Shellharbour Hospital

Difficulties in eating can profoundly influence the well-being of those living with dementia. Previous research has shown that Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based interventions can enhance eating independence during meals and optimise nutritional health in people living with dementia in nursing homes. However, few studies examine the effects of these interventions on those living with dementia who follow western-style eating etiquette. This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPREMON (Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities) mealtime intervention on mealtime independence, mealtime engagement and affect (mood), and nutritional statusamong people living with dementia in a nursing home. This quasi-experimental study will involve people with dementia living in nursing homes. The intervention consists of Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities designed to enhance eating procedural memory and eating motor skills over 7 weeks. Data will be collected pre-intervention and post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Depending on the distribution of the data, an ANOVA or Friedman test will be used to examine the differences in the means for mealtime independence, engagement and affect, and nutritional status over time. There is limited evidence of the impact of Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities in people living with dementia using western dining etiquette. This study bridges this knowledge gap and provides new knowledge about the effectiveness of such interventions to enhance mealtime independence and engagement and affect for people with dementia living in nursing homes. ANZCTR identifier: ACTRN12623001031651p.

The Gaza Strip is in a chronic state of water shortage and the coastal aquifer as the only freshwater source is increasingly depleted and polluted, especially by nitrate. Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution is essential for adequate protection and management. In this study, the assessment of the aquifer vulnerability to contamination is derived by applying the DRASTIC procedure, firstly with original default weights and ratings and, secondly, improved by estimating rating values by multiple linear regression of observed log-transformed nitrate concentration in groundwater, with DRASTIC factors extended to land-use. The results are very different because high and low vulnerability areas shift considerably. Subsequently, a geostatistical analysis of the spatial distribution of the nitrate concentration is performed, firstly by ordinary kriging interpolation of the observed nitrate concentration and secondly by regression kriging using DRASTIC factors and land-use as indicators of the spatial variation in nitrate occurrence. These maps differ because the map obtained by regression kriging interpolation shows much more details of environmental factors such as dunes, ridges, soil types and built-up areas that affect the presence of nitrate in groundwater. The results of this study can be used by the Palestinian authorities concerned with sustainable groundwater management in the Gaza Strip.

Abstract The Australian marine research, industry, and stakeholder community has recently undertaken an extensive collaborative process to identify the highest national priorities for wind-waves research. This was undertaken under the auspices of the Forum for Operational Oceanography Surface Waves Working Group. The main steps in the process were first, soliciting possible research questions from the community via an online survey; second, reviewing the questions at a face-to-face workshop; and third, online ranking of the research questions by individuals. This process resulted in 15 identified priorities, covering research activities and the development of infrastructure. The top five priorities are 1) enhanced and updated nearshore and coastal bathymetry; 2) improved understanding of extreme sea states; 3) maintain and enhance the in situ buoy network; 4) improved data access and sharing; and 5) ensemble and probabilistic wave modeling and forecasting. In this paper, each of the 15 priorities is discussed in detail, providing insight into why each priority is important, and the current state of the art, both nationally and internationally, where relevant. While this process has been driven by Australian needs, it is likely that the results will be relevant to other marine-focused nations.

Abstract The specification of design wave spectra is based on spectral parameters estimated from available wave data. Measured data allow high-resolution estimates to be made, but they suffer from sampling variability and often do not contain a sufficient number of measurements in extreme sea states. Hindcast data can be used to examine spectral features associated with extreme sea states, but they can be limited by resolution and are dependent on how the physics are incorporated in the source terms of the wave model. We examine and compare the effects of estimating JONSWAP spectrum peak enhancement factor from measured and hindcast data for a range of sea states but particularly those with large significant wave heights. In the case of measured data, we build on earlier work and review effects associated with different methods for processing measured time series data, including the effect of sampling frequency, record length, and smoothing. These are then contrasted with estimates made from typical hindcast data, including the effect of the spectral shape associated with different source terms — in particular the four-wave interaction term. Finally, we provide recommendations on how best to estimate the peak enhancement factor of the JONSWAP spectrum for design purposes.

Abstract Many aspects of subsea installation and inspection operations involve Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and a human pilot viewing live video feeds. Work may be inhibited when the visibility is reduced through increased turbidity. This work aimed to understand and quantify the drivers of ROV visibility at a site (depth 240-280 m), in the Browse Basin, offshore Western Australia and develop techniques to allow prediction of underwater visibility ranges more generally. Using a range of measurements and evidence-based analysis, the work has developed a reliable and useable method of predicting underwater visibility ranges at various heights above the seabed. This technique requires appropriate measurements and understanding of sedimentary processes.

SUMMARY As commitment seismic for exploration permit WA-477P, Shell acquired a 3D broadband seismic survey utilising variable depth streamers and a multi-level airgun source. The application of this combined technology for the first time in Australian waters was intended to attenuate seismic ghosts inherent in conventional seismic surveys. The successful deployment of the method has brought new insights into the processing and interpretation of broadband seismic that raise challenges in providing the deliverables necessary for exploration turnaround cycle time. By tailoring the processing workflow, while investigating and testing new algorithms, products were available to meet exploration requirements to mature prospects for early decisions.

Three-dimensional coupled deformation and fluid-flow numerical modeling, charge-history analysis, and seismic imaging of inferred leakage-related geobodies are integrated to investigate the response of a complex set of Jurassic trap-bounding normal faults to extensional reactivation and to assess hydrocarbon upfault seepage on the Laminaria High (Timor Sea, Australian North West Shelf). Fluid inclusion data are consistent with the presence of paleo-oil columns below the current accumulations in the Laminaria and Corallina fields. Evidence for other partially breached (current and paleo-oil column) as well as breached (dry with paleo-oil column) closures across the region implies that active and widespread seepage took place after the time of initial oil charge. The distribution of current and paleo-oil zones, and the location of inferred hydrocarbon leakage indicators defined on 3D seismic data, correlates with the prediction of fault-seal effectiveness based on modeled strain distribution. Within the geologic framework of the Laminaria High area, this distribution suggests that when sufficient reactivation shear strain is accumulated by reservoir faults, ductile deformation might give way to brittle failure in the top seal, allowing active flow pathways to develop and upfault seepage to take place from the reservoir to thief zones or the seafloor. The observations emphasize that strain and upfault fluid-flow partitioning is constrained by prereactivation fault size, lateral fault-tip distributions, and the presence of fault jogs inherited from successive episodes of growth processes. These elements can explain the complex distribution of paleo- and preserved oil columns in the study area and further support Cenozoic tectonic activity as being the first-order control on trap breaching and hydrocarbon seepage in this region.