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This study set out to examine the range of legibility demonstrated by Western Australian students required to handwrite tasks of increasing intrinsic cognitive load. A representative sample of students in Years 1, 2 and 3 (N=437) was recruited for a cross sectional study and teachers administered handwriting tasks. Year 1 students were administered easier tasks (copying from the board and dictation), and Year 3 students were administered more difficult tasks (dictation and composition), whilst students in Year 2 were administered all three tasks. A rubric was then constructed for six aspects of legibility from selected participant exemplars: letter formation, size, space in word, space between words, line placement, and slant, providing 18 items for analysis (3 tasks x 6 aspects). The rubric demonstrated acceptable inter- and intra-reliability. Scores were assigned following pairwise comparisons; a Rasch model (RM) analysis was applied to scores. Fit to the RM was confirmed to permit a more accurate assessment of legibility. The study substantiates many assumptions about handwriting in the extant literature, and more specifically reveals how cognitive load governs legibility when students are learning to handwrite. Implications for practice are discussed.

In Australia, the Excellence in Research (ERA) exercise, first conducted in 2008 and continuing relatively unchanged in 2012, determines the level of research funding made available to Australian universities. However, the use of journal rankings as part of ERA is argued to be problematic (Cooper & Poletti 2011). Through a survey of academics in a field of policy-relevant research--employment and industrial relations--this paper analyses the impact on their discipline and working environments of the journal rankings ERA processes. Overall, we conclude that the ERA journal ranking system is strongly and negatively affecting the field and could lead to the diminution of the number of Australian journals and researchers, and the amount of Australian research, in this field. Such consequences would likely be harmful for social progress in Australia. (Contains 11 tables.)

Recent research has shown how the statistical bias in Rasch model difficulty estimates induced by guessing in multiple-choice items can be eliminated. Using vertical scaling of a high-profile national reading test, it is shown that the dominant effect of removing such bias is a nonlinear change in the unit of scale across the continuum. The consequence is that the proficiencies of the more proficient students are increased relative to those of the less proficient. Not controlling the guessing bias underestimates the progress of students across 7 years of schooling with important educational implications.

This study explores the development, description, and illustration of inherent requirement (IR) statements to make explicit the requirements for performance on an initial teacher education (ITE) practicum. Through consultative group processes with stakeholders involved in ITE, seven IR domains were identified. From interviews with academics, first-person narratives (vignettes) were developed to illustrate pre-service teachers' performance in complex professional practice scenarios. The narratives were rated by university staff and pre-service teachers in relation to three of the IR domains: self-awareness, social awareness, and sustained professional conduct. Narratives were placed along a continuum of performance using Rasch-model statistical analysis. The findings suggest that the IR domains and the narratives illustrating them could be valuable resources for making explicit required performance standards. The findings suggest that the development of explicit IR statements has the potential to improve all stakeholders' awareness of professional practice requirements and enhance course outcomes for all ITE students.

The psychometric properties of the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device were examined using the Rasch Model (N = 237 couples). Mothers' and fathers' ratings of the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device are recommended, provided these are analyzed separately. More than a quarter of couples differed significantly in their ratings.

The article discusses the increasing prevalence of Buruli ulcer (BU) in south-eastern Australia and the potential role of possums in the transmission of the disease. Research has shown that possums can carry the bacteria responsible for BU and that their presence correlates with the occurrence of human cases. The article proposes vaccinating possums with an oral bait bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine as a potential solution to reduce BU transmission. The use of oral bait vaccines has been successful in controlling other diseases in wildlife, and it is suggested that this approach could be effective in possums as well. The proposed research would involve several stages, including establishing housing conditions for possums, developing an infection model, and testing the effectiveness of the vaccine. The article concludes that vaccinating possums could be a safe, feasible, and cost-effective intervention to reduce the transmission of BU and benefit both human and possum populations. [Extracted from the article]

Background: COVID-19 is a new multi-organ disease causing considerable worldwide morbidity and mortality. While many recognized pathophysiological mechanisms are involved, their exact causal relationships remain opaque. Better understanding is needed for predicting their progression, targeting therapeutic approaches, and improving patient outcomes. While many mathematical causal models describe COVID-19 epidemiology, none have described its pathophysiology. Methods: In early 2020, we began developing such causal models. The SARS-CoV-2 virus's rapid and extensive spread made this particularly difficult: no large patient datasets were publicly available; the medical literature was flooded with sometimes conflicting pre-review reports; and clinicians in many countries had little time for academic consultations. We used Bayesian network (BN) models, which provide powerful calculation tools and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) as comprehensible causal maps. Hence, they can incorporate both expert opinion and numerical data, and produce explainable, updatable results. To obtain the DAGs, we used extensive expert elicitation (exploiting Australia's exceptionally low COVID-19 burden) in structured online sessions. Groups of clinical and other specialists were enlisted to filter, interpret and discuss the literature and develop a current consensus. We encouraged inclusion of theoretically salient latent (unobservable) variables, likely mechanisms by extrapolation from other diseases, and documented supporting literature while noting controversies. Our method was iterative and incremental: systematically refining and validating the group output using one-on-one follow-up meetings with original and new experts. 35 experts contributed 126 hours face-to-face, and could review our products. Results: We present two key models, for the initial infection of the respiratory tract and the possible progression to complications, as causal DAGs and BNs with corresponding verbal descriptions, dictionaries and sources. These are the first published causal models of COVID-19 pathophysiology. Conclusions: Our method demonstrates an improved procedure for developing BNs via expert elicitation, which other teams can implement to model emergent complex phenomena. Our results have three anticipated applications: (i) freely disseminating updatable expert knowledge; (ii) guiding design and analysis of observational and clinical studies; (iii) developing and validating automated tools for causal reasoning and decision support. We are developing such tools for the initial diagnosis, resource management, and prognosis of COVID-19, parameterized using the ISARIC and LEOSS databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Screening for depressive symptoms during adolescence is of high clinical significance. The shorter 12-item version of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI 2:SR[S]) was specifically developed for this purpose. Evaluations of the CDI 2:SR[S] psychometrics are limited, however. The purpose of this study was to validate the CDI 2: SR[S] for use as a screening measure using Rasch analysis.Methods: The CDI 2: SR[S] was administered online to 1513 10-17 year old Western Australian adolescents (635 males, 878 females) from 11 schools. Overall fit, individual item fit, local response dependence, dimensionality, operation of response categories, and differential item functioning (DIF) were examined.Results: The Rasch analysis demonstrated the CDI 2: SR[S] has good reliability. Thresholds for all items were ordered, showing its three response categories functioned as intended. One item (I have to push myself to do schoolwork) showed misfit. No items were locally dependent. Two items (I am sad) and (I have to push myself to do schoolwork) showed DIF for gender. At the same level of depression, females reported being sad more than males, while males pushed themselves more to do schoolwork than did females. Adolescents (14-17 years) reported significantly higher mean depressive symptom scores than early adolescents (10-13 years).Limitations: Sole reliance on adolescent's self-report and limited data about cultural backgrounds are limitations.Conclusions: The results support the interval scale measurement properties of the CDI 2: SR[S] and provides educators, clinicians and researchers with a screening measure to assess depressive symptoms in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to refine the YSQ-L3 by identifying the most statistically and clinically appropriate items for each Early Maladaptive Schema (EMS) using Rasch analysis. A Rasch analysis was undertaken on a large sample (N = 838) that included a heterogeneous clinical sample (N = 574) and a smaller non-clinical group (N = 264). Overall, 116 out of 232 items showed misfit across a number of statistical indicators. After the removal of these items, the fit improved for all subscales and showed good (.74) to excellent (.86) reliability with the exception of Enmeshment (.57). In line with previous research, items originally measuring Punitiveness were found to better fit two separate subscales, Punitiveness (Self) and Punitiveness (Other). Similarly, items assessing Emotional Inhibition fit better as two different constructs; Emotional Constriction, reflecting an over-control related to shame/embarrassment of showing emotions, and Fear of Losing Control, related to anxiety of the consequences if emotions are not contained. This is the first study to apply a rigorous methodological process to item selection from the YSQ-L3. The findings of this study are significant given the wide use of this scale cross-culturally in both clinical and research settings and offer a possible alternative to the current short form. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) are transdiagnostic constructs that arise from unmet needs in childhood and become self-perpetuating through destructive patterns of interacting with the self, others, and the world. The Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) is the primary assessment tool used to assess 18 EMS, usually as part of Schema Therapy which is designed to treat complex and chronic psychological disorders. Psychometric evaluations of the YSQ have primarily focussed on factor structure and assessing the higher-order schema domains and have consistently yielded mixed findings across all versions. What this topic adds: This is the first study to assess the psychometric properties at an individual item level in the YSQ using Rasch Analysis. Overall, only 116 out of 232 items in the YSQ-L3 showed appropriate fit across a number of statistical indicators. In line with previous research, the Emotional Inhibition schema is better conceptualised as two separate constructs which were a Fear of Losing Control and Emotional Constriction. Similarly, Punitiveness (Self) and Punitiveness (Other) are distinct constructs derived from the original Punitiveness schema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To adapt 'fishplots' to describe real-time evolution of SARS-CoV-2 genomic clusters. Results: This novel analysis adapted the fishplot to depict the size and duration of circulating genomic clusters over time in New South Wales, Australia. It illuminated the effectiveness of interventions on the emergence, spread and eventual elimination of clusters and distilled genomic data into clear information to inform public health action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this retrospective study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to delineate transmission dynamics, characterize drug-resistance markers, and identify risk factors of transmission among Papua New Guinea residents of the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ) who had tuberculosis diagnoses during 2010-2015. Of 117 isolates collected, we could acquire WGS data for 100; 79 were Beijing sublineage 2.2.1.1, which was associated with active transmission (odds ratio 6.190, 95% CI 2.221-18.077). Strains were distributed widely throughout the TSPZ. Clustering occurred more often within than between villages (p = 0.0013). Including 4 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates from Australia citizens epidemiologically linked to the TSPZ into the transmission network analysis revealed 2 probable cross-border transmission events. All multidrug-resistant isolates (33/104) belonged to Beijing sublineage 2.2.1.1 and had high-level isoniazid and ethionamide co-resistance; 2 isolates were extensively drug resistant. Including WGS in regional surveillance could improve tuberculosis transmission tracking and control strategies within the TSPZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to assist clinicians evaluating refugee children for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) by comparing paired tuberculin skin test (TST) and Quantiferon Gold In-Tube (QGIT) test results with clinical management decisions and follow-up data in a large cohort of newly arrived refugee children.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of all refugee children (<15 years of age) evaluated for LTBI with both TST and interferon-γ release assay between 2007 and 2010 in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia. Demographics, country of origin, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination status, chest X-ray results, TST and QGIT test results, clinical management and outcome on long-term follow-up were assessed.Results: Of 272 children evaluated, complete results were available for 212 (78%). The vast majority (207; 98%) were from Africa or Southeast Asia. Overall, 33 (16%) children were treated for LTBI; 13 (39%) had concordant TST and QGIT results and 20 (61%) discordant results. Of 63 (30%) TST-positive (≥10 mm) children, 46 (73%) were QGIT assay-negative, 44 (70%) had a BCG scar, 3 (5%) were younger than 2 years and 6 (10%) were treated for LTBI. Of 32 QGIT assay-positive children, 15 (47%) were TST negative, 31 (97%) had a BCG scar, all were older than 2 years and 14 (44%) were treated for LTBI.Conclusions: Discordant TST and QGIT results were found in a high percentage of refugee children. QGIT is convenient and more specific than TST to diagnose LTBI in BCG-vaccinated children, although a careful tuberculosis exposure history and clinical assessment to rule out active disease remain important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shelterbelts are a popular form of agroforestry, providing a wide range of ecosystem services (e.g. wind speed reduction and wood production) which deliver farm-scale benefits. Variation in species composition and planting density drives structural differences in shelterbelts which directly influence the provision of ecosystem services and consequently the range of benefits received by farmers. Although specific structural characteristics of shelterbelts that determine provision of these services have been identified, little is known about how these characteristics vary with shelterbelt species composition and age, and how such variation may affect provision of a range of key services and benefits. This study explores the effects of shelterbelt composition and age on structural characteristics that determine ecosystem service provision. Structural characteristics (including vegetation height and porosity) were measured and compared across shelterbelts with three common species compositions (Eucalyptus nitens , Pinus radiata , mixed native) and three age classes (2–5 years, 6–14 years, 15–30 years) in the Midlands region of Tasmania, Australia. Species composition and age were key determinants of structural characteristics. For example, height, carbon sequestration, and stand basal area increased and porosity decreased with shelterbelt age, with rates of increase/decrease varying significantly between species compositions. We outlined how these structural characteristics affect provision of ecosystem services and showed that fine scale benefits are likely to be highly dependent on the species composition of the shelterbelt. These findings can assist agroforestry practitioners in designing shelterbelts that maximise benefits to their enterprise. There is value in expanding the approach used in this study to develop decision-making tools for practitioners, and to facilitate more meaningful application of natural capital accounting to agroforestry at the farm scale. • Novel approach to quantify impact of shelterbelt condition on ecosystem services. • Shelterbelt structural characteristics vary with species composition and age. • Structural characteristics affect provision of a range of ecosystem services. • Delivery of shelterbelt benefits over time depends on species composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wiseman and Watt’s short scales of positive and negative superstitions have attracted attention in the literature. Using a representative survey of the Australian state of Queensland, the six scale items were applied to 1243 respondents. Initial investigation using Cronbach’s alpha showed that one of the scales did not function properly. A factor analysis suggested that a four-item and a two-item scale best fitted the data. A Rasch analysis of all the items confirmed this, and showed that the conventional five-category response format was not appropriate, and that three categories fit the data better. The main conclusion is that the results do not support the Wiseman–Watt theory of three positive and three negative superstitions. It does not seem advisable to use these scales without substantial reformulation and re-testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The MentorLink program of facilitated mentoring is an OT AUSTRALIA Victoria (Australian Association of Occupational Therapists - Victoria Inc.) initiative, which aimed to meet the need of occupational therapists, as expressed at the Victorian Occupational Therapy State Conference in 1997, for more professional support and assistance to be provided to Victorian occupational therapists. In 2003, the MentorLink program continues to thrive, and has now been renamed MentorLink — Allied Health as it has been expanded to include the professions of podiatry and physiotherapy, with speech pathology and social work soon to join. Wilding and Marais-Strydom (2002) present a brief overview of the program and highlight how it can be used as a method of continuing professional development, while this paper aims to inspire Australian occupational therapists to consider empowering themselves through mentoring, by presenting a case story of a mentoring relationship in action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the decision of the World Health Assembly in declaring drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) as a public health threat. The capacity of the countries in Asia-Pacific region in mitigating the risk of DR-TB is discussed. The investment for DR-TB programs in Australia is also mentioned.

In recent years the State of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has maintained a low tuberculosis incidence rate with little evidence of local transmission. Nearly 90% of notified tuberculosis cases occurred in people born in tuberculosis-endemic countries. We analyzed geographic, epidemiological and genotypic data of all culture-confirmed tuberculosis cases to identify the bacterial and demographic determinants of tuberculosis hotspot areas in NSW. Standard 24-loci mycobacterium interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-24) typing was performed on all isolates recovered between 2009 and 2013. In total 1692/1841 (91.9%) cases with confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection had complete MIRU-24 and demographic data and were included in the study. Despite some year-to-year variability, spatio-temporal analysis identified four tuberculosis hotspots. The incidence rate and the relative risk of tuberculosis in these hotspots were 2- to 10-fold and 4- to 8-fold higher than the state average, respectively. MIRU-24 profiles of M. tuberculosis isolates associated with these hotspots revealed high levels of heterogeneity. This suggests that these spatio-temporal hotspots, within this low incidence setting, can represent areas of predominantly imported infection rather than clusters of cases due to local transmission. These findings provide important epidemiological insight and demonstrate the value of combining tuberculosis genotyping and spatiotemporal data to guide better-targeted public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]