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Development and characterization of a Novel Zirconia Implant material with enhanced mechanical properties and bio-compatibility (Old ID 27124)
Zirconia dental implants have been recently developed as a viable, aesthetic, non-metallic alternative for dental implant fabrication compared to the titanium implants. However, significant challenges have been encountered in acceptance of zirconia implants in clinical practice due to the low fracture resistance inherent within the zirconia material that can lead to structural failure of implant. This has created a need for further research into its crystalline composition and forms to further enhance the mechanical properties of zirconia making it more suitable for dental implants. This study will assess the mechanical and chemical properties of the novel zirconia material developed in our lab and evaluates the effect of various surface modifications on its mechanical properties. Furthermore, cellular interactions that play a vital role in wound healing after placement of implant will be ascertained to promote successful implant osseointegration of novel zirconia dental implants.
Torres Straits Wetlands, Mangroves and Invasive Species (Old ID 23518)
Coastal wetlands and mangrove habitat are important for aquatic communities in the Torres Straits. These water environments also provide important food and cultural values for locals. Torres Straits Regional Authority wishes to continue building Land and Sea Ranger capacity to monitor and evaluate condition of wetlands across the Straits. TropWATER will assist with water quality monitoring, invasive animal management, mangrove condition and health assessment, along with preparation of materials for rangers to continue these monitoring programs.
Diabetes Collaborative Evaluation Project (Old ID 23599)
The diabetes collaborative is a Continuous quality Improvement (CQI) approach to change that aims to improve health outcomes for patients diagnosed with Diabetes. It involves the introduction of a team-based, sustainable approach to learning whilst providing a sound understanding and application of quality improvement methodology and skills. This project aims to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the WQPHN diabetes collaborative. Expected outcomes of the equation will be a greater understanding of the process of implementation and any changes within participant health services as a result of the collaborative. Evaluation of the program in the rural and remote context of WQPHN will inform on feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.
Micropropagation of Eucalyptus cloeziana chemovar. (Old ID 25089)
This project will establish a methodology to produce clonal plants of a eucalypt that is being trialled as a natural source of a new insecticide.
Janco Enterprise Pty Ltd (Old ID 26174)
Machine learning sensor network to maintain optimum conditions and collect data for Molten Oxygen Electrolysis (MOE) reactions. Sensor data collection – Supervisory capacity Machine learning logic for maintaining optimum reaction conditions on a provided hardware network Supervisory capacity Suggestion of industry standards for data collection and fail-safe implementation Suggestion of hardware components and configuration JCU’s scope in this project: Supervise on sensor quality before purchase and calibration logic once installed into PCB Supervise on any errors in the output value and possible causes Supervise on provided network structures for reliably and continuously recording data from multiple sensors to multiple SBC’s to an academic standard Supervise on methods for machine learning collection of data Supervise on methods provided for protecting sensor hardware in extreme conditions Check failsafe methods and data collection failsafes for industry standards requirements Consult on final hardware design for industrial conditional requirements (Industrial standards reports will be gathered prior to consultation, this is a 2nd check precaution) All mathematical modelling, programming, purchasing of hardware and construction shall be completed by JE Pty Ltd
Scoring mangrove indicators for the 2019 Gladstone Harbour Report Card (Old ID 26475)
This 2019 program extends from that in 2018. As before, a wide range of expertise will be used in this environmental management project in the PCPA TUMRA Indigenous Protected Area. This evaluates the multiple threatened marine coastal ecosystems of this Central Queensland region, specifically for each of the 13 zone sub-area zones of the GHHP study area. The program engages JCU tidal wetland science specialists for the better management of shoreline environmental values by reporting of 3 mangrove condition indicators for the 2019 GHHP report card.;
Exploratory study of effects of sample storage/stabilisation on Cu isotope compositions of groundwater, and linkage between groundwater and proximal soil profiles. (Old ID 29017)
The aims of this collaborative project between JCU and Geoscience Australia are simple. Geoscience Australia have legacy groundwater samples from active bores through their previous hydrogeochemical surveys (e.g. Northern Australia Hydrogeochemical Survey), where both acidified and unacidified samples have been kept in storage, some for up to several years. Copper concentrations measured at/near the time of sampling are variable, with some being in the sub-ppb range and others significantly higher. For some bores, proximal soil and rock samples are also available. This project will leverage all the above towards the following objectives: 1. Analyse Cu concentrations and isotope compositions for a small cohort of legacy groundwater samples (~10). 2. Analyse Cu isotope compositions in proximity-matched soil/rock samples. Where spatially matched soil and/or core rock samples are available, an additional subset of these solid samples will be processed and analysed to characterize their Cu isotope compositions and compare to that of matched groundwater samples. 3. Collate all results and jointly interpret with Geoscience Australia
New therapies for Coeliac Disease: Helminths and their secreted products. (Old ID 22524)
Coeliac Disease (CeD) is a common and debilitating autoimmune disorder (affecting 1% of the Queensland population) where gluten ingestion triggers an inflammatory reaction and severe intestinal symptoms. A gluten-free diet is effective for some, but is expensive, inconvenient and inadvertant gluten exposure is common. Hence there is a need for new new treatements for CeD. In a recent clinical trial, our research group demonstrated the efficacy of an unlikely agent to imporive gluten tolerance; parasitic helominths (worms). The overall aim of my research is to translate this movel thereapy into a larger, placebo-controlled clinical trail and study the mechanisms by which worms control the immune response. Identification of the molecules that the worms prodcue to suppress gluten-induced pathology will allow the development of "pill-based" medcations for CeD, and potentially other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
Climate Vulnerability Index Aldabra (Old ID 27415)
Climate change poses an existential threat to global heritage. With rising sea-levels, more extreme weather events and aridification, the extensive impacts of climate are evident at heritage sites globally and the pace of this change is startling. In most parts of the world the rate of loss is exceeding adaptive capacity and this deficit is only getting worse. Decisions on conservation and preservation begin with a detailed understanding of a place's vulnerability. The choices made will directly impact that ability to effectively integrate the goals of safeguarding heritage, adapting and mitigating climate change, and driving sustainable development. This project will apply the Climate Vulnerability Index process to assess the vulnerability of the Aldabra Atoll World Heritage property and its associated communities. There is an urgent need to assess climate vulnerability using community-based methodologies to inform actions taken by decision makers.
Implementation of Quantified Neonatal Brain MRI at Term-Equivalent Age at Townsville University and Cairns Hospital for Infants at High Risk of Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes (Old ID 27559)
Infants born preterm, with low birth weight, or whom have a hypoxic event are at risk for developing adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Currently, the timing of MRI is variable at Townsville University and Cairns Hospital’s Neonatal Units, with the infant often being at an age for which anaesthesia is required to undergo an MRI. This project aims to enable neonatal MRI (at term-equivalent age) for infants identified as high risk based, which is safer, less costly, and provides additional information for early personalized treatment plans in comparison to a later MRI (>4 months) - similar to the changes at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital.