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Hypersaline Hamelin Pool, with mean salinity >65, is located in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The high salinity has reduced its biodiversity, but it is home to a diverse assemblage of modern marine stromatolites. The limited exchange of water between Hamelin Pool and the rest of Shark Bay, due to the presence of the shallow Faure Sill together with high evaporation and low rainfall-runoff have resulted in a hypersaline environment. With climate-change-induced mean sea level rise (MSLR), hydrodynamic processes that maintain the hypersaline environment may be affected and are the focus of this paper. Oceanographic observations, together with hydrodynamic model results, were used to examine the hydrodynamic processes under present and future MSLR scenarios. A large attenuation in the tidal range, changes in the tidal characteristics, and current speeds together with a strong salinity gradient were observed across the Faure Sill under present-day conditions. Under an MSLR scenario of 1 m, the tidal amplitude decreased by up to 10% to the north, whilst to the south, the tidal range increased by up to 15%. Regions of strong vertical stratification were present on both sides of the Faure Sill. The simulations indicated that, under MSLR scenarios, these regions expanded in area and exhibited higher levels of vertical stratification. The salt flux across the Faure Sill was maintained as a diffusive process under MSLR scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) is the main measure used in Australia for estimating fire risk. Recent work by the authors showed that the FFDI forms stable state regimes, nominated as fire climate regimes. These regimes shifted to greater intensity in southern and eastern Australia around the year 2000 and, a decade later, further north. Reductions in atmospheric moisture were the primary contributor. These changes have not been fully incorporated into future projections. This paper compares the recent regime shifts with the most recent national projections of FFDI, published in 2015. They show that for most states and regions, the 2030 upper limit is approached or exceeded by the recent shift, except for two states with large arid zones, South Australia and Western Australia. Methods for attributing past changes, constructing projections, and the inability of climate models to reproduce the recent decreases in atmospheric moisture, all contribute to these underestimates. To address these shortcomings, we make some suggestions to modify efforts aiming to develop seamless predictions and projections of future fire risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore how and why the Australian records and archives professions are in decline by examining job advertisements. The hypothesis was that competencies, developed as standards to communicate a professional identity to recruiters, would show in job advertisements. Design/methodology/approach: Searches were set up to capture job advertisements for records and archives positions advertised on Australia's largest job seeking website: Seek.com.au. Criteria developed to identify relevant advertisements were based on existing competencies and standards outlining records professionals' skills, knowledge and attributes. Statistical analysis was used to assess the data. Findings: Employers and recruiters are looking for generalist skills rather than specialist knowledge. Additionally, the requirement of having experience outweighs qualifications. Most job advertisements did not demonstrate awareness of records professionals' specialist skills, knowledge and attributes. Originality/value: There is a dearth of research into the Australian records workforce. There has been only one other research project into job advertisements in Australia, which focussed only on Western Australia. This research collected data over a three-month period for jobs advertised all over Australia. This paper raises questions about the role of competencies in establishing and communicating professional identity, as well as the future of records profession in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian mining projects frequently undertake cultural salvage, involving archaeological consultants and Aboriginal Elders to identify important artefacts. However, the storage conditions within shipping containers present challenges, such as weather, insects, and limited access for Traditional Owners. The author, reflecting on his experience working as a project heritage advisor in Western Australia's Pilbara region, emphasises the need for collaborative engagement between the mining sector and Aboriginal communities to develop effective storage strategies that prioritise both scientific integrity and cultural significance. The author raises questions about the purpose and sustainability of storing cultural artefacts in containers, while highlighting the need to balance safeguarding heritage with the evolving needs of Indigenous communities. Ultimately, the author emphasises the importance of empowering Traditional Owners in decisions about artefact storage and engaging in meaningful consultation to preserve cultural heritage. The author suggests that the process should prioritise not just tangible artefacts but also intangible aspects like stories and songlines that make up the living Indigenous culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark paintings represent a unique artform that originated in Australia and continues to this day. This paper presents a scientific investigation into both the pigments and binders used by Aboriginal artists from across the Northern Territory (NT) and the Kimberley region in Western Australia (WA) and represents the first major study dedicated to identifying these materials in samples taken from paintings. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify the pigments in the four colors commonly associated with works by Aboriginal artists: red, yellow, black, and white. Iron oxides are used for red and yellow. Typically, kaolin is used for white and carbon or natural manganese ores are used for black, although the use of other pigments such as huntite (white) and battery black were seen in paintings from specific locations. Evidence of trade could not be established during this study; however, analysis shows that artists may use different pigments based on location and availability. A combination of FTIR and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (pyrolysis-GC-MS) was utilized to investigate the presence of a binder in the paint. Plant-based materials were identified as the binder in the majority of the paintings. The use of orchid juice was common, both as a preparatory layer on the bark substrate and as a paint binder. The presence of synthetic resins was more widespread than anticipated, attributed to both conservation efforts and more modern painting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the transactional patterns of Ebook Library (EBL), one of the aggregator platforms owned by ProQuest, e-book titles at the Edith Cowan University (ECU), Western Australia to know the way and extent of usage. This study is longitudinal, involving three years’ worth of EBL usage data, investigating information seeking behavior by scholarly users of e-books employing statistical log analysis of the metadata datasets (logs) that describe e-book use. This study compares three years’ transaction logs for EBL e-book titles used by the ECU community. The metrics used include aggregate trends, views, minutes spent, titles used, users, academic calendar, sessions, searches, and item type. This paper may be useful for librarians to make evidence-based informed decisions while selecting the e-book acquisition model of aggregator/supplier platforms. The e -book researchers may also find this paper useful to explore further metrics of e -book user behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors affecting fertilizer decisions made by grain growers are changing in the context of changing climatic conditions and growing volatility in global fertilizer and grain markets. To ensure sustainable development of grain industries in light of this uncertainty, research, development, extension, and adoption activities associated with growers' fertilizer decisions need to be focused on factors to which they are most sensitive. The aim of this paper is to understand the factors that have the greatest influence on grain producer's fertilizer strategies, how these factors have changed over recent years, and what is the relative importance of agronomic, socioeconomic, and logistical factors affecting these strategies. A telephone survey of 425 grain-growing businesses in Western Australia was conducted, and survey results were analyzed statistically. We show for the first time that grain growers' fertilizer decisions are most sensitive to agronomic factors (especially the amount and distribution of rainfall). Logistic factors (such as difficulties fertilizing increasing areas in short periods of time) are growing in influence as farm size, cropping areas, and the number of fertilizer applications within seasons increase. Fertilizer decisions have become less sensitive to socioeconomic factors over the last 10 to 15 years. To ensure sustainable development of grain production, research through to adoption activities should focus on agronomic issues (such as seasonal forecasting) and logistic issues (such as improving planning, organizational, and technical capacity for developing and implementing fertilizer strategies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinosaur fossils of the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) Eumeralla Formation (Otway Basin) of Victoria provide insights into the faunal and ichnofaunal diversity of southern hemisphere high latitude dinosaurs during the initial separation of Australia from Antarctica. To date, at least eight dinosaur fossil locations have been reported from this formation. In this paper, we describe a new tracksite locality along the coastline of Wattle Hill that represents the most westerly occurrence of dinosaur fossils in the state. Some of the Wattle Hill prints resemble tracks attributed to ornithopodan trackmakers from neighbouring tracksites of the Eumeralla Formation (Knowledge Creek, Browns Creek), while others resemble bird prints. The site also preserves a large non-avian theropod footprint that resembles Megalosauropus prints from the Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian–Barremian) Broome Sandstone, Western Australia that if correct, extends the temporospatial range of this ichnogenus. The Wattle Hill tracks vary in their erosion between and within tracksites, from a natural mould (concave epirelief), transmitted tracks, possibly penetrative tracks and infilled reliefs that resemble (but differ from) natural casts. With the constant weathering of the Eumeralla Formation exposures, it seems likely that additional dinosaur tracks fossils will be discovered with continued Victorian coastal explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study examines whether corporate governance enhances the financial and social business performance of three-to five-star hotels in Western Australia (WA) through the three dimensions of market orientation (i.e. customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-function coordination) as mediators. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from managers of hotels in the WA capital city of Perth and its surrounding areas using a questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. Findings: The overall result shows interesting findings of market orientation's mediating role. It is found that corporate governance may lead to better financial business performance through competitor orientation but not through customer orientation and inter-function coordination. Complementary, corporate governance may lead to better social business performance through customer orientation and inter-function coordination but not through competitor orientation. Originality/value: This paper offers contributions to both literature and practice on what dimensions of market orientation are important to enhance the performance of hotels when corporate governance is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study aims to apply confirmatory personal introspection (CPI) to illuminate the experiences of the authors as partial native-visitors to Western Australia. The native-visitor is the tourist who is able to see beyond Urry’s shallow conception of the Tourist Gaze through their lengthy immersion as “insiders” in the destination’s culture. In this paper, the experiences of two immigrants, the authors, to Western Australia illustrate the different perspectives of the Tourist Gaze 4.0. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses CPI, as this is a more reliable method of uncovering a traveler’s experiences than subjective personal introspection because CPI uses additional data sources such as written historical records and photographs for confirming the researcher’s accounts. In this study, accounts of both authors alongside photographs are used to both confirm and contrast their individual experiences. Findings – The paper demonstrates the varied forms of the tourist gaze, with an emphasis on that of the native visitor. The findings illustrate how individuals’ both maintain aspects of their original cultural identity and adopt those of the new country after an extended time living in that country. This enables individuals to see attractions and destinations from an insider perspective. Practical implications – This study shows how even after an extended period of time living in a new country, visitors may not have the cultural confidence to behave as local residents at tourist attractions and destinations, which could limit their engagement and enjoyment of these experiences. Marketers should take this into account in designing and promoting tourist experiences to visitors. Originality/value – CPI provides a valuable means for illustrating the range of perspectives within the Tourist Gaze 4.0. The method enables individuals’ rich experiences to be uncovered but at the same time uses multiple data sources to provide additional rigour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on teacher formation emphasises the need for teachers in Catholic schools to be involved in ongoing, purposeful, professional and spiritual formation (Franchi and Rymarz 2017). Contextually, Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) requires teachers of Religious Education (RE) in Catholic schools to participate in ongoing professional development, including opportunities for spiritual and faith formation. This paper presents initial findings from a project that engaged twelve Catholic early childhood RE teachers from one Western Australian school in a series of formative sessions. The project was named The T.I.T.U.S. (Testament In Teachers Using Scripture) Project and comprised four sessions that offered teachers opportunities for spiritual and faith formation through the use of Scripture. A qualitative approach to the research design was employed and data gathered included survey, journaling and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed through a process of thematic coding. The initial findings provide insight into early childhood RE teachers' perspectives of their own spiritual and faith formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Australian government funding for Residential Medication Management Reviews and Home Medicines Reviews commenced in 1997 and 2001 respectively. Limited data are available on their provision in Australia. Objective To investigate the extent and characteristics of Home Medicines Review and Residential Medication Management Review services provided by accredited pharmacists practising in Western Australia. Setting Pharmacists in Western Australia accredited by the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy or Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. Method A paper questionnaire was developed and sent to 198 accredited pharmacists in Western Australia in June 2017. Simple descriptive statistics summarised demographic information and other responses. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with the frequency of provision of Home Medicines Reviews. Main outcome measure Frequency and factors influencing services provided. Results Of 102 (51.5%) questionnaires returned, 67 (65.7%) respondents were female. Many were aged between 31 and 40 years (53; 52.0%). Most were accredited by the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (101; 99.0%) and mainly offered Home Medicines Reviews (70; 68.6%). Home Medicines Reviews provided over the previous 12 months were limited in frequency with one quarter providing either 1-10 (27; 26.5%) or 21-50 (28; 27.5%) reviews. The median "average" preparation, interview and report writing times, plus communication with other health professionals aggregated to 175.0 min (interquartile range: 140.0-235.0 min) for Home Medicine Reviews and 110.0 min (90.0-140.0) for Residential Medication Management Reviews. Pharmacists born overseas and those who were accredited for a longer time were associated with performing 51 or more Home Medicines Reviews annually. Only one-third (36/101; 35.6%) agreed the current payment was appropriate. Most agreed their Home Medicines Reviews (92/96; 95.8%) and Residential Medication Management Reviews (26/28; 92.9%) provided improved patient outcomes. Over 97% of accredited pharmacists intended to continue to remain accredited. Conclusions Wide variations were evident in the times taken for tasks associated with performing reviews. Most respondents considered their medication reviews contributed to improved patient outcomes. The wide variation in times taken for the reviews suggests a tiered structure for service provision, with appropriate payment within each tier, since most consider current remuneration inadequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: The aim of this study was to use a novel approach to geographically model the relationship between socio-economic disadvantage and prevalence of profound and severe disability.Method: This study used national census data and the survey of disability, ageing and carers data to geographically model the relationship between socio-economic disadvantage and prevalence of profound and severe disability.Result: The results in this study show that there were more people living in the least disadvantaged areas (wealthiest) when compared to the most disadvantaged (poorest) areas. Whereas for people with a disability as the relative socio-economic disadvantage of the area increased, the number of people reporting any disability also increased, with the highest number coming from the most disadvantaged areas. The maps show a significant distribution with fewer cases of disability in metropolitan areas and relatively higher number in the rural area along with the higher proportion of people with disability living in the relatively more disadvantaged areas.Conclusion: Socio-economic profile is one of the key factors influencing the various aspects of health and hence should hold an important place during policy making. Policy should be formulated and implemented to help reduce the inequality by either directly aiming at the most disadvantaged group or by trying to bridge the gap between them. SO WHAT?: This paper provides a geographic visualisation of the distribution of people with profound and severe disability to help identify priority areas with high prevalence of disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual health promotion and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) are influenced by interrelated social and cultural factors, particularly in a rural setting. This paper reports on findings from interviews with young people when asked about experiences and perspectives accessing RSE and sexual health services in a small rural Australian town. Fifteen young people (16–24 years) participated in semi-structured focus groups and interviews. Data was analysed and coded with four key themes emerging: relevant and credible sexual health education; make it easy; GP accessibility; and discreet condom supply. The findings of this study have practical implications when addressing community level sexual health and RSE needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voluntary assisted dying laws have now been enacted in all six Australian States with reform being considered in the remaining two. While there is an emerging body of literature examining various aspects of regulation, there has been scant consideration of what these reforms mean for First Nations peoples, and to what extent their experiences have been considered in the process of developing legislation. This article provides a critical analysis of how Indigenous perspectives both contributed to, and were engaged with, during the law reform processes in Victoria and Western Australia, the first two States to grapple with this topic. Findings reveal the sophistication in how Indigenous organisations and individuals engaged with this issue and highlight the critical importance of not universalising Indigenous perspectives. Significantly, there was much greater engagement with Indigenous views in Western Australia than in Victoria. We conclude by considering how Indigenous voices can meaningfully influence Australian law reform processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticyclones are one of the main synoptic features of the global midlatitudes, where they are associated with dry, settled conditions. Previous studies have identified southern Australia as a region where significant long-term changes have occurred in recent decades, including a decline in cool season rainfall and an increase in the frequency of anticyclones. This paper uses several reanalyses to assess the climatology, variability, trends and impacts of anticyclones in southern Australia and several subregions. A robust increase in the frequency of anticyclones in southern Australia is demonstrated between 1960–1979 and 1997–2014, particularly in southeast Australia and the Tasman Sea during the cool months of the year. At least 30% of the recent cool season rainfall decline in southeast Australia can be associated with an increased frequency of anticyclones in this region. However, there are no clear trends in anticyclone frequency near southwestern Western Australia, where long-term rainfall declines are due to changes in other weather systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objective in this study was to discover motivations of artisanal food producers in Australia and Thailand. This was mainly to inform farmers' market managers of the motivations of artisanal food producers, their clients, to better provide retail space to food producers. However, the same principle also applies to many other service providers, for instance banks, insurance companies and other financial services in developing products for this very specific group of small-scale business enterprises. Governmental advice and support services for these businesses will also benefit. Finally, out of a Royal Commission Report, chain supermarkets in Australia must source more from small-scale suppliers, yet they appear uninformed about who they are dealing with, their motivations and limitations, for instance not being able to supply large volumes. There has been virtually no research on artisanal food producers. Retailers have no research to inform them. Here was another gap to fill. Methodology for this study was interview-based qualitative, with data analysed through thematic content analysis. The paper's originality lies in two ways, meaning that it fills research gaps but also because its results are perhaps surprising. Artisanal food makers are primarily self-concerned, not community-concerned as the previous study would indicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the statutory adjudication legislation in Western Australia against its stated aims. Design/methodology/approach -- The four objectives of the Western Australia Construction Contracts Act 2004 were identified. For each objective a number of criteria has been devised. In total, 22 registered adjudicators were interviewed, representing 28 per cent of all adjudicators in Western Australia. The interviewees were divided into two groups, one with legal background (being both lawyer and adjudicator), the other without (construction professionals). They were asked to evaluate the criteria against a five-point Likert scale in addition to open ended comments. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine whether there were significant differences between the two groups. Annual reports of Building Commissioner, database of the WA State Administrative Tribunal and some law cases were also referred to. Findings -- It is found that the West Coast Model is fair to both parties, the adjudications are generally completed speedily according to the prescribed timeframe, and they have been conducted in various levels of formalities. Adjudications are very cost effective for larger claims. However, they are not so for smaller claims. The increasing uptake rate shows that adjudication is getting more popular, while the low appeal rate shows that decisions on dismissal are fair. Research limitations/implications -- The adjudicators' opinions are only part of the overall picture and that more research on this topic needs to be done. Originality/value -- There have been two distinct legislative models in Australia, commonly known as East Coast Model and West Coast Model. A number of authors have called for a national dual model incorporating both current models. However, it might be too early to discuss the national dual model when there have been very few evaluations on the West Coast Model and among the few there have been problems in the research design. This paper seeks to bridge the gap by evaluating the West Coast Model against its stated aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agritourism is an important supplementary activity in agricultural regions, attracting numerous visitors in search of new experiences and providing alternative incomes to those in rural areas. Whilst tourism literature has progressed in defining and characterising agritourism, there continues to be limited knowledge concerning what contributes directly and indirectly to enhancing and deepening the agritourism experience, particularly the role of visitor-provider interaction and the emotional connection to place. In this paper, we address this gap by exploring agritourism in Western Australia, drawing on a survey of providers and ten semi-structured interviews. We find that agritourism was comprised of four key experiential dimensions (location, authenticity, interaction, and learning) differentiated by six contextual factors which are either endogenous or exogenous to the provider. Our findings show how the agritourism experience can be curated, contributing to the establishment of a better understanding of how providers can improve visitor experience and the attraction of rural areas. The research offers a framework for understanding the role of location as a cross-cutting experiential dimension to better inform policymakers, regional development agencies and agritourism providers in developing agritourism 'products' that may increase visitor numbers and sales, improve regional development outcomes, and enhance rural understandings. • Agritourism is an increasingly important for rural economies. • There is limited understanding on how agritourism relates to unique local and regional contexts. • Agritourism experiential dimensions (location, authenticity, interaction, and learning) are framed by six provider factors. • Highlights location as a cross-cutting ad important dimension in improving regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing numbers of parents choosing to home-school their child, currently there is very limited information about how this is implemented. Utilizing the recently developed Parents' Perceptions of Home-Schooling scale (PPHS), a survey of 93 home-schooling parents in Western Australia was undertaken. Data were collected using five Likert scales to obtain information concerned with a range of implementation aspects. Key findings were related to the process for registering and providing an appropriate learning program, the role of the home-educator moderator, the type of study and support utilized, and whether the student had a disability or ALNs. The discussion considers links to inclusion and how the heightened uptake of home-schooling can be monitored effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide insights on the association between exposure to rural general practice vocational training placements and subsequent rural practice location in Western Australia. We further explore the possibility that the observed associations might depend on an individual's rural upbringing and or an individual's exposure to general practice during medical school. To this end, a cross-sectional analysis of practice location of 353 general practitioners who completed their vocational training through WA General Practice Education and Training between 2010 and 2017 was conducted. The empirical analysis uses a fully recursive conditional mixed process estimator to jointly estimate the probabilities that a general practitioner (GP) completes their vocational training placement at a rural location and subsequently practices at a rural location. The results show that GPs who chose rural locations for their first and last vocational training placements are more likely to practice at a rural location compared to their counterparts choosing metropolitan locations. Also, the probability of subsequent rural practice is further strengthened by having a rural background and having exposure to general practice during medical school even after controlling for potential confounders. The results also indicate that GPs stay in rural locations for reasons linked to their career, family and lifestyles. This evidence underscores the importance of vocational training organisations in WA and reinforces the need for ongoing rural opportunities in training to ameliorate location-based disparities in the distribution of the GP workforce in Western Australia. • We examined the association between GP vocational training placement and subsequent practice location in Western Australia. • Evaluated the joint influence of a rural upbringing and prevocational exposure to general practice on rural practice. • GP vocational training placements in rural and remote areas strongly predict subsequent rural practice. • A rural background in sync with prevocational exposure to general practice increases the probability of rural practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Western Australia, the issue of bushfires (wildfires) poses a persistent health risk to both volunteer and career forestry firefighters, populations that have been historically understudied. Aims: This descriptive qualitative study aimed to examine firefighters' level of understanding concerning hazardous exposures, their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols and their decontamination practices. Methods: Guided by the socioecological model, 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with firefighters representing both volunteer and forestry sectors. Key results: Results indicate a gap in knowledge regarding the health risks associated with bushfire-generated smoke and contaminants among volunteer firefighters. Forestry firefighters, conversely, showed a greater awareness of these risks. Social dynamics, such as peer pressure, were identified as historical deterrents to PPE use, although recent trends indicate positive change. Forestry firefighters also highlighted systemic shortcomings, including inadequate provision of respiratory protection and lack of decontamination facilities for cleaning themselves and their PPE. Conclusion: This study underscores the critical need for educational initiatives to address these gaps in understanding, along with organisational reforms to promote a culture encouraging PPE use and to provide essential resources for effective decontamination. Implications: This research emphasises that a multi-level approach is essential for safeguarding the health of firefighters in bushfire-prone environments. Volunteer firefighters in Western Australia have a significant knowledge gap about of bushfire smoke health risks and protection. Forestry firefighters are more informed but still face issues like inadequate respiratory protection and lack of decontamination facilities. Better education and essential resources are crucial to improving safety for all firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous research frameworks are key to enhancing cultural safety for participants, while facilitating capacity building for Indigenous researchers. Indigenous frameworks can address and balance out the potential harms of western research methods. This methodology article describes the experiences of an Indigenous research team in Western Australia (WA) and the developed research framework titled Moorditj Moort Boodja (Solid Family and Country) for the Next Generation Aboriginal Youth Well-being Project in WA. This project engaged 830 young Indigenous participants between 10 and 24 years of age from WA. This project collected key health data from youth and caregivers and resulted in the development and implementation of the On the Ground Community Relational Framework for research engagement. This article adds to the knowledge on cultural safety for Indigenous participants and researchers undertaking Indigenous focused research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports findings of a qualitative study conducted in collaboration with Aboriginal people with disabilities and their carers residing in the rural and remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, specifically the impact of chronic food insecurity on their daily lives. Nutritious food is important to maintaining health, particularly for Aboriginal people with disabilities who are at the greatest risk of a range of chronic health conditions, illnesses and secondary disability. In the remote areas of the West Kimberley, the high cost of living, including food expenses and the generally low incomes of residents mean that food insecurity is common. A large portion of the population living in remote and rural areas of the Kimberley is Aboriginal, and chronic illness and disability are twice as likely among this group. Lack of access to nutritious food has a cyclical interaction with disability, resulting in secondary impairments and ill health, which leads to greater economic exclusion and further food insecurity. Participants in this research consistently reported that they coped with food insecurity by fishing and crabbing on their traditional lands, “in country”. This link between land sovereignty, food sovereignty and food security for Aboriginal Australians has echoes with global food sovereignty movements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and aims The alcohol industry produces 'responsible drinking' advertising campaigns. There is concern that these may promote drinking while persuading governments and the general public that the industry is acting responsibly. This paper examined young people's thoughts and feelings in response to one of these campaigns in Australia. Design A qualitative analysis of introspection data provided by young drinkers after exposure to a responsible drinking advertisement produced by DrinkWise called 'How to Drink Properly'. Setting Perth, Western Australia. Participants Forty-eight 18-21-year-old drinkers. Measurements The qualitative data were imported into NVivo10 and coded according to the various stages of advertising effects frameworks. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify patterns in the data relating to (i) perceptions of the source and purpose of the advertisement and (ii) any resulting attitudinal or behavioural outcomes. Findings Despite the sample comprising mainly high-risk drinkers, participants were generally unable to relate to the heavy drinkers depicted in the DrinkWise advertisement. This disassociation resulted in a perceived lack of need to modify their own drinking behaviours. Instead, the study participants found the advertisement to be entertaining and supportive of existing social norms relating to heavy drinking among members of this age group. Conclusions The 'How to Drink Properly' advertisement by Drinkwise in Australia may reinforce existing drinking attitudes and behaviours among young drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first half of this research, this study examines the trend in tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the economically important northwest Western Australia (NWA) TC basin (equator-40°S, 80°-140°E) based on statistical analyses of the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) and large-scale environmental variables, which are known to be closely linked to the formation and longevity of TCs, from NCEP-NCAR reanalyses. In the second half, changes in TC activity from climate model projections for 2000-60 are compared for (i) no scenario change (CNTRL) and (ii) the moderate IPCC Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES) A1B scenario (EGHG). The aims are to (i) determine differences in mean annual TC frequency and intensity trends, (ii) test for differences between genesis and decay positions of CNTRL and EGHG projections using a nonparametric permutation test, and (iii) use kernel density estimation (KDE) for a cluster analysis of CNTRL and EGHG genesis and decay positions and generate their probability distribution functions. The main findings are there is little difference in the mean TC number over the period, but there is a difference in mean intensity; CNTRL and EGHG projections differ in mean genesis and decay positions in both latitude and longitude; and the KDE reveals just one cluster in both CNTRL and EGHG mean genesis and decay positions. The EGHG KDE is possibly disjoint, with a wider longitudinal spread. The results can be explained in terms of physical, meteorological, and sea surface temperature (SST) conditions, which provide natural limits to the spread of the genesis and decay points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of mental health problems and disorders in Australia is significant. Mental health problems often start early and disproportionately affect young people. Poor adolescent mental health can predict educational achievement at school and educational and occupational attainment in adulthood. Many young people attend higher education and have been found to experience a range of mental health issues. The university setting therefore presents a unique opportunity to trial interventions to reduce the burden of mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) aims to train participants to recognise symptoms of mental health problems and assist an individual who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Training nursing students in MHFA may increase mental health literacy and decrease stigma in the student population. This paper presents a protocol for a trial to examine the efficacy of the MHFA training for students studying nursing at a large university in Perth, Western Australia. Methods/Design: This randomised controlled trial will follow the CONSORT guidelines. Participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention group (receiving a MHFA training course comprising two face to face 6.5 hour sessions run over two days during the intervention period) or a waitlisted control group (not receiving MHFA training during the study). The source population will be undergraduate nursing students at a large university located in Perth, Western Australia. Efficacy of the MHFA training will be assessed by following the intention-to-treat principle and repeated measures analysis. Discussion: Given the known burden of mental health disorders among student populations, it is important universities consider effective strategies to address mental health issues. Providing MHFA training to students offers the advantage of increasing mental health literacy, among the student population. Further, students trained in MHFA are likely to utilise these skills in the broader community, when they graduate to the workforce. It is anticipated that this trial will demonstrate the scalability of MHFA in the university environment for pre-service nurses and that implementation of MHFA courses, with comprehensive evaluation, could yield positive improvements in the mental health literacy amongst this target group as well as other tertiary student groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last four decades have witnessed profound social, demographic and economic change in Denham, the main town (a 'village' in European terms) in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. Formerly highly isolated and dependent upon fishing and pastoralism, Denham today is a hub for nature-based tourism and nature conservation activities, and the site of residential developments catering largely to the distant urban population in the Western Australian capital, Perth. Shark Bay's World Heritage Area (WHA) status, proposed by the Australian government in the late 1980s and declared in 1991, became a popular symbol of these processes of socio-economic development and a focal point for conflict over the nature, scale and pace of local change. This paper examines WHA designation at Shark Bay, placing it within a broader context of Denham's transformation through the overlapping and interrelated processes of declining primary industries, improving transport networks, the growth of tourism and the expansion of nature conservation reserves and activities, and demographic change. It focusses on the reasons for the strength and persistence of negative perceptions towards WHA listing, and links a recent shift in community attitudes to demographic change and corresponding developments in the regional economy and local council membership. Denham, we suggest, presents a characteristically Australian case study of regional polarization against a backdrop of the shift from extractive primary industries towards tourism and nature conservation now characteristic of an increasingly large part of the nation's 'outback' communities. • Demographic and functional changes at Shark Bay related to a significant reduction in the village of Denham's level of isolation. • Community attitudes to World Heritage Area designation influenced by rural transformation or a 'post-productive transition'. • Shifting community attitudes to World Heritage Area status linked to recent demographic and socio-economic change. • Conceptions of scale in heritage should incorporate size, level and relation in order to explore the unique spatial politics that underpin opposition to World Heritage status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of legal criteria to support the responsible closure of large-scale mines is a significant global issue. Mine closure regulation primarily focuses on the physical aspects of mining, with limited attention paid to social aspects of mine closure. This paper examines the extent to which regulatory instruments across three major Australian mining jurisdictions – New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia – include provisions that require proponents to consider the social aspects of mine closure. We found that regulatory frameworks broadly cover social aspects, but often without explicit text in legislation or policy guidelines. We also found that regulators rely on front-end approval processes to account for and mitigate the social impacts of mining and that, following approval, regulators rely on stakeholder engagement, rather than also requiring evidence-based analysis and impact management. In the absence of restrictive regulatory elements in the latter stages of the project life cycle, we conclude that mining companies are relatively unhindered, free to enter into indefinite care and maintenance mode, or divest their assets. The current approach allows the costs of mine closure to sit 'outside' the life of mine planning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate associations between interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) and adverse birth outcomes in twin pregnancies. Methods: This retrospective cohort study of 9,867 twin pregnancies in Western Australia from 1980–2015. Relative Risks (RRs) were estimated for the interval prior to the pregnancy (IPI) as the exposure and after the pregnancy as a negative control exposure for preterm birth (< 37 weeks), early preterm birth (< 34 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA: < 10th percentile of birth weight by sex and gestational age) and low birth weight (LBW: birthweight < 2,500 g). Results: Relative to IPIs of 18–23 months, IPIs of < 6 months were associated with a higher risk of early preterm birth (aRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08–1.83) and LBW for at least one twin (aRR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.28). IPIs of 6–11 months were associated with a higher risk of SGA (aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.54) and LBW for at least one twin (aRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.19). IPIs of 60–119 months and ≥ 120 months were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.22; and (aRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10–1.41, respectively), and LBW for at least one twin (aRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08–1.28; and aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05–1.36, respectively). IPIs of ≥ 120 months were also associated with an increased risk of early preterm birth (aRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01–2.00). After negative control analysis, IPIs ≥ 120 months remained associated with early preterm birth and LBW. Conclusion: Evidence for adverse associations with twin birth outcomes was strongest for long IPIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-firm actors have emerged in economic geography as significant in shaping regional industrial cultures and new industry pathways, though how knowledge and practice is shared with firm actors remains unclear. The case of enthusiasts or hobbyists is especially interesting when there are industry counterparts given the blurred lines between work and hobby. There has been limited discussion of such interactions, and how they might contribute to regional development or an industrial culture of problem solving. This paper explores this gap through a case study of beekeepers in Western Australia. It analyses the interview results from hobbyist and commercial operators to understand how practice is shared, the construction of group meaning and identity and how place-based problem solving occurs through a regional culture of exchange and mutual benefit. The findings point to the importance of informal non-firm actors in the development of regional industry culture of practice and entrepreneurship, and that supporting collaborations between enthusiasts and local business may produce broad industry and societal benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed changes in magnitude and timing of the largest annual observed daily flow (Amax), in each water year, for 596 stations in high-value water resource catchments and flood risk locations across Australia. These stations are either included in the Bureau of Meteorology's Hydrologic Reference Stations or used in its operational flood forecasting services. Monotonic trend (which is either consistently increasing or decreasing) analyses of the magnitude and timing of flood peaks (estimated using Amax) were performed using the Theil–Sen and Mann–Kendall approaches and circular statistics to identify the strength of seasonality and timing. We analysed regional significance across different drainage divisions using the Walker test. Monotonic decreasing trends in Amax flood magnitude were found in the Murray–Darling River Basin and in other drainage divisions in Victoria, southwest and midwest of Western Australia and South Australia. No significant obvious pattern in Amax magnitude was detected in northern Queensland, coastal NSW, central Australia and Tasmania. Monotonic increasing trends were only found in the Tanami–Timor Sea Coast drainage division in northern Australia. Monotonic trends in Amax magnitude were regionally significant at the drainage division scale. We found two distinct patterns in flood seasonality and timing. In the northern and southern parts of Australia, flood peaks generally occur from February to March and August to October, respectively. The strength of this seasonality varies across the country. Weaker seasonality was detected for locations in the Murray–Darling River Basin, and stronger seasonality was evident in northern Australia, the southwest of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. The trends of seasonality and timing reveal that in general, flood peaks have occurred later in the water year in recent years. In northern Australia, flood peaks have generally occurred earlier, at a rate of 12 days/decade. In Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, the trends in timing are generally mixed. However, in the southwest of Western Australia, the largest change in timing was evident, with Amax peaks commencing later at a rate of 15 days/decade. Decadal variability in flood timing was found at the drainage division scale as well. Most stations show a decreasing trend in Amax magnitude, but how that trend is associated with the change in timing is not clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantify the hazard or risks associated with severe convective wind gusts, it is necessary to have a reliable and spatially complete climatology of these events. The coupling of observational and global reanalysis (ERA-Interim) data over the period 2005–2015 is used here to facilitate the development of a spatially complete convective wind gust climatology for Australia. This is done through the development of Bayesian Hierarchical models that use both weather station-based wind gust observations and seasonally averaged severe weather indices (SWI), calculated using reanalysis data, to estimate seasonal gust frequencies across the country while correcting for observational biases specifically, the sparse observational network to record events. Different SWI combinations were found to explain event counts for different seasons. For example, combinations of Lifted Index and low level wind shear were found to generate the best results for autumn and winter. While for spring and summer, the composite Microburst Index and the combination of most unstable CAPE and 0–1 km wind shear were found to be most successful. Results from these models showed a minimum in event counts during the winter months, with events that do occur mainly doing so along the southwest coast of Western Australia or along the coasts of Tasmania and Victoria. Summer is shown to have the largest event counts across the country, with the largest number of gusts occurring in northern Western Australia extending east into the Northern Territory with another maximum over northeast New South Wales. Similar trends were found with an extended application of the models to the period 1979–2015 when utilizing only reanalysis data as input. This implementation of the models highlights the versatility of the Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach and its ability, when trained, to be used in the absence of observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of 'native' education became urgent in interwar Britain in the context of imperial expansion in Africa. Simultaneously, debates concerning black education were central to a global pan-African nationalist movement demanding black rights and liberation. In this context, education became a site of competing ideas regarding black accommodation and rights. Missionaries drew connections between educating 'black Africa' and 'negro America' as adaptive education became part of a new civilising mission in Africa. This article explores the application of these ideas at Mt Margaret, a Protestant mission in Western Australia, in the interwar period. Drawing on missionary accounts it shows how their endeavours to promote adaptive education for Wongutha people were shaped by developments in the empire, particularly the Phelps Stokes Commissions in Africa. We see the transnational reach of this Anglo- American exchange and its vernacularisation in a settler colonial context where adaptive education was about building Indigenous citizens.1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first application of mammal tooth enamel carbonate stable isotope analysis for the purpose of investigating late Pleistocene–early Holocene environmental change in an Australian archaeological context. Stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios were analyzed from archaeological and modern spectacled hare wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) and hill kangaroo (Osphranter robustus) tooth enamel carbonates from Boodie Cave on Barrow Island in Western Australia. δ18O results track the dynamic paleoecological history at Boodie Cave including a clear shift towards increasing aridity preceding the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum and a period of increased humidity in the early to mid-Holocene. Enamel δ13C reflects divergent species feeding ecology and may imply a long-term shift toward increasing diversity in vegetation structure. This study contributes new data to the carbonate-isotope record for Australian fauna and demonstrates the significant potential of stable isotope based ecological investigations for tracking paleoenvironment change to inter-strata resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within a changing world where freshwater resources are coming under increasing pressure, assessing water system vulnerability is critical for enabling adequate water resource management. Quantitative assessments of socio-economic and environmental factors which contribute to water system vulnerability can provide a strong evidence base on which to base decision-making. A range of drivers including population growth, agricultural intensification and industrial activity are placing greater demand on freshwater supplies in Western Australia. In combination with changing climatic conditions resulting in a warmer and drier environment in southwest Western Australia, these pressures have diminished the quantity of available freshwater supplies for agricultural districts. In this paper we provide a quantitative assessment of water supply and demand vulnerabilities for the Wheatbelt region of the state of Western Australia (WA). This region provides significant agricultural and mineral resource contributions to the state economy. The potable water supply for human consumption in this region is almost entirely drawn from a different geographic area, and conveyed by means of an extensive pipeline network to the Wheatbelt region. Competition for freshwater resources is high with increasing population pressures from expansion of the state's capital city, Perth, encroaching north- and eastwards into the Wheatbelt. To assess water vulnerability we conceptualise the water system components and select a series of socio-economic and environmental indicators which best represent the inherent vulnerabilities associated with water supply and demand in the Wheatbelt. Water supply, demand and overall system vulnerabilities were spatially assessed for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011. Results indicate that biophysical indicators of supply capacity have the greatest influence on overall vulnerability for each time period, however the spatial variability of specific vulnerability factors is much more nuanced. Our assessment of water vulnerability will enable water resources managers and policy-makers within the Wheatbelt and at the state level to better assess water supply and demand pressures. However, our robust methodology also allows for transferability to other locations experiencing water stress as a comprehensive approach for examining historic and future impacts of water resource availability on socio-ecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the cicada genus Chrysocicada Boulard, 1989 is described. Chrysocicada inflata sp. n., is a straw-coloured grass cicada inhabiting coastal regions from Exmouth to Karratha in northern Western Australia. A key is presented to allow separation of Chrysocicada species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two new genera of phymaraphiniid lithistid sponges Twertupia gen. nov. and Pickettispongia gen. nov. from the upper Eocene Pallinup Formation of South Western (SW) Australia based on new, rich and very well preserved material. Type material of these two genera, earlier described from poorly preserved material, were originally attributed to Thamnospongia subglabra and Stachyspongia neoclavatela (in case of species of Twertupia), and to Discoderma tabelliformis (case of species of Pickettispongia). This is the first record of bodily preserved phymaraphiniid sponges from Eocene rocks, as well as from the southern hemisphere. We discuss extant and fossil representatives of Phymaraphiniidae and their geographical distribution, concluding that the present day occurrences of these sponges are the result of a much larger Mesozoic Tethyan distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of the serpulid polychaete Rotulispira are described from Late Cretaceous strata in the Perth and Southern Carnarvon basins in Western Australia. New species described are Rotulispira glauerti sp. nov. and Rotulispira apiaria sp. nov., from late Santonian to early Campanian chalks, and Rotulispira protea sp. nov. from a late Maastrichtian marl. Rotulispira glauerti and R. apiaria sometimes formed a commensal relationship with the hydroid Protulophila gestroi Rovereto, 1901. This is the first record of hydroids from the Cretaceous of Australia. Distribution of the hydroids on the serpulid tubes, combined with the location of gastropod predatory incisions on R. protea, allow an assessment to be made of the likely life orientation of these species. Rotulispira protea is remarkable for the extremely high levels of phenotypic plasticity that it displays. Severe environmental stress is known to induce increased levels of phenotypic plasticity in living organisms. This phenomenon in Rotulispira suggests that severe environmental stress might have been a contributory factor in the end- Cretaceous mass extinction event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odontasteridae (Asteroidea) are important members of Antarctic faunas. Less wellknown are odontasterid species present outside of high-latitudes, which occur primarily in the deepsea. Multiple new odontasterids were identified from deep-sea settings in Australian waters, including a new genus and species, Marshastra loisetteae gen. nov. sp. nov., from the shelf off Western Australia, and Hoplaster oloughlini sp. nov. from Tasmania and the south Pacific region. A phylogeny of Hoplaster suggests diversification from a Southern Hemisphere setting into the Atlantic and northward as well as across Tasmanian seamounts, indicating diversification into deep-sea habitats from shallower waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A novel taxonomic treatment is provided for the Drosera microphylla complex, which is a group of closely related carnivorous plants endemic to southwest Western Australia. The species that comprise this group are generally rare, micro-endemic, and are potentially threatened by habitat destruction and illegal collection. Resolving the taxonomy and systematics of this complex has been critical to the accurate assessment of its component species under conservation legislation. Following two decades of fieldwork in Western Australia, studies of preserved plant collections, and crucial contributions by citizen scientists and social media, we establish here that the Drosera microphylla complex comprises nine distinct species, three times the number previously recognised. Four species are here described and illustrated as new to science. Two previously described varieties are here re-circumscribed as distinct species in light of their rediscoveries via social media posts, allowing them to be studied for the first time since they were described more than 100 years ago. We provide examples from the genus Drosera for the impact of social media and citizen science on taxonomic work and biological conservation. This work demonstrates the great potential that citizen science has in supporting rapid advances in taxonomic knowledge in the face of extinction crises worldwide. The carnivorous Drosera microphylla complex from southwest Western Australia comprises a group of rare, narrowly endemic species that are potentially threatened by habitat destruction and illegal collection, thus highlighting a need for accurate taxonomic classification to facilitate conservation efforts. Following extensive fieldwork over two decades, detailed studies of both Australian and European herbaria and consideration of both crucial contributions by citizen scientists and social media observations, nine species of the D. microphylla complex are here described and illustrated, including four new species: D. atrata, D. hortiorum, D. koikyennuruff, and D. reflexa. The identities of the previously described infraspecific taxa D. calycina var. minor and D. microphylla var. macropetala are clarified. Both are here lectotypified, reinstated, and elevated to species rank. A replacement name, D. rubricalyx, is provided for the former taxon. Key morphological characters distinguishing the species of this complex include the presence or absence of axillary leaves, lamina shape, petal colour, filament shape, and style length. A detailed identification key, comparison figures, and a distribution map are provided. Six of the nine species are recommended for inclusion on the Priority Flora List under the Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the experiences of students from refugee backgrounds (SfRBs) as they transitioned from Intensive English Centres (IECs) based at metropolitan high schools in Western Australia (WA) into higher education. Focus group discussions revealed that SfRBs were highly motivated and held aspirations for completion of tertiary study. Enabling factors included a supportive IEC environment, social and family support and tailored university enabling courses. However, students also faced barriers such as competing priorities, learning difficulties remaining undiagnosed and standardised testing. Individual in-depth interviews with key informants provided context and policy perspectives, such as the impact of settlement service policy changes on the provision of adequate services. There is limited literature on the experiences of students transitioning from IECs through the Australian education system. The findings of this study help to critically understand the unique experiences of young people from refugee backgrounds navigating the WA education system and reiterate the need for inclusive and supportive policies. Recommendations for universities and future research include the development of culturally appropriate tools to identify learning difficulties in SfRBs, and capturing the knowledge and capacity of IEC educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of known prehistoric underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites on the Australian inner shelf stands in stark contrast to the thousands of sites revealed elsewhere in the world. Two recent claims—Dortch et al. (D2019) and Benjamin et al. (B2020)—put forward the first in situ (i.e., primary context) UCH sites in the shallow waters of the Dampier Archipelago, North West Australia, each arguing that the stone artefact scatters are at least 7000 years old and are now submerged because of postglacial sea‐level rise. We present new hydrodynamic modelling and data on coastal erosion and bathymetry, and reassess each site's sedimentary setting and archaeological site‐formation history. D2019 and B2020 clearly present lithic cultural artefacts, but the arguments for their sites being of primary context and reflecting early Holocene land surfaces are mistaken. Rather, these sites occur in the intertidal zone, and many or all artefacts are likely to have been reworked. Sites of secondary context, if treated appropriately, can inform our understanding of site‐formation process and change, and may support more powerful contributions to submerged archaeology than attempts to seek the first or the oldest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a global temperature rise of 4.3 ± 0.7 °C by 2100 and an extinction of 8.5% in one out of every six species. Australia's aquatic ecosystem is no exception; habitat loss, fragmentation, and loss of biodiversity are being experienced. As the center for Nymphaea species distribution, it presents the culturally, ecologically, and scientifically important genus as the best candidate for habitat suitability assessment in climate change, whose habitat suitability is presumed to decline. The models were run according to the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method, using one general circulation model (GCM). Projections were made for the current, past, and future in medium (4.5) and high (8.5) representative concentration pathways. Significantly, bio2 and bio15 were highly preferred among the species. Less distribution was noted in West Australia compared to the north, east, and south of the continent, while north of the continent in Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland indicate more habitat contractions compared to the east and southeast of Queensland and New South Wales, although it receives high precipitation. Generally, the species respond variably to both temperature and precipitation variables which is a key species response factor for planners and decision makers in species habitat and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of complex networks-based concepts in hydrology are gaining momentum at the current time. One of the most critical limitations in such studies is the use of linear correlation between the nodes (e.g. rainfall stations) for some assumed threshold levels to identify possible relationships/links. In this regard, entropy theory can be useful to better identify the information flow between the nodes. This study demonstrates the concept of transfer entropy for the directed–weighted complex network to study rainfall dynamics, especially to establish the statistically significant information flow between the nodes. The methodology is applied to a rainfall network of 218 stations across Australia, and total monthly rainfall data observed over the period 1981–2006 are analysed. The nature of the network is studied by determining the in-clustering, out-clustering, and cyclic-clustering coefficients. The highest number of in-clustering values are obtained for the northern parts of Northern Territory and Queensland in addition to the eastern parts of Queensland and New South Wales. Further, the highest number of out-clustering values are also obtained for the northern parts of Northern Territory and Queensland. It can be concluded that while the stations in the northern parts of Australia affect other stations, they are also influenced by others in a reciprocal relationship as shown by the high cyclic-clustering values for these regions. The stations in Western Australia and Victoria have relatively lower in- and out-clustering values, indicating that these stations have lower tendency to make a cluster with other stations. However, while the stations in Western Australia have the lowest clustering coefficients, they have also the highest out-strength values among the stations. These stations constitute a low number of triangles (or groups) with other stations but are significantly influential over other stations, especially located in Victoria (in the southeast). Therefore, the proposed methodology can be useful for determining the tendencies of the nodes in a network to make a cluster with strong or weak relationships with other nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Vegetation patterns in hummock grasslands of Australia's arid interior can be very complex. Additionally, the grasslands are interspersed with variable amounts of trees and shrubs. Objectives: To better understand the spatial arrangement of this vegetation structure, and in particular the unvegetated bare-soil gaps, we analyzed the scale-dependent patterns of gaps, trees, and shrubs. Methods: We focused on two size categories of grassland gaps, large gaps ≥ 4 m2 known as fairy circles (FCs) and small gaps 1 to < 4 m2, and on trees and shrubs. We mapped four 200 m × 200 m study plots located east of the town of Newman in Western Australia, using drone-based aerial images and LiDAR. The RGB images were converted into binary images and the gaps and woody plants were automatically segmented. The spatial patterns of the four vegetation components were analyzed, as well as the shape properties of the vegetation gaps. Results: The most striking result was that small gaps appeared consistently at about 5 m distance away from the FCs, which are known as the most water-depleted locations in the grassland. The FCs were also rounder than the small gaps and this symmetry underlines their function as an extra source of water for the surrounding matrix vegetation. Trees and shrubs had spatial patterns that were unrelated to FCs, which likely results from their water uptake in deeper sub-soil layers. Conclusions: The consistent distance of small gaps to FCs is further support that the Australian fairy circles are a self-organized vegetation pattern that results from ecohydrological feedbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Australia criminalises sex work whilst some other Australian jurisdictions have decriminalised the industry. This article examines the role of Western Australia's legislation in reinforcing stigma and discrimination of sex workers. It draws on stigma and discrimination-specific results from open-ended survey responses and interview data collected as part of a larger cross-sectional mixed-methods study. Experiences and/or anticipation of stigma and discrimination resulted in some sex workers concealing their involvement in sex work from family, friends and their home communities. This was a major barrier to accessing health care and protective services and impacted negatively on their mental health and wellbeing. There is a need for policy change and support to shift society's perception of sex work to that of a legitimate occupation to decrease sex workers' experiences of stigma and discrimination and improve their access to and utilisation of health care and protective services. These findings highlight the need for the decriminalisation of the Western Australian sex industry and the development of training programmes for police and healthcare workers to reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers in these settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated factors that either hinder or foster social ties among Brazilian entrepreneurs in Western Australia, as well as trust among these co‐ethnic businesses and the community. This is an exploratory qualitative study, based on semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with 23 Brazilian entrepreneurs. Findings suggest that there are strong social ties and trust among Brazilian entrepreneurs, but these are sustained because the relationship of reciprocity between the parties is useful for the businesses. Conversely, this study also highlights the existence of 'bounded mistrust' in the relationship between the Brazilian entrepreneurs and the Brazilian community. We build on ideas from economic sociology (Portes & Sensenbrenner, 1993; Portes & Zhou, 1992), while also taking into consideration anthropological aspects of the Brazilian culture, to offer not only insights about entrepreneurship within this ethnic community but also a contribution to the conceptualisation of 'bounded trust'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine demographic and clinical characteristics of youth diagnosed with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes aged ≤15 years from 1999 to 2019 in Western Australia, and examine time to first diagnosis of diabetes complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients identified from the population‐based, prospective Western Australian Children's Diabetes Database and longitudinal data extracted for available demographic and clinical variables. Patients were followed from diagnosis to transition to adult services, death, or December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyse time to first diagnosis of hypertension, high cholesterol or microalbuminuria, after adjusting for sex, age at diagnosis, time period of diagnosis, hemoglobin A1c, and body max index Z‐score. Results: 2438 eligible patients were identified (2209 [91%] T1D: 229 [9%] T2D). The mean age at diagnosis was lower in patients with T1D (8.5 [±4.0] vs. 12.7 [±2.0] years). A higher proportion of patients with T2D were female (58% vs. 47%) and of Aboriginal ethnicity (59% vs. 2%). The median HbA1c (interquartile range) at diagnosis was lower 8.9% [6.7, 11.5] (74 mmol/mol [50, 102]) versus 11.6% [10.1, 13.3] (103 mmol/mol [87, 122]) and mean body max index Z‐score higher (2.05 [±0.66] vs. 0.37 [±0.95]), in patients with T2D compared to T1D. Patients with T2D had a higher risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, and microalbuminuria (aHR 3.39 [95%CI:2.04, 5.63], 2.69 [95%CI:1.21, 5.98], and 19.79 [95%CI:10.99, 35.64] respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]