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Abstract Background Aboriginal people are under-reported on administrative health data in Australia. Various approaches have been used or proposed to improve reporting of Aboriginal people using linked records. This cross-sectional study used self-reported Aboriginality from the NSW Patient Survey Program (PSP) as a reference standard to assess the accuracy of reporting of Aboriginal people on NSW Admitted Patient (APDC) and Emergency Department Data Collections (EDDC), and compare the accuracy of selected approaches to enhance reporting Aboriginality using linked data. Methods Ten PSP surveys were linked to five administrative health data collections, including APDC, EDDC, perinatal, and birth and death registration records. Accuracy of reporting of Aboriginality was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs) and F score for the EDDC and APDC as baseline and four enhancement approaches using linked records: “Most recent linked record”, “Ever reported as Aboriginal”, and two approaches using a weight of evidence, “Enhanced Reporting of Aboriginality (ERA) algorithm” and “Multi-stage median (MSM)”. Results There was substantial under-reporting of Aboriginality on APDC and EDDC records (sensitivities 84 and 77% respectively) with PPVs of 95% on both data collections. Overall, specificities and NPVs were above 98%. Of people who were reported as Aboriginal on the PSP, 16% were not reported as Aboriginal on any of their linked records. Record linkage approaches generally increased sensitivity, accompanied by decrease in PPV with little change in overall F score for the APDC and an increase in F score for the EDDC. The “ERA algorithm” and “MSM” approaches provided the best overall accuracy. Conclusions Weight of evidence approaches are preferred when record linkage is used to improve reporting of Aboriginality on administrative health data collections. However, as a substantial number of Aboriginal people are not reported as Aboriginal on any of their linked records, improvements in reporting are incomplete and should be taken into account when interpreting results of any analyses. Enhancement of reporting of Aboriginality using record linkage should not replace efforts to improve recording of Aboriginal people at the point of data collection and addressing barriers to self-identification for Aboriginal people.

DNA damage repair proteins form foci in response to DNA damaging agents. The efficiency and integrity of the DNA repair pathway of a particular eukaryotic (mutant) strain is usually determined by the number of foci formed compared with their wild-type counterpart. Conventionally, focus number is determined visually, and this low accuracy may obscure the identification of a weaker phenotype, particularly when the output is low. Here, using the homologous recombination protein Rhp54 as an example, we present a protocol that can increase the consistency of foci identification among samples and can significantly improve the efficiency of foci quantification for large sample sizes. A similar method can be applied to other foci-forming proteins.

The expansion of transportation and service corridors has numerous, well-documented adverse effects on wildlife. However, little research on this topic has been translated into mitigating the effects of habitat fragmentation caused by road development on primates. The establishment of canopy bridges has proven to be an effective conservation intervention. Of the completed primate canopy bridge projects reported in the literature, to our knowledge, all attempt to mitigate the impacts caused by singular, linear infrastructure routes. Here we provide recommendations for the establishment of a network of natural and artificial canopy bridges over roads throughout Langkawi Island, Malaysia, to reduce rates of roadkill and support the movement of primates and other arboreal animals across the island by identifying suitable sites and appropriate tree species to be planted (including Ficus racemosa and Ficus fistulosa), bridge materials and post-installation monitoring. The establishment of this pioneering trans-island canopy bridge network could function as a model to enhance connectivity for arboreal animals in other important wildlife habitat sites in Malaysia and beyond that are affected by fragmentation from linear infrastructure. We have begun discussions with relevant authorities, partners and other pertinent parties, focusing on the initiation of construction of the canopy bridge network in 2024.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association between oral health status and social, economic and demographic factors in community‐dwelling older people in New South Wales (NSW). Methods: Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between measures of oral health status (edentulous/dentate, and the frequency of toothache or mouth or denture problems in the previous 12 months) and demographic and socio‐economic factors using data from the NSW Older People's Health Survey 1999. Results: After adjusting for other factors, being edentulous was associated with being older, having no private dental insurance, being female, leaving school at less than 15 years of age, not being financially comfortable, not being a homeowner, living in a rural area, and being unable to travel alone. Among both dentate and edentulous people, increasing age and being able to travel independently were associated with decreased reporting of toothache, mouth or denture problems; while not being financially comfor table was associated with increased reporting of toothache or mouth or denture problems. The frequency of mouth or denture problems was not found to be independently associated with having private dental insurance nor with holding a health concession card. Conclusions: Among older people in NSW, oral health is associated with a range of demographic and socio‐economic factors. The results suggest that better oral health among older people is associated with a capacity to pay out‐of‐pocket dental expenses rather than with private dental insurance or having access to public‐funded dental care.

Advances in spatial transcriptomics technologies have enabled the gene expression profiling of tissues while retaining spatial context. Here the authors present GraphST, a graph self-supervised contrastive learning method that learns informative and discriminative spot representations from spatial transcriptomics data.

The ideal end-tidal concentration of anesthetic dose for a patient under general anesthesia is dynamic and depends on factors. At present, no individual brain function monitoring device has been shown to be substantially superior. Prior studies have attempted to compare the performance of these devices, but a lack of space and common placement locations compromises interpretation. The aim of this protocol is to examine the concordance between processed EEG indices (BIS and PSI) and anesthesia provider assessments across a range of anesthetic depths using a custom engineered interface box.

Abstract Background Cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is a hallmark of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) disease spectrum, causing both nuclear loss-of-function and cytoplasmic toxic gain-of-function phenotypes. While TDP-43 proteinopathy has been associated with defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport, this process is still poorly understood. Here we study the role of karyopherin-β1 (KPNB1) and other nuclear import receptors in regulating TDP-43 pathology. Methods We used immunostaining, immunoprecipitation, biochemical and toxicity assays in cell lines, primary neuron and organotypic mouse brain slice cultures, to determine the impact of KPNB1 on the solubility, localization, and toxicity of pathological TDP-43 constructs. Postmortem patient brain and spinal cord tissue was stained to assess KPNB1 colocalization with TDP-43 inclusions. Turbidity assays were employed to study the dissolution and prevention of aggregation of recombinant TDP-43 fibrils in vitro. Fly models of TDP-43 proteinopathy were used to determine the effect of KPNB1 on their neurodegenerative phenotype in vivo. Results We discovered that several members of the nuclear import receptor protein family can reduce the formation of pathological TDP-43 aggregates. Using KPNB1 as a model, we found that its activity depends on the prion-like C-terminal region of TDP-43, which mediates the co-aggregation with phenylalanine and glycine-rich nucleoporins (FG-Nups) such as Nup62. KPNB1 is recruited into these co-aggregates where it acts as a molecular chaperone that reverses aberrant phase transition of Nup62 and TDP-43. These findings are supported by the discovery that Nup62 and KPNB1 are also sequestered into pathological TDP-43 aggregates in ALS/FTD postmortem CNS tissue, and by the identification of the fly ortholog of KPNB1 as a strong protective modifier in Drosophila models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Our results show that KPNB1 can rescue all hallmarks of TDP-43 pathology, by restoring its solubility and nuclear localization, and reducing neurodegeneration in cellular and animal models of ALS/FTD. Conclusion Our findings suggest a novel NLS-independent mechanism where, analogous to its canonical role in dissolving the diffusion barrier formed by FG-Nups in the nuclear pore, KPNB1 is recruited into TDP-43/FG-Nup co-aggregates present in TDP-43 proteinopathies and therapeutically reverses their deleterious phase transition and mislocalization, mitigating neurodegeneration. Graphical Abstract

Participating in campus security preparedness exercise (CSPE) is vitally important in addressing potential security threats and preventing critical incidents. The present study investigates the various determinants to predict intention, and actual participation in CSPE using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We also examined the effect of perceived risk on attitude as an extension of the TPB. Based on 441 valid responses collected from students studying in different institutions of higher learning in Malaysia, the partial least squares equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze actual participation in CSPE behavior. The findings suggest that TPB is, indeed, a predictive model for explaining participation in CSPE. Based on the findings, the correlation between perceived risk and attitude is insignificant which leads to our subsequent argument on attitude as autonomous and not affected by one's perceived risk. Nevertheless, the proposed direct relationship between perceived behavioral control (PBC) and intention behavior is not supported. These findings provide an important theoretical platform for new interventions to further promoting active participation in CSPE. Policy implications for improving CSPE behaviors are provided accordingly., Author(s): Kim-Lim Tan [sup.1] , Joseph Kee-Ming Sia [sup.2] , Kuok Ho Daniel Tang [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) University of Newcastle, , Singapore, Singapore (2) grid.448987.e, Faculty of Business, Curtin [...]

Given the chronic lack of qualified professionals in the cybersecurity industry, the present paper seeks to evaluate the current interest in cybersecurity across Southeast Asia nations and then compare it with the available educational offerings of related degrees in each country to identify eventual gaps in the market. The goal is to assess whether there is a need for additional degree programs in cybersecurity and to evaluate the potential for future growth in the industry by providing a solid educational foundation for aspiring professionals. To estimate current interest from prospective students and profesionals in cybersecurity across each country, leaderboards from the popular TryHackMe gamified cybersecurity training platform are referenced. We further discuss issues by considering the related formal education programmes offered by the top universities in each country, identified by their presence in the QS world university rankings. The data are then used to propose two new metrics: the 'Cybersecurity Education Prospects Index' (CEPI) and the 'Cybersecurity Industry Prospects Index' (CIPI), which show how most of the eleven countries in Southeast Asia do have an unmet demand for cybersecurity education and only a few of them have already developed an educational infrastructure that is ready to support the growing needs of the local and international industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the last decade, female students' enrolment in higher education has experienced significant growth. However, male and female students still differ in criteria set of choosing higher education institutions. While several studies have been disentangled in developed countries in analyzing gender differences in pursuing higher education, a similar area of studies conducted in developing countries is scarce. The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences and the factors that influence first-year students' choice of higher education in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved 575 students who were either enrolled in an undergraduate or foundation program of an international branch campus. We tested the hypotheses using partial least squares multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA). Findings: Our results revealed that graduate employability, information sources, program characteristics, institution characteristics and campus safety were influential factors affecting the students' institutional choice. The MGA results also indicated that gender differences exist in selecting higher education institutions. Male students are more strongly influenced by information sources such as family, friends, media compared with female students. Originality/value: Very few international branch campus choice studies explore gender differences in developing countries. This study enriches the current literature of institutional choice through the lens of an Asian developing country and extends the discourse regarding the role of gender in influencing students' institutional choice, of which they are commonly overlooked in most literature. The study has significant implications for student recruitment managers in higher education institution to develop marketing strategies targeting to potential male and female students.

Malaysia has numerous policies, institutions, and experts with foresight and vision for its development. Nevertheless, river basin management has been lacking due to several factors such as insufficient proactive leadership roles of institutions, as well as locally authorized bodies. Reviewing of stakeholders’ role in the PENTA-HELIX partnership model (i.e., government, business, academia, community, and NGO) reveals that individuals and institutions with proactive and effective leadership roles along with top-down and bottom-up approaches can create a more strategic policy implementation resulting in better outcomes in river basin management. Local authorities with proactive leadership roles should be encouraged to use a creative and innovative key performance indicator system accompanied by mentoring and training, as well as education, to inspire a passive to active attitude change. A local authority with sound leadership roles can develop proper partnerships with its many stakeholders to improve awareness with more multitasking activities. These can be achieved by motivating all the related stakeholders towards more commitment to creating a sustainable environment. Identifying and recognizing local authorities to manage the rivers will result in more powerful actions in river management. It is essential to ensure quality control and quality assurance at various levels to bring sustainability science at the multi-stakeholders’ platforms towards an integrated river basin management to achieve a better living quality for everyone.

This study reviewed some of the challenges faced by local authorities in disaster management, especially flood disasters that occurred in Malaysia. Flood disasters are the most frequent disasters in Malaysia, especially during the monsoon seasons. The hard structure developed by Malaysia’s National Security Council (MKN) under ‘Directive 20’ is used to manage disasters in the country. Although Malaysia has become more skillful in managing flood disasters, the frequent climate changes along with weakness in implementing flood risk management plans resulted in much losses and damages throughout the country. Therefore, this study explored the gaps and weaknesses in flood risk management (FRM) in Malaysia by reviewing the available literature to recommend better flood management. This study revealed four main issues which are weaknesses in terms of (i) coordination and communication, (ii) manpower and assets, (iii) public awareness, and (iv) power and authority among local authorities to implement flood management plans. The capacity of local authorities and individuals in charge of disaster management is inadequate, especially for flood risk preparedness and management. Hence, responsible individuals are also in a vulnerable situation to implement management plans or rescue operations when flood disasters occur since they are also flood victims. Thus, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) which acts as the main coordinator of disaster management in Malaysia should re-examine the flood management plan to ensure that it can be implemented efficiently and effectively, especially at the local level as they are the first respondents on the scene when the disaster occurs. The combination of both structural and non-structural measures might require in many cases the management of flood disasters; however, the disaster risk preparedness and management of individuals via customized training is a must to prevent flood disasters as well as minimize their impact. The flood management plan should also incorporate natural-based approaches at the whole-river-basin level for the long-term solution and sustainable development, not only focusing to manage the localized flood problem at the specific area.

The introduction of smart technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and algorithms (STARA) has changed the workforce significantly, with many concerns about its impact on employees. This study elucidates how one's appraisal of this situation would influence basic psychological needs and individual competitiveness productivity. Using a two-wave time-lagged study, data collected from 224 hospitality employees was examined using the partial least squares method structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results suggested that individual appraisal towards STARA awareness has differential outcomes towards satisfying basic psychological needs. Among the three basic psychological needs, the needs for relatedness and competency were positively related to individual competitive productivity (ICP). We extend extant studies by incorporating challenge-hindrance framework and self-determination theory (SDT) in the context of the future of work involving STARA. It advances the body of knowledge in understanding a more fundamental issue of how STARA can bring out the best in employees, how STARA shapes employees' opinions and perspectives of the work they are doing, and what they should do to work alongside STARA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annually, the influenza virus causes 500,000 deaths worldwide. Influenza-associated mortality and morbidity is especially high among the elderly, children, and patients with chronic diseases. While there are antivirals available against influenza, such as neuraminidase inhibitors and adamantanes, there is growing resistance against these drugs. Thus, there is a need for novel antivirals for resistant influenza strains. Host-directed therapies are a potential strategy for influenza as host processes are conserved and are less prone mutations as compared to virus-directed therapies. A literature search was performed for papers that performed viral–host interaction screens and the Reactome pathway database was used for the bioinformatics analysis. A total of 15 studies were curated and 1717 common interactors were uncovered among all these studies. KEGG analysis, Enrichr analysis, STRING interaction analysis was performed on these interactors. Therefore, we have identified novel host pathways that can be targeted for host-directed therapy against influenza in our review.