3 and K2HPO4. This provided a stable environment inside digester for efficient and time-independent COD removal. The total COD removal efficiency reached 99.5%, and the system proved able to eliminate shock COD loads, as indicated by the concentrations of sludge and volatile fatty acids. Complex changes of phenolic compounds are suspected in anaerobic digestionsystem, and are investigated further

Anaerobic digestion of fungally pre-treated wine distillery wastewater

The combination of fungal pre-treatment with Trametes pubescens and anaerobic digestion were tested for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phenolic compounds from wine distillery wastewater. The COD removal efficiency after fungal pre-treatment reached 53.3%. During digestion, pH buffering was achieved using CaCO3 and K2HPO4. This provided a stable environment inside digester for efficient and time-independent COD removal. The total COD removal efficiency reached 99.5%, and the system proved able to eliminate shock COD loads, as indicated by the concentrations of sludge and volatile fatty acids. Complex changes of phenolic compounds are suspected in anaerobic digestion system, and are investigated further

Keeping Food Safe During Emergencies

Disasters can come in many forms, including tornadoes, fires, floods, and snowstorms. In any of these emergency situations, two problems commonly arise. The first is a lack of incoming supplies. The second is damage to gas and electrical power systems. This publication discusses how to handle foods before, during, and after an emergency to keep them safe and to avoid food poisoning

Dog parks and their users: A study of four dog parks in the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area

Humans have had a unique relationship with dogs for thousands of years. In the last three decades, this relationship has shifted and dogs have begun to be more widely recognized as family members by the wider American public. This shift in the relationship has allowed for the creation of a new type of public space: the dog park. These parks are the first time we as a society have dedicated public space for the enjoyment, social, and emotional, well-being of another species. This research explores users of dog park and what types of communities support dog parks. The results show that groups identified by previous research as most likely to form close relationships with their dogs are using the dog park at higher rates than other groups. Respondents cited the ability to exercise their animals, and the freedom and ability to socialize and play with other dogs as the main motivations for using the dog park. Although respondents consistently reported that the dog park was a friendly place, with friendly people and dogs, they failed to report the formation of friendships that continued outside the fence of the dog park

The International Guidelines on Natural and Nature Based Features for Fluvial Flood Risk Management:the concept and the way forward

The International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management emphasize the role of nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure (e.g., beaches, dunes, islands, marshes) as an alternative to conventional hardened infrastructure for flood and coastal storm risk reduction. The Guidelines will equip decision-makers, project planners and practitioners with strategies that reduce flood risks to communities and improve infrastructure resilience. The document is organized so readers can begin where their interests lie. The Guidelines are an excellent starting point for the implementation of NNBF, but there is also a need to develop appropriate frameworks that quantify the (co-)benefits of NNBF. Furthermore, there are opportunities to connect NNBF to global initiatives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which even increases the potential of NNBF.</p

Drink and Injection Spiking:How to Approach an Increase in Presentations

In 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of reported drink spiking incidents across the UK. The new phenomenon of spiking via injection also emerged, which gained significant media attention. Campaigns encouraged potential spiking victims to attend an ED for testing. However, there is limited published research on drink spiking and no published studies on injection spiking. One UK guideline for the management of spiking exists, advising testing ‘if clinically indicated’ and is likely underused. Therefore, patients are often managed without drug testing, psychological support or a clear onward referral pathway. This practice review will explore the background of spiking, discuss drug testing options and highlight the psychological sequelae of spiking. An example guideline for the management of spiking incidents is attached.<br/

Drink and Injection Spiking:How to Approach an Increase in Presentations

In 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of reported drink spiking incidents across the UK. The new phenomenon of spiking via injection also emerged, which gained significant media attention. Campaigns encouraged potential spiking victims to attend an ED for testing. However, there is limited published research on drink spiking and no published studies on injection spiking. One UK guideline for the management of spiking exists, advising testing ‘if clinically indicated’ and is likely underused. Therefore, patients are often managed without drug testing, psychological support or a clear onward referral pathway. This practice review will explore the background of spiking, discuss drug testing options and highlight the psychological sequelae of spiking. An example guideline for the management of spiking incidents is attached.<br/

Co-creative media: Theorising digital storytelling as a platform for researching and developing participatory culture

This paper considers the question, ‘what is co-creative media, and why is it a useful idea in social media research’? The term ‘co-creative media’ is now used by Creative Industries researchers at QUT to describe their digital storytelling practices. Digital storytelling is a set of collaborative digital media production techniques that have been used to facilitate social participation in numerous Australian and international contexts. Digital storytelling has been adapted by Creative Industries researchers at QUT as a platform for researching the potential of vernacular creativity in a variety of contexts, including social inclusion of marginalized and disadvantaged groups; inclusion in public histories of narratives that might be overlooked; and articulation of voices that otherwise remain silent in the formulation of social and economic development strategies. The adaption of digital storytelling to different contexts has been shaped by the reflexive, recursive, and pragmatic requirements of action research. Amongst other things, this activity draws attention to the agency of researchers in facilitating these kinds of participatory media processes and outcomes. This discussion serves to problematise concepts of participatory media by introducing the term ‘co-creative media’ and differentiating these from other social media production practices

Anaerobic digestion of fungally pre-treated wine distillery wastewater

The combination of fungal pre-treatment with Trametes pubescens and anaerobic digestion were tested for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phenolic compounds from wine distillery wastewater. The COD removal efficiency after fungal pre-treatment reached 53.3%. During digestion, pH buffering was achieved using CaCO3 and K2HPO4. This provided a stable environment inside digester for efficient and time-independent COD removal. The total COD removal efficiency reached 99.5%, and the system proved able to eliminate shock COD loads, as indicated by the concentrations of sludge and volatile fatty acids. Complex changes of phenolic compounds are suspected in anaerobic digestion system, and are investigated further