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A mobile app and dashboard for effective management of early-stage chronic kidney disease
This project is funded by the Northern Australia Regional Digital Health Collaborative (NARDHC). The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies globally, and people in the lowest socioeconomic quartile have a 60% higher risk of progressive CKD. This project aims to develop a mobile app that detects vulnerable individuals who are at risk of deterioration in renal function and are needing intervention, while also allowing monitoring and appropriate education to those who are progressing steadily. The expected outcome is a novel mobiele analytic app that can improve the management of CKD patients in rural and remote areas for better health outcomes and planning.
Fusion of wearable and environmental sensors for remote monitoring of health and wellbeing in elderly populations
This project is funded by the Northern Australia Regional Digital Health Collaborative (NARDHC). This project aims to develop a smart home health monitoring prototype that improves upon existing technology by fusing information from multiple sensors. The proposed system will use non-invasive wearable sensors, non-contact mmWave technology, and artificial intelligence to monitor key vital signs, physical activity, stress, fatigue, and environmental conditions. The goal of this project is to prototype a comprehensive system for monitoring health and wellbeing in rural and remote Australia, with particular focus on elderly persons.
An Artificial Intelligence Enabled Automatic Detection of Estuarine Crocodiles in Queensland Waterways Using Digital Video
This is a collaborative project between James Cook University (JCU) and the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) based software that leverages digital video for the detection of estuarine crocodiles (C. Porosus) in Queensland's waterways. Building on previous research and utilizing extensive footage from Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, this project aims to create an AI-based pilot detection system operational in both day and night settings to enhance safety around high-risk waterways.
Near Real-Time Adaptive Human-Driven Demographic Intelligence Framework: Enhancing Customer Experience and Operational Efficiency through Behavioural Insights
The aim of this project is to enhance the value provided to customers by venue operators through the development and implementation of AI driven closed-feedback-loop venue behaviour engine that offers recommendations to customers and venue operators. Starting at TRL 3, we will leverage data provided by an existing pilot to gain detailed insights into customer behaviour and demographics. This will enable venue operators to tailor their services more effectively to meet customers' needs and preferences. The project will progress to TRL 6, culminating in improved customer satisfaction and increased operational efficiency for venue operators, and a better experience for customers, through validated, industry-ready solutions.
National Research Project on Remote Radiology Assessment Service Delivery
This project will investigate outcomes of the BreastScreen Australia remote radiology assessment trial at sites through9out Australia. Engaging a remote radiologist may assist with overcoming many challenges associated with providing health services in a regional, rural or remote location. This project seeks to ensure that the alternative model of service delivery is appropriate for consumers, evidence-based and safe. Specifically, this project will assess how the new remote radiology model affects: - Patient safety - Patient acceptability - Staff acceptability of new model of service provision - The safe, efficient organisation of BreastScreen services
Divine Word University and JCU Academic Strengthening Partnership
Funded by Australian High Commission/Australian Awards PNG this ongoing partnership supports the co-delivery of workshop for MBBS preceptors. The workshops host JCU experts in the field of Medical Health Sciences and designed to address the competencies and skills required for successful MBBS curriculum implementatio
Am I Talking to a Real Person? Experimental Investigations into Human Perceptions of Therapeutic Chatbots
Therapeutic chatbots could enhance the accessibility of psychological treatments, reducing wait times and costs; yet questions remain about user acceptance. Millet et al. (2023) highlight biases against AI-generated art, suggesting a similar bias may exist for perceptions of therapeutic chatbots. This program of experimental research will investigate whether therapeutic communications are perceived as less empathetic when attributed to therapeutic chatbots, as opposed to humans, across three populations: the general community; therapists/counsellors; and mental health app users. This research will inform future integration of chatbots into digital interventions, including their suitability across different contexts, and highlight targets for improved user experience.
Experiences of men who have sex with men (MSM) on dating apps.
Dating app preferences among men who have sex with men (MSM) privileges partner profiles that depict norms of masculinity and particular ethnicities. Concerningly, preoccupation to appear masculine and internalisation of race-based sexual stereotypes are linked with health disparities. This study will attempt to elucidate the role of bias in partner preferences among MSM within the Australian context. Specifically, the study will explore the impact of masculinity and ethnicity in partner preferences on dating apps. It will also explore how self-esteem, body image and social identity influence MSM’s dating preferences.
The Bamboo Parenting Program: Promotion of a Randomised Pilot Trial.
The Bamboo Parenting Program is an online social support program for first-time mothers in the perinatal period. The program has been designed to prevent mental illness during this vulnerable period, and by leveraging social support, Bamboo targets one of the most significant predictors of mental health for perinatal women. The program pairs first-time mothers with volunteer mothers or with mother-nominated individuals (with support training provided in program). Pairs work together to navigate the critical and difficult perinatal period. Funding from this seed fund will be used to promote a pilot randomised trial in North Queensland.
Dwarf Minke Whale Project
The Minke Whale Project MWP (based at James Cook University, North Queensland Australia) conducts multi-disciplinary research into dwarf minke whale biology and behaviour, the social and economic values of the whales and the sustainable management of swim-with-whales tourism. The MWP research team works collaboratively with the GBR swim-with-minke whales tourism industry, Reef managers and wildlife conservation NGOs. Our work is primarily funded by ongoing passenger donations and the generous in-kind support of the CHARROA tourism operators in the Northern Great Barrier Reef. Please visit http://minkewhaleproject.org/