Knowledge elicitation solutions for improving performance and efficiency

Despite advances in mechanisation and automation processes, mining remains a people intensive industry, a large proportion of whom are responsible for operating and maintaining mining equipment under conditions that challenge even the most experienced people. Mining techniques, equipment designs and the work environment are constantly evolving and changing, imposing new demands on the technical competence of workers. With the trend towards global mining companies and ease of international travel, the workforce of the future may well encompass social and cultural changes that need to be addressed. The system of work rosters used by mine sites adds a further element of change to the situation, all of which contribute to the potential for unwanted events during normal operation

Students’ perceptions of using Facebook as an interactive learning resource at university

Facebook is a popular platform that may facilitate learning activities at university. In this study, students' perceptions of using 'Facebook pages' within individual university subject offerings were evaluated. Individual 'Facebook pages' were developed for four university courses and used to provide information relevant to the courses and allow opportunities for student interaction. An initial questionnaire administered in the first lecture of semester indicated that nearly all students (n=161, 93.1%) possessed an active Facebook account. Most students (n=135, 78.0%) anticipated that a Facebook page would facilitate their learning, by increased interaction with students and instructors, and notifications for course information. A second questionnaire was completed in the final lecture of semester indicating that 81.9% of students engaged with the course Facebook page at some stage. However, perceptions of the effectiveness of the page as a learning tool were variable, with only 51% of students stating that it was effective. Despite this, the majority of students (n=110, 76.4%) recommended using Facebook in future courses. This preliminary evaluation of Facebook as a learning aid suggests that it has the potential to promote collaborative and cooperative learning, but further research is required, specifically to understand if and how it can enhance learning

Changing diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses using Intervention Mapping: Study protocol

This is the author accepted manuscript.Conference presentation (abstract)Introduction: Nursing is a stressful occupation, in which overtime and irregular shifts are common, and challenge the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, with 60% of nurses being overweight or obese, and 55% being classified as insufficiently active, the risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) is increased in this group. Because staff shortage and high turn-over are a common and currently issue in this workforce, improving nurses’ health could play an important role for job retention. So far, there is a lack in number and quality of studies promoting healthy lifestyles in this population. Objectives: To design a tailored intervention to promote healthy diet and PA behaviour in nurses Method / Design: Following the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, an initial Needs Assessment was performed combining literature review and focus groups (FG) data, to explore barriers to healthy diet and PA experienced by nurses. Selection of intervention strategies and behavioural change theoretical frameworks, were selected based on the needs assessment data and desirable outcomes. Intervention materials were developed using both an evidence-based approach and suggestions from FG participants. Results: The intervention will be implemented and evaluated in a 12-week pre-post-test study with n=50 nurses working full-time. Efficacy and uptake will be evaluated using the primary outcomes physical activity (including sedentary behaviour), and improved diet quality. Secondary outcomes will include changes in NCDs risk factors like BMI, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Conclusions: The use of a tailored intervention, developed in collaboration with future participants, has the potential to ensure participation, flexibility and sustainability in this hard-to-reach group. The adoption and maintenance of a healthy diet and PA, can improve nurses’ long-term health, hence potentially improving job retention. Limiting turn-over can contribute to overcome the current nursing shortage, which is predicted to increase in the next years

Test-Retest Reliability of Simulated Driving Performance: A Pilot Study

Twenty-seven volunteers completed three simulated driving tests to determine test-retest reliability of performance on a low-cost, fixed-base computerized driving simulator. One retest was completed a few hours after the initial drive, and the final retest was completed 7 days following the initial test drive. Driving performance was compared using measures of vehicle control, speed, and reaction time to critical events. A measure of participants’ ability to inhibit a pre-potent response was also assessed using an inhibition task during each drive, with the number of incorrect inhibition responses recorded. Practice effects were evident for measures of vehicle control (deviation of lane position and number of line crossings) and participants’ ability to withhold responses to inhibition tasks. Good test-retest reliability was observed for measures of vehicle control, speed, reaction time, and variability measures. Poor test-retest reliability was observed for the number of stopping failures observed during driving. The findings from this study suggest that the driving scenario used provides reliable assessment tasks that could be used to track the effects of pharmacological treatments on driving performance. However, an additional familiarization drive should be included as part of future study protocols employing this driving scenario to reduce learning effects during trials. Care should also be taken when interpreting results from tasks with low test-retest reliabilit

Patients' perceptions of their general practitioner's health and weight influences their perceptions of nutrition and exercise advice received

INTRODUCTION: General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in the management of patients who are overweight or obese. Previous research suggests that GPs' physical characteristics may influence patients' perceptions of health care received during consultations, mediating the likelihood of patients following health advice provided by GPs. This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions of their GP's health status and its influence on patients' perceptions of healthy eating and exercise advice

Influence of caffeine on performance, physiological responses, thermoregulation and hydration during a 1500m run in hot humid conditions

Introduction: Caffeine is ergogenic for endurance performance, however little research exists on middle-distance performance, particularly in hot/humid conditions. This study examined caffeine's effects on a 1500 m run in hot/humid conditions. Caffeine was expected to enhance performance and lower plasma potassium concentrations with no effect on hydration or thermoregulation, compared to placebo. Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, crossover design, two testing sessions were completed under hot/humid conditions by seventeen healthy individuals. Participants consumed a carbohydrate-controlled meal and placebo (caffeine-free cola) or caffeine (5 mg/kg in placebo) before the run. Measurements were taken at baseline, following 65 min rest and in the climate chamber before, during and after the run. Urine specific gravity, blood lactate, sweat rate, core temperature [Tcore], skin temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation, thermal comfort and plasma caffeine and potassium were assessed. Data were analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results: Caffeine had no effect on any variables when compared to placebo except Tcore, plasma potassium and perceived fatigue. Post-exercise Tcore was significantly higher for caffeine. Plasma potassium concentrations were significantly elevated after exercise and significantly lower with caffeine compared to placebo. Fewer participants reported fatigue with caffeine. Conclusions: Caffeine had no negative effects on hydration but did not enhance middle distance performance in hot/humid conditions. Thermoregulation was unaffected by caffeine except for post-exercise Tcore which was significantly higher with caffeine. The lack of performance effect may be attributed to the carbohydrate controlled pre-race meal. The lower potassium levels with caffeine may have contributed to the lower levels of perceived fatigue

Direct observation of the nutrition care practices of australian general practitioners

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition care refers to nutrition-related advice or counselling provided by health professionals in an attempt to improve the nutrition behaviour of patients