AO corrected satellite imaging from Mount Stromlo

The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics have been developing adaptive optics systems for space situational awareness. As part of this program we have developed satellite imaging using compact adaptive optics systems for small (1-2 m) telescopes such as those operated by Electro Optic Systems (EOS) from the Mount Stromlo Observatory. We have focused on making compact, simple, and high performance AO systems using modern high stroke high speed deformable mirrors and EMCCD cameras. We are able to track satellites down to magnitude 10 with a Strehl in excess of 20% in median seeing

What is a clinical psychologist?

This leaflet is intended to be used as a template for services where there may not be an existing information leaflet already. Services can also choose to distribute this leaflet directly

Psychological interventions for anger and aggression in people with intellectual disabilities in forensic services:A systematic review of the literature

This systemic review investigates the current evidence for the effectiveness of anger and/or aggression interventions for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in receipt of forensic mental health services. Due to the prevalence within this population of difficulties with anger and aggression, and the associated substantial individual and societal consequences, the provision of psychological interventions has become increasingly common. However, no critical synthesis of the empirical evidence relating to their effectiveness has previously been conducted. Sixteen peerreviewed controlled trials or case series designs published between 2001 and 2016 met the inclusion criteria. The results highlight an emerging evidence base for the use of CBT in improving anger regulation, and for a range of psychological therapies in reducing aggressive behaviour. However, consistent methodological shortcomings limit the generalisability of findings and currently preclude firm conclusions on effectiveness. Recommendations are made for future research to address these shortcomings, including clearly-defined adaptations, adequately powered sample sizes, carefully designed baselines and follow-up periods. Despite the current status of evidence, the review provides an accessible and objective foundation to inform decision-making by service commissioners and clinicians providing anger and aggression interventions to people with ID

Ανάπτυξη υβριδικών (ανόργανων / οργανικών) ημιαγωγών πολλαπλών στρωμάτων με βάση το CdSe. Μελέτη της δομής και της φωτοηλεκτροχημικής συμπεριφοράς τους

Pteropid bats (flying-foxes) are the natural reservoir of Hendra virus, an emergent paramyxovirus responsible for fatal infection in horses and humans in Australia. Pteropus alecto (the Black flying-fox) and the paraphyletic P. conspicillatus (the Spectacled flying-fox) appear to be the primary reservoir hosts. Previous studies have suggested that physiological and ecological factors may underpin infection dynamics in flying-foxes, and subsequent spillover to horses and in turn humans. We sought to examine temporal trends in urinary cortisol concentration in wild Australian flying-fox populations, to elucidate the putative relationship between Hendra virus infection and physiological stress. Pooled and individual urine samples were non-invasively collected from under roosting flying-foxes at two latitudi-nally disparate regions in the eastern Australian state of Queensland. Hendra virus detection, and (in individual urine samples) sex and species determination were PCR-based. Urinary cortisol measurement used a validated enzyme immunoassay. We found no direct correlation between increased urinary cortisol and Hendra virus excretion, but our findings do suggest a biologically plausible association between low winter temperatures and elevated cortisol levels in P. alecto in the lower latitude Southeast Queensland roosts. We hypothesize an indirect association between low winter temperatures and increased Hendra virus infection and excretion, mediated by the physiological cost of thermoregulation. Our findings and our approach are directly relevant to elaboration of the disease ecology of Nipah virus and other emerging henipaviruses in bats. More broadly, they inform investigation of emerging disease infection dynamics across the wildlife/livestock/human interface

Values-first software engineering:research principles in practice

The realization that software has a far reaching impact on politics, society and the environment is not new. However, only recently software impact has been explicitly described as `systemic' and framed around complex social problems such as sustainability. We argue that `wicked' social problems are consequences of the interplay between complex economical, technical and political interactions and their underlying value choices. Such choices are guided by specific sets of human values that have been found in all cultures by extensive evidence-based research. The aim of this paper is to give more visibility to the interrelationship between values and SE choices. To this end, we first introduce the concept of Values-First SE and reflect on its implications for software development. Our contribution to SE is embedding the principles of values research in the SE decision making process and extracting lessons learned from practice

A Qualitative Meta-synthesis of Emergency Department Staff Experiences of Violence and Aggression

Introduction Patient and visitor violence or aggression against healthcare workers in the Emergency Department (ED) is a significant issue worldwide. This review synthesises existing qualitative studies exploring the first-hand experiences of staff working in the ED to provide insight into preventing this issue. Method A meta-ethnographic approach was used to review papers. Results Four concepts were identified: ‘The inevitability of violence and aggression’; ‘Staff judgments about why they face violence and aggression’; ‘Managing in isolation’; and ‘Wounded heroes’. Discussion Staff resigned themselves to the inevitability of violence and aggression, doing this due to a perceived lack of support from the organisation. Staff made judgements about the reasons for violent incidents which impacted on how they coped and subsequently tolerated the aggressor. Staff often felt isolated when managing violence and aggression. Key recommendations included: Staff training in understanding violence and aggression and clinical supervision. Conclusions Violence and aggression in the ED can often be an overwhelming yet inevitable experience for staff. A strong organisational commitment to reducing violence and aggression is imperative

The Experiences of Staff Who Support People with Intellectual Disability on Issues About Death, Dying, and Bereavement:a metasynthesis

Background: Historically, people with intellectual disabilities have tended to be excluded from knowing about death, dying, and bereavement. Staff in intellectual disability services can play a valuable role in improving understanding of these issues in those they support. This qualitative metasynthesis aimed to understand the experiences of staff supporting adults with intellectual disabilities with issues of death, dying, and bereavement. Method: Thirteen papers were identified following a systematic review of six databases. Results: Three themes were developed following a lines-of-argument synthesis: (1) Talking about death is hard: Negotiating the uncertainty in death, dying, and bereavement; (2) The commitment to promoting a “good death”; and (3) The grief behind the professional mask. “A cautious silence: The taboo of death,” was an overarching theme. Conclusions: A more open culture around issues of death, dying, and bereavement in intellectual disability settings is essential and could be promoted through staff training and support

Anxiety and autism:towards personalized digital health

For many people living with conditions such as autism, anxiety manifests so powerfully it has a big impact on quality of life. By investigating the suitability of truly customizable wearable health devices we build on prior research that found each experience of anxiety in people with autism is unique, so 'one-suits all' solutions are not suitable. In addition, users desire agency and control in all aspects of the system. The participative approach we take is to iteratively co-develop prototypes with end users. Here we describe a case study of the co-development of one prototype, a digital stretch wristband that records interaction for later reflection called Snap. Snap has been designed to sit within a platform that allows the distributed and sustainable design, manufacture and data analysis of customizable digital health technologies. We contribute to HCI with (1) lessons learned from a DIY co-development process that follows the principles of modularity, participation and iteration and (2) the potential impact of technology in self-management of anxiety and the broader design implications of addressing unique anxiety experiences

Computing and mental health:intentionality and reflection at the click of a button

Automated passive sensing applications and self-reported smart diaries seem to hold promise for the management of anxiety in autism and other mental health conditions. However, passive sensing often struggles with noisy data, ambiguous feedback and weak user agency over the device, whilst self-reporting relies on user-entered data which can be time consuming and cognitively demanding. To address these limitations, we explore a different approach, whereby individuals consciously actuate personal data capture and are in control of it at all times; yet, the interaction solely involves clicking a button, thus avoiding cognitive overload whilst supporting immediate reflection. We call this approach intentive computing. Through our initial investigations we found that conscious interactions cannot only provide real-time relief in anxiety management, but can also function as memory anchors irrespective of the content captured and even prior to data visualizatio