Connect 2.0

The use of Web 2.0 has fostered a major shift from the dominance of independent study to more collaborative and interactive learning. This is reflected in the curriculum expectations in Victoria, Australia where students develop as creative, active and inquiring learners. Web 2.0 technologies provide an ideal medium for this curriculum model to be realised. This presentation illustrates the journey made possible through the ongoing partnership and shared objectives of the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the School Library Association of Victoria in identifying, sharing and exploring best possible online resources and tools for 21st Century learning.

Viral Filtration Efficiency of Fabric Masks Compared with Surgical and N95 Masks

In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, current modeling supports the use of masks in community settings to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, concerns have been raised regarding the global shortage of medical grade masks and the limited evidence on the efficacy of fabric masks. This study used a standard mask testing method (ASTM F2101-14) and a model virus (bacteriophage MS2) to test the viral filtration efficiency (VFE) of fabric masks compared with commercially available disposable, surgical, and N95 masks. Five different types of fabric masks were purchased from the ecommerce website Etsy to represent a range of different fabric mask designs and materials currently available. One mask included a pocket for a filter; which was tested without a filter, with a dried baby wipe, and a section of a vacuum cleaner bag. A sixth fabric mask was also made according to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines (Australia). Three masks of each type were tested. This study found that all the fabric masks had a VFE of at least 50% when tested against aerosols with an average size of 6.0 µm (VFE(6.0 µm)). The minimum VFE of fabric masks improved (to 63%) when the larger aerosols were excluded to give and average aerosol size of 2.6 µm (VFE(2.6 µm)), which better represents inhaled aerosols that can reach the lower respiratory system. The best performing fabric masks were the cotton mask with a section of vacuum cleaner bag (VFE(6.0 µm) = 99.5%, VFE(2.6 µm) = 98.8%) or a dried baby wipe (VFE(6.0 µm) = 98.5%, VFE(2.6 µm) = 97.6%) in the pocket designed for a disposable filter, the mask made using the Victorian DHHS design (VFE(6.0 µm) = 98.6%, VFE(2.6 µm) =99.1%) and one made from a layer of 100% hemp, a layer of poly membrane, and a layer of cheesecloth (VFE(6.0 µm) = 93.6%, VFE(2.6 µm) = 89.0%). The VFE of two surgical masks (VFE(6.0 µm) = 99.9% and 99.6%, VFE(2.6 µm) = 99.5% and 98.5%) and a N95 masks (VFE(6.0 µm) = 99.9%, VFE(2.6 µm) = 99.3%) were comparable to their advertised bacterial filtration efficacy. This research supports the use of fabric masks in the community to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2; however, future research is needed to explore the optimum design in ensuring proper fit. There is also a need for mass education campaigns to disseminate this information, along with guidelines around the proper usage and washing of fabric masks.

Considerations for the development of a driver distraction safety rating system for new vehicles

Drivers engage in a wide range of non-driving related tasks while driving that have potential to distract to them and compromise their safety. These include interactions with infotainment systems built into the vehicle by vehicle manufacturers. These systems enable the performance of communication, entertainment, navigation and internet browsing tasks. Performing these tasks can degrade driving performance and increase crash risk. Not all infotainment technologies in new vehicles are equal in terms of their potential to distract. This paper documents the findings of a study commissioned by the Victorian Department of Transport to determine the feasibility of developing a test protocol for rating the distraction potential of new vehicles entering the Australian market. A literature review, consultation with expert international researchers and industry representatives, and workshops, were conducted in order to determine those elements of the HMI design of infotainment systems that should be assessed, identify suitable candidate test methods for assessing the visual and cognitive load imposed on drivers when performing infotainment tasks, and derive options for a distraction rating system. In addition, safety/rating assessment program reviews and a cost-benefit analysis of introducing a distraction rating system were undertaken. Eight potential distraction test methods were discerned from the literature and consultation. It was concluded that the most suitable test protocol for a distraction rating system involves the use of an HMI design checklist in combination with measurement of the visual and cognitive load imposed on drivers when performing specific infotainment tasks, using the VOT and DRT, respectively. Eight options for introducing a distraction safety rating as a consumer or NCAP distraction rating are presented. Each option builds upon the previous, with the first option being the development of voluntary guidelines (where vehicle manufacturers work to these guidelines on a voluntary basis) to option eight, where NCAPs incorporate a distraction rating in the overall vehicle safety rating. The benefits of introducing a highly effective (best case) distraction rating system are estimated to result in a road crash saving of approximately AU$28 per ‘improved/low distraction’ vehicle per year.

Turning attention to clinician engagement in Victoria

The engagement of clinicians with employing organisations and with the broader health system results in better safer care for patients. Concerns about the adequacy of clinician engagement in the state of Victoria led the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to commission a scoping study. During this investigation more than 100 clinicians were spoken with and 1800 responded to surveys. The result was creation of a clear picture of what engagement and disengagement looked like at all levels – from the clinical microsystem to state health policy making. Multiple interventions are possible to enhance clinician engagement and thus the care of future patients. A framework was developed to guide future Victorian work with four elements: setting the agenda, informing, involving and empowering clinicians. Concepts of work or employee engagement that are used in other industries don’t directly translate to healthcare and thus the definition of engagement chosen for use centred on involvement. This was designed to encourage system managers to ensure clinicians are full participants in design, planning and evaluation and in all decisions that affect them and their patients.

Symbiotic germination of threatened Australian terrestrial orchids and the effect of nursery potting media on seedling survivals

Since the early 1990s, the RBG has contributed to the conservation of Victoria’s Endangered orchids through its ex situ propagation program. Working cooperatively with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the Melbourne Zoo, the Australasian Native Orchid Society, The University of Melbourne, RMIT University and Parks Victoria, research and development has lead to a greater understanding of Victoria’s terrestrial orchids and their associated mycorrhizal fungi, and assisted in the implementation of Recovery Plans.

Quantifying differences in the epidemic curves from three influenza surveillance systems: a nonlinear regression analysis

SUMMARYInfluenza surveillance enables systematic collection of data on spatially and demographically heterogeneous epidemics. Different data collection mechanisms record different aspects of the underlying epidemic with varying bias and noise. We aimed to characterize key differences in weekly incidence data from three influenza surveillance systems in Melbourne, Australia, from 2009 to 2012: laboratory-confirmed influenza notified to the Victorian Department of Health, influenza-like illness (ILI) reported through the Victorian General Practice Sentinel Surveillance scheme, and ILI cases presenting to the Melbourne Medical Deputising Service. Using nonlinear regression, we found that after adjusting for the effects of geographical region and age group, characteristics of the epidemic curve (including season length, timing of peak incidence and constant baseline activity) varied across the systems. We conclude that unmeasured factors endogenous to each surveillance system cause differences in the disease patterns recorded. Future research, particularly data synthesis studies, could benefit from accounting for these differences.

Pore-pressure prediction derived by common-reflection-surface (CRS) stacking seismic velocity to prevent drilling problems in geopressure zones: a case study of Snapper Field, Gippsland Basin, Australia

Snapper Field is located in the Gippsland Basin, Australia. The field was discovered in 1968, and then continued by development drilling from the Snapper A platform, which started in 1981. The geopressure zones were encountered below 3,200 m at the Snapper—1 well and below 2,800 m at the Snapper A—21 well. If these zones are not anticipated before drilling, they could create problems, such as sticking, kick, or blowout. This extended abstract presents a technique to predict pore pressure from seismic velocity, where the seismic velocity was derived by CRS. Many case studies have shown that CRS stack could produce smooth macro-velocity model, which is more reliable to be used for pore pressure prediction. Eaton's equation was used to transform the seismic velocity derived by CRS to pore pressure as a function of depth. All of these workflows have been conducted using field data from the Snapper Field provided by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. The prediction was compared with actual well pressure data to test the accuracy of prediction. The comparison shows that the pressure, which has been generated using this technique, is accurate. This result could be applied when making drilling programs particularly to identify the geo-pressure zones for wildcat/exploration wells in another field when pressure data from neighbouring wells are unavailable. If these geo-pressure zones could be anticipated, it will reduce drilling risk operation.

Simulating the impact of coal seam gas water production on aquifers

Derived from a larger scale project, which studied geomechanical issues associated with coal seam gas (CSG) production, this paper investigates a hypothetical case study based on the Latrobe Valley, Gippsland Basin, Victoria. The paper focuses on examining aquifer water management associated with CSG production-related water extraction. As such, the paper limits itself to determining the volume of water production from a hypothetical case study area in the Latrobe Valley. A simplistic property model and methane production strategy has been used. The impact of extraction of this water on the hydraulic head in aquifers underlying the produced seams is quantified. The Latrobe Valley Depression contains 129,000 million tonnes of coal resources and is one of the world’s largest, and lowest cost, energy sources. Most of Victoria’s electricity is generated using coal from the Loy Yang, Morwell and Yallourn mines. In addition to these massive operations, significant additional coal resources are available and unallocated at this time. Opportunities exist for the continued usage of these resources for electricity production, gasification, liquefaction and other coal conversion processes, as well as solid fuel for industrial, domestic and other uses. The existence of data from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries 2003 coal resource model was the main reason for the selection of the case study, and their data was used to form a model of the stratigraphy of the Latrobe Valley. Aquifer models were simulated in MODFLOW, based on extraction figures modelled in the CSG simulator COMET3.

Determining priority of access to physiotherapy at Victorian community health services

Prioritisation of clients requesting physiotherapy in Victorian community health services has occurred in the absence of a uniform evidence-based prioritisation process. The effect of the varying prioritisation procedures on client outcomes is unknown. This two-part study sought to answer two questions: what are the current prioritisation practices? And what is the evidence for prioritisation? Staff of Victorian community health services offering physiotherapy (n = 67) were sent a structured questionnaire regarding their prioritisation practices. The questionnaire data revealed a wide range of poorly defined criteria and methods of assessment for prioritisation. The evidence for prioritisation and the use of specific prioritisation criteria were examined via a literature search. The literature suggested the use of acute severe pain, interference with activities of daily living and falls as indicators of need for priority service. The lack of uniformity found in determining priority of access reflects the complexity of determining need and the lack of research and validated tools to assist decision making. Further research into prioritisation criteria is required to determine their validity and if their use in a prioritisation tool would actually improve outcomes for clients. What is known about the topic? Although there is some research on medical prioritisation of clients awaiting surgery little is known about prioritisation practices in allied health in general and physiotherapy in particular. There is also little known about client outcomes when clients are either not prioritised or have been incorrectly prioritised. The literature provides expert opinion on the potential usefulness of prioritisation criteria in determining client need. What does this paper add? This paper highlights the discrepancy between the various poorly defined and complex physiotherapy prioritisation practices that occurred in Victorian Community Health Services at the time of the study and the literature regarding the assessment of need. The underpinning evidence base for uniform prioritisation criteria is explored. Further research is required into the risks and effect on client outcomes of prioritisation. What are the implications for practitioners? Although practitioners, in the absence of any guidelines, have developed their own prioritisation protocols, the Victorian Department of Health has recently mandated the use of a uniform community health prioritisation procedure for physiotherapy and other allied health services, developed from the findings of this research. This study provides practitioners with an understanding of the evidence base for prioritisation criteria and approaches for assessing criteria in practice.