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Optimal nutrition care is important in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF). This paper summarises the '2017 Nutrition Guidelines for Cystic Fibrosis in Australia and New Zealand (NZ)'. CF dietitians formulated 68 practice questions which were used to guide a systematic literature search and review of the evidence for nutrition in CF. Identified papers underwent quality and evidence assessment using the American Dietetic Association quality criteria checklist and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) rankings. Evidence statements, graded recommendations and practice points were developed covering core nutrition topics (assessment and nutrition interventions including oral, enteral and micronutrient supplementation); nutrition-related co-morbidities (including pancreatic insufficiency, CF-related diabetes, bone health and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome); and key new topic areas (genetic modulator therapies, overweight/obesity and complementary therapies). This paper showcases highlights from the guidelines, focussing on new topic areas and geographic and climate considerations for vitamin D, salt and hydration. • This paper summarises the 2017 Nutrition guidelines for CF for Australia and NZ • A systematic approach to evidence appraisal and guideline development was used • Nutrition assessment, nutrition support and micronutrient supplementation are covered • Nutrition-related topics including CF-related co-morbidities and PERT are covered • Novel topic areas include genetic modulators, overweight/obesity and probiotics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The compressive behaviour of square RACFSST stub columns after exposure to fire is investigated. • Twelve post-fire compression tests are conducted. • The influences of heating durations and RCA replacement ratios are discussed. • Thermal and mechanical FE models are validated against test results and then used to conduct parametric studies. • The relevant design codes are assessed against the test and FE data. Experimental and numerical studies on the cross-section compressive behaviour and residual resistances of square recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube (RACFSST) stub columns after exposure to fire are reported in this paper. An experimental programme was firstly carried out on twelve stub column specimens with three recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios (0%, 35% and 70%) after exposure to the ISO-834 standard fire for 0 min (i.e. at ambient temperature), 15 min, 30 min and 45 min. The test results, including load–end shortening curves, failure loads and failure modes, were presented, with the initial compressive stiffness and confinement effect analysed. The experimental programme was followed by a numerical modelling programme, where thermal and mechanical finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and afterwards used to conduct parametric studies to generate additional numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions. Based on the test and numerical data, the relevant design rules for square natural aggregate concrete-filled carbon steel tube stub columns at ambient temperature, as specified in the European code, Australia/New Zealand standard and American specification, were evaluated, using post-fire material properties, for their applicability to square RACFSST stub columns after exposure to fire. The evaluation results generally revealed that the European code and Australian/New Zealand standard led to a good level of design accuracy, while the American specification resulted in slightly conservative post-fire cross-section compression resistance predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality assurance in radiotherapy (QART) is essential to ensure the scientific integrity of a clinical trial. This paper reports the findings of the retrospective QART assessment for all centres that participated in PORTEC-3; a randomised controlled trial that compared pelvic radiotherapy with concurrent chemoradiotherapy to the pelvis followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The trial showed an overall survival benefit for the addition of the chemotherapy in the management of women with high-risk endometrial cancer. Clinicians were invited to upload a randomly selected case/s treated at each of the participating sites. Panel reviewers analysed the contours to certify that the target volumes and organ at risk structures were contoured according to guidelines. The results were categorised into acceptable, minor variation, major variation or unevaluable. The radiotherapy plans were dosimetrically evaluated using the well-established Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) protocol. Between August 2010 and January 2018, data from 146 patients of 686 consecutively treated patients were retrospectively reviewed. All 16 Australia and New Zealand and 71 of 77 international centres uploaded data for evaluation. In total, 3514 dosimetric and contour variables were reviewed. Of these, 3136 variables were deemed acceptable (89.2%), with 335 minor (9.6%) and 43 major variations (1.2%). Major contour variations included the clinical target volume vaginal vault, clinical target volume parametria and differential planning target volume vault expansion. The results of the QART assessment confirmed high uniformity and low rates of both minor and major deviations in contouring and dosimetry in all sites. This supports the safe introduction of the PORTEC-3 treatment protocol into routine clinical practice. • Radiotherapy benchmarking reduces the major and minor deviations noted in contouring and dosimetry. • Incorporation of a quality QART programme reduces source bias and facilitates adoption of the trial results. • Inclusion of real-time QART will improve and standardise international radiotherapy quality in future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations into the post-fire cross-section compressive behaviour and resistances of circular recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube (RACFSST) stub columns. Twelve stub column specimens, fabricated from concretes with three recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios (0%, 35% and 70%), were tested after exposure to the ISO-834 standard fire for 0 min (i.e. at ambient temperature), 15 min, 30 min and 45 min. The experimental investigation included heating and cooling of specimens, cylinder tests and post-fire tensile coupon tests and stub column tests. The test results, including load–end shortening curves, failure loads and failure modes, were fully reported and the initial compressive stiffnesses and confinement effect were discussed. The numerical investigation was subsequently conducted, where thermal and mechanical finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data. Given the absence of design codes for stainless steel–recycled aggregate concrete composite structures after exposure to fire, the relevant design rules for circular natural aggregate concrete-filled carbon steel tube stub columns at ambient temperature, as set out in the European code, Australia/New Zealand standard and American specification, were assessed, using post-fire material properties, for their applicability to circular RACFSST stub columns after exposure to fire, based on the test and numerical data. The assessment results generally revealed that the European code and the Australian/New Zealand standard led to an acceptable level of design accuracy and consistency, while the American specification resulted in rather conservative and scattered post-fire cross-section compression resistance predictions. • The compressive behaviour of circular RACFSST stub columns after exposure to fire is investigated. • Post-fire compression tests on twelve circular RACFSST stub column specimens are conducted. • The influences of heating durations and RCA replacement ratios are analysed. • Thermal and mechanical FE models are validated against test results and then used to conduct parametric studies. • The relevant design codes are assessed against the test and FE data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The availability and implementation of evidence-based care is essential to achieving safe, quality trauma patient outcomes. Little is documented, however, about the challenges trauma clinicians face in their day-to day practice, or their views on the availability of evidence. This paper presents the most significant clinical practice challenges reported by multidisciplinary trauma care professionals in Australia and New Zealand, in particular those that may be resolved with focussed research or enhanced implementation activity.Methods: An exploratory survey of trauma professionals from relevant Australia and New Zealand professional organisations was conducted between September 2018 and February 2019 using the Snowballing Method. Participants were recruited via a non-random sampling technique to complete an online survey. Thematic analyses were conducted.Results: There were nine significant clinical practice challenge themes in trauma care, arising from 287 individual clinical practice challenges reported. The most reported being clinical management (bleeding, spinal, older patients) and operationalisation of the trauma system. There was no consensus as to the availability of evidence to guide each theme.Conclusion: Future research should seek to address the clinical practice challenge of Australian and New Zealand trauma community to enable safe, quality trauma patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Switching antidepressant medications is recommended when an initial antidepressant is not effective, when it is unable to be tolerated or when there are significant drug interactions. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence regarding when to switch antidepressants and the optimal approach to switching.Methods: Clinical and academic experts in mood disorders from Australia and New Zealand (Treatment Algorithm Group, TAG) met to discuss the key considerations regarding switching antidepressants in the treatment of depression and formulate recommendations about switching strategies.Results: While switching is recommended, there is limited data to guide on how best to approach switching antidepressants (e.g. whether to switch within class or out of class), and how to define the best time to consider switching. Broadly, switching within class after non-response is recommended for mild-moderate depression and out-of-class for patients with a more severe depression or melancholia.Limitations: There is a limited evidence-base to draw on to make definitive recommendations on switching approaches.Conclusions: Switching antidepressants is an appropriate strategy to use if there is a minimal response to an initial antidepressant. Further research is required to determine the optimal switching approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Australia New Zealand Trauma Registry enables the collection and analysis of standardised data about trauma patients and their care for quality improvement, injury prevention and benchmarking. Little is known, however, about the needs of providers and clinicians in relation to these data, or their views on trauma quality improvement priorities. As clinical experts, trauma clinicians should have input to these as ultimately their practice may be influenced by report findings. This paper presents the perspectives of multidisciplinary trauma care professionals in Australia and New Zealand about the use of the Australia New Zealand Trauma Registry data and trauma quality improvement priorities.Methods: An exploratory survey of trauma professionals from relevant Australia and New Zealand professional organisations was conducted using the Snowballing Method between September 2018 and February 2019. Participants were recruited via a non-random sampling technique to complete an online survey. Descriptive statistical and content analyses were conducted.Results: The data use priorities identified by 102 trauma professionals from a range of locations participated were clinical improvement and system/process improvement (86.3%). Participants reported that access to trauma data should primarily be for clinicians (93.1%) and researchers (87.3%). Having a standardised approach to review trauma cases across hospitals was a priority in trauma quality improvement.Conclusion: Trauma registry data are under-utilised and their use to drive clinical improvement and system/process improvement is fundamental to trauma quality improvement in Australia and New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echocardiography is a common and increasingly used noninvasive imaging tool in medicine. In this paper, we imagine the echocardiography laboratory of the future and consider the challenges we face currently, and may face in the future, and how these might be overcome; challenges such as training enough sonographers to meet the increasing demands of the ageing population living with chronic cardiovascular disease and the need for surveillance in other clinical scenarios. We consider the changing qualification framework and the requirements for accreditation and registration in Australia and New Zealand and the potential for migrant sonographers to meet some of the increasing demand. Advanced scopes of practice are likely to be a feature of the future workforce and we consider some of the ways these may evolve. Lastly, we consider how the evolving clinical landscape and technology may change the way echocardiography is delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An increasing number of stock assessments are based on spatially-structured models. • Six formulations for spatially-structured assessment models are outlined. • Estimation of migration rates within assessments leads to improved performance. • Guidelines are given for estimating recruitment in spatially-structured assessments. Many, if not most, stocks of fish and invertebrates subject to commercial, recreational or subsistence harvesting exhibit some degree of spatial heterogeneity. This can be due to a lack of complete movement within a single biological population or due to the assessed region consisting of multiple sub-stocks. In principle, assessments for stocks for which the assumption of homogeneity is violated should be based on population dynamics models that are spatially-explicit. There are, however, relatively few stocks for which multi-stock/multi-area assessments are conducted. However, the number of assessments in which space is explicitly represented in the population dynamics model has been increasing in recent years and such models are available for fish stocks such as New Zealand hoki and canary rockfish off the US west coast, as well as invertebrates such as the rock lobsters off southern Australia and New Zealand. A challenge within such spatially-explicit assessments pertains to how recruitment and movement are modelled. This paper reviews assessments for fish and invertebrate stocks that are based on spatially-explicit models, identifying the challenges associated with modelling recruitment caused by increased model and parameter estimation complexity, and the available solutions. A set of illustrative simulations are undertaken to evaluate the consequences of different assumptions regarding spatial recruitment and movement, and hence develop some recommendations for best practice guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-formed steel sections are used in many different shapes based on their applications. Recently, a new C-section known as SupaCee was introduced in Australia with higher flexural capacities compared to traditional channel sections. However, all cold-formed steel sections are vulnerable to web crippling failures due to their higher plate slenderness. Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS 4600) and North American (AISI S100) Standards use a unified web crippling design equation with four coefficients while Eurocode 3 Part 1.3 uses different design equations to predict the web crippling capacities of cold-formed steel sections. The web crippling coefficients were developed based on the experimental studies undertaken since the 1940s. These experimental studies utilised different test set-ups and specimens lengths and hence the accuracy of predictions using these coefficients may be inadequate. No coefficients are available for unlipped channel sections with fastened supports and high strength SupaCee sections while the same coefficients are used for lipped channels with fastened and unfastened supports. To address these shortcomings, the web crippling behaviour of unlipped and lipped channel and SupaCee sections was experimentally investigated based on recently developed AISI S909 web crippling test guidelines. Finite element analyses were then performed to extend the range of cold-formed steel sections. Using the web crippling capacity results from both experiments and finite element analyses, new equations were proposed to determine the web crippling capacities of lipped and unlipped channel and SupaCee sections. Suitable direct strength method based web crippling design equations were also developed. This paper presents the important details of several detailed web crippling studies undertaken recently including a suite of web crippling design equations that can be adopted in relevant cold-formed steel standards. • Investigated web crippling behaviour of several cold-formed steel sections. • Developed advanced finite element models, validated and used in detailed parametric studies. • Proposed improved web crippling coefficients for AS/NZS4600/AISI S100 equations. • Developed predictive equations for the buckling loads for DSM based design. • Developed DSM equations for the web crippling design of cold-formed steel sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to determine the reliability of sprinkler systems in shopping centres by utilising the fault tree analysis (FTA) method and the collection of data through a physical survey. As such, a comprehensive review of sprinkler systems in the low rise shopping centre buildings with less than four levels was conducted in two Australian cities: Melbourne and Adelaide. Data from eighteen buildings were collected and are presented in this paper. This study only includes wet pipe systems, as these are the most commonly found sprinkler system installations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Although Australian Standards and building regulations are taken as references, the methodology can be used in any other jurisdictions. The data related to the failure frequency, time required for repair and sprinkler downtime due to tenancy changes were collected during site surveys. This data has been used to carry out FTA to derive the likelihood of the failure of the sprinkler system. It is observed that the failure probability of a sprinkler system in Australian shopping centre buildings lies in a range of 1.4% and 9.8% (i.e. reliability range of 90.2% and 98.6%). Compared to a previous study on high-rise office buildings (Moinuddin & Thomas, Fir Saf J. vol 63 pp 52–68, 2014), the reliability of shopping centres is found to be 3%–4% higher. Similar to high-rise office buildings, sprinkler head's failure and isolation of the main stop valve during tenancy upgrades have significant effects on the reliability of the sprinkler system. However, more regulated sprinkler isolation and better maintenance of other components in the shopping centres result in better reliability. • Development a comprehensive fault tree analysis (FTA) for wet pipe sprinkler systems typically used in shopping centres in Australia • Conducting survey to collect data for determining the reliability of FTA's basic events (i.e. various components of a sprinkler system). • Collection of data from eighteen shopping centres from two Australian cities • Use of developed FTA to estimate the overall reliability of these sprinkler systems primarily based on the survey data (wherever survey data is not available literature data is used). • A number of suggestions to improve the reliability of sprinkler systems in shopping centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Census-based deprivation indices have been widely used in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada and UK to measure area-based socio-economic inequalities. This paper examines the indicators used in census-based area deprivation indices using a political ecology approach. We question whether the current indicators of deprivation derived from census data are meaningful for the all age groups and minority groups in the population, with a particular focus on deprivation indicators used in New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. We comparatively reviewed methodological papers and reports that describe the indicators of deprivation in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada and the UK from 1975 to 2014. We consider the relationship between the notion of standards of living and measurements of deprivation and explore how hegemonic cultural constructs are implicit in measures of deprivation that privilege a Eurocentric, ageist and gender normative construction of statistics. We argue for more political ecological analyses to studying the relationship between social inequalities, geographies, health inequities and political economy to transform structures of oppression and inequality. This requires turning the analytical gaze on the wealthy and privileged instead of defaulting into deficit models to account for inequality. Studies of deprivation and inequality would benefit from understanding the processes and operations of power in the (re)production of socio-economic and health inequities to inform holistic strategies for social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationally, child welfare services experience chronic workforce shortages and high rates of staff turnover. One strategy adopted to fill critical workforce gaps is the international recruitment of social workers. Child welfare employers in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have a shared tradition of recruiting transnational social workers to address ongoing labour shortages in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. This raises questions about the impact of this practice for those migrating social workers and about practice with indigenous populations. This paper scoped publications to identify emerging themes about social work movement between these countries, with a focus on knowledge that can prepare transnational social workers for the unique Australian context, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The review found that international recruitment to statutory child welfare in Australia is not well researched, with limited evidence about the profile of recruits, the effectiveness of this strategy and retention rates. The demographics and experiences of overseas qualified social workers in child welfare over the past 40 years in the various Australian jurisdictions remain relatively unknown. There are major gaps in knowledge about the ways international recruitment affects outcomes for children, and their families, in Australia's statutory child welfare services delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Since 2005, radiation oncology trainees in Australia and New Zealand have had to undertake a piece of original research during training, and submit a manuscript, as first author, for senior peer-review. Satisfactory completion of this requirement is one component of eligibility to sit the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Fellowship examinations. The purpose of this study was to examine the value of this curriculum requirement, including the publication rates and potential barriers to trainee research. Materials and methods: An online survey was sent to 116 radiation oncologists/trainees who trained since the mandatory research requirement was introduced (2005–2011). Questions concerned research topics, publications, subsequent research activity, perceptions on barriers to research and aids to conducting research during training. A web-based search of PubMed by author name was carried out to complete and verify publication statistics. Results: In total, 108 (93.1%) of the 116 trainees across 20 centres who submitted their research papers to the Radiation Oncology Faculty Research Committee were successful in meeting the required standard first time. Half of these trainees ultimately published their paper in a peer-reviewed journal. Of trainees responding to the survey, 62% presented their research at a scientific meeting. Most of the studies were either retrospective (62.3%) or dosimetry/physics projects (10.1%). The main problems encountered in conducting projects were competing clinical commitments and lack of dedicated research time. Notably, long ethics approval processes, lack of supervision and statistical support for projects were not considered barriers. Conclusion: This mandatory research requirement ensures trainees initiate and complete at least one project during their training. Since the introduction of this curriculum component, half of the research projects have resulted in publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Increased ‘protected time’ and training in scientific writing and methods may improve publication rates and quality. This first review of the Australian and New Zealand radiation oncology trainee research requirement highlights areas that need to be addressed to further support and foster a research culture among junior radiation oncologists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The findings discussed in this paper are drawn from a larger study of the changing work experience of front-line workers in four comparable, restructured, liberal welfare states, in a subsector of the economy known as the nonprofit social services (NPSS). Older practices, unique to the sector, such as collectivist ethics, relationship building, care and social justice are being colonised and displaced by the new technologies of performativity such as self-monitoring, target setting, outcome measures and technocratic solutions. In addition, changes in labour markets have produced high numbers of unemployed men in some countries, some of whom have moved into jobs in this traditionally female sector, reshaping aspects of the work and its mission-based ethos. This paper suggests a continuum of masculinised and feminised strategies exist in the NPSS. The latter depend on idealised, female self-sacrifice and reinforce social justice ethics while most of the former challenge non-profit ethics and alter work practices to be more consistent with managerialist aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various systems for rating secondary safety of particular makes and models of vehicles have been developed internationally. These measures generally evaluate crashworthiness (the ability of the vehicle to protect its own occupants in the event of a crash) separately from aggressivity (the harm a vehicle is liable to impose on other road users into which it crashes). This paper describes an approach using Australian and New Zealand data that combines these two facets of secondary safety into one ‘Total Secondary Safety Index’ estimated from real world crash outcomes. The Index estimates the risk of death or serious injury to all key road users in crashes involving light passenger vehicles across the full range of crash types. This paper describes the rationale and method for producing this Index, together with some estimates for common Australian and New Zealand makes and models of light passenger vehicles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Given the raised profile that parenting support and education is currently receiving on government family policy agendas in many nations, this paper reviews the ways in which parenting support and education policies are embedded within eight OECD countries. Drawing out the similarities and differences of policy and practice, and comparing the financial support each country affords to parenting support, it assesses the effectiveness of parenting support programmes in relation to national expenditure and links parenting policy to child outcomes. The paper concludes with some recommendations for policy makers and programme developers. The countries reviewed are: The UK, Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, the US, Finland, Australia and New Zealand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper summarises the contents of this Special Edition. The papers cover a range of advanced technologies for the objective measurement of carcass characteristics that influence the yield and potential eating quality of beef and lamb carcasses. All the research has been carried out in Australia and New Zealand and has been centrally funded with collaboration between various groups. This Special Edition is timely since the meat industry is coming under pressure on environmental grounds in addition to health warnings about excessive meat consumption. In this respect it is encouraging that so many of the papers relate to eating quality. The emphasis on objective methods is also important as moving away from traditional subjective grading will improve accuracy and consistency and thereby increase efficiency. Some differences in the approach taken in other parts of the world are discussed. • Low-cost 3D cameras can predict lean meat yield prediction. • Spectroscopic methods have potential for predicting eating quality but need further development. • Hand held camera systems could replace visual rib-eye grading. • Optical coherence tomography can assess IMF in real time in beef cuts. • Rapid Evaporative Ionising Mass Spectroscopy is a rapid method for authenticating meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reviews the development of ecological economics in Australia and New Zealand since its beginnings in the late 1970s. A historical account is presented that focuses particularly on the activities of the Australia New Zealand Society for Ecological Economics and key ecological economics research activities. Achievements of ecological economics in Australia and New Zealand are assessed, using a range of quantitative and qualitative data. The main areas of expertise developed by Australian and New Zealand ecological economists were found to be: theoretical foundations and visions for ecological economics; biodiversity and resilience; input–output analysis; heterodox valuation approaches; analysis of economy–environment interactions; sustainability indicators; sustainable agriculture, fisheries and oceans; and energy/thermodynamics. Both countries are ranked at the top (or near the top) of the world rankings in terms of per capita ISEE membership and publication rates in Ecological Economics. A defining feature of ecological economics in Australia and New Zealand has also been its practical and problem-solving focus and the level of end-user engagement. The paper concludes by discussing the challenges that face the future development of ecological economics in Australia and New Zealand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The geographic range and bloom frequency of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum and other members of the A. minutum group have been increasing over the past few decades. Some of these species are responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) outbreaks throughout the world. The origins of new toxic populations found in previously unaffected areas are typically not known due to a lack of reliable plankton records with sound species identifications and to the lack of a global genetic database. This paper provides the first comprehensive study of minutum-group morphology and phylogeny on a global scale, including 45 isolates from northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Neither the morphospecies Alexandrium lusitanicum nor A. angustitabulatum was recoverable morphologically, due to large variation within and among all minutum-group clonal strains in characters previously used to distinguish these species: the length:width of the anterior sulcal plate, shape of the 1′ plate, connection between the 1′ plate and the apical pore complex, and the presence of a ventral pore. DNA sequence data from the D1 to D2 region of the LSU rDNA also fail to recognize these species. Therefore, we recommend that all isolates previously designated as A. lusitanicum or A. angustitabulatum be redesignated as A. minutum. A. tamutum, A. insuetum, and A. andersonii are clearly different from A. minutum on the basis of both genetic and morphological data. A. minutum strains from Europe and Australia are closely related to one another, which may indicate an introduction from Europe to Australia given the long history of PSP in Europe and its recent occurrence in Australia. A minutum from New Zealand and Taiwan form a separate phylogenetic group. Most strains of A. minutum fit into one of these two groups, although there are a few outlying strains that merit further study and may represent new species. The results of this paper have greatly improved our ability to track the spread of A. minutum species and to understand the evolutionary relationships within the A. minutum group by correcting inaccurate taxonomy and providing a global genetic database. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper introduces the special edition of Meat Science focused upon the development, calibration and validation of technologies that measure traits influencing meat eating quality, or carcass fat and lean composition. These papers reflect the combined research efforts of groups in Australia, through the Advanced Livestock Measurement Technologies project, and New Zealand through AgResearch. We describe the various technologies being developed, how these devices are being trained upon common gold-standard measurements, and how their outputs are being simultaneously integrated into existing industry systems. We outline how this enhances the industry uptake and adoption of these technologies, and how this is further accelerated by education programs and strategic industry investment into their commercialisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rail sector globally has seen considerable reform in recent years. To date, the shape of reform has varied across jurisdictions, as has the nature of the rail operations being reformed. In numerous jurisdictions, the reform processes have encompassed the privatization of assets and operations. Unlike many other industries where privatization has occurred, however, the rail sector has experienced several instances where asset ownership and operations have been taken back into the hands of the government. In this paper, an examination is made of the privatization and de-privatization (or reverse privatization) of rail assets in three jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand to see what insights can be drawn with regard to the factors that led to the failure of privatization and the government's reclaiming of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The determinants of health and mortality inequalities in New Zealand and Australia have been subjected to research, with the influence of a range of socio-economic and demographic influences (deprivation, social class, ethnicity) receiving notable attention. Both countries are considered privileged, positioned amongst the world leaders in rankings of mortality and life expectancy. This paper reports on observed rates of mortality and views how the countries have fared over time with respect to one another. Study design, observational, methods: This study derives comparable rates of mortality for both New Zealand and Australia, disaggregated by age and sex for the time period 1948-2008. The age-standardised rates are visualised using the Lexis mapping software program, showing the relative differences between the countries over time whilst simultaneously highlighting age, period and cohort effects. Results: Relative to Australia, New Zealand had advantageous rates of mortality across almost all age groups between the years 1948 and 1980 (approximately). For both sexes, a dramatic reversal of fortunes in New Zealand has followed relative to Australia. For example, for younger males in New Zealand, the reversal is startling. Over the time period observed, males aged 10-20 years in New Zealand have moved from an advantageous position of having a mortality rate 20% lower than Australia to a relative position of 50% higher. Conclusions: The social and economic forces in both New Zealand and Australia which may have driven the divergence require further scrutiny. It is argued here, that the changing fortunes of the populations are linked to the process of selective migration and the largescale population movements between the countries facilitated by the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. These findings have important implications for policy formation and service planning, if the inequality in mortality between the areas of study is to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short front vowels KIT /ɪ/, TRAP /æ/, and DRESS /ɛ/differ in their realization between speakers in New Zealand and Australian English. This paper analyses how New Zealanders produce these vowels when in an Australian-primed context. Two studies are undertaken. The first – a corpus analysis – looks at the realization of these vowels in New Zealanders' spontaneous talk about Australia. The second – an experiment – looks at the realization of these vowels in a word reading task, following the production of Australia-related lexical items. Both the experiment and the corpus analysis show differences in participant productions across Australia and non-Australia contexts. The corpus analysis shows a significant effect on the realization of the KIT and TRAP vowels, with Australian contexts associated with more Australian realizations. Both the corpus and the experiment reveal a significant interaction between speaker experience and context for DRESS. Only speakers who have ample previous experience with Australian English produce more Australian variants in an Australian context. These results highlight how different methodological approaches can provide different angles on the same question. Together, they show that subtle topic-based variation in speech production can occur. They also indicate that individual speakers' experience and beliefs can also play an important mediating role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the relatively new phenomenon of online child exploitation -- an important area of criminological and policy concern - it is difficult to obtain long term trend data on reported convictions. Existing legislative and prosecution-based approaches, while important, are unlikely to be adequate. This analysis of the legislative and prosecution-based responses in five Commonwealth countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and United Kingdom), highlights the need for clear national and international definitions as the lack of consistency in the international legislative environment creates opportunities for sexual exploitation of children. To provide a multi-faceted and non-prosecutorial approach to address online child exploitation including the commercial exploitation of children, this paper identifies five potential research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper provides a quantitative review that estimates exposure rates by type of violence, setting, source, and world region. Design: A quantitative review of the nursing violence literature was summarized. Data sources: A literature search was conducted using the CINAHL, Medline and PsycInfo data bases. Studies included had to report empirical results using a nursing sample, and include data on bullying, sexual harassment, and/or violence exposure rates. A total of 136 articles provided data on 151,347 nurses from 160 samples. Procedure: Articles were identified through a database search and by consulting reference lists of review articles that were located. Relevant data were coded by the three authors. Categories depended on the availability of at least five studies. Exposure rates were coded as percentages of nurses in the sample who reported a given type of violence. Five types of violence were physical, nonphysical, bullying, sexual harassment, and combined (type of violence was not indicated). Setting, timeframe, country, and source of violence were coded. Results: Overall violence exposure rates were 36.4% for physical violence, 66.9% for nonphysical violence, 39.7% for bullying, and 25% for sexual harassment, with 32.7% of nurses reporting having been physically injured in an assault. Rates of exposure varied by world region (Anglo, Asia, Europe and Middle East), with the highest rates for physical violence and sexual harassment in the Anglo region, and the highest rates of nonphysical violence and bullying in the Middle East. Regions also varied in the source of violence, with patients accounting for most of it in Anglo and European regions, whereas patents' families/friends were the most common source in the Middle East. Conclusions: About a third of nurses worldwide indicated exposure to physical violence and bullying, about a third reported injury, about a quarter experienced sexual harassment, and about two-thirds indicated nonphysical violence. Physical violence was most prevalent in emergency departments, geriatric, and psychiatric facilities. Physical violence and sexual harassment were most prevalent in Anglo countries, and nonphysical violence and bullying were most prevalent in the Middle East. Patients accounted for most physical violence in the Anglo region and Europe, and patient family and friends accounted for the most in the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A comprehensive survey of sprinkler systems in high-rise office buildings was carried out to determine the reliability of various components of such systems in Australia. Based on the survey data, a fault tree analysis (FTA) has been used to estimate the overall reliability of these sprinkler systems. Data from 26 buildings were collected and are presented in this paper. In addition, data from overseas surveys has also been considered based on their relevance to the office buildings. The analyses are confined only to wet-pipe systems, as these constitute the vast majority of automatic sprinkler systems in Australia and New Zealand. To develop the fault trees, the designs found in usual practice are considered, rather than the designs just complying the Australian codes with the minimum requirements. A range of reliability for the sprinkler systems is estimated based on a number of considerations. Sprinkler zone shut off during tenancy changes and out of specification sprinkler head appear to be the main factors that may lead to a sprinkler system failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A review is provided of first-documented occurrences of dust transport within Australia for the last century, but which later on were considerably improved as a result of access to satellite observations and extensive ground observations. This was followed by the use of the HYSPLIT tracking models that enabled people to determine the major sources of dust in Australia. As a result of several important studies, the Lake Eyre Basin in central Australia is now considered to be the main source of dust entrainment, although other regions do contribute to dust production. This is followed by examination of the occurrence over the last few decades of dust transport and deposition within Australia and across the Tasman Sea, with dust being deposited even as far as New Zealand. After that, consideration is given to the deposition of dust not only at sea around Australia but also in New Zealand during the Holocene and Late Quaternary. As a consequence of these observations, a shift in the direction of dust plumes exiting Australia is noted. For example, during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), a substantial northerly shift of the Trans-Tasman dust plume is recorded and this coincides with stronger westerlies and an equatorward shift of oceanic fronts such as the Intertropical Convergence and Subpolar and Antarctic Fronts that were located closer to Australia compared to today. Strengthening of the winds during the LGM may have prevented dust plumes from travelling over the southern part of the Tasman Sea, even perhaps reaching Antarctica. Examination of the dust components in cores in the western Pacific Ocean would address this question. The second part of the paper examines the geochemical fingerprints of dusts from Australia, South America and those recovered from Antarctic ice cores. Examination of atmospheric conditions that prevailed in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica during a major dust storm event that occurred in Australia in October 2002 helps identify how dust can be entrained around cold fronts and eventually reach the Antarctic mainland. Once again, it appears that Australian dust did travel as far as Antarctica more frequently during the Holocene, than prior to that time. New Zealand as a dust source to some Antarctic sites is also discussed. Examination of the isotopic fingerprints in Antarctic ice cores point to South America being the main source of dust during the Last Glacial Maximum and previous glacial periods, with intermittent occurrences likely to have come from Australia and New Zealand as well. It is postulated that Australian dust plumes did travel mostly over the Tasman Sea, and eventually over the western Pacific Ocean during the LGM, and frequently less so towards Tasmania and the Southern Ocean as a result of the strengthening of the westerlies and their northward shift. It transpires that the dust flux from Australia was much higher during the glacial periods. It appears also that the dust plumes that traverse the eastern Indian Ocean remained unchanged during the LGM. Finally, this paper concludes by identifying that there is a need to either obtain larger dust samples from ice cores, or use more elaborate analytical techniques to combine more than two isotopes to fingerprint the origin of dusts recovered in ice cores. Perhaps a combination of not only isotopes, but also rare earth elements and major elements would eventually provide a better definition of atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere for comparison between glacial and interglacial periods. • A review is provided on dust traffic within Australia and across the Tasman Sea reaching New Zealand, for today and the Late Quaternary. • Comparison of geochemical fingerprints (Nd, Pb, Sr isotopes] of Australian dusts with those from South America and New Zealand is shown graphically. • Geochemical fingerprints of dust recovered from Antarctic ice cores show some Australian dust have reached Antarctica, mostly during the Holocene. • The Lake Eyre Basin is/was the major supplier of dust to Antarctica, based on geochemical fingerprints. • Atmospheric circulation today in the Southern Ocean explain the transport of Australian dust towards Antarctica; in glacial times it was different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burden of cardiovascular disease for Indigenous people in Australia and New Zealand is high and reflects the failings of our health care system to meet their needs. Improving the hospital care for Indigenous people is critical in improving health outcomes. This paper provides the results from a facilitated discussion on the disparities in acute hospital care and workforce issues. The workshop was held in Alice Springs, Australia at the second Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference. Critical issues to be addressed include: addressing systemic racism; reconfiguring models of care to address the needs of Indigenous people; cultural competence training for all health professionals; increasing participation of Indigenous people in the health workforce; improving information systems and facilitating communication across the health care sector and with Indigenous communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The construction of high resolution chronologies of sediment profiles corresponding to the last 50–100 years usually entails the measurement of fallout radionuclides 210Pb and 137Cs. The anthropogenic radionuclide, 137Cs, originating from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing can provide an important “first appearance” horizon of known age (1954–1955), providing much-needed validation for the sometimes uncertain interpretations associated with 210Pb geochronology. However, while 137Cs usually provides a strong signal in sediment in the northern hemisphere, total fallout of 137Cs in the southern hemisphere was only 25% that of the north and the low activities of 137Cs seen in Australian and New Zealand sediments can make its horizon of first appearance somewhat arguable. Low 137Cs fallout also limited the size of the 1963–1964 fallout peak, a peak that is usually seen in northern hemisphere sediment profiles but is often difficult to discern south of the equator. This paper shows examples of the use of nuclear weapons fallout Pu as a chronomarker in sediment cores from Australia (3 sites) and New Zealand (1 site). The Pu profiles of five cores are examined and compared with the corresponding 137Cs profiles and 210Pb geochronologies. We find that Pu has significant advantages over 137Cs, including greater measurement sensitivity using alpha spectrometry and mass spectrometric techniques compared to 137Cs measurements by gamma spectrometry. Moreover, Pu provides additional chronomarkers associated with changes in the Pu isotopic composition of fallout during the 1950s and 1960s. In particular, the 238Pu/239+240Pu activity ratio shows distinct shifts in the early 1950s and the mid to late 1960s, providing important known-age horizons in southern hemisphere sediments. For estuarine and near-shore sediments Pu sometimes has another significant advantage over 137Cs due to its enrichment in bottom sediment relative to 137Cs resulting from the more efficient scavenging of dissolved Pu in seawater by sediment particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interactions between waves and morphology on shore platforms were investigated at four platforms located at Kaikoura Peninsula, New Zealand and the Otway coast, Victoria, Australia. Waves were measured over six tidal peaks of a spring tidal sequence at each site during a six month period (February 2007 – July 2007). This paper reports the results of an investigation into the research question: how are waves modified by platform morphology in a micro-tidal setting? Through the investigation of wave interactions on shore platforms it was found that complex hydrodynamic patterns formed on the shore platforms studied. Through direct measurement of waves on the platforms it was found that wave attenuation was not dependent on platform width, but rather influenced by platform gradient and depth of water on the platform. Spectral analysis was used to assess how wave energy was transformed across the platforms. At three of the four platforms investigated, energy gradients formed across the platform with wave energy recorded within the infragravity range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a retrospective case series study of fatal motorcyclist–roadside barrier collisions. Cases were retrieved from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS), the coronial case files of Australian jurisdictions, and the Crash Analysis System (CAS) of the New Zealand Transport Agency. Seventy seven (77) motorcycle fatalities involving a roadside barrier in Australia and New Zealand were examined. The fatalities usually involved a single vehicle crash and young men. The roadside barriers predominantly involved were steel W-beams, typically on a bend in the horizontal alignment of the road. A majority of fatalities occurred on a weekend, during daylight hours, on clear days with dry road surface conditions indicating predominantly recreational riding. Speeding and driving with a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit contributed to a significant number of these fatalities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The challenges and opportunities for provision of, and access to, reliable chronic cardiovascular health care for Indigenous people were addressed by expert speakers from New Zealand and Australia. It is well recognised that cardiovascular disease is a life-long concern, requiring reliable follow-up, early transition of clinical research into practice and ongoing support of patients. The clinical outcomes and long-term prognosis of individuals with cardiovascular disease are critically dependent upon the quality and availability of follow-up and chronic care facilities. This paper summarises the principal issues identified by the expert speakers for the provision of chronic cardiovascular health care to Indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand; identifies common challenges and describes important initiatives which the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ), in partnership with health care professionals, communities and governments, can undertake in order to achieve the goals of uniform and equitable health care for chronic cardiovascular disease in all the Indigenous peoples, relevant to the needs of these peoples, in New Zealand and Australia. The issues addressed by the meeting include: [(1)] Determination of appropriate models for effective delivery of cardiovascular health care. [(2)] Who should deliver cardiovascular health care and what are the workforce requirements. [(3)] What support systems and infrastructure are required. [(4)] How can primary care and secondary specialist services be effectively integrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Falls and their injury outcomes have count distributions that are highly skewed toward the right with clumping at zero, posing analytical challenges. Different modelling approaches have been used in the published literature to describe falls count distributions, often without consideration of the underlying statistical and modelling assumptions. This paper compares the use of modified Poisson and negative binomial (NB) models as alternatives to Poisson (P) regression, for the analysis of fall outcome counts. Four different count-based regression models (P, NB, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB)) were each individually fitted to four separate fall count datasets from Australia, New Zealand and United States. The finite mixtures of P and NB regression models were also compared to the standard NB model. Both analytical (F, Vuong and bootstrap tests) and graphical approaches were used to select and compare models. Simulation studies assessed the size and power of each model fit. This study confirms that falls count distributions are over-dispersed, but not dispersed due to excess zero counts or heterogeneous population. Accordingly, the P model generally provided the poorest fit to all datasets. The fit improved significantly with NB and both zero-inflated models. The fit was also improved with the NB model, compared to finite mixtures of both P and NB regression models. Although there was little difference in fit between NB and ZINB models, in the interests of parsimony it is recommended that future studies involving modelling of falls count data routinely use the NB models in preference to the P or ZINB or finite mixture distribution. The fact that these conclusions apply across four separate datasets from four different samples of older people participating in studies of different methodology, adds strength to this general guiding principle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aims of this paper are to give a brief overview of world sheep production at present and to describe in detail sheep production and profitability using New Zealand as a case example. Sheep numbers have been declining throughout the world over the last five years, resulting in decreased sheep meat production and a resultant shortage of supply. There is evidence that demand in the short-term will not be met by the major exporters (New Zealand and Australia). Although sheep numbers have declined in New Zealand, production has increased dramatically, with lambing percentages increasing from 98% in 1987 to 125% in 2008 and carcass weights from 14 to 17kg, respectively. Despite this production increase, return on capital in the farming business has been around 1% per annum. However, property values have increased by around 10% offsetting the low return on capital from farming sheep. There are a number of challenges facing New Zealand''s sheep farmers, namely changing land-use patterns, climate change and greenhouse gas mitigation, all of which will potentially impact on future profitability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviews some of the key aspects of an animal health and production service in New Zealand and Australia after 35 years of personal experience. The objective of that veterinary advisory work is to increase production and profitability of sheep farms. Properties serviced grazed between 3000 and 28,000 breeding ewes. A certain amount of knowledge and understanding of sheep farming systems is necessary before a veterinarian can offer such programmes. Much of that knowledge can be learned. Programmes can grow from small beginnings, such as good animal health advice, and then expand into other areas of sheep management. The provider should be comfortable giving advice on agronomy, nutrition, genetics and economics. This information can be sourced or be provided by another professional. The veterinarian is a source of practical information. When change is contemplated, the options are presented and the most viable options should be considered. It is essential to listen to the client, so that the advice recommended is most likely to be adopted. After each visit a report should be written for the client, so that all recommendations are clearly explained and can be referred to when necessary. The type of clientele serviced varies, but all farmers want to increase production and efficiency in their operation. Some want major structural change, while others may only want to be reassured that the contemplated change will improve their performance. There is an increasing opportunity to work for absentee owners and corporations that have profitability as their goal. Most clients could be serviced intensively for 3–5 years and then are visited for an annual review. The areas in which the greatest gains are made are in increasing lambing percentage and in growing better young sheep. Minimizing wastage can be significant on some properties. The results achieved vary with the ability of the sheep producer to introduce changes. However, on many properties an initial small change is all that is required to increase income to allow further development to occur. Most of the gains made in production do not incur increased costs. On larger properties, income can be increased by up to AUD 250,000 annually. The rewards from being involved in this work are huge. Sometimes one has to wait to see the change, but that waiting is worthwhile. It is not only the production and income increase, but the change in confidence of the producer that is most rewarding. The change in family well-being is another reward, which is difficult to measure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Disasters result in a range of impacts that significantly disrupt the health and wellbeing of those affected. After disasters, a hierarchy of affectedness may be explicitly or implicitly developed, where those affected are compared to each other, and to people affected by disasters in other locations. When an individual's sense of place is so significantly disrupted, these hierarchies are critical to improving the understanding of recovery trajectories, including mental health and well-being outcomes. These hierarchies have practical implications that influence the health outcomes of those affected, including eligibility for disaster aid, support services, and the way that people affected by disasters relate to others in their community. This paper expands the 'hierarchy of affectedness' concept coined by Andersen (2013) using findings from a qualitative study in Australia and New Zealand. Using a letter writing research method, twenty people who had been impacted by a range of disasters in different locations described what they considered helpful and unhelpful in the recovery. One emergent finding in this study was that hierarchies of affectedness are negotiated between impacted individuals, others affected in the same community, and outsiders. These hierarchies served as a helpful sense-making tool for some people impacted by disasters, while causing considerable secondary stress for others. Based on these findings, we offer an expansion to Andersen's existing model of hierarchies of affectedness in post-disaster settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-formed steel (CFS) Tab connections are popular due to their rapid fastening and ease of installation, and their applications have increased recently in Pacific countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This type of connection consists of a Tab plate formed from the web of the supporting beam and is screwed to the joist web, providing a dependable load path from the joist to the galvanized C-section supporting beam. However, no studies have been reported in the literature for the shear capacity of such connections. This paper presents a shear test program designed to determine the shear capacity of CFS Tab connections and to identify their failure mechanism. The experimental program included three different beam sizes, C-150, C-190 and C-240. Each test was repeated three times, resulting in nine tests in total. All the specimens failed in plate yielding and plate tearing, which occurred on the tension side of the plate (top region). Nonlinear finite element (FE) models were then developed and verified against the test results. The FE results showed good agreement with the test results in terms of connection stiffness, connection strength and failure modes. Finally, it was shown that the design equations given in the Australia/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 4600) and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI S100) for predicting the combined bending and shear capacity could predict the ultimate shear capacity of CFS Tab connections investigated in this study. • The results of monotonic shear tests of a novel CFS Tab connection are reported. • CFS Tab connections failed in plate yeailding and tearing. • A nonlinear FE model is developed. Results showed good agreement with the test results. • A design procedure is proposed for predicting the shear capacity of CFS Tab connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Worldwide 30 food plants deliver 95% of human daily intake of plant food calories and around 300 other plant species are delivering the last 5%. These some 300 food plants are likely to be considered traditional in Europe, while the nearly 7000 other plant species traditionally used in the human food supply in other parts of the world may be considered novel in Europe. Novel food regulation is already in force in the European Community, Australia/New Zealand and in Canada where the novel plant foods need to go through a premarket assessment procedure. This paper propose criteria and definitions to be used in determining novelty of a plant food and also propose a safety assessment approach for novel plant food with no or limited documented history of safe consumption. A 2-step management procedure is recommended for a smooth introduction of fruits and vegetables; first to establish the novelty and second to define and commit resources for the safety assessment. The procedure builds upon the use of a worldwide network of global, regional, local and ethnobotanical positive lists for food plants to guide the decision on novelty at the first step and to enable the safety assessment at the second step. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although needle and syringe programmes in Western nations are superficially similar, they are a response to and reflection of the time, place and circumstances of their conception and evolution and therefore distinctively different from each other. A Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) was established in New Zealand in the late 1980s, shortly after the implementation of needle and syringe programmes in some Australian states. New Zealand’s NSEP is unusual in several key respects, notably the fact that drug user groups operate peer-based needle exchanges under contract to the government, and its principle of full cost recovery for needle and syringe provision. This paper seeks to describe the context in which needle and syringe exchange was established in New Zealand and explain how it has affected the programme’s evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is increasing pressure on those developing public health guidelines such as the US Dietary Guidelines to take an evidence-based approach to review of the literature that is increasingly used for clinical practice guidelines. While the public health arena poses a number of problems in terms of the types of evidence available in many instances, one of the consequences of a move to an evidence-based approach will be an increased demand on time and resources. Different countries have varying approaches to the development of dietary guidelines. This paper outlines the approaches used in Australia and New Zealand. It highlights the dependence on the goodwill of academics and other health professionals with limited capacity to undertake major, structured, evidence-based review of the extensive literature relevant to dietary guideline development. It further highlights the potential value of cross-country collaboration in establishing and maintaining a centralized, accessible evidence base for development or review of dietary guidelines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Flat-ended circular hollow sections were tested in tension. • Three bolt configurations were established in flattened ends. • Bearing failure and net-section fracture were observed. • The test load increased with increase in the number of bolts. • An adjusted bearing coefficient is suggested for bearing. Experiments were performed to investigate the behaviour of 28 circular hollow sections (CHSs) in tension, with flat ends and three bolt configurations (2, 3 and 4 bolts). The length of the members between the flat ends was kept constant at 1500 mm for all CHSs, and the sizes of the sections ranged from 60.3x2.0 to 101.6x4.5. Two modes of failure were observed, viz; bearing failure (BF) and net-section fracture (NSF). CHSs connected with 2 bolts failed in bearing, whilst net-section fracture was dominant in sections with 3 and 4 bolts. The notion that the change in the number of bolts can lead to different behaviours of the connections is a significant contribution to knowledge, particularly if flat-ended CHSs are used as structural truss elements. This paper demonstrates that the sections are capable of supporting large loads, however, the capacity of the tested specimen did not reach the full yield strength. It is apparent from the tensile strengths that a larger increase in strength was accomplished when the number of bolts was increased from 2 to 3 bolts than from 3 to 4 bolts. A comparison of the tensile strength with the strengths predicted by the North American standard (AISI S100-16w/S1-18), Australia/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS-4600:2018) and European standard (EN 1993–1-3) confirm that both standards provides a reasonable assessment of the strength of the 3 and 4 bolt configuration, which failed purely by net-section fracture. However, for the 2-bolted connections, which failed in bearing, it is proposed to use AS/NZS 4600:2018, with a bearing coefficient of C = 2.85, instead of C = 3.0, to increase the accuracy of the bearing strength expression for these specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wine chemistry is defined in part by terroir (viticultural soil, aspect, & climate) • Analytical techniques have been used to characterise wines and to detect wine fraud. • We used ICP-MS & NMR to characterise bottled Pinot Noir wines from Australia and NZ. • Wines from Australian and NZ regions were somewhat distinguished using ICP-MS. • Neither NMR nor ICP-MS successfully distinguished between vintages. Wine quality and character are defined in part by the terroir in which the grapes are grown. Metabolomic techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are used to characterise wines and to detect wine fraud in other countries but have not been extensively trialled in Australia. This paper describes the use of ICP-MS and NMR to characterise a selection of Pinot noir wines. Wines from varying terroirs could be somewhat distinguished by their mineral content using principal component analysis (PCA). PCA was able to separate wines by their Australian states more clearly than by region. Metabolomic analysis of the wines using NMR did not find any correlations with climate/daytime temperatures, or region. An analysis of coinertia suggested that the two datasets were not redundant, and it is proposed that ICP-MS data is the most useful for determining regionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium alloys are increasingly popular in structural engineering applications because they have high strength, low weight and great durability. However, the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy material may be significantly affected by high temperature. This paper presents a numerical study on the behaviour of aluminium alloy channel section columns at elevated temperatures. A non-linear finite element (FE) model was developed and validated against 27 experimental results at high temperature. The validated FE model was used to conduct an extensive parametric study, in which a total of 360 aluminium alloy channel section columns were generated at elevated temperatures. The key parameters for the parametric study include two types of aluminium alloys (6061-T6 and 6063-T5), three lengths (360 mm, 1000 mm and 2000 mm) of columns and ten temperatures (range from 24 °C to 600 °C). The design strengths were calculated using American, Australia/New Zealand and European Standards and compared with the numerical results generated from parametric study. In addition, a reliability analysis was used to assess the reliability level of the considered design methods. • Review of test data on aluminium alloy columns at elevated temperatures. • Development and validation of aluminium alloy column models at elevated temperatures. • Parametric studies to generate numerical results on aluminium alloy channel columns at elevated temperatures. • Comparison of test/FE results with existing design methods. • Assessment of existing methods by reliability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotation of beaches is important and should be more pronounced under high energy conditions with significant changes in wave direction. Shoreline rotation occurs when one end of a beach accretes, while the opposite retreats. This phenomenon is attributed to periodic or long-term changes in wave climate. To simulate the variability of the shoreline orientation in a simple and efficient way, the aim of this paper is to present a new equilibrium-based shoreline rotation model derived from a shoreline migration formulation. This model assumes that beach rotation is induced by the incoming wave power and direction. The proposed model was applied to two embayed beaches with different hydrodynamic and morphodynamic contexts located in the South Pacific Ocean. Almost fifteen years of shoreline positions extracted from hourly time-averaged images captured at Tairua Beach, New Zealand, and thirty-seven years of shoreline position data acquired from beach profile surveys at Narrabeen Beach, Australia, were used to evaluate the model performance. The results from the last beach have been compared and discussed with respect to an existing semi-empirical model, which has shown to successfully reproduce the time-varying shoreline rotation on embayed beaches. Overall, the results demonstrate that the proposed model successfully represents the general shoreline orientation variability both qualitatively and quantitatively. Nevertheless, observations from different sites with diverse beach characteristics and wave conditions are needed to broadly validate the proposed model. • A new equilibrium-based shoreline rotation model is presented. • An analytical Equilibrium Wave Direction Function (EWDF) is obtained. • The model successfully represents the shoreline orientation variability at two embayed beaches of the South Pacific Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the structural stability and compressive capacity of pin-ended cold-formed stainless steel angle columns with different slenderness were experimentally investigated. The experimental programme was performed on press-braked lean duplex stainless steel equal-leg angle sections with nominal dimensions of 80 × 80 × 4 mm, and involved material testing, initial imperfection measurements and 11 column tests. The test setup and procedure, together with the key experimental results, axial load vs. lateral deflections, axial load vs. torsional rotations and characterised failure modes, were fully reported and analysed. The experimental observations reveal that the failure mode type, including local/torsional, flexural-torsional and flexural effects, is highly dependent on the column's slenderness and initial imperfections. The measured compressive strengths were compared with the resistance predictions determined according to European and Australia/New Zealand codified design procedures. It was found that experimentally obtained ultimate capacities are significantly higher than those calculated according to the specifications. However, the database of test results is still quite limited, and a further research is needed to amplify the data needed to enable a more precise assessment of the codified procedures. • Eleven pin-ended cold-formed stainless steel equal-leg angle columns were tested. • Different buckling failure modes were systematically investigated. • Failure loads conservatively predicted by European and Australian design procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the policy positions of health and medical organisations across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK as they relate to sale and supply of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and evaluate factors that have informed the differences in policy recommendations among these countries.Methods: We used mixed methods to analyse data from position or policy statements published by health and medical organisations regarding NVPs (n = 30) and consultation documents submitted to government committees regarding policy options for the regulation of NVPs (n = 26). Quality assessment of included documents was conducted using the six-item Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Text and Opinion Papers, and findings were presented narratively. Qualitative data were coded using NVivo 12 software and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: An overwhelming majority of health bodies, charities and government agencies in the UK and New Zealand portrayed NVPs as a life-saving harm reduction tool. In contrast, concerns about addicting non-smoking youth to nicotine, a perceived lack of clear and convincing evidence of safety and efficacy and the potential to undermine tobacco control progress continues to define attitudes and recommendations towards NVPs among Australian health and medical organisations. Although the profoundly divided views among stakeholders seem to arise from empirical uncertainties and disagreements over the level and credibility of evidence, the source of most of these disagreements can be traced back to the fundamental and irreconcilable differences in the framing of the NVP debate, and varied tolerability of risk trade-offs associated with NVPs.Conclusion: Progress in resolving the controversy surrounding NVP policy requires stakeholders to be frame-reflective and engage in a meaningful dialogue of risk trade-offs, as well as both intended and unintended consequences of proposed policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional view of the circulation in the Tasman Sea includes a coherent, quasi-zonal, eastward flow towards the northern tip of New Zealand that is widely referred to as the Tasman Front. This flow was first suggested in the 1960s by oceanographers reasoning that the source of volume transport "feeding" the East Auckland Current, around northern New Zealand and extending down the east coast, must be off eastern Australia. The first reported in situ measurements of the Tasman Front included hand-drawn temperature sections that highlighted features that are not supported by observations. Here, we objectively map the original data, showing that the published reports of strong, sub-surface, north-south temperature gradients were unjustified. In the absence of additional observations, we can't be sure of the context of those original measurements - so we have objectively "searched" fields in a recent 25-year ocean reanalysis to identify scenarios that are consistent with the observations. We suggest that the most likely interpretation of the original data, is that they measured an eddy field - or a series of discontinuous streams across the central Tasman Sea. We also analyse data from surface drifting buoys to show that water traversing the Tasman Sea may take several different paths. We conclude that a continuous, zonal, eastward flow across the Tasman Sea is less common than widely-accepted conceptual models imply. Instead, we suggest that the eastward flow between Australia and northern New Zealand is perhaps better described as an "eastern extension of the EAC" - since this doesn't imply the presence of a front, and doesn't preclude a broad flow. For clarity, we also suggest that the southern branch of the EAC, known as the EAC extension, should be referred to as the "southern extension of the EAC". • The traditional view of the circulation in the Tasman Sea includes a feature called the Tasman Front. • In this paper, we revisit the early observations that were the basis for the "discovery" of the front and re-interpret those observations with the benefit of recent data and more modern tools. • We conclude that a continuous, zonal, eastward flow across the Tasman Sea is less common than widely-accepted conceptual models imply. • Instead, we find that the flow between Australia and New Zealand follows multiple paths, and is much broader than the label "Tasman Front" suggests. • We recommend that the eastward flow between Australia and northern New Zealand is perhaps better described as an "eastern extension of the EAC" - since this doesn't imply the presence of a front, and doesn't preclude a broad flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]