Research outputs 2014 to 2021
Images from series: Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Fifth graders’ use of gesture and models when translanguaging during a content and language integrated science class in Hong Kong

Translanguaging in science includes the use of semiotic repertoires complete with non-linguistic modes of meaning (e.g. gesture, tactile) that until recently have gone unnoticed in research into content language integrated learning (CLIL). Currently, there are calls for classroom research in CLIL settings that examines the semiotic processes in the spontaneous translanguaging of emergent bilinguals. In response, this study aims to expand bilingualism research by investigating the ways in which fifth-grade emergent bilinguals’ draw from their semiotic repertoires when translanguaging in content-based science lessons. Multimodal transcriptions made from video recordings of the lessons allow a cross-case analysis of the emergent bilinguals’ shifts from oral to gestural or tactile modes during a biology and physics unit. Findings illustrate that emergent bilinguals use non-linguistic modes to aid their science discourse in four distinct ways: replacement, support, demonstration and imitation. For instance, gestural and tactile meanings replace unknown everyday words and science language during demonstrations. A fine-grained analysis of the semiotic units shows that tactile moves, gesticulations, pantomime and imitation each play a role in the semiotic processes involved when translanguaging in a content-based science class. They allow the expression of ideas, the mediation of language and the unaided flow of discourse.

https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/7900

Carbon and nitrogen stocks and burial rates in intertidal vegetated habitats of a mesotidal coastal lagoon

Coastal vegetated ecosystems such as saltmarshes and seagrasses are important sinks of organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN), with large global and local variability, driven by the confluence of many physical and ecological factors. Here we show that sedimentary OC and TN stocks of intertidal saltmarsh (Sporobolus maritimus) and seagrass (Zostera noltei) habitats increased between two- and fourfold along a decreasing flow velocity gradient in Ria Formosa lagoon (south Portugal). A similar twofold increase was also observed for OC and TN burial rates of S. maritimus and of almost one order of magnitude for Z. noltei. Stable isotope mixing models identify allochthonous particulate organic matter as the main source to the sedimentary pools in both habitats (39–68%). This is the second estimate of OC stocks and the first of OC burial rates in Z. noltei, a small, fast-growing species that is widely distributed in Europe (41,000 ha) and which area is presently expanding (8600 ha in 2000s). Its wide range of OC stocks (29–99 Mg ha−1) and burial rates (15–122 g m2 y−1) observed in Ria Formosa highlight the importance of investigating the drivers of such variability to develop global blue carbon models. The TN stocks (7–11 Mg ha−1) and burial rates (2–4 g m−2 y−1) of Z. noltei were generally higher than seagrasses elsewhere. The OC and TN stocks (29–101 and 3–11 Mg ha−1, respectively) and burial rates (19–39 and 3–5 g m−2 y−1) in S. maritimus saltmarshes are generally lower than those located in estuaries subjected to larger accumulation of terrestrial organic matter.

https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/10404

Heat exposure effect on Ghanaian mining workers: A mediated-moderation approach

The lack of empirical evidence on the effect of heat exposure on the health and safety, productivity, psychological behaviour and social well-being outcomes of small- and large-scale mining workers in Africa has derailed concrete policy directions and interventions. An explanatory cross-sectional survey involving 320 small- and large-scale mining workers was used to assess this research gap. A path analysis was used to model health and safety, productivity, psychological behaviour and social well-being as a function of heat exposure, mediated and moderated by adaptation strategies and barriers, while controlling for age, gender, level of education, years of working experience and workplace environment. Significant direct adverse effects of heat exposure on mining workers' health and safety, productivity and psychological behaviour outcomes were found. Using a pick-a-point approach, significant difference was found in simple slopes (SS) for heat exposure on adaptation strategies at medium level of barriers and a trend toward significance at the high level of barriers. Except for health and safety outcomes, there were significant conditional indirect effects of heat exposure on the performance outcomes at the medium and high levels of barriers to adaptation strategies. However, there was no evidence of mediated-moderation for heat exposure and health and safety, productivity, psychological behaviour and social well-being outcomes. We have provided empirical evidence to establish heat exposure effect on key performance outcomes of mining workers to initiate and guide the formulation of heat exposure management policies.

https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/10329

Construct validity and invariance assessment of the social impacts of occupational heat stress scale (SIOHSS) among Ghanaian mining workers

Heat exposure studies over the last decade have shown little attention in assessing and reporting the psychometric properties of the various scales used to measure impacts of occupational heat stress on workers. A descriptive cross-sectional survey including 320 small- and large-scale mining workers was employed to assess the construct validity of the social impacts of occupational heat stress scale (SIOHSS) in the Western Region of Ghana in 2017. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and invariance analysis were carried out using AMOS version 25 and statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) version 26 to examine the model fit and establish consistency correspondingly across multiple groups (gender, age, working hours, type of mining and workplace setting). Empirically, our results depicted that effects on health and safety, behavioural, productivity and social well-being were each found to be reliable, with Cronbach's α of 0.722, 0.807, 0.852 and 0.900 respectively. Though there were issues of insufficient discriminant validity as some average variance extract (AVE) were smaller than the corresponding maximum shared variance (MSV), the CFA showed good model fit indices (CFI = 0.856, GFI = 0.890, TLI = 0.863, SRMR = 0.08, RMSEA = 0.08). Also, the model was variant for all constrained aspects of the structural model indicating a requirement for an adaptation of the instrument across groups. The good to moderate internal consistency and construct validity of the SIOHSS is adequate evidence for the confidence required for its reliability and accuracy in measuring the social impacts of occupational heat stress on workers.

A photo-elicitation study of the meanings of a cultural heritage site experience: A means-end chain approach

Historical heritage sites are often reminded of some events, which are sensitive to visitors, thus challenging to manage. Understanding the meanings visitors ascribed to these heritage sites helps tackling this challenge. Through the process of photo-elicitation (i.e. visitor-employed photography technique) and implementing a means-end chain (MEC) approach, the meanings visitors ascribed to Sa’dabad cultural heritage site in Iran were investigated. The meanings that visitors assigned to this site were revealed in five primary clusters of meanings, including: (1) aesthetics (2) identity (3) nostalgia (4) luxury and splendour, and (5) despotism and power. The results showed that heritage sites and visitors as a complex whole should be understood based on what meanings the visitors, as a key stakeholder, ascribe to on-site resources. Findings of this study could serve as a key basis for understanding visitor on-site heritage experience for the study site as well as other cultural sites.

Blue carbon stocks, accumulation rates, and associated spatial variability in Brazilian mangroves

We assessed the influence of the intertidal and salinity gradients and mangrove forest structure on C stocks and sequestration rates in mangrove soils of an estuarine system in Todos os Santos Bay, Eastern Brazil. The accumulation rates of organic C (Corg) during the last century varied between and within estuarine zones, ranging from 65 to 1073 g Corg m−2 yr−1. The mean stocks of Corg and N for the top 1 m soils were 263 ± 14 Mg Corg ha−1 and 11.8 ± 0.4 Mg N ha−1, respectively. We found a less variable distribution pattern on Corg and N stocks throughout the salinity gradient than along the intertidal gradient, being significantly higher at the fringe mangroves than at the interior forest. We estimated that Brazil, one of the major reservoirs of mangroves (~ 10%) on the planet, has 207 ± 34 Tg Corg in the upper meter of soils, which represents 3–8% of the C stored in mangrove soils globally. Given that Brazil is a Blue Carbon hotspot, it is emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of better mangrove conservation practices and a comprehensive evaluation of their value in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for reducing CO2 emissions.

An empirical study on rainfall patterns of monsoon season in the north-west India using time series models

Rainfall is an important natural source of water, which is the most essential component of living organisms. The study of rainfall modeling and forecasting are critically important for an agrarian based country like India. Whereas, the fluctuations of economy and security of food depends on the timely availability of rainfall. The current study adopts time series modeling schemes to model the rainfall pattern of the Southwest monsoon using data from 1901 to 2015 in the North-West India. The univariate time series multiplicative SARIMA models were implemented for forecasting. The diagnostic checks showed that the seasonal model SARIMA (1, 0, 1) × (1, 1, 1)[4], with AIC score of 4373.97, fits the series well, and realistic forecasts were obtained. The accuracy level of each model is computed by various performance measures. The identified SARIMA model was found to be an appropriate tool for forecasting of the Southwest monsoon rainfall patterns.

Intern to employee conversion via person–organization fit

Purpose

Internships are utilized globally to recruit graduate employees. However, there is a limited understanding of the process by which interns convert into regular employees, particularly in non-Western research contexts. Integrating attraction–selection–attrition (ASA) theory and proactive career behaviors, this study identifies the mechanisms influencing interns' intentions to convert into regular employment in host organizations in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach

Time lagged, questionnaire data were collected from 669 final-year undergraduate business and economics students who participated in internship programs in a large metropolitan city in Vietnam.
Findings

The results indicate that the interns who exhibit proactive career behaviors are more likely to foster high-quality reciprocal relationships with their supervisors and work colleagues during internships. These positive relations magnify interns' intentions to become regular employees via their perceived person–organization fit.
Practical implications

This study has implications for higher education institutions and host organizations when designing internship programs to maximize employment outcomes via conversion of interns into regular employees.
Originality/value

Previous studies have not tested the critical aspect of ASA theory regarding the personalities of the interns when building work-related relationships that result in the person–organization fit before accepting job offers from host organizations.

Psychosocial adaptation and mental health of young people living in the context of a COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada. Descriptive and preliminary data

On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Soon after, the first studies began documenting the impacts of the pandemic on children’s adaptation in Europe and Asia. In Quebec, Canada, few published studies, to date, report on the adaptation of children living in the context of a pandemic. This studies’ objectives are to: (a) describe the level of exposure to the pandemic; (b) present a portrait of the psychosocial adaptation and the mental health of children aged 6 to 17; (c) assess whether the experience of the pandemic influences their adaptation; and (d) evaluate whether children with mental health vulnerabilities are doing worse than those without such vulnerabilities in this particular life context. Statistical analyses reveal that the majority of children do not present difficulties in terms of overall adaptation in the context of the pandemic (65.8%). During confinement, boys present more attentional difficulties and aggressive behaviors than girls. Furthermore, the advancing age of children is positively associated with the presence of withdrawal/depression symptoms. Children who are more knowledgeable about the pandemic have more internalized behaviors. Finally, children who had mental health vulnerabilities prior to the pandemic present more difficulties in overall coping during the pandemic than other youth. Although the results are consistent with other studies and reveal that youth can cope adequately, the fact remains that some children are experiencing difficulties that need to be addressed.

World-ready: A journalism capstone unit model with international focus in a pandemic and post-pandemic landscape

In assessing the literature to date, in the field of journalism capstone units, there is an absence of research on the potential of Australian journalism capstone units that help cultivate journalism students’ international networks through new media platforms. I argue that there is a need for an Australian journalism capstone unit that focuses on a global vision for post-programme work opportunities in a radically changed and digitally driven global landscape, which does not rely on physical travel. This is especially pertinent for students in the Australian communications network, which has a legacy tradition of insularity that is cultivated by geographical isolation. This factor has also become more pertinent in the wake of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Systemic risk contagion within US states

This study aims to examine the systemic risk contagion in banks from 15 US states using extreme shocks in their distance to risk.
Design/methodology/approach

The authors contemplate a model that inputs co-exceedances in the base US states’ banking sector as the dependent variable and the co-exceedances in other states’ banking sector (along with other underlying variables of a banking system) as the explanatory variables.
Findings

The authors find smaller states transmit and receive more systemic shocks than their larger counterparts and larger states exhibit a better shock-resisting capacity than their smaller counterparts. The authors also find that bigger shocks are more contagious than the smaller shocks.
Originality/value

This will be the first paper that will investigate the inner linkage of US states’ banking network using three different distance to risk methods, thus providing timely guidance for regulators.

Night patrols

On one level, motor vehicles might represent the possibility of unfettered freedom, escape (from government authority) and autonomy through providing work and leisure opportunities. On another level, in remote places, ‘hybridised’ and ‘Indigenised’ vehicles have been appropriated to speak to economic and cultural realities of everyday life. This chapter considers how night patrols may articulate expressions of decoloniality by enhancing Aboriginal social capital or what we refer to here as ‘collective efficacy’. It draws upon a subset of the findings from an evaluation of Indigenous Youth Programs in New South Wales to examine the effectiveness of night patrols operating in nine communities across the state. While the patrols were universally endorsed by the communities they served, some services were functioning at a high level while others had experienced periods of dysfunction and inactivity. The factors that impede effective service provision for night patrols in some communities were compared with other communities where services were functioning well. The chapter argues that night patrols can build and harness collective efficacy providing more than mere community policing functions.

Occupational science in Australia

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to define occupational science, identify key concepts within occupational science, and describe the history of occupational science in Australia. The chapter also aims to identify the contribution of Australian occupational scientists and describe the relationship between occupational science and occupational therapy.

Breaking the silence: Insights into the lived experiences of WA Aboriginal/LGBTIQ+ people: Community summary report 2021

The ‘Breaking the Silence’ research project is one of the first to focus on the unique experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ+ people living in Western Australia. Research focusing on the intersection of Indigeneity and gender/sexual diversity is severely lacking in Australia. This is the first survey to comprehensively capture the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ+ Western Australians. Previously, major research pertaining to LGBTIQ+ Australians rarely just focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander same sex attracted or gender variant individuals (Bonson, 2017; Dudgeon, et. al., 2017; Growing Up Queer, 2014; Hill, et. al., 2021; Uink, et. al., 2020; Whitton, et. al, 2015).

This summary report presents the key findings of a state-wide survey completed by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, living in Western Australia and identifying as LGBTIQ+. Findings about discrimination, homophobia and the ways in which participants are included and accepted within their own families and the wider community are presented.

The report also provides a focus on the positive aspects of participants’ lives; including how they experience pride and inclusion and a sense of belonging to their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or LGBTIQ+ communities.

This summary report has important information for organisations that provide health and social support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who identify as LGBTIQ+, including the extent to which diverse health, social and emotional wellbeing; education and community services meet the needs of participants.This report also includes a section describing how the findings from the community compare and contrast with those of workers in a range of health, social support and education services from the first phase of the study. (See: “Breaking the Silence: Insights from WA Services Working with Aboriginal/ LGBTIQ+ People,”).

"I wouldn't wish this on anyone": The Augusta Margaret River housing crisis

The tourism town of Margaret River is in a severe housing crisis that has been brewing for several years and is exacerbated by the pandemic. This is due to very low availability of rentals in Augusta-Margaret River (AMR), with a residential vacancies rate of 0.2%, and increasing unaffordability of housing. The housing crisis is occurring alongside a worker shortage in industries such as hospitality and agriculture. On 28 March 2021, the WA Government’s moratorium on evictions and a ban on rent increases will expire. The impacts on local families and the local economy are profound. Many local workers and families in AMR are facing eviction due to the end of their lease or sale of their rental, and/or rent increases, and they are struggling to find a rental property. Homelessness and housing stress have worsened in AMR and urgent action is required.

The influence of the government on corporate environmental reporting in China: An authoritarian capitalism perspective

This study uses panel data to investigate the different roles of the Chinese government in influencing companies’ decision making about corporate environmental reporting (CER) via a two-stage process. The results show that the Chinese government appears to mainly influence the decision whether to disclose or not, but has limited influence on how much firms disclose. The results also show that the traditional model of authoritarian capitalism (under which state-owned enterprises [SOEs] are the major governance arrangement) is transforming into a new model. In the new model of authoritarian capitalism, the Chinese government uses newer, more sophisticated tools to manage both state-owned and non–state-owned companies. In addition, these new governance arrangements appear to be more efficient than the traditional model. The findings of this study have implications for both the Chinese government and for Chinese companies, as well as making important contributions to the literature and knowledge of CER in China.

Psychological pre‐sentence evaluations for sentencing young offenders in Australia

Objective:
Drawing upon extant Australian and International literature we sought to identify the skills and knowledge psychologists require to competently evaluate Australian young offenders for sentencing. We also sought to identify the key ethical and methodological issues that Australian psychologists should be aware of before commencing a forensic evaluation of a young offender.

Method:
Using search terms“expert witness, pre-sentence report, forensic mental health assessment, Forensic Mental HealthAssessment, forensic assessment, methodology, forensic model, and sentencing juveniles”we searched for peer reviewed articles published between the years 2000–2018 on the PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and ProQuest data bases.

Results:
Drawing upon available literature we identified the knowledge and skills required for evaluations and the ethical standards available to help guide the evaluation. Due to the lack of Australian research in this area, we had to rely on international literature regarding recommended evaluation methods.There is no clear statement on what the psychology profession in Australia believes is an appropriate evaluation methodology and what content is required in a pre-sentence report. There is no specific data clarifying what Australian judicial officers find helpful in pre-sentence reports.

Conclusions:
Our article highlights the need for further research into Australian evaluation methodology for pre-sentence reports, and the need for professional standards and guidelines specific to Australian jurisdictions.

ACT cannabis laws come into effect on Friday, but they may not be what you hoped for

“The pay is not worth it but it is excellent PD”: Australian teachers’ perspectives on doing large-scale marking

Anecdotally, teachers take up opportunities to mark large-scale assessments because they are told by colleagues that it is 'good PD'. Assertions about the value of marking are passed along with little question. However, research into the benefits of participating as a marker in large-scale marking has not been conducted in the Australian context. This paper reports the results of an online survey of Australian teachers (N=43) about their participation in large-scale marking in order to examine whether the research that has been conducted internationally is likely to be generalisable to Australia. The responses to the survey are described and then compared with four main areas of benefit identified in the literature. It found that Australian teachers' views of large-scale marking are similar to those of their international colleagues, and that teachers report a broad and varied range of benefits. Additionally, it was found that survey respondents identified a range of costs and drawbacks of marking that have not been reported in the literature, but that in spite of these the respondents would still recommend the experience to other teachers.

Seagrass losses since mid‐20th century fuelled CO2 emissions from soil carbon stocks

Seagrass meadows store globally significant organic carbon (Corg) stocks which, if disturbed, can lead to CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change. Eutrophication and thermal stress continue to be a major cause of seagrass decline worldwide, but the associated CO2 emissions remain poorly understood. This study presents comprehensive estimates of seagrass soil Corg erosion following eutrophication‐driven seagrass loss in Cockburn Sound (23 km2 between 1960s and 1990s) and identifies the main drivers. We estimate that shallow seagrass meadows ( < 5 m depth) had significantly higher Corg stocks in 50 cm thick soils (4.5 ± 0.7 kg Corg/m2) than previously vegetated counterparts (0.5 ± 0.1 kg Corg/m2). In deeper areas ( > 5 m), however, soil Corg stocks in seagrass and bare but previously vegetated areas were not significantly different (2.6 ± 0.3 and 3.0 ± 0.6 kg Corg/m2, respectively). The soil Corg sequestration capacity prevailed in shallow and deep vegetated areas (55 ± 11 and 21 ± 7 g Corg m−2 year−1, respectively), but was lost in bare areas. We identified that seagrass canopy loss alone does not necessarily drive changes in soil Corg but, when combined with high hydrodynamic energy, significant erosion occurred. Our estimates point at ~0.20 m/s as the critical shear velocity threshold causing soil Corg erosion. We estimate, from field studies and satellite imagery, that soil Corg erosion (within the top 50 cm) following seagrass loss likely resulted in cumulative emissions of 0.06–0.14 Tg CO2‐eq over the last 40 years in Cockburn Sound. We estimated that indirect impacts (i.e. eutrophication, thermal stress and light stress) causing the loss of ~161,150 ha of seagrasses in Australia, likely resulted in the release of 11–21 Tg CO2‐eq since the 1950s, increasing cumulative CO2 emissions from land‐use change in Australia by 1.1%–2.3% per annum. The patterns described serve as a baseline to estimate potential CO2 emissions following disturbance of seagrass meadows.

SARS-CoV-2 updates in a West African population and precautionary measures for sustaining quality antenatal care delivery

Mus musculus populations in Western Australia lack VKORC1 mutations conferring resistance to first generation anticoagulant rodenticides: Implications for conservation and biosecurity

Background

Humans routinely attempt to manage pest rodent populations with anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). We require information on resistance to ARs within rodent populations to have effective eradication programs that minimise exposure in non-target species. Mutations to the VKORC1 gene have been shown to confer resistance in rodents with high proportions of resistance in mice found in all European populations tested. We screened mutations in Mus musculus within Western Australia, by sampling populations from the capital city (Perth) and a remote island (Browse Island). These are the first Australian mouse populations screened for resistance using this method. Additionally, the mitochondrial D-loop of house mice was sequenced to explore population genetic structure, identify the origin of Western Australian mice, and to elucidate whether resistance was linked to certain haplotypes.

Results

No resistance-related VKORC1 mutations were detected in either house mouse population. A genetic introgression in the intronic sequence of the VKORC1 gene of Browse Island house mouse was detected which is thought to have originated through hybridisation with the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus). Analysis of the mitochondrial D-loop reported two haplotypes in the house mouse population of Perth, and two haplotypes in the population of Browse Island.

Conclusions Both house mouse populations exhibited no genetic resistance to ARs, in spite of free use of ARs in Western Australia. Therefore weaker anticoagulant rodenticides can be employed in pest control and eradication attempts, which will result in reduced negative impacts on non-target species. Biosecurity measures must be in place to avoid introduction of resistant house mice, and new house mouse subspecies to Western Australia.

Beyond the authentic taste: The tourist experience at a food museum restaurant

This study investigates the factors influencing food experiences perceived by food tourists in the context of a food museum and its associated restaurant. A qualitative exploratory approach was employed, using Chinese tourists visiting Hangzhou Cuisine Museum in Zhejiang province. This research finds that food tourists look for knowledge accumulation and gastronomic experiences when visiting a food museum and restaurant complex, and each experience is formed by both tourist and setting factors. The findings highlight the significant and more complex engagement of setting factors in the museum restaurants. The institutionalised characteristics of museums are equally expected within the in-house restaurants, and social trust in the museum along with external factors that verify authentic representation of the museum contributed to the perceived authenticity of the food tourist's dining experience. This paper discusses broad implications for food experience design at food museums and restaurants as emerging tourism attractions.

Trumpet playing in musical theatre: Shedding light on the pit

Improving data management and decision support systems in agriculture

This collection reviews and summarises the wealth of research on key challenges in developing better data management and decision support systems (DSS) for farmers and examples of how those systems are being deployed to optimise efficiency in crop and livestock production. Part 1 reviews general issues underpinning effective decision support systems (DSS) such as data access, standards, tagging and security. Part 2 contains case studies of the practical application of data management and DSS in areas such as crop planting, nutrition and use of rotations, livestock feed and pasture management as well as optimising supply chains for fresh produce. With its distinguished editor and international team of authors, Improving data management and decision support systems in agriculture will be a standard reference for researchers in agriculture and computer science interested in improving data management, modelling and decision support systems in farming, as well as government and other agencies supporting the use of precision farming techniques, and companies supplying decision support services to the farming sector.

Community impact of an Australian Aboriginal art centre

This case study looks at the Wirnda Barna Art Centre, a social enterprise promoting community arts with an Aboriginal community in Western Australia. This is an important study as in many countries, as well as Australia, there is little external funding available for community projects. In economically developed countries the continuation of the austerity budget often means reduced funding for community development-related activities. Therefore, the role of social enterprises, non-profit organisations and self-funding initiatives may increase over time.

The main focus of the study explores:

The impact and value of working with a Social Capital model

Issue around developing a financially self-sustaining operation

The importance of having a clear plan linked to a monitoring and evaluation process

Learning from both intended and unintended outcomes and outputs

The stress on staff working in a project where the required financial support is in doubt

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Does family control affect the capital structure of listed companies in major Southeast Asian sectors?

The effects of family ownership on capital structure decisions of listed companies in Southeast Asia

Plans to Pedagogy Activity Report 2019: What impact does ‘innovative’ furniture have on student engagement and teacher practices?

Phase One of this project, conducted during the 2019 academic year, used an A-B-A withdrawal design to rotate (terms 2, 3 and 4) the furniture in five primary school classrooms1 from ‘innovative’ to ‘traditional’ furniture arrangements2. Three-weekly repeated measures were taken across the year of (1) student perceptions of their cognitive and behavioural engagement, (2) teacher actions in these classrooms, and (3) photographs by students of their preferred furniture, with annotations explaining this preference. Once-a-term measures included (4) teachers completing a Teacher Mind Frames survey, and (5) teachers participating in a structured interview with the researchers...

Clostridium difficile in Asia: opportunities for one health management

Clostridium difficile is a ubiquitous spore-forming bacterium which causes toxin-mediated diarrhoea and colitis in people whose gut microflora has been depleted by antimicrobial use, so it is a predominantly healthcare-associated disease. However, there are many One Health implications to C. difficile, given high colonisation rates in food production animals, contamination of outdoor environments by use of contaminated animal manure, increasing incidence of community-associated C. difficile infection (CDI), and demonstration of clonal groups of C. difficile shared between human clinical cases and food animals. In Asia, the epidemiology of CDI is not well understood given poor testing practices in many countries. The growing middle-class populations of Asia are presenting increasing demands for meat, thus production farming, particularly of pigs, chicken and cattle, is rapidly expanding in Asian countries. Few reports on C. difficile colonisation among production animals in Asia exist, but those that do show high prevalence rates, and possible importation of European strains of C. difficile like ribotype 078. This review summarises our current understanding of the One Health aspects of the epidemiology of CDI in Asia.

Predominant complications of type 2 diabetes in Kumasi: A 4-year retrospective cross-sectional study at a teaching hospital in Ghana

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) has been associated with several microvascular and macrovascular complications. However, studies regarding the predominant complications of T2DM in Ghana have not been conducted. This study evaluated the prevalence and predominant complications of T2DM and assessed the sociodemographic factors associated with the development of diabetes-related complications in Kumasi, Ghana. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 1600 Ghanaian T2DM adults were included in this study. Patients’ clinical data from 2012 to 2016 were retrieved from the hospital’s archive. Results: The prevalence of macrovascular and microvascular complications of T2DM was 31.8% and 35.3% respectively. The prevalence of neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, sexual dysfunction, diabetic keto-acidosis (DKA), and hypoglycemia were 20.8%, 12.5%, 6.5%, 3.8%, 2.0%, and 0.8% respectively. Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with the male gender compared to females. Being employed: Informal (aOR = 0.479, p < 0.0001), and Formal (aOR = 0.475, p = 0.0008) was associated with lower age- and sex-adjusted odds of developing T2DM-related complications while having T2DM for 5–10 years (aOR = 1.550, p = 0.0009) and more than 10 years (aOR = 2.755, p < 0.0001) was associated with increased odds of developing complications. Conclusions: Microvascular complication is the most predominant among T2DM in Kumasi, Ghana. The most prevalent T2DM-related microvascular complication in Kumasi, Ghana is neuropathy. Sexual dysfunction is associated with male compared to female T2DM patients. Being employed reduces the chance of developing T2DM-related complications while increasing DM duration increases the risk of complications.

Canadian children from food insecure households experience low self-esteem and self-efficacy for healthy lifestyle choices

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to: (i) determine whether there are differences in self-esteem and self-efficacy for healthy lifestyle choices between children living in food secure and food insecure households; and (ii) determine whether the association between household food insecurity (HFI), self-esteem and self-efficacy differs by gender. Survey responses of 5281 fifth-grade students (10 and 11 years of age) participating in the Canadian Children's Lifestyle and School Performance Study II were analyzed using logistic and linear regression. HFI status was determined by the six-item short-form Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM). Students from food insecure households had significantly higher odds of low self-esteem, and significantly lower scores for global self-efficacy to make healthy choices, compared to students from food secure households. These associations were stronger for girls than for boys and appeared independent of parental educational attainment. Household income appeared to be the essential underlying determinant of the associations of food insecurity with self-esteem and self-efficacy. Upstream social policies such as improving the household income of low-income residents will reduce food insecurity and potentially improve self-esteem and self-efficacy for healthy choices among children. This may improve health and learning, and in the long term, job opportunities and household earnings.

The self-reported factors that influence Australian physiotherapists' choice to promote non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions

OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors that influence physiotherapists' choice to promote non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

DESIGN: Cross sectional survey.

METHODS: A national, online self report survey was targeted at Australian registered physiotherapists primarily treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions in private practice and outpatient settings. Likert scale questions were used to measure the factors influencing non-treatment physical activity promotion by physiotherapists.

RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen full responses were received. Most (56.6%) respondents irregularly promoted non-treatment physical activity, whereas 43.4% always promoted non-treatment physical activity. Promotion of non-treatment physical activity was bivariately associated with respondents' own physical activity level (x

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of surveyed Australian physiotherapists irregularly promoted non-treatment physical activity. Lack of knowledge of how to promote non-treatment physical activity, prioritising other patient problems before non-treatment physical activity promotion and using promotion methods that are not compatible with current practice might reduce non-treatment physical activity promotion frequency by physiotherapists.

Prevalence and safety of acamprosate use in pregnant alcohol-dependent women in New South Wales, Australia

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of exposure to acamprosate in pregnancy in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to compare the maternal health of women exposed to acamprosate during pregnancy with non-exposed women, and to compare neonatal outcomes in neonates exposed to acamprosate in utero with non-exposed neonates.

DESIGN: A population-based retrospective cohort study, comparing maternal and neonatal health outcomes in women exposed to acamprosate during pregnancy with women with a recent history of problematic alcohol use (alcohol comparison group), and women from the general community (community comparison group) using state-wide linked health data.

SETTING: New South Wales, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: The study included women treated with acamprosate for more than 30 days during pregnancy between 2003 and 2012 (n = 54) and two matched comparison groups (1 : 3); an alcohol comparison group (n = 162) and a community comparison group (n = 162).

MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of acamprosate exposure was calculated per 100 000 pregnancies. Three primary measures of maternal and neonatal health were used: maternal hospital admissions, birth weight and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

FINDINGS: Exposure to acamprosate occurred in 7.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.0-9.7] in every 100 000 pregnancies. Rates of hospital admissions during pregnancy and 42 days post-partum in acamprosate-treated women were not significantly different from women in the community comparison group [adjusted rate ratio (RR) = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.65-1.11], but were significantly lower compared with the alcohol comparison group (adjusted RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.00-1.60). Acamprosate-exposed neonates were not significantly different from the alcohol comparison group or the community comparison group in terms of birth weight or proportion of small-for-gestational-age neonates or incidence of congenital abnormalities (including FAS).

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of acamprosate use in pregnancy in New South Wales, Australia is low. Acamprosate exposure in utero is not clearly associated with poor maternal or neonatal health outcomes.

Bacteriology and clinical outcomes of patients with culture-positive pleural infection in Western Australia: A 6-year analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pleural infection is a clinical challenge; its microbiology can be complex. Epidemiological and outcome data of pleural infection in adult Australians are lacking. We describe the bacteriology and clinical outcomes of Australian adults with culture-positive pleural infection (CPPI) over a 6-year period.

METHODS: Cases with CPPI were identified through Western Australian public hospitals electronic record. Culture isolates, admission dates, vital status, co-morbidities, radiology, blood and pleural fluid tests were extracted.

RESULTS: In total, 601 cases (71.4% males; median age: 63 years (IQR: 50-74); median hospital stay 13 days) involving 894 bacterial isolates were identified. Hospital-acquired (HA)-CPPI was defined in 398 (66.2%) cases, community-acquired (CA)-CPPI in 164 (27.3%) cases and the remaining classified as oesophageal rupture/leak. Co-morbidities, most frequently cancer, were common (65.2%). Radiological evidence of pneumonia was present in only 43.8% of CA-CPPI and 27.3% of HA-CPPI. Of the 153 different bacterial strains cultured, Streptococcus species (32.9%) especially viridans streptococci group were most common in CA-CPPI, whereas HA-CPPI was most often associated with Staphylococcus aureus (11.6%) and Gram-negative (31.9%) infections. Mortality was high during hospitalization (CA-CPPI 13.4% vs HA-CPPI 16.6%; P = 0.417) and at 1 year (CA-CPPI 32.4% vs HA-CPPI 45.5%; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION: This is the first large multicentre epidemiological study of pleural infection in Australian adults and includes the largest cohort of HA-CPPI published to date. CPPI is caused by a diverse range of organisms which vary between CA and HA sources. CPPI is a poor prognostic indicator both in the short term and in the subsequent 12 months.

Seagrass soil archives reveal centennial-scale metal smelter contamination while acting as natural filters

The upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia hosts the world's largest single stream Pb-Zn smelter, which has caused environmental and health issues related to elevated metal concentrations in the surrounding environment. The area also has extensive seagrass meadows, occupying >4000 km2. We reconstructed the fluxes of heavy metals over the last ~3000 years through a multi-parameter study of the soil archives formed by the seagrass Posidonia australis. Pb, Zn and Cd concentrations increased up to 9-fold following the onset of smelter operations in the 1880s, and the stable Pb isotopic signatures confirmed the smelter has been the main source of lead pollution in the seagrass soils until present. Preliminary estimates suggest that over the past 15 years seagrass meadows within 70 km2 of the smelter accumulated ~7–15% of the smelter emissions in their soils. Here we demonstrate that seagrass meadows act as pollution filters and sinks while their soils provide a record of environmental conditions, allowing baseline conditions to be identified and revealing the time-course of environmental change.

Utilising a multi‐item questionnaire to assess household food security in Australia

Issue addressed: Currently, two food sufficiency questions are utilised as a proxy measure of national food security status in Australia. These questions do not capture all dimensions of food security and have been attributed to underreporting of the problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate food security using the short form of the US Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) within an Australian context; and explore the relationship between food security status and multiple socio-demographic variables.

Methods: Two online surveys were completed by 2334 Australian participants from November 2014 to February 2015. Surveys contained the short form of the HFSSM and twelve socio-demographic questions. Cross-tabulations chi-square tests and amultinomial logistic regression model were employed to analyse the survey data.

Results: Food security status of the respondents was classified accordingly: High or Marginal (74%, n = 1495), Low (20%, n = 460) or Very Low (16%, n = 379). Significant independent predictors of food security were age (P < .001), marital status (P = .005), household income (P < .001) and education (P < .001).

Conclusion: Findings suggest food insecurity is an important issue across Australia and that certain groups, regardless of income, are particularly vulnerable.

Implications for health promotion: Government policy and health promotion interventions that specifically target "at risk" groups may assist to more effectively address the problem. Additionally, the use of a multi-item measure is worth considering as a national indicator of food security in Australia.

Climate change and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of mining workers: Perspectives of supervisors and other stakeholders in Ghana

Increasing air temperatures as a result of climate change are worsening the impact of heat exposure on working populations, including mining workers, who are at risk of suffering heat-related illnesses, injury and death. However, inadequate awareness of climate change-related occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies have been shown to render occupational heat stress management ineffective. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to assess the perceptions of climate change and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of mining workers among supervisory personnel and other stakeholders in Ghana. Questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit data from 19 respondents. Data were processed and interpreted using descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and thematic analysis. Supervisors’ climate change risks perception was adequate, and their concern about workplace heat exposure risks was moderate. Mining workers’ occupational heat stress risks experiences were linked to heat-related illness and minor injuries. Mining workers’ adaptation strategies included water intake, use of cooling mechanisms, work-break practices, and clothing use. The related differences in job experience in the distribution of climate change risk perception and occupational heat stress risk experiences, and the difference in educational attainment in the distribution of adaptation strategies of occupational heat stress were significant (p < 0.05). Hence, an effective workplace heat management policy requires adequate understanding of occupational heat stress risks and adaptation policies and continued education and training for mining workers.

Perceptions of climate change and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of mining workers in Ghana

Heavy physical workload for long hours coupled with increasing workplace heat exposure due to rising temperatures stemming from climate change, especially where there are inadequate prevention and control policies, adversely affect workers' health and safety, productive capacity and social well-being. However, variations in workers' concerns and awareness of occupational heat stress and climate change risks impede the effectiveness of heat stress management. A mixed method approach was used to assess climate change perceptions and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of Ghanaian mining workers. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect data from 320 respondents. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for data analysis. Workers' climate change risk perception, as confirmed by trends in climate data, was reasonable, but concerns about climate change effects and workplace heat exposure risks varied significantly across types of mining activity (p < 0.001). Workers experienced heat-related morbidities, but the variation in heat-related morbidity experiences across the type of mining activity was not significant. However, the type of heat-related morbidities experienced by workers differed across the type of mining activity (p < 0.001). Workers' awareness of occupational heat stress prevention and control was adequate. The disparities in workers' awareness and use of the prevention and control measures significantly differed across the type of mining activity (p < 0.001). Occupational heat stress prevention activities should focus on workers, and a concerted effort must be made to promote workers' adaptive capacity and inform policy decisions.

High throughput profiling of whole plasma N-glycans in type II diabetes mellitus patients and healthy individuals: A perspective from a Ghanaian population

Aberrant protein glycosylation may reflect changes in cell metabolism of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and offers fresh vistas for discovering potential biomarkers. However, the functional significance of T2DM N-glycan alterations is underexplored, since to date, N-glycan profiling studies have been performed in selected populations. Geographically and genetically isolated populations are needed for validation of specific biomarkers. This age-sex matched cross sectional study comprising 232 T2DM patients and 219 controls was conducted in Ghana, Western Africa. Blood plasma samples were collected for clinical assessment after which plasma N-glycans were freed and analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). High branching (HB) [W = 46328; q = 0.00072], tri-galactosylated (G3) [W = 44076; q = 0.00096], antennary fucosylated (FUC_A) [W = 43055; q = 0.0000763], and triantennary (TRIA) [W = 44624; q = 0.0025], N-glycan structures were increased in T2DM whereas low branching (LB) [W = 46328; q = 0.00072], non-sialylated (S0) [W = 46929; q = 0.00292], monogalactosylation (G1) [W = 44091; q = 0.0000763], core fucosylation (FUC_C), [W = 46497; q = 0.00096], biantennary galactosylation (A2G) [W = 45663; q = 0.000763], and biantennary (BA) [W = 46376; q = 0.00072], structures were decreased compared to controls. Nine N-glycan peaks (GPs (GP1, GP4, GP7, GP11, GP17, GP19, GP22, GP26, GP29)) were found to predict case status based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) model selection. Adjusting for age, sex and other co-variates in this model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 80.5% with sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 73%, indicating the predicting power of N-glycans as robust biomarkers. Our results show that hyperglycemia influences N-glycan complexities among Ghanaians. N-glycan profiling in distinct populations has affirmed the potentiality of N-glycan profiles as generic biomarkers which may facilitate better prognosis for T2DM.

A case-control genome wide association study of substance use disorder (SUD) identifies novel variants on chromosome 7p14.1 in patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Genome wide association studies (GWASs) have provided insights into the molecular basis of the disorder in different population. This study presents the first GWAS of substance use disorder (SUD) in patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to identify genetic association(s) that may provide insights into the molecular basis of the disorder. The GWAS discovery cohort consisted of 512 (250 cases and 262 controls) male participants from the UAE. Controls with no prior history of SUD were available from the Emirates family registry. The replication cohort consisted of 520 (415 cases and 105 controls) Australian male Caucasian participants. The GWAS discovery samples were genotyped for 4.6 million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The replication cohort was genotyped using TaqMan assay. The GWAS association analysis identified three potential SNPs rs118129027 (p-value = 6.24 × 10

Executives' excess compensation, legitimacy, and environmental information disclosure in Chinese heavily polluting companies: The moderating role of media pressure

This study examines whether executives justify their excess compensation through environmental information disclosure using a sample of listed companies in China's heavily polluting industries from 2010 to 2014. We find that executives' excess compensation is positively related to the quality of environmental information disclosure. The above relationship is significant in cases with strong demand for compensation justification (i.e., state‐owned enterprises and firms where an internal compensation gap is salient), indicating that executives manipulate environmental information disclosure about their companies according to their purposes. We also find that media pressure weakens the above relationship. A further test affirms a differential influence of media pressure in settings that involve public or private ownership, development of markets, and low or high product market competition. This study reveals a self‐serving motive of executives for environmental information disclosure. The findings of this study have practical implications for regulators, shareholders, and managers.

Extraordinary or ordinary? Food tourism motivations of Japanese domestic noodle tourists

This study investigated food tourist's motivations, using an inductive phenomenological approach. Participants for the study were selected among food tourists who were at least partially motivated to visit specific locations associated with food tasting and/or experiencing the attributes of specialist food production regions. The paper is informed by 26 interviews which were conducted with respondents from the Mizusawa udon village in Japan. The findings indicate that the key motives of Japanese food tourists travelling to the Mizusawa udon village included: media exposure; enhanced awareness; reminiscence and memories; imagined sensory appeal; textural seduction; heritage; authenticity of cooking methods and foodways; and escapism, prestige and self-enhancement. Based on these findings, a range of recommendations are proposed.

Contemporary Chinese dance: the interweaving of tradition and modernity

This paper examines the motivations and characteristics embodied in Chinese contemporary dance in the context of modernization and globalization. The question discussed here is: if the intention of Chinese contemporary dance is to represent the lived experience of people today, why do Chinese dance practitioners argue that there is a difference in core values between Chinese and Western interpretations of contemporary dance? Is there an artificial division between modern and contemporary dance in China to intentionally maintain cultural distinctiveness? Unlike the discarding and overthrowing of the classical tradition that is taken up in Western modern dance, Chinese choreographers do not take up rebellion as the only principle, but they attempt to maintain the connection between tradition and modernity. There is evidence to suggest that hybridity is at play across Chinese classical dance, Chinese modern dance and Chinese contemporary dance.

Can Islamophobia in the media serve Islamic state propaganda: The Australian case, 2014-2015?

A few years ago, in my interviews with young Australian Muslims, I found that the participants were critical of the practices of the conventional media when it reported on the topic of Islam or Muslims. In recent years, my newspaper research has shown that the rhetoric of the “Muslim Other” has become more frequent. In this chapter, through thematic critical discourse analysis and content analysis of selected print media, I examine whether the print media is Islamophobic and if its sensationalist representation of Muslim news can serve Islamic State propaganda. I conclude that media stereotypes can further marginalize vulnerable Muslim youth and that can make them susceptible to radicalization.

Understanding visitor expectations for responsible tourism in an iconic national park: Differences between local and international visitors

A survey on expectations for responsible tourism was administered to 201 visitors to the iconic Kruger National Park, comprising 55% South African nationals and 45% international tourists. Using Likert-scale questions, respondents were invited to indicate the level of importance they attached to 38 aspects of responsible tourism. Space was also provided for open comments. Conservation of biodiversity and geological features were rated very highly by both groups while aspects related to the local community, though considered important overall, were ranked lowest overall, with international tourists rating this category as more important than South Africans. Aspects related to traffic and access were rated to be more important by South Africans, probably because they mostly self-drive while international visitors rely more on organised game drives. Visual and aesthetic features of camps, as well as energy, water and waste management were all considered very important by all respondents, with members of both groups making further suggestions for improvement. This suggests that visitors are supportive of low environmental impact tourism in the Kruger National Park. In light of the strategic goal of South African National Parks to increase visitor numbers, it will be important that this goal is achieved without compromising sound environmental performance.

Political connections and strategic choices of emerging market firms: Case study of Russia’s pharmaceutical industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of political connections in the emerging market context.

Design/methodology/approach – A case study analysis of three Russian pharmaceutical firms is conducted to uncover how they performed through the Russian transition – the institutional upheaval of the 1990s – and the ongoing state-led industrialization.

Findings – In the early years of transition, firms heavily rely on political networking to gain legitimacy and fill institutional voids. As institutions strengthen, the need for political networking is being substituted by arm’s length networking. Strengthening of institutions also results in a more stable business environment, evolving firms’ strategies from short-term core competency concentration to long-term innovative visions.

Research limitations/implications – Firms operating in the Russian, Commonwealth of Independent States and some other Eastern European state domains must be wary of complex ties that are prevalent in these countries and often can assist or hinder firm performance. Although formal institutions strengthen arm’s length networks, a close cooperation between strategic firms and the state remains.

Originality/value – The paper proposes two phases of the Russian transition and provides a taxonomy of strategic choices of Russian firms during the transition. Further, the paper describes the key institutional developments in the two phases of the Russian transition. Finally, a framework of political connections and their role in business operations in the two phases of the transition is provided.

Association between preseason training and performance in elite Australian football

Purpose: To examine the association between preseason training variables and subsequent in-season performance in an elite Australian football team.

Methods: Data from 41 elite male Australian footballers (mean [SD] age = 23.4 [3.1] y, height =188.4 [7.1] cm, and mass = 86.7 [7.9] kg) were collected from 1 Australian Football League (AFL) club. Preseason training data (external load, internal load, fitness testing, and session participation) were collected across the 17-wk preseason phase (6 and 11 wk post-Christmas). Champion Data© Player Rank (CDPR), coaches’ ratings, and round 1 selection were used as in-season performance measures. CDPR and coaches’ ratings were examined over the entire season, first half of the season, and the first 4 games. Both Pearson and partial (controlling for AFL age) correlations were calculated to assess if any associations existed between preseason training variables and in-season performance measures. A median split was also employed to differentiate between higher- and lower-performing players for each performance measure.

Results: Preseason training activities appeared to have almost no association with performance measured across the entire season and the first half of the season. However, many preseason training variables were significantly linked with performance measured across the first 4 games. Preseason training variables that were measured post-Christmas were the most strongly associated with in-season performance measures. Specifically, total on-field session rating of perceived exertion post-Christmas, a measurement of internal load, displayed the greatest association with performance.

Conclusion: Late preseason training (especially on-field match-specific training) is associated with better performance in the early season.

Newborn care practices of mothers in Arab societies: implication for infant welfare

INTRODUCTION: There are at least 22 Arab league states and sections in Northern Africa, southwestern Asia, and Europe that incorporate the vast Middle Eastern culture. The purpose of this study was to identify the cultural variations in newborn care practices, self-management of common illnesses, and their potential impact on infant welfare.

METHOD: A qualitative design using a focus group approach with 37 Arab mothers in Jordan was used.

RESULTS: Findings revealed strong similarities in terms of beliefs, care practices, and the experience of intergenerational conflict in establishing and maintaining traditional practices among mothers. Potentially harmful practices included restrictive swaddling, rubbing a newborn's body with salt, and encouraging the ingestion of herbs in newborns.

DISCUSSION: It is important for nurses and midwives to be aware of traditional practices, cultural beliefs, and the implications for infant welfare if they are to effectively engage with families to promote the well-being of the newborn.

An insight into waste management in Australia with a focus on land fill technology and liner leak detection

It is critical for landfilling facilities to follow proper waste handling and management practices. These include the use of suitable lining systems for waste containment, and the implementation of efficient leakage monitoring and detection systems. In this paper, an attempt has been made to present the current state of landfilling in Australia with a focus on the lining practices and leak detection methods. An extensive study was conducted involving different private and public waste handling and management facilities in all the states and territories of Australia. Based on the survey and the information available in the public domain, it was observed that different landfill sites practiced non-uniform set of directives for waste classification, siting, design, operation and rehabilitation. Majority of the facilities were found to be publicly owned. The use of groundwater monitoring wells for leakage detection was more prevalent than other leak detection methods. Further, a new method of leak detection by the simulation of landfill lining system, which is being developed and investigated in our research, is also presented. This study is particularly useful in generating awareness about the state of landfilling and will help various environmental protection agencies in making informed decisions for the development of rules and regulations to govern landfills. The new leak detection method as developed in our research can find applications in the development of monitoring systems for landfill liners, subbase contamination detection, and development of sensors.

Short-term effect of ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2) on cause-specific cardiovascular hospital admission in Beijing, China: A time series study

Evidence of the short-term effect of SO2 on hospital admissions for cause-specific cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is still limited. This study aimed to examine the short-term associations between SO2 and cause-specific CVD hospital admission in Beijing. A total of 460,938 hospitalizations for total CVD were obtained from electronic hospitalization summary reports from 2013 to 2017. A time series analysis was conducted to investigate the association between SO2 exposure and hospitalizations for total and cause-specific CVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF). Stratified analysis was also conducted by age group (18–64 years and ≥65 years), sex and season. A generalized additive quasi-Poisson model was used to examine the associations between SO2 and cause-specific CVD after controlling for seasonality, day of the week, public holidays, and weather conditions. We found an almost linear relationship between the exposure to SO2 and cause-specific CVD admissions. A 10 μg/m3 increase in the two-day average concentration (lag0-1) of SO2 was associated with an increase of 1.38% (95% CI:0.99%; 1.77%) in hospital admission for total CVD, 1.58% (95% CI: 1.16%; 2%) for CHD and 1.69% (95% CI:0.41%; 2.99%) for AF. Nevertheless, a statistically significant association was not observed for admissions for HF. The observed associations in the single-pollutant models were robust to the inclusion of pollutants in the two-pollutant model, but the estimate was attenuated when adjusting for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). No difference in the association was observed for the effect modifiers of sex, season and age. A statistically significant association between hospitalizations and SO2 was observed. The observed association between SO2 and hospitalization might not be independent of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and further studies should be conducted to demonstrate the independent effect of SO2.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among HIV-1 infected ART-naïve individuals in Kumasi, Ghana

The study assessed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection paradigm among the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Also, the immunological and virological characterisation of these viruses, prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was investigated.
Method

A total of 400 HIV infected (HIV type-1) treatment naïve subjects ≥18 years were enrolled and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Hepatitis B virus serological profile was performed on samples that were HBV positive. CD4+ T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA viral loads were determined using BD FacsCalibur analyzer (USA) and COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Analyzer (USA) respectively.
Results

The overall prevalence of HBV/HCV co-infection among the HIV-1 patients was 18.0%. The prevalence of HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV co-infections were 12.5% and 5.5% respectively. The prevalence of active viral hepatitis (HBeAg-positive) among HIV-HBV co-infected patients was 40%. None of the patients had anti-HBc IgM. HIV-HBV co-infection was associated with lower CD4+ T-cell count as well as higher HIV-1 viral load compared to both HIV mono- infection and HIV-HCV co- infection (pp = 0.035], male gender [aOR = 2.74(1.15–6.51); p = 0.023], primary education [aOR = 9.60(1.21–76.08); p = 0.032], secondary education [aOR = 14.67(1.82–118.08); p = 0.012] and being single [aOR = 2.88(1.12–7.39); p = 0.028] were independent risk factors of HIV-HBV co-infections but not HIV-HCV co-infections.
Conclusion

The present study highlights the predominance of HBV exposure among the HIV infected patients in Ghana. HBV coinfection was associated with severe immunosuppression and higher HIV-1 viral load.

Exploring the reasons why university students prefer print over digital texts: An Australian perspective

This paper presents findings from an Australian survey that provides an analysis of the reasons why university students prefer to read print or digital course materials. This survey was undertaken as part of the Academic Reading Format International Study (ARFIS), which is investigating print versus digital reading preferences in 31 countries (Mizrachi et al., 2018). A total of 582 students completed the survey with 471 students providing comments. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the comments from the survey. The comments provided in this survey provide rich data on the reasons why students prefer reading in print or electronic formats, an area of importance due to the increasing prevalence of digital only collections in university libraries. Based on comments, students preferred print due to reasons such as accessibility, eyestrain, tactile features, better focus and ability to highlight and take notes. Although students prefer print, they acknowledge the convenience and cheaper costs of e-texts. Students who were e-preferring were influenced by issues such as cost, environment and convenience. In light of library collections prioritising digital content, tertiary institutions and libraries should carefully consider the role that print textbooks and collections, as well as printing services, may play in supporting student learning.

Historical records of mercury deposition in dated sediment cores reveal the impacts of the legacy and present-day human activities in Todos os Santos Bay, Northeast Brazil

We determined depth profiles of total mercury (T-Hg) in six 210Pb-dated sediment cores from Todos os Santos Bay to reconstruct the history of anthropogenic Hg accumulation. We also assessed superficial sediments samples from five estuaries. T-Hg concentrations (5–3500 μg kg−1) presented a large spatial and temporal variability. T-Hg concentrations in Ribeira Bay increased up to 200-fold along time, whereas the fluxes of T-Hg are substantially higher (up to 10,000 fold) than present-day wet deposition for industrialized areas. Sedimentary records indicate that a chlor-alkali plant has been the main source of Hg pollution until the present, although the T-Hg records suggest that harbor, shrimp farming, and oil refinery activities, besides Hg atmospheric depositions, are important across the bay. Sediments in the Ribeira Bay act as an important Hg sink. If sediments are eroded or disturbed, they may release Hg, thus posing a serious risk to wildlife and ecosystem health.

Socioeconomic correlates of overweight and obesity among ever-married urban women in Bangladesh

The escalating prevalence of overweight and obesity globally is reflected amongst urban women in many low-to-middle income countries. Evidence also shows that overweight and obesity is an increasing trend in Bangladesh. The present study assessed the prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of overweight and obesity among urban women in Bangladesh.
Methods

Data were extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2014. A two-stage stratified sampling technique has been used for data collection in this cross-sectional survey. A sample of 1701 ever-married non-pregnant urban women aged 15–49 years was selected for statistical analysis. Descriptive analysis, multiple binomial logistic regression analysis were executed in this study.
Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 34% (95% CI, 0.30–0.38) among urban Bangladeshi women. The probability of being overweight and obese increased with increasing age and wealth index. The likelihood of being overweight and obese among the oldest women surveyed (40–49 years) was 4.3 times (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 2.1–8.8) higher relative to the youngest women (15–19 years). The wealthiest women had 4.1 times (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.5–6.7) higher likelihood of being overweight and obese compared to the reference group of poorest women. Women having higher education (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0–2.6) were more likely to be overweight and obese. However, women who were no longer living with their husband or separated from their husband were (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8) less likely to be overweight and obese.
Conclusion

This study provides evidence that a large number of urban women were overweight and obese in Bangladesh. Women having higher levels of education, being older and belonging in both poorer and richest wealth quintile were at risk of being overweight and obese. Appropriate health promoting interventions based on these factors should be envisaged to reduce this problem.

Last mile delivery to the bottom of the pyramid in Brazilian slums

The purpose of this paper is to explore last mile delivery (LMD) to the bottom of the pyramid in Brazilian slums, its challenges and how practitioners overcome them. Urban logistics in precarious circumstances is central to the conceptualization.
Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, grounded theory methodology is developed, gathering data from companies delivering to slums in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Field notes, documents and interviews led to conceptual categories for LMD to slums.
Findings

The study indicates that while some standard urban logistics practices can be effective for LMD to slums, such unusual contexts often call for unusual solutions. A model is developed using grounded theory categorization, resulting in five dimensions for LMD to slums: employing locally, giving back, acknowledging criminals, vehicle and location.
Research limitations/implications

The model is a qualitative proposition representing LMD to slums in two major Brazilian cities. Even though slums in different cities/countries may face similar conditions, additional studies are needed to confirm and replicate the model.
Practical implications

Companies that successfully engage in LMD to slums must adapt and develop idiosyncratic practices.
Social implications

LMD to slums enables a larger portion of bottom of the pyramid consumers to access a wider range of products and work opportunities, contributing to their social inclusion.
Originality/value

The study provides an understanding of LMD in a new context. The model encourages companies to question their current practices, learning from effective LMD experiences implemented by successful practitioners.

Understanding the complex work of Aboriginal education workers in schools

The work of Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs) in Australian schools is complex and multifaceted, and yet it is often misunderstood, or worse, devalued. Added to this, the conditions of employment for many AEWs is often insecure, with minimal pay, few opportunities for career progression or meaningful professional development. Despite this there continues to be, as there have been for decades, research findings, policies and reports attesting to the invaluable role of AEWs in schools and communities. The theoretical standpoint of Nakata's (2007) ‘cultural interface’ is used in this paper to critically (re) examine the role of AEWs in Australian schools. Drawing from relevant past and contemporary literature, this paper draws attention to past and contemporary theorising and policy concerning the roles of AEWs. It asserts that if the work of AEWs is to be better understood and valued then it must be reconsidered in a more transformative way that benefits both the students and schools which they support.

Psychological reports for sentencing juveniles in Australian courts

Psychological reports for use in court must be relevant to the legal issues in dispute, meet professional standards, and reflect evidence-based practice. Using the Delphi method, a high degree of consensus was found among Australian experts in the methodology and knowledge required for conducting forensic mental health assessment (FMHAs) and the content needed in pre-sentence reports. Consensus was absent in two areas, if a pre-sentence report should always include a risk-assessment; and the need for a model to guide the FMHA. Without a model it is difficult for practitioners to justify their decision-making process, and judicial officers have no mechanism to determine if the work provided to the court is of an acceptable standard. Future research should focus on developing a model for presentence reports that includes a decision-making process and minimum standards. Researchers also need to determine judicial officers' views on the helpfulness of presentence reports.

The spatio-temporal analysis of the incidence of tuberculosis and the associated factors in mainland China, 2009-2015

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is still one of the most infectious diseases in China. This study aimed to explore the spatio-temporal distribution of TB and the associated factors in mainland China from 2009 to 2015.

METHODS: A Bayesian spatio-temporal model was utilized to analyse the correlation of socio-economic, healthcare, demographic and meteorological factors with the population level number of TB.

RESULTS: The Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis showed that for the population level number of TB, the estimated parameters of the ratio of males to females, the number of beds in medical institutions, the population density, the proportion of the population that is rural, the amount of precipitation, the largest wind speed and the sunshine duration were 0.556, 0.197, 0.199, 29.03,0.1958, 0.0854 and 0.2117, respectively, demonstrating positive associations. However, health personnel, per capita annual gross domestic product, minimum temperature and humidity indicated negative associations, and the corresponding parameters were -0.050, -0.095, -0.0022 and -0.0070, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic, number of health personnel, demographic and meteorological factors could affect the case notification number of TB to different degrees and in different directions.

Survival of esophageal cancer in China: A pooled analysis on hospital-based studies from 2000 to 2018

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) causes more than 400 thousand deaths per year, and half of them occur in China. There are discrepancies regarding the survival of EC patients between population-based surveillance studies and hospital-based studies.

Objectives: We aimed to synthesize the survival data from hospital-based EC studies in the Chinese population from 2000 to 2018 and to compare the survival rates between EC patients with different clinical classifications.

Methods: The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD-42019121559). We searched Embase, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases for studies published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2018. We calculated the pooled survival rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by Stata software (V14.0).

Results: Our literature search identified 933 studies, of which 331 studies with 79,777 EC patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta-analyses. The pooled survival rates were 74.1% (95% CI: 72.6–75.7%) for 1-year survival, 49.0% (95% CI: 44.2–53.8%) for 2-years survival, 46.0% (95% CI: 42.6–49.5%) for 3-years survival, and 40.1% (95% CI: 33.7–46.4%) for 5-years survival. An increased tendency toward EC survival was verified from 2000 to 2018. In addition, discrepancies were observed between EC patients with different clinical classifications (e.g., stages, histologic types, and cancer sites).

Conclusions: Our findings showed a higher survival rate in hospital-based studies than population-based surveillance studies. Although this hospital-based study is subject to potential representability and publication bias, it offers insight into the prognosis of patients with EC in China.

Forty years of China tourism research: Reflections and prospects

This editorial paper provides some contextual knowledge for readers to have a better understanding of the issues covered in the special issue articles. A brief review of the evolution of tourism research in China was provided first, followed by some discussions of pertinent issues like research grants, journal publications, researcher generational shift, and overseas researchers’ involvement in China tourism studies. This paper also briefs on some critical issues and challenges facing China tourism research and introduces the articles included in the special issue.

Ungrievable lives: Australian print media portrayals of Palestinian casualties during the Gaza War of 2014

In July‐August 2014, Israel launched a military operation, Protective Edge, in which approximately 2200 Palestinians were killed and over 11,000 injured, the majority of them civilians. These casualties resulted in increased interest in the region by the Australian news media. Using framing theory, we analysed 75 news articles published by two Australian mainstream newspapers, The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald (The SMH), in order to determine how these Palestinian casualties were portrayed. Our findings show that the conflict frame was dominant in the newspapers’ representations of the Palestinian casualties and that their voices were infrequently incorporated alongside those of officials and medics. Israeli actions were justified in relation to Palestinian casualties through the reliance on Israeli voices and pro-Israel sources, while Palestinian casualties were occasionally individualised. In other words, the Palestinian casualties were portrayed by both newspapers as regrettable yet nonetheless necessary for Israel’s existence and right of defence.

Climate change, migration and human rights in Bangladesh: Perspectives on governance

Bangladesh experiences some of the most severe impacts of climate change, with impacts already evident in the coastal regions. Recent data shows that around 32% of the coastal communities in Bangladesh are affected by climate‐induced hazards each year. In 2011, 64% among them were displaced locally and 27% were displaced to other locations in Bangladesh. It requires comprehensive and viable polices and planning to meet the challenges of managing a large number of displaced people. In this context, this paper reviews and investigates the effectiveness of current governance frameworks to address migration of affected communities. It argues that migration can be an effective way to cope with environmental shocks. Finally, it discusses policy imperatives for effective protection of people displaced by climate risks with a special reference to adopting a human rights‐based approach in law and policy making for climate‐induced migration.

Offline versus online travel experience sharing: The national profile of China

Purpose: This study aims to examine the demographic differences of Chinese nationals’ travel experience sharing through different offline and online platforms.

Design/methodology/approach: Cross-tabulation analysis was applied on a national sample of 6081 respondents in China.

Findings: The study found that Chinese women tend to share travel experience more often than Chinese men; old people in China tend to use the face-to-face approach more than online or social media to share their travel experience. About 66.5 per cent of the survey sample used WeChat Moments to share their travel experience, highlighting WeChat as the dominating social media platform in China for travel sharing. In general, people who share via online platforms (WeChat, Weibo, QQ Space) tend to be young, single or unmarried, well-educated and earning a high monthly income.

Originality/value: The study offers an in-depth understanding of travel experience sharing idiosyncrasies in China.

Cetacean sightings within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Here, we report cetacean sightings made within a major oceanic accumulation zone for plastics, often referred to as the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ (GPGP). These cetacean records occurred in October 2016 and were made by sensors and trained observers aboard a Hercules C-130 aircraft surveying the GPGP at 400 m height and 140 knots speed. Four sperm whales (including a mother and calf pair), three beaked whales, two baleen whales, and at least five other cetaceans were observed. Many surface drifting plastics were also detected, including fishing nets, ropes, floats and fragmented debris. Some of these objects were close to the sighted mammals, posing entanglement and ingestion risks to animals using the GPGP as a migration corridor or core habitat. Our study demonstrates the potential exposure of several cetacean species to the high levels of plastic pollution in the area. Further research is required to evaluate the potential effects of the GPGP on marine mammal populations inhabiting the North Pacific.

Cannabis teratology explains current patterns of Coloradan congenital defects: The contribution of increased cannabinoid exposure to rising teratological trends

Rising Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations in modern cannabis invites investigation of the teratological implications of prenatal cannabis exposure. Data from Colorado Responds to Children with Special Needs (CRCSN), National Survey of Drug Use and Health, and Drug Enforcement Agency was analyzed. Seven, 40, and 2 defects were rising, flat, and falling, respectively, and 10/12 summary indices rose. Atrial septal defect, spina bifida, microcephalus, Down’s syndrome, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus rose, and along with central nervous system, cardiovascular, genitourinary, respiratory, chromosomal, and musculoskeletal defects rose 5 to 37 times faster than the birth rate (3.3%) to generate an excess of 11 753 (22%) major anomalies. Cannabis was the only drug whose use grew from 2000 to 2014 while pain relievers, cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco did not. The correlation of cannabis use with major defects in 2014 (2019 dataset) was R = .77, P = .0011. Multiple cannabinoids were linked with summary measures of congenital anomalies and were robust to multivariate adjustment.

Acute effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease in Beijing, China: A time-series study

Air pollution and cardiovascular disease are increasing problems in China. However, the short-term association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not well documented. The purpose of this study is to estimate the short-term effects of PM2.5 on CVD admissions in Beijing, China.

Methods

In total, 460,938 electronic hospitalization summary reports for CVD between 2013 and 2017 were obtained. A generalized additive model using a quasi-Poisson distribution was used to investigate the association between exposure to PM2.5 and hospitalizations for total and cause-specific CVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF) after controlling for the season, the day of the week, public holidays, and weather conditions. A stratified analysis was also conducted for age (18–64 and ≥ 65 years), sex and season.

For every 10 μg/m3 increase in the PM2.5 concentration from the previous day to the current (lag 0–1) there was a significant increase in total CVD admissions (0.30, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.39%), with a strong association for older adults (aged ≥65 years), CHD (0.34, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.45%) and AF (0.29, 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.55%). However, the observed increased risk was not statistically significant for HF hospitalizations. The associations in the single-pollutant models were robust to the inclusion of other pollutants in a two-pollutant model. No differences were found after stratification by sex and season.

Conclusions

Exposure to PM2.5 increased the risk of hospitalizations from CVD, especially for CHD, and appeared to have more influence in the elderly. Precautions and protective measures and efforts to reduce exposure to PM2.5 should be strengthened, especially for the elderly.

Constituent year effect in masters sports: An empirical view on the historical development in US masters swimming

A participation-related constituent year effect, has been found to exist in masters sports in that relatively younger masters athletes (i.e., those in the first or second year of a 5-year age category) participate in competitions significantly more often than relatively older masters athletes (i.e., those in the fourth or fifth year of a 5-year age category). The main purpose of this study was to examine if the participation-related constituent year effect in US masters swimming always existed or if it has developed over time at different historical time periods. Using archived data, participation in the US Masters national short course swimming championships at each of the historical time periods in years 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2012 and 2016 were examined as a function of an individual’s constituent year within any 5-year age category and across gender and age. The results indicated the existence of a participation-related constituent year effect for each of the six time periods. In particular, a participation-related constituent year effect seemed to have existed from the inception of organized masters swimming competitions in the US but has developed more strongly over the years especially for males and older-aged masters swimmers. Generally, the tendency to participate at National swimming competitions during the first year of an age category was significantly more pronounced, whereas the tendency of participating during the fifth year of an age category was lower. Findings suggest that the 5-year age categories may not provide an equal competitive opportunity especially for relatively older athletes as for those who are relatively younger, but may encourage more strategic periodized training and participation.

From Model B to Micro:Bit – Teaching computer science

In the early 1980’s, the UK British Broadcasting Company (BBC), in partnership with the Acorn Computer company designed and released the BBC micro-computer. With a specific focus on the educational sector and accompanying television series, the BBC/Acorn introduced a (relatively) costeffective hardware platform that allowed schools to showcase computing technology. Furthermore, this device exposed students to the basic concepts of computing and specifically computer programming. Although the BBC Micro series was aimed at schools (with most schools in the UK adopting the platform for teaching purposes), it didn’t achieve mainstream appeal. Winding the clock forward to 2012 and the Raspberry Pi Foundation launched a revolutionary singleboard- computer (SBC), the size of a credit card, which facilitated a computer (and indeed a development platform) on every desk at minimal cost. Suddenly computer science was a topic of discussion at every curriculum-related meeting and the release of the Pi was followed by a plethora or products aimed at the education sector and the mainstream interest in hobby-computing rocketed to popularity. The BBC saw an opportunity and, working with industry partners launched the Micro:Bit SBC in 2015. The hardware is smaller than a Pi and was promoted directly to schools with a target to distribute one million kits to year 7 students (11/12 years old). With a strong focus on interactivity, inbuilt sensors and extensive connectivity, the board was designed to be easy to use, portable and flexible. Edith Cowan University (Perth, Western Australia) has been engaged in promoting computer science to primary and secondary schools within the region for a number of years. This paper examines the use of the Micro:Bit as a platform on which to teach computer science concepts to school children. The paper presents a number of activities that have been used in interactive sessions with teachers and students and documents the development and evaluation of the activities. Finally, this paper considers the potential of the platform for further activities and presents the next phase of a much larger project to develop kits of equipment and resources that will be made available to schools over the coming year.

Addressing STEM geek culture through peer learning

STEM is generally considered to be a male-dominated environment. The geek culture that often leads to social issues, and the gender imbalance that leads to fewer girls choosing a STEM subject, are becoming important topics of research. Peer learning has been widely used across the world to support retention and better grades with a more recent focus on adopting this approach to tackle issues around gender imbalance and perceived ‘laddish’ culture. Through peer learning, students are encouraged to work alongside their tutors, and to practice the critical soft skills that they will need as they move into the workplace. This paper explores the role of gender and geek culture, considering how students can break down the stereotypes while moving away from didactic approaches. The gender gap in STEM has narrowed, but women are still underrepresented. ‘Geek culture’ often creates a high-tech, androcentric environment. Policy makers have agreed that the geek culture needs to be researched and its impact identified. Social interactions and relations are the reflection of interpersonal values, and the peer norms may affect a students’ engagement and motivations in STEM subjects. The discussion will examine how peer learning can prepare students in Higher Education and offer insights into creating an environment in which students can become partners. Peer learning can represent a significant step in enabling students to become more engaged in their learning and is becoming an important element across institutions globally. There is a plethora of approaches to peer learning and it is encouraging to observe how students transform and mature by participating in the scheme. Evidence is accumulating that peer learning can enable students to become more confident and independent, enhancing not only their transition into Higher Education but also into industry. Peer learning can have a positive influence across the disciplines and supports students in achieving more than they might otherwise do. It can also examine, in an informal way, the gender issues, laddish and geek culture, and promote the sense of belongingness in STEM disciplines. This paper will inform readers about how peer learning can reconstruct the geek culture and transform it from self-centred to forming relationships and overcoming social issues. With regard to Higher Education specifically, we try to understand the different situational frames that are being generated by such cultures, how we can influence those stereotypes, and make them more acceptable and more inclusive.

Unlocking the Decibel ScorePlayer

This paper discusses recent developments in the Decibel ScorePlayer project, including the introduction of a canvas scoring mode, python ScorePlayer externals, and enhancements to the ScoreCreator application. Firstly, the canvas scoring mode of the Decibel ScorePlayer app allows for other applications, such as Max, to send drawing commands to the ScorePlayer via OSC. Several examples of implementations of generative and animated notation scores are discussed and evaluated. An object model has been developed allowing for the creation of hierarchies of drawn elements. The object model defines a framework of commands that can be used to create and control these objects, and supporting examples describe the way in which scores can be developed to take advantage of this new scoring mode. Secondly, a python scoreplayer - external library has been developed, defining two python classes: scorePlayerExternal that makes a connection to the iPad, opening a UDP listening socket and letting the iPad know which port to send its replies to, and scoreObject which is responsible for creating and drawing objects populated on the canvas display window of the Decibel ScorePlayer. It acts as a wrapper to the raw OSC commands so that programming can be done using object-oriented paradigms. Thirdly, the ScoreCreator, an application developed for Mac OSX for automating the process of making scores for the Decibel ScorePlayer, has been expanded allowing for the defining of a range of score types and functionalities.

Emerging research themes of food tourism in Asia: A cognitive mapping perspective

Using the process of cognitive mapping, this chapter layers, links and reflects upon the contributions of the preceding chapters to develop an aggregate cognitive of the emerging themes of food tourism research in Asia. This analysis represents the number of viewpoints of research narratives. First, changes in society is a symbol of the progress characterised by wealth creation, urban development, new social structures, cultural embodiment, mobility, education attainment and technology advancement. Second, film-induced food tourism is portrayed heavily in social media and film productions, as an embodiment and gaze of the destination culture and images with street food at heart. As society advances, food in Asia is caught up in modernity presented in the theme of regulation. History and culture dominates many of the narratives in this book. This chapter finally discovers the emerging theme of food tourism research in Asia that is engagement with tourism experience.

Are we all on course? A curriculum mapping comparison of three Australian university open-access enabling programs

The curricula in higher education not only provides guidance and direction for students, but aligns with industry standards to safeguard quality offerings in specific programs. While there has been increasing focus on the importance of the curriculum particularly for first year university students, very little is known about the curriculum and design principles that exist in open-access enabling programs in Australia. In the following paper, a comprehensive examination of the curriculum of three large open-access enabling programs is presented. The research team explored the curriculum design via a rigorous mapping exercise to establish potential principles to guide enabling curriculum design. In developing the curriculum-mapping tool for this research project, it became apparent that limited attention has been given to enabling curriculum design in the academic literature. Given increasing attention towards Australian enabling education, the findings of this study emphasise the importance of clarity between the intended and the enacted curriculum, such as in unit learning outcomes and program attributes.

The role of allopatric speciation and ancient origins of Bathynellidae (Crustacea) in the Pilbara (Western Australia): Two new genera from the De Grey River catchment

The stygofaunal family of Bathynellidae, is an excellent group to study the processes that shape diversity and distribution, since they have unknown surface or marine relatives, high level of endemism, and limited dispersal abilities. Recent research on Bathynellidae in Western Australia (Pilbara) has uncovered new taxa with unexpected distributions and phylogenetic relationships, but the biogeographical processes that drive their diversification on the continent are still unclear. By exploring the diversity, distribution, and divergence time of Bathynellidae in a setting such as the perched and isolated aquifers of the Cleaverville Formation in the north of the De Grey River catchment (Pilbara), we aim to test the hypothesis that vicariance has shaped the distribution of this family, specifically if one or multiple vicariant events were involved. We analysed the specimens collected from perched water in different plateaus of the Cleaverville Formation, combining morphological and molecular data from mitochondrial and nuclear genes. We described two new species and genera (Anguillanella callawaensis gen. et sp. nov. and Muccanella cundalinensis gen. et sp. nov.), and two additional taxa are recognised using morphology and/or Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery and Poisson Tree Processes species delimitation methods. New genera and species result restricted to isolate perched aquifers on single plateaus and their distributions, phylogenetic relationships, and divergence time estimates support multiple vicariant events and ancient allopatric speciation.

Australian vegetated coastal ecosystems as global hotspots for climate change mitigation

Policies aiming to preserve vegetated coastal ecosystems (VCE; tidal marshes, mangroves and seagrasses) to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions require national assessments of blue carbon resources. Here, we present organic carbon (C) storage in VCE across Australian climate regions and estimate potential annual CO2 emission benefits of VCE conservation and restoration. Australia contributes 5–11% of the C stored in VCE globally (70–185 Tg C in aboveground biomass, and 1,055–1,540 Tg C in the upper 1 m of soils). Potential CO2 emissions from current VCE losses are estimated at 2.1–3.1 Tg CO2-e yr-1, increasing annual CO2 emissions from land use change in Australia by 12–21%. This assessment, the most comprehensive for any nation to-date, demonstrates the potential of conservation and restoration of VCE to underpin national policy development for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Is your gig any good?” Analysing job quality in the Australian platform-based food-delivery sector

This qualitative industry case study evaluates job quality in the Australian platform-based food-delivery sector, one part of the growing gig economy where workers, as independent contractors, engage in digitally-enabled and controlled work that is remunerated on a piece rate basis. Using a multi-dimensional framework, we draw on worker accounts of economic security, autonomy and enjoyment to assess job quality. This study posits that to achieve a more refined picture of job quality, both objective and workers’ subjective understandings of work need to be understood in the context of their respective ‘fit’ in terms of individual circumstances, labour market alternatives and the broader socio-political context. This multi-level analysis problematises individual accounts that risk overemphasising the positive elements of platform-based work. Moreover, rather than sitting neatly in a Post- or Neo-Fordist extension of job quality, the findings reveal that the gig economy is a new juncture in capitalist production, the consequences of which need to be taken seriously by regulators, scholars, workers and other relevant stakeholders.

Introducing the first whole genomes of nationals from the United Arab Emirates

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) provides an in depth description of genome variation. In the era of large-scale population genome projects, the assembly of ethnic-specific genomes combined with mapping human reference genomes of underrepresented populations has improved the understanding of human diversity and disease associations. In this study, for the first time, whole genome sequences of two nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at >27X coverage are reported. The two Emirati individuals were predominantly of Central/South Asian ancestry. An in-house customized pipeline using BWA, Picard followed by the GATK tools to map the raw data from whole genome sequences of both individuals was used. A total of 3,994,521 variants (3,350,574 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 643,947 indels) were identified for the first individual, the UAE S001 sample. A similar number of variants, 4,031,580 (3,373,501 SNPs and 658,079 indels), were identified for UAE S002. Variants that are associated with diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol levels, and obesity were also identified in these individuals. These Whole Genome Sequences has provided a starting point for constructing a UAE reference panel which will lead to improvements in the delivery of precision medicine, quality of life for affected individuals and a reduction in healthcare costs. The information compiled will likely lead to the identification of target genes that could potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutic modalities.

Temporality and the evolution of GPNs: Remaking BHP’s Pilbara iron ore network

Global production networks (GPNs) exist across time as well as space, an idea that is underplayed within GPN theory. To consider how time influences the remaking of the network and region, the paper explores the temporal development of one iron ore GPN in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Its emphasis is on temporality and, drawing upon evolutionary economic geography (EEG), the paper shows that GPNs are created over and with time. This makes a singular contribution to GPN theory by simultaneously explaining the configuration of contemporary networks and in developing an understanding of how actors make and remake networks over and with time.

Weight management among school-aged children and adolescents: A quantitative assessment in a Ghanaian municipality

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescent overweight, obesity and underweight have become an issue of grave concern to both the developed and developing countries in context of global burden of non-communicable diseases. Unhealthy weight status is a significant public health issue for developing countries, of which Ghana is not excluded. This study evaluated the prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight and its related factors among school-aged children and adolescents.

METHODS: A total of 1004 participants were randomly selected from six schools. A structured questionnaire on demography and socioeconomic status of students' parents/guardians was completed by the selected students. Anthropometric parameters were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. BMI-for-age z-scores were used to categorize anthropometric data of the children as underweight, normal, overweight or obese. A cut-off value of > 0.50 was used to define obesity by WHtR.

RESULTS: Overweight prevalence of 13.8% and 12.6 was observed among basic school and high school students respectively based on BMI classification. Obesity prevalence of 8.8% was found in basic school students and 8.9% among high school students. Underweight was observed in 114 (11.3%) basic school students and 86 (8.6%) high school students. There was a difference in sex prevalence in unhealthy weight-behaviours; with more girls being overweight (19.4% vs 7.6%, p < 0.001) and obese (10.2% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.177) compared to boys. High WHtR found in 10.5% of basic students and 5.0% of high school students, with a statistical difference. Overweight/obesity was significantly associated with taking snacks before bed among basic school students [aOR = 10.45(5.95-18)] and high school students [aOR = 10.23(5.95-18.37)] respectively. Watching TV [aOR = 0.39(0.22-0.70)], sleeping during leisure periods [aOR = 0.43(0.23-0.81)] and bicycling as a means of transport [aOR = 0.37(0.19-0.72)] to school was protective of obesity among basic school students.

CONCLUSION: High prevalence of unhealthy weight-related behaviours was observed among school-aged children in the Bekwai Municipality. Snacking before bed was a major factor promoting obesity among school-aged children while leisure behaviours such as TV watching, and sleeping were protective of obesity. Therefore, it is recommended to promote and support healthy eating habits among school-aged children which are likely beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood unhealthy weight-related behaviours.

Assessing the utility of multiplexed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for gluten detection in Australian breakfast food products

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten that is associated with gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption. Gluten is a general name for a class of cereal storage proteins of wheat, barley, and rye that are notably resistant to gastrointestinal digestion. After ingestion, immunogenic peptides are subsequently recognized by T cells in the gastrointestinal tract. The only treatment for CD is a life-long gluten-free diet. As such, it is critical to detect gluten in diverse food types, including those where one would not expect to find gluten. The utility of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using cereal-specific peptide markers to detect gluten in heavily processed food types was assessed. A range of breakfast products, including breakfast cereals, breakfast bars, milk-based breakfast drinks, powdered drinks, and a savory spread, were tested. No gluten was detected by LC-MS in the food products labeled gluten-free, yet enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurement revealed inconsistencies in barley-containing products. In products containing wheat, rye, barley, and oats as labeled ingredients, gluten proteins were readily detected using discovery proteomics. Panels comprising ten cereal-specific peptide markers were analyzed by targeted proteomics, providing evidence that LC-MS could detect and differentiate gluten in complex matrices, including baked goods and milk-based products.

Initial field testing results from building-integrated solar energy harvesting windows installation in Perth, Australia

We report on the field testing datasets and performance evaluation results obtained from a commercial property-based visually-clear solar window installation site in Perth-Australia. This installation was fitted into a refurbished shopping center entrance porch and showcases the potential of glass curtain wall-based solar energy harvesting in built environments. In particular, we focus on photovoltaic (PV) performance characteristics such as the electric power output, specific yield, day-to-day consistency of peak output power, and the amounts of energy generated and stored daily. The dependencies of the generated electric power and stored energy on multiple environmental and geometric parameters are also studied. An overview of the current and future application potential of high-transparency, visually-clear solar window-based curtain wall installations suitable for practical building integration is provided.

A study of the food environment at Australian family day care

Overweight and obesity in childhood is a significant public health issue. Family day care (FDC) offers a setting where good eating habits can be nurtured in young children, yet often the food environment is unhealthy. This study aims to determine FDC educators’ knowledge and confidence about nutrition and the barriers and enablers to supporting healthy food environments. Australian FDC educators were recruited to a mixed methods study using self-administered e-surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. The survey data (n = 188) revealed good knowledge about sugary foods, but poor knowledge of protein-rich foods. Nutrition knowledge was not associated with confidence to make nutrition recommendations. Interviews (n = 9) revealed parents’ dietary choices and educators’ personal beliefs as barriers to healthy food environments, although importantly, the FDC educator role was identified as being pivotal in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and their families. This study highlights that FDC-specific nutrition education and support is vital to ensure children at FDC and their families are exposed to healthy food environments. Research to investigate specific avenues for nutrition education promotion programs specifically designed to support the unique role played by FDC educators is needed, in order to support the long-term health and welfare of the next generation of Australians.

The millipede genus Antichiropus (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), part 3: Species of the Pilbara bioregion of Western Australia

The species of the millipede genus Antichiropus Attems, 1911 found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia are reviewed, and 33 new species are described. The new species are: A. anguinus Car, n. sp., A. antius Car, n. sp., A. apricus Car, n. sp., A. cirratus Car, n. sp., A. confragus Car, n. sp., A. cristatus Car, n. sp., A. cucumeraceous Car, n. sp., A. cunicularis Car, n. sp, A. echinus Car, n. sp., A. filiolus Car, n. sp., A. forcipatus Car, n. sp., A. georginae Car, n. sp., A. gibbus Car, n. sp., A. hystricosus Car, n. sp., A. julianneae Car, n. sp., A. literulus Car, n. sp., A. lucyae Car, n. sp., A. nicholasi Car, n. sp., A. nimbus Car, n. sp., A. patriciae Car, n. sp., A. pendiculus Car, n. sp., A. picus Car, n. sp., A. procerus Car, n. sp., A. quaestionis Car, n. sp., A. rupinus Car, n. sp., A. salutus Car, n. sp., A. servulus Car, n. sp., A. simmonsi Car, n. sp., A. sloanae Car, n. sp., A. spathion Car, n. sp., A. uvulus Car, n. sp., A. verutus Car, n. sp. and A. vindicatus Car, n. sp.. The number of described Antichiropus species now stands at 72. Two species (A. julianneae Car, n. sp. and A. pendiculus Car, n. sp.) lack one diagnostic feature of the genus, namely a solenomere process, but are included here because they conform to the genus definition in all other characters. We also obtained sequence data from four mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 [COI], cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 [COIII], cytochrome B [CytB], and 12S rRNA [12S]), and one nuclear gene (28S rRNA [28S]) for 19 species. Three main clades were recovered: one in the northern Pilbara, one in the southern Pilbara, and one just outside the south-western margin of the Pilbara.

Transformational learning in first-year Australian preservice primary teacher

The early experience of commencing university students is an important precursor for retention and student success and involves a transformation in learning. This article reports the experiences of commencing students in an Australian Education (Primary) degree. Data were collected using a mixed methods approach, consisting of an online survey, and semistructured interviews. The data revealed that respondents experienced some phases of Mezirow’s transformational learning theory. Interviewees were enthusiastic about their future career with high scores in the online instrument for academic orientation and student identity, which indicated that they were experiencing the building of confidence and competence in new roles (Phase 7) and provisionally trying out new roles (Phase 8). Nevertheless, all respondents indicated being overwhelmed by the unexpectedly high academic study load, indicating a disorientating dilemma (Phase 1). These results are placed in the context of student retention and degree completion.

Do ecological traits of low abundance and niche overlap promote hybridisation among coral-reef angelfishes?

Hybridisation among species of coral-reef fish was previously considered to be rare. However, recent studies have revealed that hybridisation is prevalent in coral-reef fish, highlighting the need to understand the causes of this process. The angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae) have the greatest proportion (~ 30%) of hybridising species to date, with 26 species reported to hybridise. The aim of this study was to examine ecological factors (rarity of parent species and niche overlap) that promote hybridisation in terrestrial environments and to test these factors in the marine environment by examining hybridising angelfishes at Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). Three species of pygmy angelfish (Centropyge flavissima, C. eibli, and C. vrolikii) and their hybrids were investigated to address three objectives: (1) to determine temporal and spatial patterns in abundance and whether these patterns are linked to environmental factors; (2) to test for overlapping patterns in habitat use; and (3) to test for overlapping patterns in diet. Based on 14 yr of surveys, C. flavissima was abundant (4.53 individuals per 250 m2 ± 0.66), whereas C. eibli, C. vrolikii, and all hybrid combinations were consistently rare (average abundance < 0.3 per 250 m2 ± 0.03). Parent species and their hybrids were more abundant at 20 m depth compared to 5 m. All species and their hybrids had similar patterns of abundance around Christmas Island, with significantly high abundances evident at the most sheltered sites. Parent species and their hybrids also had similar diets that comprised a mix of green, red, and brown algae. The rarity of parent species, their niche overlap, and the haremic reproductive strategy likely promote hybridisation in angelfishes at Christmas Island. This study provides empirical evidence that hybridisation in reef fishes conforms to terrestrial-based hypothesis, and thus advances our understanding of the processes underlying hybridisation in coral-reef systems.

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) return to a former wintering calving ground: Fowlers Bay, South Australia

Southern right whales (SRW), Eubalaena australis, have reoccupied historically important winter habitat ranges (calving grounds) in recent years along the southern Australian coast. Here we present findings of increased abundance of SRW at Fowlers Bay, South Australia, a previous shore‐based whaling station. This study investigates: SRW inter‐ and intraseasonal trends in relative abundance; changes to the relative proportion of the southwestern subpopulation represented by SRW at Fowlers Bay; distribution; and occupancy. Sighting and photo identification data were collected during annual aerial (1993–2016) and vessel surveys (2014–2016). The total number of female and calf pairs was 3 during 1993–2003 and 63 during 2004–2014. Despite high variability in annual relative abundance, the rate of mean increase from 1993 to 2016 (29.0%/yr, 95% CI = 0, 54.2) exceeded the maximum biological rate for the species (6%–7%/yr). Peak relative abundance was recorded in July and August. SRW at Fowlers Bay represent an increasing proportion of the southwestern subpopulation (range = 0.9%–7.4%). Mean occupancy was 23 d (range = 1–75) for female and calf pairs and 2 d (range = 1–15) for unaccompanied adults. Reduced sightings in 2015 and 2016 demonstrate plasticity in SRW abundance at Fowlers Bay. Research into the movement and connectivity of SRW is needed to understand drivers of habitat dispersal in Australia.

Open-holed trapdoor spiders of the genus Teyl (Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae: Anamini) from Western Australia’s Pilbara bioregion: A new species and expanded phylogenetic assessment

The open-holed trapdoor spiders of the genus Teyl Main, 1975 from the Pilbara bioregion of Western Australia are investigated. A single endemic species from the southern Pilbara, T. heuretes sp. nov., is newly described, representing the northern-most occurrence of the genus in Australia. Legacy molecular data for Australian Nemesiidae, along with newly generated sequences for all described species of Teyl known from Western Australia, are analysed using Maximum Likelihood methods, providing molecular data for T. heuretes and an expanded phylogenetic assessment of the genus.

Quality versus volume of carbon disclosures and carbon reduction targets: Evidence from UK higher education institutions

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the quality and volume of carbon emission disclosures (CED) in UK higher educational institutions (HEIs), with an emphasis on the impact of the Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) carbon reduction target on such disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach: Based on stewardship theory, this study explores the decision usefulness of the CED by HEIs, i.e. whether a larger volume of CED means that it is more useful to readers and stakeholders. A framework was developed to measure the CED quality. The relationships between CED volume and quality were examined using the ordered probit regression model.

Findings: CED volume in annual reports and HEFCE carbon reduction target were found to have a significant positive impact on CED quality. There exists a void in research with carbon disclosures by HEIs, an area which has been widely researched with regard to profit-seeking organisations. The study adds to the earlier related studies by its contribution about HEIs to the disclosure literature.

Research limitations/implications: The study is distinct in investigating the relationship between volume and quality of CED by HEIs. However, the impact of CED would need to be clear to motivate the HEIs to engage in such disclosure. Thus, future studies should investigate the impact of both volume and quality of CED on reputation.

Originality/value: The study recognises that the characteristics of HEIs are distinct from profit-seeking organisations, which have been widely researched in literature. Generalising the research studies on profit-oriented companies for the most publicly funded UK HEIs may mislead any outcome. This study is distinct from the reader’s point of view in exploring whether more CED is more useful in better decision-making.

Engaging adolescent Kyrgyzstani EFL students in digital storytelling projects about astronomy

This research is based on the Journey through Space and Time (JTST) educational astronomy project for primary and junior high school science curricula in Australia, which seeks to improve students' astronomy content knowledge through science inquiry. The focus of the current project is on the learning needs of students for whom the language of instruction is a foreign or second language (EFL/ESL). This article reports the results of a pilot case study conducted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in December 2017. The research employed a Type II Case Study design. Data were collected through video and audio recordings of classroom interactions. The Astronomy Diagnostic Test measured changes in content knowledge and written feedback at the end of the course and helped to understand students' overall impression from the course. The study revealed that engaging Kyrgyzstani EFL students aged between 12 and 15 years in making videos about their learning of astronomy significantly facilitated their content knowledge acquisition. This research contributes to the existing knowledge about the use of technology in students' science education, and specifically as a tool to enhance EFL students' understanding of the integrated science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. The results of the shared knowledge construction stimulated by the collaboration in video production create a case for further research in EFL students' disciplinary literacy development.

Volatility spillovers between European financial markets: Evidence since the Brexit

In the light of the big rumour around another potential financial crisis: the UK's decision to exit the European Union, this paper presents an analysis of volatility spillover effects around Brexit meltdown time. A number of European countries such as Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Denmark and Sweden are taken into consideration. The analysis contains period from January 2010 until November 2016. This capture the European severing debt crisis, Greek crisis, China's 'Black Monday' crash and Brexit referendum outcome shock. The analysis covers the Diebold and Yilmaz (2009) spillover index, constructed in a VAR framework, to assess spillovers across stock markets returns, multivariate CCC GARCH and Cholesky variance decomposition model. The analysis shows there is no evidence for Europe and the UE to bring other global financial crises, however this paper explains reasons and potential consequences of the Brexit.

Measuring Kruger visitors’ place attachment to specific camps

Tourists become emotionally, physically and socially attached to national parks as they become familiar with the park’s settings and endow it with value. Researchers have pointed out that place attachment leads to environmentally responsible behaviour and higher levels of visitor satisfaction. Therefore, increasing the level of attachment that visitors feel is vital for park and camp managers, and to do so a greater understanding of the various dimensions of it is needed. While attachment to parks has been evaluated previously, attachment to specific camps in parks has not been done. The main purpose of this research study was to measure the extent to which visitors to the Tamboti and Satara camps in the Kruger National Park feel attached to these camps. We also determined whether differences exist between visitors in terms of the level of attachment that they experience towards these camps. Finally, we established the variables that influence place attachment. A self-administered paper-based questionnaire was distributed to visitors to the Tamboti and Satara camps, with 201 questionnaires completed. The results show that visitors generally have a neutral feeling towards the camps. Furthermore, the differences in visitors’ levels of attachment could be attributed to their nationality, wild card membership and frequency of visits. Various managerial implications are drawn and recommendations made on how to increase place attachment to these camps.

Conservation implications: This results indicate that visitors do not show particularly strong attachment towards Tamboti and Satara. Recommendations are given for camp managers to increase place attachment to the camps. If camp managers can succeed in fostering stronger levels of attachment to these camps, visitors are more likely to display environmentally responsible behaviour in the camps, with positive conservation implications.

Utilization of N-glycosylation profiles as risk stratification biomarkers for suboptimal health status and metabolic syndrome in a Ghanaian population

Aim: The study sought to apply N-glycosylation profiles to understand the interplay between suboptimal health status (SHS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Materials & methods: In this study, 262 Ghanaians were recruited from May to July 2016. After completing a health survey, plasma samples were collected for clinical assessments while ultra performance liquid chromatography was used to measure plasma N-glycans.

Results: Four glycan peaks were found to predict case status (MetS and SHS) using a step-wise Akaike’s information criterion logistic regression model selection. This model yielded an area under the curve of MetS: 83.1% (95% CI: 78.0–88.1%) and SHS: 67.1% (60.6–73.7%).

Conclusion: Our results show that SHS is a significant, albeit modest, risk factor for MetS and N-glycan complexity was associated with MetS.

Uncovering the disconnect between nursing workforce policy intentions, implementation, and outcomes: Lessons learned from the addition of a nursing assistant role

The use of nursing assistants has increased across health systems in the past 20 years, to alleviate licensed nurses' workload and to meet rising health care demands at lower costs. Evidence suggests that, when used as a substitute for licensed nurses, assistants are associated with poorer patient and nurse outcomes. Our multimethods study evaluated the impact of a policy to add nursing assistants to existing nurse staffing in Western Australia's public hospitals, on a range of outcomes. In this article, we draw the metainferences from previously published quantitative data and unpublished qualitative interview data. A longitudinal analysis of patient records found significantly higher rates adverse patient outcomes on wards that introduced nursing assistants compared with wards that did not. These findings are explained with ward-level data that show nursing assistants were added to wards with preexisting workload and staffing problems and that those problems persisted despite the additional resources. There were also problems integrating assistants into the nursing team, due to ad hoc role assignments and variability in assistants' knowledge and skills. The disconnect between policy intention and outcomes reflects a top-down approach to role implementation where assistants were presented as a solution to nurses' workload problems, without an understanding of the causes of those problems. We conclude that policy makers and managers must better understand individual care environments to ensure any new roles are properly tailored to patient and staff needs. Further, standardized training and accreditation for nursing assistant roles would reduce the supervisory burden on licensed nurses.

A national survey of Australian nurses who work with people with intellectual and developmental disability

This report forms Part 2 of a 3-year project led by the Professional Association of Nurses in Developmental Disability Australia (PANDDA) Inc., to redevelop the specialist practice standards for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) nursing. Nurses play a vital role in the lives of many people with IDD, in particular those with complex support needs, such as chronic and complex physical or mental health problems. This survey aimed to: 1. provide a national overview of intellectual and developmental disability nursing; 2. describe in detail and with confidence exactly what it is that sets this field of nursing apart from other speciality areas; 3. unpack the diverse range of contexts that intellectual and developmental disability nurses are working within; and 4. accurately describe the size and composition of the intellectual and developmental disability nursing workforce in Australia.

"I love being a midwife; it's who I am": A Glaserian Grounded Theory Study of why midwives stay in midwifery

Aims and objectives: To understand why Western Australian (WA) midwives choose to remain in the profession.

Background: Midwifery shortages and the inability to retain midwives in the midwifery profession is a global problem. The need for effective midwifery staff retention strategies to be implemented is therefore urgent, as is the need for evidence to inform those strategies.

Design: Glaserian grounded theory (GT) methodology was used with constant comparative analysis.

Methods: Fourteen midwives currently working clinically area were interviewed about why they remain in the profession. The GT process of constant comparative analysis resulted in an overarching core category emerging. The study is reported in accordance with Tong and associates’ (2007) Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Results: The core category derived from the data was labelled—“I love being a midwife; it's who I am.” The three major categories that underpin the core category are labelled as follows: “The people I work with make all the difference”; “I want to be ‘with woman’ so I can make a difference”; and “I feel a responsibility to pass on my skills, knowledge and wisdom to the next generation.”

Conclusion: It emerged from the data that midwives’ ability to be “with woman” and the difference they feel they make to them, the people they work with and the opportunity to “grow” the next generation together underpin a compelling new middle‐range theory of the phenomenon of interest.

Relevance to clinical practice: The theory that emerged and the insights it provides will be of interest to healthcare leaders, who may wish to use it to help develop midwifery workforce policy and practice, and by extension to optimise midwives’ job satisfaction, and facilitate the retention of midwives both locally and across Australia.

The potential of integrating vehicular emissions policy into Ghana’s transport policy for sustainable urban mobility

Auto vehicle emissions are a major challenge for ambient air pollution control in most developing countries including Ghana. Major auto emissions, particulate matter, are critical road transport emissions that threaten human health and the environment but are often excluded from policy discussions. In Ghana, vehicle acquisition schemes are not environmentally friendly and current national policies have alienated the monitoring of airborne emissions from the transport sector. This calls for the design and implementation of green transport and fuel economy options. We discuss the critical role of motor vehicle particulates in Ghana and propose policy solutions for sustainable urban mobility. We have shown that environmental remediation, social equity and sustainability can only be achieved when transport emissions are properly integrated in a coordinated transport policy. Ghana has a National Transport Policy that recognizes the challenges of environmental pollution due to vehicular emissions and uneconomic fuel consumption. There are green fuel policy proposals and a vehicle testing and licensing regime that is largely driven by mechanical and electrical functionality. Auto-vehicle emissions performance standards have not been developed and technical capacity for emissions testing is lacking. Ambient air monitoring is limited to particulate matter which is not nationally representative as it is confined to Greater Accra Region at only 15 sites. 77% of road users believe 20% of all cars in urban centres visibly exude fumes. Noise pollution and vehicular emissions were reported at 78% and 75% of 160 respondents respectively. Vehicle owners, drivers and driver unions are apprehensive of electric cars but would welcome a reliable, convenient and efficient mass transport system. Abatement strategies to reduce vehicular emissions particulates will require integrated solutions and inter-agency collaboration among regulatory institutions. The Environmental Protection Agency and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority should be empowered to develop emissions performance standards and conduct real time monitoring of particulates with the assistance of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service. It is further recommended that volatile organic compounds, particularly benzene series contaminants, should be monitored by the Agency. Further research on vehicular emissions of volatile organic compounds and their health effects on road users should be carried out to understand the full impact of exposure of on-road emissions.

Algorithm of suboptimal health status, serum magnesium and calcium levels as a novel approach for prediction and identification of pregnant women likely to develop preeclampsia and adverse perinatal complications in a Ghanaian population

Preeclampsia (PE) is among the leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality associated with adverse perinatal complications. The most devastating are pregnant women who are yet to be diagnosed but complain of poor health-suboptimal health status (SHS). For the first time, we explored the usefulness of a SHS questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) along with serum magnesium and calcium levels for prediction and early identification of normotensive pregnant women who later develop PE and adverse perinatal outcome.

Gregory Pryor - The Yilgarn lacunae

Following the production of Greg Pryor Yilgarn Chronicles 2017, screened at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Karpathakis was invited to submit a longer film to the Chiayi International Art Documentary Film Festival on Greg Pryor and his work. For Yilgarn Lacunae Karpathakis utilised his archive to examine Pryor’s approach to the Yilgarn before his 2016, 2000 km Yilgarn trek. The early images represent an imagined Yilgarn; they were in Pryor’s words ‘polite’. Therein lies the ‘lacunae’ – the gap between the imagined and the experiential. Yilgarn Lacunae follows Pryor as he acquaints himself through observation and photography with the material aspects of the Yilgarn Craton - learning the landscape. The work in the field leads to the creation of Greg Pryor’s Art Gallery of Western Australia Looking Glass solo exhibition.

Oil yields for Allanblackia parviflora (tallow tree) in Ghana: the effects of oil extraction methods, tree morphology and environmental characteristics

This study provided understanding of the oil yields from Allanblackia parviflora fruits in Ghana. The study sought patterns of variations in oil yield between 157 trees, 16 communities and 3 ecological zones. Ecological zone and soil properties were considered as surrogates for growing conditions associated with tree and fruit morphology. Kernel and seed oil yields were determined using the manual screw press ranged from 31.3 to 61.8% and 0.2 to 36.8%, respectively. Large variations were observed between individual trees, and significant oil yield differences were observed between the 16 communities. There were no relationships between oil yields and soil properties, even though tree-to-tree differences were observed. The farmers’ estimated ages of the trees predicted kernel oil yields: very young and very old trees revealed medium and low kernel oil yields, respectively. Kernel oil yields were also seen to be influenced by ecological zone. Most of the low kernel oil yielding trees were identified in the semi deciduous forest zone (SD), and more trees in wet evergreen forest zone (W) were identified as very high kernel oil yielding trees. Trees selection for domestication can be based on tree phenotype and providing environmental conditions similar to the wet evergreen forest zone.

Clinical and genetic associations of renal function and diabetic kidney disease in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: Within the Emirati population, risk factors and genetic predisposition to diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not yet been investigated. The aim of this research was to determine potential clinical, laboratory and reported genetic loci as risk factors for DKD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Four hundred and ninety unrelated Emirati nationals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited with and without DKD, and clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Following adjustments for possible confounders, a logistic regression model was developed to test the associations of 63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 43 genetic loci with DKD (145 patients with DKD and 265 without DKD). Linear regression models, adjusted for age and gender, were then used to study the genetic associations of five renal function traits, including 83 SNPs with albumin-to-creatinine ratio, 92 SNPs with vitamin D (25-OH cholecalciferol), 288 SNPs with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 363 SNPs with serum creatinine and 73 SNPs with blood urea.

RESULTS: Patients with DKD, as compared with those without the disease, were mostly men (52%vs38% for controls), older (67vs59 years) and had significant rates of hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Furthermore, patients with DKD had T2DM for a longer duration of time (16vs10 years), which in an additive manner was the single factor that significantly contributed to the development of DKD (p=0.02, OR=3.12, 95% CI 1.21 to 8.02). Among the replicated associations of the genetic loci with different renal function traits, the most notable included

CONCLUSIONS: Associations were found between several genetic loci and risk markers for DKD, which may influence kidney function traits and DKD in a population of Arab ancestry.

Effects of ambient carbon monoxide on daily hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease: a time-stratified case-crossover study of 460,938 cases in Beijing, China from 2013 to 2017

BACKGROUND: Evidence focused on exposure to ambient carbon monoxide (CO) and the risk of hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is lacking in developing countries. This study aimed to examine the effect of CO exposure on hospitalizations for CVD in Beijing, China.

METHODS: A total of 460,938 hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases were obtained from electronic hospitalization summary reports from 2013 to 2017. A time-stratified case-crossover design was conducted to investigate the association between CO exposure and hospitalizations for total and cause-specific CVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF). Stratified analysis was also conducted by age group (18-64 years and ≥ 65 years) and sex.

RESULTS: Linear exposure-response curves for the association between ambient CO exposure and hospitalizations for CVD was observed. Ambient CO was positively associated with hospitalizations for total CVD and CHD. However, the observed increased risk was not statistically significant for hospitalizations for AF and HF. The strongest effect of CO concentration was observed on the current- and previous-day of exposure (lag

CONCLUSIONS: Ambient CO exposure increased the risk of hospitalizations for CVD, especially for CHD in Beijing. Further studies are warranted to explore the association between ambient CO and hospitalizations for AF and HF.

Spatial and temporal clustering analysis of tuberculosis in the mainland of China at the prefecture level, 2005-2015

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the most serious infectious diseases in the mainland of China. So it was urgent for the formulation of more effective measures to prevent and control it.

METHODS: The data of reported TB cases in 340 prefectures from the mainland of China were extracted from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP) during January 2005 to December 2015. The Kulldorff's retrospective space-time scan statistics was used to identify the temporal, spatial and spatio-temporal clusters of reported TB in the mainland of China by using the discrete Poisson probability model. Spatio-temporal clusters of sputum smear-positive (SS+) reported TB and sputum smear-negative (SS-) reported TB were also detected at the prefecture level.

RESULTS: A total of 10 200 528 reported TB cases were collected from 2005 to 2015 in 340 prefectures, including 5 283 983 SS- TB cases and 4 631 734 SS + TB cases with specific sputum smear results, 284 811 cases without sputum smear test. Significantly TB clustering patterns in spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal were observed in this research. Results of the Kulldorff's scan found twelve significant space-time clusters of reported TB. The most likely spatio-temporal cluster (RR = 3.27, P <  0.001) was mainly located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of western China, covering five prefectures and clustering in the time frame from September 2012 to November 2015. The spatio-temporal clustering results of SS+ TB and SS- TB also showed the most likely clusters distributed in the western China. However, the clustering time of SS+ TB was concentrated before 2010 while SS- TB was mainly concentrated after 2010.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the time and region of TB, SS+ TB and SS- TB clustered easily in 340 prefectures in the mainland of China, which is helpful in prioritizing resource assignment in high-risk periods and high-risk areas, and to formulate powerful strategy to prevention and control TB.

Carbon stocks and accumulation rates in Red Sea seagrass meadows

Seagrasses play an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, acting as natural CO2 sinks and buffering the impacts of rising sea level. However, global estimates of organic carbon (Corg) stocks, accumulation rates and seafloor elevation rates in seagrasses are limited to a few regions, thus potentially biasing global estimates. Here we assessed the extent of soil Corg stocks and accumulation rates in seagrass meadows (Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, Halophila stipulacea, Thalassodendrum ciliatum and Halodule uninervis) from Saudi Arabia. We estimated that seagrasses store 3.4 ± 0.3 kg Corg m−2 in 1 m-thick soil deposits, accumulated at 6.8 ± 1.7 g Corg m−2 yr−1 over the last 500 to 2,000 years. The extreme conditions in the Red Sea, such as nutrient limitation reducing seagrass growth rates and high temperature increasing soil respiration rates, may explain their relative low Corg storage compared to temperate meadows. Differences in soil Corg storage among habitats (i.e. location and species composition) are mainly related to the contribution of seagrass detritus to the soil Corg pool, fluxes of Corg from adjacent mangrove and tidal marsh ecosystems into seagrass meadows, and the amount of fine sediment particles. Seagrasses sequester annually around 0.8% of CO2 emissions from fossil-fuels by Saudi Arabia, while buffering the impacts of sea level rise. This study contributes data from understudied regions to a growing dataset on seagrass carbon stocks and sequestration rates and further evidences that even small seagrass species store Corg in coastal areas.

The association between subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation profiles and hypertension in the Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, and Tajik populations

Hypertension results from the interaction of genetic and acquired factors. IgG occurs in the form of different subclasses, of which the effector functions show significant variation. The detailed differences between the glycosylation profiles of the individual IgG subclasses may be lost in a profiling method for total IgG N-glycosylation. In this study, subclass-specific IgG Fc glycosylation profile was investigated in the four northwestern Chinese minority populations, namely, Uygur (UIG), Kazak (KZK), Kirgiz (KGZ), and Tajik (TJK), composed of 274 hypertensive patients and 356 healthy controls. The results showed that ten directly measured IgG N-glycan traits (i.e., IgG1G0F, IgG2G0F, IgG2G1FN, IgG2G1FS, IgG2G2S, IgG4G0F, IgG4G1FS, IgG4G1S, IgG4G2FS, and IgG4G2N) representing galactosylation and sialylation are significantly associated with hypertension, with IgG4 consistently showing weaker associations of its sialylation, across the four ethnic groups. We observed a modest improvement on the AUC of ROC curve when the IgG Fc N-glycan traits are added into the glycan-based model (difference between AUCs, 0.044, 95% CI: 0.016-0.072, P = 0.002). The AUC of the diagnostic model indicated that the subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycan profiles provide more information reinforcing current models utilizing age, gender, BMI, and ethnicity, and demonstrate the potential of subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation profiles to serve as a biomarker for hypertension. Further research is however required to determine the additive value of subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation on top of biomarkers, which are currently used.

The impact of a mother's emotional strains and disclosure of cancer on her child's defensiveness and adjustment to cancer

Background: Defensiveness is one of the strategies that children with cancer use against psychosocial difficulties, yet it remains unclear what factors may impact children's use of defensiveness. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the psychological adjustment, including use of defensive behaviors, in children who may or may not be told about the diagnosis of cancer. Methods: A total of 58 children and 51 mothers participated in the study. Children answered questionnaires about defensiveness, anxiety, and depression, whereas mothers completed a questionnaire of anxiety, depression, and stress and a question about disclosure of cancer to child. Results: Significant differences were found in the defensiveness and depression scores between children with full disclosure and those with no disclosure about their cancer. Although children's adjustment has been directly related to that of their mother's adjustment, we did not find this variable to be a predictor of child's adjustment. The child's defensiveness scores were a strong predictor of child's anxiety and eventually for a high risk for depression. Conclusions: Mothers' emotional strains and lack of open disclosure about cancer significantly affect the psychosocial well-being of children. Implications for practice: It is essential for nurses to assess the emotional adjustment and defensiveness strategies that children with cancer use. We believe that nurses caring for children with cancer have a professional responsibility to identify and understand defensive behaviors and other characteristics of psychosocial distress and advocate for psychological interventions that will help mothers and their children cope with cancer.

International commentary on Phiri et al. ‘Registered nurses’ experiences pertaining to family involvement in the care of hospitalised children at a tertiary government hospital in Malawi’

This commentary has been written by academics who are part of an international network of nurses who study family-centred care (FCC), the model widely used in paediatrics and children’s nursing. Called ‘International Research Network for Child and Family Centred Care’, its members are drawn from across the world and their goal is to promote evidence-based FCC. Members share and discuss articles related to FCC and nursing practice, research and policy.

In 2017, an article about FCC in Malawi<a highlighted issues that generated debate in the group, initiating discussion around the low nurse–patient ratio of 1:84 in a children’s ward. We examine the article from several perspectives, and ask the question as to whether it is ethical to suggest that FCC should be implemented given the constraints on health priorities. Comments specifically address four important issues: a) lack of resources and the impact of this on FCC; b) lack of empowerment of family members in their child’s care; c) lack of policies to guide and support FCC; and d) the importance of nursing ethics in FCC.

This discourse presents commentary written by several authors. Each section contains the thoughts of each individual author, listed per country.

Managing the re‐entry process of returnee government scholars in an emerging transition economy–an embeddedness perspective

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigates the factors affecting the re‐entry and readjustment process of returnee government scholars in Vietnam. These returnee scholars were originally sent overseas to study as part of changes introduced by the Vietnamese government to develop its domestic talent pool. Using the perspective of home country embeddedness, we find that career and community embeddedness factors, together with readjustment factors, have an effect on returnee scholars’ career and life satisfaction in their home country. These factors subsequently affected their intention to stay or re‐expatriate. The study contributes to public sector change management theory by examining factors affecting the re‐entry process of returnees within an emerging transition economy. It also adds to the limited studies on understanding and managing the re‐entry processes and state‐led diaspora strategies among returnee government scholars from emerging transition economies and their effectiveness.

Social and health determinants of adolescent's wellbeing in Jordan: Implications for policy and practice

Purpose ; This study examined the extent to which health related aspect, health outcome, behaviour outcomes and social connectedness may predict adolescents' wellbeing at the schools of Jordan.

Methods ; Using a two-stage cluster sampling technique 1166 adolescents completed the Health Behaviour of School Children survey

Results ; Stepwise Regression Analysis showed that the adolescents' wellbeing was predicted by academic achievements, bullying behaviour, eating habits, psycho-somatization, parent support and ease of communication with parents. These predictors explained 40% of the variance in the emotional wellbeing scores.

Conclusion and Practice Implications ; This study provides baseline information to build the evidence base for surveillance of health behaviors among adolescents in Jordan. Students' experiences of secondary school and their relationships at school continue to predict their emotional wellbeing.

Prevalence and correlates of substance use among psychiatric inpatients

Purpose: This study aimed at examining correlates of substance use among patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in Jordan. Methods: This study used a non-experimental descriptive survey design. Data were collected through using DUSI–R scale obtained through a self-designed questionnaire. A total of (203) subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria. Results: Most used substances prior to admission were caffeine (78.2%), cigarette (60.9%), and alcohol (22.2%), while the least were heroin (1.2%) and inhalants (0.08%). Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia had higher percentages among all other disorders (n = 16, 21.9%), although there was no statistical difference among patients related to their psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: We recommend that mental health professionals be equipped with necessary skills to manage substance use among patients with psychiatric disorders.

Proficiency in English, linguistic shift and ethnic capital: An intergenerational analysis of non-English speaking background immigrant groups in Sydney, Australia

Much is known about immigrants’ majority language proficiency in the first (immigrant) generation. Less is understood of differences in linguistic shift compared with heritage language retention in subsequent generations. Focusing on Sydney, Australia’s largest ‘EthniCity’, we build on Clyne and Kipp’s (1999. Pluricentric Languages in an Immigrant Context. Berlin: de Gruyter) and Chiswick and Miller’s (1999. “Immigration, Language and Multiculturalism in Australia.” Australian Economic Review 32: 369–385) work on variations among non-English speaking background (NESB) immigrant groups in proficiency with or sole use of spoken English in the first generation. We then compare this with an extension of Borjas' (1992. “Ethnic Capital and Intergenerational Mobility.” Quarterly Journal of Economics 107: 123–150) work on ethnic capital to examine linguistic shift and heritage language retention in the second and third generations. While results show linguistic shift mostly occurring over two or three generations, they also highlight differences among NESB groups, associated with particular cultural backgrounds, holding constant human capital and other socio-demographic factors. They further demonstrate the continuing though equally varied intergenerational importance of contextual (residential concentration) influences on heritage language retention.

Revealing community security within the Australian security continuum

The Australian security continuum is broad, with its more traditional subdomains clearly understood. However, significant parts of this continuum are not well known or examined. The study used an exploratory interpretive approach to examine the Australian security domain functions through an analysis of protection-associated job descriptions (N = 170) and criteria language. Thematic analysis uncovered discrete patterns of protective roles, resulting in the emergence of community security. The study revealed that community security has jurisdictional boundaries, with functions to maintain community protection, safety, crime prevention and other community services; however, community security is underrepresented in security literature. Community security addresses broad wellbeing issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour and homelessness. Consequently, greater recognition of community security is necessary, along with its participants and their language.

Revisiting the tourism-led economic growth hypothesis: The case of China

This article examines the relationship between the level of tourism specialization (TS) and economic growth using a panel dataset covering 31 provinces in mainland China from 1995 to 2013. A quadratic function was introduced following the basic economic law of returns to overcome the weaknesses of constant returns to scale associated with the tourism-led economic growth hypothesis (TLGH). Using tourist arrivals as a percentage of host population (TA) and tourism receipts as a share of real GDP (TR) as the indicators of TS which represent respectively the level/size and the quality/structure dimension of TS, the system generalized method of moments (SYSGMM) regression results suggest that a meaningful inverted-U- or an N-shaped relationship exists between tourism specialization and economic growth. Based on the portfolio of TA and TR in destinations, the effects and characters of tourism on economic growth are discussed regarding the future direction of regional development.

Segmentation of potential film tourists by film nostalgia and preferred film tourism program

The current study sought to identify the role of nostalgia in film tourism, specifically in relation to the development of preferred film tourism products and activities for potential Korean film tourists visiting the shooting locations of Hong Kong films made from the 1970s to the late 1990s. The findings suggest that the concept of nostalgia in the context of film tourism is multidimensional and consists of five identified domains. Of these domains, “reminiscence of mimicking”, “memory of film backdrops”, and “memory of Hong Kong history and culture” were highly significant in explaining familiarity with film destinations and the intention to engage in nostalgia film tourism. Differences in characteristics of respondents’ profiles were categorized into clusters generated using extracted domains. Among the four extracted clusters, the high film nostalgia group (Cluster 2) and the low film nostalgia group (Cluster 3) showed completely different characteristics. These differences included preferred activities or tour programs and socio-demographic profiles. As a result, this study found film nostalgia to be an important segmentation variable. The results of this study can be prudently used by film destination marketers to develop new products or programs and to satisfy their on-site experiences.

HRM practices of MNEs and domestic firms in Ghana: divergence or convergence?

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to adopt the convergence-divergence perspective to examine the extent of similarities and differences in human resource management practices between multinational enterprise subsidiaries and local firms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: This paper draws from multiple case study evidence using in-depth face-to-face interviews and document analysis. The data were analyzed in four stages using both thematic analysis and cross-case analysis techniques. Findings: The authors found both convergence and divergence, however, the evidence points to more convergence and direction toward convergence between MNEs and local firms’ HRM practices. Research limitations/implications: Even though there was evidence of cultural embeddedness within local firms in the adoption of certain HRM practices, the influence of national culture on HRM practice convergence between MNEs and local firms has been limited. Thus, the convergence-divergence debate through the lens of national culture may need to be re-examined. Practical implications: The evidence of convergence and direction toward convergence tendencies within the context can be argued to be less underpinned by local isomorphism limited host-country influence. Practically, there is something to learn from indigenous Ghanaian organizations that can contribute to HRM advancement, the Ghanaian concept of annual durbars, annual or semi-annual gatherings to take stock of past activities and to award hard working staff, could provide the platform to strengthen the employer-employee relationship at the firm level. Originality/value: This study fills an important contextual gap (a less developed country’s context) within the convergence-divergence debate and contributes to informing new knowledge of the convergence-divergence debate, which points to more convergence and direction toward convergence between MNEs and local firms’ HRM practices.

Estimating transportation network impedance to last-mile delivery: A case study of Maribyrnong City in Melbourne

The purpose of this paper is to measure and map the potential transportation network impedance to last-mile delivery (LMD) using spatial measures representing attributes of road network and planning controls.

The transport network impedance is estimated as the potential hindrance to LMD as imposed by the characteristics of the built and regulatory environment. A matrix of key transport and planning measures are generated and overlaid in geographical information systems to compute and visualise the levels of transportation network impedance to LMD using a composite indexing method.

The mapped outputs reveal significant spatial variation in transportation network impedance to LMD across different part of the study area. Significant differences were detected along the road segments that connect key industrial hubs or activity centres especially along tram routes and freight corridors, connecting the Port of Melbourne and logistic hub with the airport and the Western Ring Road.
Research limitations/implications

The use of static measures of transport and urban planning restricts the robustness of the impedance index, which can be enhanced through better integration of dynamic and real-time movements of business-to-business LMD of goods. Spatial approach is valuable for broader urban planning at a metropolitan or council level; however, its use is somewhat limited in assisting the daily operational planning and logistics decision making in terms of dynamic routing and vehicle scheduling.
Practical implications

The built and regulatory environment contributes to the severity of LMD problem in urban areas. The use of land use controls as instruments to increase city compactness in strategic nodes/hubs is more likely to deter the movement of urban freight. The mapped outputs would help urban planners and logisticians in mitigating the potential delay in last-mile deliveries through devising localised strategies such as dedicated freight corridors or time-bound deliveries in congested areas of road network.

This is the first study that measured the potential transport network impedance to LMD and improved understanding of the complex interactions between urban planning measures and LMD. Micro-scale mapping of transportation network impedance at the street level adds an innovative urban planning dimension to research in the growing field of city logistics.

Parents’ experiences of caring for preterm infants after discharge with grandmothers as their main support

Aims and objectives

To explore parents of preterm infants’ experiences of caring for their preterm infants with the grandmother as their primary support after discharge.
Background

Preterm delivery is the major cause of high neonatal mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa. There is poor neonatal health outcome in the Ghanaian community with some illnesses culturally classified as not‐for‐hospital. In the community, grandmothers or older women provide support for new parents and decide treatment options for sick infants. However, there is paucity of research on how parents of preterm infants experience this support in the Ghanaian community.
Method

Qualitative narrative inquiry methodology was used. Face‐to‐face interviews using semi‐structured interview guide were used to collect data from 21 mothers and nine fathers. Participant observation and field notes were used to complement interview data. Thematic content analysis of data within the three‐dimensional narrative space was employed. Analysis focussed on the relationship of time, place, person and cultural practices affecting the care of preterm infants in the community.

Three themes emerged from the data, namely (i) Grandmother's prescriptions, (ii) Fighting for the well‐being of the infant and (iii) Being in a confused state. Cultural practices mainly initiated by grandmothers resulted in adverse health problems for preterm infants and disruption in parents’ mental health.
Conclusion

As grandmothers perform their traditional role of supporting new parents to care for preterm infants after discharge, they give both positive and negative advice which can adversely affect the health of vulnerable preterm infants in the community.
Relevance to clinical practice

Grandmothers are the main support providers of parents of preterm infants after neonatal unit discharge. Nurses should identify and include grandmothers in predischarge education in order to equip them to render appropriate support to parents and preterm infants.

Low-level cadmium exposure and cardiovascular outcomes in elderly Australian women: A cohort study

Cadmium has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in observational studies, however there has been a limited focus on this relationship in women.
Objectives

This study investigated the association of urinary cadmium (UCd) concentrations with CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality in elderly Western Australian (WA) women.
Methods

UCd excretion was measured at baseline in 1359 women, mean age 75.2 ± 2.7 years and 14.5 years of atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) hospitalisations and deaths, including both the principle cause of death and all associated causes of death. Health outcome data were retrieved from the Western Australian Data Linkage System. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios of ASVD and all-cause mortality. UCd was ln-transformed and models were adjusted for demographic and CVD risk factors.

Median (IQR) concentration of UCd was 0.18 (0.09–0.32) μg/L. In multivariable-adjusted analyses per ln unit (equivalent to ∼2.7 fold) increase in UCd, there was a 36% increase in the risk of death from heart failure and 17% increase in the risk of a heart failure event, respectively (HR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.67; HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.35). When analyses were restricted to never smokers the relationship between UCd and death from heart failure remained (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.63).
Conclusions

This study suggests that even at low levels of exposure cadmium may be associated with heart failure hospitalisations and deaths in older women, however given the dilute nature of these urine samples, the results must be interpreted with caution.

How does destination social responsibility contribute to environmentally responsible behaviour? A destination resident perspective

Based on stakeholder theory and social exchange theory, this study developed an integrated model to demonstrate that destination social responsibility (DSR) influences tourism impacts (both positive and negative impacts), overall community satisfaction, and both directly and indirectly influences resident environmentally responsible behaviour (ERB). The model was examined using a sample of 453 residents living on the Gulangyu Island, a famous island tourism destination of Xiamen, China. Results show that DSR enhances residents’ perception of positive tourism impacts, improves overall community satisfaction and contributes to resident ERB. However, the effect of DSR on negative tourism impacts was not significant. Thus, positive tourism impacts and overall community satisfaction partially mediated the effect of DSR on resident ERB. The study findings offer both theoretical insights and practical implications on destination management and sustainable destination development.

Disruptive innovation and the creation of social capital in Indonesia’s urban communities

Existing research on social capital has primarily focused on examining the outcomes of social capital, whether these are about individual, organizational or even societal outcomes. However, much research is still needed in terms of examining how social capital is created. We contribute to filling this gap by examining the ways in which social capital is created in urban communities in an emerging economy. Social capital, in this study, is viewed as being created as a consequence of an organization’s disruptive innovation. We analyse the context of Go-Jek, a rather newly established service firm in Indonesia, and examine how the disruptive innovation of Go-Jek’s service provision influences the creation of social capital in terms of social connectedness, trust, and shared understanding, in Indonesia’s urban communities.

Trends of activities of daily living disability situation and association with chronic conditions among elderly aged 80 years and over in China

 Objectives: In China, few studies reported the disability situation and the association between disabilities with chronic conditions in aged people. This study investigates the cross-sectional trends of prevalence and severity of activities of daily living disability (ADL) in Chinese oldest-old people from 1998 to 2008, and identified the potential risk factors of disability. Design: A combination of population-based longitudinal prospective study and probabilistically sampling cross-sectional studies. Setting: The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) was based on a random sampling of aged people from twenty-two provinces in China. Participants: A total of 52,667 participants aged from 80 years old to 105 years old sampled in the year of 1998 (n=8,768), 2000 (n=10,940), 2002 (n=10,905), 2005 (n=10,396) and 2008 (n=11,658) were analyzed respectively. Results: The prevalence of ADL disability decreased from the year of 1998 (18%) to 2008 (12%). The disability prevalence significantly increased in 2002 and decreased in 2008 (P<0.001) in total participants than the year of 1998. The prevalence trends of low ADL disability level were almost identical with that of the total ADL disability. Stroke/cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive impairment were the strongest risk factors of disability. Vision impairment became less associated with ADL disability (P=0.045), while the association between multimorbidity and ADL disability became stronger (P=0.033). Conclusions: The prevalence of ADL disability declined among the oldest-old population in China from the year of 1998 to 2008 without obeying a linear pattern. Temporal trends of ADL disability mainly attributed to the change of low disability level prevalence. Stroke/CVD and cognitive impairment were the most common risk factors of disability. Vision impairment caused disability has become less common, while risks of multimorbidity related disability increased.

Factors associated with the use of complementary and alternative medicines for prostate cancer by long-term survivors

Objective

To assess whether the use of complementary and alternative medicines therapies (CAMs) for prostate cancer and/or its treatment side effects by long-term survivors is associated with selected socio-demographic, clinical, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) and/or psychological factors.
Design, setting and participants

The Prostate Cancer Care and Outcomes Study (PCOS) is a population-based cohort study of men with prostate cancer who were aged less than 70 years at diagnosis in New South Wales, Australia. Included in these analyses were men who returned a 10-year follow-up questionnaire, which included questions about CAM use.

Validated instruments assessed patient’s HRQOL and psychological well-being. Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to estimate the adjusted relative risks of current CAM use for prostate cancer according to socio-demographic, clinical, HRQOL and psychological factors.

996 of 1634 (61%) living PCOS participants completed the 10-year questionnaire. Of these 996 men, 168 (17%) were using CAMs for prostate cancer and 525 (53%) were using CAMs for any reason (including prostate cancer). Those using CAM for prostate cancer were more likely to be regular or occasional support group participants (vs. no participation RR = 2.02; 95%CI 1.41–2.88), born in another country (vs. Australian born RR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.17–2.16), have received androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) since diagnosis (RR = 1.60; 95%CI 1.12–2.28) or in the past two years (RR = 2.34; 95%CI 1.56–3.52). CAM use was associated with greater fear of recurrence (RR = 1.29; 95%CI 1.12–1.48), cancer-specific distress (RR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.01–1.30), cancer-specific hyperarousal (RR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.04–1.31), cancer locus of control (RR = 1.16; 95%CI 1.01–1.34) and less satisfaction with medical treatments (RR = 0.86; 95%CI 0.76–0.97), but not with intrusive thinking, cognitive avoidance, depression, anxiety or any HRQOL domains.
Conclusions

In this study, about one in six long term prostate cancer survivors used CAMs for their prostate cancer with use centred around ADT, country of birth, distress, cancer control, fear of recurrence and active help seeking.

Copper removal from acid mine drainage-polluted water using glutaraldehyde-polyethyleneimine modified diatomaceous earth particles

Mine waters and tailings generated from mining and mineral processing activities often have detrimental impact on the local environment. One example is acid mine drainage, in which sulphides in the mining waste react with water and oxygen to produce an acidic environment that subsequently dissolves host rock minerals from the waste containing toxic metals and trace elements. Copper is one such metal of significance, as it is mined at large volumes in sulphide containing ores. It has strong biocidal activity that greatly affects ecosystems. We have previously reported that glutaraldehyde (GA)-crosslinked polyethyleneimine (PEI) has strong affinity and selectivity for copper and that diatomaceous earth (DE) particles can be modified with the material to form a copper-extraction resin. In this study, the copper uptake of GA-PEI-DE particles was investigated from synthetic and real acid mine drainage samples under different pHs and their copper removal performance was compared with that of selected commercial resins. The results revealed that copper could effectively and preferentially bind to the material at pH 4, and that the copper could be completely eluted by lowering of the pH. In addition, effective copper uptake and elution was demonstrated using real legacy acid mine drainage water from Mount Lyell in Tasmania.

Foraging behaviour of mulga birds in Western Australia. I. Use of resources and temporal effects

The foraging behaviour of mulga birds in the Murchison and Gascoyne Bio regions was studied in 1999 following a period of heavy rain and again in 2002 when it was dry. Mulga birds allocated foraging resources in a similar fashion to other bird communities, with species differing in the way that prey were taken, the substrates and plant species on which prey were found, and the heights at which prey were sought. The numbers of birds and bird species in the study areas declined with drier conditions and there was less breeding activity. Nomadic species, including honeyeaters, seed-eaters, and insect-eaters, largely left the area as it became drier and food resources changed. The birds that remained foraged differently when it was drier than when conditions were wetter and food more abundant. These observations illustrate the fragility of the mulga avifauna and its likely sensitivity to long-term climate change with predicted increasing temperatures, more extreme heat events, and reduced winter rainfall. Conservation of mulga birds and associated flora and fauna requires a whole-of-landscape approach and the adoption of land management practices by Australian governments and land managers that will allow species to adapt to climate change and guarantee their right to evolve.

Getting to ‘agreed’ post-mining land use–an ecosystem services approach

Mining companies are expected to ensure a positive legacy for communities and to engage them in defining post-mining land uses. This paper examined how an ecosystem service approach might be utilised to arrive at agreed post-mining land uses acceptable to communities and the mining company during mine closure planning. This was investigated in the context of a major bauxite mine in the Amazon region of Brazil. Data were gathered through document analysis, interviews with communities and a workshop with company staff. Using an ecosystem services approach enabled a focused rehabilitation goal on relevant services to be identified that would deliver social and ecological benefits alike. Company staff favourably viewed this approach as an opportunity to engage communities. Overall taking an ecosystem services approach provided a pathway for getting to an agreed post-mining land use as its inherent anthropic focus provides a way to include community perspectives.

Conservation systematics of the shield-backed trapdoor spiders of the nigrum-group (Mygalomorphae, idiopidae, idiosoma): Integrative taxonomy reveals a diverse and threatened fauna from south-western Australia

The aganippine shield-backed trapdoor spiders of the monophyletic nigrum-group of Idiosoma Ausserer s. l. are revised, and 15 new species are described from Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia: I. arenaceum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. corrugatum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. clypeatum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. dandaragan Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. formosum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. gardneri Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. gutharuka Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. incomptum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. intermedium Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. jarrah Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. kopejtkaorum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. kwongan Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. mcclementsorum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., I. mcnamarai Rix & Harvey, sp. n., and I. schoknechtorum Rix & Harvey, sp. n. Two previously described species from south-western Western Australia, I. nigrum Main, 1952 and I. sigillatum (O. P.-Cambridge, 1870), are re-illustrated and re-diagnosed, and complementary molecular data for 14 species and seven genes are analysed with Bayesian methods. Members of the nigrum-group are of long-standing conservation significance, and I. nigrum is the only spider in Australia to be afforded threatened species status under both State and Commonwealth legislation. Two other species, I. formosum Rix & Harvey, sp. n. and I. kopejtkaorum Rix & Harvey, sp. n., are also formally listed as Endangered under Western Australian State legislation. Here we significantly relimit I. nigrum to include only those populations from the central and central-western Wheatbelt bioregion, and further document the known diversity and conservation status of all known species.

High-performance work systems and employee outcomes in indian call centres: A mediation approach

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationships between high-performance work systems (HPWSs) and four employee outcomes – job satisfaction, employee engagement, presenteeism and well-being – in Indian call centres.

Design/methodology/approach: A path model is developed to investigate the direct and mediation effects between the assessed variables. The study utilised a survey of 250 call centre employees working in five business process management firms based in India.

Findings: The findings indicate that HPWSs have a positive relationship with job satisfaction, engagement and well-being. Job satisfaction also had a positive relationship with engagement and presenteeism, and engagement was positively related to presenteeism and well-being. However, there was no significant direct effect of HPWS on presenteeism. Mediation analysis showed that HPWS has an indirect effect on well-being via engagement and also via job satisfaction and engagement combined.

Research limitations/implications: HPWS significantly increases job satisfaction and employee engagement and indirectly influences employee well-being via these outcomes. However, job satisfaction and employee engagement was also found to increase presenteeism, which, in turn, can reduce employee well-being. These findings contribute to the HPWS theory and the literature on employee well-being, and have implications for HR personnel and call centre management.

Originality/value: Given the well-established challenges with employee retention in Indian call centre environments, one solution may be the adoption of a more strategic approach to HRM using HPWS. Such an approach may enhance employees’ perceptions that HPWS practices would have a positive influence on job satisfaction, employee engagement and employee well-being.

Social development in Kerala: Illusion or reality?

This title was first published in 2000: There has been considerable academic interest in the innovative development programme taking place in Kerala, India. Much has been published on the specific “achievements” of the programme, such as literacy, health care, communication and demographic indicators. However, lurking beneath the surface are the harsh realities of chronic unemployment, poverty and deprivation among the elderly and weaker sections of the society, the oppression of women and the inefficiency of the government. These problems are revealed in this book through in-depth empirical research undertaken by a native Keralan. In the light of this material, this text questions whether the Kerala model of development should indeed be regarded as worth emulation.

Entrepreneurial behaviour and startups: The case of Germany and the USA

Entrepreneurship is crucially important for the introduction of disruptive and radical innovation. However, in Germany entrepreneurship and disruptive innovation are consistently low whereas the USA, for example, performs very well in these areas. This chapter offers insights into the relevance of entrepreneurship for a national innovation system. It illustrates the effects of policy interventions on potential entrepreneurs and shows pathways to encourage entrepreneurial behaviour and startups.

A resource-based view and dynamic capabilities approach in the context of a region’s international attractiveness: The recent case of Western Australia

This exploratory study proposes a framework based on the resource view theory and the dynamic capabilities approach to further the understanding of a region’s attractiveness, particularly from an international perspective. The case of Western Australia is examined through in-depth, face-to-face interviews with nine country consuls experienced in international trade. The findings revealed significant ways in which Western Australia could enhance its future commercial appeal. The findings revealed the value of synergies between this state and other countries, particularly exchanging expertise, transferring knowledge, or exporting know-how, education, both university and industry-focused, research and development and expertise. These forms of regional attractiveness emphasise the strategic role of industry resources and dynamic capabilities, thus, underscoring the usefulness and applicability of the proposed framework. While the state’s mineral exports will continue to drive its economy, harnessing its potential in other areas is crucial to adapt to changing business environments and to build sustained competitive advantage.

An integrated risk-assessment framework for multiple threats to floodplain values in the Kakadu Region, Australia, under a changing climate

The internationally important river-floodplains of the Kakadu Region in northern Australia are at risk from invasive species and future sea-level rise-saltwater inundation (SLR-SWI), requiring assessments of multiple cumulative risks over different time frames. An integrated risk-assessment framework was developed to assess threats from feral animals and aquatic weeds at three SLR-scenario time frames (present-day, 2070 and 2100) to natural (magpie goose habitats), cultural (indigenous hunting-fishing sites) and economic (tourism revenue less invasive species control costs) values. Probability density functions (pdfs) were fitted to spatial data to characterise values and threats, and combined with Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analyses to account for uncertainties. All risks were integrated in a Bayesian belief network to undertake 'what if' management-scenario analyses, and incorporated known ecological interactions and uncertainties. Coastal landscapes and socio-ecological systems in the region will be very different by 2100 as a result of SLR; freshwater ecosystems will transform to marine-dominated ecosystems and cannot be managed back to analogue conditions. In this context, future invasive-species risks will decrease, reflecting substantial loss of freshwater habitats previously at risk and a reduction in the extent of invasive species, highlighting the importance of freshwater refugia for the survival of iconic species.

Challenges and strategies for assessing student workplace performance during work-integrated learning

This study explores the challenges of assessing student workplace performance during work-integrated learning. It highlights the need for, yet difficulties with, combining positivist and constructivist assessments where workplace supervisors make evaluative judgements on performance yet students are also agents in their own assessment. It examines the ratings awarded by 163 workplace supervisors for 213 business undergraduates completing a work placement as part of their degree program in Western Australia. Students were rated on 17 capabilities associated with employability and results indicate, in alignment with previous studies, a tendency among supervisors to assign inflated marks across capabilities. The mean capability rating awarded to each student was significantly higher than their weighted course average, suggesting workplace supervisors mark more highly than academics in coursework units. To identify solutions to manage leniency bias, the study examined variations in supervisor ratings for a range of personal and contextual variables such as gender, organisation size, work area and sector. Although supervisor ratings were inflated, they were consistent across the sample with variations recorded for only four capabilities in certain work areas. Reasons for leniency bias among workplace supervisors are explored in light of the findings and alternative approaches to evaluating student workplace performance are presented.

Organic carbon sequestration and storage in vegetated coastal habitats along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf

Certain coastal ecosystems such as mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass habitats have been identified as significant natural carbon sinks, through the sequestration and storage of carbon in their biomass and sediments, collectively known as 'blue carbon' ecosystems. These ecosystems can often thrive in extreme environments where terrestrial systems otherwise survive at the limit of their existence, such as in arid and desert regions of the globe. To further our understanding of the capability of blue carbon ecosystems to sequester and store carbon in such extreme climates, we measured carbon sediment stocks in 25 sites along the Western Arabian Gulf coast. While seagrass meadows and saltmarsh habitats were widely distributed along the coast, mangrove stands were much reduced as a result of anthropogenic pressures, with 90% of stands having been lost over the last century. Carbon stocks in 1 m deep surface sediments were similar across all three blue carbon habitats, with comparable stocks for saltmarsh (81 ± 22 Mg Corg ha−1), seagrass (76 ± 20 Mg Corg ha−1) and mangroves (76 ± 23 Mg Corg ha−1). We recorded a 38% decrease in carbon stocks between mature established mangrove stands (91 Mg Corg ha−1) and recently planted mangroves (56 Mg Corg ha−1). Mangroves also had the lowest carbon stock per total area owing to their very limited spatial coverage along the coast. The largest stock per total area belonged to seagrass beds as a result of their large spatial coverage within the Gulf. We employed 210Pb dating to determine the sediment accretion rates in each ecosystem and found mangrove habitats to be the most efficient carbon sequesters over the past century, with the highest carbon burial rate of the three ecosystems (19 g Corg m−2 yr−1), followed by seagrass (9 g Corg m−2 yr−1) and saltmarshes (8 g Corg m−2 yr−1). In this work, we describe a comprehensive comparison of sediment stocks in different blue carbon ecosystems within a single marine environment and across a large geographical area, and discuss our results in a global context for other blue carbon ecosystems in the dry tropics.

Toxoplasma gondii detection in fecal samples from domestic cats (Felis catus) in Hawai‘i

The presence of large numbers of free-ranging feral cats (Felis catus) has raised concern in terms of both native species predation and potential disease transmission in Hawai‘i. A disease of particular concern is toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan parasite. We tested soil samples and cat fecal samples from cat colonies from an urban university campus and a natural, coastal ecosystem for T. gondii oocysts using standard molecular procedures. Soil and fecal samples were collected from cat colony sites at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) and additional fecal samples were collected from cats trapped within the Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve (KPNAR). T. gondii DNA was detected in 5% (3 of 60) of fecal samples from UHM, but no T. gondii DNA was detected from soil samples. At KPNAR, 22.2% (2 of 9) of fecal samples were positive for T. gondii DNA. The presence of T. gondii at the university study sites suggests that cat colonies may be a potential health hazard for landscaping personnel, students, staff, and visitors. Likewise, presence of T. gondii at KPNAR, and potentially other coastal habitat(s) for ground-nesting seabirds or marine mammals, also suggests a disease risk and should be considered when managing these areas. Toxoplasmosis is a growing concern to both people and wildlife, and further work is needed to determine the pathways of transmission both within and between terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Hawai‘i.

Metabolic syndrome among schizophrenic patients: A comparative cross-sectional study in the middle belt of Ghana

The study determined the prevalence ofMetS in patients with schizophrenia at the Psychiatric Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. This comparative cross-sectional study recruited 348 schizophrenic patients comprising 236 antipsychotic-treated and 112 newly diagnosed treatment-na¨ıve patients. The MetS prevalence was assessed based on World Health Organization (WHO), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the National Cholesterol Education Programme, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. The overall prevalence of MetS was 14.1%, 20.4%, and 23.6% using NCEP ATP III, WHO, and IDF criteria, respectively, compared to 7.8%, 3.9%, and 2.2% reported in the generalGhanaian population.The prevalence was significantly higher among treated psychiatric patients compared to treatment-na¨ıve group based on NCEP ATP III (17.8% versus 6.2%; p = 0.0001), WHO (26.2% versus 8.0%; p < 0.0001), and IDF (30.3% versus 10.0%; p < 0.0001). MetS was prevalent among patients on atypical antipsychotics compared to typical antipsychotics irrespective of the criteria used (i.e., 17.1% versus 11.1% for NCEP ATP III; 29.5% versus 25.9% for WHO; and 44.3% versus 18.5% for IDF). Using logistic regression model, obesity, raised fasting blood sugar, raised total cholesterol, and decreased high density lipoprotein were observed to be significant predictors of MetS (p<0.05).The study found high prevalence of MetS in Ghanaians with schizophrenia and higher prevalence rate of MetS associated with monotherapy. Regular monitoring of cardiometabolic parameters should be an important therapeutic objective in the management of these patients.

High prevalence of toxigenic and nontoxigenic clostridium difficile strains in Malaysia

Accumulating evidence shows a high prevalence of Clostridium difficile in Southeast Asia associated with a range of clinical presentations. However, severe infections are rarely reported. We investigated C. difficile infection (CDI) across four hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Enzyme immunoassays for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxin A or B were performed on diarrheal stool specimens collected from patients in 2015 and 2016. Specimens were also cultured and isolates of C. difficile characterized by PCR ribotyping and detection of toxin genes. In total, 437 specimens were collected and fecal toxin was detected in 3.0%. A further 16.2% of specimens were GDH positive and toxin negative. After culture, toxigenic strains were isolated from 10.3% and nontoxigenic strains from 12.4% of specimens. The most prevalent PCR ribotypes (RTs) were RT 017 (20.0%) and RT 043 (10.0%). The high prevalence of RT 017 and nontoxigenic strains in Malaysia and in neighboring Thailand and Indonesia suggests that they localize to the region of Southeast Asia, with an implication that they may mediate the burden of CDI in the region.

What drives food insecurity in Western Australia? How the perceptions of people at risk differ to those of stakeholders

Food insecurity is considered a “wicked” problem due to the highly complex and at times undefined casual factors. Although many stakeholders are working to address the problem, a possible divergence exists between their views on food insecurity and those of the people who are actually experiencing the problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference between the opinions of those “at risk” and stakeholders. A total of seven focus groups (two stakeholder groups n = 10, five “at-risk” groups n = 34) and three interviews (stakeholders n = 3) were conducted to ascertain perceptions. Thematic analysis generated 329 (209 “at-risk” and 120 stakeholder) coded statements related to food insecurity drivers. Respondents were in agreement for the majority of factors, and limited income was considered the primary driver of food insecurity. However, there were notable deviations in the perceived importance of certain drivers, particularly around the price of food and the lack of food literacy. Differences in the perception of causes of food insecurity may in part be attributed to the varied role each group plays in working towards the resolution of the problem, either at the household or system level.

Cognitive impairment and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality over 20-year follow-up: Results from the BLSA

Background-Cognitive impairment may increase the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. This study examined the association between cognitive function and risk of all-cause and CVD mortality among the elderly in Beijing, China. Methods and Results-A total of 1996 participants aged ≥55 years at baseline were enrolled from the BLSA (Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and participants were categorized as:

Expanding Greenland seagrass meadows contribute new sediment carbon sinks

The loss of natural carbon sinks, such as seagrass meadows, contributes to grenhouse gas emissions and, thus, global warming. Whereas seagrass meadows are declining in temperate and tropical regions, they are expected to expand into the Arctic with future warming. Using paleoreconstruction of carbon burial and sources of organic carbon to shallow coastal sediments of three Greenland seagrass (Zostera marina) meadows of contrasting density and age, we test the hypothesis that Arctic seagrass meadows are expanding along with the associated sediment carbon sinks. We show that sediments accreted before 1900 were highly 13C depleted, indicative of low inputs of seagrass carbon, whereas from 1940’s to present carbon burial rates increased greatly and sediment carbon stocks were largely enriched with seagrass material. Currently, the increase of seagrass carbon inputs to sediments of lush and dense meadows (Kapisillit and Ameralik) was 2.6 fold larger than that of sparse meadows with low biomass (Kobbefjord). Our results demonstrate an increasing important role of Arctic seagrass meadows in supporting sediment carbon sinks, likely to be enhanced with future Arctic warming.

Optimum sizing of a stand-alone hybrid energy system for rural electrification in Bangladesh

This study investigates the potential application of hybridized energy system (i.e., PV/Wind/Diesel) with battery storage in the northern region of Bangladesh. A techno-economic feasibility of different system configurations is evaluated and an optimized system is selected using HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) software. The hybrid system is optimized to meet a remote stand-alone village community's load demand of 242.56 kWh/day with a 51.52 kW peak load demand. The result of this study indicates that the optimized hybrid system consists of 73 kW PV arrays, a 57 kW Diesel generator, a 387 kWh nominal capacity battery bank, and 28 kW inverters have the minimum Cost of Energy (COE) of 0.37$/kWh and the Net Present Cost (NPC) of $357,284. The outcome also indicates that the optimized system reduces CO2 emission by around 62% in comparison with the kerosene used in a current situation and 67% with the grid connected system. Furthermore, the Life Cycle Emissions-LCE (kg CO2-eq/yr) production is considerably lower in PV/Batt/ICE system than the other system configurations. However, this system has a lower Duty Factor (DF) compared to Wind/Batt/Diesel and Batt/Diesel based system. Although this system is not comparable with the grid tariff, the proposed method is economically feasible than solar micro utility system, Wind/Batt/Diesel system, and Diesel generator only system. Additionally, the article discusses the social and economic benefits of implementing the hybridized system along with their barriers and challenges.

A hybrid energy management and battery size optimization for standalone microgrids: A case study for Flinders Island, Australia

Microgrids are increasingly being used as a platform to integrate distributed generation such as renewable energy sources and (RESs) conventional sources in both grid-connected and isolated power systems. Due to the inherent intermittent nature of RESs, energy storage systems (ESSs) that can absorb fluctuations have become inevitable. Nevertheless, large capacities of ESSs increase the initial cost while small capacities lead to instabilities and increase in the cost of conventional fuels. Therefore, finding the optimal size of the ESS for a given application is essential for the reliable, efficient and economical operation of a microgrid. Once the battery size is decided, maintaining its energy at appropriate levels is essential to ensure stable and safe operation of the microgrid. This paper presents a novel expert fuzzy system - grey wolf optimization (FL-GWO) based intelligent meta-heuristic method for battery sizing and energy management. The proposed energy management operation is carried out by a Grey Wolf Optimiser (GWO) that is helped to set the membership functions and rules of the fuzzy logic expert system. The unit commitment (UC) issue, which is essential for the proper operation of the isolated microgrid, has been additionally considered in this paper. To verify the performance of the proposed method, results are compared with the rules-based method and traditional GWO algorithm. It has been proven from the results that the FL-GWO has a significant convergence property and capability to minimize the Levelized Cost Of Electricity (LCOE) by 14.13% and 24.15% compared with conventional GWO algorithm and rules-based method, respectively. The weather conditions for different climates is used to verify the performance of the intelligent energy management method under different operating scenarios. The results show that the intelligent online multi-objective energy management strategy is capable of managing a smooth power flow with the same optimal configuration in the isolated microgrid, minimising the fossil fuel utilisation and reducing the CO2 emission level.

Biochemical and hematological changes among anemic and non-anemic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Bolgatanga regional hospital, Ghana

Background: Anemia in pregnancy may not only be associated with maternal morbidity and mortality but can also be detrimental to the fetus. A definitive diagnosis of anemia is a pre-requisite to unravelling possible cause(s), to allow appropriate treatment intervention. It is hypothesised that measured hemoglobin (HGB), complemented by biochemical and other hematological parameters would enhance anemia diagnosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 400 pregnant women comprising 253 anemic and 147 non-anemic pregnant women, attending an antenatal clinic at Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Ghana. Venous blood was collected and hemoglobin genotype, complete blood count and biochemical parameters [ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TfS), C-reactive protein (CRP) and bilirubin] were determined. Thick blood films were prepared for malaria parasitemia, while early morning stool and midstream urine samples were examined for enteric and urogenital parasites, respectively. Results: There were significantly reduced levels of HGB (p < 0.0001), HCT (p < 0.0001), MCV (p < 0.0001), iron (0.0273), ferritin (p = 0.018) and transferrin saturation (0.0391) and increased WBC (p = 0.006), RDW (p = 0.0480), TIBC (p = 0.0438) and positivity of CRP in anemic, compared to non-anemic pregnant women. Anemic women were associated with increased proportion of hemoglobinopathies (AS, SS and SC), Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma hematobium and intestinal parasite infections. Conclusion: Anemic pregnant women are associated with a significant derangement in hematological and iron indices that implicate iron deficiency. This was influenced by hemoglobinopathies and parasitic infections.

Predictors of noncompliance to antihypertensive therapy among hypertensive patients Ghana: Application of health belief model

This study determined noncompliance to antihypertensive therapy (AHT) and its associated factors in a Ghanaian population by using the health belief model (HBM). This descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Kintampo Municipality in Ghana recruited a total of 678 hypertensive patients. The questionnaire constituted information regarding sociodemographics, a five-Likert type HBM questionnaire, and lifestyle-related factors. The rate of noncompliance to AHT in this study was 58.6%. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 43.5 (±5.2) years and median duration of hypertension was 2 years. Overall, the five HBM constructs explained 31.7% of the variance in noncompliance to AHT with a prediction accuracy of 77.5%, after adjusting for age, gender, and duration of condition. Higher levels of perceived benefits of using medicine [aOR=0.55(0.36-0.82),p=0.0001] and cue to actions [aOR=0.59(0.38-0.90),p=0.0008] were significantly associated with reduced noncompliance while perceived susceptibility [aOR=3.05(2.20-6.25), p

Combating social exclusion faced by disabled people in the wage labour market in Hong Kong

This article contributes to the search for suitable approaches to combat social exclusion faced by disabled people in capitalist wage labour markets. Referring to policy and service examples in Hong Kong, it reviews four social exclusion approaches – the Moral Underclass (MUD), Social Integrationist (SID), Redistributive (RED) and Collective Production (COP) approaches. These approaches are explored in relation to three key issues: (1) the diverse preferences of disabled people; (2) the myth of infeasibility regarding unconventional approaches and (3) the defects of the medical model of disability. The article argues that the MUD and SID approaches are more associated with the medical model of disability and emphasise individual changes. The RED and COP approaches contain more features of the social model of disability and are in favour of social and structural changes. The COP approach stresses the diverse preferences of disabled people and supports innovative services to combat social exclusion.

Evaluation of individual and combined markers of urine dipstick parameters and total lymphocyte count as a substitute for CD4 count in low-resource communities in Ghana

We evaluated the individual and combined levels of urine dipstick and total lymphocyte count (TLC) as surrogate markers for CD4 count in a low-resource community in Ghana. This cross-sectional study recruited 200 HIV-infected patients from the Saint Francis Xavier Hospital, Assin Fosu, Ghana. Complete blood count, CD4 count, and urine dipstick analysis were measured for participants. The threshold values were determined as/

Reimagining the cultural significance of wetlands: From Perth’s lost swamps to the Beeliar Wetlands

The history of Perth, Western Australia, has been characterised by the incremental loss of its wetlands. While disputes about wetlands are often framed solely in terms of the environment, they are places of cultural significance too. The extensive wetlands of central Perth, food gathering and meeting places for Noongar people are now expunged from the landscape. Urban dwellers of Perth are largely unaware that the seasonal lakes and wetlands of the centre of the city were the larders, gardens, hideouts, dumps and playgrounds of previous generations; both Noongar and Settler. The loss of social memory of these lost cultural/natural places entails the framing of wetlands as aberrant and continues to influence Perth’s development and the sense of place of its inhabitants. Reimagining Perth’s Lost Wetlands was a project which attempted to reimagine the pre-colonial landscape using archival material. Reimagining the past allows connections to be made to the last remaining wetlands in the wider metropolitan area. The fight to save the Beeliar Wetlands in southern suburban Perth as a cultural/natural place illustrates the changing value of wetlands and the laying down of social memories of place.

Public information arrival, price discovery and dynamic correlations in the Chinese renminbi markets

The Chinese renminbi (RMB) currency system has undergone several major developments in the past two decades, including the adoption of a managed floating system since July 2005, the expansion of an offshore RMB non-deliverable forward (NDF) market, and the relaxation of certain regulatory controls to promote the increased use of the RMB in the region. These developments have sparked intense debate on the potential of RMB internationalization and its pros and cons. In view of these developments, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of the RMB in both the spot and NDF markets since 2005 by examining the role and significance of the RMB NDF in the price discovery process and in predicting the volatility dynamics of the RMB markets. The results indicate that asymmetric volatility effects are significant for several NDF contract maturities and the spot-NDF correlations are significantly time-varying. Moreover, shocks to the volatility levels are highly persistent. Causality tests on the spot and NDF volatilities further suggest that the NDF markets impact the future fluctuations of the spot market, but the spot market does not have predictive power for the volatility of the NDF markets. Public information flows are found to have a significantly positive impact on the spot-forward conditional correlations. These findings have important implications for market linkages and effective hedging strategies.

Entrepreneurial competencies and firm performance in emerging economies: a study of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia

This study examines the effects of the different types of entrepreneurial competencies on firm performance in ventures founded by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Focusing on the concept of entrepreneurial competencies incorporating competencies of analytical planning, innovation, enforcement/implementation, leadership, teamwork and networking, we tested the relationships between these different types of entrepreneurial competencies and firm performance using data collected from 117 women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Our findings indicate that only enforcement/implementation and network competencies have significant effects on firm performance. In particular, we find that network competency firm performance. The paper sheds some light in relation to women’s entrepreneurship in emerging economies, and recommends further research that could assist policymakers in implementing more effective initiatives to encourage and develop women entrepreneurs for the success of the economy.

Improving logistics performance for one belt one road: a conceptual framework for supply chain risk management in Chinese third-party logistics providers

The Chinese Government recently launched one belt one road to reform and speed up the development of Chinese economy in the world. One belt one road (OBOR) strategy heavily relied on the traditional logistical trade routes including terrestrial and oceanic Silk Road. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for managing supply chain risks and improving logistics performance under the OBOR initiative in Chinese third-party logistics service providers. There are very few studies on risk management in the OBOR initiative. We focus on the innovation, customer response and flexibility in the third-party logistics providers. This would provide a guide for both academics and practitioners to manage supply chain risks and improve logistics performance and enlighten them to pay attention to supply chain risk management in the Chinese third-party logistics sector. In addition, this contributes to the supply chain and logistics management in one belt one road literature.

Institutional forces on Australian halal meat supply chain (AHMSC) operations

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of institutional forces in shaping the operations of halal meat supply chain in Australia, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of halal meat. This research examines how the halal meat production requirements are fulfilled and maintained throughout the supply chain in a non-Muslim-majority country.

The research uses a single-case study approach and uses semi-structured interviews as the primary method of data collection. It considers the perspectives of various stakeholder groups in the Australian halal meat supply chain (AHMSC). In all, 31 participants have participated in this research.

The findings show that institutional forces, especially which come through coercive forces, do affect and shape the overall operations of the AHMSC in particularly the way the stakeholders act within the supply chain, particularly in their role in ensuring the protection of halal status or halal integrity of the meat.

This paper suggests that the integrity of halal meat supply chain management operations in a non-Muslim-majority environment can be protected with heavy involvement from the relevant authorities, i.e. the federal government agency and the halal certifiers. With the implementation of specific halal meat production policy, i.e. Australian Government Authorised Halal Program, all parties dealing with the halal meat production for export purpose are obliged to fulfil the religious and food safety requirements, thus providing the necessary assurance for halal meat consumers, especially from the Muslim communities.

This paper is one of the first to provide insights of halal meat supply chain operations in a non-Muslim-majority environment. This paper also took in account various stakeholder groups that were involved directly with halal meat supply chain operations in Australia rather than focusing on a single stakeholder group which gives a better understanding of the whole supply chain operations.

Into the groove: experiencing difference in the Perth nightclub scene of the 1980s

This article examines nightclubbing in Perth in the 1980s. The specific focus is on the ways ethnicity and race related to which nightclub people went to, and the kinds of music played in the nightclubs. The article is based on interviews. The article focuses on three specific clubs, Hannibal’s, where the Italo-Australians and other southern Europeans went, Palladium, where Italo-Australians mixed with white Australians, and Jules, where Anglo-Indians and Anglo-Burmese, who self-identified as black, would go. The clubs for Australians, white Australians, were Pinocchio’s and Gobbles. Official multiculturalism was established during the 1980s and helped legitimise the cultural diversity found in Hannibal’s, Palladium and Jules. Likewise, the gradual termination of the White Australia policy enabled the presence of people identified by many Australians as non-white, who thought of themselves as black and identified with African Americans and their music. When the American navy ships docked in Fremantle, the African-American sailors went to Jules. In 1990 Hannibal’s, Palladium and Jules all closed. It was the end of an era.

Life after formal employment: A comparative study of female 'garments and textiles' and 'all other' factory' workers in Sri Lanka

This paper compares the post-employment social, political and economic profiles of women previously employed in Sri Lanka’s formal manufacturing sector. We surveyed 1031 female respondents, consisting of 775 former garment and textile (G&T) and 256 ‘all other’ (‘other’) former factory workers. Results showed that women who had worked in G&T factories were significantly more likely to have reported bringing back ‘useful’ skills and knowledge upon their return home. However, those previously employed in ‘other’ factories were 1.49 times more likely to report feeling greater acceptance from communities; as well as slightly higher rates of political participation. Regardless of such differences, a significant proportion across both groups shared a sense of self-confidence – even having set up their own businesses or now owning properties since leaving formal employment. Thus, contrary to the negative portrayal of factory work in Sri Lanka and the purported ‘plight’ of its largely female labor force, our research has found that most women – regardless of prior workplace – had retained and built upon their socio-economic capital across many important aspects of their lives.

The tripartite relationship between a bioturbator, mycorrhizal fungi, and a key Mediterranean forest tree

Mycorrhizal fungi serve important functions in Australian ecosystems by forming mutualistic symbioses with plants that facilitate water and nutrient uptake. Scat analyses have shown that southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer; ‘Quenda’) regularly feed on fungi, including ectomycorrhizal (ECM) species. Many of these ECM species are hypogeous and rely on mycophagous animals such as quenda to disperse their spores. We explored the tripartite relationship between a keystone Mediterranean tree, its associated mycorrhizal fungi, and a mammalian disperser. Wild‐collected quenda scats were used as a mycorrhizal inoculum to grow Eucalyptus gomphocephala from seeds under glasshouse conditions. Autoclaved scats were used as a negative‐control and sporocarp tissue from Pisolithus and Scleroderma ectomycorrhizal species were mixed together as a positive‐control inoculum. Seedlings were harvested at 10 weeks to assess seedling growth and early mycorrhizal colonization of roots by high‐throughput DNA sequencing. Quenda scat successfully introduced fungi to seedlings, shown by a 56% overlap of fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) detected in the scats and roots grown in fresh scat inoculum. Scat‐inoculated seedlings had richer root mycorrhiza fungal assemblages and a higher proportion of mycorrhizal taxa compared to negative‐ and positive‐controls. However, no difference in shoot or root mass in these young seedlings could be attributed to root fungi assemblages at this early growth stage, possibly reflecting that the role of mycorrhizae in these early seedlings was parasitic, rather than facilitatory. Our study has shown that spores of mycorrhizal fungi from the quenda scat inoculum can successfully germinate and colonize seedling roots after passage through the quenda gut.

Workforce localization in the UAE: Recruitment and selection challenges and practices in private and public organizations

Workforce localization (WL) has become an issue of increasing importance in the Arab Gulf region, a key emerging market, where, in many cases, local citizens are the minority in terms of population, and compete with high numbers of expatriate employees for jobs and positions. The purposes of this paper are to empirically explore recruitment and selection (R&S) challenges and practices related to WL in the UAE, and to compare and contrast these between private and public sector organizations. This paper adopts a qualitative, inductive methodology. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with HR/Localization managers in five private (PVO) and six public organizations (PSO) in the UAE, in different industrial sectors. Data were analyzed using NVivo 10 software. First, we found that both PVOs and PSOs face six common challenges related to the R&S of local candidates: 1) the lack of relevant education, skills and experience of Emirati Applicants (EA), 2) their high compensation expectations, 3) their lack of business, industry and career awareness, 4) competition from other employers, 5) some sector- and job-person fit considerations and 6) resistance from expatriates. Second, we found that both PVOs and PSOs have dedicated recruitment methods to attract EAs. Both PVOs and PSOs developed and communicated employee value propositions for EAs, used proactive, targeted, diversified internal and external recruitment methods, and evaluated the effectiveness of their recruitment practices, using established quantitative and qualitative measures. We found some differences between PVOs and PSOs: PSOs tended to reserve specific positions for local employees, used more targeted external recruitment methods and more numerous effectiveness evaluation measures than PVOs. Third, at the selection stage, we found that all organizations reviewed their job descriptions and selection processes to avoid any discriminatory items, most of them organized inclusive, culturally trained staffing committees. Most of the PSOs intensively modified their selection processes (e.g. using modified screening, selection criteria and standards, and selection steps) to facilitate WL, whereas PVOs only modified experience requirements for EAs. Both PVOs and PSOs used similar testing, interviewing processes and effectiveness evaluation measures, although PSOs generally utilized a greater range and number. While our findings on R&S practices showed similarities between PVOs and PSOs, they also highlighted a number of differences. This paper contributes to expanding the scope of understanding of the staffing processes in a non-Western context, adding to the body of empirical literature on localization, R&S, and public sector HRM in the Arab Middle East and Gulf countries. Implications for further research, practitioners and policy makers involved in WL are discussed.

An investigation into school inspection policies in Western Australian state education performed by the Expert Review Group

The aim of this work is to learn more about the Expert Review Group (ERG), a small but powerful team of bureaucrats in Western Australia’s Department of Education whose role is to inspect the quality and standards of pre-K to year 12 government schools. Critical education policy analysis is utilised. Iterative understandings were developed through historical and contemporary document analysis of legislature, policy documents, department reports, academic journal articles, media reports and social media information. This study makes transparent why the ERG was created and how it functions today. ERG school inspections are of proportional, risk-based type, targeting only those schools operating extraordinarily below or above the official measurements of adequate school performance. Very limited public analysis of the ERG had been undertaken prior to this study; thus, the data explored here are original and new to the public record. The ERG’s work and influence have expanded over its first decade of operation. However, there is no publicly available evidence that draws a link between ERG inspections and subsequent improvement in school performance for any ERG-inspected school.

A collaborative approach to the implementation of a structured clinical handover tool (iSoBAR), within a hospital setting in metropolitan Western Australian: A mixed methods study

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an education intervention for the implementation of the clinical handover tool iSoBAR, in an acute setting. A quantitative, descriptive survey design, using pre and post survey data before and after the implementation of an education intervention was used.

Twenty nine nurses, doctors and allied health personnel employed at the study site participated in the study.

The educational intervention consisted of an electronic presentation plus simulated video recorded exemplars of clinical handover.

Outcome measures were the efficacy of the education intervention on the confidence of practitioners using the iSoBAR handover tool. Participants’ understanding of the iSoBAR tool using Mann-Whitney U test was 2.54 pre-intervention and 4.32 post-intervention. Confidence in using the tool also increased post educational intervention from 2.7 (pre-intervention) to 4.07 (post-intervention). Focus groups identified several factors relating to the implementation of iSoBAR, creating two dominant themes: challenges concerning patient factors and change management processes and systems. Opportunities were identified: Practice enhancement, patient centred care, professional practice, and grassroots initiatives.

The use of an interprofessional educational program increased the confidence and understanding of a range of health care practitioners when using the clinical handover tool iSoBAR.

Muslim and non-muslim perceptions on Halal Meat Logistics (HML)

The study explores customer preferences of willingness to pay halal meat products based on logistics activities for Indonesian consumers in muslim and non-muslim areas. Two different Indonesian places were chosen to explore and compare the difference preferences about halal meat products. This paper investigates the factors influencing muslim consumers to pay halal meat products especially in term of logistics activity factors. The respondents of East Java and Bali provinces are collected to be compared to explore consumers' preferences in purchasing halal meat products in term logistics activities. Statistics descriptive is used to answer the research question using Cut off Point (COP) or average ration to figure out the distribution data of respondents in two different areas. Two variables considered in this study are halal logistic performance and customer's satisfaction.

The influence of national holiday structure on domestic tourism expenditure: Evidence from China

This study attempted to examine the influence of national holiday structure on the domestic tourism expenditure in the context of China. Using a multiprovincial survey data set from China National Tourism Administration, we developed a utility–consumption model to empirically analyze the consumption effects of Weekend Getaway, Paid Leave, National Day Golden Week Holiday, and National Festivals and Memorial Days (NFMDs). Results show that while the consumption effects of the first three types of holiday are significant and robust, the effect of NFMDs on tourism consumption is not statistically significant. This suggests that the first three types of holiday in China may function more effectively than NFMDs in promoting willingness to travel and tourist consumption. Policy recommendations and implications are discussed based on the study results.

Namibia - geotourism in the arid zone

Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by its landmark geological feature the Namib Desert which borders the Atlantic Ocean. It is a largely arid or semi-arid country in sub-Saharan Africa, bordering Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia (Figure 33.1). The country is one of Africa’s youngest nations, gaining independence in 1990 after 70 years of South African rule. About two-thirds of the small population base of 2.6 million (2018) live in rural areas, predominantly in the north and northeast of the country. The rest make up the country’s urban population, living in Namibia’s capital Windhoek, as well as coastal towns such as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz (NSA, 2017).

Characterizing the metabolic intensity and cardiovascular demands of walking football in Southeast Asian women

Given that the recent rise in obesity rates throughout Southeast Asia is disproportionately driven by women, part of the regional solution may be to encourage more habitual physical activity within this population. Taking advantage of the regional popularity of walking football, this study sought to characterize the cardiovascular demands and metabolic intensity of Southeast Asian women competing in walking football matches to determine the sports’ suitability for promoting physical health. It was hypothesized that both cardiovascular and metabolic intensity measures (≥65% HR% and ≥3.0 METs, respectively) would meet or exceed established thresholds for improving fitness and health. Methods: Women’s teams from Singapore (Mean±SD: 42±11 yrs age; 29.2±7.0 kg/m2 BMI; n=14) and Malaysia (40±10 yrs age; 32.9±5.7 kg/m2 BMI; n=8) competed in two successive matches within a single day during which measures of heart rate (HR) and GPS (from portable handheld device) were recorded for each player, while relative HR was computed as a percent of each player’s age-predicted maximal HR (HR%, %). The GPS data were later converted to walking distance and metabolic intensity (i.e., metabolic equivalents, or METs). One-sample t-tests at the 0.05 alpha level were used to compare variables to their respective thresholds. Results: Both Malaysian and Singaporean teams had mean relative HRs (91-95% of HRMAX [P=0.008] versus 77-80% of HRMAX [P

Geotourism and cultural heritage

Geotourism is often thought to refer solely to ‘geological tourism’, however, more recent views suggest that the term in fact refers much more broadly to encompass not only geology, but also fauna and flora as well as cultural aspects. An area’s geo-heritage can be defined as the geological base that, when combined with climate, has shaped the plants and animals of an area, which in turn determine an area's culture; that is, how people have lived in that area both in the past as well as in the present. This link has rarely been explored in academic literature, so this paper aims to address the way in which geology has shaped Indigenous tourism in Australia. An example of the ways in which the link between geotourism and a place's culture may be misunderstood is given through discussion of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in central Australia, where tourists have climbed Uluru (Ayers Rock) for generations, despite protest from traditional land owners, the Anangu people. Evolving understandings relating to the importance of cultural authenticity in tourism have led to the climbing of Uluru being banned effective from 2019.

Which tech will I use? Trends in students’ use and ownership of oechnology in a Thai university, an ongoing study

Students’ ownership of technology devices, their access to software and Web-based utilities, and their related preferences are the subject of this ongoing research. The devices that instructors use in the classroom, how students use online learning systems as provided by the university, and students’ skill levels when using technology for learning are also included. The major objective of this research is to provide a long-term comparative analysis across one university to determine if students’ and lecturers’ use of technology for teaching-learning has changed. Such ongoing data collection and analysis will inform individual institutions about online learning and how to improve facilities for both staff and students for maximum educational success. An initial study was conducted in 2015. This paper reports on the second data collection to determine if there have been any changes over a two-year period. The findings indicate that students have intermediate skill levels when using basic software programs for their study, whereas their social media skills are advanced. Students use mobile devices (phones and tablets) to access online learning materials. Overall, most students and staff lack basic knowledge in using information technology for study purposes. It was concluded that the university should continue to conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of students’ and staff’s information technology competencies.

China Tourism Research: Observations, thoughts and recommendations from an overseas scholar

This opinion piece article discusses and evaluates various issues of China tourism research from the stance of an overseas Chinese tourism scholar on the basis of his personal scholarly experiences. The article is composed of three parts. Part One echoes McKercher’s recent discussions on the status of international tourism research and discusses the relevant issues pertaining to China tourism research based on the author’s personal thoughts. Part Two briefly talks about some frontier theoretical issues facing China tourism research. Part Three analyses the common problems authors based in mainland China face in publishing their research in international English language research journals and provides recommendations. It is recommended that the tourism research community in China should be more self-reflexive in their scholarly activities; they also need to take an international perspective and view angle to contribute more to the commonwealth of the world’s tourism knowledge.

Tracing the three Atlantic branches entering the Arctic Ocean with 129I and 236U

This study presents the data on 129I and 236U concentrations in seawater samples and sea ice cores obtained during two expeditions to the Arctic Ocean that took place onboard R/V Polarstern (PS94) and R/V Lance (N‐ICE2015) in summer 2015. Carbon‐14 was also measured in the deep water samples from the Nansen, Amundsen, and Makarov Basins. The main goal was to investigate the distribution of 129I and 236U in a transect from the Norwegian Coast to the Makarov Basin to fully exploit the potential of combining 129I and 236U as a dual tracer to track Atlantic waters throughout the Arctic Ocean. The use of the 129I/236U and 236U/238U atom ratios allowed identifying a third Atlantic branch that enters the Arctic Ocean (the Arctic Shelf Break Branch) following the Norwegian Coastal Current that carries a larger proportion of the European reprocessing plants signal compared to Fram Strait Branch Water and Barents Sea Branch Water. The combination of 129I and 236U also allowed quantifying the different proportions of the La Hague stream, the Scottish stream, and Atlantic waters forming the three Atlantic branches of the Arctic Ocean Boundary Current. The results show that the 129I/236U atom ratio can now be used to identify the different Atlantic branches entering the Arctic Ocean. New input functions for 129I, 236U, and 129I/236U have also been described for each branch, which can be further used for calculation of transit time distributions of Atlantic waters.

Diversity of endemic rhizobia on Christmas Island: Implications for agriculture following phosphate mining

Given that phosphate supplies may diminish and become uneconomic to mine after 2020, there is a compelling need to develop alternative industries to support the population on Christmas Island. Former mine sites could be turned into productive agricultural land, however, large-scale commercial agriculture has never been attempted, and, given the uniqueness of the island, the diversity of rhizobia prior to introducing legumes needed evaluation. Therefore, 84 rhizobia isolates were obtained from nine different hosts, both crop and introduced legumes, located at seven sites across the island. Based on 16S rRNA and recA gene sequence analysis, the isolates grouped into 13 clades clustering within the genus Bradyrhizobium, Ensifer, Cupriavidus and Rhizobium. According to the sequences of their symbiosis genes nodC and nifH, the isolates were classified into 12 and 11 clades, respectively, and clustered closest to tropical or crop legume isolates. Moreover, the symbiosis gene phylogeny and Multi Locus Sequence Analysis gene phylogeny suggested vertical transmission in the Alpha-rhizobia but horizontal transmission within the Beta-rhizobia. Furthermore, this study provides evidence of a large diversity of endemic rhizobia associated with both crop and introduced legumes, and highlights the necessity of inoculation for common bean, chickpea and soybean on the Island.

Bad news for bobtails: Understanding predatory behaviour of a resource-subsidised corvid towards an island endemic reptile

Context: Resource subsidisation as a result of urbanisation and other human activity can have positive impacts for some opportunistic predators. Many species of corvid have benefitted from the expansion of human-dominated habitats; however, their impacts on co-occurring prey fauna are generally poorly understood.

Aims: We aimed to test the hypothesis that urbanisation associated with tourism impacts the predator–prey relationship between Australian ravens, or wardongs (Corvus coronoides), a ubiquitous corvid of southern Australia, and Rottnest Island bobtails (Tiliqua rugosa konowi), a subspecies of bobtail lizard isolated to a small (19 km2) island off the coast of Western Australia.

Methods: Using clay model lizards and camera traps, we assessed the wardongs’ attack rates by distance from the settlement and by whether the model was in closed or open habitat.

Key Results: We found that while wardongs preyed upon Rottnest Island bobtails, predation was not affected by proximity to human settlement despite the highest number of wardongs being found there. Models in closed vegetation were attacked by wardong significantly more than were those in open vegetation.

Implications: Increased predation rates in closed vegetation suggests that current revegetation efforts on the island may be increasing the availability of preferred hunting habitat for the wardong. This finding may influence decisions by management on whether to control the large population of wardongs on the island.

Astronomy alternative conceptions in pre-adolescent students in Western Australia

Alternative conceptions in astronomy are a road block to new learning. Astronomy content is included in the Australian Curriculum (AC) from Year 3 and then intermittently in Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10. In accepting that science is socio-culturally constructed, it is important for teachers to have a clear understanding of the alternative conceptions that students bring with them to the science classroom. This article reports on the alternative conceptions elicited from 546 students ranging from Year 5 through Year 7 using a modified form of the Astronomy Diagnostic Test [Danaia, L. (2006). Students’ experiences, perceptions and performance in junior secondary school science: An intervention study involving a remote telescope (Doctoral dissertation). Charles Sturt University, Bathurst]. Results show that some well identified alternative conceptions, such as the ‘eclipse model’ to explain the phases of the Moon, exist before students enter high school and prior to any formal learning on the topic. In addition, this research identified a number of alternative conceptions held by pre-adolescent students in Western Australia that were based on knowledge that should have been consolidated by students in Year 3, viz., the relative movements of the Earth, Moon and Sun. Armed with students’ alternative conceptions as a part of their pedagogical content knowledge, teachers can construct active learning experiences that will challenge students’ existing constructs in order to allow for new learning. This sample suggests that we need to identify the reasons behind the lack of consolidation of the foundation astronomy content of the Australian Curriculum outlined for students in Year 3.

Colorectal cancer survival rates in Ghana: A retrospective hospital-based study

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest cancers associated with diverse prognosis times in different parts of the world. Despite medical interventions, the overall clinical outcomes and survival remains very poor for most patients in developing countries. This study therefore investigated the survival rate of colorectal cancer and its prognostic factors among patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 221 patients diagnosed with CRC from 2009 to 2015 at the Surgical and Oncological units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana were employed. The survival graphs were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the Log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to assess prognostic factors. All analyses were performed by SPSS version 22.

RESULTS: The median survival time was 15 months 95% CI (11.79-18.21). The overall survival rate for CRC over the 5 years period was 16.0%. The survival rates at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years were 64% 95% CI (56.2-71.1), 40% 95% CI (32.2-50.1), 21% 95% CI (11.4-30.6) 16% 95% CI (8.9-26.9) and 16% 95% CI (7.3-24.9). There was a significant difference in the survival rate of colorectal cancer according to the different stages (p = 0.0001). Family history [HR = (3.44), p = 0.029)], Chemotherapy [HR = (0.23), p =

CONCLUSION: The study has clearly demonstrated that survival rate for CRC patients at KATH, Ghana is very low in a 5 years period. This is influenced by significant number of clinical and pathological prognostic factors. Identification of prognostic factors would be a primary basis for early prediction and treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.

Introduction to the French GEOTRACES North Atlantic transect (GA01): GEOVIDE cruise

The GEOVIDE cruise, a collaborative project within the framework of the international GEOTRACES programme, was conducted along the French-led section in the North Atlantic Ocean (Section GA01), between 15 May and 30 June 2014. In this special issue (<a href="https://www.biogeosciences.net/special_issue900.html" results from GEOVIDE, including physical oceanography and trace element and isotope cyclings, are presented among 18 articles. Here, the scientific context, project objectives, and scientific strategy of GEOVIDE are provided, along with an overview of the main results from the articles published in the special issue.

A case study of teaching English as a second language in three rural primary classes

Assessment results from rural schools have shown little improvement in over a decade, mainly because many of the barriers to learning, such as poverty and limited resources, still prevail. Without the necessary English language skills, language can become another barrier to learning. The assessment results of Progress in International Reading Literacy Studies (PIRLS) in 2011 and 2016 reinforce the need for instructional practices to address the difficulties learners’ experience with English in primary school. The aim of our study was to provide a detailed analysis of how English as a second language is taught, to guide policy makers in developing the instructional skills of teachers in rural settings, and consequently to improve the educational outcomes of the learners. A comparative case study was used to provide evidence-based descriptions of the teachers’ instructional practices from three Grade 3 classes. Findings indicated that language instruction appeared to focus on the structural components of language, compromising the development of the independent academic language skills needed to make the transition in Grade 4 to English as the language of learning and teaching. The results of this research can inform the planning and monitoring of future literacy development initiatives, and thereby, improve assessment results of learners.

Directors & officers of companies

Today the machinery of commerce is even more pervasive and runs ever faster in Malaysia. The Second Edition of Malaysian Precedents & Forms is intended to meet the needs of commercial or corporate practitioners in discharging their duties against that backdrop of commercial activity in this country. This publication is planned to appeal to all groups of professionals, regardless of legal background or training, in a particular field or industry.

Malaysian Precedents & Forms which was previously a looseleaf publication is now enhanced in its Second Edition to be a bound volume. It aims to provide Malaysian practitioners with a current sourcebook of noncontentious precedents and forms. The title scheme for this Second Edition has been revised from the looseleaf publication in response to the changing needs of practitioners.

Key features of each volume are:

• Commentary on each title

• Checklists & Aids where available

• Precedents & Forms relevant to each title

• Table of contents for a title at the beginning of that title

• Table of cases and statutes for all titles

• Index for all titles

• Extensive cross-referencing between the various component parts the volume is comprehensive in coverage, allowing the users a selection of model forms for various factual and situational permutations, in a userfriendly format. The forms and precedents supplied can be adapted or merged to produce the final result required. Each volume contains one or more parts dealing with a certain subject title contributed by leading authorities in each field.

It is hoped that the Second Edition of Malaysian Precedents & Forms will be a convenient and useful guide to all practitioners and professionals in non-contentious matters.

On the ecology of Australia’s arid zone: ‘Fire regimes and ecology of arid Australia’

Although fire is a widespread phenomenon and major ecosystem disturbance at the global scale, fire is a relatively rare event in much of the arid lands as rainfall and productivity are generally too low to support the dense vegetation and continuous fuel needed to sustain fires (Pausas and Bradstock 2007; Pausas and Ribeiro 2013). There are exceptions to this, such as landscapes dominated by xerophytic perennial grasses, where infrequent periods with above-average rainfall can result in exceptional grass and herb growth or where invasive species, particularly alien grasses, enhance fuel loads (Greenville et al. 2009; Keeley et al. 2012; Balch et al. 2013). Changes in land management (e.g. reduction in grazing, land abandonment), climate change and increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations have also been linked to increased fire activity in arid zones across the globe (Bond and Midgley 2012; Pausas and Fernández-Muñoz 2012; Bachelet et al. 2016).

Seeing the human face: Refugee and asylum seeker narratives and an ethics of care in recent Australian picture books

While working on the final stages of this essay, I went to a local children’s bookstore to look for a retelling of The Tempest to assist the eleven-year-old in my life with a drama audition. The audition required him to memorize the monologue in which Trinculo finds Caliban on the beach and asks, “What have we here? a man or a fish? dead or alive?” (2.2.24–25). The owner of the shop—who knows my field of research and advises me when new books arrive that she thinks would interest me—asked whether I had seen the latest Armin Greder book, The Mediterranean, which had arrived in her shop that week. I had not, so she brought the book over to me. The only words in the narrative appear on the first page: “After he had finished drowning,/ his body sank slowly/ to the bottom,/ where the fish/ were waiting.” The echo between Trinculo’s monologue and Greder’s prologue resonates with me as a haunting reminder of the proximity of life and death and the capacity of human beings and federal governments for refusing care.

Stock split announcement and return volatility: Evidence from Malaysia

This study examines the impact of stock split announcement on stock return volatility in Bursa Malaysia during 2004-2014. The study uses event study methodology and investigates interaction relationships between various control variables. We found significantly positive abnormal returns on both splits announcement and announcement of book closing date, while they are insignificant on the splits execution date and circular-day. The finding indicates a stronger market reaction to the split announcement and execution date in the third period (2010-2014) compared to the first (2004-2006) and second (2007-2009) period. Also, the significant and positive abnormal return on the Ex-date in the third period demonstrates the effective role of securities regulation changes and improvement. We also found a significantly positive abnormal announcement return for the sub-samples, implying that from investors' viewpoint the stock splits in Bursa Malaysia is good news.

Determinants of corporate environmental and social disclosures in China: A comparative study within high-profile industries

This study examines the extent of environmental and social disclosures in annual reports made by Chinese mining, utility and chemical industries. It also investigates the key drivers of the companies’ environmental and social disclosures (CESD), thereby determining the motivations of the sample organisations towards corporate environmental and social responsibility. The study adopted dichotomous index to measure the extent of CESD among the three industries in their annual reports. Additionally, Ordinary Least Square was adopted to examine the determinants of CESD. By drawing on legitimacy theory, the results depict positive associations between the extent of CESD and firm size, profitability, and firm age.

Engagement from industry association showed strong significance in environmental disclosure, whereas leverage was significant in social disclosures. Government ownership was found insignificant in the analysis. The study contributes with direct evidence to the extent of environmental disclosure and social disclosure made by three high-profile industries based on G3. The results showed that overall there is no significant difference between the extents of CESD of the three industries, indicating that high-profile industries behave similarly in terms of the content of information in disclosure. This study has also practical implications particularly for the regulatory body and the industry association when developing regulations and guidelines on environmental and social reports.

A new president, the same ANC: Lessons from 2008

Earlier this month, almost 10 years after the ANC recalled former-president Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma resigned as South African President. Though some may be hopeful about new president Cyril Ramaphosa, there are many reasons to be sceptical or even concerned about the ANC under a Ramaphosa presidency. The removal of two sitting presidents within 10 years by the ruling ANC party sheds light on the continued factionalism within the national liberation movement. Indeed, though Zuma has been dogged by corruption charges throughout his presidency, his removal from office took place in the context of a protracted leadership struggle with Cyril Ramaphosa.

Are white South African farmers facing “genocide”? Why these claims illustrate Australia’s discriminatory refugee policy

In March, Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton explored the possibility of granting South Africa’s white farmers access to fast-track visas on humanitarian grounds. Claiming “horrific circumstances” faced by South African white farmers, Dutton told reporters that they needed help from “a civilised country like ours,” adding that, “We want people who want to come here, abide by our laws, integrate into our society, work hard, not lead a life on welfare. And I think these people deserve special attention.”

Microbiomes of Western Australian marine environments

Microbes are fundamentally important to the maintenance of all habitats, including those in the ocean: they govern biogeochemical cycles, contribute to resistance from disease and nutritional requirements of macroorganisms and provide enormous biological and genetic diversity. The oceanic environment of the west coast of Australia is dominated by the Leeuwin Current, a poleward flowing boundary current that brings warm water down the coastline from the north. Due to the influence of the current, tropical species exist further south than they would otherwise, and stretches of the coastline host unique assortments of tropical and temperate species. Seawater itself, as well as the benthic macroorganisms that inhabit ocean environments, form habitats such as extensive areas of seagrass beds, macroalgal forests, coral reefs, sponge gardens, benthic mats including stromatolites, continental slopes and canyons and abyssal plain enviroments. These environments, and the macroorganisms that inhabit them, are all intrinsically linked with highly abundant and diverse consortiums of microorganisms. To date, there has been little research aimed at understanding these critical organisms within Western Australia. Here we review the current literature from the dominant coastal types (seagrass, coral, temperate macroalgae, vertebrates and stromatolites) in Western Australia. The most well researched are pelagic habitats and those with stromatolites, whereas data on all the other environments are slowly beginning to emerge. We urge future research efforts to be directed toward understanding the diversity, function, resilience and connectivity of coastal microorganisms in Western Australia.

Contemporary fire regimes of the arid Carnarvon Basin region of Western Australia

This study investigates the fire regime for the arid Carnarvon Basin region of Western Australia using remotely sensed imagery. A fire history database was constructed from satellite images to characterise the general fire regime and determine any effect of vegetation types and pre-fire weather and climate. The study area was divided into two sections (northern and southern) due to their inherently different vegetation and climate. A total of 23.8% (15,646 km2) of the study area was burnt during the 39-year study period. Heathland vegetation (54%) burnt the most extensively in the southern study area, and hummock grasslands (68%) in the northern. A single, unusually large fire in 2012 followed exceptional rains in the previous 12 months and accounted for 55% of the total burnt area. This fire burnt mainly through Acacia shrublands and woodlands rather than hummock grasslands, as normally experienced in the northern study area. Antecedent rainfall and fire weather were found to be the main meteorological factors driving fire size. Both study areas showed a moderate to strong correlation between fire size and increased pre-fire rainfall in the year preceding the fire. Predicted future changes in climate may lead to more frequent and higher intensity fires.

Family Group Conferencing as a catalyst for recovery and ownership in mental health

BACKGROUND: Recovery is a journey not only of personal change but also of social reengagement. It underlines the essence of social environments that are supportive to the recovery of people with ongoing mental health issues. The process of recovery also affects other actors, and likewise these actors exert their influence on the recovery of their family member or friend.

OBJECTIVE: Since 2009, we have been studying whether the decision-making model called family group conferencing (FGC) helps mental health clients increase their self-reliance. The essence of FGC is that individuals who experience problems have the opportunity to develop a plan together with people from their social network. Clients in mental health have to deal with different forms of disempowerment, especially when they are threatened with compulsory measures. It is an aim to help them regain ownership over their problems as well as over the potential solutions.

METHOD: From 2011 to 2013, we evaluated 41 family group conferences that were organized for clients in a public mental health care setting in the north of the Netherlands. Each conference was analyzed in a qualitative case study framework.

RESULTS: This article highlights two case portraits. It gives insight into how ownership was restored and what this meant regarding clients' recovery process.

CONCLUSION: FGC seems a promising tool to shift the attention from disorders and inabilities to capacities and the rediscovery of social resources.

News and return volatility of Chinese bank stocks

Using the comprehensive RavenPack Dow Jones News Analytics (DJNA) database that captures firm-specific news releases and their sentiment scores at high frequencies, we examine the contemporaneous correlation as well as the lead-lag relation between news and return volatility of major commercial banks listed on the Chinese stock market. Contrary to the Sequential Information Arrival Hypothesis (SIAH), most of the Chinese bank stocks do not exhibit significant lead-lag relations between news and volatility. However, there is substantial evidence that news is strongly correlated with return volatility in all the stocks, consistent with the Mixture of Distributions Hypothesis (MDH). Further analysis based on news sentiment scores suggests that positive news arrivals influence return volatility more strongly, compared with negative news. In addition, there is some evidence indicating that news arrivals contribute to the persistence in return volatility.

Seeking basic needs and other tales of excess

Take a pathway across Northbridge with a set of headphones and an open mind in this opera for one. Listen in as an original soundscape unfolds with stories of migration and patterns of human behaviour. Hear world-wide tales of struggle, joy and hope as the city comes alive in this immersive sonic storytelling experience.

Created by Perth-based Renée Newman, and made in collaboration with sound designer Ben Collins, Seeking basic needs and other tales of excess is a new Western Australian work and a world premiere exploring the form of the audio tour.

Borrowing from Francis Alÿs’s notion that walking is “with the speed culture of our time – a kind of resistance…a very immediate method for unfolding stories”, it strips back what we need – to live and love – by asking you to slow down. See the world as a moving picture, the streets your stage and the people your actors.

A meditation on hope, this mindful solo encounter in public space embraces how we are always moving, shifting, changing.

Effect of socioeconomic disadvantage, remoteness and Indigenous status on hospital usage for Western Australian preterm infants under 12 months of age: A population-based data linkage study

Objectives:

 Our primary objective was to determine the incidence of hospital admission and emergency department presentation in Indigenous and non-Indigenous preterm infants aged postdischarge from birth admission to 11 months in Western Australia. Secondary objectives were to assess incidence in the poorest infants from remote areas and to determine the primary causes of hospital usage in preterm infants.

Design:

Prospective population-based linked data set.

Setting and participants:

 All preterm babies born in Western Australia during 2010 and 2011.

Main outcome measures:

All-cause hospitalisations and emergency department presentations.

Results:

 There were 6.9% (4211/61 254) preterm infants, 13.1% (433/3311) Indigenous preterm infants and 6.5% (3778/57 943) non-Indigenous preterm infants born in Western Australia. Indigenous preterm infants had a higher incidence of hospital admission (adjusted incident rate ratio (aIRR) 1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.42) and emergency department presentation (aIRR 1.71, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.02) compared with non-Indigenous preterm infants. The most disadvantaged preterm infants (7.8/1000 person days) had a greater incidence of emergency presentation compared with the most advantaged infants (3.1/1000 person days) (aIRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.00). The most remote preterm infants (7.8/1000 person days) had a greater incidence of emergency presentation compared with the least remote preterm infants (3.0/1000 person days; aIRR 1.82, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.22).

Conclusions:

 In Western Australia, preterm infants have high hospital usage in their first year of life. Infants living in disadvantaged areas, remote area infants and Indigenous infants are at increased risk. Our data highlight the need for improved postdischarge care for preterm infants.

Profiling of cardio-metabolic risk factors and medication utilisation among Type II diabetes patients in Ghana: A prospective cohort study

Background:

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is complicated by multiple cardio-metabolic risk factors. Controlling these factors requires lifestyle modifications alongside utilisation of anti-diabetic medications. Different glucose lowering [(biguanides (BIGs), sulfonylureas (SUAs), thiazolidinediones (TNZ)], lipid lowering (statins), and anti-hypertensive medicines [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and central acting drugs (CADs)] have been approved for controlling hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension respectively. Here, we examined factors that characterise T2DM and explored the response to medication therapy among T2DM patients.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study recruited 241 T2DM patients reporting at a clinic in Ghana, from January through to August, 2016. Each patient’s demographic, medications and anthropometric data was obtained while information on medication adherence was captured using Morisky adherence scale-8 (MMAS-8). Fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis.

The mean age of participants was 57.82 years for baseline and six-month follow-up. Physical activity differed at baseline and follow up (p < 0.05) but not body mass index (BMI). BIG alone, or in combination with SUA and TNZ did not improve glycaemic status at follow up (p > 0.05). Many participants using either ACEI or ARB were able to control their blood pressures. Among dyslipidaemia patients under statin treatment, there was an improved lipid profile at follow-up.

Statin medications are effective for reducing dyslipidaemia in T2DM patients. However, control of modifiable risk factors, particularly blood glucose and to a lesser degree blood pressure is suboptimal. Addressing these will require concomitant interventions including education on medication adherence and correct dietary plans, lifestyle modifications and physical activity.

A techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid power generation for remote area application in Bangladesh

A techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid power generation for a remote community in Bangladesh is carried out in this study. The proposed system integrates a combination of biogas generator, PV modules, diesel generators, wind turbines, and lead acid battery to meet the electric load requirements using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software tool. The designated system would satisfy the energy requirements of 248 kWh/day primary load with 44.41 kW peak load. The optimized hybrid system consists of a biogas generator (9 kW), PV modules (10 kW), 2 diesel generators (10 kW each), 72 batteries (390Ah each), and 15 kW inverters. This configuration gives the COE of $0.28/kWh and total Net Present Cost (NPC) of $612280 with a renewable fraction of 60%. Additionally, the system has potential benefit to reduce CO2 emission by nearly 59.6% per year as compared to a diesel-based system and by 40.5% compared to the grid electricity. Furthermore, the results also indicate that it is fairly impossible to reach grid electricity price parity even with full government support for the project capital cost. However, the proposed system is found as an economical option than supplying electricity to the remote community with solar home systems (SHSs).

Building expert agreement on the importance and feasibility of workplace health promotion interventions for nurses and midwives: a modified Delphi consultation

Aim: To use a Delphi panel to determine the relative importance and feasibility of workplace health promotion interventions to promote and support the health of the Australian nursing and midwifery workforce.

Background: The nursing workforce experiences rates of ill health above that of other workforces, yet there is little investment in workplace health promotion.

Design: The study used a modified Delphi design conducted between September and November 2015.

Methods: Eleven of 19 purposively selected expert panellists discussed, rated and provided feedback through two rounds of an electronic questionnaire about the relative importance and feasibility of 46 workplace health promotion interventions and processes for nurses and midwives. Scores for importance and feasibility were calculated and ranked and a composite score of importance multiplied by feasibility.

Results: Mental health strategies were prioritized as the most important and feasible of the intervention topics, followed closely by healthy eating and physical activity interventions; smoking cessation ranked lowest. The most highly ranked interventions targeted healthy eating, stress management and resilience training. Highest ranked processes to support development of a healthy work environment included intersectoral collaboration and employee wellness groups.

Conclusions: Study findings prompt consideration of health promotion opportunities to support nurses’ health and well-being. Findings identified key workplace health promotion priorities and provide direction for policy makers and managers to promote nursing and midwifery workforce health.

Carbon sequestration by Australian tidal marshes

Australia’s tidal marshes have suffered significant losses but their recently recognised importance in CO2 sequestration is creating opportunities for their protection and restoration. We compiled all available data on soil organic carbon (OC) storage in Australia’s tidal marshes (323 cores). OC stocks in the surface 1 m averaged 165.41 (SE 6.96) Mg OC ha − 1 (range 14 – 963 Mg OC ha − 1). The mean OC accumulation rate was 0.55 ± 0.02 Mg OC ha − 1 yr − 1. Geomorphology was the most important predictor of OC stocks, with fluvial sites having twice the stock of OC as seaward sites. Australia’s 1.4 million hectares of tidal marshes contain an estimated 212 million tonnes of OC in the surface 1 m, with a potential CO2- equivalent value of $USD7.19 billion. Annual sequestration is 0.75 Tg OC yr−1, with a CO2-equivalent value of $USD28.02 million per annum. This study provides the most comprehensive estimates of tidal marsh blue carbon in Australia, and illustrates their importance in climate change mitigation and adaptation, acting as CO2 sinks and buffering the impacts of rising sea level. We outline potential further development of carbon offset schemes to restore the sequestration capacity and other ecosystem services provided by Australia tidal marshes.

Bottom-trawling along submarine canyons impacts deep sedimentary regimes

Many studies highlight that fish trawling activities cause seafloor erosion, but the assessment of the remobilization of surface sediments and its relocation is still not well documented. These impacts were examined along the flanks and axes of three headless submarine canyons incised on the Barcelona continental margin, where trawling fleets have been operating for decades. Trawled grounds along canyon flanks presented eroded and highly reworked surface sediments resulting from the passage of heavy trawling gear. Sedimentation rates on the upper canyon axes tripled and quadrupled its natural (i.e. pre-industrialization) values after a substantial increase in total horsepower of the operating trawling fleets between 1960 s and 1970 s. These impacts affected the upper canyon reaches next to fishing grounds, where sediment resuspended by trawling can be transported towards the canyon axes. This study highlights that bottom trawling has the capacity to alter natural sedimentary environments by promoting sediment-starved canyon flanks, and by enhancing sedimentation rates along the contiguous axes, independently of canyons’ morphology. Considering the global mechanisation and offshore expansion of bottom trawling fisheries since the mid-20th century, these sedimentary alterations may occur in many trawled canyons worldwide, with further ecological impacts on the trophic status of these non-resilient benthic communities.

Genomic scans across three eucalypts suggest that adaptation to aridity is a genome-wide phenomenon

Widespread species spanning strong environmental (e.g., climatic) gradients frequently display morphological and physiological adaptations to local conditions. Some adaptations are common to different species that occupy similar environments. However, the genomic architecture underlying such convergent traits may not be the same between species. Using genomic data from previous studies of three widespread eucalypt species that grow along rainfall gradients in southern Australia, our probabilistic approach provides evidence that adaptation to aridity is a genome-wide phenomenon, likely to involve multiple and diverse genes, gene families and regulatory regions that affect a multitude of complex genetic and biochemical processes.

High prevalence of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in public space lawns in Western Australia

Clostridium difficile is a well-established hospital pathogen. Recently, it has been detected increasingly in patients without hospital contact. Given this rise in community associated infections with C. difficile, we hypothesized that the environment could play an important role in transmission of spores outside the hospital. Lawn samples (311) collected in public spaces in the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia, from February to June 2016 were cultured for C. difficile. C. difficile was isolated from the samples by direct and enrichment culture, and characterized by standard molecular methods using toxin gene PCR and ribotyping. The overall prevalence of C. difficile was 59 %, new lawn ( ≤ 4 months old) was twice as likely as old lawn ( > 4 months old) to test positive (OR = 2.3; 95 % CI 1.16 – 4.57, p = 0.015) and 35 C. difficile ribotypes were identified with toxigenic ribotype 014/020 (39 %) predominating. The highest viable count from lawn soil samples was 1200 CFU/g. These results show that lawns in Perth, Western Australia, harbor toxigenic C. difficile, an important finding. The source of lawn contamination is likely related to modern practice of producing “roll-out” lawn. Further work should focus on identifying specific management practices that lead to C. difficile contamination of lawn to inform prevention and control measures.

Which food security determinants predict adequate vegetable consumption among rural Western Australian children?

Improving the suboptimal vegetable consumption among the majority of Australian children is imperative in reducing chronic disease risk. The objective of this research was to determine whether there was a relationship between food security determinants (FSD) (i.e., food availability, access, and utilisation dimensions) and adequate vegetable consumption among children living in regional and remote Western Australia (WA). Caregiver-child dyads (n = 256) living in non-metropolitan/rural WA completed cross-sectional surveys that included questions on FSD, demographics and usual vegetable intake. A total of 187 dyads were included in analyses, which included descriptive and logistic regression analyses via IBM SPSS (version 23). A total of 13.4% of children in this sample had adequate vegetable intake. FSD that met inclusion criteria (p ≤ 0.20) for multivariable regression analyses included price; promotion; quality; location of food outlets; variety of vegetable types; financial resources; and transport to outlets. After adjustment for potential demographic confounders, the FSD that predicted adequate vegetable consumption were, variety of vegetable types consumed (p = 0.007), promotion (p = 0.017), location of food outlets (p = 0.027), and price (p = 0.043). Food retail outlets should ensure that adequate varieties of vegetable types (i.e., fresh, frozen, tinned) are available, vegetable messages should be promoted through food retail outlets and in community settings, towns should include a range of vegetable purchasing options, increase their reliance on a local food supply and increase transport options to enable affordable vegetable purchasing.

Metal-free hybrids of graphitic carbon nitride and nanodiamonds for photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic applications

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been considered as a metal-free, cost-effective, eco-friendly and efficient catalyst for various photoelectrochemical applications. However, compared to conventional metal-based photocatalysts, its photocatalytic activity is still low because of the low mobility of carriers restricted by the polymer nature. Herein, a series of hybrids of g-C3N4 (GCN) and nanodiamonds (NDs) were synthesized using a solvothermal method. The photoelectrochemical performance and photocatalytic efficiency of the GCN/NDs were investigated by means of the generation of photocurrent and photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) solutions under UV–visible light irradiations. In this study, the sample of GCN/ND-33% derived from 0.1 g GCN and 0.05 g NDs displayed the highest photocatalytic activity and the strongest photocurrent density. The mechanism of enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performances was also discussed.

Calibration of Valiantzas' reference evapotranspiration equations for the Pilbara region, Western Australia

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is a critical component of water resources management and planning. Different methods have been developed to estimate ET0 with various required data. In this study, Hargreaves, Turc, Oudin, Copais, Abtew methods and three forms of Valiantzas’ formulas, developed in recent years, were used to estimate ET0 for the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The estimated ET0 values from these methods were compared with those from the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PM) method. The results showed that the Copais methods and two of Valiantzas’ equations, in their original forms, are suitable for estimating ET0 for the study area. A modification of Honey-Bee Mating Optimization (MHBMO) algorithm was further implemented, and three Valiantzas’ equations for a region located in the southern hemisphere were calibrated.

Can specific attentional skills be modified with mindfulness training for novice practitioners?

Mindfulness practice is becoming an accepted psychological intervention used in clinical settings to help enhance attention. To date however relatively few randomised control trial (RCT) studies have investigated the effect of mindfulness training on attentional skills in novice practitioners. This study examined the effect of daily mindfulness practice on changes in attention skills; alerting, orienting and executive control in novice practitioners. Forty six university students from Perth, Western Australia were randomly assigned to one of two groups (mindfulness or waitlist control). Baseline analyses of psychological wellbeing indicated that the two groups initially were comparable in this domain. Pre- and post-test assessments using the Attention Network Test (ANT) were conducted to measure attention skills. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine the effect of intervention. Significant improvement in orienting and executive control skills following the mindfulness intervention was noted, however, no changes in alerting attentional skills were detected. Mindfulness practice impacted on the fundamental processes of the selective (orienting) and executive attention (executive control) networks which may in turn have additional beneficial effects in a variety of domains and situations. These findings add to existing literature that supports the positive and beneficial effect of regular mindfulness practice for the enhancement of attentional skills and its potential application to clinical populations.

Intervention time series analysis of voluntary, counselling and testing on HIV infections in West African sub-region: The case of Ghana

In this paper, intervention time series models were developed to examine the effectiveness of the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) programme in the northern and southern sectors of Ghana. Preintervention data of HIV reported cases in the northern and southern sectors were first modelled as Box–Jenkins univariate time series. Second, the adopted models from the pre-intervention data were extended to include the intervention variable. The intervention variable was coded as zero for the pre-intervention period (1 January 1996–31 December 2002) and one for the post-intervention period (1 January 2003–31 December 2007). The models developed were applied to the entire data for the two sectors to estimate the effect of the VCT programme. Our findings indicate that the VCT programme was found to be associated with detection of 20 and 40 new HIV infections per 100,000 persons per month in the northern and southern sectors (p < .10), respectively. The VCT programme in Ghana, like most West African nations, has insignificant impact. Intervention time series models can be used to reliably examine the impact of the VCT programme. The impact of the VCT programme is minimal and we therefore recommend that the National AIDS Control Programme and other stakeholders re-double their efforts to maximise the impact of the programme.

The real ‘cost’ of study in Australia and the ramifications for China, Australia, and the Chinese nursing students: What do these three players want? A narrative review

Australia attracts international nursing students from China to maintain its economic advantage and to alleviate the projected nursing shortage; conversely, China needs its best and brightest citizens who have trained abroad in nursing to return to cope with current challenges within its healthcare system and nursing education. This paper explores whether China can lure its foreign-trained nurses home to achieve its goals; whether China or Australia will win the nursing talent war; and do Chinese nursing students want to remain abroad or return home. The insight gained can support the development of successful human capital investment for all parties involved.

Delineation of riparian vegetation from landsat multi-temporal imagery using PCA

A deficiency in crucial digital data, such as vegetation cover, in remote regions is a challenging issue for water management and planning, especially for areas undergoing rapid development, such as mining in the Pilbara, Western Australia. This is particularly relevant to riparian vegetation, which provides important ecological services and, as such, requires regional protection. The objective of this research was to develop an approach to riparian vegetation mapping at a regional scale using remotely sensed data. The proposed method was based on principal component analysis applied to multi-temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index datasets derived from Landsat TM 5 imagery. To delimit the spatial extent of riparian vegetation, a thresholding method was required and various thresholding algorithms were tested. The accuracy of results was estimated for various Normalized Difference Vegetation Index multi-temporal datasets using available ground-truth data. The combination of a 14-dry-date dataset and Kittler's thresholding method provided the most accurate delineation of riparian vegetation

Historical processes and contemporary ocean currents drive genetic structure in the seagrass Thalassia hemprichii in the Indo-Australian Archipelago

Understanding spatial patterns of gene flow and genetic structure is essential for the conservation of marine ecosystems. Contemporary ocean currents and historical isolation due to Pleistocene sea level fluctuations have been predicted to influence the genetic structure in marine populations. In the Indo-Australian Archipelago (IAA), the world's hotspot of marine biodiversity, seagrasses are a vital component but population genetic information is very limited. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeography of the seagrass Thalassia hemprichii in the IAA based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and then characterized the genetic structure based on a panel of 16 microsatellite markers. We further examined the relative importance of historical isolation and contemporary ocean currents in driving the patterns of genetic structure. Results from SNPs revealed three population groups: eastern Indonesia, western Indonesia (Sunda Shelf) and Indian Ocean; while the microsatellites supported five population groups (eastern Indonesia, Sunda Shelf, Lesser Sunda, Western Australia and Indian Ocean). Both SNPs and microsatellites showed asymmetrical gene flow among population groups with a trend of southwestward migration from eastern Indonesia. Genetic diversity was generally higher in eastern Indonesia and decreased southwestward. The pattern of genetic structure and connectivity is attributed partly to the Pleistocene sea level fluctuations modified to a smaller level by contemporary ocean currents.

Creating an understanding of the UV Index amongst pre-service teachers

In Australia, the Ultra Violet (UV) Index is used as a measure of solar ultra violet intensity and is advertised locally, through various media outlets to promote sun safe behaviour. Despite this availability, skin cancer remains the most common cancer in Australia and the most significant cancer for the age range of 15-24 years. Research indicates that the UV Index is not well understood, especially that it is unrelated to temperature. In conjunction with the Cancer Council of Western Australia (WA), this study critically examined the UV knowledge and sun safe behaviours of pre-service teachers of health education (HE) preparing for employment in WA secondary schools. It utilised pre and post-intervention data to measure any change in the pre-service teachers’ understandings of UV knowledge and willingness to adopt sun safe behaviours. Additionally, this study examined three HE lesson plans prepared by the pre-service teachers to account for their ability to utilise the UV concept in the development of lessons. Insights from this study identified particular sun-safe concepts and behaviours needed to improve pre- service teachers’ understandings of the UV Index and teaching and learning of sun safety in secondary schools.

Workplace violence against nurses: A cross-sectional descriptive study of Ghanaian nurses

The aim of this study was to document the incidence, sources, and effects of workplace physical violence against Ghanaian nurses. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 592 nurses employed in public general hospitals in Ghana. Participants were selected using a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. Nine percent of the participants experienced physical violence in the 12 months preceding the study. The majority of perpetrators were relatives of patients. Chi-square tests suggested significant relationships between type of hospital and workplace physical violence, and between intention to quit the nursing profession and workplace physical violence. Workplace violence had several negative effects on nurses including having disturbing memories about the incident and being “super alert” and vigilant. Strategies to curb workplace violence could include awareness creation among health care workers and the general public. Policies and legislations must also be put in place to address this social problem.

Pre-service primary teachers' experiences and self-efficacy to teach music: Are they ready?

Music is essential in developing the young brain, particularly skills relating to concentration, filtering, information retrieval, verbal competencies, mental visualisation, problem solving, empathy and personal expression. With the introduction of the Australian National Curriculum and its adoption as the basis of the Western Australian P-10 music syllabus, there is cause to reflect on the effectiveness of music provision within teacher education courses and pre-service generalist teachers' abilities to deliver the new music syllabus. Accordingly, a mixed method study was conducted with first and fourth year Bachelor of Education primary students at a Western Australian university, to investigate students' music experiences prior to and during the course. Fourth year graduating students were also asked to reflect on their self-efficacy to teach music based upon the course. For this article, selected data from 2013 and 2014 is presented as descriptive statistics along with interview observations to contextualise the findings. While students generally reported encouraging levels of musical engagement, this did not translate into self-efficacy to teach music. This article emphasises the importance of building pre-service teacher self-efficacy to support ongoing personal and professional engagement with music so future generations of young people can benefit from sustained, quality music education in primary schools.

High particulate organic carbon export during the decline of a vast diatom bloom in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean

Carbon fixation by phytoplankton plays a key role in the uptake of atmospheric CO2 in the Southern Ocean. Yet, it still remains unclear how efficiently the particulate organic carbon (POC) is exported and transferred from ocean surface waters to depth during phytoplankton blooms. In addition, little is known about the processes that control the flux attenuation within the upper twilight zone. Here, we present results of downward POC and particulate organic nitrogen fluxes during the decline of a vast diatom bloom in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean in summer 2012. We used thorium-234 (234Th) as a particle tracer in combination with drifting sediment traps (ST). Their simultaneous use evidenced a sustained high export rate of 234Th at 100 m depth in the weeks prior to and during the sampling period. The entire study area, of approximately 8000 km2, showed similar vertical export fluxes in spite of the heterogeneity in phytoplankton standing stocks and productivity, indicating a decoupling between production and export. The POC fluxes at 100 m were high, averaging 26±15 mmol C m−2 d−1, although the strength of the biological pump was generally low. Only

Variation trend of dry-wet climatic factors and correlation with wetlands in western Jilin Province, China

The variation of climate elements and its relationship with wetland landscape in western Jilin Province (WJL) were studied to support decision-making for drought prevention and ecology protection. Mann-Kendall test and linear regression algorithm methods were used to analyze the characteristics of climate change, using a large amount of data of temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration and dry-wet index, collected from nine monitoring stations during 1960-2014. The results showed that annual temperature and dry-wet index in WJL displayed a ascendant tendency, with the average rate of 0.34℃/10a and 0.14/10a, respectively. The annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration showed a declining trend; decreasing by about -7.92mm/10a and -3.4mm/10a, respectively. Homogeneous trend was found for temperature and evapotranspiration in the autumn; an increasing trend observed. A sharp declining trend was found in the summer season for precipitation, which was the biggest contributor to the overall decrease of annual precipitation. The spatial distribution of annual and seasonal climate factors indicated that the WJL area is becoming drier, especially in the summer and autumn seasons. The wetland landscape indexes in most regions are significantly correclated with summer precipitation. The significance level for I, II and IV regions located in the west of WJL reached 99%. It is important to plan responding measures of water resource management, to counter the decrease of summer precipitation in western WJL, and reduce the impact of drought and wetlands degradation, which is possibly caused by the global climate change.

The effect of time budget pressure on auditors’ behaviour

This paper investigates the occurrence of time budget pressure among auditors in Malaysia. Using the questionnaire, auditors registered with the Malaysian Institute of Accountant were approached to gather their perceptions about the time budget pressure in the previous year of audit work and their respond to the pressure. The results indicate that time budget pressure was difficult to attain regardless position, experience, firm size and gender; and under tight budget, majority of the auditors work harder and charge time properly or requesting extra budget to complete the audit engagement.

The relationships between social capital and organisational entrepreneurship at small and medium enterprises of Zanjan province

The purpose of this paper is to perform an empirical investigation on the impact of social capital (relational, structural and cognitive) on organisational entrepreneurship and the impact of organisational entrepreneurship on existence of opportunity, discovery of opportunity, decision to exploit opportunity, entrepreneurial strategy, resource acquisition and organising process. The statistical population of this study is SMEs' in Zanjan province. Seventy eight questionnaires with multiple choice questions were distributed among sample individuals. The research is based on structural equation model and partial least square method and Smart-PLS software were used for analysing the data in order to evaluate the relationship between variables and their impact on each other. Empirical results confirm that social capital has positive impact on organisational entrepreneurship. Among social capital dimensions, structural and relational capitals have positive impact on organisational entrepreneurship, but there is no positive relationship between cognitive dimension and organisational entrepreneurship. Clearly, organisational entrepreneurship process becomes stronger with the presence of social capital. The results of this study lead SMEs' managers to better understanding of these relations and improve their performance.

Favourable and unfavourable attitudes of young female residents toward middle eastern male tourists

The main objectives of this study are to explore the attitudes of young female residents in the Cisarua subdistrict of West Java Province in Indonesia, towards Middle Eastern male tourists. The study seeks to confirm that this attitude is not a single variable. The authors found difficulty in inviting women who had an experience in contract marriage. Therefore, for this mixed-methods study a projective technique was applied involving young female residents aged 14 to 19 years. For the qualitative stage, data were taken by interviewing 90 participants and analysed using content analysis. The results were adapted into quantitative indicators. For the quantitative stage, data was collected using a survey with 199 usable questionnaires. The authors analysed the data using exploratory and confirmatory factor (structural equation model) analyses. The findings indicate that attitudes of young female residents towards Middle Eastern men are not a single variable: the first variable is a favourable attitude towards Middle Eastern men with two dimensions–benefit to the host and benefit to the tourists. The second variable is unfavourable attitude towards Middle Eastern men, consists of two dimensions–tourists as a villain and tourist as a lust seeker.

Where have all the spiders gone? The decline of a poorly known invertebrate fauna in the agricultural and arid zones of southern Australia

Earth is currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction of complex multi-cellular life, the first at the hands of a single species. The documented extinctions of iconic (mostly vertebrate and plant) taxa dominate the discourse, while poorly known invertebrate species are disappearing ‘silently’, sometimes without having ever been described. Here, we highlight the decline of elements of the trapdoor spider (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae) fauna of southern Australia – a taxonomically poorly documented yet diverse assemblage of long-lived fossorial predators. We show that a number of trapdoor spider species may be threatened after a century of intensive land clearing and stocking, and that remaining populations in some areas may be experiencing serious contemporary population declines. So, how do we conserve this fauna? We suggest that baseline systematic studies are crucial, and that follow-up surveys, including integrative citizen science solutions, should be used to assess where remnant populations still exist, and whether they can persist into the future. Detailed population genetic research on a handful of carefully chosen taxa could be broadly informative, and ongoing natural history studies remain invaluable. Although solutions may be limited in the face of ongoing habitat degradation and other threats, urgently quantifying declines has implications not just for spiders but for mitigating against the mass extinction of poorly known invertebrate taxa across the globe.

Fukushima Daiichi-derived radionuclides in the ocean: Transport, fate, and impacts

The events that followed the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, included the loss of power and overheating at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants, which led to extensive releases of radioactive gases, volatiles, and liquids, particularly to the coastal ocean. The fate of these radionuclides depends in large part on their oceanic geochemistry, physical processes, and biological uptake. Whereas radioactivity on land can be resampled and its distribution mapped, releases to the marine environment are harder to characterize owing to variability in ocean currents and the general challenges of sampling at sea. Five years later, it is appropriate to review what happened in terms of the sources, transport, and fate of these radionuclides in the ocean. In addition to the oceanic behavior of these contaminants, this review considers the potential health effects and societal impacts.

Genetic structure and effective population size of the most northern population of the Australian River Blackfish, Gadopsis marmoratus (Richardson 1848): Implications for long-term population viability

Upland freshwater habitats support populations that are especially susceptible to anthropogenic change. Furthermore, their isolation from other suitable habitats, and the fragmented, dendritic structure of headwaters make dispersal an unlikely response to change. We investigated genetic structure and variation in the northernmost population of Gadopsis marmoratus, which is isolated in a tiny area in the headwaters of the Condamine River catchment, in the Murray - Darling Basin, Australia. Strong genetic structure was detected among subpopulations based on microsatellites (FST 5 0.173, p < 0.0001) and mitochondrial (mt)DNA (FST 5 0.369, p < 0.05). Effective population size was low, ranging between 18.8 and 48.2, depending on the estimation method used. Bayesian clustering revealed 3 genetic clusters, but they were not congruent with drainage patterns, suggesting a complex history of dispersal among headwaters that are isolated by waterfalls. Overall, these results suggest that G. marmoratus is unlikely to disperse into new habitats if local conditions become unsuitable. Low effective population size and genetic diversity also suggest that local adaptation would be unlikely.

The influences of the AMO and NAO on the sedimentary infill in an Azores Archipelago lake since ca. 1350 CE

The location of the Azores Archipelago in the North Atlantic makes this group of islands an excellent setting to study the long-term behavior of large oceanic and atmospheric climate dynamic patterns, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Here, we present the impacts of these patterns on Lake Empadadas (Azores Archipelago) from the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) - Little Ice Age (LIA) transition to the present based on sedimentological, geochemical and biological characterizations of the sedimentary record. Multivariate analyses of a number of proxies including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), total organic and inorganic carbon (TOC and TIC) and diatom life forms abundance reveal that the sedimentary infill evolution has been controlled by (i) fluctuations in the lake level and (ii) variations in organic matter accumulation. Both processes are governed by climate variability and modulated by anthropogenic activities associated with changes on the lake catchment. Changes in these two sedimentary processes have been used to infer five stages: (i) the MCA-LIA transition (ca. 1350–1450 CE) was characterized by a predominantly positive AMO phase, which led to intermediate lake levels and high organic matter concentration; (ii) the first half of the LIA (ca. 1450–1600 CE) was characterized by predominant lowstand conditions and intermediate organic matter deposition mainly related to negative AMO phases; (iii) the second half of the LIA (ca. 1600–1850 CE) was characterized by negative AMO and NAO phases, implying intermediate lake levels and high organic matter deposition; (iv) the Industrial era (ca. 1850–1980 CE) was characterized by the lowest lake level and organic matter accumulation associated with negative AMO phases; and (v) the period spanning between 1980 CE and the present reveals the highest lake levels and low organic matter deposition, being associated with very positive AMO conditions. At decadal-to-centennial scales, the influence of the AMO on Azorean climate plays a larger role than previously thought. In fact, the AMO appears to exert a stronger influence compared to the NAO, which is the main mode of climate variability at shorter time scales.

The use of language to disempower: Two related studies of women in Sri Lanka

The rise of economic liberalism in Sri Lanka in the latter half of the twentieth century has generated a continuous, powerful, and controversial debate about women in the workforce. Local politicians and powerful societal forces have used discourse to display power in the media and wider society. Gender issues were used as a platform to engage in unrelated political agendas and criticize export processing zones (EPZs), female workers, and female sexuality. Our research in Sri Lanka sampled more than 4,000 women over 14 years. The article uses data from two research studies from 2008–2011 (Study 1) and from 2013–2014 (Study 2) in Sri Lanka. The studies are interrelated. Each analyse the levels of empowerment and disempowerment experienced by women, due specifically to the negative discourse they faced on a daily basis – both as part of their life as EPZ workers (study 1) and after returning to their villages (Study 2). Serious pieces of negative discourse stand out as examples of misleading speech and attempt to subjugate women through power. Our interviews with Sri Lankan EPZ workers show that young women are described as Juki girls, a pejorative term used with a negative connotation. Moreover, EPZs are often referred to as whore zones or love zones due to the stigma created by society and pushed by a political agenda in national political discourse, such as: “Our innocent girls are sewing underwear for white women” (Lynch, 2002, p. 82). The questions in both studies were designed to assess the respondents’ experiences of power (or powerlessness) and empowerment. Study 1 shows that nearly all of the women surveyed (95.3 percent) reported feeling empowered as a result of their work in EPZs. The respondents also indicated empowerment across their home as well. However, societal level disempowerment was significant, much of it emanating in the public arena and in societal and political resistance to EPZ workers. Concurrently, results of Study 2 demonstrated lower but significant negative experiences as a result of work in formal manufacturing. Less than 10 percent (7.2 percent) experienced humiliation in public, their community or society while working in the manufacturing industry, and only 12 percent reported experiencing negative societal attitudes upon first returning home from their work in EPZs.

Host–guest orientations of community-based tourism products: A case study in Bali, Indonesia

This research provides a greater understanding of community-based tourism products through an examination of the perceptions of the host communities and tourists. Using a survey, data were collected measuring community-based tourism products through nine elements including attractions, travel services, transport, accommodation, food and beverage, souvenirs, packaging, amenities and people. The overall results indicate that there was considerable agreement on most product items. The tourists clearly identified their expectations and were supportive of a sustainable industry; however, they were also concerned about safety and hygiene. The host communities were aware of the intrinsic value of the tourist attractions in their villages but lacked the confidence to share them with visitors.

Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection in Indonesia

Clostridium difficile has not been studied in detail in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia. We thus performed a prevalence study across four hospitals in Central Java province, Indonesia. Stool samples were collected from patients with diarrhoea and tested by enzyme immunoassay for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxin A/B (C DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE, TechLab). Specimens were cultured and molecular typing was performed. In total, 340 samples were tested, of which 70 (20.6%) were GDH positive, with toxin detected in 19 (5.6%). Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from 37 specimens (10.9%), while a further 36 (10.6%) nontoxigenic isolates were identified. The most common strain was ribotype 017 (24.3% of 74 isolates), followed by nontoxigenic types QX 224 (9.5%), and QX 238 and QX 108 (both 8.1%). The high prevalence of C. difficile highlights a need for ongoing surveillance of C. difficile infection in Indonesia.

A qualitative content analysis of self-treated diabetic foot problems in Jordan

Previous research has demonstrated the importance of culturally oriented foot care. In order to develop appropriate foot care programmes, it is necessary to identify local patterns of diabetic foot problems. An analysis of data collected in a descriptive cross-sectional study of people with diabetes in Jordan found that 68 participants had provided narrative details on foot problems for which they had used complementary remedies. Foot problems identified by the participants were grouped into three main categories: irritant skin conditions, skin integrity and sensation. Diabetes health education programmes have the potential to teach people about their disease and how to self-manage their conditions, but also need to make patients aware that unwise use of complementary therapies may potentially worsen the disease process.

Podcasting to students working in the resources industry: A supplementary teaching strategy

A podcast was introduced as a supplementary teaching strategy for an online Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) unit at Edith Cowan University. The podcast consisted of interviews with experts from the OHS field as well as an audio version of the learning module notes as narrated by the lecturer. The podcast sought to meet the needs of students who worked in the resources industry, often on fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) roster arrangements, by allowing the utilisation of “dead time” for learning, and to decrease the sense of isolation commonly experienced with online education. A survey gathered students’ perceptions of the podcast and preferred methods of consumption. The aim of the study was to assess whether the podcasts helped to address the needs of industry-based students. This was achieved by identifying the level of uptake among these students, as well as the preferred ways in which students listened to the podcast. The results showed that industry-based students listened to the podcast and were satisfied with its availability. There were mixed results with regards to the way students consumed the podcast. While some respondents listened while performing an unrelated task (ie commuting or exercising, etc) the majority listened during dedicated study periods. This finding supports other studies that found students prefer to use audio learning materials simultaneously with written materials and during specific times set aside for study.

Telomere length and accelerated biological aging in the China suboptimal health cohort: A case-control study

Suboptimal health status (SHS) has been linked to cardiovascular risk factors, psychosocial stress, and unhealthy lifestyle. These factors also contribute to the shortening of telomere length (TL). A case–control study was conducted to examine the association between subjective health measures of SHS from the behavior perspective and also objective measures of TL at molecular level. SHS (cases = 294) was matched by age, sex, and body mass index with ideal health (controls = 294) using a propensity score matching method. Suboptimal health status questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) was used in the community-based health survey. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure relative telomere length (RTL). Shorter RTL was found among the SHS group compared to the ideal health group (p < 0.05). SHS was almost four times likely to be in the first quartile (odds ratio [OR] = 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.21–6.56), almost thrice in second quartile (OR = 2.84; 95% CI 1.65–4.90), and almost twice likely to be in the third quartile (OR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.00–2.94) compared to the fourth quartile (the longest) of RTL after adjusting for socioeconomic, dietary intake, anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemistry variables (p < 0.05). Notably, SHS score was negatively correlated with RTL (r = −0.218, p  < 0.05). Our study confirms an association between SHS and short RTL. Combination of subjective (SHS) and objective (RTL) measures is a novel tool for health aging investigation. Therefore, SHSQ-25 could be used as a screening tool for measuring biological aging in low-income countries at community level where the expensive technique for RTL measurement is not applicable.

Impact of anthropogenic disturbances on a diverse riverine fish assemblage in Fiji predicted by functional traits

Anthropogenic disturbances particularly affect biodiversity in sensitive freshwater ecosystems by causing species loss. Thus, measuring the response of species to multiple disturbances is a key issue for conservation and environmental management.

As it is not practical to assess the response of every species in a community, we compared the performance of trait and taxonomic-based groupings of species for their abilities to predict species loss in a threatened freshwater fish assemblage. Specifically, we examined responses of a Fijian freshwater fish assemblage to deforestation, placement of anthropogenic barriers (overhanging culverts) and the presence of introduced cichlids.

Species grouped by traits showed more consistent responses to disturbances than taxonomic groups. In particular, species belonging to trait groups that were estuary associated favoured medium-to-hard substrate, while feeding specialists were highly likely to be absent in catchments with high deforestation and overhanging culverts. The presence of introduced cichlids (Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus) had a smaller effect than deforestation and barriers, but was negatively associated with species richness of diadromous species with climbing ability and positively associated with presences of some piscivores. The trait groups also revealed that detritivores, species favouring soft substrate, and those with a broad dietary range were less sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances.

Our study indicates that using traits to predict species loss from disturbed environments can aid in detecting the responses of rare species to disturbance. In addition, we provided a method to estimate the consistency of species’ responses to disturbance. This study may ultimately help managers identify the most effective actions for conserving sensitive species that are seldom recorded in surveys.

Ghanaian fathers' experiences of caring for preterm infants; a journey of exclusion

Aim

To explore Ghanaian fathers' experiences of caring for preterm infants in the neonatal unit and after discharge.
Method

Participants were part of a larger study to explore parents’ experiences of caring for preterm infants after discharge. Narrative inquiry methodology was used to interview nine fathers of preterm infants of gestational age 26–36 weeks at three stages-one week, one month and four months-after discharge from four level II and III neonatal units in Ghana. Data was analysed using thematic analysis guided by the three-dimensional narrative inquiry space. Ethical approval and consent from fathers were obtained before interviewing them at their residence.
Result

Three themes emerged from the data showing the chronological journey of fathers from the neonatal unit till four months after discharge–1. In the neonatal unit – “there's no room for me; 2. Pre-discharge preparation – “I was not involved in discharge education” and 3. Home care/post discharge – “I'm scared of my preterm infant”. Fathers reported being continuously excluded from the care of their preterm infants. This exclusion resulted in increased stress and lack of confidence in caring for their preterm infants after discharge.

Fathers' experiences of caring for preterm infants is a journey characterized by exclusion and lack of caring confidence after discharge. Recognising and addressing the needs of fathers of preterm infants in the neonatal unit is essential in building their caring confidence after discharge.

Health, workforce characteristics, quality of life and intention to leave: The 'Fit for the Future' survey of Australian nurses and midwives

Aim: To examine the quality of life of nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia and compare values with those of the Australian general population; to determine the influence of workforce, health and work life characteristics on quality of life and its effect on workforce intention to leave.

Background: Few studies have examined nurses’ and midwives’ quality of life and little is known of its effects on workforce longevity.

Design: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014–2015.

Method: The “Fit for the Future” electronic survey, delivered to nurses and midwives, examined demographic, work and health-related factors, which were compared with Australian general population normative values for physical and mental components of quality of life (the Short Form-12). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed associations with workforce intention to leave.

Result: Physical and mental component scores, calculated for 4,592 nurses and midwives, revealed significantly higher physical but lower mental component scores than the general population. Physical component scores decreased with increasing age; higher scores were seen in nurses with better health indices and behaviours. Mental well-being scores increased with increasing age; in nurses who reported job satisfaction, no work injury, sleep problems or frequent pain and non-smokers. The odds of intention to leave decreased with increasing mental well-being.

Conclusion: Managers and decision-makers should heed study recommendations to implement health promotion strategies for nurses and midwives, aiming to improve mental health, specifically to promote workforce retention.

Psychological safety climate and workplace bullying in Vietnam's public sector

The bureaucratic and impersonal nature of public management can fertilize workplace bullying and risks for psychological health and safety. Psychological safety climate (PSC) is an important indicator to reduce psychological hazards. Yet, there have been few studies conducted to examine the existence of PSC in the public sector in non-Western economies. This study examined the implementation of PSC and its effects on 274 employees from six branches of a Vietnamese public sector organization. The results suggest that senior management in organizations should consider positive work conditions and an effective system of policies, procedures, and practices for the prevention of psychosocial hazards.

Contribution of genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes in DRD2, BDNF, and opioid receptors to heroin dependence and endophenotypes among the Han Chinese

Heroin and drug dependence are major contributors to global health burden worldwide, but their underlying mechanisms remain elusive and may vary from population to population. Reward- and memory-related candidate genes dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as the opioid receptor genes (OPRM1, OPRD1, and OPRK1), have been implicated in drug dependence, but relatively little is known on their contributions to heroin dependence in populations worldwide. Hence, we evaluated the contributions of the above five candidate genes in heroin dependence and several important related endophenotypes (the onset age of heroin use and subjective response to first heroin use), at single single-nucleotide polymorphism as well as haplotype levels, in a Han Chinese population sample. We genotyped 546 unrelated and heroin-dependent subjects for the candidate genes noted, and 228 sex- and age-matched unrelated controls. The G allele of rs4654327 (OPRD1), DRD2 haplotype block CCGCCGTT and OPRD1 haplotypes TACG (rs6669447-rs2236857-rs508448-rs4654327), CG (rs508448-rs4654327), and TG (rs6669447-rs4654327) were significantly associated with heroin dependence phenotype. Homozygotes AA at rs6265 (BDNF), TT at rs16917234 (BDNF), and CC at rs508448 (OPRD1) also appeared as risk factors for the endophenotype earlier age of onset for heroin use. Two OPRM1 haplotypes, AG (rs1799971-rs1381376) and AT (rs1799971-rs3778151), were observed as potential protective factors. These emerging findings contribute to the literature on genetic biomarkers of drug dependence and related endophenotypes, and call for replication in independent population.

Evaluating participation in community-based tourism: a local perspective in Laos

This study aims to understand how local community members viewed and evaluated the success of a community-based tourism (CBT) project implemented in Laos. The study identified three distinctive groups according to levels of participation and responsibilities adopted, namely active participation, passive participation, and non-participation. The findings suggest that there are mixed perceptions and evaluations of equal participation among community members. The active participation group was mainly comprised of community leaders, exhibited high levels of participation, including in the decision-making process, and thus positively evaluated their participation and the success of the CBT project in their village. However, the great majority of community members were in the passive participation and non-participation groups, seldom participated in the project, and were sceptical of future CBT projects, as the current project appeared to be based on unequal participation from the very beginning.

Students' perceptions of problem solving through a pair instruction technique in calculus class

This research aimed to study: 1) the integration of the instruction of a calculus class of Information Technology Department, the Faculty of Management Sciences and Information Technology (FMIT), Nakhon Phanom University (NPU); 2) the improvement of instructional process efficiency; and 3) students' satisfaction of Pair Instruction technique (PIT). The sample of this study composed of 33 randomized students from the 3rd and 4th year student at NPU. A five-rating scale questionnaire with 97% confidence level was used to collect data. Percentage, mean, standard deviation, dependent t-test were used to analyze the obtained data. It was found that all items asking students’ satisfaction of PIT in calculus class got the highest mean in every facet. The students were happy with the PIT. They thought that the PIT was more useful than a conventional instruction, could increase their solutions, provided them with better perception, helped them with team working, and helped them helped them obtain better grades. According to the face-to-face interview, from 30 students of the sample, it can be concluded that 84.85 percent of the students needed information technology practical and the PIT in their classes. They thought that the technique improved their perceptions and provided them with a collaborative work environment.

The prisoners review board of Western Australia: What do the public know about parole?

Previous international research has indicated that the public hold incorrect perceptions of the criminal justice system and have little understanding of how it operates. This can result in a lack of confidence in the system, often stemming from a lack of knowledge and media presentation of crime stories. The present study utilised qualitative methodology to gain an in-depth understanding of the public knowledge about parole. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 West Australians aged between 18–63 years. Cultivation theory was used to conceptualise how particular media events at the time permeated participants’ explanations of parole. This research contributes to understanding the public perception of the parole system in Western Australia and provides recommendations to enhance public knowledge of the parole system.

Understanding and overcoming barriers: Learning experiences of undergraduate Sudanese students at an Australian university

An increase in migration of Sudanese and South Sudanese people to Australia due to civil unrest in their home country has increased the numbers of Sudanese students at university. Migrant experiences, particularly those of English as a second language, can impact negatively on education and learning. Inconsistencies between student scores on assessments and oral abilities in class prompted an exploratory project to identify barriers to success and create appropriate resources for students. The project utilised a multi-method approach to explore the experiences of the Sudanese students (n=22) enrolled at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Two quantitative scales examined motivations for learning and English Language Confidence. Interviews or focus groups explored the students’ perceptions of their learning and university experiences. The findings indicate that students are extrinsically motivated to study, confident in their language skills but required additional support to improve their written English. The barriers include socio-political factors unique to Sudanese students. Finally recommendations to assist these students are presented

Emerging issues in public health: a perspective on Ghana’s healthcare expenditure, policies and outcomes

Ghana’s healthcare expenditure has increased over the past two decades. Increased healthcare expenditures are required to enhance the acquisition of better hospital resources that may improve healthcare. This study presents an overview of healthcare expenditures and health outcomes (i.e. infant mortality, under-5 mortality and life expectancy) from 1995 to 2014 in Ghana. Infant and under-5 mortalities have declined by 50 and 25%, respectively, as of 2014, while life expectancy has increased from 60.7 to 64.8 years. Private spending on health, especially out-of-pocket payments, declined but is higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended financial threshold. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising with healthcare costs leading to catastrophically high healthcare expenditures in the future. While government’s investments on healthcare have yielded positive results, the improvement in the health outcomes cannot be attributed to increased health expenditure alone. Therefore, this paper outlines policies on maternal health, national health insurance and healthcare reforms that have influenced health outcomes. In parallel, the paper highlights challenges of the Ghana health system of which the major ones are (1) inadequate financial investments in health and (2) limited health workforce and facilities. These challenges can be ameliorated by (1) establishing new health institutions and expanding existed ones; (2) providing incentives to discourage the exodus of health workers; (3) introduction of the concept of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM) for treating NCDs; and (4) alternative insurance schemes for vulnerable groups. This, coupled with the will of the government to curb misappropriation of funds, will be important to achieving better health outcomes.

Effect of fire and digestion by herbivores on seeds of the exotic invasive species Acacia nilotica from savanna at Baluran national parks Indonesia

Acacia nilotica is abundant in Africa but has been scantly studied in relation to savanna ecology. In Australia, a study by Radford et al. (2001), acknowledged that A. nilotica has negative impacts on savannas. A. nilotica can be threatening to savannas as its adult trees are apparently fire tolerant and can form thorny thickets. Acacia nilotica was introduced into Zizyphus rotundifolia savanna in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia in the late 1960s, where its original purpose was to create fire breaks to prevent fire spreading from savanna to the adjacent teak forest. However, A. nilotica has spread rapidly and is threatening the existence of savanna in Baluran National Park, as it has been observed to change the ecosystem from open savanna to a closed canopy of A. nilotica in some areas (Figure 1) (Sutomo et al., 2016). There has been a lack of empirical studies on the cause and extent of the spread of A. nilotica in the Baluran savanna. We propose an hypotheses that fire and grazing by the introduced water buffalo (Buballus sp.) play an important role in the establishment of A. nilotica.

Evicted from its own home: Modelling habitat suitability for the endemic Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi)

Video of the AIPSSA 3MT Finalist 2017, Sutomo, Edith Cowan University, "Evicted from its own HOME: Modelling Habitat Suitability for the Endemic Bali Starling"

Contextual dynamics of health insurance use: Case study of faith healing and Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme

Health insurance is believed to enhance poor people’s access to healthcare. Thus, one would expect that, in contexts where poverty is endemic, health insurance policies would encourage people to use hospital-based healthcare when they fall sick. However, an ethnographic study of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Daakye District of the Central Region provides evidence to the contrary. Our research found that in a pluralistic healthcare context such as Ghana’s, socio-economic factors such as local perceptions of illness and distance to healthcare centres are key predictors of why and how people use health insurance policies. This paper presents a brief discussion of the manner in which those who enrolled in the NHIS have related to faith healing and hospital-based treatment in Daakye District. Our study shows that faith healing remains popular in Ghana, despite the introduction of the NHIS, and puts forward the case for public education and a national regulatory framework for controlling dangerous forms of the practice.

A socio-cultural perspective on learning to teach

This research explored learning to teach by taking a socio-cultural approach and by seeking the ‘voices’ and stories of seven pre-service teachers in their final (fourth) year of a Bachelor of Education course at an Australian regional university. The socio-cultural approach involved asking universal questions about who, what, where, when and how they believe they have learnt to teach, which relate to the personal, contextual and professional aspects that influence learning to teach. The extent to which these aspects are utilized and integrated by pre-service teachers assert three orientations to learning to teach. Common and central to all three orientations were the personal aspects. These were found to have the greatest influence on pre-service teachers’ learning. However, where the personal aspects were dominant to the exclusion of contextual and professional aspects, as described in the pragmatic orientation, pre-service teachers’ conceptions of teaching and learning did not change or changed minimally during the initial and formal learning to teach experience. This was the case for one pre-service teacher in this study. In contrast, when and where all three aspects were activated and integrated, as in the integrated orientation, pre-service teachers reported profound learning and mind set changes that resulted in strongly held and lived visions of teaching and learning. Three pre-service teachers were described as representing the integrated orientation. Somewhere, in between these extreme orientations, was the impact of personal and professional aspects and the impact of personal and contextual aspects (the transitional orientation).In this paper I will describe how I explored and examined the learning to teach experience using a socio-cultural lens.

Educational experiences of African high school students in Perth: Findings from a community consultation exercise

One of the key targets of the 2008 Review of Australian Higher Education (“Bradley Review”) is to increase the percentage of Australian university students from low socioeconomic status (LSES) backgrounds to twenty percent by 2020. Since the publication of the Bradley Review, a broad range of equity programs and strategies targeting various LSES students to enhance their access to and participation in higher education have been implemented. While most West Australian residents from Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) seem to fall into the LSES category, the proportion of the population participating in higher education is believed to be low. This paper presents anecdotes from a recent community consultation exercise with African high school students in Perth to understand their experiences and in particular, the manner in which this has influenced their respective post-secondary education career pathways. Following this exercise, a scientific study to explore the topic further is currently underway, while a community outreach event for encouraging the increased participation of SSA school students in higher education has been established.

Encouraging the participation of Australian-African students in higher education through community outreach initiatives

This paper briefly discusses the rationale and outcomes of the Aim Higher Summit, a community outreach initiative that seeks to inspire young people from Sub-Saharan African (SSA) backgrounds living in Western Australia to participate and excel in higher education. The event follows a recent community consultation with SSA high school students and their parents in Perth. The Aim Higher Summit is one component of a two-prong approach devised to address revelations from the consultative exercise that SSA students in Perth high schools were experiencing challenges in their academic pursuits and not making informed choices about their post-high school educational pathways. Highlights of the 2016 event, which brought together successful SSA professionals to inspire young people of African descent through narratives of their life journeys, are shared in this paper.

Stakeholders' perceived gains and obstacles of cruise ship tourism development: The case of La Palma Island

This chapter focuses on a case study of La Palma Island, Spain, to examine stakeholders' perceived benefits and obstacles in relation to cruise ship tourism development. Overall, these stakeholders do not perceive that cruise ship tourism's potential is currently being maximized. They agree that, while not benefiting directly from cruise travellers' first visit, the island could benefit from their future return travel. Therefore, there is a need to provide memorable experiences and create positive images among cruise ship visitors; these experiences and images are also linked with experiencing the island's wine and food products, enjoying the varied landscape and receiving satisfying quality service. However, this service element, particularly illustrated through lack of open businesses on Sundays and public holidays, as well as the perceived poor service provided to visitors were highlighted as current barriers to 'attracting' tourists, encouraging them to patronize local businesses and, potentially, becoming future return visitors. The role of the local government was also perceived as unsupportive, and as taking for granted the current growth of the cruise ship tourism industry.

The conceptual basis of disaster management: Definitions and terminology

This chapter discusses the definition of disasters and, in particular, explores how disasters my be considered in a social construct. Disasters are a recurring feature of human life and the extent to which they can be identified and managed is contingent upon our collective understanding of the meaning and dimensions of the concept. So what is a disaster and what is disaster health? The aim of this chapter is to summarise the development and evolution of the definition of disaster along with other terms relevant to disaster management.

The first time I've felt included: Identifying inclusive literacy learning in early childhood through the evaluation of Better Beginnings

In this chapter we begin by discussing the concept of inclusion, with a particular focus on inclusion in literacy learning in the early years (birth to five) in Australia. We then consider the research evidence for the potential impact of home literacy practices in the early years on later school and life outcomes, and examine some early childhood family literacy initiatives that aim to help develop young children’s literacy learning. We describe how Better Beginnings, a universal family literacy programme, supports parents/carers and children to build their skills, knowledge and understandings of early literacy. We show how Better Beginnings has operated, adapted and expanded in response to longitudinal systematic evaluations and explain how new programmes have been created to address the specific needs of particular groups of families, with the long-term intent of maximising inclusion for all families of young children in Western Australia. We identify aspects of inclusion, through which diversity is constructed as the norm rather than the exception.

Culliford, Rolfe and Barrow: A tale of nine pianos

During the late eighteenth century, the newly invented ‘English’ piano was not only a symbol of cultivation and modernity, but also reinforced music as life’s counterpoint. London was the centre of musical instrument making in Britain, and the activities of London piano makers played a crucial role in the musical instrument trade. Many piano makers worked in London, amongst whom were the partnership of Culliford, Rolfe and Barrow. Despite uncertain economic times, Culliford (the maternal great-grandfather of Charles Dickens and a master maker of harpsichords, spinets and pianos), Rolfe (a respected piano maker) and Barrow (Charles Dickens’ maternal grandfather, who – having embezzled money from the Navy Pay Office – fled English law to the Isle of Man) made pianos that incorporated the latest innovations in design. In some instances, the firm’s pianos travelled many miles to nourish music lovers in far distant lands, and may now be found in such diverse locations as Boston, Massachusetts, The Hague, and Perth, Western Australia. Culliford, Rolfe and Barrow: A Tale of Ten Pianos gives a close encounter with the firm’s extant pianos, and provides scintillating glimpses of life in Georgian England and London’s late eighteenth-century piano industry.

Envisioning the invisible: Understanding the synergy between green human resource management and green supply chain management in manufacturing firms in Iran in light of the moderating effect of employees' resistance to change

This study investigates the linkage between green human resource management and green supply chain management, in light of the moderating effect of employees' resistance to change. Based on a sample of 161 firms in manufacturing industries in Iran, data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Research results suggest: (1) the significant and positive impact of GHRM on GSCM, confirming the general call for integration between HRM and green management; (2) “Green Development and Training”, “Green Employee Empowerment”, and “Green Pay and Reward” have the most positive influence on GSCM, and these practices of GHRM should receive attention from managers; (3) “Resistance to Change” was found to have a moderating effect on the link between GHRM (particularly green recruitment and selection) and GSCM, because it tends to hamper the first step towards building a sustainable corporate culture, which is the recruitment and selection of new employees. This work can be considered as the first empirical effort towards a better understanding of the GHRM-GSCM link in Iran, adding value to the already existing contributions. The managerial and academic implications of these findings are discussed

Knowledge that acts: Evaluating the outcomes of a knowledge brokering intervention in Western Australia’s Ningaloo region

Knowledge exchange involves a suite of strategies used to bridge the divides between research, policy and practice. The literature is increasingly focused on the notion that knowledge generated by research is more useful when there is significant interaction and knowledge sharing between researchers and research recipients (i.e., stakeholders). This is exemplified by increasing calls for the use of knowledge brokers to facilitate interaction and flow of information between scientists and stakeholder groups, and the integration of scientific and local knowledge. However, most of the environmental management literature focuses on explicit forms of knowledge, leaving unmeasured the tacit relational and reflective forms of knowledge that lead people to change their behaviour. In addition, despite the high transaction costs of knowledge brokering and related stakeholder engagement, there is little research on its effectiveness. We apply Park’s Manag Learn 30(2), 141–157 (1999); Knowledge and Participatory Research, London: SAGE Publications (2006) tri-partite knowledge typology as a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of knowledge brokering in the context of a large multi-agency research programme in Australia’s Ningaloo coastal region, and for testing the assumption that higher levels of interaction between scientists and stakeholders lead to improved knowledge exchange. While the knowledge brokering intervention substantively increased relational networks between scientists and stakeholders, it did not generate anticipated increases in stakeholder knowledge or research application, indicating that more prolonged stakeholder engagement was required, and/or that there was a flaw in the assumptions underpinning our conceptual framework.

Prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection and colonization in a tertiary hospital and elderly community of North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia

Little is known about Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Asia. The aims of our study were to explore (i) the prevalence, risk factors and molecular epidemiology of CDI and colonization in a tertiary academic hospital in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia; (ii) the rate of carriage of C. difficile among the elderly in the region; (iii) the awareness level of this infection among the hospital staffs and students. For stool samples collected from hospital inpatients with diarrhea (n = 76) and healthy community members (n = 138), C. difficile antigen and toxins were tested by enzyme immunoassay. Stool samples were subsequently analyzed by culture and molecular detection of toxin genes, and PCR ribotyping of isolates. To examine awareness among hospital staff and students, participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. For the hospital and community studies, the prevalence of non-toxigenic C. difficile colonization was 16% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of CDI among hospital inpatients with diarrhea was 13%. Out of 22 C. difficile strains from hospital inpatients, the toxigenic ribotypes 043 and 017 were most common (both 14%). In univariate analysis, C. difficile colonization in hospital inpatients was significantly associated with greater duration of hospitalization and use of penicillin (both P < 0·05). Absence of these factors was a possible reason for low colonization in the community. Only 3% of 154 respondents answered all questions correctly in the awareness survey. C. difficile colonization is prevalent in a Malaysian hospital setting but not in the elderly community with little or no contact with hospitals. Awareness of CDI is alarmingly poor

Socioeconomic development in the context of Uruguay: a knowledge-based approach

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the relevance and impact of knowledge in the context of Uruguay’s present and future socioeconomic development through the lens of the knowledge-based theory of the firm (KBTF). Design/methodology/approach: The perspectives of 47 key informants, predominantly representatives of public and private Uruguayan institutions, including chambers of commerce and producer associations, were gathered through unstructured, face-to-face interviews. Findings: Aligned with the KBTF, the significance of tacit knowledge, complemented with explicit knowledge, was revealed, particularly in the more traditional industries. Indeed, industry-based (tacit) knowledge evolving for generations has been strengthened by innovative practices, enhancing the appeal and image of key commodities and the nation’s exports. Additional elements highlighted in the KBTF, such as problem-solving, knowledge integration and application and knowledge specialisation, were identified. Originality/value: Essentially, the study highlights the different associations between the KBTF, the various forms of acquiring knowledge (tacit, explicit), innovation and resulting impacts on food quality and increased product recognition for a developing economy. Moreover, the findings, which illustrate that crucial improvements can be achieved through knowledge-based approaches, could also be considered in the context of other emerging economies that are aiming to attain further socioeconomic development through maximising the benefits of knowledge. In addition, the study addresses a theme that has been sporadically presented in the academic literature, especially when studying developing economies and their industries.

Vortex-induced motion of a free-standing riser below the critical mass ratio

The presented work studied the vortex-induced motion (VIM) response of a free-standing riser (FSR) with varied riser length and buoyancy can (BC) mass with an ultimate aim to find a combination that would reduce the motion of the system. Specifically, four model configurations were experimentally tested in a flume tank over a range of flow velocities, with the BC motion recorded by a submersible camera positioned directly above the model; consequently, inline (IL) and crossflow (CF) amplitudes were estimated with a motion tracking software. In the pre-resonant flow regime, non-dimensionally, minimal differences were observed between the CF amplitudes, and the IL motion was reduced with a longer riser. Given the extreme length of full-scale FSRs and inherent low natural frequency, it is impractical to increase the riser tension to a point where VIM would not occur under normal environmental conditions. Alternatively, increasing the mass ratio of the BC so that it is above the critical mass ratio of 0.54 (the ratio of the mass of the body to the mass of the fluid) would limit the resonant flow velocities to a finite range, but a larger BC may not be an economically viable solution, and because of the increased diameter, it would experience a larger CF amplitude during resonance. Further study into the prevention of VIM of an FSR by varying the riser length and BC mass is unlikely to be beneficial.

No way to build a highway: Law, social justice research and the Beeliar wetlands

This article demonstrates the role that social justice research can play in all levels of government, facilitating the incorporation of justice principles into statute by the legislature, into decision-making by the Executive, and into the common law of procedural fairness by the judiciary.The recent case of Jacob v Save Beeliar Wetlands (Inc) demonstrates the significance of justice research; not just the dangers of ignoring it, but the many ways in which justice research can advance the law and improve community trust in allocative decision-making.

The highs and lows of making a bucket list - quantifying potential mosquito breeding habitats in metropolitan backyards

While the development of land for residential housing along the Swan and Canning Rivers in Perth, WA, Australia has reduced natural mosquito breeding sites, the role of backyard container breeding remains a relatively unknown factor. Local Governments responsible for these areas focus management and control efforts on low lying, tidally driven mosquito habitats to control Aedes vigilax (Skuse) and Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson) mosquitoes in an effort to reduce both the nuisance and disease risk to residents. In spite of their efforts, Local Governments continue to receive complaints regarding mosquito nuisance, even when environmental conditions do not favor hatching and development of the two species in the Swan River tidal flats. In this study, 150 backyard inspections were conducted in the residential suburb of Bassendean, Perth, WA, Australia, situated in close proximity to the Swan River tidal plain. The occurrence and species composition of the mosquito fauna found in residential backyards was documented. Of the backyards inspected, 94% were found to possess containers capable of breeding mosquitoes, although only 3% contained mosquito larvae. Nine species of mosquito were collected from containers ranging in capacity from 0.05 to 50 L across the study area. Additionally, encephalitis virus surveillance trapping was conducted within residential properties and compared to the tidally driven natural habitat at Ashfield Flats and a tidally influenced brackish creekline at Bindaring Park. The species composition of the fauna at the three habitat types differed significantly, with Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) dominating residential lots and A. vigilax more prevalent at the saltmarsh site. Bindaring Park had an adult composition at the mid-point of these two habitats, reflecting its proximity to both the Swan River and residential lots.

Predictors of pneumococcal carriage and the effect of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in the Western Australian Aboriginal population

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Western Australian (WA) Aboriginal people in 2001. PCV13 replaced PCV7 in July 2011, covering six additional pneumococcal serotypes; however, IPD rates remained high in Aboriginal people in WA. Upper respiratory tract pneumococcal carriage can precede IPD, and PCVs alter serotype distribution.

To assess the impact of PCV13 introduction, identify emerging serotypes, and assess risk factors for carriage, nasopharyngeal swabs and information on demographic characteristics, health, medication and living conditions from Aboriginal children and adults across WA from August 2008 to November 2014 were collected. Bacteria were cultured using selective media and pneumococcal isolates were serotyped by Quellung reaction. Risk factors were analysed by multivariable logistic regression.

One thousand five hundred swabs pre- and 1385 swabs post-PCV13 introduction were collected. Pneumococcal carriage was detected in 66.8 % of children 53.2 % of 5–14 year-olds post-PCV13, compared with pre-PCV13 prevalence of 72.2 % and 49.4 %, respectively. The prevalence of PCV13-non-PCV7 serotypes decreased in children 13.5 % pre-PCV13 to 5.8 % post-PCV13 (p < 0.01), and from 8.4 % to 6.1 % in children 5–14 years old (p > 0.05). The most common serotypes post-PCV13 were 11A (prevalence 4.0 %), 15B (3.5 %), 16F (3.5 %), and 19F (3.2 %).

Risk of detection of pneumococcal carriage increased until age 12 months (odds ratio [OR] 4.19, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.39–7.33), with nasal discharge (OR 2.49 [95 % CI 2.00–3.09]), residence in a remote community (OR 2.21 [95 % CI 1.67–2.92]) and household crowding (OR 1.36 [95 % CI 1.11–1.67]). Recent antibiotic use was negatively associated with pneumococcal carriage (OR 0.48 [95 % CI 0.33–0.69]). Complete resistance to penicillin was present among isolates of serotypes 19A (6.0 %), 19F (2.3 %) and non-serotypeable isolates (1.9 %). Serotype 23F and newly emerged serotype 7B isolates showed high rates of resistance to cotrimoxazole, erythromycin and tetracycline (86.9 %, 86.9 %, 82.0 %, respectively for 23F, 100.0 %, 100.0 % and 93.3 % for 7B).

 Since PCV13 replaced PCV7, carriage of PCV13-non-PCV7 serotypes decreased significantly among childrenold, those most likely to have received PCV13, and to a lesser extent in older people. Known risk factors for carriage including crowding and young age remain in the Aboriginal population.

Symposium on Asian HCI research

In this one-day symposium in which we propose to bring together 10 to 12 researchers from Asia to come together to share their work and to discuss collaboration opportunities. This would be followed by a session in which we would explore and brainstorm about joint work and possibilities of collaboration.

Mediation for affect: Coming to care about factory-farmed animals

In this article, we examine the digitalised emotional campaigning of one of Australia’s peak animal welfare body, Animals Australia, focusing on their most effective digital strategies associated with their campaigns against factory farming. Our broader interest lies with sounding out the affective affordances of the technologies informing such activist work; technologies of affect in a very significant sense. This discussion comprises three parts. First, we unpack the context for the problematic faced by animal and environmental activisms: neoliberalism, showing how neoliberal assumptions constrain such activisms to emotional appeals and denounce them for such strategising. Second, we sound out some of the affordances of digital media technologies for affectively oriented activisms; and finally, we delve into some of Animals Australia’s digital campaigning with regard to issues of factory farming in order to show the efficacy of such affectively oriented mediated strategising for the forming of new relations with factory farm.

Secondary science teacher education in Australia

This chapter describes and discusses initial teacher education programs in Australia for secondary science as well as professional standards for continuing science teacher education. The chapter begins with a brief overview of secondary science education reforms following with a discussion of administration related topics, such as admission to teacher education programs, program accreditations, and science teacher registrations. The chapter describes the required structure and content of initial science teacher education programs, with an emphasis on content knowledge (CK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and professional practice. There are five priority areas for Australian teacher education, including the education of Indigenous students, classroom management, literacy and numeracy education, the role of information and communications technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning, and the education of students with special needs. The chapter also describes expectations regarding the content and PK for practicing secondary science teachers and the factors driving changes and enhancements to the knowledge require for effective teaching of science. The chapter closes with consideration of the issue of out-of-field teaching which is a particular challenge for remote and other hard-to-staff schools.

Social capital and the social context of business networks: The case of Thailand

This study explores the nature of social context that facilitates how social capital is developed, utilised, and maintained in the case of Thailand. Like many of its neighbouring countries, Thailand’s businesses function is an environment dominated by complex networks encompassing social and business interactions. The extent of this interweaving of social and business networks is far beyond that experienced in Western cultures and only recently attracted the attention of researchers. Thailand’s business networks are shaped as a result of the nation’s cultural characteristics, such as collectivism, Buddhism philosophy, particularism, reluctance to change, relationship orientation, and hierarchical structure. These characteristics enable the creation, utilisation, and maintenance of structural, relational, and cognitive social capital.

The impact of motivated volunteerism on peer-mentoring educational programs: Evidence from Western Australia

Volunteerism is a longstanding practice, known to provide benefits to both the volunteer - in terms of skills acquisition, employment opportunities and general life satisfaction - and the host institution. However, the sustainability of volunteerism is being questioned in the face of evidence that people seem to be losing interest. Within the context of social exchange theory, this paper discusses the impact of motivated volunteerism on the outcomes of a peer-mentoring programme aimed at improving retention and educational outcomes for domestic African undergraduate students in higher education at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. We argue that peer-mentoring educational programmes modelled on paid volunteerism achieve good outcomes for mentors and their mentees.

Beyond minimisation of personal healhcare financing risks: An ethnographic study of motivations for joining Ghana's health insurance scheme in Daakye District

This article discusses the manner in which local contexts influence people to join health insurance schemes. The text is based on an ethnographic study that explored the modes of use of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Daakye District, Ghana. The content is drawn from the author’s Master of Anthropology thesis and the themes that emerged from participant observation and interviews with thirty respondents. Five reasons why people joined the NHIS in the research locality are presented. The findings show that 1) the prevailing socio-cultural realities of Daakye District—where individuals saw themselves as being part of families, with socio-economic obligations—influenced how the local people received and used the NHIS; 2) people bought health insurance policies to minimise the healthcare financial risks for themselves and their families and other strategic reasons and 3) the conceptual framing of Ghana’s NHIS policy was biased towards the individual rather than families. The study recommends a review of the individual focus of the NHIS to improve its cost effectiveness and operational efficiencies.

Conversation with presence: A narrative inquiry into the learning experience of Chinese students studying nursing at Australian universities

The aim of this methodological article is to reflect on and extend current understandings of the possibilities of narrative inquiry research giving voice to students, and to expand the power of story by sharing the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological considerations of narrative inquiry in an international education context

There has been much discussion about the need in providing a ‘voice’ to people across the society, who feel marginalised in many contexts, including international students. There is limited research about Chinese students studying in Australia. In particular, the learning experience of Chinese nursing students has not been fully explored nor understood

Discussion

To enhance teaching and learning in international education contexts, and to cater better to international students, it is important to understand their experiences and perspectives. There is no better way to achieve this level of understanding than to let students' voices be heard, to let them speak for and about themselves because reality exists within these students' perceptions

 In the context of international education, narrative inquiry as a research methodology, when used with sensitivity and reflexivity, through the power of stories, offers a new dimension in the international education research.

Correlates of treatment satisfaction and well-being among patients with type II diabetes

Aim: To examine the impact of patient characteristics, anthropometric measurement and patient clinical variables on their appraisal of treatment satisfaction and well-being. Background: Treatment satisfaction and well-being are instrumental in achieving diabetes care goals. Nursing practices and healthcare policies may inform interventions in these areas. Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes is high in the Middle East. An understanding of relationships between clinical and socio-demographic variables and well-being and treatment satisfaction is needed to improve care and patient outcomes. Methods: A total of 1002 patients completed tools measuring well-being, treatment satisfaction and socio-demographic characteristics. A series of bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with well-being and treatment satisfaction. Results: Males reported better treatment satisfaction and well-being than females. Older participants, those who were compliant to diet, with controlled diabetes, and no neuropathy reported higher treatment satisfaction scores and well-being scores. Insulin therapy was associated with better treatment satisfaction. Discussion: Females, participants who were not prescribed diabetic diets and those with complications were more likely to be negatively impacted by diabetes. Individuals with diabetes who were treated with insulin had higher treatment satisfaction than those who used oral hypoglycaemic agents. Conclusion and implication for nursing and health policy: These findings are important in assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying patients with diabetes with low treatment satisfaction who may present a greater risk for poor well-being. Additionally, they lend support to developing policies for frequent screenings and special therapeutic interventions that are needed to maximize patients' treatment satisfaction and well-being in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Pitfalls of Universal Health Coverage Systems: Evidence from West Africa

The importance of establishing universal health coverage policies for facilitating health care access and utilisation in developing countries is recognised in the literature. However, previous studies focus primarily on the fiscal challenges associated with the implementation of universal health coverage schemes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In the wake of the inclusion of universal health coverage as one of the key targets of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 3, many African countries are preparing to implement some form of national health insurance system. We seek to contribute to the literature by discussing the experiences of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme and, more briefly, the health insurance initiatives of Senegal and Burkina Faso. Our purpose is to show that implementation of universal health coverage is challenging, but possible, if associated blind spots are managed.

Large-scale regional delineation of riparian vegetation in the arid and semi-arid Pilbara region, WA

Multiscene Landsat 5 TM imagery, Principal Component Analysis, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index were used to produce the first region-scale map of riparian vegetation for the Pilbara (230,000 km2), Western Australia. Riparian vegetation is an environmentally important habitat in the arid and desert climate of the Pilbara. These habitats are supported by infrequent flow events and in some locations by groundwater discharge. Our analysis suggests that riparian vegetation covers less than 4% of the Pilbara region, whereas almost 10.5% of this area is composed of groundwater dependent vegetation (GDV). GDV is often associated with open water (river pools), providing refugia for a variety of species. GDV has an extremely high ecological value and are often important Indigenous sites. This paper demonstrates how Landsat data calibrated to Top of Atmosphere reflectance can be used to delineate riparian vegetation across 16 Landsat scenes and two Universal Transverse Mercator spatial zones. The proposed method is able to delineate riparian vegetation and GDV, without the need for Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function correction. Results were validated using ground truth data from local and regional scale vegetation surveys.

Chronology of anthropogenic impacts reconstructed from sediment records of trace metals and Pb isotopes in Todos os Santos Bay (NE Brazil)

The evolution of the impacts of anthropogenic activities in Todos os Santos Bay was evaluated by profiles of trace metals and Pb isotopes determined in sediment cores. Fluxes of metals increased up to 12, 4 and 2 times for Cu, Pb, and Zn, respectively, compared to those recorded in the beginning of the 20th century. Stable Pb isotopes identified a decommissioned lead smelter and burning of fossil fuels as the main sources of Pb. Most metals showed minor to moderate enrichment factors (EF < 4), but Cu and Pb were highly enriched (EF = 28 and 6, respectively) at the Aratu harbor. Temporal changes in sediments were associated to different activities, namely Pb smelting, burning of fossil fuels, maritime traffic, petroleum related activities, inputs of domestic effluents, and changes in land uses. The effects of the implementation of environmental policies to improve the waters of the bay could not be identified in the evaluated cores.

Development of human resource management in Vietnam: A semantic analysis

The present study offers a logical understanding of the development of human resource management (HRM) in Vietnam over the past 30 years. While previous studies have examined the adoption of HR practices, there remains a need to understand the current state of HRM development in Vietnam. Using a semantic analysis approach, we systematically analyzed the themes and concepts from 100 journal articles related to HRM in Vietnam, selected from academic databases between 1984 and 2013. The main study findings show that the development of HRM is associated with the key stages of economic development in Vietnam.

Systematics of the spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Cataxia (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae) from southwestern Australia: Documenting a threatened fauna in a sky-island landscape

The spiny trapdoor spiders (Idiopidae) of the Cataxia bolganupensis-group from south-Western Australia are revised, and six species are recognized: C. barrettae sp. nov., C. bolganupensis (Main, 1985), C. colesi sp. nov., C. melindae sp. nov., C. sandsorum sp. nov. and C. stirlingi (Main, 1985). All species exhibit extreme short-range endemism, with allopatric sky-island distributions in mesic montane habitats of the Stirling Range, Porongurup Range and Mount Manypeaks. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) and cytochrome b (CYB) sequences complements the morphological taxonomy, along with a key to species and detailed information on their distributions and habitat preferences. All six species are assessed as 'endangered' using IUCN criteria, with the major threatening processes being the spread of the plant pathogenic fungus Phytophthora (causing dieback), climate change and inappropriate fire regimes.

Resistivity profiles of Perth soil in Australia in leak-detection test

The use of a suitable leak-detection system for the prevention and mitigation of pollution due to lining system failures is integral to the proper management of landfill facilities. This paper briefly summarises various methods of leak detection that are currently being practised. The details of a newly developed leak-detection technique are also presented. The tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the new technique by use of controlled leakage. The resulting resistivity profiles for Perth soil in Australia were obtained at 10 min. This method is found to be effective in detecting and locating liner leakage issues within 30 min from the instant when the defect develops. The electrical resistivity decreases with an increase in the leakage duration. The resistivity was found to increase with an increase in the distance/depth from the leak point. Installation of this innovative detection system below liners can enable the various waste containment facilities, such as landfills and leachate ponds, to monitor the lining systems and in case of failures, to take timely action for hazard mitigation. Results presented in this study can be useful for further development of sensors for leakage detection in lining systems

Incorporation of suboptimal health status as a potential risk assessment for type II diabetes mellitus: a case-control study in a Ghanaian population

Due to a paradigm shift in lifestyles, there is growing concern that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will reach epidemic proportions in Ghana. However, specific characteristics of the disease are under explored in this region. More challenging are those yet to be diagnosed or who complain of poor health in the absence of a diagnosed disease—suboptimal health status (SHS). We conducted a study to examine various factors that characterise SHS and T2DM. Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited 264 people as controls and 241 T2DM patients from January to June 2016. The controls were categorised into high and low SHS based on how they rated on an SHS questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters: body mass index (BMI); blood pressure (BP); fasting plasma glucose (FPG); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); serum lipids [(total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c and LDL-c)] were measured. The male to female ratio for T2DM and controls were 99:142 and 98:166, respectively, whilst the mean ages were 55.89 and 51.52 years. Compared to controls, T2DM patients had higher FPG (8.96 ± 4.18 vs. 6.08 ± 1.79; p < 0.0001) and HbA1c (8.23 ± 2.09 vs. 5.45 ± 1.00; p < 0.0001). Primarily sedentary [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.97 (1.38–6.39); p = 0.034)], systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.001) significantly correlated with high SHS. After adjusting for age and gender, central adiposity [aOR = 1.74 (1.06–2.83); p = 0.027)], underweight [aOR = 5.82 (1.23–27.52); p = 0.018)], high SBP [aOR = 1.86 (1.14–3.05); p = 0.012)], high DBP [aOR = 2.39 (1.40–4.07); p = 0.001)] and high TG [aOR = 2.17 (1.09–4.33); p = 0.029)] were found to be independent risk factors associated with high SHS. The management of T2DM in Ghana is suboptimal and undiagnosed risk factors remain prevalent. The SHSQ-25 can be translated and applied as a practical tool to screen at-risk individuals and hence prove useful for the purpose of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine.

What can drag do for me? The multifaceted influences of RuPaul's drag race on the Perth drag scene

Anthropologist and documentary photographer Claire Alexander offers a unique perspective on the ways in which the reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race (RPDR) has influenced drag culture in the city of Perth, Western Australia. Using an ethnographic approach, Alexander explores the ideas and concerns of a group of local drag queens who entered the Perth drag scene at various stages in its development from 1983 to the present day. Alexander’s data indicate the value of using four critical lenses to explore how Perth drag has changed over the years, especially in its response to RPDR. Accordingly, the chapter draws primarily upon: participants’ personal history and inspirations; their general knowledge of drag history; perceived changes within the wider queer and non-queer community; and adaptations made by Perth drag queens to “new ways” of doing drag. Alexander draws from photographic images created throughout her research that depict queens local to Perth as well as contestants and winners of RPDR including Jinkx Monsoon, Yara Sofia, Milk, Latrice Royale, and Trixie Mattel.

Breathing new life: Investigating ways to improve the mental health of people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Western Australia [at Lung Information and Friendship for Everyone Support Group Meeting]

Visitor satisfaction with a key wildlife tourism destination within the context of a damaged landscape

Wildlife tourism is a growing industry globally and visitor satisfaction is vital to ensure its long-term sustainability. The Lower Kinabatangan River is a premier wildlife tourism destination that is affected by surrounding land uses and needs careful management to ensure it continues to provide positive wildlife tourism experiences. As little is known about the motivations and satisfaction of tourists with this experience, a visitor survey was conducted along the Lower Kinabatangan River with 346 surveys completed. The attribute ‘Interest in viewing wildlife’ had the highest mean level of importance and satisfaction (mean = 4.54 and 4.1, respectively, on a 5-point scale). Respondents were very satisfied with their wildlife tour experience (85%) and would recommend the experience to their friends (87%). However, almost half of respondents (47%) felt more needed to be done to protect the Kinabatangan River and wildlife. Although respondents were satisfied overall with their experience, they also expressed concerns over the number of boats and the protection of the River. Comments focused on the presence of rubbish in the River, intrusion of oil palm and the loss of forest. Many issues are beyond the management realms of tour operators but will impact on the future of the industry.

A longitudinal study into indicators of mental health, strengths and difficulties reported by boarding students as they transition from primary school to secondary boarding schools in Perth, Western Australia

This study examined indicators of mental health, as well as strengths and difficulties, as reported by same-age boarding and non-boarding students spanning four time points over a 2-year period as they transitioned from primary to boarding school in Western Australia (i.e., at the end of Grade 7, beginning of Grade 8, end of Grade 8, and end of Grade 9). It presents data taken from a larger longitudinal quantitative study, which included 76 male and 74 female boarding students while they were in Grades 7 to 9. Findings indicate that boarding students and non-boarding students reported significant increases in depression, anxiety, as well as emotional symptoms and hyperactivity over time, and reported significant decreases in prosocial behaviour. However, examining the boarder × time interaction, boarding students reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress at the end of Grade 8 compared to non-boarding students. No significant difference over time was found in depressive symptomatology between boarding and non-boarding students, whereas at the beginning of Grade 8 and end of Grade 9, boarding students reported significantly higher emotional symptoms than non-boarding students. These findings are discussed in terms of the boarding school context and possible considerations for prevention and practice are presented.

Supporting the industry or just consuming leisure? The case of industrial festivals and events in Jeonju, South Korea

Cities have recently utilised festivals and events as a locus for international and domestic visitors and as a means of place marketing. Intangible heritage such as traditions and industrial heritage is widely used for developing new festivals and events. Jeonju in South Korea, a second-tier city and once a representative city for the country’s arts, cuisine, customs and traditional paper industry, had suffered from lack of external investments and central government support. Since late 1990, Jeonju has made a great effort to revitalise traditional industries by means of festivals and events. There are currently many annual festivals and events taking place in Jeonju such as the Jeonju Film Festival, Hanji (i.e. Korean traditional paper) Cultural Festival, International Sori (i.e. sound art in English) Festival, Bibimbap (i.e. a regional traditional signature dish) Festival, International Fermented Food Expo and Nectar Festival. However, it is apparent that not all the above-mentioned festivals and events are rooted in the intangible heritage and traditional industries of the city. Rather, they are aiming to provide a new type of leisure for communities and potential tourists, thus maximising economic and commercial benefits. Consequently, such frequent festivals do not differentiate the identity of Jeonju as a distinctive place possessing strength in a particular industry, for example Hanji and Bibimbap. Using the case of Jeonju, this chapter will contemplate the issues associated with the functions of commercialised industrial festivals and events, and discuss the limitations and challenges of hosting those newly developed industrial festivals and events.

Modelling MNCs’ market entry order strategy: evidence from China

There are a number of studies focusing on firms’ export behavior and market entry decisions, but mostly applying the Net Present Value (NPV) Theory to the developed market economies and a few studies on the market entry order of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the emerging economies (EM), especially on the largest trading country and the fastest growing emerging economy of China. The purpose of this paper is to study the market entry order of the Chinese exporters and document the contribution of extensive margin during the internationalization process of Chinese MNEs by incorporating the unique institutional feature and matching the big data of China's Customs Database and Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database. In particular, we use the big matched data to screen exporting firms in a “new product-market combination” along with the extensive margin and at different product and ownership level from 2001 to 2006, and then examine whether a firm behaves as a pioneer or a follower when exporting a new combination and when a firm follows the pioneer to enter the market once they decide to become a follower in a new combination. To our knowledge this is among the first to study comprehensively the market entry order of Chinese MNEs in their internationalization process. This study implies three major contributions. First, it performs a comprehensive big data matching by industry, market, product line and ownership using China's Customs Database and Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database to study the market entry order of Chinese MNEs. This will allow us to better understand firms’ export behaviors and market entry order and contribute to the existing literature. Then, this study examines not only Chinese MNEs’ decision choice of being a pioneer or a follower, but also the timing of entry to the international market under different product categories and ownership. This advances our knowledge of how the Chinese MNEs internationalize and how to compare with MNEs from other countries. Finally, this study documents the dynamic contribution of extensive margin for the Chinese MNEs, and draws important policy implications on how and if China can sustain its rapid export growth. The results show that firms' choice of being a pioneer or a follower in exporting each new productmarket portfolio is jointly determined by the firm-level and host-country-level characteristics, and that firms with larger scale, higher productivity, lower production costs, less fierce competition and smaller credit constraints are more likely to be pioneers. We also find that the timing when to follow is influenced by the pioneers’ performance and product category. The results further confirm the existence of crowding out effect and spillover effect between pioneers and followers.

Pre-service primary teachers’ preparedness to teach design and technology: a Western Australian perspective

The importance of Design and Technology (D&T) in the new Australian national curriculum is great and covers all year levels from k-10. So while previously the area could be given lip service by teachers this is no longer the case. In the context of this, the researchers set out to examine the perceptions of existing Edith Cowan University School of Education primary and early childhood student teachers towards the teaching of D&T to determine the nature of any preconceived views relating to the area of D&T and how well their university course has prepared them to teach D&T. An online survey was developed and delivered in 2016 via a Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) commercial survey engine. The survey was voluntary and was administered to School of Education primary and early childhood students via the university's learning management system. A sample of students across all years and courses responded, 95% of whom were female giving a sample that roughly paralleled the School's male/female population in those courses. Amongst the findings is a clear indication that before entering university many students’ views towards D&T were biased and stereotyped based upon school experiences, which supports the researchers' previous findings (Pagram & Cooper, 2015). Just over half of respondents felt comfortable teaching D&T and most had either no formal training in D&, or half an online unit during their course. This paper discusses these findings and their implications for the School of Education at Edith Cowan University and primary and secondary schools in general.

Wetland vegetation of inland Australia

Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia: A case study of Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay Marine Park

The purpose of this chapter is to examine, by way of a case study, both the creation and development of an Aboriginal-led tourism initiative within cl national park in the North West of Western Australia (WA), and also the key stakeholders who have worked collaboratively through a joint management framework to enable its success. The park in question is Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay Marine Park, Broome, WA. The case study illustrates the interplay of four key components and the nexus that exists through their interconnectedness: ecotourisn1, Indigenous people, national parks and joint management (the approach taken in the management of the natural and cultural heritage). Through the examination of Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay Marine Park as a case study, it is possible to identify these components, measure their impact and to identify where barriers and challenges exist.

Guludo beach lodge and the Nema Foundation, Mozambique

Mozambique in south east Africa is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in the world. It ranks amongst the lowest in GDP per capita, human development, measures of inequality, and average life expectancy. The country has a host of social, cultural and/or environmental problems. However, one venture has been established which is making a huge contribution to the welfare of many people in the north eastern part of the country. Guludo Beach Lodge was founded in 2002 and is located in Quirimbas National Park in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique. The lodge is a community based eco-resort which is used as the basis for funding the Nema Foundation which in turn supports a raft of social projects in surrounding local communities. Nema is a UK registered charity working in the district of Macomia, Mozambique, with 16 communities to improve access to education, safe drinking water, healthcare, food security and SMEs. It has a diverse range of grass-root projects tailored to each community with donations going directly to these projects bringing opportunities and hope to a new generation.

International oil price uncertainty, financial constraints and corporate cash-cash flow sensitivity: Evidence from China

Using investment-cash flow sensitivity test model, we investigate the impact of international oil price uncertainty on corporate financing constraints in China’s emerging and transition economy. We further examine whether state ownership affects the relationship between oil price uncertainty and corporate financing constraints. Consistent with the theoretical prediction, the main finding is that oil price uncertainty exerts a positive impact on corporate investment-cash flow sensitivity. In addition, compared with state-owned listed companies, the positive influence of oil price uncertainty on corporate investment is more significant for non-state-owned listed companies. Our further analysis, using the market-oriented reform of refined oil pricing in 2008 as a quasi-natural event, shows the variation between the low-degree marketization period and the high-degree one in terms of the relationship between international oil price uncertainty, state ownership and corporate investment-cash flow sensitivity.

Geotourismus in Australien und Neuseeland

Consuming America’s favourite assault rifle: ‘GI Joe’ for adults

The AR15 semi-automatic, high-powered assault rifle is the paragon artefact of civilian self-defence in the USA. There are upwards of five million of these weapons in civilian circulation with no shortage of availability to an avid consumer market. This project combines participant observation from three online AR15 forums with 12 years of ethnography in the Western Australian firearm fraternity. A 2009 Taxonomy of Firearm Consumption is updated to include the findings of this project. We reveal how shooters not only love their AR15’s but derive a sense of self from possession. For some shooters their AR15 is used not only as a key component of their extended self but also as an identity prosthetic. The modular nature of the firearm permits a closer fit for a myriad of available self-definitions. Shooters immerse themselves in the experience of possession. Also revelling in the nostalgic symbolism and appreciating the utility afforded by what is touted as the quintessential weapon for home-defence.

What it takes to successfully implement an enterprise software system: A case study of a large school district in New South Wales, Australia

Enterprise systems provide schools with an effective tool for standardising their workflows and data collection processes, however the process of adopting one requires a sound methodology, strong leadership, and a true partnership between client and vendor. Drawing on a case study of a large school district in New South Wales, Australia, this industry paper addresses the topic of educational software experiences by describing the joint journey to a successful integration of an enterprise software system.

The paper begins with offering some background information including a short introduction to enterprise platforms as learning and management software. It also discusses some of the challenges the district faced before moving to an enterprise system, including issues with disparate software applications and processes, data discontinuity, and limited capabilities for data analytics.

The second part outlines the solution implemented and explains some critical factors during software deployment into a large educational ecosystem. These include a sound understanding of the needs and processes within educational organisations by both the client and the software development company, measured change management activities as well familiarity with data exchange and migration.

Using survey data from the case study, some of the contributions and commitments that are necessary from both parties are being highlighted, including a change of mindset and behaviour on the part of school personnel. Also, the eight-step product delivery lifecycle is described, starting from project initiation, exploration of the infrastructure model and data migration strategy, provision of training, user acceptance testing of the environment, installation of a training environment, the installation of the product, and a final roll-out process. This methodology, which is based on a close relationship between solution provider and the end-users, ensures a smooth transition from one application to another.

The final section of the paper draws on information provided by the customer to examine how the product has solved their problems by comparing processes and possibilities before and after implementation of an enterprise system. It closes by discussing some of the ways the software supports district-wide decision-making highlighting the extensive benefits of an enterprise system, some lessons learned and a number of guidelines for adopting enterprise systems within educational contexts more generally.

Identifying modifiable factors associated with health optimism in older adults

Objective: Despite the documented importance of health optimism for enhancing health outcomes, very little work has been done to examine who experiences health optimism and under what conditions. The present study sought to identify modifiable factors associated with health optimism that could constitute the focus of future intervention efforts designed to promote health optimism among older people.

Design: Participants were 453 (44% males) community-based Western Australians aged 60+ years (M = 70.39 years, SD = 6.06). Participants completed questionnaires to assess sociodemographic characteristics and provided information relating to physical and psychological health status.

Results: Almost a quarter of participants (24%; n = 108) were classified as health optimists. Results from a multivariate regression analysis found quality of life, psychological well-being, and age to be directly and positively associated with health optimism. A subsequent path analytic model found depression (negatively) and self-efficacy (positively) to be indirectly associated with health optimism via both psychological well-being and quality of life.

Conclusion: These findings extend the limited evidence on health optimism in older adults by identifying various modifiable factors that may constitute potential areas of focus for future interventions designed to enhance health outcomes via the fostering of health optimism.

WA now – Gregory Pryor: Looking glass

For his WA Now project, Gregory Pryor undertook a field trip to the region of the tragic Esperance bush fires of 2015. By setting himself in amongst the charcoal remains of the devastated terrain and taking a series of 360-degree photographic notations, Pryor formulated the idea for his panoramic work and its overwhelming immersive quality. Similar to the bush’s capacity to regenerate after fire, Looking Glass in some ways can be seen as a reassembled landscape, articulated on 1585 sheets of paper.

Pryor has worked with a team of student assistants to populate each sheet with a broad vocabulary of manual marks, first working the paper in veils of watercolour, before adding the fugitive and friable layers of charcoal. Finally, thousands of small glass beads are added into this matrix of wet and dry media, contributing a reflective element to the porous and absorbent black.

This new body of work aims to involve viewers in a profoundly moving encounter with one of the oldest exposed land masses on earth.

Batavia: Giving voice to the voiceless

This project was developed within the catalytic environment of a university, where ideas find willing partners and scholars are fired by the passion of their colleagues. When artist Paul Uhlmann spoke to me enthusiastically about the new discoveries on Beacon Island, I was able to introduce him to Professor Alistair Paterson and this exhibition materialised from their conversations...

Ecological Connectivity of Kimberley Marine Communities. Synthesis report of Project 1.1.3 prepared for the Kimberley Marine Research Program

The overarching objective of KMRP Project 1.1.3 (Ecological Connectivity of Kimberley Marine Communities) was to provide the first estimates of ecological connectivity across multiple spatial scales for a suite of model/priority marine organisms in the Kimberley. More specifically, this project aimed to provide species-specific estimates of realised connectivity at a reef-scale ( < 1 > km), inter-reef scale (1-100 km) and inter-region scale (100 + km) through genetic analyses of seven key animals and plants with contrasting dispersive life histories that are representative of common taxa.

The effects of family ownership on capital structure of Vietnamese listed companies

This paper examines how family firms behave differently from non-family firms in making their funding decisions. By applying panel regression models for samples of Vietnamese listed companies in the consumer product and industrials industries over the 2008-2016 period, the authors find that family firms have higher debt ratios than non-family firms. Effects of business characteristics on financing decisions also differ from family firms and non-family firms. Particularly, asset tangibility appears to be the important influencing factor of the debt levels in non-family firms, whereas it does not have any impact on capital structure of family firms.

Exercise self-efficacy scale: Validation of the Arabic version among Jordanians with chronic diseases

This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Exercise Self-Efficacy scale (ESE-A) among Jordanian outpatients with a variety of chronic diseases using descriptive cross-sectional design. Participants’ scores of ESE-A significantly correlated with their reported weekly exercise frequency (r = .23, p< .001), duration (r = .31, p< .001), and evaluation of their physical exercise (r = .39, p< .001). The construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis, which retained all items, and the scree plot showed one meaningful factor with an eigenvalue of 10.38 and an explained variance of 57.7%. Furthermore, Cronbach’s alpha was .89 and split-half coefficient was .83 indicating that the ESE-A is a reliable scale. The ESE-A was found to be a robust measure to evaluate exercise self-efficacy among Arabic patients with chronic diseases. Arabic researchers interested in exercise self-efficacy are invited to utilize the ESE-A in their studies to confirm its psychometric properties.

La Cour européenne des droits de l’homme et le traitement de la connaissance scientifique sur la nocivité des ondes électromagnétiques, produits chimiques et autres activités polluantes

This article offers a critical approach of the ways the European Court of Human rights deals with scientific knowledge or its lack in the cases linked to healthy and environmental issues. It shows that the Court adopts two types of strategies : (1) the easiest one occurs when unanimous national studies have concluded to a risk and a causal link or when the thresholds have been clearly exceeded ; (2) the more difficult cases are connected to ongoing scientific controversy and/or uncertainty. In such cases the ECtHR, surprisingly, does not even attempt to seek truth beyond the information given by the respondent State and, taking the easiest way out, hides behind the margin of appreciation doctrine. This study questions the continuation of the causal link and mostly the refusal of a Court of human rights to deliver justice by refusing to equip itself with the scientific information in view of dealing with the cases brought before it by victims looking for justice.

How to look at library software implementations through a new lens – and see something UNEXPECTED!

This paper reports on the first stages of implementation of OCLC WorldShare next-generation library management system, plus eReserve e-reading management system in Edith Cowan University (ECU) Library, Perth, Western Australia.

In 2015, ECU Library was given the budget to purchase these two systems. Implementation has started, and will finish in late 2016. This provided the opportunity to use Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to assess the successes and trajectories of these projects. This paper is the start of a larger assessment of the project using

All four ANT stages. It will report on the combined implementations of a new next - generation library management system, plus e - reading management system - using the first three ANT stages (the fourth being mobilisation):

Problemisation: Where Library Executive decided that our current LMS and e-reading management system do not support our future vision for system delivery, and that ECU needs to purchase new systems. This was promoted to IT Service Centre (ITSC) Executive, and ECU Executive, as well as the other Library staff.

Interessement: Once announcement was made. This is where Library Executive enlisted help from Library staff, ITSC Executive, and ECU Executive to assist in choosing a supplier for the new systems.

Enrolment: Where roles in the implementation teams are identified, assigned and accepted.

Overall, we believe ANT is a useful tool for analysing the project success, as it focuses on efficiency of actors translation (e.g. project participants). As stated by Lee and Hassard (1999), an effective project is one in which network translations result in actor convergence around stable goals – goals that are, from ANT’s perspective, held stable by the actor-network.

Further research includes following the project through to its conclusion at the end of 2016, for a fuller analysis to be conducted, including how well the project objective was achieved, and any positive and negative factors highlighted by ANT. This could be maintenance of the network through changes in personnel, and further convergence and sense-making by the project teams to focus on the project vision.

The hidden benefits of writing retreats: Academic development and social interaction for nurses

Not only do nurse academics teach, research, supervise, engage in professional development and professional organisations, they are compelled as academic nurse educators to write for publication, a task that involves expertise, creativity, skill and large amounts of time.. This article describes a qualitative reflective analysis of the themes which surfaced during an offsite writing retreat attended by nurse faculty. The authors of this paper discovered an added invaluable benefit of their time at writing retreat: time to engage in social interactions that benefit their professional and personal development. In addition through experience of the retreat has been the increase in publications through the commitment to output, and academic development through engagement in mentoring, collegial partnerships, informal learning, and reflection.

Parents' experiences of caring for preterm infants after discharge from neonatal intensive care unit: A meta-synthesis of the literature

The difficulties of caring for preterm infants and associated psychological stress incurred by parents of preterm infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have been well established. However, much less is known about parents' experiences of caring for preterm infant at home after NICU discharge. This study synthesized qualitative studies on this phenomenon. Nine categories were obtained from 12 qualitative studies and grouped into three syntheses - (1) support improves confidence in care; (2) dealing with challenges of caring for preterm infant; (3) overprotective parenting. Parents' experiences of caring for preterm infants post-NICU discharge is constructed as a process that requires support to improve caring confidence, a process that deals with the challenges of caring for preterm infants after discharge and complicated by overprotective parenting. Thus, NICU nurses must endeavour to provide appropriate support for parents in order to increase their caring confidence after discharge.

Drug use monitoring in Australia: An expansion into the Pilbara

The relationship between alcohol, illicit drugs and offending is complex and dynamic. Substance misuse both nationally and internationally has been found to be prevalent in detained populations (Bennett & Holloway 2007, Pernanen, Cousineau, Brochu & Sun 2002, Sweeney & Payne 2012). With the cost of crime in Australia estimated to be $36 billion per annum (AIC 2009), it is important to establish some of the links that, if addressed, may reduce the level of commissions of crime and increase the wellbeing of Australians.

Comparison of athletic movement between elite junior and senior Australian football players

This study compared the athletic movement skill between elite Under-18 (U18) Australian football (AF) and senior Australian Football League (AFL) players. The U18 sample (n = 13; 17.7 ± 0.6 years) were representatives of an elite talent development programme. The AFL players were classified accordingly; Group 1 (1–4 AFL seasons; n = 20; 21.2 ± 1.9 years) and Group 2 (>5 AFL seasons; n = 14; 26.3 ± 2.6 years). Participants performed an athletic movement skill assessment, inclusive of five foundational movements. Each movement was scored across three assessment points using a three-point scale. Total score for each movement (maximum of nine) and overall score (maximum of 63) were used as criteria. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to test the effect of developmental group (three levels) on the criteria. Receiver operating curves were built to examine the discriminant capability of the overall score. A significant effect of developmental group was noted, with the U18 sample having a lower mean total score for four of the five movements. Overall scores of 49/63 and 50/63 discriminated the elite U18 sample from Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. U18 players may have less developed athletic movement skills when compared to their senior AFL counterparts. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.

Episodic volunteering and retention: An integrated theoretical approach

Episodic volunteers (EVs) are vital for non-profit organization activities. However, theory-based research on episodic volunteering is scant and the determinants of episodic volunteering are not well understood. This study integrates the volunteer process model and three-stage model of volunteers’ duration of service to explore determinants of EV retention. A cross-sectional survey of 340 EVs assessed volunteering antecedents, experiences, and retention. Social/enjoyment (β =.17) and benefit (β = −.15) motives, social norm (β =.20), and satisfaction (β =.56) predicted Novice EV (first experience) retention, satisfaction (β =.47) and commitment (β =.38) predicted Transition EV (2-4 years intermittently) retention, and supporting the organization financially (β =.31), social norm (β =.18), satisfaction (β =.41), and commitment (β =.19) predicted Sustained EV (5-6 years consecutively) retention. Integrated theoretical approaches appear efficacious for understanding EV retention. An Episodic Volunteer Engagement and Retention model is proposed for further testing in prospective work. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015.

Improving access to primary care for Aboriginal babies in Western Australia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Despite a decade of substantial investments in programs to improve access to primary care for Aboriginal mothers and infants, more than 50 % of Western Australian Aboriginal babies are still not receiving primary and preventative care in the early months of life. Western Australian hospitals now input birth data into the Western Australian electronic clinical management system within 48 hours of birth. However, difficulties have arisen in ensuring that the appropriate primary care providers receive birth notification and clinical information by the time babies are discharged from the hospital. No consistent process exists to ensure that choices about primary care are discussed with Aboriginal families.

Methods/Design:

We will undertake a population-based, stepped wedge, cluster randomized controlled trial of an enhanced model of early infant primary care. The intervention is targeted support and care coordination for Aboriginal families with new babies starting as soon as possible during the antenatal period or after birth. Dedicated health professionals and research staff will consult with families about the families' healthcare needs, provide information about healthcare in the first 3 months of life, offer assistance with birth and Medicare forms, consult with families about their choice for primary care provider, offer to notify the chosen primary care provider about the baby's health needs, and offer assistance with healthcare coordination at the time of discharge from the hospital. We will evaluate this model of care using a rigorous stepped wedge approach. Our primary outcome measure is a reduced hospitalization rate in infants younger than 3 months of age. Secondary outcome measures include completed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health screening assessments, immunization coverage, and satisfaction of the families about early infant primary care. We will also assess the cost effectiveness of the model of care.

Discussion:

This study will be conducted over a 4-year period in partnership with birthing hospitals and primary care providers including Western Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and the new Primary Health Networks. The results of our trial will be used to develop improved primary care models and to improve health outcomes for all Aboriginal infants. These are vital steps toward more equitable health service delivery for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia.

Trial Registration:

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Registration number: ACTRN12615000976583Date registered: 17 September 2015. © 2016 McAullay et al.

Longitudinal impact of the cyber friendly schools program on adolescents' cyberbullying behavior

Cyberbullying is a major public health problem associated with serious mental, social, and academic consequences for young people. To date, few programs addressing cyberbullying have been developed and empirically tested. The Cyber Friendly Schools (CFS) group-randomized controlled trial measured the longitudinal impact of a whole-school online cyberbullying prevention and intervention program, developed in partnership with young people. Non-government secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia, (N=35, 3,000+ students) were randomized to an intervention (n=19) or usual practice control group (n=16 schools). Students completed online questionnaires in 2010, 2011, and at 1-year follow-up in 2012, measuring their cyberbullying experiences during the previous school term. The intervention group received the program in Grades 8 and 9 (aged 13-14 years). Program effects were tested using two-part growth models. The program was associated with significantly greater declines in the odds of involvement in cyber-victimization and perpetration from pre- to the first post-test, but no other differences were evident between the study conditions. However, teachers implemented only one third of the program content. More work is needed to build teacher capacity and self-efficacy to effectively implement cyberbullying programs. Whole-school cyberbullying interventions implemented in conjunction with other bullying prevention programs may reduce cyber-victimization more than traditional school-based bullying prevention programs alone. Aggr. Behav. 42:166-180, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Proof of Acacia nilotica stand expansion in Bekol Savanna, Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia through remote sensing and field observations

One of woody species that is known to inhabit certain savanna ecosystems is Acacia nilotica. The Acacia nilotica tree is widespread in the northern savannah regions, and its range extends from Mali to Sudan and Egypt. Acacia nilotica was first introduced to Java Island in 1850. It then spread to Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Timor and Papua. Found in grasslands, savanna is reported as important colonizer at Baluran National Park in East Java and Wasur National Park Papua. We conducted Vegetation analysis in three areas of the Baluran Savanna namely: Grazed, burned and unburnt. Our observation result analysis showed that in terms of the three most important tree species in all of the sites that we sampled (grazed, burnt and unburnt savannas) Acacia nilotica appeared in each of these sites. The values however, vary between sites. Acacia nilotica Importance Value Index is highest in the unburnt savanna, with IVI reaching almost 250. The unburnt site is actually a burnt site but with moderate age or time since fire (approximately 6-7 years), whereas the burnt site is savanna with relatively young age/time since fire (few months to 1 year). We also conducted GIS analysis using Satellite Images (October 2013 and October 2014) to pick up changes in Bekol savanna. Result showed that expansion of A. nilotica stand occurred towards the savanna. Over dominance of the woody species A. nilotica could shift the savanna into another ecosystem state, i.e. secondary forest. © Biodiversitas, 2012. All Rights Reserved.

School policies on bullying and cyberbullying: Perspectives across three Australian states

Background: Despite decades of research, bullying in all its forms is still a significant problem within schools in Australia, as it is internationally. Anti-bullying policies and guidelines are thought to be one strategy as part of a whole school approach to reduce bullying. However, although Australian schools are required to have these policies, their effectiveness is not clear. As policies and guidelines about bullying and cyberbullying are developed within education departments, this paper explores the perspectives of those who are involved in their construction. Purpose: This study examined the perspectives of professionals involved in policy construction, across three different Australian states. The aim was to determine how their relative jurisdictions define bullying and cyberbullying, the processes for developing policy, the bullying prevention and intervention recommendations given to schools and the content considered essential in current policies. Sample: Eleven key stakeholders from three Australian states with similar education systems were invited to participate. The sample selection criteria included professionals with experience and training in education, cyber-safety and the responsibility to contribute to or make decisions which inform policy in this area for schools in their state. Design and methods: Participants were interviewed about the definitions of bullying they used in their state policy frameworks, the extent to which cyberbullying was included, and the content they considered essential for schools to include in anti-bullying policies. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Findings: Seven themes were identified in the data: (1) Definition of bullying and cyberbullying, (2) Existence of a policy template, (3) Policy location, (4) Adding cyberbullying, (5) Distinguishing between bullying and cyberbullying, (6) Effective policy, and (7) Policy as a prevention or intervention tool. The results were similar both across state boundaries and also across different disciplines. Conclusion: Analysis of the data suggested that, across the themes, there was some lack of information about bullying and cyberbullying. This limitation could affect the subsequent development, dissemination and sustainability of school anti-bullying policies, which have implications for the translation of research to inform better student outcomes. © 2016 NFER.

Plasma apolipoprotein J as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease: Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study of aging

Introduction:

For early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the field needs biomarkers that can be used to detect disease status with high sensitivity and specificity. Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ, also known as clusterin) has long been associated with AD pathogenesis through various pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of plasma apoJ as a blood biomarker for AD.

Using the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study of aging, the present study assayed plasma apoJ levels over baseline and 18 months in 833 individuals. Plasma ApoJ levels were analyzed with respect to clinical classification, age, gender, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele status, mini-mental state examination score, plasma amyloid beta (Aβ), neocortical Aβ burden (as measured by Pittsburgh compound B-positron emission tomography), and total adjusted hippocampus volume.

ApoJ was significantly higher in both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD groups as compared with healthy controls (HC; P < .0001). ApoJ significantly correlated with both "standardized uptake value ratio" (SUVR) and hippocampus volume and weakly correlated with the plasma Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 ratio. Plasma apoJ predicted both MCI and AD from HC with greater than 80% accuracy for AD and greater than 75% accuracy for MCI at both baseline and 18-month time points.

Mean apoJ levels were significantly higher in both MCI and AD groups. ApoJ was able to differentiate between HC with high SUVR and HC with low SUVR via APOE ε4 allele status, indicating that it may be included in a biomarker panel to identify AD before the onset of clinical symptoms.

Long-term carbon storage and its recent loss in an estuarine Posidonia australis meadow (Albany, Western Australia)

Oyster Harbour, on the south coast of Western Australia, supports 3.6-3.9 km2 of seagrass meadows, following the loss of approximately 2.8-3.1 km2 in the 1980s. This small area of prevailing meadows hold significant carbon stores accumulated over the past 3000 years. In this study, we sampled three sediment cores from a Posidonia australis meadow and analysed organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC) and inorganic carbon (IC) contents in bulk sediments, and δ13C signatures of OM. The OM and OC contents (mean ± SE) in the cores were 9.07 ± 0.36% and 2.24 ± 0.05%, respectively. The mean IC content was 3.16 ± 0.17%. δ13C signatures of the sedimentary OM ranged from -10.01‰ to -13.28‰. Using a Bayesian isotopic mixing model, it is estimated that 57-67% of the OM in the seagrass sediments was derived from P. australis detrital matter. The total carbon (TC) stores in 150 cm-thick seagrass sediments averaged 27.92 kg TC m-2 (10.79 kg OC m-2 and 17.13 kg IC m-2). Based on radiocarbon dating, the mean sediment accumulation rate was 0.0494 cm yr-1, which led to a long-term TC accumulation rate of 8.92 g TC m-2 yr-1 (3.45 g OC m-2 yr-1 and 5.47 g IC m-2 yr-1). Based on historical seagrass cover (3.6-6.7 km2 during the 1960s to 1980s), the estimated TC stores in 150 cm-thick seagrass sediments at Oyster Harbour would have been 101-187 Gg TC. The eutrophication-driven loss of seagrasses during the 1980s resulted in the absence of OC accumulation capacity amounting to 280-310 Mg OC (over 29 years). The loss of seagrass area could also have resulted in the release of 37-41 Gg CO2, assuming that all of the OC in shallow sediment is remineralised after meadow disturbance. These results exemplify the importance of seagrasses meadows as important carbon sinks and the potential for losses of carbon stores due to ecosystem degradation. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

Seagrass sediments reveal the long-term deterioration of an estuarine ecosystem

The study of a Posidonia australis sediment archive has provided a record of ecosystem dynamics and processes over the last 600 years in Oyster Harbour (SW Australia). Ecosystem shifts are a widespread phenomenon in coastal areas, and this study identifies baseline conditions and the time-course of ecological change (cycles, trends, resilience and thresholds of ecosystem change) under environmental stress in seagrass-dominated ecosystem. The shifts in the concentrations of chemical elements, carbonates, sediments

The effects of personalized care planning for adults living with chronic conditions

No abstract available

The entrepreneurial role within a global firm operating in a niche market

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significance of entrepreneurial role from the perspective of a global, family-owned firm located in Uruguay and operating in a niche market. Design/methodology/approach – This case study adopts role theory as its theoretical framework. Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with the firm’s ownership/management. The data were analysed using content analysis. Findings – During the interviews, the importance of entrepreneurs’ role was highlighted in various ways. For instance, role emerged in the form of re-developing a business vision, executing strategies and ideas, anticipating events, innovating and internationalising. Together, these key elements helped build entrepreneurial resilience in light of emerging issues. An alignment with various perspectives of role theory, including “functional”, “symbolic interactionist” and “structural” was identified. Practical implications – The role of the succeeding generation of the firm’s ownership not only is fundamental in reinforcing an entrepreneurial path established by the firm’s founder but also is critical in building upon the earlier foundation, continue innovating and adapting to contemporary challenges in a very dynamic business environment. Originality/value – The present study makes an original contribution, by examining the significance of entrepreneurial role through the lens of role theory. In this context, the case of a medium-sized, global Latin American family business is investigated. © 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Celebrating Kate: The criminal-celebrity of Sydney underworld figure, Kate Leigh

Combining historical study with cultural criminology, this paper analyses the criminal-celebrity of Sydney underworld figure Kate Leigh. It seeks to demonstrate how the three main factors of public resonance—crime type, context and image—created the celebrated criminality of Leigh. Without public resonance, Leigh would have simply remained another criminal within society. An important element of Leigh's celebrated criminality was her ability to manage a public image that was accepted within the impoverished, working-class communities of eastern Sydney. Leigh became a criminal icon through an entrepreneurial style based on the anti-authoritarian and egalitarian values of working-class life in eastern Sydney. Criminal-celebrity theory provides a framework for understanding the factors enabling the celebration of criminals in society. It also informs historians about the ways in which criminals can manipulate their public image in an effort to legitimise their activities and gain acceptance in the community. © 2016 International Australian Studies Association.

Association of ideal cardiovascular health and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: A cross-sectional study in Northern China

Background Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is an index for evaluating arterial stiffness and is recognized as an independent predictor of an impending cardiovascular event. Limited large-scale population data are available regarding the relationship between baPWV and the change in ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) status, particularly among Asians. Methods A random sample of 5199 participants (≥40 years of age; 40% women) was enrolled in a cross-sectional study in China to examine the association between ideal CVH and baPWV. Arterial stiffness was defined as a baPWV of 1400 cm/second or higher. Information on CVH was collected based on the American Heart Association's CVH definition by measuring all 7 components (nonsmoking status, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, normal total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose), with 1 or 0 for each component, and a score from 0 to 7 for each participant. Results A significant and inverse association was found between the ideal CVH score and baPWV (P

Identifying advanced practice: A national survey of a nursing workforce

Background: The size and flexibility of the nursing workforce has positioned nursing as central to the goals of health service improvement. Nursing's response to meeting these goals has resulted in proliferation of advanced practice nursing with a confusing array of practice profiles, titles and roles. Whilst numerous models and definitions of advanced practice nursing have been developed there is scant published research of significant scope that supports these models. Consequently there is an ongoing call in the literature for clarity and stability in nomenclature, and confusion in the health industry on how to optimise the utility of advanced practice nursing. Objectives: To identify and delineate advanced practice from other levels of nursing practice through examination of a national nursing workforce. Design: A cross-sectional electronic survey of nurses using the validated Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool based on the Strong Model of Advanced Practice. Participants: Study participants were registered nurses employed in a clinical service environment across all states and territories of Australia. Methods: A sample of 5662 registered nurses participated in the study. Domain means for each participant were calculated then means for nursing position titles were calculated. Position titles were grouped by delineation and were compared with one-way analysis of variance on domain means. The alpha for all tests was set at 0.05. Significant effects were examined with Scheffe post hoc comparisons to control for Type 1 error. Results: The survey tool was able to identify position titles where nurses were practicing at an advanced level and to delineate this cohort from other levels of nursing practice, including nurse practitioner. The results show that nurses who practice at an advanced level are characterised by high mean scores across all Domains of the Strong Model of Advanced Practice. The mean scores of advanced practice nurses were significantly different from nurse practitioners in the Direct Care Domain and significantly different from other levels of nurse across all domains. Conclusions: The study results show that the nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse and foundation level registered nurse have different patterns of practice and the Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool has the capacity to clearly delineate and define advanced practice nursing. These findings make a significant contribution to the international debate and show that the profession can now identify what is and what is not advanced practice in nursing. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

Barriers and enablers to retention of Aboriginal Diploma of Nursing students in Western Australia: An exploratory descriptive study

Background: Nursing education appropriate to the learning needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students is essential to prepare them for registration as nurses. Despite incentives to encourage the recruitment and retention of such students, a disproportionate number commence but do not finish their nursing studies. Objectives: To describe the barriers and enablers to the retention of Aboriginal students in a Diploma of Nursing course (Enrolled/Division 2) in Western Australia. Design: An exploratory descriptive design was used. Settings: One metropolitan educational facility catering for Aboriginal people offering an 18-month course in a block release format. Participants: A convenience sample of 16 students aged 18 + years. Methods: Newly enrolled students (n = 10) participated in an investigator-developed survey to explore their motivation for entering the course. Nine of these students and a further seven students who were nearing the end of their course participated in focus groups to explore their experiences of nursing education. Results: Survey respondents had a mean age of 32.7 years; most were female, had nominated family as influential in the decision to enroll, and commenced with a friend. Regarding recruitment and retention, the qualitative data highlighted the importance of students': perceptions of the training organisation, characteristics, experiences of nursing education, and sources of support. Conclusions: Strategies that develop individual's resilience and engage supportive networks can assist Aboriginal students to negotiate tertiary nursing study. Academic skills assessments supplemented with tailored educational support at entry can resource students to navigate increasingly complex course content. Flexibility throughout the course enables students to negotiate study in a context of ongoing family and financial obligations. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

Testing childrens ability to correctly use the "shadow rule" for sun protection

Introduction: The "Shadow Rule" (SR) is a useful, immediate indicator of sunburn risk following the mnemonic "Short shadow? Seek shade!" However, some question peoples ability to discern when their shadows are shorter or longer than them. Methods: N = 76 10-year-old children were taught the SR and then asked to estimate their sun-cast shadow length relative to their height and whether this meant they should seek shade. Children were then asked to estimate a dolls shadow length at 10 systematically randomised angles. Results: Children experienced greatest difficulty judging their shadows lengths when they were equal to their height. At all other angles, they demonstrated high accuracy and 92 % of the time on average could correctly interpret the SR. Conclusions: Ten-year-old children appear capable, and by extension adults too, of applying the SR. Future research is now required to establish if education about the SR will translate into sun protection behaviour change. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.

Website translation and destination image marketing: A case study of Reunion Island

This study compares the image representations of Reunion Island on the Internet when using original websites in French and their English version. It analyzes the text content of web pages obtained from a list of web information sources providing both French and English versions. Textual data analysis and correspondence analysis based on the most frequent keywords is conducted using the software package Alceste. Results show that the image of Reunion Island is very different between language versions. These differences can be explained by the poor quality of the language translation even though the websites studied were retrieved from the top list of tourism websites providing information on Reunion Island as a destination. This study has strategic implications, as it demonstrates a failure to implement effective and consistent destination marketing by tourism organizations that will confuse the consumer. We make recommendations for future research and practice in terms of improved strategic, tactical, and operational integration. © 2013 The Author(s).

A study of the use of pairwise comparison in the context of social online moderation

Traditional moderation of student assessments is often carried out with groups of teachers working face-to-face in a specified location making judgements concerning the quality of representations of achievement. This traditional model has relied little on modern information communications technologies and has been logistically challenging. We argue that social online moderation, coupled with the use of analytical and pairwise scoring methods and technologies, can provide better moderation outcomes and highly valuable professional learning experiences improving teachers’ understandings of assessment standards. This paper reports on a component of a study involving Visual Arts teachers from rural schools making comparative judgements of digitised student artworks. We report the teachers’ observations of the social online moderation processes, including the quality and standard of the digitised artworks, the effectiveness of the pairwise comparison process, the functionality of the online tools, and the concept of using online scoring for moderation and standard setting purposes.

Perceptions of pregnancy experiences when using a community-based antenatal service: A qualitative study of refugee and migrant women in Perth, Western Australia

Background: Equality of care in pregnancy is important for all women, however can be difficult for healthcare providers to achieve. It has been found that culturally and linguistically diverse women born overseas generally have lower satisfaction with pregnancy care than women born in the host country. Aim: Using a phenomenological framework, and models of care as a conceptual framework, this study explored the perceptions of care experienced by refugees and migrant women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who had participated in a community-based antenatal programme specialising in maternity care of multicultural women. Method: Informants were twelve women aged between 23 and 44 years of age; one woman was 33 weeks pregnant, other women had given birth in the six months prior to data collection. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, using interpreters for women who spoke little or no English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Four main themes were identified; Social Support, Gaining of Knowledge, A Holistic Service, and New Opportunities. Conclusion: Using a community-based antenatal service specialising in maternity care of women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds enabled the needs of refugee and migrant women to be recognised and met, and therefore enhanced their perception of the pregnancy experience.

The association between ankle-brachial index and asymptomatic cranial-carotid stenosis: A population-based, cross-sectional study of 5440 Han Chinese

Background and purpose: Routine screening for asymptomatic cranial-carotid stenosis (ACCS) is controversial and recommendation in clinical practice is vague. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is reported as a predictor for cardiovascular disease. However, there is a scarcity of data about the association between abnormal ABI and ACCS. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the relationship between ABI and ACCS. Methods: A sample of 5440 Chinese adults aged 40-94 years old was recruited from 2010 to 2011. The ABI was measured using a portable Doppler device and ACCS was evaluated by bilateral carotid duplex ultrasound and portable examination devices. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between ABI and ACCS after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: A low ABI was associated with ACCS [odds ratio (OR) 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-2.67] after adjusting for potential confounders. When the data were stratified by age and sex, the correlation remained statistically significant in the male (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.60-3.37) and elderly (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.97-4.78) subgroups compared to the female (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.67-2.39) and middle-aged groups (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.77-2.12), respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that low ABI is a significant risk factor for ACCS in male and elderly Chinese adults. © 2016.

Assessment of factors limiting algal growth in acidic pit lakes—a case study from Western Australia, Australia

Open-cut mining operations can form pit lakes on mine closure. These new water bodies typically have low nutrient concentrations and may have acidic and metal-contaminated waters from acid mine drainage (AMD) causing low algal biomass and algal biodiversity. A preliminary study was carried out on an acidic coal pit lake, Lake Kepwari, in Western Australia to determine which factors limited algal biomass. Water quality was monitored to obtain baseline data. pH ranged between 3.7 and 4.1, and solute concentrations were slightly elevated to levels of brackish water. Concentrations of N were highly relative to natural lakes, although concentrations of FRP (

The first troglobitic species of Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones : Neobisioidea), from Table Mountain (Western Cape Province, South Africa) and its phylogenetic position

Fully troglobitic pseudoscorpions are rare in the Afrotropical Region, and we explored the identity and phylogenetic relationships of specimens of a highly modified troglobite of the family Gymnobisiidae in the dark zone of the Wynberg Cave system, on Table Mountain, South Africa. This large pseudoscorpion - described as Gymnobisium inukshuk Harvey & Giribet, sp. nov. - lacks eyes and has extremely long appendages, and has been found together with other troglobitic fauna endemic only to this cave system. Phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear ribosomal genes 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA and the mitochondrial protein-encoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I unambiguously place the new species with other surface Gymnobisium from South Africa. This placement receives strong support and is stable to analytical treatments, including static and dynamic homology, parsimony and maximum likelihood, and data removal for ambiguously aligned sites. This species is the first troglobitic species of the family and one of the most highly modified pseudoscorpions from the Afrotropical Region. © The authors 2016.

Potential impacts of poison baiting for introduced house mice on native animals on islands in Jurien Bay, Western Australia

Context House mice (Mus domesticus) are present on Boullanger and Whitlock islands, Western Australia, and could potentially threaten populations of the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) and grey-bellied dunnart (Sminthopsis griseoventer) through competition for resources. A workshop in 2007 recommended a study to assess the feasibility of eradicating house mice from the islands by using poison baits and of the risk posed to non-target native species. Aim We aimed to assess the risk to non-target native species if poison baiting was used to eradicate house mice on Boullanger and Whitlock islands. Methods Non-toxic baits containing the bait marker rhodamine B were distributed on Boullanger Island and on the mouse free Escape Island to determine the potential for primary poisoning. Acceptance of baits by mammals was measured through sampling and analysis of whiskers, and by reptiles through observations of dye in faeces. To determine the potential for secondary exposure to poison, the response of dibblers to mouse carcasses was observed using motion-activated cameras. Bait acceptance was compared using two methods of delivery, namely, scattering in the open and delivery in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes. A cafeteria experiment of bait consumption by dibblers was also undertaken using captive animals held at the Perth Zoo. Ten dibblers were offered non-toxic baits containing rhodamine B in addition to their normal meals; consumption of bait and the presence of dye in whiskers were measured. Key results Bait acceptance on the islands was high for house mice (92% of individuals) and dibblers (48%) and it was independent of bait-delivery technique. There was no evidence of bait acceptance by grey-bellied dunnarts. Dibblers may consume mice carcasses if available; however, no direct consumption of mice carcasses was observed with movement sensor cameras but one dibbler was observed removing a mouse carcass and taking it away. During the cafeteria experiment, 9 of 10 captive dibblers consumed baits. Conclusions This investigation demonstrated that dibblers consume baits readily and island populations would experience high mortality if exposed to poison baits. Poison baiting could effectively eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands but not without mortality for dibblers. Implications Toxic baits could be used to eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands, provided that non-target species such as dibblers were temporarily removed from the islands before the application of baits. © The authors 2016.

Extractability and chemical forms of radioactive cesium in designated wastes investigated in an on-site test

In the aftermath of the 2011 accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1 hereafter), municipal solid waste (MSW) contaminated with radioactive cesium (rad-Cs hereafter) has been generated in 12 prefectures in Japan. The Japanese Minister of Environment classified MSW that contained rad-Cs in the concentration more than 8,000 Bq/kg as “designated (solid) waste (DSW hereafter), and prescribed the collection, storage and transportation procedures. When MSW containing rad-Cs was incinerated, rad-Cs was concentrated in fly ash, and the ash often fell into the category of DSW. We have investigated a technique that can reduce the volume of the rad-Cs-contaminated fly-ash by extracting rad-Cs with aqueous solvents such as water and oxalic acid and concentrating rad-Cs in a small amount of hexacyanoferrate (or ferrocyanide, designated as Fer hereafter) precipitate. Since DSW could not be transported to the outside laboratory, we have conducted on-site tests at places where DSW were generated to investigate the applicability of the extraction – precipitation technique. The present report is a summary of our most recent on-site test conducted in 2014. Also presented is the re-evaluation of the results of our past on-site test from the viewpoint of leaching of rad-Cs and heavy metals in the fly ash. An apparent decrease in leaching of rad-Cs from fly ash was observed by incinerating sewage sludge with soil. Fly ash from a melting furnace contained more water-soluble rad-Cs than that from a fluidized-bed incinerator. Some incinerator fly ash appeared to produce rad-Cs in colloidal form when extracted with oxalic acid, resulting in the lower removal of rad-Cs from the extract by Fer method.

I know what you did last summer... An Investigation into Remnant Data on USB Storage Devices Sold in Australia in 2015

The demand for portable digital data storage has increased with the evolution and advancement in consumer electronic devices. USB storage devices, also referred to as USB sticks, pen drives, flash drives, thumb drives, and key drives, have replaced many other portable storage. With the evolution of these devices, an increased use for data transportation has been seen for both private and commercial data. USB storage capacity has increased during the past decades with capacities up to one terabyte available today. Such devices are increasingly popular given their robustness, low power consumption, rapid response rates, non-volatile nature, and ease of transportation. This study obtained second hand USB flash memory storage devices, purchased from eBay Australia over a period of seven months, to determine whether there were any traces of data on the devices, and whether or not an attempt had been made to securely wipe the devices. If data fragments were recovered, it was assessed to see if there was a sufficient volume and sensitivity of data to be of value to anyone with malicious intent. The findings from the research show that in the majority of the cases, the USB flash memory storage devices retained a large volume of data. Concurring with outcomes from previous studies in 2009 and 2011, the devices investigated in this study, owned by both individuals and organisations, were used to store highly sensitive and confidential data. This data was not permanently nor securely destroyed prior to disposal (by sale) of the devices. Such incidents highlight the failure to meet regulatory obligations with regard to privacy legislation in Australia. Copyright 2016 ACM.

Parents' perceived satisfaction of care, communication and environment of the pediatric intensive care units at a tertiary children's hospital

This study aims to identify parental perceptions on pediatric intensive care-related satisfaction within three domains: environment, child's care provided and communication. In addition, it aims to identify whether parent's socio-demographics and child's clinical variables predict parents' perceived satisfaction. In this study, a total of 123 parents whose child received care in the PICU of a tertiary children's hospital in Amman completed the Arabic version of the parents satisfaction survey (PSS). A cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design was used to collect data. All data were collected between June and October of 2013. Central tendency measures and percentages of replies for each domain revealed that at least 7 items were rated poorly satisfied. More than half of the parents were not satisfied with the noise level of the PICU, the time nurses spent at the child's bedside, as well as the way the healthcare team prepare them for the child's admission. Almost 90% of the parents believed that the nurses ignored their child's needs by not listening to parents and by responding slowly to child's needs. Stepwise regression analysis showed that that the number of hospital admissions, health insurance and the severity of illness was the main predictor of parents' satisfaction. In conclusion, the availability of health care professionals, the support and the information they share with the child's parents are all significant to parent's satisfaction and hence to better quality of care. Targeting the domains of low satisfaction reported by the parents could increase parent's satisfaction and achieve quality improvement required for this population.

Assessment of groundwater quality at a MSW landfill site using standard and AHP based water quality index: a case study from Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Landfill leachate generated from open MSW dumpsite can cause groundwater contamination. The impact of open dumping of MSW on the groundwater of adjacent area was studied. To assess the spatial and temporal variations in groundwater quality, samples were collected around an open MSW dumping site in Ranchi city, Jharkhand, India. Groundwater samples were analysed for various physicochemical and bacteriological parameters for 1 year. Results indicated that the groundwater is getting contaminated due to vertical and horizontal migration of landfill leachate. Extent of contamination was higher in areas closer to the landfill as indicated by high alkalinity, total dissolved solids and ammonia concentration. Metals such as lead, iron, and manganese were present at concentrations of 0.097, 0.97 and 0.36 mg/L, respectively exceeding the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) 10,500 for drinking water. Enterobacteriaceae were also detected in several groundwater samples and highest coliform count of 2.1×104 CFU/mL was recorded from a dug well. In order to determine the overall groundwater quality, water quality index (WQI) was calculated using weighted arithmetic index method and this index was further modified by coupling with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to get specific information. WQI values indicated that the overall groundwater quality of the region came under “poor” category while zone wise classification indicated the extent of impact of landfill leachate on groundwater.

Insights into vodka consumer attitude and purchasing behaviors

This study investigates the relationships between the relevant marketing factors and Vodka purchasing behavior and brand preference in Australia. The factors examined in this study include branding, country of origin, packaging, and social media. The theory of planed behavior is deployed to understand how consumers' perception or attitude towards Vodka affect their purchase and loyalty to the brand. This study provides insights into how the selected marketing factors affect Vodka purchasing behaviors among Australian consumers. Findings of this study particularly suggest that the relevant marketers should allocate more resources to build strong brand image, brand awareness, and positive brand perceptions. Implications are highlighted for researchers and practitioners.

Quality, value? - Insights into medical tourists' attitudes and behaviors

The research investigates the factors influencing medical tourists' attitudes and behaviors. The factors examined include hospital service and customer perceived value. The study was undertaken in a major hospital located in a South-East Asian country. The sample includes foreign patients who have received various medical treatments in the hospital. The findings indicate that medical tourists are value oriented customers as their value perception has the strongest direct effect on their behaviors, followed by their attitudes towards the hospital. Hospital service appears to have a substantial direct effect on perceived value and medical tourist satisfaction, and also exerts an indirect effect on medical tourist behaviors. The research highlights the prominent role of perceived value, and pinpoints the most effective avenues for healthcare providers in allocating resources to improve hospital performance from the perspective of medical tourists.

Embracing or fighting the urge: A multilevel investigation on casino service, branding and impulsive gambling

Academics and practitioners are increasingly interested in how branding and service may affect consumer behaviors. In view of intensifying competition in the casino industry, understanding these relationships would help casino operators achieve competitive advantage. The current study draws on the relevant marketing literature, and examines the antecedents, moderators and consequences of consumer buying behaviors, with a focus on impulsive buying in the casino settings. The proposed antecedents are casino service environment and employee service. Customer brand attachment and loyalty behaviors are modeled as consequences, and casino brand equity as a cross-level moderator. A quantitative method was employed for the purpose of this study. The survey was undertaken at 22 major casinos in Macau through a multilevel design. Results show that the casino service environment indeed induces impulsive gambling. Whilst employee service has little influence on impulsive gambling, the effect is enhanced by casino brand equity. Employee service is particularly salient for casinos with low brand equity. Impulsive gambling does have significant influence on loyalty outcomes through the mediating effect of brand attachment. Brand equity also demonstrates cross-level linear and nonlinear effects on the chain relationship, with the linear effect significantly larger. Implications for practitioners and the literature are provided to conclude the paper.

An investigation of internet banking security of selected licensed banks in Vietnam

Currently, most Vietnamese banks provide internet banking services to customers. These services may include internet banking, online trading, and mobile banking. One critical aspect of internet banking is security. Confidentiality, integrity, and privacy are important elements for secure internet banking. This paper makes a comparative study of internet banking security features provided by the 22 selected licensed Vietnamese banks. The objective of the analysis was to improve the existing internet banking information security checklist (Version 1.05) and make it a more realistic and comprehensive international guideline. Results identified a lack of related internet banking security information on internet banking websites of all 22 selected licensed Vietnamese banks. Lack of security information by banks can impact negatively to the provision of confidentiality by the selected banks which may ultimately lead to a general reduction of trust from their current and potential internet banking customers. © 2016, Walailak University. All rights reserved.

The Western Australian art and crafts superintendents’ advocacy for years k-12 visual arts in education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to record Visual Arts education in Western Australia (WA) as it underwent significant change between 1967 and 1987, in administration, policy, curriculum and professional development. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative inquiry approach was utilized to produce a collective recount of primary Visual Arts teacher education, based on 17 interviews with significant advocates and contributors to WA Visual Arts education during the aforementioned period. Findings – This paper underscores the history of the role of Western Australian Superintendents of Art and Crafts and the emergence of Visual Arts specialist teachers in primary schools, from the successful establishment of a specialist secondary Visual Arts program at Applecross Senior High School, to the mentoring of generalist primary teachers into a specialist role, as well as the development and implementation of a new Kindergarten through to Year 7 Art and Crafts Syllabus. It also discusses the disestablishment of the WA Education Department’s Art and Crafts Branch (1987). Originality/value – The history of primary Visual Arts specialists and advocacy for Visual Arts in WA has not been previously recorded. This history demonstrates the high quality of past Visual Arts education in WA, and questions current trends in pre-service teacher education and Visual Arts education in primary schools. © 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Study in prison reduces recidivism and welfare dependence: A case study from Western Australia 2005-2010

Using a longitudinal dataset of prisoners in Western Australia, this paper describes the effectiveness of correctional education in improving post-release outcomes. The report shows that the more classes completed by prisoners the lower the rate of re-incarceration and the less likely they are to increase the seriousness of their offending. These, and other personal and societal benefits such as a reduction in welfare dependence, were positively associated with the number of classes prisoners successfully completed-that is, the more classes the inmate successfully completes, the less likely they are to reoffend and to access unemployment benefits. © 2016 Australian Institute of Criminology.

Perceptions and images of “typical” Australian dishes: An exploratory study

The research investigates the perceived images that “typical” Australian dishes evoke in the minds of consumers, including words they associate with descriptions of typical Australian dishes. A questionnaire designed and distributed among undergraduate students at various universities yielded 561 usable responses. Three predominant responses were associated with typical Australian dishes: grilled/barbequed meats, steaks, and meat pies. In addition, Australian dishes evoked four different images among respondents: positive (related to specific images e.g., barbequed foods), neutral, negative, and food related. Overall, the findings underline a limited knowledge. Consumer education could help broaden understanding and enhance images of the country’s culinary attributes. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.

Focus on the journey, not the destination: Digital games and students with disability

The way in which technologies support students with disability has been widely explored in recent times. Much of this research has focused on computer programs specifically designed to teach social and academic skills to students with disability. In the research reported in this paper we examined how students with disability could use technology designed for the general market. The impetus for the study was the principle of normalisation, which espouses that people with disability should have the opportunity to share in experiences of their same-aged peers. In previous research we demonstrated the benefits of using the commercially available hand-held games console Nintendo DS with Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training program with students in mainstream classrooms. This finding led us to consider how this technology could be used to meet specific academic and social outcomes for students with disability in the same settings. We implemented a small-scale study in an Education Support Centre [1] as this setting provided us with the opportunity for a detailed examination of how students with disability might use this technology. We found that students with disability can benefit from using the Nintendo DS with Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training program and have identified how they may use this type of technology in inclusive classrooms. © 2016, Western Australian Institute for Educational Research Inc. All rights reserved.

Successional changes in feeding activity by threatened cockatoos in revegetated mine sites

Context Provision of key habitat resources is essential for effectively managing species that have specific ecological requirements and occur in production landscapes. Threatened black cockatoos in the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest of Western Australia have a wide range, so their conservation requires support from all land tenures, not just reserves. Mining in the jarrah forest temporarily removes cockatoo feeding habitat, so it is important to understand how cockatoos exploit revegetated areas for food resources. Aims We aimed to determine whether there were successional patterns in cockatoo feeding activity in revegetation aged from 4 to 23 years at three mine sites in the jarrah forest in south-Western Australia. Methods We surveyed 232 plots in revegetation to document (1) structural and floristic variation in vegetation across mine sites and revegetation ages, (2) differences in cockatoo feeding activity across mine sites and revegetation ages on the basis of feeding residues and (3) any edge effect reflecting preferential use of vegetation at the interior or exterior of mine pits. We also documented the frequency of occurrence of cockatoo food plants and feeding residues in 480 plots in unmined forest to compare with revegetated areas. Key results Marri (Corymbia calophylla) and jarrah were commonly consumed in unmined forest and Banksia and Hakea species were also fed on to a lesser extent. Revegetated mine pits provided food within 4 years and continued to do so up until the oldest plots studied (23 years). The relative importance of food plants shifted from proteaceous species in young revegetation to myrtaceous species in intermediate to older revegetation. However, extent of feeding on myrtaceous species in older revegetation did not equate to feeding rates in unmined forest, with lower frequencies recorded in revegetation. Conclusions Black cockatoos fed in revegetation at all three mine sites, despite variations in vegetation age, structure and floristics. Feeding on proteaceous and myrtaceous food plants occurred within 4 and 7 years of revegetation being established, respectively, indicating that some food resources are restored quickly after mining disturbance of the jarrah forest. Implications Our results emphasise the importance of monitoring fauna recolonisation over appropriate time scales, to understand how successional processes in revegetation influence fauna population persistence in production landscapes. © The authors 2016.

The economic impact of psychological distress in the Australian coal mining industry

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the economic impact of psychological distress among employees of the Australian Coal Mining Industry. Methods: Sample data were gathered from 1456 coal mining staff across eight sites in two Australian states. Two measures were taken of work time lost over four weeks due to psychological distress: (1) full-day absences; (2) presenteeism. Lost work time was valued using hourly wages. Sample data was modeled to estimate annual monetary losses for the Australian Coal Mining Industry. Results: For the sample, estimated annual value of time lost due to psychological distress was $4.9 million ($AUS2015) ($0.61 million per mine), and for the Australian Coal Mining Industry, $153.8 million ($AUS2015). Conclusion: Psychological distress is a significant cost for the Australian Coal Mining Industry. Relevant intervention programs are potentially cost-effective. © 2016 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Sources, incidence and effects of non-physical workplace violence against nurses in Ghana

To document the incidence, sources and effects of workplace verbal abuse and sexual harassment against Ghanaian nurses.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ghana from 2013–2014 which surveyed 592 professional nurses and midwives working in public hospitals in Ghana using the health sector violence questionnaire.

The majority of participants were females (80%). The average age of participants was 31·76 years and the average number of years practising as nurse was 7·38. Twelve per cent of the participants experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment and 52·2% were exposed to verbal abuse. The majority of perpetrators of sexual harassment were medical doctors (50%). Relatives of patients emerged as the most frequent verbal abusers (45·5%). Chi-square test showed statistically significant associations between gender and workplace violence and between workplace violence and intention to quit the nursing profession. The effects of workplace violence ranged from having disturbing memories about the incident to being ‘super alert’ and vigilant.

Establishing the incidence of workplace violence is a necessary step towards addressing the problem. It is concluded that educational programs must be designed for healthcare workers and the general public to foster awareness of the effects of workplace violence. Clear policies must also be instituted to address the problem.

Aboriginal Health Worker perceptions of oral health: A qualitative study in Perth, Western Australia

Improving oral health for Aboriginal Australians has been slow. Despite dental disease being largely preventable, Aboriginal Australians have worse periodontal disease, more decayed teeth and untreated dental caries than other Australians. Reasons for this are complex and risk factors include broader social and historic determinants such as marginalisation and discrimination that impact on Aboriginal people making optimum choices about oral health. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in the Perth metropolitan area investigating Aboriginal Health Workers’ (AHWs) perceptions of barriers and enablers to oral health for Aboriginal people.

Following extensive consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups across 13 sites to investigate AHWs’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to oral health based on professional and personal experience. Responses from 35 AHWs were analysed independently by two researchers to identify themes that they compared, discussed, revised and organised under key themes. These were summarised and interrogated for similarities and differences with evidence in the literature.

Key findings indicated that broader structural and social factors informed oral health choices. Perceptions of barriers included cost of services and healthy diets on limited budgets, attending services for pain not prevention, insufficient education about oral health and preventing disease, public dental services not meeting demand, and blame and discrimination from some health providers. Suggested improvements included oral health education, delivering flexible services respectful of Aboriginal people, oral health services for 0–4 year olds and role modelling of oral health across generations.

Conclusion:

Reviewing current models of oral health education and service delivery is needed to reduce oral health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Shifting the discourse from blaming Aboriginal people for their poor oral health to addressing structural factors impacting on optimum oral health choices is important. This includes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders working together to develop and implement policies and practices that are respectful, well-resourced and improve oral health outcomes.

Corporate governance and environmental disclosure in the Indonesian mining industry

Sustainability and corporate governance issues are now considered to be important and integral aspects of company performance. Both have established themselves as well-studied topics in the organisational and accountability areas. While there has been a growing interest to study the relationship between these two areas, research publication in this topic is still mainly focused on the Western societies. This study focuses on the corporate governance and sustainability disclosure practices in one of the emerging economies, Indonesia, and assesses the relationships between corporate governance variables and the extent of environmental disclosures made by the mining companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in their annual reports. The main findings of this study show that the extent of environmental disclosure made by these companies was moderate, and that there is a significant positive relationship between the size of board of directors and the extent of environmental disclosure.

Creating the student writer: A study of writing identities in non-academic senior English classes

This study explored what it means to be a writer in two Year 12 English classrooms in Western Australia (WA). At the time of this research, WA had witnessed an increase in the school leaving age, resulting in an increasingly diverse cohort of students undertaking compulsory English studies in their final two years of school. The study emerged from an interest in how students who would not traditionally have undertaken senior school English constructed their individual writing identities in response to different learning environments. It incorporated a multiple case study design supported by elements of ethnography. Data from teacher and student interviews, classroom observations and text analysis contributed to an understanding of the student writer. The research identified the key role teachers play in determining student writing identities, the potential value of genre as an entry point for teaching writing, and the ways students may confirm or resist the roles offered to them.

Calculation of wetlands ecological water requirement in China’s Western Jilin province based on regionalization and gradation techniques

In this study a method for measuring the regional hydrological connectivity and water supply requirement of wetlands in Western Jilin Province (WJL) is defined and verified. The ecological water requirements of 216 wetlands, under various guarantee frequencies, were calculated and analyzed. In addition, twelve indicators were used to establish an evaluation index system, to characterize their ecological water requirements. The results showed that 12 hydrologically connected regions were delineated in WJL, and the 216 wetlands can be classified to six grades by AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method. The annual minimum, suitable, and maximum ecological water requirements of these wetlands were found to be 7.72×108 m3, 13.76×108 m3, 26.15×108 m3 respectively, with 50% guarantee frequency. The primary water supply to the lakes and marshes was found to be from regional sources that provided a scientific basis for the allocation of water resources from the interconnected river-lake system network (IRLSN) in WJL. © 2016, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.

Effectiveness of the Koorliny Moort out-of-hospital health care program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Western Australia

Objectives: To determine whether the Koorliny Moort program could reduce emergency department presentations, hospital admissions and length of stay, and improve attendance at out-of-hospital appointments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Western Australia. Design: Children were enrolled in the program from 1 August 2012. Each child acted as their own control. Evaluation data were collected from 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2014. Occasions of service and person-time in days were compared for each child before and after referral to the program. Setting and participants: Aboriginal children aged 0e16 years residing in three WA regions (Kimberley, Pilbara, Perth metropolitan) who were referred to the Koorliny Moort program. Interventions: Partnerships with primary care providers; nurse-led care coordination; and outreach care by paediatricians, nurses and social workers closer to the home of the child. Main outcome measures: Emergency department presentations; hospital admissions; length of hospital stay; non-attended appointments. Results: A total of 942 children were referred to the program. There were significant decreases after referral to the program in the incidence of emergency department presentations (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.43e0.53; P

Generation Y: Indigenous tourism interests and environmental values

Indigenous tourism is an important sector worldwide. While demand for Indigenous tourism has previously been examined, there is a paucity of research on the relationship between Generation Y’s (Gen Y) Indigenous tourism interests and their environmental values. This paper reports the results of exploratory, qualitative semistructured interviews with 14 Gen Y members in Western Australia. The Gen Y participants in this study displayed strong egocentric environmental values, and a disconnect between stated environmental ideals and travel behaviour. They were also largely disinterested in Australian domestic Indigenous tourism, showing a strong preference to engage with international Indigenous tourism that included cultural and social components rather than nature-based.

Impact assessment of university fees deregulation on prospective regional university students in Western Australia

Since 2014, deregulation of fees in universities has become a topical issue in Australian public discourse. As an untested policy in the country, the arguments for and against it suggest a lack of sound empirical basis for gauging how university-fee deregulation will affect different student cohorts. This paper presents a qualitative study of three regional localities in Western Australia (WA) and reveals that knowledge of the proposed deregulation of fees in Australian universities is low among students, teachers and parents who participated in the research. The study also found that research participants were concerned that fee deregulation in Australian universities might lead to fee increases. If this were to happen without commensurate social-support policies, most of the student respondents indicated they: (1) feared being left with unusually high student debt, (2) might reconsider accessing higher educational altogether, and/or (3) would access higher education as mature-age students due to having to take gap years to work and save.

Impact of mooring activities on carbon stocks in seagrass meadows

Boating activities are one of the causes that threaten seagrass meadows and the ecosystem services they provide. Mechanical destruction of seagrass habitats may also trigger the erosion of sedimentary organic carbon (Corg) stocks, which may contribute to increasing atmospheric CO2. This study presents the first estimates of loss of Corg stocks in seagrass meadows due to mooring activities in Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Sediment cores were sampled from seagrass meadows and from bare but previously vegetated sediments underneath moorings. The Corg stores have been compromised by the mooring deployment from 1930s onwards, which involved both the erosion of existing sedimentary Corg stores and the lack of further accumulation of Corg. On average, undisturbed meadows had accumulated ~6.4 Kg Corg m−2 in the upper 50 cm-thick deposits at a rate of 34 g Corg m−2 yr−1. The comparison of Corg stores between meadows and mooring scars allows us to estimate a loss of 4.8 kg Corg m−2 in the 50 cm thick deposits accumulated over ca. 200 yr as a result of mooring deployments. These results provide key data for the implementation of Corg storage credit offset policies to avoid the conversion of seagrass ecosystems and contribute to their preservation.

Improving retention and academic achievements of African students in higher education through community development

Internationally, higher education stakeholders are constantly looking for ways to improve their students’ retention. Normative approaches, which tend to involve student support services, have been found to do little to retain students, particularly those from low socio-economic status backgrounds. We propose peer-mentoring programs that promote community development as a practical approach to improving student retention. The paper draws on lessons learned from an HEPPP-funded case management and peer-mentorship initiative designed in 2015 to support African domestic students at Edith Cowan University. While the project is on-going, the results achieved so far have shown promise in peer-mentoring programs that heighten students’ networking and integration. The sense of community created through the initiative has inspired the participants, most of who have demonstrated enhanced understanding of academic learning skills, which are expected to translate into their retention and improved academic achievements in the rest of their academic journeys at Edith Cowan University.

Learning preferences of Enrolled Nursing students: Educational preparation and training for workplace readiness

In Australia there are two entry levels in nursing: the Registered Nurse (RN) and the Enrolled Nurse (EN). Nursing education research is predominately focused on higher education for Registered Nurses and postgraduate nursing students; as a result, the educational preferences of Enrolled Nursing students in the vocational education and training (VET) setting have not been identified. Enrolled Nursing students have some distinct educational needs as they transition through education into the workforce due to their diversity in learner characteristics and backgrounds. As the role of this group continues to expand in the workplace to meet the demands of the health workforce, attention to the educational preparation of this cohort of learners is relevant and timely. This requires identifying targeted educational strategies to support learner preferences for the planning and delivery of education to these students. A qualitative research study using focus groups was undertaken to identify specific learner preferences for teaching modalities among Enrolled Nursing students in a Diploma of Nursing program. A thematic analysis of the data identified the following five main themes: a variety of teaching and assessment methods; educator-directed or guided learning; practical application and simulated learning; face-to-face learning; and closer integration of theory to clinical practicum. The main focus of these learners was preparation for workplace settings. The findings have implications for education strategies in the diploma program, in terms of planning the program structure and its delivery; teaching and learning methods; educator development; development of practical and clinical skills; experiential learning; and the promotion of skills for independent and lifelong learning, the latter being essential preparation for professional nursing practice.

Maturity, physical ability, technical skill and coaches' perception of semi-elite adolescent Australian footballers

Purpose: To confirm the effect of maturational differences on anthropometric and physical testing and explore the effect of maturation on technical skill and coaches’ perceptions of skill in adolescent Australian footballers. Methods: Athletes were recruited from a semi-elite under 16 competition (n=94, age 15.7 ± 0.3 years) and completed anthropometric, physical, and technical skill tests. Coaches from each team provided subjective ratings of athletes’ technical skills. Maturation groups were derived from years from peak height velocity estimates, with classifications either later, average or earlier maturing. Results: Effect size comparisons revealed very large to moderate effects between groups for anthropometric measures and performance in sprint and jump tasks. Small to moderate effects were reported between groups for coaches’ perceptions of skill, with the earlier maturing group perceived to have better overall technical skills, marking and ball winning abilities. Small to trivial effects were reported for performance in the technical skill tests. Conclusions: Despite no differences in skill tests, earlier maturing athletes may be afforded significant selection and competition advantages due to advanced physical capacities and coaches’ perceptions of skill.

Multivariate spatial analysis of lake sediment geochemical data; Melville Peninsula, Nunavut, Canada

A multivariate spatial analysis was conducted on a suite of glacial till geochemical data collected over the Melville Peninsula, Nunavut, Canada. Previous studies demonstrated through the application of multivariate statistical techniques that the composition of the lake sediment geochemistry reflects the underlying geology in northern Canada. In this study, the application of minimum/maximum autocorrelation factor analysis (MAF) to glacial till geochemistry has extended the knowledge and description of the underlying geology through the recognition of spatially correlated factors that represent distinct lithologic features and glacial transport processes.
Maps of posterior probabilities for the underlying lithologies were estimated based on the MA factors and compared with those from standard principal component analysis. The use of MAF provides a measured improvement in predictive mapping irrespective of the choice of lag separation.

Oceania, the freshwater crayfish of the Oceania region

The Oceania region includes the islands of Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia (including New Guinea), Micronesia and Polynesia (PRB 2013, UNSD 2013). At its furthest extents, Oceania encompasses approximately 63° of latitude, and 114° of longitude, with a land area of around 8.6 million km2; in mid-2013 the population of the region was 35 million with a population density of 4 km–2 (PRB 2013). However, only mainland Australia, Tasmania and some small islands in the Coral Sea, New Zealand, and the island of New Guinea are known to be naturally inhabited by freshwater crayfish, and will hereafter be considered as the Oceania region. As Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea cover such a large geographical area (~31 million km2) the region is remarkable for its range of climatic types, diverse climatic zones, numerous drivers of regional and local weather events, and various geological types and geological histories. The following sections briefly outline these characteristics of the region.

Research priorities for the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) in the Pilbara region of Western Australia

Developing an organic luminescent solar concentrator (LSC), featuring ultralong lifetime and high transparency simultaneously, is crucial for building-integrated photovoltaic applications, such as solar energy harvesting clear windows. In this paper, a tandem organic LSC is encapsulated and connected with three optically transparent layers, namely an encapsulating epoxy layer and two insulating SiO2 layers that prevent dissolving the organic dyes into the epoxy layer. Experimental results demonstrate that the encapsulated organic LSC maintains the high average transmission of 60% in the visible range of 390-750 nm, and has an ultralong lifetime of ∼ 6.7 × 104 h under illuminated test in laboratory environment, which is around five times longer than that of the organic LSC without any encapsulation. In addition, experiments confirm that most of the photoluminescence radiation generated in the organic dyes is trapped in the high-index SiO2/epoxy/SiO2 structure, and guided between the glass substrate before emerging from the four edges of the organic LSC sample for conversion to electricity. A 30% increase in short-circuit current is attained, in comparison with a similar unencapsulated organic LSC structure

The association of work stress with somatic symptoms in Chinese working women: A large cross-sectional survey

Objective It has been suggested that the relationship between work stress and somatic symptoms (e.g., cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal complaints, general pain, and fatigue) is particularly pronounced in women. As evidence from China is sparse, we used a large sample of Chinese working women to test those potential associations. Methods Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of 6826 working women in five urban areas in China who were free from major clinical disease. The sample was drawn from five occupations (physicians, nurses, school teachers, bank employees, and industrial workers). The Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 were used to measure work stress and somatic symptoms, respectively. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression was performed to analyze the associations. Results 52.6% participants reported high work stress in terms of concurrent high effort and low reward. The distribution of severity of somatic symptoms covered the full range from minimal (37.3%) and low (30.6%), to medium (19.7%) and high (12.4%). The adjusted odds ratio of somatic symptoms by high work stress was 2.45 (95% confidence interval = 2.24–2.68), and all single psychosocial work factors (effort, reward, and over-commitment) exerted substantial effects on somatic symptoms (odds ratios > 2.00). Conclusions Work stress is strongly associated with somatic symptoms in Chinese working women. Future longitudinal studies and intervention studies are needed to understand and improve women's psychosocial work environment and their psychosomatic health in China and elsewhere

Development of land use regression models for particulate matter and associated components in a low air pollutant concentration airshed

Perth, Western Australia represents an area where pollutant concentrations are considered low compared with international locations. Land Use Regression (LUR) models for PM10, PM2.5 and PM2.5 Absorbance (PM2.5Abs) along with their elemental components: Fe, K, Mn, V, S, Zn and Si were developed for the Perth Metropolitan area in order to estimate air pollutant concentrations across Perth. The most important predictor for PM10 was green spaces. Heavy vehicle traffic load was found to be the strongest predictor for PM2.5Abs. Traffic variables were observed to be the important contributors for PM10 and PM2.5 elements in Perth, except for PM2.5 V which had distance to coast as the predominant predictor. Open green spaces explained more of the variability in the PM10 elements than for PM2.5 elements, and population density was more important for PM2.5 elements than for PM10 elements. The PM2.5 and PM2.5Abs LUR models explained 67% and 82% of the variance, respectively, but the PM10 model only explained 35% of the variance. The PM2.5 models for Mn, V, and Zn explained between 70% and 90% of the variability in concentrations. PM10 V, Si, K, S and Fe models explained between 53% and 71% of the variability in respective concentrations. Testing the models using leave one-out cross validation, hold out validation and cross-hold out validation supported the validity of LUR models for PM10, PM2.5 and PM2.5Abs and their corresponding elements in Metropolitan Perth despite the relatively low concentrations.

Evaluation of family literacy programs: A case study of better beginnings, a library-initiated family literacy bookgifting program in Western Australia

This paper examines the nature of family literacy programs, with a particular focus on those that are based around the provision of free books to babies and young children, sometimes called “bookgifting” programs. First, the paper explores the rationale for family literacy programs in general and identifies some issues in their evaluation. It then focuses specifically on bookgifting programs. Using examples from several well-established programs, it reviews the research on which they are based, with particular reference to evaluation procedures. Next, the paper identifies some important issues that need to be addressed when planning and evaluating these programs, and notes some fundamental differences between particular programs that may have impacted on the results. It argues that this area of research needs stronger definition and a more inclusive approach to evaluation that includes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In order to illustrate the potential of a mixed-method approach, the paper examines the evaluation of the Better Beginnings bookgifting program for babies that has been initiated, developed, and extended by the State Library of Western Australia for over a decade. The paper concludes by suggesting that effective program evaluation is complex and multifaceted and must consider changes in behavior, confidence, and attitudes, as well as the ways in which such programs are experienced and integrated into family literacy practices. This approach provides insight into the contextual variables that determine the effectiveness of programs within and across families, and therefore inform further program development.

Maternal health and its affecting factors in Nepal

Maternal health is still a public health problem in developing countries, especially in low-resource settings rural and poor communities. The main aim of this article is to critically evaluate and explore the situation of maternal health in Nepal based on published or unpublished governmental or nongovernmental organization's scientific reports regarding maternal health. We found that there were several direct or indirect causes and affecting factors of maternal death in Nepal, which are preventable. Women have been facing different consequences during pregnancy and delivery, attributed to lack of proper knowledge or less available and affordable health facilities in rural communities. Therefore, there is needed an essential maternal health knowledge to women and also establish health facilities with a quality health care service on affordable and accessible to prevent maternal death and minimize complications.

The Malaysian health care system: Ecology, plans, and reforms

Malaysia is on its way to achieving developed nation status in the next 4 years. Currently, Malaysia is on track for three Millennium Development Goals (MDG1, MDG4, and MDG7). The maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, and mortality rate of children younger than 5 years improved from 25.6% (2012) to 6.6% (2013), and 7.7% (2012) per 100,000 live births, respectively whereas immunization coverage for infants increased to an average of 90%. As of 2013 the ratio of physicians to patients improved to 1:633 while the ratio of health facilities to the population was 1:10,272. The current government administration has proposed a reform in the form of the 10th Malaysian Plan coining the term "One Care for One Malaysia" as the newly improved and reorganized health care plan, where efficiency, effectiveness, and equity are the main focus. This review illustrates Malaysia's transition from pre-independence to the current state, and its health and socioeconomic achievement as a country. It aims to contribute knowledge through identifying the plans and reforms by the Malaysian government while highlighting the challenges faced as a nation.

Review of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease. Type 2 diabetes in particular, has reached epidemic proportions globally and in Australia, and poses a challenge for public health systems everywhere. The greatest burden tends to fall on socially disadvantaged groups and Indigenous peoples Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians experience disproportionately high levels of diabetes. They are three times more likely to have diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are almost twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes as non-Indigenous women. There is also evidence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eight times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (traditionally considered an adult disorder than their non-Indigenous peers. Mortality rates are correspondingly high, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are six times more likely to die from diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians

A dozen years at Cottesloe

Australia: the 'fair go' multicultural continent nation

For those far away, the image of Australia is one of contrasts: sun, sand, surf, blue skies, deserts, rainforests, and remarkably unique flora and fauna. Australian people are equally diverse, from the original Indigenous inhabitants to the British settlers, and the subsequent migrants from Europe, and more recently Asia, the Middle East and Africa: Qualities often associated with Australians include the notions of 'mateship', being 'down to earth', equality and freedom. Australians have prided themselves on a 'fair go' for all, while at the same time not necessarily always welcoming each new wave of migrants. Workplaces in Australia are multicultural; characterised by diverse value systems, providing different lenses through which interpersonal interactions are experienced, perceived and interpreted. This diversity at times leads to dissonance and conflict at work. Australian research on workplace abuse, incivility and bullying is fragmented. Recent findings from empirical work conducted in a variety of different sectors in Australia leads to the conclusion that there are inherent abuse, incivility and bullying issues in Australian workplaces needing attention. This chapter will provide a snapshot of Australia as a country, its cultural context, and findings to date relating to negative behaviours in the workplace.

Can changing the timing of outdoor air intake reduce indoor concentrations of traffic-related pollutants in schools?

Traffic emissions have been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Many schools are situated close to major roads, and as children spend much of their day in school, methods to reduce traffic-related air pollutant concentrations in the school environment are warranted. One promising method to reduce pollutant concentrations in schools is to alter the timing of the ventilation so that high ventilation time periods do not correspond to rush hour traffic. Health Canada, in collaboration with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, tested the effect of this action by collecting traffic-related air pollution data from four schools in Ottawa, Canada, during October and November 2013. A baseline and intervention period was assessed in each school. There were statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in concentrations of most of the pollutants measured at the two late-start (9 AM start) schools, after adjusting for outdoor concentrations and the absolute indoor–outdoor temperature difference. The intervention at the early-start (8 AM start) schools did not have significant reductions in pollutant concentrations. Based on these findings, changing the timing of the ventilation may be a cost-effective mechanism of reducing traffic-related pollutants in late-start schools located near major roads.

China suboptimal health cohort study: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics

Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a physical state between health and disease, characterized by the perception of health complaints, general weakness, chronic fatigue and low energy levels. SHS is proposed by the ancient concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from the perspective of preservative, predictive and personalized (precision) medicine. We previously created the suboptimal health status questionnaire 25 (SHSQ-25), a novel instrument to measure SHS, validated in various populations. SHSQ-25 thus affords a window of opportunity for early detection and intervention, contributing to the reduction of chronic disease burdens.

Methods/design:

To investigate the causative effect of SHS in non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD), we initiated the China suboptimal health cohort study (COACS), a longitudinal study starting from 2013. Phase I of the study involved a cross-sectional survey aimed at identifying the risk/protective factors associated with SHS; and Phase II: a longitudinal yearly follow-up study investigating how SHS contributes to the incidence and pattern of NCD.

(1) Cross-sectional survey: in total, 4313 participants (53.8 % women) aged from 18 to 65 years were included in the cohort. The prevalence of SHS was 9.0 % using SHS score of 35 as threshold. Women showed a significantly higher prevalence of SHS (10.6 % in the female vs. 7.2 % in the male, P < 0.001). Risk factors for chronic diseases such as socioeconomic status, marital status, highest education completed, physical activity, salt intake, blood pressure and triglycerides differed significantly between subjects of SHS (SHS score ≥ 35) and those of ideal health (SHS score < 35). (2) Follow up: the primary and secondary outcomes will be monitored from 2015 to 2024.

The sex-specific difference in prevalence of SHS might partly explain the gender difference of incidence of certain chronic diseases. The COACS will enable a thorough characterization of SHS and establish a cohort that will be used for longitudinal analyses of the interaction between the genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to the onset and etiology of targeted chronic diseases. The study together with the designed prospective cohort provides a chance to characterize and evaluate the effect of SHS systemically, and it thus generates an unprecedented opportunity for the early detection and prevention of chronic disease.

Effectiveness of s-methoprene briquets and application method for mosquito control in urban road gullies/catch basins/gully pots in a mediterranean climate: Implications for Ross River virus transmission

Floating emergence traps were used in 15 road gullies to determine the effectiveness and longevity of S-methoprene briquets over 124 days. Samples were taken monthly from October 2014 to March 2015. Two treatment methods were assessed: application of briquet using a float, and application without a float. These methods were compared with untreated control gullies. Mosquito emergence peaked in early November, and decreased by February. Effectiveness of the briquet was not impacted significantly by the presence or absence of a float (P = 0.329). Gullies yielded a mean of 108 mosquitoes per day per gully over the season. Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes notoscriptus were the most abundant species. The maximum number of Cx. quinquefasciatus emerging could exceed 1,600 per day per gully. Aedes notoscriptus numbers could exceed 70 adults per day per gully. Treatment with S-methoprene was highly effective against both species for at least 70 days and partially effective for up to 120 days. Treatment provided no control by day 124. S-methoprene provided 90% control over 124 days. Road gullies have been confirmed as a significant larval habitat and are likely to be increasing the potential for Ross River virus transmission in the area.

Ghanaian nurses’ emigration intentions: The role of workplace violence

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ghana to examine the impact of workplace violence on nurses’ emigration intentions from 2013 to 14. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was used to select 12 public hospitals and 592 professional nurses. The results showed that 48.9% of the participants had emigration intentions. Junior nurses were 2.8 times more likely to have emigration intentions compared to senior nurses, and those who experienced violence were also more likely than their counterparts who were not involved in such incidents (physical 2.1 times; verbally abused 1.8 times and sexually harassed 2.4 times) to have intentions to emigrate. Binary logistic regression showed that workplace violence is a significant predictor of nurses’ emigration intentions. These results reiterate the need for pragmatic measures to curb workplace violence against nurses.

“... they think we are conversing, so we don ’ t care about them ...” Examining the causes of workplace violence against nurses in Ghana

This study is part of a larger project aimed at exploring the workplace experiences of nurses working in public general hospitals in Ghana. The current paper explores the causes of workplace violence against nurses in Ghana.

 Twenty-four semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with professional nurses working in five regions of Ghana. They were selected through purposive and participant-to-participant snowball sampling techniques. Data was analysed through thematic analyses.

The findings of the study suggest that nurses are not (always) passive recipients of violence. Workplace violence can be instigated by either of the parties to the nurse-patient/relative interaction. Nurses’ accounts of the causes of violence suggest that violence could be instrumental or reactive. The study further suggests that the causes of violence may differ depending on which party instigated the violence. The main causes of violence identified include ineffective communication, long waiting times and perceived unresponsiveness, and enforcement of visiting hours.

It is concluded that workplace violence could be reduced through the provision of adequate information to patients and their relatives. Nurses could also be trained in effective communication and interpersonal skills; and on how to identify and avoid potentially violent situations. It is also imperative that policies and measures aimed at addressing workplace violence are instituted to address the problem. Mass education may also be carried out to sensitise the general public on the adverse effects of violence against nurses

Genomics and traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts and an integrated theory system that has evolved through over 3000 years of clinical and pharmacological trails as one of the longest medical practices in China and Asia-Pacific areas. As the second most practiced medical system in the world, one-quarter of the world’s population uses one or more of TCM therapies including acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-Na massage, dietary therapy and physical exercise (Tai Chi and Qi Gong) to maintain health and wellness. In China, TCM shares equal status and has been integrated with Western medicine in the healthcare system to diagnose, prevent, and treat many types of diseases. Meanwhile, compared to Western medicine, TCM approach has not been recognized internationally as a lack of systemic research and evidenced investigation. Nevertheless, scientists have begun to provide novel insights into the essence and molecular basis of TCM, with globalization of life sciences (global health) and arrival of mega data mining (big data) and the progress of genomics research. In this chapter, the fast emerging integration of the science of genomics and the practice of TCM are reviewed with the emphasis on the genomic medicine.

What drives corporate sustainability disclosures made by Chinese listed companies?

This study examines the determinants of corporate sustainability disclosures (CSD) made by the listed firms in China, and how the CSD users perceived this form of disclosures. More precisely, we developed an instrument that provide an exploratory empirical view on how the listed sustainability performance indictors listed on GRI are differently perceived in China from what was intended by GRI. Based on this approach, we investigate in-depth and examined driving forces for the listed firm to issue CSD. The empirical results indicated that while Legitimacy Theory and Stakeholder Theory partially explained the quality of CSD, Signalling Theory was not supported.

Building online community on SNAC: A netnographic study of the early years sector

‘‘Build it and they will come,’’ an adage critiqued as a common misconception of participatory engagement with online communities. Previous research indicated that a netnographic approach based upon researcher– participant engagement would provide the best opportunity to build and sustain a successful support community [...].

Spatiotemporal cluster patterns of hand, foot, and mouth disease at the county level in Mainland China, 2008-2012

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is known to be a highly contagious childhood illness. In recent years, the number of reported cases of HFMD has significantly increased in mainland China. This study aims at the epidemiological features, spatiotemporal patterns of HMFD at the county/district level in mainland China.

Data on reported HFMD cases for each county from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012 were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Cluster analysis, spatial autocorrelation, and retrospective scan methods were used to explore the spatiotemporal patterns of the disease.

The annual incidences varied greatly among the counties, ranging from 0 to 74.31‰with the median of 5.42‰ (interquartile range: 1.54‰–13.55‰) during 2008–2012 in mainland China. Counties close to provincial capital cities generally had higher incidences than rural counties. A seasonal distribution was observed between the northern and southern China, of which dual epidemic were shown in southern China and usually only one in northern China. Based on the global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis, we found that the spatial distribution of HFMD was presented a significant clustering pattern for each year (P < 0.001), and hotspots of the disease were mostly distributed in coastal provinces of China. The retrospective scan statistic further identified the dynamics of spatiotemporal clustering areas of the disease, which were mainly distributed in the counties of eastern and southern China, as well as provincial capitals and their surrounding counties.

The spatiotemporal clustering areas of the disease identified in this way were relatively stable, and imminent public health planning and resource allocation should be focused within those areas.

Designing journalism capstone units that demonstrate student skills

There are considerable differences in the structure, content, and delivery of tertiary journalism degrees in Australia as identified in a 2014 Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) Innovation and Development Project report on graduate qualities and journalism curriculum renewal. To address this situation, the author argues for journalism capstone units, designed by both journalism educators and news editors, to include a series of agreed criteria and standards to guide journalism educators, and for journalism students to demonstrate not only a broad knowledge base together with research and communication skills but also entrepreneurial skills to help them adapt to new media markets and jobs.

Data journalism classes in Australian Universities: Educators describe progress to date

This article examines the extent to which data journalism (DJ) is being taught in Australian universities. It presents the results of interviews with 35 journalism academics about how they are incorporating data journalism into their courses. It includes details about the types of data journalism skills they are teaching, the resources they are using and the hindrances that have met or are making it difficult to teach data journalism. These hindrances include low and varied levels of quantitative literacy and math aversion among students, lack of time for upskilling and limited room in their courses for new material. The study found that at least nine Australian universities have semester-long units dedicated to data journalism and that at least a further nine are teaching it via some lectures and activities. Almost all respondents thought more should be done to incorporate data journalism into the curricula. This article lays a foundation for future exploration of how data journalism could be incorporated into journalism programmes where the staff requires upskilling.

Improving HIV and STI responses through media and community engagement

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Western Australia are at their highest in 20 years. In response to this worrying escalation and the public need for accurate and balanced information about these diseases, the journalism department at Edith Cowan University, in partnership with the WA AIDS Council (WAAC), developed a pilot project that consisted of a series of media training and education programmes to enable WAAC staff to share information and stories with the media on HIV and STIs in a more confident and proactive way. The project offers a model framework for media and community engagement that can be applied to a broader range of health promotion and disease prevention issues.

Predicting rice crop yield using Bayesian networks

Rice crop production plays a vital role in food security of India, contributing more than 40% to overall crop production. High crop production is dependent on suitable climatic conditions. Detrimental seasonal climate conditions such as low rainfall or temperature extremes can dramatically reduce crop yield. Developing better techniques to predict crop productivity in different climatic conditions can assist farmer and other stakeholders in important decision making in terms of agronomy and crop choice. This paper reports on the use of Bayesian Networks to predict rice crop yield for Maharashtra state, India. For this study, 27 districts of Maharashtra were selected on the basis of available data from publicly available Indian Government records with various climate and crop parameters selected. The parameters selected for the study were precipitation, minimum temperature, average temperature, maximum temperature, reference crop evapotranspiration, area, production and yield for the Kharif season (June to November) for the years 1998 to 2002. The dataset was processed using the WEKA tool. The classifiers used in the study were BayesNet and NaiveBayes. The experimental results showed that the performance of BayesNet was much better compared with NaiveBayes for the dataset.

Applying data mining techniques to predict yield of rice in humid subtropical climatic zone of India

Agricultural crop productivity depends on various factors such as precipitation, climate, soil type and hydrology. Statistical methods and techniques can be used to assess the impact of these factors on crop production. By applying these techniques on historical climate and crop production data it may provide knowledge which can be used by farmers or industry and government stakeholders for strategies which will lead to increased crop production. The present research focuses on application of data mining techniques to extract knowledge from the historical agricultural dataset to predict rice crop yield for Kharif season of Humid Subtropical climatic zone of India. The performance evaluation of different classification techniques has been carried out in free and open source data mining software WEKA (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis) as part of this research on the agricultural dataset. The experimental result provided include sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), relative absolute error (RAE) and root relative squared error (RRSE). The result on the current dataset shows that J48 and LADTree(Logical Analysis of Data Tree) classifiers provide the best performance of the classifiers used in this research.

Making hospital governance healthier for nurses

The current research examined front line nurse expectations of non-metropolitan public hospital governance. In doing so, it explored the relevance of two dominant, competing Agency and Stewardship governance theories to these organisations.Two studies were conducted with the first establishing an inventory of notional nurse preferences for governance and the second testing these with a random sample of front-line non-metropolitan hospital nurses across one Australian State, with the aim of identifying valid and reliable measures.The study data suggest nurses working in nonmetropolitan public hospitals expect governance practices to reflect: respect for and engagement with clinical perspectives; utilisation of evidence-based planning; and effective engagement with local communities. Scales with good consistency and criterion and construct validity measuring these three components were identified.The study provides evidence that nurses expect and value a style of hospital governance that is consistent with Stewardship Theory. The results also suggest that governance is an important enough issue for nurses that it significantly affects their turnover intentions. This has important implications for healthcare leaders concerned about the sustainability of public hospitals.

Maternal and child health nursing services: Perspectives of parents

Western Australia's history of maternal and child health nursing service provision dates back to the early part of the 20th century and forms part of an Australia-wide network of these services. When the Western Australian service was established, the state's maternal mortality rate was 4.2/1000 live births and one-in-eight babies died within their first year of life. Multidisciplinary child health services, with maternal and child health nurses (MCHNs) at the forefront delivering 'well' maternal and child health care continue to this day, contributing to Australia's broadly sound developmental health and child wellbeing performance which is reflected in Western Australia.

When quality matters! CSR disclosure and value creation

This paper examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of financial institutions in Malaysia and investigates the influence of CSR disclosure quantity and quality on the value creation of a firm. Study sample includes 80 observations, comprising 20 financial institutions in Malaysia over a four-year period from 2008 to 2011. Content analysis was performed on the annual and sustainability reports to measure the CSR reporting among the financial institutions. The CSR reporting was measured in terms of both quantity and quality of information disclosed. A value-creation index, comprising both financial and non-financial measures, was developed to measure the resultant effect of such CSR information on creating value for the financial institutions. Results of this study provide evidence of an improvement in the quantity and quality of CSR disclosure among the financial institutions in Malaysia over the four-year period from 2008 to 2011, three years after the introduction of CSR framework to all Malaysian Public Listed Companies. Additionally, it was found that the concentration of the CSR activities among the financial institutions was towards the well-being of the community in which they operate. Study findings also indicate that quality of CSR disclosure matters more than quantity, as disclosure quality was found to be the only significant predictor of value creation for organizations. These findings have important implications, as they suggest that stakeholders require more non-financial information in order to evaluate social performance of a company. The positive link between the quality of CSR and value creation can create a bandwagon effect and encourage more firms to engage in the practice and disclosure of strategic CSR in line with their core business.

Do governance structure and financial performance matter in CSR reporting?

The governance structure and financial performance of organizations have the potential to support the strategic direction of organizations in embedding social and environmental initiatives into their business activities. This is because CSR initiatives require top management commitment and support from stakeholders. In addition, the availability of financial resources could further enhance the CSR initiatives and influence strategic development. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of governance structure (specifically ownership and board structure) and financial performance on CSR reporting among Malaysian public-listed companies. The agency and signaling theories have been employed to underpin the theoretical perspectives of the study. The data for this research was sourced from content analyses of both the annual and sustainability reports of the top 100 public-listed Malaysian companies. The study reveals that board independence, board size, and the presence of women directors on the board significantly influence the reporting of CSR information. Nonetheless, government and foreign ownerships were not significant determinants of the reporting practice. In terms of financial performance, profitability was found to be significant in signaling the behavior of companies to disclose CSR information. Overall, the results of the study largely imply that board structure and profitability of organizations are critical towards the enhancement of CSR initiatives of companies. Social implications: Findings of this study indicate the positive role of women directors on the extent of CSR disclosure, which encourages diversity in the board of directors.

The Survey research on how information technology is being used by the University's students

The purpose of this research are: 1) to study the behavior of Nakhon Phanom University students in using information technology to study, 2) to examine the Nakhon Phanom University students ' ability and potential for using information technology. The entire reliability value was 0.96 and the discrimination index was between 0.49-0.80. The results disclosed as follows: 1) most students owned laptops (75%), followed by the smartphone (58%), as well as the University students keep up with the newest technology. This is becomes evident when examining the student's length of ownership of the various devices, which is not more than three years. It becomes obvious that students buy new devices all the time and the majority of students use these devices in learning (over 86%). The study also found that teachers use laptops and projectors the most in their classroom (>70%). The communication channel that the university provided such as the online learning system, was not used as much as the social media channel (only 20%). 2) The students essential Software skills for learning were in the middle while social media skills were very high. Therefore, the results showed the majority of students lacked basic knowledge in using introductory information technology that supports learning.

The rise of China and regional integration in East Asia

Over the past decades, East Asia has achieved one of the most profound economic transformations in recorded history, and has become the most dynamic economic region and one of the most integrated areas in the world. However, regional and economic integration in East Asia is a relatively new phenomenon. Largely reflecting the diversity of the economies, the East Asian regionalism follows a markedly different pattern from that in Europe and other regions. In the absence of a formal institutional framework, the regional integration in East Asia has been driven by market forces and by the development of increasingly sophisticated production sharing and intra-regional network trade, in which China's rapid growth has been instrumental.

Examining student ICT ownership, use and preferences towards electronically delivered learning resources in Nakhon Phanom University and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University

The objectives of this research were 1) to find students’ ownership of technology devices, ownership, soft-ware facility, and preferences, 2) to find out what devices instructors use in the classroom, 3) to find out how the students use the online learning that the university provided for them, and 4) to examine students’ software skills. The questionnaire and the interview instruments were designed to clarify participants’ attitudes, and used a Likert scale. Surveys and qualitative research design were developed using Qualtrics software, which is an online research survey tool that can be used for a whole range of data gathering purposes applicable to Higher Degree Research. The samples were the students in both universities (Nakhon Phanom University and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University), a total of 977 people. A statistical computer program was employed.

Issues and challenges of school governance

Research reported in this article investigated the governance issues and challenges facing school boards in 10 case study schools, all of which are low fee Anglican schools in Australia. Five governance issues were identified and are discussed: dependence on the system; focus on buildings and facilities; the strategic focus of the board; the principal-chair relationship; and the participation of board members. Each of these themes is relevant in each case study school, but operates in different ways, reflecting but also contributing to each school's individuality. The research was underpinned by the theoretical framework for governance in independent schools proposed by McCormick et al. (2006). The article includes an examination of the applicability of the framework to a small system of schools, generally endorsing the framework, suggesting minor modifications to it, and reinforcing the value of its non-normative nature.

Smoothing the way: Investigating the role of a supported playgroup located at a school

The transition to kindergarten is a period of change that can be challenging for many children and their families. While there is wide recognition for the need to support children before and during periods of transition, there is little research on the role of how supported playgroups assist children and families. This research tracked a cohort of children who attended a supported playgroup located on school grounds and their transition to kindergarten the following year. The study was conducted at a metropolitan school in a low socioeconomic suburb of Perth, Western Australia and included data from the children, families and school staff. The social and emotional development and learning dispositions of the kindergarten class were observed in the early weeks of the new school year. Interviews with the families and school staff examined perspectives on how the children transitioned into kindergarten. The supported playgroup and the relationships formed between all stakeholders were instrumental in the smooth transition to the kindergarten program.

The impact of an Australian study tour on the innovative practice of Chinese lecturers

Vocational teaching and learning systems are usually circumscribed by national boundaries. While driving concepts may be borrowed from other nations, national systems develop to reflect unique cultural and political patterns, with the training and development of teachers almost exclusively under strong national control. However, as nations increasingly prepare students for global employment experiences, the development of vocational teachers is also reflecting a similar pattern. This paper reports on a recent international training scheme for a diverse group of 66 Chinese lecturers over a 12-week period in Western Australia. The paper explores the impact of the experience on the participants and their reflections on their pedagogic and academic learning through multiple participative data collection processes. This paper focuses on the contrasts between the focus of learning, interactivity and flexible delivery emerging from the interim analysis, and explores these themes through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The study illuminates what was learned from Australian practice and what will mediate subsequent pedagogic translation.

Computerised accounting information systems and firm performance: The mediating role of transparency

Accounting information system (AIS) is central to an organisation, providing valuable data for decision-makers. While many studies look into the impact of technology fit and corporate governance (CG) on firm performance, this study investigates how a component of CG (transparency), capability of AIS, executive visions (EV) and information technology (IT) skill impact on firm performance. Using a resource-based view (RBV) framework, hypothesised relationships among variables of interest were examined based on data collected from 336 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Results from partial least square (PLS) analysis suggest that effects of AIS on firm performance were partially moderated by information transparency, a component of CG, while a full moderation effect was found for EV and IT skill on firm performance. The results thus demonstrate the importance of transparency and AIS to a greater height, prompting SMEs to revisit their policies on AIS, staff training and largely transparency to better improve firm performance.

Spirituality in a secular age: Possiblities for youth work

This chapter employs historical and sociological perspectives to examine the place of spirituality in youth work in Australia. After beginning with a brief discussion about the relationship between sociology and spirituality, the chapter situates concepts of spirituality in the Australian social context. Following this, a working definition of spirituality is identified. The chapter then moves to an analysis of what the sociological data tells us about the spiritual beliefs of young Australians. The later sections of the chapter suggest how youth work in Australia, both secular and church based, might respond to the spiritual beliefs of young Australians in the early twenty-first century. In conclusion, spirituality is identified as a resource for resistance to contemporary structural threats to holistic youth work.

Barriers of adaptation to heat stress in northeast Ghana

This paper focuses on the assessment of socioeconomic and cultural factors that exacerbate the exposure of rural farmers’ vulnerability to heat stress and climate change in a tropical developing country. Using a household survey, the authors elicited responses from farmers on the effectiveness of their adaptation to heat stress, drawing data from 308 residents in the Bawku East part of northeast Ghana. The authors also used focus group discussion to establish socioeconomic and cultural issues that intensify farmers’ exposure to heat stress. The study found that various levels of socioeconomic and cultural factors can predispose farmers to heat exposure. The study recommended the need for government-led policies to combat heat exposure in Ghana.

Collaboration as a means to stand out in a competitive market: An exploratory study of Uruguay’s exporting wineries

This study examines the perceptions of owners/managers of Uruguayan wineries currently exporting wines regarding perceived potential and actual benefits of collaboration and challenges to collaboration through the lens of the theory of collaboration. In addition, perceived general challenges of the wine industry are investigated. Fifteen of the currently 23 exporting wineries participated via an online questionnaire. These data were complemented through two face-to-face interviews with the general manager of Wines of Uruguay and the co-owner of one of the country's most established wineries. Overall, collaboration is perceived as the source of various key benefits, including positive impacts on participants at a personal level, in helping facilitate relationship building, mutual support, or broaden knowledge of the local wine industry. However, a sense of limited collaboration emerged, with lack of reciprocating collaboration being one key challenge identified. Other perceived challenges of the wine industry, particularly the little knowledge of Uruguayan wines internationally, and limited resources to promote wines internationally, further suggest the importance of collaboration as a crucial strategy to address these issues. Alignments between the findings and some of the tenets of the theory of collaboration were identified, underlining its usefulness.

Proposed decision support system (DSS) for Indian rice crop yield prediction

Rice crop production provides more than 40% to overall crop production in India and is essential in ensuring food security. Its production is reliant on favorable climatic conditions. Improving the ability of farmers to predict crop productivity under different climatic scenarios, can assist farmers and other stakeholders in making important decisions in terms of agronomy and crop choice. This paper proposes a decision support system prototype for rice crop yield prediction for Maharashtra state, India. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been created in Java using NetBeans tool and Microsoft Office Access database for the ease of farmers and decision makers. The interface allows for the selection of the range of precipitation, minimum temperature, average temperature, maximum temperature and reference crop evapotranspiration and predicts the expected class of yield viz., low, moderate or high. The ranges of the parameters were calculated by using historic data from the study area. The classes for the yield were defined as low with 0.15 to 0.60 tonnes/hectare; moderate with 0.61 to 1.10 tonnes/hectare and high with 1.11 to 3.16 tonnes/hectare. The proposed prototype could be used for a bigger dataset and wider study area to predict the crop yield. This will provide a guide to the farmer to assist in decision making on potential crop yield for particular climatic scenario.

Print and digital reading preferences and behaviors of university students in Qatar

This paper presents findings of a study that investigated the reading preferences and behaviors of university students in Qatar. The study involved a survey of the print versus digital preferences of students in Qatar followed by an observation of the academic reading behaviors of university students using eye tracking glasses for explanatory insight. Results from the survey indicated that students preferred reading course materials and textbooks in print and felt they learn better this way. Results also indicated that language did not play a large part in students reading format preferences, and a large percentage of students only highlighted and took notes when reading in print. This finding was supported by the eye tracking test that showed that most students only used features such as highlighting and taking notes in print format. The eye tracking reading tests revealed some differences in print versus digital reading behaviors, for example that students tended to navigate differently in digital format by skimming and flipping back and forth more than in print, and that participants spent more time concentrating on the print text. As students tended to mimic their print reading behaviors in digital format except for using features, this would indicate that if students were more familiar with digital features then they would use them when reading digitally. Although students may prefer print, the reality is that course materials are increasingly becoming available only in digital format, therefore libraries and publishers can help students by providing both training in how to use features of digital formats and by developing user friendly digital formats that mimic print reading.

The pushes and pulls of pedagogy in the early years: Competing knowledges and the erosion of play-based learning

In Western Australia, early childhood educators have been asking whose agenda does early childhood knowledge serve and for what purpose? This has come to the forefront of debate as play as a pedagogical tool is disappearing from programs for four- and five-year-old children in favour of early academics through a pushdown curriculum. Such a trend was confirmed from research conducted with 200 Western Australian early years educators (mainly teachers) to discuss their most concerning early childhood pedagogical issue. This paper describes the educators' most significant concern, which was the erosion of play-based learning and the tension about the use of play as a legitimate pedagogical tool in early years programs. The analysis revealed competing knowledge about current moves in early childhood education. The knowledge shared by educators has implications for quality learning and teaching in the early years and impacts on children, educators, parents and schools, and in particular, early childhood pedagogy.

Universal basic education policy implementation in Nigeria

This study examined the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program and sought to understand the degree of shared understanding among bureaucrats regarding the policy intent and the level of alignment articulated in the policy related to access to basic education in Nigeria. Bureaucrats in two geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory were interviewed to assess this shared understanding and its effect on the outcomes for UBE. The attainment of the UBE access goal was limited due to bureaucratic implementation issues. This study recommends an approach that may help operationalize improvement in access to basic education in Nigeria at the system level of implementation.

Western Australia January to June 2016

Healthy China 2030: "Without national health, there will be no comprehensive well-being"

Revisiting D-Day and Holt’s model: Engineering the visitation experience

This paper examines experience engineering at various points of interest adjacent to the beaches of the D-Day Landing Area in Normandy, France. Using Holt’s 1995 typology of symbolic consumption as an interpretive frame a number of significant places, towns, museums, cemeteries, gun batteries, beaches and plinths were examined. Interactions with the public at these sites including the introspection of five academics formed the data. Visitation experiences were considered in relation to the range of consumption metaphors afforded by Holt’s model. The results are consistent with Holt’s explanation of symbolic consumption. These rich and nuanced examples of experiential consumption are typified by the four consumption metaphors of Holt’s model; namely, Experience, Integration, Play and Classification. The findings allude to the multiple ways in which consumers experience thanatourism. The findings also highlight the various techniques used by custodians of the D-Day area as they engineer experiences for visitor consumption.

The impact of attitude, subjective norm, and motivation on the intention of young female hosts to marry with a Middle Eastern tourist: A projective technique relating to Halal sex tourism in Indonesia

Halal sex tourism refers to a paid sexual activity between a male tourist and a female host under an Islamic contract marriage for a certain period of time to avoid adultery. One of the examples occurred between Middle Eastern male tourists and young female hosts in Indonesia. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of attitude, subjective norm, and motivation on intention of young female host to marry with a Middle Eastern male tourist. In this study, motivation is treated as two different variables-Taking/Receiving and Giving (TRG) and attitude towards Middle Eastern tourists are considered two variables too: favorable and unfavorable. A projective technique was applied to collect data and it attracted 199 participants. Findings indicate that subjective norm significantly influences intention and taking/receiving motivation significantly influences giving motivation.

Volunteer tourism motivations of the marine conservation Cambodia project

The current study explores what motivational factors contribute to ‘gap year’ volunteering as part of the Marine Conservation Cambodia programme. Results indicated that the top two motivations for currently volunteering were project-based (marine conservation) and new learning experiences (understanding). However, career and social factors were significant predictors of repeat experience in a marine conservation (MC) programme in their home country and overseas, indicating a sense of aspiring to ‘make a difference’ to the programme. Further understanding of this emerging factor will enable greater insight into the motives of MC volunteer tourists and aid in the worldwide conservation of fragile eco-systems.

Asal Usul Formasi Savana: Tinjauan dari Nusa Tenggara Timur dan Hasil Penelitian di Baluran Jawa Timur [Origin of savanna formation: Literature review from East Nusa Tenggara and research results from Baluran East Java Indonesia]

Savannas are ecosystems mostly confined to tropical and subtropical regions that are characterized by a continuous cover of C4 grasses that have different characteristics based on seasonality and where woody plants are also an important feature, but with sparse cover and no closed canopy. This is common formation in the driest part of Indonesia such as East Nusa Tenggara, however savana can also be found in Java Island: Baluran Savanna in East Java. There has been considerable amount of debat among scientists, botanists in Indonesia regarding the origin of Indonesian savanna. Using literature study and also field observation at Baluran National Park, combined with remote sensing technique and multivariate data analysis, this research concluded that savanna in Baluran National Park is originated from the monsoon forest/dry forest surrounding the area. This is drawn based on three findings: the existence of distinct borders or boundaries between savannas and adjacent forests that have no correlation with changes in soil types. The occurrence of forest tree species in savannas and the swift regrowth of shrubs and trees species when fire and grazing is excluded is contributing to this assumption. Lastly is history or records of intentional burning and/or natural fires that also strengthen this hypothesis.

Managing and motivating sustainable travel behaviour change

Individual travel behaviour in Australia is a major contributor to the congestion suffered in most cities. This chapter focusses on voluntary behaviour change and how such change may be effected in relation to travel behaviour. The chapter presents a short summary of urban planning designed to achieve sustainable transport systems. This is followed by information about three behaviour change models and theoretical issues that affect behaviour change. The chapter closes with information from interviews and focus groups with community members about how and why they make travel choices and how this information might be used to develop suitable interventions to increase the use of public transport and active transport.

The era of Brexit and its influence on European Union member states, Europe and the rest of the world

The Brexit referendum outcome is nothing short of an earthquake affecting stock markets across the world, wiping US$2 trillion off their value. Turmoil in offshore markets can have a large impact on Australia’s economy, markets and trade. To measure these impacts, this and the proposed future research will apply econometric techniques to model dependence between Global, Australian and European Union stock markets. This study will formulate improved understandings of the interdependency of markets, and lead to recommendations for managing these impacts to help policy makers develop a stronger economic framework for Australia, and political leaders to develop constructive relationships with the UK and EU.

Who will be on my team? How the students select teams for group work in IT projects

Forming groups to deliver project work is very important in software development classes at university, because most large scale IT projects require team work. Group projects provide authentic assignments which replicate the workplace and allow students to experience the difficulties they may encounter when working in teams. However, in the university setting a common problem is that team mates know very little about each other. Some students might work well within the team, while others do not contribute at all. This research investigated this issue when working in a team, by running small preliminary assignments to give students a better idea of who to select as partners before they form a team for the final, major project. Students were required to form three unique groups in order to finish three small assignments. They were then encouraged to work with different group members before they could choose freely, team members for the final project. Their free choice was then based on their previous team experiences. A sample of 32 Thai university students studying in the Department of Information Technology and Communication (ICT) took part in the research. Survey and interview techniques were used to determine participants’ preferences when selecting team members. Data collection used the software tool Qualtrics and included online surveys. Descriptive statistical analysis included mean, percentages, and averages, using a five point Likert scale. Findings indicate that students do benefit from the informed team formation, with half of the teams producing a higher score in the final project. The study also revealed that students care more about the relationships between team members than the final assignment mark. The majority of students (90%) participating in the study indicated that they enjoyed the approach and were satisfied with the subject.

The role of health in the development of classical ballet in Western Australia 1950 to 2016

CART and IDC – Based classification of irrigated agricultural fields using multi-source satellite data

To understand water productivity of crops cultivated in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, this study was conducted to generate a reliable crop type map using a multi-temporal satellite data (ASTER, Landsat-8 and MODIS) and crop phenology. Classification And Regression Tree (CART) and ISO-DATA Cluster (IDC) classification techniques were utilized for the identification of crops. The Ideal Crop Spectral Curves were generated and utilized for the formulation of CART decision rules. For IDC, the stacked images of the phenology-integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index were utilized for the classification. The overall accuracy of the classified maps of CART was 76, 77 and 81% for ASTER, MODIS and Landsat-8, respectively. For IDC, the accuracy was determined at 67, 63 and 60% for ASTER, MODIS and Landsat-8, respectively. The developed decision rules can be efficiently used for mapping of crop types for the same agro-climatic region of the study area.

Collaboration among micro and small firms in a traditional industry

Academic research emphasizes numerous benefits that businesses could gain from collaborating. However, studies also report many existing knowledge gaps. In considering various elements of the theory of collaboration, the present exploratory study contributes to the extant collaboration, micro and small business, and wine research literature, investigating the extent to which winery operators of these largely exporting firms collaborate and share resources. Differences were evaluated between these measurements and demographic characteristics of participants and wineries. Overall, the findings revealed modest levels of collaboration and sharing resources. Participants highlighted restaurants and other wineries as most preferred collaborating partners, while taking part in events, experiences, and promotional activities were predominant ways of sharing resources. Statistically significant differences were observed, particularly based on wineries’ size; also, associations between the findings and elements pertaining to the theory of collaboration were identified. Overall, the findings have important implications, also for wineries with an exporting focus.

Exploring feminist concerns in a cultural context: The voices of service providers for sex trafficked females in Jordan

In this paper, I discuss feminist discourse in relation to the cultural context of sex-trafficking crimes in Jordan. I reveal evidence in the paper that the patriarchal code of honour in Jordan intimidates sex trafficked females, preventing them from exiting their underground sex-work and returning to their families. The diverse cultural groups in Jordan, which include indigenous Jordanians, Bedouins, Gypsies, Syrian refugees, Iraqi refugees and other minority groups, have created layers of vulnerability for women and girls that contribute to them becoming victims of sexual exploitation. To describe females’ vulnerability to several norms and complexities, I draw on my ethnographic study, which was conducted in Amman, Jordan in 2015-16. I interviewed seven service providers who work for organisations providing services for rescued female victims of sex trafficking. They provide refuge for domestic and nondomestic victims of sex trafficking. In addition, I observed aspects of Jordanian culture, enabling me to describe the changing social and cultural situation affecting trafficked women. This paper argues for adopting an approach that accounts for the categories of vulnerability for understanding women’s inequalities, and informing legal reforms for improving the situation for sex trafficked victims.

Paul Valéry: Cahiers 1894-1914: XIII

Avec ce volume qui va de mars 1914 à janvier 1915, treizième et dernier tome, s’achève l’édition scientifique des Cahiers 1894-1914 de Valéry. On retrouve là ce qui fait le mouvement profond des Cahiers : une mise à distance de soi qui permet à Valéry de critiquer toutes les croyances et toutes les illusions afin de mieux interroger le fonctionnement de l’esprit. Le texte, passionnant de bout en bout, questionne ainsi l’intelligence, le langage, la musique, le hasard, le rêve, la sensibilité, en des séquences thématiques qui vont de l’aphorisme au petit traité psychologique quasi autonome. De façon stupéfiante, ces derniers cahiers mettent en évidence le retentissement de la Première Guerre mondiale sur le psychisme de Valéry : on y voit le thème et les mots mêmes des premiers vers de La Jeune Parque y sortir tout entiers du choc de la déclaration de guerre. En annexe du volume, Nicole Celeyrette-Pietri propose une synthèse capitale de l’histoire des Cahiers et en montre l’importance pour Valéry : c’était pour lui son œuvre majeure, à la publication de laquelle il n’a cessé de songer (mais sous quelle forme?), et dont il a tiré notamment le matériau de Tel Quel, de Moralités et du Cahier B 1910. Afin d’éclairer la matière et la poétique des Cahiers, la préface de Michel Deguy réfléchit sur la poésie, mais aussi sur le monde contemporain, en posant la question cruciale : s’il revenait dans ce monde, qu’en penserait Valéry?

Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA): An expansion into the Pilbara, Western Australia

The link between the use of alcohol and other drugs, and crime has been well established by the Australian Institute of Criminology’s Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) project in metropolitan areas around Australia. However, little is known about this link in regional Western Australia. To better understand alcohol and drug use among a regional offending population, the DUMA project was utilised to collect data in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In South Hedland (regional Western Australia), 51 police detainees were interviewed and compared with a sample of 209 Perth (metropolitan Western Australia) detainees. The present study provides empirical evidence on the usage patterns and role of alcohol and other drugs, and a picture of the local drug market in the Pilbara. The findings indicated that alcohol use was much higher in the regional setting, however illicit drug use among those interviewed was significantly lower across most drug types. Of particular concern were the levels of risky drinking reported by South Hedland detainees; which they were more likely to attribute to their current detention. The findings suggest the holistic approach to dealing with higher levels of substance use in the region should continue. These findings will assist in responding to community needs to shape prevention and response strategies.

The ANC and capital: aspirations to hegemony

Recent years have seen a worldwide crisis of confidence in economic systems, elected leaders and state structures. This is especially acute in South Africa where confidence in the African National Congress (ANC) has been fatally undercut by corruption scandals, economic stagnation, and state failure. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s (NUMSA) departure from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and ongoing attempt to create a United Front opposed to the government presents a new challenge to the ANC by an independent union. A Gramscian view of this situation understands these organisations as counter-hegemonic movements emerging organically from the articulation of subaltern class-consciousness. This paper contends that the ANC is operating an unstable hegemonic project through the vehicle of the South African state. However, bias toward key blocs of capital in economic policy, incompatible with the needs of the population at large, has made it increasingly untenable. Despite this “organic crisis” the ideology of neoliberalism underwriting this hegemonic project has deeply penetrated common sense understandings. This paper is a work-in-progress; research is still being undertaken and interviews are undergoing further analysis.

Beyond the Gates: An Arts-based Investigation into the ‘Forgotten Australians’ (c.1940- 1970)

By engaging in arts - based research, this PhD project asserts primacy of creative practice as a key method of enquiry. Therefor e, it combines a collection of short fiction with an exegesis positioning the artefact contextually and theoretically.

This paper will explore how fictional stories re -imagined from recent historical events may function as legitimate and significant cultural texts by persuading percipients of the creative work to revisit the world from a new direction: to listen for voices within the gaps and silences, both from the past and in the present.

Much of the primary source material draws from testimonies recounting survivors’ traumatic experiences as children in institutional care. Many care leavers, now known as the ‘forgotten Australians’, have finally broken a lifetime of silence in order to tell their ‘unofficial’ stories. Overwhelming evidence reveals a

culture of endemic abuse within Australian child welfare organisations whereby harm was done to children in the context of policies and programmes that were designed to provide care and protection. During this era, ideologies underpinning community beliefs were patriarchal, conservative and insular. It was purported that children were housed in imposing, regimentally run institutions ‘for their own good’.

Secondary sources cross the boundaries of history, psychology, sociology, philosophy and literary studies. The paper investigates the blurred boundaries which exist between fiction and non-fiction; personal and social memory; official and unofficial narrative; knowing and not-knowing the past. In doing so, it acknowledges that there is no single narrative of history.

Beyond Carousel

All of us wanted to survive whatever was happening. Maybe even escape it somehow. But more than that – we wanted to know what it was.

Nox, Taylor and Lizzy have just escaped a nightmare. After months of being trapped inside a shopping centre they are finally free. Free to roam the streets of Perth and free to solve the mystery of what happened outside the doors of Carousel.

But the city is not like it once was, and the dangers are far from over. Loots lurk in the empty streets and packs of dogs are never far behind. Saving those they love will mean risking everything – and time is running out.

This is the thrilling sequel to Carousel.

The Yilgarn lacunae

I am looking to compress some of the space and the immensity so often associated with landscape painting in Australia into a series of small devotional paintings. In renaissance devotional works (the early renaissance in particular), paintings were undertaken for private devotional uses, commissioned by wealthy patrons. These paintings needed to operate as a small, intimate conduit and medium of transportation to a much larger realm – the immensity of the Christian faith and the complex structure of heaven and earth, mediated through the Holy Spirit. Small biblical paintings, often of the Virgin Mary, the crucifixion or other portraits of martyred saints and biblical narratives were exclusively representational and in their tangible reality were seen to give devotees something recognizable (and earthly) to allow transportation to the intangible or transcendental reality that was at the heart of their faith.

My small paintings will be less representational, and will not be hierarchical or embedded with the linear narrative so present in the history of Christian painting. They aim however, to transport the viewer to a much larger space that for many, remains distant, unrecognised and little understood. The subject matter is derived from investigations into isolated landscapes of Western Australia – many of which are landscape fragments or remnants. These works are meditations upon the residues of country. They are consciously condensed into a crowded pictorial space and the hope is that these works create some sort of rebound in the viewer, allowing them to reimagine a completed or untouched landscape; a complex operating system tended to by the aboriginal custodians who recognise it as theirs.

So these little tableaux are addressing ideas of restoration, repatriation and repair. They also by necessity, need to acknowledge what has been lost and how this came to be, so they can be read as annals of destruction, templates of fracture and harrowing memorials to loss and emptiness.

Rumblestrip

Taking place for one loud, epic night only, RUMBLESTRIP occupied a large disused urban lot, close to the heart of the city. It featured new collaborative works by eight Australian artists that integrate sound, mobile sculpture, video installation, inflatable structures and performance work.

The works drew on the artists’ preoccupations with informal and temporary architecture, car-orientated development, urban heat island effect, roadside signage and Australian cult cinema. Re-purposing, cannibalising and mutating found and recycled industrial materials, RUMBLESTRIP built from what has fallen apart or succumbed to obsolescence to suggest a different possible future.

RUMBLESTRIP was conceived by Neil Aldum, Erin Coates and Simone Johnston

Understanding and addressing homelessness and crisis accommodation in Augusta Margaret River

In May-June 2016, Just Home Margaret River Inc (then known as Augusta Margaret River Affordable Housing Working Group) engaged Augusta Margaret River (AMR) community members (particularly people experiencing homelessness) in participatory workshops and activities to help inform the Shire’s Homelessness and Crisis Accommodation Strategy. We aimed to support people with experience of homelessness or crisis accommodation to have a voice in the content of the Strategy, and develop community actions to address local needs.

Fifty-one people participated in the project, including seven Just Home members (three female, four male), 21 representatives of community organisations (10 female, 11 male), and 23 community members (13 female, 10 male). Twenty of the participants (eight female, 12 male) identified as currently, previously or at risk of experiencing homelessness or needing crisis accommodation in AMR...

Limestone

'It's all over now, Maggie. I will release you.' Afraid, alone, and forsaken. A killer is stalking the historic West End streets of Fremantle preying upon the women of the port city. When a third lifeless body is found discarded in a dank alleyway with her throat ripped open, Detective Sergeant Claire Patterson is convinced she is dealing with a serial killer. For DS Patterson, this is her first time leading a major investigation, and she's intent on proving she has what it takes, even if it means working with the antagonising DS Michael Halliday. As the murders grip the city with fear, Claire Patterson must learn to trust Halliday if she is to catch a killer before he strikes again.

Picturing education, poverty and childhood from the perspectives of yak herder children in Bhutan

In this chapter I add to this analysis by examining how discourses of poverty and education are negotiated by children within a migratory yak herding community in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The chapter draws on research I conducted in early 2014 in a village school. My research suggests that constructions of education and poverty circulating within development discourses work unnecessarily to establish and reinforce binaries between modernity and tradition; urban and rural life; and mental and menial work; and to construct for children an imagined future subjectivity that is often unattainable yet to which children continue to aspire (Balagopalan 2008). My research has found that rural or 'poor' children who are potentially positioned in terms of deficit and failure by dominant discourses of education and poverty are perfectly capable of rehearsing and articulating tl1e binaries underpinning these discourses. However, when invited to reflect on their own lives and schooling, those same children are simultaneously able to render the relationship between education, poverty, modernity and subjecthood far more complex than is permitted within the binary thinking of dominant development discourses.

Tourists' perceptions of community-based tourism products for sustainable tourism in Bali, Indonesia

Korean TV soap operas: An assessment of the Academia-National Tourism Organisation (NTO) professional communication in the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) 2013 integrated marketing communication strategy

This paper extends the study of the Korean TV soap opera screen-tourism phenomenon by examining the professional communication linkage between academia and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), South Korea’s National Tourism Organisation (NTO). The authors analysed a convenience sample of articles in the area of Korean screen-tourism in order to determine the extent to which the academic literature had informed the primary tourism pull factors namely the desire to a) eat what Korans eat, b) play how Koreans play, c) visit where Koreans go, and d) wear what Koreans like to wear as identified by KTO in its 2013 National Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) strategy. Given that visitor satisfaction could be optimised if each of these “products” are effectively marketed, NTOs should strive to formulate marketing strategies using empirical applied research inputs. This study seeks to determine if policy is congruent with academic research output within a three year period prior to the launch of the IMC strategy, and therefore indicate the role that academic research plays in the formulation of national tourism strategisation with respect to South Korea. Given that Korean TV soap operas have a strong international ‘screen-tourism’ effect engendered by the cultural phenomenon of Hallyu (Korean Wave), the country’s tourism and hospitality industries have prospered. Content analysis of the eight (n=8) journal articles suggest that healthy professional communication between academia and industry exists in Korea. The findings suggest that close symbiotic relationships between tourism academics and policy makers such as NTOs should be fostered in view of attaining research-based strategy optimization.

Using UV photoaged photography to better understand Western Australian teenagers' attitudes towards adopting sun-protective behaviors

Background: This study aimed to determine whether the viewing of a personal photoaged photograph had the capacity to alter Western Australian teenagers' pro-tanning attitudes. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen teenagers. Findings: The teenagers' pro-tanning attitudes prior to viewing their photoaged photograph are encapsulated in the study's central theme: 'You've got to look after your skin and use sunscreen, but I always forget!'. Post-viewing their photoaged facial image many teenagers reiterated their intentions to adopt (when they remembered) skin-protective measures. However, photoaged photography did not alter other teenagers' intention to tan. New knowledge: Teenagers who choose to continue to tan were aware of the long-term health risks associated with ultra-violet over-exposure. However, their desire remained strong to emulate the media promoted image of bronzed youth being popular individuals. Indeed, the social benefits of being considered attractive to their peers became an attitudinal barrier to the teenagers' adoption of skin-protective behaviours. Those teenagers who changed their pro-tanning attitudes following their viewing of their ultra-violet photoaged photograph did so because of the shock they received when they saw their sun-damaged facial image. This suggests that photoageing photography can be effective with many adolescents because it reduces the cause-and-effect delay that exists between the occurrence of sun-damage and its visual presentation in later-life. Conclusion: Greater effort needs to be focused on increasing teenagers' understanding of how sun-damage occurs, when it is appropriate to apply sunscreen, as well as in changing the prevailing media image of an attractive body being a tanned body. © 2016 by De Gruyter.

Carving out employment futures for Aboriginal ex-prisoners in the resource sector

The resource sector in northern Western Australia draws its workforce from local purpose-built towns (drive-in/drive-out (DIDO) workers) and metropolitan areas fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) workers). However, each of these arrangements has a downside. Mining towns are costly to build and maintain. Staff turnover is high. FIFO lifestyles adopted by city-based tradesmen seeking high incomes can lead to social dysfunction. Hence, the question: is there a viable alternative in these regional and remote areas for local communities to provide workers and ancillary support for the resource sector? For example most of the inland mines in Western Australia are located near or within Aboriginal communities. Returning to these communities are ex-prisoners who have had the opportunity to gain trade skills while in metropolitan prisons. This article considers whether Aboriginal ex-prisoners might be gainfully employed in the resource sector in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.

Malaysian equities: A sector analysis of risk and normality

This study uses Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) metrics to measure the relative riskiness of sectors for Malaysian equities. VaR is a widely used volatility measure, but only measures risk below a specified threshold, whereas CVaR looks at risk beyond that threshold. The study finds that the relative risk of sectors changes with changing economic circumstances as measured by VaR, but remains significantly the same as measured by CVaR. Parametric (normally distributed) measures of VaR are compared to nonparametric measures, and it is found, consistently across all sectors, that parametric measures are not suitable measures of volatility for Malaysian equities due to a large spread in tail risk.

Cultural neglect at the Jing Jiang Hotel

The Jing Jiang Hotel (JJH) was a Russian built four-star hotel operating as a state-owned enterprise (SOE) in Chongqing, deep in western China. Originally constructed in the early 1960s, it enjoyed a colorful history over many years and pre market-economy reputation as the premium guesthouse in the region. Throughout Chairman Mao and Deng Xiao Peng's reigns, the hotel had been staffed by employees who were related to the hotel managers or by those who had guanxi with the JJH directors or local senior government officials. Sometimes new employees gained transfers in from other SOEs and government departments primarily on the strength of their guanxi or connections. The hotel was then the best in the region and; having secured employment, new JJH employees felt very proud to have gained a position there. The status of those with a position at the hotel was reflected in the feeling amongst the community that "if you worked at the JJH you were admired." Because the hotel was located in Chongqing in western China, far from the central government, the onset and influence of the Chinese market economy was slow in arriving, and then had a lagging effect on business in this inland area. As the coastal regions of China were exposed to intense export pressure as well as the influx of foreign influences, the changes occurring in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen were much greater and gained momentum much faster than inland cities.

Evaluating the determinants of perceived drought resilience: An empirical analysis of farmers' survival capabilities in drought-prone regions of South India

Global climate change is contributing to more frequent and more intense droughts. Several studies point to the disastrous consequences of prolonged droughts on farming. Developing countries, such as India, are particularly vulnerable to climate change and within such economies, the farming communities in rainfed regions are especially vulnerable to prolonged droughts. In such conditions, the threat of repeated droughts poses significant challenges to farmers’ survival capabilities. This is underlined by the increasing incidence of suicide by farmers in rural India - the number of suicides between 2001and 2005 was a little less than 100,000

Justice and equity in watershed development in Andhra Pradesh

Water reform is occurring in many countries in a variety of ways. This reform has been underpinned by growing demand for water, growing populations, urbanization, decreasing quality of potential water supplies, and the challenges posed by climate change. Watershed development (WSD) policies have played a central role in its various guises in developing and developed countries. While sustainability of water resources management has been the underlying theme of WSD, this has been expressed in different priorities and goals. These are likely to lead to different social outcomes and different formulations of policies. For example, in Australia water reform began in the 1990s with the primary goal of environmental protection. As it developed environmental protection was seen in the separation of land and water resources, the introduction of concrete water entitlement policies, and the introduction of markets. Social goals have been muted and largely assessed in terms of western social impact methodology, which had the underlying assumption that so long as there were no unacceptable social impacts, WSD (or integrated water management) policies could be adopted. This approach has led to community wide discussion as to the “rights” of irrigators vis-á-vis other interests and the presentation of a variety of equity and ethical arguments in relation to WSD. These arguments have become confused as water allocation issues have moved from local to state arenas. In contrast, there has been a clear enunciation of social goals for Indian WSD and concern for equity issues in terms of the distribution of any benefits from WSD. Issues such as property rights and the role of markets, which have been so important in Australian circumstances, have been less than evident. Different underlying issues associated with karma also exist in India but not in Australia. City versus country issues in relation to water allocation have resulted in the development of informal markets. The social, ethical, and equity issues, as in Australia, have also been shown to change as the scale of WSD policy has been considered. In this chapter the empirical results of the Andhra Pradesh case studies and the findings of a comparative study in South Australia are used to examine how the different social and equity premises of the two countries could lead to different outcomes from WSD. It also examines the issues of whether the move toward property rights and markets evidenced in several developed countries are the inevitable or most successful approach for all countries concerned with improving the public good nature of WSD.

Singapore as a global city: governance in a challenging international environment

Singapore’s success as a ‘global city’ focused on the free trade of goods, services and human capital into, and out of, the island nation is barely questioned by international policy and business practitioners today. The reason for this is clear; Singapore continued to attract high-quality global enterprises based on the provision of high-quality governance, human capital, communication and technology, transportation, logistical and other key infrastructure. None of this came about by accident, being the result of decade-long planning centred on turning Singapore into a truly ‘global city’ attracting the best ‘talent’ (corporate and individual) from within strategic sectors (wealth management, biotechnology, advanced manufactures, research-focused tertiary education). However, recent economic events, most notably the global financial crisis (GFC), have revealed structural cracks in this ‘global city’ planning that has seen the long-ruling (1959–current) People’s Action Party (PAP) suffer two of its worst election results (2011 general election and 2013 by-election). Various political and policy opponents to the ruling elite have successfully highlighted that the ‘global city’ model has come at the cost of growing inequality and a real sense of displacement amongst citizens. In examining Singapore, nominally one of the truly great benefactors of globalisation, the author highlights that key factors in this processes, including free trade and human mobility, must always be constantly secured through the ascent of the polity if it is to be sustainable.

Specific performance in favour of a purchaser under a contract for the transfer of land - An analysis of the present Australian position

There are significant differences in judicial and academic opinion in Australia concerning the relevant principles to be applied to the grant of specific performance of contracts for the transfer of land. It has sometimes been suggested that the principles relating to specific performance have evolved to a rule that, because damages are not regarded as an adequate substitute for the transfer of land, which is regarded as unique, specific performance would invariably be decreed of such contracts. This article advances the proposition that, despite some academic and judicial opinion to the contrary, the balance of authority is such as to disavow the existence of such a rule; further, that such a rule did not, in fact, ever exist. Although there remains a predisposition in favour of the grant specific performance of contracts for the transfer of land, this is based upon the historical assumption that land was unique. With the advent of the recognition that land these days is frequently regarded as a mere article of commerce rather than as unique, the strength of this predisposition likewise has diminished. This article advances the further proposition that it is not, however, the uniqueness of land as such which determines the purchaser’s entitlement to specific performance; rather, that the enquiry should be as to whether specific performance should be granted because damages would not be adequate compensation for the transfer of the land. Such an enquiry, correctly performed, would simply reflect an application of first principles.

Sustainable water management for urban agriculture, gardens and public open space irrigation: a case study in Perth

Urban agriculture has been increasingly popular as a form of modern agriculture in urban settings. It includes community gardens, fruit orchards, home gardens, veggie patches, public open spaces, reserves, urban forest, and recreational landscaping. However, irrigation using urban water supply has been identified as a major constraints for the development of urban agriculture. This study presents a sustainable water management trial at Butler, a northern sub-urban development in Perth, Western Australia, for urban irrigation. The trial system consists of a number of water saving features including untreated fit-for-purpose groundwater supplied via a third pipe network, drip irrigation, local weather station, soil moisture sensors connected with a local weather station, night time irrigation, soil enhancement with conditioning and mulching, and use of native plants and vegetation. The trial outcome was compared against controlled areas in terms of irrigation efficiency and sustainable water management for urban agriculture. The study demonstrated that a fit-for-purpose irrigation along with water sensitive land management could be a sustainable alternative for urban agriculture that would achieve a significant water saving and irrigation efficiency at urban settings. However, quality of untreated groundwater can be an issue while utilizing it for irrigation, but the research has shown that it can be managed with innovative irrigation techniques. This indicates that the fit-for-purpose irrigation system with water sensitive land management practices would be highly supportive in sustainable development of urban agriculture, vegetation and recreational landscaping.

The motivations for visiting geosites: the case of Crystal Cave, Western Australia

This research investigates the motivation of tourists in a geotourism context. This study provides an initial investigation into tourist’s motivations and the relationship between these motivations and the behavioural intention of the tourists to revisit a geosite. It utilises a self-determination theory approach and was conducted at Crystal Cave, Yanchep National Park, which is located near Perth in Western Australia. The main findings of the study were that relaxation, escape from the daily routine, sense of wonder and knowledge are the major intrinsic motivations. There was also a positive correlation between intrinsic motivation and behavioural intention to revisit the geosite.

The perceptions and challenges of corporate sustainability reporting in China

The connection between the respect of sustainable development and joint rules of conduct in international trade has increased dramatically in recent years. Many countries have promoted sustainability development and requirement with their trading partners both in the West and the East-Asian Region. This has led corporate sustainability disclosures to become a vital role that facilitates international trade. Although recently there have been numerous studies that investigate corporate sustainability disclosures in China, understanding the perceived importance of this form of disclosure cannot be ignored for analyses. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to provide exploratory evidence, showing the users’ perceived importance in corporate sustainability in China and addressing to what extent it is different from what was intended in the GRI guidelines. This study examines three sustainable aspects, which are corporate environmental, economic and social disclosures. The findings in this study provide an indication that what was intended in GRI may not be so important in China. Although there are indicators shown to be different from what was intended in the GRI guidelines, 50 % of the items remain to be significant when analysing CSD in China.

Starting from scratch: Planning practices of police recruits in Western Australia

Given the limited body of research concerning planning for investigative interviews, the aim of the present study was to examine what police recruits plan for in investigative interviews with witnesses. The study analysed the plans of 37 police recruits prepared on four occasions following specific points in their training at the Western Australia Police Academy. Each of the items from the plans was assigned to one of twelve categories: Introduction, Witness demographics, Interview demographics, Pre-existing information, Incident details, Elements, Defences, Legal, procedure, Interview procedure, Rapport building, Interviewing technique, and Other. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine how the proportion of items included in the categories changed across the four occasions. Findings indicate recruits consistently emphasise planning around Incident details, and include comparatively less items relating to Introduction and Rapport building. Encouragingly, items relating to Interview procedure and Interview technique occupy a greater proportion of the items in plans prepared following interviewing training. The findings presented provide encouragement for interview trainers as they show that targeted training may influence recruits’ planning. As such, it is important to identify areas that are generally neglected in plans and to develop training that emphasises the inclusion of items related to these areas in order to facilitate the preparation of more balanced plans and interviews.

The rise and fall of Gunns Ltd

At its peak, Gunns Ltd had a market value of one billion, was listed on the ASX 200, was the largest employer in the state of Tasmania and its largest private landowner. Most of its profits came from woodchipping, mainly from clear-felled old-growth forests. A pulp mill was central to its expansion plans. Its collapse in 2012 was a major national news story, as was the arrest of its CEO for insider trading. Quentin Beresford illuminates for the first time the dark corners of the Gunns empire. He shows it was built on close relationships with state and federal governments, political donations and use of the law to intimidate and silence its critics. Gunns may have been single-minded in its pursuit of a pulp mill in Tasmania's Tamar Valley, but it was embedded in an anti-democratic and corrupt system of power supported by both main parties, business and unions. Simmering opposition to Gunns and all it stood for ramped up into an environmental campaign not seen since the Franklin Dam protests. Fearless and forensic in its analysis, the book shows that Tasmania's decades-long quest to industrialise nature fails every time. But the collapse of Gunns is the most telling of them all. 'This is a tale that needed telling. It is an important case history in environmental campaigning and a must-read for anyone interested in fairness and transparency in government.'

The social construction of ageing: Australian and Welsh perspectives

In recent years, a strong focus has emerged towards developing and implementing guidelines, policies, governmental strategies, and research agendas that best support a growing ageing population. However, policies and theoretical understandings of ageing have been questioned in regard to their continued medicalisation, problematising, and objectification of the ageing experience. To explore the different ways in which older adults make meaning of their experiences of ageing, a qualitative methodology, guided by the theoretical underpinnings of phenomenology and social constructionism was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from four distinct contexts, three of which were located in Western Australia (WA), including 17 participants from a healthy ageing program; 12 participants who have withdrawn from a healthy ageing program; and 15 participants from a community sample. The fourth sample comprised of 15 participants from a community sample in Wales, United Kingdom (UK). The data revealed that whilst participants described feeling that the dominant discourse in wider society caused them to anticipate ageing as a stage in life centred on experiencing decline and loss (e.g., a decline in mental functioning, or a loss of mobility), it was also evident that psychological, social, and political aspects were of equal, or greater significance to the meaningful understandings they constructed about their personal ageing experience. Further, the data contends that a pressing need exists to evaluate the way in which ageing policy is effectively translated into practice, that is, in a way that closely aligns with the lived experiences of ageing as had by individuals.

Tracking Onslow: Journalists recording impact over time

There are competing narratives in the Australian public sphere about mineral extraction. Keen on royalties, the current pro-extraction conservative state and federal governments argue that extraction boosts employment and provides trickle-down financial benefits to local businesses and communities. However, a left-wing think tank, the Australia Institute, has questioned the mathematics and modeling behind these claims (Richardson 2009; Campbell 2014), even as left-wing parties have argued that extraction companies should pay more taxes (Brown, Clout, and Ferguson 2015). In response, extraction companies have invested in securing a social license to operate by funding social projects in host communities, such as Onslow, and in associated population centers, such as Western Austalia’s capital city of Perth (Krzywosinski 2014). Anti-extraction arguments are most often voiced by scientists and activists from places other than the host communities, and traditionally center on concern for the environment.

Tweeting from court: New guidelines for modern media

Australian courts in five States recently changed their rules to permit journalists reporting on court proceedings to use electronic devices to send text-based transmissions from court. These changes reflect an international trend to allow journalists and, in some cases, members of the public, to use live text-based communication in the courtroom. This development has clear benefits in terms of promoting open justice and timely reporting of court proceedings, in an era when mobile computing technologies have become essential tools for news reporting. However, it also poses risks to the administration of justice, including the potential for an increased risk of breaches of court orders in relation to publication. This article analyses the approach taken by the courts in Australia and overseas in developing policies that attempt to manage these risks.

A multimodal discourse on the use of touch enabled mobile devices for mathematics education

The Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) iPads in School Project aimed to investigate how touch enabled mobile devices, iPads, were used in classrooms. This chapter shares findings from the research selected for their relevance for mathematics education. Qualitative and quantitative research was undertaken in ten West Australian classrooms from kindergarten to year ten, over two years. A community of practice model supported teacher reflection "on action" and "in action" aligned to national standards. Self-tracking video devices gathered evidence on how teachers were using iPads in teaching. Videos were analysed and tagged using multimodal discourse analysis software and a research-based checklist to identify effective pedagogical practices using iPads in mathematics education entitled the TIPs Mobile Pedagogies in Mathematics Checklist (Tips-Mobile-Maths) was developed. A series of short vignettes called "i-Stories" were developed. Social networking connected the teachers and was used for dissemination of research findings.

A pedagogical model for engaging Aboriginal children with science learning

Aboriginal children experience social and educational disadvantage and many are not engaged with schooling or learning, which results in significantly lower levels of educational attainment. The Aboriginal Education Program delivered by Scitech to remote Western Australian schools has been shown to significantly increase student ratings of their enjoyment of science, curiosity about science phenomena and their rating of science as a favourite subject. Teachers reported that student focus and engagement was very high during the Scitech activities and that student attendance and behaviour was better than usual (Hackling, Byrne, Gower, & Anderson, 2012). This study investigated the practices used by the Scitech presenters that generated high levels of student engagement. Analysis of classroom observations and transcripts of classroom dialogue from lessons that generated high levels of engagement showed that a set of 11 pedagogies underpinned this engaging practice. The pedagogical practices addressed: relationship building, facilitation of effective hands-on activity work, participation in classroom discourse and connecting the science activities to the student’s experiences and local context. The findings of this study elaborate the Primary Connections Indigenous perspectives framework (Australian Academy of Science, 2008), and provide a model to underpin approaches to teaching Aboriginal children, and possibly other children, who are not engaged with learning science.

A new paradigm for international business: Proceedings of the conference on free trade agreements and regional integration in East Asia

This book is a collection of studies on regional integration and dynamic business environment in East Asia. Papers included were presented at the 2014 Asia Pacific Business Conference on “Free Trade Agreements and Regional Integration in East Asia”. The Conference was held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia, and it was jointly organised by the Asian Business and Organisational Research Group (ABORG) at Edith Cowan University in Australia and the Centre for Economic and Social Studies in Asia (CESSA) at Yokohama National University in Japan. This Conference brought together academics, researchers, industry groups and policymakers from Asia, Australia and Europe to discuss ongoing research into regional integration in East Asia.

Australian mining industry: Credit and market tail risk during a crisis period

Industry risk is important to equities investors in determining portfolio mix. It is also important to lenders in managing credit portfolio risk. This article focuses on the mining industry in Australia, that country’s largest industry by exports. The study concentrates on extreme credit and market risk, to determine the riskiness of the mining industry relative to the broader market, with a focus on the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) period and the use tail risk metrics. These include Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) for measuring market risk and Conditional Distance to Default (CDD) for measuring credit risk. Based on these metrics, the study finds market risk for mining shares to be higher than the broader market, but that the gap narrows during the crisis. From a credit perspective, despite higher volatility experienced by the mining industry, the default risk is lower than the broader market, due to the greater distance between mining entities’ asset and debt values.

Becoming a wealth management centre and international relations implications: The Singapore policy approach and global and regional responses

Singapore’s strategic play to secure international wealth management market share has been very successful. Serious questions, however, were raised in relation to this ascendency as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC, beginning in 2007) drove the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (US) to become proactive in clamping down on tax evasion and other areas deemed by them to be undesirable within the international financial system. This paper will examine the Singapore government’s decade-long growth policy of its wealth management sector, and how it has been impacted upon by international regulatory responses. Further, it examines how in stark contrast to the EU and the US, Indonesia has been far less successful in its diplomatic efforts to have Singapore address financial diplomacy issues (tax evasion and ill-gotten gains from corruption) in relation to Indonesian citizens residing in Singapore. This article will argue, however, that Singapore’s less than robust response to Indonesia’s constant requests for action maybe to the long-term detriment of Singapore itself.

Assessment of Artificial Neural Networks and IHACRES models for simulating streamflow in Marillana catchment in the Pilbara, Western Australia

A wide range of techniques are available to model hydrological processes. Choosing a model is not a straightforward task considering geographical and climate conditions. Although this is an exercise with some level of uncertainty it does help to understand hydrological processes which are used for the management and development of water resources. In Western Australia with its arid or semi-arid climate, water resource management is a key issue for future sustainable development. In this study, IHACRES, a physical-based hydrology model, and Artificial Neural Networks were used to simulate the daily water discharge from Marillana Creek catchment in the Pilbara in Western Australia. Although, these models did not produce satisfactory results, the comparison of the results show that the ANN model can be a feasible alternative for complex hydrology systems with poor recorded data. Also, data from two neighbouring gauges were successfully used to improve the result of Artificial Neural Networks over the IHACRES model.

Water quantity and quality assessment on a tertiary treatment wetland in a tropical climate

This study aimed to assess the quantity and quality of water in a surface flow constructed wetland in Australia's far north Queensland. Owing to tropical climate in the region, the wetland provided dual functions: retention of a treated wastewater for zero discharge during the dry season and tertiary treatment prior to discharge during the wet season. Rainfall data, permeability of wetland soil, evaporation, inflow and outflow were analysed in a water balance analysis; the results showed that based on a 72-year-average rainfall pattern, daily wastewater inflow of 85 m3/d is the maximum this wetland can cope with without breaching its discharge certificate. In water quality analysis, the K-C∗model was used to predict changes of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD, suspended solids (SS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and faecal coliforms (FC) in the wetland. Model predictions were compared with field sampling results. It was found that the wetland was effective in removing FC (>99.9%), TN (70.7%) and TP (68.2%), for which the predictions by the K-C∗model were consistent with field testing results. However, signi ficant disparities between the predictions and testing results were found for BOD and SS. A revised K-C∗equation was proposed to account for the internal generation of organics in constructed wetlands with a long retention time

Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status, 2015

The main purpose of the Overview is to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people. It has been prepared by Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet staff as part of our contribution to supporting those who work in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector. The Overview is a key element of the HealthInfoNet commitment to authentic and engaged knowledge development and exchange. The initial sections of this Overview provide information about the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, population, and various measures of population health status. Most of the subsequent sections about specific health conditions comprise an introduction about the condition and evidence of the current burden of the condition among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Information is provided for state and territories and for demographics such as sex and age when it is available and appropriate.

Impacts of artisanal small-scale gold mining on water quality of a tropical river (Surow River, Ghana)

Rivers in Ghan provide environmental and economic services such as fishery and farming, and are also the main sources of clean drinking water. Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM), a significant industry in Ghana, typically occurs near streams and rivers in order o obtain a source of water for processing and waste discharge. ASGM is subsistence mining carried out by individuals or small collectives using rudimentary technologies for both extraction and processing of ore. Using small quantities of mercury for gold extraction, ASGM also releases high quantities of sediment, (along with metals and other contaminants ) into local water bodies, posing environmental and downstream human health risks. In Ahafo, Ghana, we undertook a detailed assessment of the effect of ASGM on the ater quality of the Surow River over one year (January 2013 to April 2014) . Physico-chemical properties of the water at 11 sites along the river (above and below ASGM sites) were measured monthly. Our research indicates that the impacts of ASGM extend beyond Hg contamination, with the main effects of ASGM on river systems being changes in water conductivity, sediment loads, and metals , as well as alteration of river morphology. Dewatering water was responsible for significant increases in conductivity. We did not detect mercury above drinking water standards, with the exception being at the headwaters, presumably from natural sources. In general, we found that sites with associated ASGM activities had water qualities that did not meet Ghanaian national standards for drinking water, with manganese at particularly high concentrations. We also saw temporal variability in water quality parameters, likely due to the combination of fluctuating ASGM activities and the natural seasonal hydrology of tropical river systems.

The ‘integration of theory and practice’ as a central focus for senior schooling Physical Education Studies

In February 2007 a new senior secondary Physical Education Studies (PES) was introduced in Western Australia (WA). The course was one of approximately 50 new courses that were developed in conjunction with the introduction of new Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). Notably, the rationale for PES claims that the “integration of theory and practice is central to studies in this course” (Curriculum Council of WA, 2009, Physical Education Course Syllabus, p. 2). This paper draws on findings from an ongoing PhD study to examine the notion of integrated theory and practice in the context of senior schooling. It will acknowledge that pedagogy is not a discrete entity, and is influenced by a range of different factors, not least in senior schooling, examinations. The paper initially draws on literature addressing pedagogical practice in physical education (PE) in senior schooling, as a backdrop to the case for “the integration of theory and practice" (in the context of PES in WA) and briefly reports on how this was progressed in the initial course design and then subsequently during implementation. Attention then focuses on a series of case studies which reflect the ultimate aim of the study, that of identifying legitimate and original practice in the field of senior school PES, and specifically integrated theory – prac pedagogy. The paper discusses different ways in which integration has been interpreted and enacted in the case study schools and the factors influencing the various approaches and responses identified. This paper extends insights into the various discourses impacting integration and highlights the need for more work that engages with the complexities of how curriculum and assessment discourses can be effectively mediated through pedagogical practice.

Ethics practices of Malaysian public listed companies - empirical evidence

The Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance (MCCG) was revised for the third time in 2012. One of the new requirements under this revision is the need for public listed companies to formalize ethical standards in a code and ensure its compliance. Based on this, the study attempted to examine the level of ethics practices disclosure among the companies in their Annual Report 2013. A disclosure index based on MCCG requirements was developed to analyse the disclosure. This study found that a majority of the companies did not have or formalized the code of ethics in their company. However, those who have a formal code of ethics, appeared to have a lack of commitment and did not have any systematic way to promote, support, and ensure compliance with the code.

A game of cat-and-mouse: Microhabitat influences rodent foraging in recently burnt but not long unburnt shrublands

We investigated the influence of vegetation structure and fire history on the foraging behavior of small rodents (Notomys mitchellii, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, and Mus musculus) by conducting giving-up density (GUD) experiments in recently burnt (9–13 years since last fire) and long unburnt shrublands (> 40 years), and open and sheltered microhabitats, in a semiarid region of Western Australia. We predicted that rodents would spend less time foraging in recently burnt shrublands and open microhabitat and that the influence of microhabitat would be weaker in long unburnt compared to more recently burnt vegetation. Our findings show that fire history and microhabitat structure influence the foraging behavior of the study species and that the influence of microhabitat varies between fire histories. GUDs were higher in long unburnt vegetation and in open microhabitats. There was a microhabitat effect in recently burnt vegetation, but not in long unburnt. Rodents foraged more in sheltered microhabitats probably because predator encounters are less likely to occur there and it provides them with greater refuge from predation. The presence of a microhabitat effect in recently burnt, but not long unburnt vegetation suggests that understory vegetation density is more important in mediating predation risk than canopy density. Future studies of small mammal responses to land management actions should include behavioral, as well as population-level responses to differing fire regimes.

A continental-scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia

Reducing the impacts of feral cats (Felis catus) is a priority for conservation managers across the globe, and success in achieving this aim requires a detailed understanding of the species’ ecology across a broad spectrum of climatic and environmental conditions. We reviewed the diet of the feral cat across Australia and on Australian territorial islands, seeking to identify biogeographical patterns in dietary composition and diversity, and use the results to consider how feral cats may best be managed.

Response of feral cats to a track-based baiting programme using Eradicat® baits

The feral Cat (Felis catus) is a significant threat to Australian fauna, and reducing their impacts is considered an essential action for threatened species conservation. Poison baiting is increasingly being used for the broad scale control of feral cats. In this study, we measured the population response of feral cats to a track-based baiting programme using Eradicat® baits in the semi-arid northern wheatbelt region of Western Australia. Over two years, 1500 baits were laid once annually and the response of feral cats was measured using remote cameras in a before–after, control–impact design. There was a significant reduction in feral cat activity in the second year, but not the first. During bait uptake trials, corvids removed the most number of baits, followed by cats and varanids. The lack of a response to baiting in the first year may be due to existing low cat numbers in the baited area and/or the timing of the baiting. We provide a list of key recommendations to help inform future cat baiting programmes and research.

What we know, what we do and what we should do with regard to the delivery of health education in lower secondary government schools in Western Australia

Rhythmic and expressive movement is one physical education curriculum area where preservice teachers may experience lower levels of confidence and motivation. This study explored the influence of a standard dance curriculum and pre-packed rhythmic and expressive movement program on confidence and motivation to teach rhythmic and expressive movement. Undergraduate physical education students (n=101, male n=35, female n=66) with a mean age of 20.65 years (SD=2.76) completed a pre- and post-test measure of confidence and motivation to teach physical education (Confidence and Motivation to Teach Physical Education Questionnaire [CMTPE]) before and after completing 2 one-hour sessions of a standard dance curriculum condition (n=49) or prepackaged rhythmic and expressive movement program condition (n=52). Confidence and motivation scores appeared moderate to high but were lower for confidence in rhythmic and expressive movement as well as for the motivation subscales of guilt, professional expectations, and motivation. All confidence and motivation subscales as well as confidence in rhythmic and expressive movement and perceptions of pre-packaged program showed significant increases in scores from pre-test to post-test (p.05), indicating that the pattern of change across time was not different for condition. There was a significant time x condition interaction for motivation (p

A Capstone Unit for Tertiary Journalism Programmes That Aims to Facilitate the Demonstration of Graduate Capabilities

There is still a lack of agreement about what skills journalism graduates need for employment in the industry and how these can be demonstrated and assured. The variability in courses has contributed to significant differences in standards and difficulties in measuring graduate capabilities. In response to this situation, this article outlines the case for the development of a new journalism capstone unit for journalism educators that demonstrates graduate capabilities more accurately and consistently. This final-year capstone unit aims to provide, for the first time, a series of agreed criteria and standards to guide journalism educators in the design and implementation of a unit that effectively demonstrates and measures the required graduate capabilities. While no one is proposing a unified tertiary journalism curriculum, there must be a way to identify the minimum standards and test capabilities to be met by a graduate from a bachelor-level degree or enrolled in a major in the field of journalism. There is much to be gained from collaboration to develop consistent assessment criteria and standards.

Natural disasters, health and wetlands: A Pacific small island developing state perspective

Natural disasters in the context of public health continue to be a challenge for small island developing states (SIDS) of the Pacific. Pacific SIDS are particularly sensitive to disaster risk giving geographic isolation, developing economies, lack of adaptive capacity and the interaction of climate variability with rapid environmental change. Health risks are amplified by the high levels of dependence on wetland resources and population concentration along low-lying floodplains and coastal margins. Thus, the health consequences of disasters cannon be considered in isolation from their wetland ecosystem settings. Wetlands provide protective and essential provisioning services in disasters, yet can also become vehicles for poor health outcomes. In this chapter we review the direct and indirect health consequences of interruptions to wetland ecosystem services associated with disaster events and emphasize how longer-term health effects of natural disasters can be exacerbated when wetland services are lost. We examine patterns of ill health for those populations in Pacific SIDS that are associated with wetlands and provide examples of how wetlands can either mitigate or contribute to theses health outcomes. Finally, we identify opportunities and examples of improved management of wetland ecosystems for human health benefits under local to regional-scale management and wetland conservation. We suggest applying principles of Integrated Island Management (IIM) as regionally appropriate means to guide those seeking to build this understanding.

Do water buffalo facilitate dispersal of invasive alien tree species Acacia nilotica in Bekol Savanna Baluran National Park?

Invasion of Acacia nilotica in Baluran National Park, East Java Province, Indonesia, has caused significant loss to savanna cover which is the main natural feature of the park. This study aimed to describe whether water buffalo may play a role in the dispersal of Acacia nilotica seed in Bekol Savanna usinganalysis of buffalo stools/scats, observations and seed experiments. In total there were 30 plots set up around the Bekol Savanna to collect buffalo stools. In addition,A. nilotica pods matured from its trees were collected, as controls. Germination tests were conducted on seeds that were extracted from the collected stools and from pods (control). Some intact stools were left as they were to let the stored seeds germinate directly from the stools. Viability test on seeds was also conducted using tetrazolium solution. This study indicated that buffalo proved to be legitimate dispersers of A. nilotica seeds. The potential ofbuffalo acting as dispersal agent is apparent from the vast number of seeds found in their stools and the finding that although buffalo ingested the seeds, this caused no apparent damage to seeds. Result from tetrazolium test showed that both herbivore-grazed seeds and control seeds haveconsiderable good viability percentages of around 60-70%. This study led to conclusionsthat buffalo ingestion might not have direct scarification on the A. nilotica seeds which then leads to a higher number of germination as the percentage ofgermination was similar between control and grazed seed. However, buffalo stools mightact as an important microsite that benefits A. nilotica seeds and young seedlings. Buffalo stool might provide moist conditions that protect seeds from extreme air temperatures at Baluran Savanna.

Chinese culture and value: Enhancing or impeding innovation?

Chapter 2 gives a clear picture of the facts of Chinese innovation, both in terms of invention as patent registration, and organizational innovation as product, process and strategy. Once “China-also innovates” is evidenced as showed in Chapter 1, one may wonder whether that is a generic phenomenon or a specific individual case. It could happen that there are only very few exceptional Chinese firms who innovate. For instance, as we discussed in Chapter 1, only ZTE and Huawei, two Chinese firms, innovate since these two are evidenced by being listed in the top 20 companies in terms of patent registration. Though we provide more examples and innovation data from the Chinese Top 500 Companies, one may still wonder about the many other companies, given the extensive size of the Chinese market and the population.

The Shop is Open but the Customers are Staying Away: Student Perceptions towards Design and Technology in a Western Australian Context

The number of students studying Design and Technology (D&T) education at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia (WA) has fallen over the past few years. This is despite an increasing shortfall in the workplace leading to many graduate job opportunities. In addition to this the demographics of the student population in D&T varied greatly from that of education students more generally with a very high male proportion. In the context of this the researchers set out to examine the perceptions of existing school of education students towards D&T to determine if preconceived views relating to the area of D&T were discouraging study in the area. An online survey was developed and delivered in 2014 via a Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) commercial survey engine, with questions influenced by a paper survey used at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. The voluntary participation survey was administered to School of Education students via the universities learning management system. A total of 173 student responded 72% of whom were female giving a sample that roughly parallels the schools male/female population. Amongst the findings is a clear indication that before entering university many students’ views towards design and technology are biased and stereotyped based upon school experiences. In particular the perception is that, while seen as creative, design and technology is about men making things. This paper discusses these findings and their implications for the School of Education.

The integration of technology enhanced learning in initial teacher education programmes: collaborative research from Australia and South Africa

Initial teacher education programs have been charged with failing to keep pace with the the use of technology in the workplace by not modelling technology-rich pedagogy to preservice teachers. This paper aims to inform the development of contemporary models of learning design in initial teacher education, which focus on pedagogical processes while making authentic use of information communication technologies (ICTs). Research teams in two large schools of education, one in Australia and one in South Africa, engaged in a collaborative process to address the following research questions: What is the current progress of the integration of technology enhanced learning in initial teacher education programmes? What approaches to learning design can assist teacher educators to facilitate technology rich teaching and learning activities? The research teams modeled a socioconstructivist approach to as they combined face-to -face visits and online collaboration to develop the research agenda. The researchers undertook a series of visits and semistructured interviews involving nine universities to gather data on the design and implementation of a ICT- rich mode of delivery in undergraduate teacher education programs.

The Perth artifactory: studio report

The Perth Artifactory has become known not only as a ‘hacker space’, but also as a location for the making and performance of electronic and experimental music and instruments.

Ngatj baranginy ngulluckiny koorliny derbal yirigan bilya: Take me to the place the estuary that place on the river that rises and falls

Long standing collaborators and co-authors Len Collard, Dave Palmer, Clint Bracknell and Grant Revell were invited to prepare an intercultural reading of the Perth City Foreshore and immediate surrounds by Julian Bolleter and UWA Publishing. Whilst their international contributions to the academic and professional worlds of Indigenous education, landscape architecture, cultural ecology and community development are well established, their conspicuous readership is often intrigued by the different shared ways of knowing place and their enculturated life-worlds with an ethical emphasis and clear priority of knowing Nyungar. We appreciate the invitation.

The Derbal Yirigan and its city foreshores are poorly understood from a Nyungar perspective. This ‘care-full’ identification and sharing of Indigenous knowledge – both in historical and contemporary terms of knowing the urban design experience of Perth and its city setting, remains surprisingly inevident. Why is this so? Spatial knowledge theorist and artist Paul Carter would suggest that this is a critical discourse that needs to happen more in Australia because of our ‘abysmal’ practices of clearing, mapping, and wiping out our land’s histories. We need to propose new artful practices ‘by generating new aesthetic forms that forge encounters with the memories, voices, meanings, and imaginings occluded by the spatial practices of colonisation’ (in Rutherford, 2010, p. 7). The recent history of design and use of the Perth foreshore has been shaped by a range of disciplines, political ideals and planning sensibilities. They display none of what Carter suggests as ‘new artful practice’. Rarely has the influence of Nyungar place-names, ontologies, land-use traditions, knowledge systems and intermediaries been considered in contemporary Perth. In part this is understandable. Building an understanding of Nyungar design ideas and translations takes a complex cultural shift of thinking, a transformative scholarship and ethical commitment to a different way of knowing. Conventional sources of information are either partial or offer little illumination. Relying exclusively upon the archival record offers almost no insight into how Nyungar think, act and do about treating bilya (the river), boodjar katitjin (knowledge of the area) and kanya wangkiny (speaking with respect).

This chapter seeks to interrogate the lived experiences of the Derbal Yirigan and place the often-absent first-person Nyungar scholarship and felt presence to these forgotten landscapes. As a preface to this work we believe it is justly important to understand that too many scholars and practitioners of misplaced authority try to write about the Nyungar river alone. Their work remains a neo-colonial practice of disrepute. In turn, these cultural beliefs and values dominate the unethical colonial landscapes of the river today – contorted into a carefree sense of amnesia, anaesthetised and bounded by their physical urban cosmetic manifestations as simple extensions of this ongoing colonial power and control. A prevailing ‘snatch ’n’ grab’ mentality, if you will. Consequently, the renaming, reclaiming, and rebuilding commercial ‘floorspace’ landscapes such as ‘Betty’s Bridge’, ‘Harry’s Hole’, or ‘Elizabeth Quay’ are disrespectful urban entities of the worst kind as they reinforce this colonial foreign ownership, this inept Eurocentric way of being an ancient-modern city. In an attempt to move well away from this Western caricature of knowing the commercial landscapes of Perth, to respect the Nyungar voice, we offer two critical – omni Nyungar – narratives and accompanying image-texts to this book.

Can you bounce your way to success? A comparison of winner and losing boxers in Australia

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Nox is an arts graduate wondering what to do with his life. Taylor and Lizzy are famous indie musicians, and Rocky works the checkouts at Target. When they find themselves trapped in a giant shopping centre, they eat fast food, watch bad TV and wait for the mess to be sorted. But when days turn to weeks, a sense of menace grows.

The complexity of role balance: Support for the Model of Juggling Occupations

Objective: This pilot study aimed to establish the appropriateness of the Model of Juggling Occupations in exploring the

complex experience of role balance amongst working women with family responsibilities living in Perth, Australia. Methods: In meeting this aim, an evaluation was conducted of a case study design, where data were collected through a questionnaire, time diary, and interview. Results: Overall role balance varied over time and across participants. Positive indicators of role balance occurred frequently in the questionnaires and time diaries, despite the interviews revealing a predominance of negative evaluations of role balance. Between-role balance was achieved through compatible role overlap, buffering, and renewal. An exploration of within-role balance factors demonstrated that occupational participation, values, interests, personal causation, and habits were related to role balance. Conclusions: This pilot study concluded that the Model of Juggling Occupations is an appropriate conceptual framework to explore the complex and dynamic experience of role balance amongst working women with family responsibilities. It was also confirmed that the case study design, including the questionnaire, time diary, and interview methods, is suitable for researching role balance from this perspective.

Enhancing First Year Student Engagement: Collaborative Practice In A Core Business Unit

The purpose of this paper, informed by an action research framework, was to evaluate how a collaborative approach between unit facilitators and learning advisors in a first-year core business unit contributes to an environment where students are actively engaged in their learning. Student engagement in their learning is a key priority for university faculties, particularly in first year, as it is a key factor in student performance and persistence in their studies. Using the Australasian Survey of Student Engagement as a benchmark, a mixed-methods approach was adopted using an online survey (n_171) and focus groups

(n _ 17). Findings indicate that specific cohorts of students benefit from this collaborative learning model, as it encourages students to actively engage in their learning, provides them with early feedback on their performance, encourages self-reflection and provides transferable skills that form the foundation of their future learning. The current study contributes to student engagement literature pertaining to the factors affecting student engagement in higher education. The key lesson learnt is that the future success of embedded learning support relies heavily on building strong relationships between academic and professional staff.

Leadership and the Australian Greens

This paper examines the inherent tension between a Green political party’s genesis and official ideology and the conventional forms and practices of party leadership enacted in the vast bulk of other parties, regardless of their place on the ideological spectrum. A rich picture is painted of this ongoing struggle through a case study of the Australian Greens with vivid descriptions presented on organisational leadership issues by Australian state and federal Green members of parliaments. What emerges from the data is the Australian Green MPs’ conundrum in retaining an egalitarian and participatory democracy ethos while seeking to expand their existing frame of leadership to being both more pragmatic and oriented towards active involvement in government.

Decision-Making Processes and Educational Leadership in Australia

Decision making is a key concept within educational leadership theory. Power is wielded in schools every time a final decision is made because decision making is a privilege of power. This article critiques decision making from an emancipatory orientation and views it as an important topic of study carried out in continual view of our students which role models to them how a community should decide together.

The research case study underpinning this article examined leadership practices in some Western Australian schools using a hybrid decision-making continuum. Experienced school leaders and teachers engaged in studying a Masters in Educational Leadership were asked their thoughts on what would occur in plausible, alternative present and future decision-making scenarios in their schools. The data reveals that a concentration of authority is dominant in the case study participants’ schools’ leadership practices and this finding suggests that current leadership practices are counter to any teaching of our young to become active citizens in a deep, participatory democracy.

Understanding the Need for Fine-Grained Assessment

Teachers in Western Australia are now expected to use fine-grained assessment measures to ensure compliance with norm-referenced reporting requirements in all K–10 schools. This is a significant change from the Curriculum Framework years, when cruder assessment ‘levels’ were used. Even experienced teachers may not well understand the new expectations, so this article attempts to address that gap by explaining fine-grained assessment and developmental sequences. By better understanding fine-grained assessment, teachers will more easily satisfy the requirements of the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline.

Australian SMEs: Waste sent to landfill

Landfill waste has a negative impact on the environment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are believed to be significant contributors. There is little government or scholarly research, however, quantifying the collective volume of waste SMEs send to landfill. The limited studies instead measure total volumes (landfill and recycling combined) and/or do not distinguish between specific waste streams (e.g. wood) and subcategories (e.g. dust). This paper contributes to knowledge by reconceptualising SME waste into subcategories and by measuring landfill volumes. It presents findings from 404 Australian SMEs which found that, in descending order, cardboard, paper, plastic wrap, wood dust and particleboard were the subcategories these SMEs sent to landfill in the greatest volumes. It also argues that this reconceptualisation and associated data collection protocols have the potential to enable scholars and policymakers to determine the waste subcategories to which SMEs contribute most, formulate targeted interventions and research/evaluate environmental outcomes.

Time since fire influences food resources for an endangered species, Carnaby's cockatoo, in a fire-prone landscape

Where threatened species persist in multiple use landscapes, management activities, such as prescribed burning, may influence the availability of resources for those species. We examined how time since fire can influence food resources for the endangered Carnaby's cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) in banksia woodlands of southwestern Australia. Tree density and cone productivity of dominant plant species, Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii, were compared across 44 sites of varying post-fire aged vegetation. The number of Carnaby's cockatoos that could be supported in banksia woodlands was estimated using the bird's energetic requirements and seed energy content. Banksia attenuata produced more cones at sites aged 10-30. years since fire in both survey years, while cone productivity for B. menziesii was highest in very old sites (>35. years since fire) in one year only. Higher numbers of Carnaby's cockatoos were predicted to be supported in vegetation aged between 14-30. years since fire, peaking in vegetation aged 20-25. years. The current distribution of post-fire aged vegetation within this area (>60% burnt within the last 7. years) is predicted to support ~2725 Carnaby's cockatoos, representing 25-35% of the estimated birds reliant on the area. Our results indicate that food resources are influenced by time since fire and, consequently, if optimising food resources was an objective, may be manipulated by altering burning patterns. While human and asset protection is a priority for prescribed burning, management of landscapes for improved persistence of threatened species is also important and complex trade-offs will have to be considered.

Using Rasch Measurement To Improve Analytical Marking Keys

This article describes the use of Rasch measurement to improve criteria-based analytical marking keys. The instruments and data described result from a research project which investigated the use and assessment of digital portfolios in the Western Australian senior secondary design course. The study involved two phases and two separate data sets. A criteria-based analytical marking key was used to score the portfolios in Phase 1, and a refined and improved version was used in Phase 2. Refinement of the criteria-based analytical marking key was undertaken as a result of Rasch analysis, and this is described and illustrated. Results showed that Rasch measurement can inform the improvement of marking keys in terms of criteria, targeting, number of score points, utilisation of score points, and item discrimination.

Bone; body composition and isometric rate of force development are associated in female ballet students and university students

The article presents research on the determination of the significance and the association between bone characteristics and isometric strength in ballet dancers in Australia. Results of the study indicate the use of lower limb strength measurements as an alternative method for bone health evaluation, the characteristics and prevention of bone diseases, and the strength of the lower limb of ballet students.

A Rasch measure of young children's temperament (Negative Emotionality) in Hong Kong

An aspect of child behavior and temperament, called Negative Emotionality in the literature, is very important to teachers of very young children. The Children's Behavior Questionnaire, initially designed by Rothbart, Ahadi, Hershey and Fisher (2001) for use in western countries, was modified in line with Rasch measurement theory, revised for suitability with Hong Kong preschool children, and conceptually ordered from easy to hard along a continuum of attitude/behavior for negative emotionality, before data collection. Three ordered scoring categories (never or rarely scored 1, on some occasions scored 2, and on many occasions scored 3) were used. Data were collected from preschool teachers for N = 628 preschool children from 32 schools in Hong Kong and analyzed with the 2010 Rasch unidimensional measurement model computer program (RUMM2030). The item-trait interaction probability is 0.05 (2 = 101.88, df = 80) which indicates that there is reasonable agreement about the different difficulties of the items along the scale for all the children. Results and implications are discussed, and revisions for the scale suggested.

Producer–market orientation of community based tourism (CBT) products for sustainable tourism: A case study in Bali, Indonesia

Invasion of exotic species: Acacia Nilotica in savanna ecosystem of Baluran National Park East Java Indonesia

Chapters:
- Baluran National Park: An introduction to the landscape and its savanna ecosystem;
- Getting to know invasive species and Acacia nilotica;
- Invasion of Acacia nilotica Baluran savanna;
- What is being done and lessons learned from Baluran

Breathing new life: Investigating ways to improve the mental health of people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Western Australia [at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital]

Cracks in the ANC monolith: Numsa, Cosatu and resistance to the neoliberal order

At its special national congress in December the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) made a number of significant decisions which directly challenged the leadership of both Cosatu (the Congress of South African Trade Unions) and the ANC (African National Congress) led alliance. First, Numsa not only withdrew its support from the ANC in the upcoming elections but decided to persuade Cosatu to defect from its alliance with the ANC and South African Communist Party (SACP).

Climate-induced displacement in Bangladesh: Recognition and protection under international law

Climate change and human migration are two cross-cutting issues that demand immediate and appropriate responses from both international and national authorities. This article deals with a number of complex issues under international environmental law, human rights law and migration and refugee law, which have important ramifications for the protection of climate-induced displacement in Bangladesh. It examines these legal frameworks to assess how appropriate they are in regulating climate-induced displacement and underscores current gaps or limitations within the international legal system for effective recognition and protection of climate change migrants. The development of 'soft guidelines' suggested in this study would establish an international framework for the specific recognition, treatment and protection of climate change displaced persons and fill the legal gaps with the specificity required by states and communities.

News from WA......(more than just iron ore and great footy teams) – policy principles to course design

In February 2007 a new senior secondary Physical Education Studies (PES) was introduced in Western Australia (WA). The course was one of some 50 new courses that were developed in conjunction with the introduction of new Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). This presentation draws on initial findings from a PhD study that is investigating curriculum change and reform, specifically in the context of the initial years of implementation of PES in WA. The study draws on Bernstein’s (1990) model of the social construction of pedagogic discourse as a framework to locate and position teachers in relation to other partners in the design process and implementation phase. In particular, the study seeks a better understanding of the relationship between policy making and course design intentions and the often contradictory, contrasting and unintended practices subsequently arising in schools amidst implementation. The paper will present emerging evidence to identify the policy principles and discourses that were established as central to the PES course and how these were progressed and expressed in key course texts. Secondly, it will consider compatibility, tensions and pragmatics featuring in the development and the ways in which these played out in the course design. Finally, discussion will consider how this case study can provide arguably timely input to contemporary policy making and curriculum design processes associated with the Australian Curriculum.