Investigating the influence of dog ownership on human health

Investigating the influence of dog ownership on human health University of Sydney, School of Public Health Two PhD scholarships are available for suitably qualified candidates from human health-related or veterinary disciplines. The aim of the broader research project is to investigate the effects of dog ownership on cardiometabolic health, psychological health and mental wellbeing, social connections, and health-related behaviours such as physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. ELIGIBILITY: Potential applicants must be highly motivated and have an Honours degree (or evidence of equivalent research experience) on disciplines such as Public Health, Physical Activity and Exercise Science, Veterinary/Animal Science/Bioveterinary Science, Psychology, Education, Epidemiology/Statistics. A passion for understanding the role of dogs in people's health is essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills are also required as the research may involve data collection in domestic settings, dog rescue shelters, and other dog welfare organizations. Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens*. These Scholarships are only eligible to candidates who are eligible for an APA scholarship (or a University of Sydney Postgraduate Award, or equivalent) as their primary source of stipend. Successful candidates will be based at Charles Perkins Centre of the University of Sydney (http://sydney.edu.au/perkins) and Sydney School of Public Health (http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/public-health), and will be active members of the Dog Ownership and Human Health project node (http://sydney.edu.au/perkins/research/current-research/dog-ownership-and-human-health.shtml). Although not necessary, successful candidates will have the opportunity to undertake free-of-charge any of the Sydney School of Public Health Masters coursework units that are approved by their supervisors as relevant to the PhD studies, up to a maximum of 12 credit points.AMOUNT AWARDED: Top-up funding is available in the amount of $8,000 per annum to a postgraduate student who has successfully obtained an Australian Postgraduate Award. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress."APPLICATION GUIDE: Further information can be obtained from Associate Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney NSW 2006  E-mail:   emmanuel.stamatakis@sydney.edu.auPhone: 02 8627 1867 Applications should be sent direct to Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis at the above address and should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae up to 5 pages, a copy of an academic transcript, and the names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be able to comment on research-related skills and potential. In the covering letter candidates are encouraged to why they think they are suitable for this PhD project. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed within 10 workings days from applications closure.View this listing on the PhDSeek.com website at http://www.phdseek.com/phds/1346, « Back to latest PhD listingsLocationUniversity of Sydney, School of Public http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/by-degree/phd-scholarships/investigating-the-influence-of-dog-ownership-on-human-health-20160328/,

PhD Scholarship: Clinical trial of low viscosity soluble fibre diet in reducing gastroparesis symptoms

PhD Scholarship: Clinical trial of low viscosity soluble fibre diet in reducing gastroparesis symptoms University of Western Sydney, School of Medicine Western Sydney University's Gastrointestinal Motility Unit is headed by Dr Vincent Ho, Clinical Academic Gastroenterologist and Director of the Gastroenterology Research Team. Dr Ho leads a team of doctors, academics, clinical researchers and administrative specialists dedicated to better understand the cause of GI motility disorders through both laboratory-testing and clinical research. Our laboratory is located within the School of Medicine, supported jointly by the Sydney South West Local Health District (SSWLHD).Gastroparesis is a chronic gastric motility disorder characterised by delayed gastric emptying. There are an estimated 125,000 gastroparesis sufferers in Australia. The majority of diagnosed gastroparesis are idiopathic (underlying cause is not known), with the secondly most likely cause attributing to diabetes. Up to 30% to 50% of adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience chronic gastroparesis. Symptoms include early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. There is no cure for gastroparesis; the goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms. Treatment focuses on dietary modifications, control of blood glucose in patients with diabetes, and use of prokinetic and antimetic agents either alone or in combination. The general approach to nutritional therapy for patients with gastroparesis focuses on reducing meal size, as well as reducing fibre and fat intake to help control symptoms. Dietary fibres become viscous when mixed with water and can further decrease the ability to clear indigestible fibre from the stomach of gastroparetic patients. Although the avoidance of high fibre foods is recommended, what is not known is the type of fibre and the quantity of fibre that should be withheld. Dietary fibres, especially soluble fibres, are physiologically important in attenuating postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, and lowering serum cholesterol levels. This may be clinically important because attenuated postprandial blood glucose levels are linked to increased rate of gastro emptying in diabetes. Another approach which has been used in patients with diabetic gastroparesis is a small particle diet which has been shown to improve symptoms as compared to the typical diabetic diet. However, all of these approaches have been largely based on clinical experience as experimental evidence to support these interventions is lacking.This aim of this study is to determine the rheological properties of different soluble fibre in simulated gastric conditions and investigate the effects of soluble fibre intake on symptoms in patients with gastroparesis. Our hypothesis is that a diet of low concentration, low molecular weight and molecularly complex soluble fibres can reduce symptoms of gastroparesis. From this study, we sought to provide evidence for dietary modification helpful for patients with gastroparesis.The scholarship is funded in partnership with Western Sydney University, School of Medicine and Rotary Club of Devonport.What does the scholarship provide?A tax-fee stipend of $29,000 per annum for three and a half years.A funded place in the degree.Successful applicants will be required to address Rotary groups on occasion over the term of the scholarship, in particular the Rotary Club of Devonport. These functions will be arranged at mutually accepted times, and travel expenses will be covered by Australian Rotary Health. CriteriaApplicants must be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or New Zealand citizen, and not be under bond to any foreign government. Evidence of citizenship (citizenship certificate, birth certificate, and passport) or residential status must accompany this application.Applicant's receiving additional stipend funding, such as an APA or NHMRC scholarship, are not eligible to apply. If you have not yet received confirmation of additional funding, you may still apply for this scholarship, but must notify Australian Rotary Health immediately if an offer is made, in which case your application will be withdrawn.How to applyApplicants should discuss their eligibility and research interests with Dr Vincent Ho (v.ho@westernsydney.edu.au) or Dr Jerry Zhou (j.zhou@westernsydney.edu.au) prior to applying.Ensure that you include all of the required information as incomplete applications may not be considered.Additional information can be viewed hereView this listing on the PhDSeek.com website at http://www.phdseek.com/phds/1345, « Back to latest PhD listingsLocationUniversity of Western Sydney, School of http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/by-degree/phd-scholarships/phd-scholarship-clinical-trial-of-low-viscosity-soluble-fibre-diet-in-reducing-gastroparesis-symptoms-20160327/,

MSc by Research in Leadership & Management – MSc by Research Studentship

MSc by Research in Leadership & Management – MSc by Research Studentship Cranfield University - School of ManagementSalary: Not specified, Application Deadline: 15th August 2016 Start Date: 26th September 2016 Eligibility: UK, http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/international-students-scholarships/msc-by-research-in-leadership-management-msc-by-research-studentship-70-20160524/,

MSc by Research in Leadership & Management – MSc by Research Studentship

MSc by Research in Leadership & Management – MSc by Research Studentship Cranfield University - School of ManagementSalary: Not specified, Application Deadline: 15th August 2016 Start Date: 26th September 2016 Eligibility: UK, http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/international-students-scholarships/msc-by-research-in-leadership-management-msc-by-research-studentship-69-20160524/,

Sussex Nigeria scholarships

Sussex Nigeria scholarships As part of a wider initiative to invest in excellence, the University of Sussex is pleased to offer scholarships to overseas fee paying students from Nigeria acknowledged to start an eligible Masters course in September 2016. The scholarship is worth £3,000 for applicants that meet the eligibility criteria and will be awarded as a fee cut upon registering at Sussex., As part of a wider initiative to invest in excellence, the University of Sussex is http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/by-degree/bachelor/sussex-nigeria-scholarships-20160324/,

Treatment outcomes in multiple sclerosis

Treatment outcomes in multiple sclerosis University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine Position Description Title: MSBase at Melbourne Brain Centre Postgraduate Research Scholarship Department: Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne Full-time PhD position commencing in 2016 Primary supervisor: Dr Tomas Kalincik Co-supervisor: Prof Helmut Butzkueven Contact: tomas.kalincik@unimelb.edu.au Research Scope Theme Modelling disease outcomes in multiple sclerosis    Synopsis Multiple sclerosis is the most common cause of neurological disability among young adults, with the peak of onset in 3-4th decades of life. Almost half of the patients with multiple sclerosis ultimately develop severe limitation of activities of daily living and independence, and less than half of the patients maintain employment. Immunomodulatory and immunosuppressant disease modifying therapies represent the standard of disease management in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. However management of progressive multiple sclerosis, prediction of disease outcomes and individually-tailored therapy still remain to be resolved. This postgraduate research scholarship will utilise a global observational cohort study and statistical modelling, including analysis of longitudinal data, propensity score-based methods and individual predictive analysis, to address the questions of (i) treatment and outcomes of progressive multiple sclerosis, (ii) early predictive markers of treatment response, and (iii) the outcomes of various management decisions and treatment pathways.   Outcomes and impact The research completed in the course of the candidature will inform clinical practice of multiple sclerosis management globally. It will further our understanding of predictors of treatment response and will enable individualised multiple sclerosis therapy. The student will develop knowledge observational clinical research, multivariable modelling, analysis of longitudinal data, neuroepidemiology and multiple sclerosis - disease and treatment outcomes.    Research Environment MSBase is a large, international, observational multiple sclerosis registry, collecting longitudinal clinical information from over 37,000 patients in 119 centres and 35 countries. It is a collaborative research initiative with a significant scientific output generated over the past five years. The Melbourne Brain Centre at Royal Melbourne Hospital is an internationally recognised centre for clinical multiple sclerosis research, including investigator-driven multiple sclerosis trials and observational studies. The centre has a particular interest in translational research in neurology. The Multiple Sclerosis Unit provides continuous care for more than 1100 patients. The MSBase at Melbourne Brain Centre Postgraduate Research Scholarship provides a research experience that incorporates training in translational multiple sclerosis research with a focus on neuroepidemiology, treatment outcomes and statistical methodology in a large longitudinal observational dataset. The candidate will have an excellent opportunity to develop their knowledge at a globally recognised facility and advance translational research in multiple sclerosis. Selection Criteria Undergraduate education in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics or epidemiologyFirst Class Honours in a discipline relevant to the Research ScopeCompetitive academic track recordStrong interest in academic researchCapacity to work independently as a part of a research group Funding The MSBase at Melbourne Brain Centre Postgraduate Research Scholarship is equivalent to APA rate (AU$ 26,288 per annum with the possibility of extending further six months). A waiver of the tuition fees will be considered for a competitive international candidate.Applications Interested applicants should contact Dr Kalincik with their CV, transcript of tertiary records and a cover letter explaining their interest in the topic and addressing the selection criteria. View this listing on the PhDSeek.com website at http://www.phdseek.com/phds/1344, « Back to latest PhD listingsLocationUniversity of Melbourne, Department of http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/by-degree/phd-scholarships/treatment-outcomes-in-multiple-sclerosis-20160322/,

MSc by Research in Leadership & Management – MSc by Research Studentship

MSc by Research in Leadership & Management – MSc by Research Studentship Cranfield University - School of ManagementSalary: Not specified, Application Deadline: 15th August 2016 Start Date: 26th September 2016 Eligibility: UK, http://www.ischolarshipgrants.com/international-students-scholarships/msc-by-research-in-leadership-management-msc-by-research-studentship-68-20160524/,